cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric Regression and Splines

As discussed in Chapter 12, regression analysis estimates the conditional expectation of a response given predictor variables. The conditional expectation is called the regression function and is the best predictor of the response based upon the predictor variables, because it minimizes the expected squared prediction error.
Problems and Challenges for Cosmology involving Massive Neutrinos

I review the challenges and problems facing the standard cosmological model, involving an $\Omega=1$ Universe dominated by non-baryonic dark matter, which arise due to: age estimates of the universe, estimates of the baryon fraction of the universe, and structure formation. Certain of these problems are exacerbated, and certain of these are eased, by the inclusion of some component to the energy density of matter from massive neutrinos. I conclude with a comparison of the two favored current cosmological models, involving either a mixture of cold dark matter and hot dark matter, or the inclusion of a cosmological constant.
Poster: Analysis of Performance in Precise 3D Curve Input Tasks in Virtual Reality

Predictive models for human performance, such as Fitts’ Law [2] and the Steering Law [1], are useful tools for developers of interactive applications because they help guide us toward effective and efficient interface designs. In this poster, we present a mathematical model in this style that is meant to characterize performance in precise, continuous 3D input tasks, such as making an exact tracing of a 3D curve presented in virtual reality (VR). This continuous, sweeping style of 3D input has important implications for interactive visualizations. We utilize within our group, direct input of curved 3D paths in several visualization contexts, for example, free-form modeling for designing scientific visualizations and creating 3D illustrations [3] and selecting streamlines and regions of interest in interactive 3D fluid flow visualizations. [5] In addition, a current project seeks to utilize haptic-guided input of 3D curved paths for querying 3D datasets and selecting fine detail within dense visualizations of neural fiber tracts in the brain. Increased knowledge of our ability to control precise 3D input is likely lead to improved interaction and more productive user experiences in these interactive visualizations. One of the challenges in working with this style of input is that it can be difficult to control with precision. In a precursor to this work, we developed two new interaction techniques, a two-handed 3D tape drawing interface and a one-handed 3D drag drawing interface. Each significantly improves the precision of continuous 3D input as compared to standard modes of tracking a moving prop through the air. Full details of these interfaces and of the tracing experiment described briefly below have been presented elsewhere. [4] The novel contribution of the work presented here (and adapted from Daniel Keefe’s dissertation [3]) is the derivation of a performance model for this style of input from theory in related disciplines and the verification of this model using experimental data from the tracing experiment.
Sterols of human gallstones: The recent identification of eight different digitonin precipitable sterols

Abstract In this study, we report for the first time the presence of many noncholesterol sterols in human gallstones. Gallstones were obtained from 17 patients at cholesystectomy. They were rich in sterol composition, some 52.8% by weight. A number of different sterols were found: 22-dehydrocholesterol 0.29% of total sterols; cholestanol, 1.54%; lathosterol, 1.92%; 24-methylene cholesterol and campesterol, 0.64%; stigmasterol, 0.02%; β-sitosterol, 0.21%; and cholesterol, 95.33%. These individual sterols were identified by a variety of methods which included final verification by combined gas chromatographymass spectroscopy. These unusual sterols were derived either from the diet or from the metabolism of cholesterol in the body. Their presence might well affect the lithogenicity of the bile and raises questions about their metabolism and function generally in the body.
A Taxonomy of Antecedents of Information Systems Success: Variable Analysis Studies

Research in the information systems (IS) field has often been characterized as fragmented. This paper builds on a belief that for the field to move forward and have an impact on practitioners and other academic fields, the existing work must be examined and systematized. It is particularly important to systematize research on the factors that underlie success of organizational IS. The goal here is to conceptualize the IS success antecedents (ISSA) area of research through surveying, synthesizing, and explicating the work in the domain. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, a taxonomy of 12 general categories is created, and existing research within each category is examined. Important lacunae in the direction of work have been determined. It is found that little work has been conducted on the macro-level independent variables, the most difficult variables to assess, although these variables may be the most important to understanding the ultimate value of IS to organizations. Similarly, ISSA research on success variables of consequence to organizations was found severely lacking. Variable analysis research on organizational-level success variables was found to be literally nonexistent in the IS field, whereas research in the organizational studies field was found to provide useful directions for IS researchers. The specifics of the 12 taxonomy areas are analyzed and directions for research in each of them provided. Thus, researchers and practitioners are directed toward available research and receive suggestions for future work to bring ISSA research toward an organized and cohesive future.
Evidence for dynamic clustering of carboxy-terminal aromatic amino acids in TonB-dependent energy transduction

