cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BROTOCs and Quantum Information Scrambling at Finite Temperature

Out-of-time-ordered correlators (OTOCs) have been extensively studied in recent years as a diagnostic of quantum information scrambling. In this paper, we study quantum information-theoretic aspects of the regularized finite-temperature OTOC. We introduce analytical results for the bipartite regularized OTOC (BROTOC): the regularized OTOC averaged over random unitaries supported over a bipartition. We show that the BROTOC has several interesting properties, for example, it quantifies the purity of the associated thermofield double state and the ``operator purity'' of the analytically continued time-evolution operator. At infinite-temperature, it reduces to one minus the operator entanglement of the time-evolution operator. In the zero-temperature limit and for nondegenerate Hamiltonians, the BROTOC probes the groundstate entanglement. In fact, the equilibration value of the BROTOC is intimately related to eigenstate entanglement. Finally, we study the equilibration value of the BROTOC in various physically relevant Hamiltonian models and comment on its ability to distinguish integrable and chaotic dynamics.
Regularized Linear Regression: A Precise Analysis of the Estimation Error

Non-smooth regularized convex optimization procedures have emerged as a powerful tool to recover structured signals (sparse, low-rank, etc.) from (possibly compressed) noisy linear measurements. We focus on the problem of linear regression and consider a general class of optimization methods that minimize a loss function measuring the misfit of the model to the observations with an added structured-inducing regularization term. Celebrated instances include the LASSO, GroupLASSO, Least-Absolute Deviations method, etc.. We develop a quite general framework for how to determine precise prediction performance guaranties (e.g. mean-square-error) of such methods for the case of Gaussian measurement ensemble. The machinery builds upon Gordon’s Gaussian min-max theorem under additional convexity assumptions that arise in many practical applications. This theorem associates with a primary optimization (PO) problem a simplified auxiliary optimization (AO) problem from which we can tightly infer properties of the original (PO), such as the optimal cost, the norm of the optimal solution, etc. Our theory applies to general loss functions and regularization and provides guidelines on how to optimally tune the regularizer coefficient when certain structural properties (such as sparsity level, rank, etc.) are known.
MINIMIZING FUNCTIONALS ON HILBERT SPACE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the generalization of constructive techniques employed by Kantorovich and Altman for the minimization of quadratic functionals on a real Hilbert space H. Minimizing these functionals on Hilbert space subsumes the problem of minimizing them on a linear variety in Hilbert space, which in turn subsumes certain problems of control theory with linear constraints. The chapter provides examples in which the functionals are not differentiable. They can, however, be uniformly approximated by differentiable functionals. The first example arises from control theory; the second arises from approximation theory in the metric. In both these problems, the functional is to be minimized on a closed linear variety. A. V. Balakrishnan, motivated also by control theory, extends the gradient method to a class of quadratic-programming problems in Hilbert space with nonlinear constraints.
Loss of ion transporters and increased unfolded protein response in Fuchs' dystrophy.

Purpose: Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), which affects approximately 5% of the population over 40 in the U.S.A., is a major cause of corneal transplantation. FECD is associated with mutations of a variety of unrelated genes: SLC4A11, COL8A2, TCF8, and LOXHD1. The current pathological description of the dystrophy includes deficiency of corneal endothelium (CE) pump function and induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR). This study aims to determine the contribution of the two mechanisms by assessing the expression levels of (1) seven endothelial ion transporters known to regulate stromal hydration and (2) UPR related genes in a set of six CE samples obtained from FECD patients compared to that of normal controls. Methods: CE samples collected during FECD keratoplasty or from an eye bank (normal control) were transferred into an RNA stabilizing agent and refrigerated. Total RNA from each CE specimen was individually extracted. The expression levels of ion transporters and UPR genes were tested using quantitative real-time (RT) PCR and a UPR specific PCR array, respectively. Results: In normal CE, the comparative expression levels of ion transporters in decreasing order were SLC4A11, Na + / K + ATPase, pNBCe1, and NHE1, followed by the isoforms of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). In FECD samples, Na + /K + ATPase and MCTs 1 and 4 were significantly downregulated compared to normal controls (p<0.05). The PCR array tested 84 UPR related genes. Data analysis showed upregulation of 39 genes and downregulation of three genes, i.e., approximately 51% of the tested genes had their expression altered in FECD samples with a difference greater than ± twofold regulation. Thirteen of the altered genes showed significant changes (p<0.05). The PCR array results were validated by quantitative RT-PCR. Conclusions: FECD samples had evident UPR with significant changes in the expression of the protein processing pathway genes. The significant downregulation of ion transporters indicates simultaneous compromised CE pump function in Fuchs’ dystrophy.
Signalling via Single-Pass Transmembrane Proteins

