cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of collinearity involving the intercept term on the numerical accuracy of regression

It is well known that multiple linear regression models with ill-conditioning can produce coefficient estimates with degraded numerical accuracy. This study examines the numerical accuracy of regression algorithms in the presence a particular type of ill-conditioning, that arising from collinear relationships that involve the intercept term and the independent variables. A benchmark data set is used to produce ill-conditioned data by introducing near linear relationships among the independent variables and the intercept term. The experiments reported here demonstrate that centering does not prevent a loss in numerical accuracy for this particular type of ill-conditioning. In addition, the ability of commonly used diagnostic checks to detect these problems is studied. As an example of the problems that arise from ignoring the relationships studied here we demonstrate that the regression procedures in two widely used statistical packages, SAS and SPSS-X, fail to detect this type of ill-conditioning and report highly inaccurate coefficient estimates.
Cost-effective, reliable laparoscopic hernia repair: a report on 500 consecutive repairs.

Background A series of 500 consecutive laparoscopic hernia repairs, performed by one surgeon, was studied to evaluate the procedure for reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Solution of the time-dependent ionic diffusion equation.

Abstract The ionic diffusion problem here solved is that of the voltage clamp experiment. In this, the total voltage across the membrane and double layers is held constant. Since the diffusion of the ions would normally result in a change in the membrane voltage with time, a part of the complexity of the solution of the problem is in the correction procedure required to so modify the electric field as to hold the voltage at a fixed value. The program could, however, be readily modified to conform to other requirements: e.g., current clamp, linearly rising voltages, etc. A significant improvement in speed of convergence is obtained by using the membrane parameters existing at the midpoint of the time step (Crank-Nicolson method), rather than, as has been more customarily done, at the end of the step (“implicit” method). Convergence is further speeded by estimating the new value of the electric field at each station by extrapolation; and convergence of iterations at each time level is aided by a backward-averaging of the computed electric field. So far as the author is aware, these procedures have not previously been described for use in this type of problem.
Structure of Gd, Dy, and Er at Low Temperatures

The crystal structures of gadolinium, dysprosium, and erbium metals have been determined over a wide temperature range. The metals are hexagonal close packed and the ${a}_{0}$ unit axis contracts nearly linearly with decreasing temperature, whereas the ${c}_{0}$ unit axis exhibits an abnormal expansion with decreasing temperature below magnetic transformations of the metals. The ${c}_{0}$ behavior is believed to be associated with the magnetic properties of the metals.
Nitric oxide synthase in mating behavior circuitry of male Syrian hamster brain.

Chemosensory and hormonal stimuli are essential for mating in the male Syrian hamster. These signals are processed in a neural circuit that includes the medial amygdaloid nucleus (Me), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and medial preoptic area (MPOA). Nitric oxide is implicated in the regulation of male sexual behavior, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme that catalyzes the production of nitric oxide, is present in the limbic system. In this study, the distribution of NOS-containing neurons in mating behavior circuitry of the male Syrian hamster brain was determined using labeling for brain NOS (bNOS) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d). bNOS and NADPH-d labeled equivalent populations of neurons. NOS-containing neurons were clustered in specific subnuclei within the Me, BNST, and MPOA. NOS-positive fibers and neurons were seen in the stria terminalis and ventral amygdalofugal pathway, which link the Me with BNST and MPOA. Many NOS-positive neurons in the posterior subdivision of the Me, the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN), and the ventral premammillary nucleus contain androgen receptors. Castration reduced NOS-positive neurons in the MPN, implying a selective regulation of NOS by gonadal steroids. Together, these results suggest that NOS may contribute to the regulation of male sexual behavior by influencing the central neural processing of hormonal and chemosensory signals in the hamster limbic system. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Inclusion chemistry of cyclotriveratrylene and cyclotricatechylene

Abstract The structures of six crystalline inclusion complexes of cyclotriveratrylene (1) (CTV) containing water, toluene, bromobenzene, chloroform, acetone and dimethoxyethane have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Four are of the α phase whilst the other two are the first reported structures of the β phase. Based upon this information the previously unexplained differences between these two types of inclusion compound have been elucidated and the relationship of the crystal packing to the characteristic infrared spectra of each phase rationalised. The crystal structure of the cyclotricatechylene (3) (CTC) inclusion complex (3.2dmf.2H2O) has also been examined and exhibits a novel alternating hydrophobic/hydrophilic bilayer structure reminiscent of that found for hydrated calix[4]arenesulfonate complexes.
Angiography for Preoperative Evaluation in Patients With Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Are the Benefits Worth the Risks?