Summary Escherichia coli uses the proton motive force of the cytoplasmic membrane and TonB protein to energize the active transport of iron-siderophores and vitamin B12 across the outer membrane. TonB shuttles between the cytoplasmic and outer membranes, presumably during the course of energy transduction. Previous results indicated that the carboxy-terminal 65 amino acids of TonB are essential for both its outer membrane association and activity. A highly conserved region (residues 199–216) within this domain, predicted to be an amphipathic α-helix, was the initial focus of this study. Scanning mutagenesis indicated that only the aromatic residues F202, W213 and Y215 were individually important for activity. When the crystal structure of a dimeric TonB carboxy-terminus subsequently became available, we observed that two additional aromatic residues outside that region, F180 and F230, were potentially engaged in end-on hydrophobic interactions with the three residues identified previously. Changing these five aromatic residues individually to alanine reduced TonB activity. Surprisingly, however, each substitution exhibited a unique phenotypic profile with respect to ability to support [55Fe]-ferrichrome transport, sensitivity to colicins B, D, Ia and M or sensitivity to bacteriophage φ80. The phenotypic results suggested that the carboxy-terminus of TonB was a flexible and dynamic domain that could interact specifically with different ligands or transporters, perhaps through the aromatic residues. The possibility of interactions among all the aromatic residues was tested using double-mutant cycle analysis. All possible combinations of alanine substitutions were constructed, with the result that TonB containing any double-alanine substitution was inactive in the phenotypic assays, while retaining the ability to associate with the outer membrane. This synergistic, rather than additive, effect of the double mutants suggested that, consistent with the flexibility suggested by analysis of the single substitutions, all the aromatic residues might be capable of interacting with one another. A means of reconciling these results with the crystal structure is presented.
The feasibility of using mobile-phone based SMS reminders and conditional cash transfers to improve timely immunization in rural Kenya.

Abstract Background Demand-side strategies could contribute to achieving high and timely vaccine coverage in rural Africa, but require platforms to deliver either messages or conditional cash transfers (CCTs). We studied the feasibility of using short message services (SMS) reminders and mobile phone-based conditional cash transfers (CCTs) to reach parents in rural Western Kenya. Methods In a Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), mothers with children aged 0–3 weeks old were approached to determine who had access to a mobile phone. SMS reminders were sent three days prior to and on the scheduled day of immunization for 1st (age 6 weeks) and 2nd doses (age 10 weeks) of DTP-HepB-Hib (Pentavalent) vaccine, using open-source Rapid SMS software. Approximately $2.00 USD was sent as cash using mPESA, a mobile money transfer platform (2/3 of mothers), or airtime (1/3 of mothers) via phone if the child was vaccinated within 4 weeks of the scheduled date. Follow-up surveys were done when children reached 14 weeks of age. Results We approached 77 mothers; 72 were enrolled into the study (26% owned a phone and 74% used someone else's). Of the 63 children with known vaccination status at 14 weeks of age, 57 (90%) received pentavalent1 and 54 (86%) received pentavalent2 within 4 weeks of their scheduled date. Of the 61 mothers with follow-up surveys administered at 14 weeks of age, 55 (90%) reported having received SMS reminders. Of the 54 women who reported having received SMS reminders and answered the CCT questions on the survey, 45 (83%) reported receiving their CCT. Most (89%) of mothers in the mPESA group obtained their cash within 3 days of being sent their credit via mobile phone. All mothers stated they preferred CCTs as cash via mobile phone rather than airtime. Of the 9 participants who did not vaccinate their children at the designated clinic 2(22%) cited refusals by husbands to participate in the study. Conclusion The data show that in rural Western Kenya mobile phone-based strategies are a potentially useful platform to deliver reminders and cash transfers. Follow-up studies are needed that provide evidence for the effectiveness of these strategies in improving vaccine coverage and timeliness.
Large Deformations of Rotating Polygonal Space Structures

The effects of rotation on space structures are very important nowadays. Because the structures are large and thus relatively flexible, unacceptable stresses or deformations may occur due to centrifugal forces. In a recent paper we considered the effects of rotation on an unbalanced circular ring. The present note studies a related problem, i.e., the free rotation of polygonal frames. These shapes are basic in structural design.
Combined spinal-epidural analgesia in advanced labour.