Single-pass transmembrane proteins (TM1) are a diverse group of proteins characterised by a single transmembrane domain. In total, the authors found approximately 1300 TM1 proteins in the human genome, most of which have characterised functions. The extracellular domains of these proteins range up to 22 000 amino acids with an average size being six times larger than intracellular domains. This suggests that these proteins have evolved the capacity to bind a wide array of ligands and substrates. Consequently, these proteins are involved in many processes, such as adhesion, migration, growth and cell death, among others. Although many act as receptors for first messengers (extracellular signalling molecules), they can also serve as ligands, adaptors, proteases and coreceptors. Herein, the authors provide a broad overview of these different roles along with examples of their involvement in pathological and physiological situations. Key Concepts: Single-pass transmembrane proteins participate in signalling in a variety of ways, either as ligands, receptors, enzymes coreceptors and/or adaptors. TM1 proteins appear to have undergone evolutionary expansion as a function of body plan complexity. The extracellular domains of TM1 proteins cluster well based on family, whereas the intracellular domains do not. TM1 proteins are adapted to bind very large substrates/ligands compared with other receptor families (ion channels and GPCRs). TM1 have roles in every organ system and are particularly important in the immune and nervous systems. Keywords: signal transduction; single-pass transmembrane proteins; receptor tyrosine kinase; type-1 single pass transmembrane protein; proteases; axon guidance; immune signalling; cell adhesion
Seeing behind occlusions

The location of objects in images is difficult owing to the view variance of geometric features but can be determined by developing viewinsensitive descriptions of the intensities local to image points. Viewinsensitive descriptions are achieved in this work by describing points in terms of the responses of steerable filters at multiple scales. Owing to the use of multiple scales, the vector for each point is, for all practical purposes, unique, and thus can be easily matched to other instances of the point in other images. We show that this method can be extended to handle the case where the area near a point of interest is partially occluded. The method uses a description of the occluder in the form of a template that can be obtained easily via active vision systems using a method such as disparity filtering.
Reducing manpower intensive tasks through automation of security technologies

Security in today's government and commercial environments is changing. The willingness to provide manpower against security threats is diminishing. Risk management is preferred to risk avoidance. In order for management to ensure that the appropriate security is provided while downsizing or right sizing protective services and other security personnel, automation of security technologies is a necessity. Several manpower intensive tasks and processes are: facilities access control, issuance of staff and visitor badges, provision of information for visitors, access control to interior facilities, and the issuance of office keys. Reduction of the required manning for these processes is enabled though the automation and integration of various security technologies including biometric identification systems. This paper provides a background on manpower intensive tasks and processes, security technologies that may be employed within them, resource reduction capabilities, and a customer's experience with the use of the technologies within a large Government environment.
Effect of lovastatin on early carotid atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Progression Study (ACAPS) Research Group.

BACKGROUND HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (or statins), a new class of lipid-lowering compounds, have raised expectations for more widespread use than that of the older lipid-lowering drugs. Not only are they more effective in lowering LDL cholesterol, but they are better tolerated as well. No data exist concerning the effect of statins on early carotid atherosclerosis and clinical events in men and women who have moderately elevated LDL cholesterol levels but are free of symptomatic cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Lovastatin (20 to 40 mg/d) or its placebo was evaluated in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial with factorial design along with warfarin (1 mg/d) or its placebo. This report is limited to the lovastatin component of the trial. Daily aspirin (81 mg/d) was recommended for everyone. Enrollment included 919 asymptomatic men and women, 40 to 79 years old, with early carotid atherosclerosis as defined by B-mode ultrasonography and LDL cholesterol between the 60th and 90th percentiles. The 3-year change in mean maximum intimal-medial thickness (IMT) in 12 walls of the carotid arteries was the primary outcome; change in single maximum IMT and incidence of major cardiovascular events were secondary outcomes. LDL cholesterol fell 28%, from 156.6 mg/dL at baseline to 113.1 mg/dL at 6 months (P < .0001), in the lovastatin groups and was largely unchanged in the lovastatin-placebo groups. Among participants not on warfarin, regression of the mean maximum IMT was seen after 12 months in the lovastatin group compared with the placebo group; the 3-year difference was statistically significant (P = .001). A larger favorable effect of lovastatin was observed for the change in single maximum IMT but was not statistically significant (P = .12). Five lovastatin-treated participants suffered major cardiovascular events--coronary heart disease mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke--versus 14 in the lovastatin-placebo groups (P = .04). One lovastatin-treated participant died, compared with eight on lovastatin-placebo (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS In men and women with moderately elevated LDL cholesterol, lovastatin reverses progression of IMT in the carotid arteries and appears to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events and mortality. Results from ongoing large-scale clinical trials may further establish the clinical benefit of statins.
Measurement of SFDR and noise in EDF amplified analog RF links using all-optical down-conversion and balanced receivers