Objective To evaluate the benefits and risks of selective angiography for the evaluation of acute lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding to identify the site of bleeding and theoretically limit the extent of colonic resection. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary care hospital. Patients Sixty-five patients undergoing 75 selective angiograms for evaluation of acute lower GI bleeding. Mean age was 71 years (range, 27-93 years), and 37 (57%) were women. Main Outcome Measures Demographic data were collected that included any associated medical problems, potential factors contributing to an increased risk for bleeding, and the diagnostic methods used in evaluating the source of lower GI bleeding. The details of angiography procedures were recorded with special attention to the impact of the procedure on clinical management and any associated complications. Results Twenty-three patients (35%) had positive angiography findings, and 14 of them (61%) required operations. Forty-two patients (65%) had negative angiography findings, and 8 of them (19%) required operations. Surgery for the 22 patients included hemicolectomy in 11 patients, subtotal colectomy in 10 patients, and small-bowel tumor resection in 1 patient. In 9 patients, a hemicolectomy was performed on the basis of angiography findings. Three patients (2 with negative angiography findings) experienced rebleeding after a hemicolectomy and required a subsequent subtotal colectomy. Overall, only 8 (12%) of the 65 patients underwent a segmental colon resection that was based on angiography findings and did not bleed after their operation. Complications from angiography occurred in 7 patients (11%). Conclusion Selective angiography appears to add little clinically useful information in patients with acute lower GI bleeding and carries a relatively high complication risk.
Urinary tract effects of phensuximide in the Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rat.

Phensuximide is a succinimide antiepileptic drug useful in the treatment of petit mal epilepsy. Phensuximide has been reported to be nephrotoxic in man but not in animals. In the present study, the effects of single and subacute administration for seven days of phensuximide on renal function and urinary tract morphology were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rats. Single administration of phensuximide (1.25 mmol/kg, ip) induced mild changes in renal function (trace hematuria, increased proteinuria and decreased p-aminophippurate uptake). No morphological changes were observed at 24 hr. Subacute administration of phensuximide (0.6 mmol/kg/day, ip) produced diuresis in the Sprague-Dawley rats, but little functional evidence of nephrotoxicity. Renal morphological changes in Sprague-Dawley rats were seen primarily in distal segments of the nephrons. These changes were characterized by distensions of the basal infoldings, apical protrusions, and occlusion of some lumen. In the Fischer 344 rat, subacute phensuximide administration (0.3 or 0.6 mmol/kg/day, ip) resulted in transient hematuria and proteinuria, but no change in the other renal function parameters studied. Renal morphological changes observed in Fischer 344 rats occurred primarily in proximal tubular cells. Damaged cells were characterized by large vacuoles at the basal infoldings, accumulations of opaque granules, migration of nuclei to the lumenal membranes, occlusion of the lumen and/or loss or the brush border. Morphological damage was more widespread in Fischer 344 rats than in Sprague-Dawley rats. Areas of focal hemorrhage were observed in ureters and bladders, especially in Fischer 344 rats given phensuximide 0.6 mmol/kg/day. However, morphological effects may be reversible with continued dosing. It was concluded that phensuximide produces mild, transient renal effects in Fischer 344 rats, and that the Fischer 344 rat is suitable model for studying phensuximide-induced toxicity to the urinary tract.
Stanford presenteeism scale: health status and employee productivity.

Workforce productivity has become a critical factor in the strength and sustainability of a company’s overall business performance. Absenteeism affects productivity; however, even when employees are physically present at their jobs, they may experience decreased productivity and below-normal work qu
The role of soil water in stormflow generation in a forested headwater catchment: synthesis of natural tracer and hydrometric evidence

Quantifying the role of soil water in stormflow generation is a difficult but important goal for addressing catchment scale environmental problems. The purpose of this study was to combine natural tracer methods and hydrometric observations to estimate the contribution of pre-event (vadose) soil water to stormflow in a small forested headwater catchment in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Two storm hydrographs were separated, based on mass balance of naturally occurring 18O and chloride, into three physically based source components. For a large storm event in June 1992, pre-event soil water contributed 36% of total storm runoff and dominated peak flow (65%), based on the hydrograph separation. For a smaller storm event in November 1992, soil water contributed 25% of the total runoff and 50% during peak flow. A Monte Carlo error analysis of the hydrograph separations supported the interpretation for the June storm that pre-event soil water dominated peak flow (α = 0.12), but showed considerable uncertainty—the estimated soil water contribution ranged from 48% to 88% at peak flow at a confidence level of 68%—even under the relatively good conditions (i.e. relatively distinct source component chemical and isotopic compositions). Analysis of the November storm indicated greater uncertainty and a more poorly identifiable soil water component. The June storm was typical of ‘sharp’ responses that occurred coincident with the development of a transient saturated zone above the soil-bedrock interface on hillslopes, whereas the November storm was representative of slower delayed responses in which the hydrograph peak occurred 8–10 h after the end of precipitation. During the 6 month study, five other hydrographs displayed the ‘sharp’ response and three other hydrographs showed the delayed response. During all storms, water draining from the soil into zero-tension lysimeters maintained the isotopic content of pre-event soil water; this result was taken as evidence that transient saturated zones would consist of nearly all pre-event soil water. Field observations after large storm events suggest a threshold type expansion of the source area onto the hillslopes which may supplement rates of downslope flow of displaced pre-event soil water. This study provides evidence that mobilization of pre-event soil water may dominate peak stormflow in steep forested headwater catchments, and illustrates that quantitative error analyses are advisable for hydrograph separation studies.
Cardiac Surgery in Active, Primary Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is primary when intrinsic anatomical parts of the heart are affected, or secondary, when sepsis is on an intracardiac prosthesis. The cases of two patients with primary endocarditis are presented who were in intractable heart failure and were cured by aortic valve replacement. Accounts of 59 other reported cases are reviewed in which valves were replaced or repaired. Currently, active primary endocarditis is life-threatening due to cardiac decompensation, usually from valve leaflet perforation, disintegration or disruption by microbial excrescences. Intractable heart failure is a mandate for prompt surgery, even in the face of demonstrable blood stream infection. Since no portion of the heart may be spared, the surgeon must be prepared to cope with more than one lesion. In this collected series, 70.5 percent of patients were entirely cured; 6.6 percent were benefited but exhibited residual paraprosthetic regurgitation; and 22.9 percent died.
Ferroelectric fluoro-terpolymers with high dielectric constant and large electromechanical response at ambient temperature