The combined spinal-epidural technique is a modification of epidural analgesia which combines the rapid onset of spinal analgesia with the flexibility of an epidural catheter. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of an intrathecal opioid — low-dose local anaesthetic combination for parturients in advanced labour, a setting where satisfactory epidural analgesia is often difficult to achieve. The technique was evaluated in an open-label, non-randomized trial using parturients in advanced, active labour for the provision of pain relief during the late first stage and second stage of labour. Thirty-eight term parturients in active, advanced labour received a spinal injection of bu-pivacaine 2.5 mg and sufentanil, 10 μg, via a 25- or 27-gauge Whitacre needle placed into the subarachnoid space through a 17- or 18- gauge Weiss epidural needle which had been placed into the epidural space. This was followed by placement of an epidural catheter for supplemental analgesia if required. Onset of analgesia was noted by asking patients if their contractions were comfortable. Motor blockade was assessed using the Bromage criteria. Patients were asked if they experienced either pruritus or nausea on a four-point scale (none, mild, moderate, severe). The mean cervical dilatation at placement of the spinal medication was 6.1 ± 2.2 cm. Thirty-two patients had spontaneous vaginal delivery, two were delivered by outlet forceps, and four by Caesarean section. Onset of analgesia was rapid (< five minutes) in all cases. Twenty-three patients (60%) delivered vaginally with no additional anaesthetic. The remaining 15 had supplemental local anaesthetic given via the epidural catheter, a mean of 123 ± 33 min after the original spinal dose. Side effects were limited to pruritus in eight (21%) patients, and mild lower extremity motor weakness in one patient. One patient experienced transient hypotension. No patient developed postdural puncture headache. This technique allows for profound analgesia with a rapid onset and few bothersome side effects. In particular, the absence of motor blockade may facilitate maternal expulsive efforts or positioning during the second stage of labour.
Comparative morphology and immunology of members of the genus Histoplasma. A review.

Zusammenfassung Die Beziehungen zwischen H. duboisii und H. farciminosum sowie H. capsulatum sind in Form einer Ubersicht dargestellt. Daraus ergibt sich keine annehmbare morphologische oder serologische Basis, um den Erreger der epizootischen Lymphangitis in die Gattung Histoplasma einzuordnen. Die endgultige Klassifizierung dieses Pilzes benotigt neuere Befunde hinsichtlich seiner asexuellen und sexuellen Vermehrung. Die histopathologischen Unterschiede bei Infektion durch H. capsulatum und H. duboisii werden nicht als ausreichende Basis erachtet, um H. duboisii fur mehr als eine Varietat von H. capsulatum zu betrachten.
The regulation of adrenal function by estrogens and other hormones.

1. 1. A number of cytoplasmic enzymes of the adrenal cortex are active in the reduction of NADP. However, the rate of corticoid synthesis from endogenous cholesterol would seem to be regulated primarily by the rate of reduction of NADP by glucose-6-P dehydrogenase. Estrogens and several other hormones are competitive inhibitors of NADP-binding to NADP-specific dehydrogenases. The competitive inhibition by estrogens of the rate of reduction of NADP by glucose-6-P dehydrogenase was correlated with the competitive inhibition to the rate of corticoid synthesis. Examples of the molecular structure and mode of action of hormone inhibitors are given. Inhibition is non-competitive for substrate such as glucose-6-P. 2. 2. A second possible biochemical site of action of estrogen involves a non-competitive activation of the NAD-specific lactic dehydrogenase of the cytoplasm. The Km for the activation of lactic dehydrogenase by estradiol in the presence of excess lactate is 2.7·10−9 M. 3. 3. The inhibitions and activations by estrogens were also found to occur with the dehydrogenase enzymes of the anterior pituitary. By an interplay of inhibition or activation of metabolic pathways, estrogen may act as a regulatory hormone in tissues that are target organs of estrogen.
The Relationship Between Tyrosinase Activity and Skin Color in Human Foreskins