Optical down-conversion techniques have become an increasingly popular architecture to realize Multi-band Enterprise Terminals (MET), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Optical Arbitrary Waveform Generation (OAWG), RF Channelizers and other technologies that need rapid frequency agile tunability in the microwave and millimeter RF bands. We describe recent SFDR, NF, Gain, and Noise modeling and measurements of Erbium-doped-fiber amplified analog RF optical links implementing all-optical down-conversion and balanced photodiode receivers. We describe measurements made on our newly designed extensive test-bed utilizing a wide array of high powered single and balanced photodiodes, polarization preserving output LN modulators, EAMs, LIMs, tunable lasers, EDFAs, RF Amplifiers, and other components to fully characterize direct and coherent detection techniques. Additionally, we compare these experimental results to our comprehensive MATLAB system modeling and optimization software tools.
Understanding the role of social support in trajectories of mental health symptoms for immigrant adolescents

Abstract This longitudinal study of 286, urban residing, first- and second-generation immigrant adolescents examined the degree to which acculturative stress is related to the developmental trajectories of mental health problems and the role of social support in this process. Participants were recruited when they entered 10th grade and two additional waves of data were gathered at 12-month intervals. Using individual growth curve modeling, the results show significant decline in internalizing mental health problems during the high school years. At the same time, greater exposure to acculturative stress predicted significantly more withdrawn/depressed, somatic, and anxious/depressed symptoms. Additionally, social support moderated the relation between acculturative stress and anxious/depressed symptoms. Gender and generation status differences were found only at baseline (10th grade).
Red spots among flight attendants: Observation—a valuable investigative tool

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Bureau of Epidemiology of the Center for Disease Control investigated episodes of red spots appearing on the skin of flight attendants during various Eastern Airlines flights in the first three months of 1980. Review of 132 cases reported during January and February showed that 91 different flight attendants had been affected; 96% of cases had occurred on flights between the New York and Miami metropolitan areas, and 90% on a single type of aircraft. Although some reports mentioned burning, nausea, and headache in association with spots, most reports involved only the occurrence of bright red spots that could be wiped or washed off. Studies of work practices and procedures of flight attendants revealed that the red spots were caused by red ink flaking off the life vests during demonstrations of the use of the vests in preflight safety instructions. The demonstration vests were labelled with ink containing a litholrubine chrome molybdate ora...
Pulmonary hypertension in giant omphalocele infants.

Abstract Background Pulmonary hypoplasia has been described in cases of giant omphalocele (GO), although pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not been extensively studied in this disorder. In the present study, we describe rates and severity of PH in GO survivors who underwent standardized prenatal and postnatal care at our institution. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients in our pulmonary hypoplasia program with a diagnosis of GO. Statistical significance was calculated using Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney test ( p Results Fifty-four patients with GO were studied, with PH diagnosed in twenty (37%). No significant differences in gender, gestational ages, birth weight, or Apgar scores were associated with PH. Patients diagnosed with PH were managed with interventions, including high frequency oscillatory ventilation, and nitric oxide. Nine patients required long-term pulmonary vasodilator therapy. PH was associated with increased length of hospital stay ( p p =0.008), and requirement for tracheostomy ( p =0.0032). Overall survival was high (94%), with significantly increased mortality in GO patients with PH ( p =0.0460). Prenatal imaging demonstrating herniation of the stomach into the defect was significantly associated with PH ( p =0.0322), with a positive predictive value of 52%. Conclusions In this series, PH was observed in 37% of GO patients. PH represents a significant complication of GO, and management of pulmonary dysfunction is a critical consideration in improving clinical outcomes in these patients.
Abundance Is Not Profitable

Our technical potential to achieve abundance has been stymied by our institutions. Although there have been amazing advances in technology and production methods, it is not in the interest of employers to pursue full employment or abundance. Chief among the institutional barriers is the shift from use value to exchange value of property. Since reform of property rights is unlikely, we need to create an array of nonprofit institutions to fill the gap between actual and potential output. Employer-of-last-resort proposals should emphasize output that would be created by the employment.
Monte-Carlo simulation of some interacting particle systems in the plane: Towards the theory of underpotential deposition

Abstract We propose a general model for the study of the dynamics of underpotential deposition. Basically, the model involves an interacting particle system on a two-dimensional (square or triangular) lattice, where the rates of birth (adsorption of a particle onto the lattice) are constant, and the rates of death (desorption) depend only on the neighborhood pattern, i.e., the configuration of occupied sites surrounding the particle. Essentially, the more neighbors a molecule has, the more stable its position in the layer is. A series of Monte-Carlo simulations of this model has been conducted wherein we study the coverage of the surface as a function of time as well as its derivative (coverage current). We also propose and analyze estimates of two different quantities related to the clustering effect: the conditional entropy of the distribution of occupied sites in different patterns and an index of complexity of clusters which, essentially, is the ϵ-entropy of the cluster's border.
Cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: natural history, pathophysiology and management.