This paper discusses a new family of ferroelectric polymorphs fluoro-terpolymers comprising vinylidene difluoride (VDF), trifluoroethylene (TrFE), and a chloro-containing third monomer, including vinyl chloride (VC), 1,1-chlorofluoroethylene (CFE), chlorodifluoroethylene (CDFE), chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), with narrow molecular weight and composition distributions. The slightly bulky chlorine atom serves as a kink in the polymer chain, which spontaneously alters the chain conformation and crystalline structure. Comparing with the corresponding VDF/TrFE copolymer, the slowly increasing chlorine content ( 80) and large electrostrictive response (>5%) at ambient temperature, and exhibiting common ferroelectric relaxor behaviors with a broad dielectric peak that shifted toward higher temperatures as the frequency increased, and a slim polarization hysteresis loop at ambient temperature.
Digital Advertising: A More Effective Way to Promote Businesses’ Products

Digital advertising, on internet and mobile gadgets, has outpaced the traditional media advertising and for the first time in 2013 generated more advertising spending than television advertising. Digital advertising is believed to be an effective way to better target potential customers in the global market. Evidence shows that businesses have increasingly switched their advertising focus from traditional to digital media. This research uses an empirical study that explores the effectiveness of digital advertising vs. traditional media advertising along several mass marketing dimensions. The results reveal that while traditional media advertising still holds its ground, digital advertising offers more effectiveness for promoting companies’ products. The results suggest that marketers need to use more digital advertising in order to better target their customers, particularly the young consumers.
Has the U.S. Stock Market Become More Vulnerable Over Time

This paper demonstrates that the cross-sectional variation of systematic risk and systematic liquidity have increased over the period 1963-2008. Both have increased signi ficantly for large-cap firms, but declined signifi cantly for small-cap fi rms. Several implications for investment managers are discussed, such as the declining ability to diversify return volatilities and liquidity shocks by holding liquid, large-cap stocks. The evidence suggests that the vulnerability of the US equity market to unanticipated events has increased over the past few decades.
The limited facilitative effect of typographical signals

Abstract Two experiments investigated the limited facilitative effect of typographical signals. Subjects were presented with a text that had parts of the microstructure (i.e., details within the text) underlined or not underlined. In addition, subjects were informed about a subsequent task that was designed to set up a specific expectation (i.e., receiving questions about the microstructure of the text, or being asked questions about the macrostructure or general nature of the text). After reading, all subjects were asked questions about the text's microstructure. In both experiments, it was found that the mere presence of signals did not lead to better performance on the questions. Instead, there was a facilitative effect only for those subjects who received signals and who received questions about the microstructure. Additionally, Experiment 2 found that in the same text the signaled information was recalled better than the nonsignaled information. These results argue against a general facilitative effect of typographical signals, and indicate that the use of these signals can vary as a function of strategic processing.
Molecular Dynamics and Quantum Molecular Dynamics Simulations on Parallel Architectures

Efficient parallel molecular dynamics (MD) algorithm based on the multiple-time-step (MTS) approach is developed. The MTS-MD algorithm is used to study structural correlations in porous silica at densities 2.2 g/cm3 to 1.6 g/cm3. Nature of phonons and effects of hydrostatic pressure in solid C60 is studied using the tight-binding MD method within a unified interaction model which includes intermolecular and intra-molecular interactions.
Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen: immunochemical purification from standard immune serum globulin.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) may be insolu-bilized onto a controlled pore glass (CPG) matrix by simple adsorption from acidified serum or plasma. The resultant complex has the properties of an HBsAg-specific immunoadsorbent. In this study, CPG-HBsAg complexes have been used to adsorb anti-HBs from standard immune serum globulin. Specific antibodies were eluted with acidic or chaotropic buffers. Recoveries ranging from 29 to 46 per cent, with purifications of approximately 1000-fold were obtained. Two procedures designed to inactivate hepatitis B virus had no effect upon the immunoadsorbent properties of the CPG-HBsAg complex. The possibility of using this simple method to prepare hepatitis B immune globulin is discussed.
Abrupt dimensional crossover in the quasi-one dimensional conductor, H2(pc)I