Cognitive dysfunction is a major cause of disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The prevalence of cognitive dysfunction is estimated at 45 to 65%. Natural history studies suggest that once cognitive dysfunction develops in a patient with MS, it is not likely to remit. Unlike physical disability in MS, cognitive disability correlates weakly with T2 lesion burden on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). More robust correlations exist with magnetisation transfer imaging and MRI measures of brain atrophy. Patients with MS who have cognitive impairment most commonly display deficits in the cognitive domains of memory, learning, attention and information processing. In diagnosing cognitive dysfunction in a patient with MS, it is important first to recognise and treat the common comorbidities of fatigue and depression. The first step in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction is to delay disease progression, and there are currently five such disease-modifying agents approved for the treatment of MS (two preparations of interferon-β-1a, interferon-β-1b, glatiramer acetate and mitoxantrone). Nonpharmacological measures, such as cognitive rehabilitation, occupational therapy and psychotherapy, are the mainstays of symptomatic treatment. Pharmacological symptomatic therapy centres on the treatment of comorbid fatigue and depression. There are currently no effective pharmacological agents approved as symptomatic therapy of cognitive dysfunction in MS.
Risk-scoring models for individualized prediction of overall survival in low-grade and high-grade endometrial cancer.

Objective Overall survival (OS) in endometrial cancer (EC) is dependent on patient-, disease-, and treatment-specific risk factors. Comprehensive risk-scoring models were developed to estimate OS in low-grade and high-grade EC.
Third-generation continuous flow left ventricular assist devices.

Tremendous advances have been made in the treatment of end-stage heart failure patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). An important factor playing a role in the improved clinical out...
The role of surgery in the management of gestational trophoblastic disease

Between November 1967 and December 1994, 242 patients with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) were treated with chemotherapy by the Gynecology Service of Memorial Hospital. Eighty-seven of the patients (35.9%) underwent at least one major operation during the course of their illness. Twenty-six patients underwent two major operations, and in five patients, three major operations were performed, for a total of 118 procedures. The most frequent procedures were: hysterectomy, 56 (47.4%); hysterotomy, 15 (12.7%); thoracotomy, 13 (11%); and craniotomy, 5(4.2%). Twenty-nine additional procedures ranging in complexity from oophorectomy to segmental liver resection were also performed. Twenty-nine operations (24.5%) were considered to be beyond the scope of most gynecologic surgeons. The overall complete remission rate for 242 patients was 90.4%. The rate for patients who underwent a major surgical procedure was 79.3% compared to 96.7% for patients whose treatment was with chemotherapy alone. The data demonstrate that the integration of surgery in the management of GTD patients often requires a multidisciplinary approach that in many cases can best achieved at specialized treatment centers.
Analysis of the ν6 band of carbonyl fluoride

Abstract The vibration-rotation spectrum of the ν6 fundamental band of carbonyl fluoride (COF2) has been recorded at room temperature and 0.005 cm−1 resolution, using a Fourier transform spectrometer. Although the strong Q branch at 774 cm−1 is only partially resolved in the spectrum, most of the K structure of various J subgroups in the P and R branches has been fully resolved. More than 1500 transitions belonging to J values up to 40 have been assigned and simultaneously fitted with the microwave frequencies reported by J. H. Carpenter [J. Mol. Spectrosc. 50, 182–201 (1974)] with a standard deviation of 0.0006 cm−1. By incorporating quartic and sextic centrifugal distortion coefficients in Watson's reduced Hamiltonian in the Ir representation, upper state rotational constants A, B, and C have been determined to an accuracy better than 10−5 cm−1. Ground state rotational and fourth order centrifugal distortion constants were constrained in the analysis to the values reported by W. Lewis-Bevan et al. [J. Mol. Spectrosc. 113, 458–471 (1985)].
Damage Tracking of Base-Isolated Building Using Sequential Nonlinear LSE with Unknown Inputs and Outputs

Base isolation systems have been used in buildings and bridges as protective systems against earthquakes, and the health monitoring of base isolators is of great importance. The ability to detect damages on-line, based on vibration data measured from the health monitoring system, will ensure the reliability and safety of base-isolated structures. When a base-isolated structure is subject to strong earthquakes, it is important to be able to determine the damage of isolators from the seismic response data either on-line or almost on-line. The problem is quite challenging because the restoring force of the base isolator is inelastic, and only a limited number of sensors can be installed in the structural health monitoring system, indicating that the response data may not be available at all degrees of freedom of the structure and that the external excitations may not be measured. In this paper, we propose a new data analysis method, referred to as the sequential nonlinear least-square estimation with unknown inputs and unknown outputs (SNLSE-UI-UO), for the real time on-line identification of structural damages, including the nonlinear base isolators. In this approach, only a limited number of response data are needed and the external excitations may not be measured. Analytical recursive solutions are derived and presented, which are not available in previous literature. The Bou-Wen model is used for the nonlinear base-isolation system, and the accuracy of the new approach is demonstrated using a base-isolated building. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach is capable of tracking on-line the changes of structural parameters, such as the parameters of base isolators, leading to the identification of structural damages.
Review of "Complexity of Sequential and Parallel Numerical Algorithms by J. F. Traub"

The following table of contents perhaps best describes this book which includes texts of invited papers given at a Symposium at Carnegie-Mellon on May 16-18, 1973.
Clonidine overdose: Report of six cases and review of the literature

Clonidine poisoning usually causes depressed sensorium, hypotension, and bradycardia. Some patients manifest respiratory depression and miosis simulating narcotic overdose. Supportive care with judicious administration of intravenous fluids, occasionally supplemented by a dopamine infusion, usually reestablished adequate blood pressure. Tolazoline, an alpha-blocker, may reverse clonidine's effects should other efforts fail. Atropine should be used if bradycardia is hemodynamically significant. With massive overdose, clonidine's partial alpha-agonist properties may predominate, resulting in marked hypertension requiring cautious therapy. The experience at Parkland Memorial Hospital with clonidine overdose in six patients demonstrates the myriad of clinical presentations possible.
Otitis, antibiotics, and the greater good.

A major paradigm shift lies at the core of the new clinical practice guideline for acute otitis media (AOM),1 ie, the option of allowing selected children to fight an ear infection on their own before the initiation of antibiotic treatment. These children initially receive analgesics, with antibiotics being reserved for those whose conditions worsen or fail to improve within 48 to 72 hours. Although new to many US physicians, the observation option for AOM is an official policy in the Netherlands, Sweden, and now New York State.2 By offering the observation option, the new guideline changes the central AOM management decision from which antibiotic should be given3 to whether an antibiotic should be given at all.4 The paradigm shift is needed because 5.2 million AOM episodes each year5 are treated with antibiotics in the United States, although most would resolve spontaneously. Stated simply, this volume of antibiotic use for largely self-limiting infections does not serve the greater good. Antibiotics are therapeutic agents that affect society, not just individuals.6 Each course of therapy creates selective pressure for resistant bacteria in the child's nasopharynx, which spread readily among families, schools, and child care centers. These organisms, and those they create with resistance genes in transferrable plasmids, may cause fatal infections among healthy or immunocompromised individuals.7 The number of resistant bacterial pathogens throughout the world continues to increase each year.8,9 More …
A strange family of three-dimensional vector fields near a degenerate singularity

We construct and study a one-parameter family of three-dimensional vector fields Xλ near a vector field X0 which possesses a degenerate singularity with linear part We prove that there is an open set V of systems in a neighborhood of X0 such that systems Xλ ϵ V are all structurally stable except for systems Xλ0 lying in a subset B ⊂ V of codimension 1. The latter systems possess homoclinic orbits. The systems Xλ ϵ V − b are Morse-Smale and possess simple periodic attractors. However, passing “generically” through V the orbits asymptotic to the attractor display increasing complex behavior and then, after the homoclinic bifurcation on B, decreasingly complex behavior. We describe some aspects of the invariant sets of a typical one-parameter family Xλ ⊂ V transverse to B.
Studies of the human testis. II. A study of androstenediol and its monosulfate in human testes in vitro.

The incubation of minced human testicular tissue with 3H-dehydroepiandrosterone (3H-DHA) resulted in the formation of 3H-androstenediol and 3H-testosterone as the major free compounds with smaller amounts of 3H-androstenedione. Time studies using labeled DHA and androstenediol as precursors showed that androstenediol is an important intermediate for the formation of testosterone from DHA under these in vitro conditions. In the conjugated fraction, 3H-androstenediol-3-sulfate and 3H-DHA-sulfate were identified. Combinations of labeled precursors including DHA, DHA-sulfate and androstenediol were incubated to study the pathway from DHA to androstenediol-3-sulfate. From the 3H/14C ratio of identified androstenediol-3-sulfate, it is suggested that androstenediol-3-sulfate was formed more readily from androstenediol than from either DHA or DHA-sulfate. Conversion from DHA to androstenediol was extremely high compared to the conversion from DHA-sulfate to androstenediol-3-sulfate. The incubation with 14C-testos...
Cutaneous Absorption of Insulin

ConclusionCutaneous absorption of insulin occurs in rabbits and in patients independent of abrasions produced on the skin. This absorption is, however, very inconstant.
Fast recommendation on bibliographic networks with sparse-matrix ordering and partitioning

Graphs and matrices are widely used in algorithms for social network analyses. Since the number of interactions is much less than the possible number of interactions, the graphs and matrices used in the analyses are usually sparse. In this paper, we propose an efficient implementation of a sparse-matrix computation which arises in our publicly available citation recommendation service theadvisor as well as in many other recommendation systems. The recommendation algorithm uses a sparse matrix generated from the citation graph. We observed that the nonzero pattern of this matrix is highly irregular and the computation suffers from high number of cache misses. We propose techniques for storing the matrix in memory efficiently and we reduced the number of cache misses with ordering and partitioning. Experimental results show that our techniques are highly efficient in reducing the query processing time which is highly crucial for a web service.
A subgrid-scale eddy-viscosity model based on the volumetric strain-stretching