Abstract H2(pc)I is known to have highly anisotropic electronic and structural properties. Electrical conductivity and magnetoresistance measurements have been performed on high purity H2(pc)I single crystals ranging from room temperature to 20 mK in magnetic fields up to 5.5 tesla. We have observed abrupt changes in both measurements around 2 K. Conductivity follows a simple quadratic temperature dependence below 2 K and remains metallic (≈10000 ω-1cm-1) down to very low temperatures, 20 mK. This phenomenon has not been reported previously in quasi-one dimensional conductors. We suggest that H2(pc)I experiences an abrupt dimensional crossover from a 1 dimensional regime to a 3 dimensional one below 2 K.
A survey of geotechnical system identification techniques

Identification and inverse problem techniques play an important role in the characterization and modeling of geotechnical systems. These techniques have been used in estimation of system parameters, model development and calibration, as well as simulation of earthquake ground motions. The recent availability of high quality seismic records of sites equipped with downhole accelerometer arrays led to a burgeoning of identification and inverse problem studies involving geotechnical systems. This paper presents a survey of system identification techniques and analyses of full- and small-scale soil systems, with an emphasis on geotechnical earthquake engineering problems.
Respiratory and hemodynamic changes after injection of free fatty acids.

Abstract An experimental model which closely resembles the respiratory distress of clinical fat embolism has been developed. The clinical picture of tachypnea, hypoxemia, and loss of lung compliance are reproducible in the experimental animal following injection of oleic acid. All animals tested died of acute respiratory failure secondary to hypoxemia. Circulatory hemodynamics remained stable until respiratory arrest occurred. The pathological findings of diffuse hemorrhage, congestion, and edema are similar to changes seen in the lungs of patients dying from fat embolism, shock, and trauma. This experimental model is a useful tool in the investigation of therapeutic regimens used in the treatment of clinical fat embolism.
Association of deletions and translocation of the reduced folate carrier gene with profound loss of gene expression in methotrexate-resistant K562 human erythroleukemia cells.

Abstract Severe impairment of methotrexate membrane transport in methotrexate-resistant K562 (K500E) cells was characterized by a nearly complete loss of reduced folate carrier (RFC) transcripts and RFC protein. As determined by 5′-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′-RACE), ∼93% of the RFC transcripts in wild-type cells contained the KS43 5′-untranslated region transcribed from the RFC-B promoter. KS43 transcripts decreased > 90% in K500E cells. The basal and full-length RFC-B promoters were more active (3- and 2-fold, respectively) in directing transcription of a luciferase reporter gene in K500E than in wild-type cells. Treatment with a demethylating agent, 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, or with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A, did not increase the levels of RFC transcripts in K500E cells. No differences in RFC gene structure were detected between the lines on Southern blots; however, the RFC signals were decreased approximately 60% in K500E cells. DNA sequences were identical between the lines for the RFC coding region and the two 5′-non-coding exons and their respective promoters. Spectral karyotype analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization in wild-type cells showed two normal chromosome 21 copies and one or two marker chromosomes, each with an RFC signal. In K500E cells, the RFC gene locus was no longer localized to a normal chromosome 21 (at 21q22.2), and a single RFC signal was associated with a small metacentric chromosome, characterized by a 21/22 translocation. Our results suggest that loss of RFC transcripts in K500E cells is unrelated to changes in the levels of critical transcription factors, or to differences in the extent of RFC promoter methylation or core histone deacetylation. Rather, this phenotype is due to the loss of one or more RFC alleles, and to a translocation of the remaining RFC allele with the formation of a 21/22 fusion chromosome.
CMOS polycrystalline silicon circuits on steel substrates

Abstract We report the fabrication and performance of complementary metal-oxide-silicon (CMOS) circuits made from polycrystalline silicon films on steel substrates. The steel substrate was coated with ∼0.5 μm SiO 2 for planarization and insulation. The polysilicon film was crystallized from a-Si:H at 750 °C in 2 min. The n- and p-channel transistors and circuits were made with a self-aligned process and ion-implanted source/drain. The field-effect mobilities were ∼20 cm 2 / V s for electrons and ∼15 cm 2 / V s for holes. Inverters and ring oscillators operate in the MHz range. These results lay the groundwork for a circuit technology based on furnace processing on non-breakable and flexible substrates and with performance much better than that of amorphous silicon.
Calcitriol for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Excerpt To the Editor:In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 2-year clinical trial reported in a recent issue, Ott and Chesnut (1) concluded that "calcitriol treatment is not effective i...
PKC-permitted elevation of sarcolemmal KATP concentration may explain female-specific resistance to myocardial infarction