We propose a novel subgrid-scale (SGS) eddy-viscosity model for large eddy simulation (LES) to accurately reproduce the effect of subgrid stresses on the resolved scales. The developed SGS model is based on the second-order volumetric strain-stretching (VSS) tensor, which is constructed by the multiplication of diagonal components of the strain-rate tensor with its off-diagonal components. The proposed VSS-model is validated in typical flow cases: freely decaying isotropic turbulence, incompressible turbulent channel flow at Reτ = 395, compressible turbulent channel flows at Ma = 1.5 and Reτ = 221, and Ma = 3.0 and Reτ = 556. LESs with the dynamic Smagorinsky model and the Vreman model are also performed to compare the performance of the VSS-model. The proposed model correctly recovers cubic wall behavior in the vicinity of solid boundaries in incompressible flow regime, and it has no limitation in its application to geometrically complex flows.
Children's feelings of school competence and perceptions of parents' work in four socio-cultural contexts

Associations between perceived qualities of parents' work and children's sense of competence were examined in four dual-earner family contexts differentiated by social class, ethnicity, and language background. Measures of perceived general academic and mathematical competence, knowledge of parents' work situations, and family background were group administered to 226 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. In three dual-earner family contexts, as spillover models would predict, children who felt more academically competent described their mothers' and fathers' jobs as having more positive and fewer negative qualities. However, in the fourth (dual-earner laboring-class Spanish-speaking) context, children who felt more academically competent described mothers' jobs in the least favorable terms. Findings underscore the need to consider whether developmental processes operate differently in different socio-cultural contexts and to consider both the problems and positive possibilities that may arise from specific conditions of parents' work.
The existence of noise terms for systems of inhomogeneous differential and integral equations

In this paper we develop a framework for the necessary condition for the existence of noise terms for systems of inhomogeneous differential and integral equations. We show that the noise terms are conditional and are generated for inhomogeneous equations if specific criteria is justified. We numerically test our approach for a variety of systems of inhomogeneous problems.
The internal structure of carbonate concretions in mudrocks: a critical evaluation of the conventional concentric model of concretion growth

Abstract Carbonate concretions have traditionally been viewed as forming concentrically, through the progressive addition of carbonate to the outer edge of the growing concretion. This conventional model of concretion growth is based mainly upon center-to-edge textural and geochemical trends that are consistent with concentric growth. However, a number of recent studies of concretions in mudrocks have documented complex zonation that is not compatible with the conventional concentric model. In some cases complexly zoned concretions contain late-stage cements that precipitated throughout the concretion body. None of the center-to-edge relationships used to support the conventional concentric model exclude more complex modes of origin. As concretions that fit the conventional model may be the exception rather than the rule, high-resolution petrographic analysis of concretions should always be used to characterize internal structure and mode of growth prior to interpretation of geochemical and textural data.
NMR study of molecular motion in oriented long-chain alkanes. I. Theoretical part

Several molecular mechanisms, proposed in the literature for the low- and high-temperature relaxation processes in linear polyethylene and commonly referred to as γ and α processes, are examined, and their effect on the second moment of the broad line NMR absorption is predicted quantitatively. The following models for the α process are discussed: rotational oscillation of the long chain molecules around their axes, general two-site models where the chain performs thermally activated rotational jumps through an angle τ between two equilibrium positions, a particular two-site model (τ = 180°) denoted as flip-flop motion, and the kink model. For the γ process, the following molecular mechanism are considered: the kink model, a vacancy with a chain end, the crankshaft mechanism. The decrease of the second moment caused by these motions is considered. Characteristic differences between the motional models are predicted with respect to the anisotropy of the decrease in second moment in a uniaxially oriented sample and/or the magnitude of the overall decrease. These differences allow an experimental distinction between the different models.
Corrections to classical radiometry

Corrections to classical radiometry are considered for the case of a uniform medium. The corrections represent wave effects of physical optics and of the effects of partial coherence. New results include integral transforms and infinite series connecting the real and the imaginary parts of Walther’s distribution function and the Wigner function, infinite series representing all the corrections to the evolution of different distributions along rays, and estimates and comparisons of the degree to which different distribution functions are conserved along rays. In addition, a new distribution function is presented, which is exactly conserved along rays.
Synergistic effect in viral-bacterial infection. I. Combined infection of the respiratory tract in mice with parainfluenza virus and Hemophilus influenza.

tion may be combined with or superimposed on the viral infection, often increasing symptoms and even the mortality rate from those of the primary viral disease. Epidemiological data show an increase in deaths caused by fulminating staphylococcal pneumonia during epidemics of influenza. A number of different bacterial species including Diplococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Hemophilus influenza, and Streptococcus hemolyticus have been implicated in the interaction with different strains of influenza viruses.
Fontan palliation versus heart transplantation: A comparison of charges

Surgical approaches to single-ventricle physiologic abnormalities have included Fontan palliation or transplantation. No cost expenditures have been published. This study compared expenditures between the Fontan procedure and heart transplantation. Between 1988 and 1992, records of 82 patients who underwent the Fontan procedure and 26 who underwent transplant were retrospectively reviewed. Charges for Fontan or transplant procedures were accrued from the date of surgical admission until discharge or patient death and included hospital, physician, and diagnostic laboratory charges. Additionally, the frequency and cost of postoperative hospital readmissions, outpatient evaluations, and diagnostic procedures were recorded for each patient. Estimated expenditures for each evaluated parameter were based on 1992 to 1993 dollar charges. The total expenditure (surgery plus yearly follow-up) for transplantation exceeded that for the Fontan procedure ($96,475 vs $29,730; p < 0.001). Although both groups had similar follow-up periods and mortality rates, the number of hospital readmissions and postoperative diagnostic tests was higher among transplant recipients. Within 1 postoperative year at least four high-risk patients who had undergone a Fontan procedure required listing for transplantation; the total costs of their combined procedures (approximately $80,000 + $3,000 to $5,000 annual outpatient charges) was markedly greater than the cost of the Fontan procedure alone. Although the expenditure for heart transplantation far exceeds that for the Fontan procedure, Fontan palliation in high-risk patients is ultimately more costly and increases postoperative morbidity. In this subgroup, we recommend heart transplantation as the initial definitive procedure because it may increase long-term survival rates and minimize health care expenditures.
Adverse events in older patients undergoing colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Studies suggest that advancing age is an independent risk factor for experiencing adverse events during colonoscopy. Yet many of these studies are limited by small sample sizes and/or marked variation in reported outcomes. Objective To determine the incidence rates for specific adverse events in elderly patients undergoing colonoscopy and calculate incidence rate ratios for selected comparison groups. Setting and Patients Elderly patients undergoing colonoscopy. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Main Outcome Measurements Perforation, bleeding, cardiovascular (CV)/pulmonary complications, and mortality. Results Our literature search yielded 3328 articles, of which 20 studies met our inclusion criteria. Pooled incidence rates for adverse events (per 1000 colonoscopies) in patients 65 years of age and older were 26.0 (95% CI, 25.0-27.0) for cumulative GI adverse events, 1.0 (95% CI, 0.9-1.5) for perforation, 6.3 (95% CI, 5.7-7.0) for GI bleeding, 19.1 (95% CI, 18.0-20.3) for CV/pulmonary complications, and 1.0 (95% CI, 0.7-2.2) for mortality. Among octogenarians, adverse events (per 1000 colonoscopies) were as follows: cumulative GI adverse event rate of 34.9 (95% CI, 31.9-38.0), perforation rate of 1.5 (95% CI, 1.1-1.9), GI bleeding rate of 2.4 (95% CI, 1.1-4.6), CV/pulmonary complication rate of 28.9 (95% CI, 26.2-31.8), and mortality rate of 0.5 (95% CI, 0.06-1.9). Patients 80 years of age and older experienced higher rates of cumulative GI adverse events (incidence rate ratio 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9) and had a greater risk of perforation (incidence rate ratio 1.6, 95% CI, 1.2-2.1) compared with younger patients (younger than 80 years of age). There was an increased trend toward higher rates of GI bleeding and CV/pulmonary complications in octogenarians but neither was statistically significant. Limitations Heterogeneity of studies included and not all complications related to colonoscopy were captured. Conclusions Elderly patients, especially octogenarians, appear to have a higher risk of complications during and after colonoscopy. These data should inform clinical decision making, the consent process, public health policy, and comparative effectiveness analyses.
Multiplication of aster-yellows virus in its vector.

THE vector of aster-yellows, Macrosteles divisus Uhler, may acquire the virus through feeding1 or by injection2. An incubation period of several days must elapse between the time when the insect first acquires virus and the time when it becomes permanently infective, as manifested by the transmission of virus through feeding on healthy susceptible plants. Infective insects retain virus as long as they live. Considerable evidence that aster-yellows virus multiplies in its insect vector has accumulated3–6.
Temperature Effects on Particulate Matter Emissions from Light-Duty, Gasoline-Powered Motor Vehicles