The female myocardium, relative to that of the male, exhibits sustained resistance to ischaemic tissue injury, a phenomenon termed sex-specific cardioprotection (SSC). SSC is dependent upon the sarcolemmal KATP channel (sarcKATP), and protein kinase C (PKC). Here we investigate whether PKC-mediated regulation of sarcKATP concentration can explain this endogenous form of protection. Hearts from male (M) and female (F) rats were Langendorff-perfused for 30 min prior to either regional ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R), or global ischaemia (GISC). For both protocols, pre-ischaemic blockade of PKC was achieved by chelerythrine (Chel) in male (M + C) and female (F + C) hearts. Additional female hearts underwent sarcKATP antagonism during I/R by HMR-1098 (HMR), either alone or in combination with Chel (HMR + Chel). GISC hearts were fractionated to assess cellular distribution of PKCɛ and sarcKATP. Sex-specific infarct resistance was apparent under control I/R (F, 23 ± 3%vs. M, 36 ± 4%, P < 0.05) and abolished by Chel (F + C, 36 ± 3%). Female infarct resistance was susceptible to sarcKATP blockade (Control, 16 ± 2%vs. HMR, 27 ± 3%), and PKC blockade had no additional effect (HMR + Chel, 26 ± 2%). The prevalence of Kir6.2 and SUR2 was higher in the sarcolemmal fractions of females (Kir6.2: F, 1.24 ± 0.07 vs. M, 1.02 ± 0.06; SUR2: F, 3.16 ± 0.22 vs. M, 2.45 ± 0.09; ratio units), but normalized by Chel (Kir6.2: F, 1.06 ± 0.07 vs. M, 0.99 ± 0.06; SUR2: F, 2.99 ± 0.09 vs. M, 2.82 ± 0.22, M; ratio units). Phosphorylation of sarcolemmal PKCɛ was reduced by Chel (p-PKCɛ/PKCɛ: control, 0.43 ± 0.02; Chel, 0.29 ± 0.01; P < 0.01). We conclude that PKC-mediated regulation of sarcKATP may account for the physiologically sustainable dependence of SSC upon both PKC and sarcKATP, and that this regulation involves PKC-permitted enrichment of the female sarcolemma with sarcKATP. As such, the PKC-sarcKATP axis may represent a target for sustainable prophylactic induction of cardioprotection.
Four-Dimensional Migratory Coordinates of GABAergic Interneurons in the Developing Mouse Cortex

We have used time-lapse multiphoton microscopy to map the migration and settling pattern of GABAergic interneurons that originate in the ganglionic eminence of the ventral forebrain and incorporate into the neocortex of the cerebral hemispheres. Imaging of the surface of the cerebral hemispheres in both explant cultures and brains of living mouse embryos revealed that GABAergic interneurons migrating within the marginal zone originate from three different sources and migrate via distinct and independent streams. After reaching their areal destination, interneurons descend into the underlying cortex to assume positions with isochronically generated, radially derived neurons. The dynamics and pattern of cell migration in the marginal zone (see movies, available at www.jneurosci.org) suggest that the three populations of interneurons respond selectively to distinct local cues for directing their migration to the appropriate areas and layers of the neocortex. This approach opens a new avenue for study of normal and abnormal neuronal migration in their native environment and indicate that interneurons have specific programs for their areal and laminar deployment.
Exchange of meteorites (and life?) between stellar systems.

It is now generally accepted that meteorite-size fragments of rock can be ejected from planetary bodies. Numerical studies of the orbital evolution of such planetary ejecta are consistent with the observed cosmic ray exposure times and infall rates of these meteorites. All of these numerical studies agree that a substantial fraction (up to one-third) of the ejecta from any planet in our Solar System is eventually thrown out of the Solar System during encounters with the giant planets Jupiter and Saturn. In this paper I examine the probability that such interstellar meteorites might be captured into a distant solar system and fall onto a terrestrial planet in that system within a given interval of time. The overall conclusion is that it is very unlikely that even a single meteorite originating on a terrestrial planet in our solar system has fallen onto a terrestrial planet in another stellar system, over the entire period of our Solar System's existence. Although viable microorganisms may be readily exchan...
Improved action method for analyzing tunneling in quantum field theory

Abstract We describe a new method which allows one to evaluate the false vacuum decay rate for a general potential which may depend on an arbitrary number of scalar fields.
Joint data detection and channel estimation for two dominant users in the asynchronous GMAC with memory

In this paper we consider the situation of two strongly interfering signals, superimposed over a background of AWGN. We consider the situation where User 2psilas packet arrives initially and we are able to estimate accurately this userpsilas channel impulse response. Then a packet from User 1 arrives during the data portion of User 2psilas packet. We propose an algorithm for simultaneously estimating the channel impulse response (CIR) of User 2 and detecting the data of User 1, i.e. joint data detection and channel estimation for two dominant users in the asynchronous scalar Gaussian multiple access channel (GMAC) with complex-valued intersymbol interference (ISI). This approach proves to be useful for reestimation of User 2psilas CIR, after cancellation of interference from User 1. We demonstrate the algorithm with simulation results. We give an extension of the algorithm where the estimate of User 1psilas data is used for interference cancellation to refine the estimate of User 2psilas channel. In simulations, this is shown to improve the channel estimate. We also give reduced rank approximations of the algorithm, using the conjugate gradient method, which are more suited to real time applications and which implement noise-reduction for an over-modeled system.
Silicon integrated nanophotonics for on-chip optical interconnects