The Kansas City Light-Duty Vehicle Emissions Study (KCVES) measured exhaust emissions of regulated and unregulated pollutants from 496 vehicles recruited in the Kansas City metropolitan area in 2004 and 2005. Vehicle emissions testing occurred during the summer and winter, with the vehicles operated at ambient temperatures. One key component of this study was the investigation of the influence of ambient temperature on particulate matter (PM) emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles. A subset of the recruited vehicles were tested in both the summer and winter to further elucidate the effects of temperature on vehicle tailpipe emissions. The study results indicated that PM emissions increased exponentially as temperature decreased. In general, PM emissions doubled for every 20 degrees F drop in ambient temperature, with these increases independent of vehicle model year. The effects of temperature on vehicle emissions was most pronounced during the initial start-up of the vehicle (cold start phase) when the vehicle was still cold, leading to inefficient combustion, inefficient catalyst operation, and the potential for the vehicle to be operating under fuel-rich conditions. The large data set available from this study also allowed for the development of a model to describe temperature effects on PM emission rates due to changing ambient conditions. This study has been used as the foundation to develop PM emissions rates, and to model the impact of ambient temperature on these rates, for gasoline-powered vehicles in the EPA's new regulatory motor vehicle emissions model, MOVES.
Quantitative measurement of anti-ErbB-2 antibody by flow cytometry and ELISA.

Abstract To establish standard methods for measuring anti-ErbB-2 antibody, a flow cytometric and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were developed and compared. In the flow cytometric assay, the antibody was measured by binding to human breast cancer cell line SKBR3 and the result expressed as mean channel fluorescence (MCF). In ELISA, the antibody was measured by binding to a recombinant, secreted human ErbB-2 containing the N-terminal 505 amino acids of ErbB-2 fused to myc and His tags (secE2/myc/His or secE2) and the result expressed as O.D. 405 . A mouse anti-human ErbB-2 mAb 9G6 was used as the standard. Using flow cytometry, MCF of 9G6 binding increased with linearity between 0.6 and 10 μg/ml. Using ELISA, O.D. 405 increased with linearity between 0.015 and 1 μg/ml, indicating greater sensitivity of ELISA. The titer of an immune mouse serum was determined to be 400 and 8000 with flow cytometric and ELISA assay, respectively, consistent with the assay sensitivity. Based on standard curves generated with 9G6, antibody concentration in the same serum sample was calculated to be ∼230 μg/ml by ELISA and ∼270 μg/ml by flow cytometry. Therefore, excellent concordance in antibody concentration was obtained with different assays using linear regression and properly diluted samples. This concordance was verified with multiple serum samples.
FANCD2: A branch-point in DNA damage response?

The Fanconi anemia D2 protein is vital for cellular resistance to DNA cross-linking. Now, FANCD2 is shown to also be involved in a second, independent function, the arrest of DNA synthesis after ionizing radiation.
Maximally efficient dialogue mode algorithm

Collaboration is more efficient when the most capable participant for each goal has initiative in directing the problem-solving for that goal. The paper describes a method for using a probabilistic analysis to create a mode-switching mechanism that selects which participant should control the collaborative problem solving so that efficiency is maximized.
Boundary Extension for Briefly Glimpsed Photographs: Do Common Perceptual Processes Result in Unexpected Memory Distortions?

Abstract “Boundary extension” is a memory illusion in which observers remember seeing more of a scene than was shown. Two experiments tested the possibility that this spatial distortion occurs soon after picture perception. In Experiment 1, undergraduates viewed close-up or wide-angle photographs for 250 ms or 4 s. Recall and recognition tests followed. Brief presentations yielded as much boundary extension as long presentations. In Experiment 2, picture triads were presented at a rate of 333 ms per picture with no interstimulus interval. After 1 s, one picture repeated and remained in view while subjects indicated whether it was the same or showed more or less of the scene. Even when conditions mimicked a series of rapid eye fixations, boundary extension occurred. The presentation of a picture appears to activate a perceptual schema that allows observers to understand it in a larger context and this process distorts memory for its actual boundaries.
False-positive parathyroid scan leading to sternotomy: incidental detection of a thymoma by C-11 methionine positron emission tomography.

SURGICAL EXPLORATION REMAINS the principal method of localizing abnormal parathyoid glands in primary hyperparathyr0idism.l A variety of preoperative imaging studies have been used to assist in the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas and hyperplastic parathyroid glands. These include computed tomography, ultrasonographp arteriography, selective venous sampling, magnetic resonance imaging, thallium-201 thallous chloride/technetium-99m pertechnetate, and technetium-99m sestamibi.2-7 These methods focus on developing a practical, reliable method of visualizing aberrantly located parathyoid tissue to avoid unnecessary neck reexploration and to determine before operation the need for mediastinal exple ration. Recently, positron emission tomography (PET) has been proposed as an imaging technique for detecting a variety of tumors in the cervical region including squamous cell carcinoma,d thyroid carcinoma,g and parathyroid adenomas.‘, lo Neumann et a1.l evaluated 17 patients with hyperparathy roidism by using PET in conjunction with the glucose analog and [F-18] 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) and correctly identified 17 of 1s parathyroid adenomas. There were three false-positive