Scaling computing systems to Exaflops will require tremendous increases in communications bandwidth but with greatly reduced power consumption per communicated bit as compared to today's Petaflop machines. The new class of photonic devices is emerging that are made of silicon side-by-side with silicon transistors using the same tools and processes as CMOS front-end [1]. Substantial progress has been made recently in demonstrating such ultra-compact micron-scale silicon nanophotonic devices, as wavelength-division multiplexers [2–3], low-power modulators [4], temperature-insensitive low-latency switches [5] and photodetectors [6]. These silicon nanophotonic devices have a strong potential to increase tremendously the IO capacity for inter- and intra-chip connectivity up to a Terabit/sec data rates as well as lower significantly the overall IO power consumption below 1mW per Gigabit/sec.
Effects of inherent responsiveness to diet and day-to-day diet variation on plasma lipoprotein concentrations

We studied the biological variability and responsiveness to dietary fat of plasma lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations. Ten normal persons were studied on 3 consecutive days while they were eating their unrestricted usual diets and after 8, 9, and 10 d of eating a constant high-fat and low-fat diet administered in a crossover design. The changes in plasma low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations from baseline with the high-fat diet were inversely correlated with the changes from baseline with the low-fat diet (r = -0.74, P = 0.01), as well as with the changes from the low-fat to high-fat diet (r = -0.93, P < 0.001). The extent of increases in plasma LDL-cholesterol concentrations from the baseline to the high-fat diet were positively correlated with the increases from the low-fat to the high-fat diet (r = 0.93, P < 0.001). The responses of high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were not consistently correlated. The within-person between-day CV of LDL decreased from 10% with the unrestricted diet to 6% (P < 0.05) with the high-fat diet and to 7% with the low-fat diet (NS). The CV of total triacylglycerol (22%) and very-low-density-lipoprotein (VLDL) triacylglycerol (48%) on the unrestricted diet significantly decreased by 51-59% during both controlled diets (P = 0.03-0.06). The CV of HDL cholesterol was 5.3% during baseline, 4.2% during the high-fat diet, and 3.2% during the low-fat diet (P = 0.4, 0.19, respectively). In summary, individuals have a reproducible plasma LDL-cholesterol response when changing their dietary fat intake. The day-to-day variation in total triacylglycerol, VLDL triacylglycerol, and LDL-cholesterol concentrations decreases when day-to-day dietary variation is eliminated.
Hybrid WHT-MRRNS architectures for fault tolerant adaptive filters

Previous work explored the Walsh-Hadamard Transform (WHT) as a computationally efficient way of achieving adaptive fault tolerance in transform domain adaptive filters (TDAF). Since the WHT requires only addition and subtraction it is compatible with Residue Number System (RNS) arithmetic that has powerful error detection and correction capabilities. This paper investigates the hybrid combination of RNS error detection/correction with WHT-based adaptive fault tolerance to achieving a high level of fault tolerant performance that requires a modest amount of hardware overhead.
Milk-induced Hypoalgesia in Human Newborns

Objective. To determine whether milk and its components reduce crying in newborns during and after blood collection for phenylketonuria evaluation. Methodology. Seventy-two normal newborns ingested 2 mL of milk (Similac), Ross Special Formula, fat, protein, lactose, sucrose, or water for the 2 minutes preceding blood collection via heel lance. Crying duration during and for the 3 minutes after the procedure was determined by scorers who were blind to the ingestive substance. Results. Sucrose and Similac each reduced crying during the blood collection procedure. Sucrose, fat, protein, and Ross Special Formula were effective during the 3-minute recovery period. Neither water nor lactose were effective during or after blood collection. Conclusion. Milk and some of its components are antinociceptive in human newborns. Based on previous studies, reduced crying during and after painful stimulation may be mediated through endogenous opioids. These findings are of potential clinical significance: natural protective mechanisms, normally engaged during suckling, may safely and noninvasively be activated to reduce newborn crying to painful stimulation. Pediatrics 1997;99:825-829; fat, hypoalgesia, infants, milk, opioids, protein.
Discussion of “Nonlinear Truss Analysis by One Matrix Inversion” by A. Fafitis

The author presents a method of analysis for truss structures with material and geometric nonlinearity. The method consists of a single factorization of the stiffness matrix, followed by its successive application to corrective force vectors in order to find structural equilibrium when nonlinearities arise due to strainhardening/softening, buckling, breaking, and stiffness degradation. The author points out that the stiffness matrix used for the iteration does not necessarily have to be the exact stiffness matrix of the structure, and the proposed analysis method treats proportional, nonproportional, and cyclic loadings uniformly. Although the developments are clear and the applications are practical, this method of analysis is not significantly different from the modified Newton–Raphson algorithm, where the stiffness matrix is held constant over the course of a load increment. The modified Newton–Raphson algorithm is discussed extensively in a reference Crisfield 1991 cited by the author; however, the author neither acknowledges this material nor cites any of the numerous references available in the mathematical literature on the convergence properties of the modified Newton– Raphson algorithm, such as Shamanskii 1967, Stoer and Bulirsch 1993, and Kelley 1995 to name but a few. Due to its slow convergence rate, the excessive number of iterations required to achieve equilibrium with the modified Newton–Raphson algorithm can far outweigh the computational savings afforded by a single matrix factorization for structures with a small to moderate number of degrees of freedom. For such structures, the computational cost of a matrix factorization is cheap relative to the cost of evaluating the corrective force vector, making the full Newton– Raphson algorithm more efficient. Furthermore, the use of equation solvers Mackay et al. 1991; Demmel et al. 1999; Davis 2003 that exploit the sparse matrix topology generated by a finite-element analysis can mitigate the computational expense of full Newton–Raphson for large structural systems. The discussers acknowledge that the full Newton–Raphson algorithm requires an exact stiffness matrix be computed at every iteration, which may not be possible when using complex numerical models of constitutive behavior. This is not the case, however, for closed-form scalar expressions, such as the bilinear stress-strain law and the Euler buckling formula Eq. 5 the author uses in the numerical examples. The author proposes holding an inexact stiffness matrix, Kinexact, constant during the equilibrium iteration. This approach can increase the number of iterations required to reach equilibrium. Consistent with the numerical properties of the modified Newton–Raphson algorithm, if the spectral radius of the matrix
Sociometry and sociogenesis of colonies of the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius: distribution of workers, brood and seeds within the nest in relation to colony size and season

Summary 1. The vertical distribution in the nest of chambers, workers, callow workers, brood and seeds was studied in the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex badius, in northern Florida. On each of four sample dates (May, July, October, January), six to seven colonies, chosen to represent the full range of sizes, were excavated. All chamber contents were collected and counted. Chambers were mapped and measured. In a preliminary study, two nests were excavated after preventing vertical migration by driving barriers into the wall of a pit next to the nest, severing the vertical tunnels. The vertical distribution of these barrier-nests differed little from unrestrained nests, indicating that unrestrained excavation produced a reasonable picture of vertical distributions. 2. Nest depth, chamber number and total area increased with colony size. Chamber area declined sharply with depth, as did chamber number, such that more than half of the total area was found in the upper quarter of the nest. 3. The proportion of dark-coloured (older) workers also declined strongly with depth, but this decline was weaker in the spring, and depended to a modest degree on colony size. Conversely, in the distribution of callow (young) workers, the proportion increased towards the bottom of the nest. Mean worker age was inversely related to the depth at which workers were found. The proportion of the brood also increased towards the bottom of the nest, with worker brood, sexual brood, pupae and larvae all being distributed similarly. 4. By contrast, seeds were stored at a preferred absolute depth between 40 and 100 cm. Colonies shallower than 100 cm stored seeds in their deepest chambers. Larger colonies stored most seeds in the upper third of the nest, but patterns were somewhat erratic because chambers were either filled completely with seeds or were empty. 5. Because chamber area decreased sharply with depth, the densities (individuals cm–2) of all colony members, including dark workers, were lowest near the surface and highest in the deepest parts of the nest. Here, worker densities ranged from 2 to 8 cm–2, and brood from 2 to 25 cm–2. 6. The regularity of the patterns of distribution suggests that harvester ant colonies have considerable spatial and temporal structure, which serves or is the outcome of important colony processes. A simple mechanism that could generate several of these patterns is discussed. New workers produced deep in the nest move upwards as they age. As they leave the brood zone they change from brood care to general nest duties, including increased nest excavation, leading to the top-heavy pattern of nest area. As they appear at the surface, they change to guarding and foraging. Thus, age polyethism may be partly the result of this upward migration of workers.
Insights of Senior Living Residents and Staff on Group-Singing

Group-singing has potential benefits for healthy aging. The purpose of this study was to inform the development of a senior group-singing program using focus groups. Key points identified for planning an effective group-singing intervention included a leisurely format, a convenient location, appropriate scheduling, proper song selection, effective leadership, live musical accompaniment, refreshments, a comfortable environment, and song lyric sheets. These findings, along with effective components of published health-related group-singing protocols and findings from other relevant literature, should be incorporated into future testing of community-based group-singing interventions..
Superoxide dismutase activities of bovine ocular tissues

Abstract The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in bovine ocular tissues has been measured and gel electrophoresis patterns are presented. Enzyme activity is present in the iris, retina, lens (nucleus and cortex), vitreous, choroid and sclera but no activity is detected in the cornea. Gel electrophoresis has revealed the presence of at least six separate proteins with SOD activity within the eye but the distribution differs for the various tissues. All forms are found to be cyanide sensitive. The major soluble protein of the sclera and vitreous has SOD activity but this protein shows a different gel mobility and molecular size than the erythrocyte SOD. The iris, retina, and choroid contain several soluble proteins with SOD activity, the major enzyme showing the same gel mobility as the major erythrocyte SOD enzyme.
A “Unity Assumption” Does Not Promote Intersensory Integration

An account of intersensory integration is premised on knowing that different sensory inputs arise from the same object. Could, however, the combination of the inputs be impaired although the “unity assumption” holds? Forty observers viewed a square through a minifying (50%) lens while they simultaneously touched the square. Half could see and half could not see their haptic explorations of the square. Both groups, however, had reason to believe that they were touching and viewing the same square. Subsequent matches of the inspected square were mutually biased by touch and vision when the exploratory movements were visible. However, the matches were biased in the direction of the square’s haptic size when observers could not see their exploratory movements. This impaired integration without the visible haptic explorations suggests that the unity assumption alone is not enough to promote intersensory integration.
On Performance of Cooperative Communication Systems with Spatial Random Relays

Cooperative communications can significantly enhance the performance of wireless systems by exploiting the inherent spatial diversity gains. In this work, a decode-and-forward cooperative cellular system with spatial random users is investigated. Under a realistic channel model including path loss, shadowing and multipath fading, the users are selected as relays depending on their instantaneous SNR so that error propagation caused by detection errors at the relays can be mitigated. The locations of users are modeled as random point processes. Based on the theory of point processes, an analytic approach to system performance is developed to accommodate the random location of users as well as the underlying channel. The locations of the selected relays are investigated and the outage performance averaging over all possible user locations is analyzed. The accuracy of the analytical results is verified by Monte-Carlo simulations. Various issues, such as power allocation, are also investigated using the numerical results.
Optimization of 3D Plasmonic Crystal Structures for Refractive Index Sensing

We study the refractive index sensitive transmission of a 3D plasmonic crystal that consists of a square array of subwavelength cylindrical nanowells in a polymer conformally coated with a gold film. Using extensive 3D finite-difference time-domain simulations, we investigate the effect of system parameters such as periodicity, well diameter and depth, and metal thickness on its refractive index sensitivity. These theoretical results are also confirmed experimentally in some cases. Our calculations predict an enhancement in sensitivity by an order of magnitude when the plasmonic crystal characteristics are optimized.
Cloud Microphysics and the Tropical Climate: Cloud-Resolving Model Perspective

Abstract This paper discusses the role cloud microphysics play in the tropical climate. It is argued that this problem can best be studied within the context of a cloud-resolving model because of complicated interactions among cloud dynamics, cloud microphysics, radiative processes, and surface processes. Two sets of highly idealized cloud-resolving simulations are discussed. In each set, the simulations differ only in the parameters applied in the representation of cloud microphysics. The simulations are run until quasi-equilibrium between sinks and sources of moisture and energy is achieved. The comparisons between simulations applying dramatically different parameters exposes the effects of cloud microphysics on the mean state of the tropical atmosphere and on the tropical climate. The first set considers large-scale flow driven by sea surface temperature gradients and prescribed radiative cooling. The cloud microphysics appears to have minor effects on the large-scale flow as well as temperature and m...
What do newly diagnosed cancer patients discuss with survivors

The Cancer Companion Program at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center is a peer-to-peer telephone-based program that connects a newly diagnosed cancer patient with a previous cancer patient with the same diagnosis. Similar peer support and telephone-based programs have been studied, and many benefits have been found in previous studies. As such, this study focuses not on program efficacy, but rather aims to understand the topics that newly diagnosed cancer patients discuss with cancer survivors. Participants in this study were 41 newly-diagnosed cancer patients who had requested to be matched with a volunteer cancer companion. Content analysis of the phone call logs demonstrated that patients discussed treatment-related, psychological, and day-to-day concerns. These results are discussed in terms of educating physicians, nurses, and psychosocial cancer care practitioners about the issues which are most important to newly diagnosed cancer patients.
Nonrheumatologic uses of NSAIDS.

Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have several salient indications outside of their role in rheumatology. Two major uses are treatment of dysmenorrhea and patent ductus arteriosus. Other established roles encompass treatment of fever, pain, Banter's syndrome, and thromboembolic disorders. Animal and human studies are being done on the use of NSAIDs in cancer, diabetes, psoriasis, and shock, just to name a few investigative areas.NSAIDs are not a panacea nor are they wonder drugs to be used indiscriminately. When these drugs first were marketed in the 1970s, they were considered safe agents with little toxicity. However, the side-effect profile of the NSAIDs has been, and continues to be, better identified over the past few years and warrants judicious use of these drugs. Their adverse effects potentially include gastric distress (possibly hemorrhage), allergic urticaria or bronchospasm in asthma patients, azotemia, arrested labor, skin reactions, and water retention.NSAIDs are relatively safe ...