Tyrosinase activity was assayed in black and white human foreskin samples by measuring both the hydroxylation of tyrosine to dopa (tyrosine hydroxylase activity) and the conversion of [14C]tyrosine to [14C]melanin (melanin synthesis assay). Enzyme activity was found both in the particulate (75%) and soluble (25%) fractions of the cell. Membrane-bound tyrosinase was readily solubilized by either zwitter-ionic or nonionic detergents. The anionic detergent, sodium cholate, inhibited enzyme activity. Tyrosinase activity in black foreskin homogenates averaged almost three times that in white skin samples (33.8 pmols 3H2O/h/mg skin in black and 12.71 pmoles 3H2O/h/mg skin in white skin), although considerable overlap in activities existed among the two groups. Tyrosinase activities measured with two separate assays, tyrosine hydroxylase and [14C]melanin assays, were similar, suggesting that tyrosine hydroxylase activity is tightly coupled to melanin synthesis. Tyrosinase activity determined by either assay method generally correlated with skin melanin content. Kinetic analysis of tyrosinase from black and white foreskin revealed a Km for tyrosine of 2.5 X 10(-4) M in both skin types. Immunotitration experiments suggested that the difference in tyrosinase activities between white and black skin may be due, not only to different amounts of enzyme present in the melanocytes, but also possibly to differences in the catalytic activities of the enzyme found in melanocytes of black and white skin.
On future’s doorstep: RNA interference and the pharmacopeia of tomorrow

Small molecules and antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of malignant diseases and appear promising for the treatment of many others. Nonetheless, there are many candidate therapeutic targets that are not amenable to attack by the current generation of targeted therapies, and in a small but growing number of patients, resistance to initially successful treatments evolves. This Review Series on the medicinal promise of posttranscriptional gene silencing with small interfering RNA and other molecules capable of inducing RNA interference (RNAi) is motivated by the hypothesis that effectors of RNAi can be developed into effective drugs for treating malignancies as well as many other types of disease. As this Review Series points out, there is still much to do, but many in the field now hope that the time has finally arrived when "antisense" therapies will finally come of age and fulfill their promise as the magic bullets of the 21st century.
Genetic reassortment indicates a new grouping for tick-borne orbiviruses.

Abstract The Kemerovo (KEM) serogroup of tick-borne orbiviruses (Reoviridae family) is currently classified into four antigenic subgroups: KEM, Chenuda (CNU), Great Island (GI), and Wad Medani (WM) (B. M. Gorman, J. Taylor, and P. J. Walker, 1983, In “The Reoviridae,” pp. 287–357) . Reassortment assays were carried out to determine the potential for gene exchange both within and between subgroups. Genome segment reassortment was demonstrated between members of two subgroups: KEM virus (a human pathogen) and representatives of the GI subgroup (viruses associated with seabirds). Neither KEM nor GI subgroup viruses reassorted with three viruses currently assigned to the CNU subgroup [CNU, Essaouira (ESS), and Mono Lake (ML)]. Within the CNU subgroup, CNU and ESS viruses reassorted, but there was no evidence of genome segment exchange between either of these two viruses and ML virus. The genetic data, and previously published antigenic data, suggest the need for reassigning these viruses. Four new serogroups are proposed to replace the extant KEM serogroup: KEM serogroup (comprising KEM and GI subgroups), CNU serogroup (including CNU and ESS viruses), Mono Lake serogroup, and WM serogroup.
Production of acid water in a lead-zinc mine, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

The Bunker Hill Mine in Idaho's Coeur d'Alene mining district produces approximately 10 m3/minute of acid water containing high concentrations of heavy metals. Field and laboratory studies indicate that much of the acid water is produced in a single ore body in the upper part of the mine. The ore of this body contains mainly sphalerite, galena, and pyrite in a siderite-quartz gangue. Ground water recharges this ore body through a near-vertical zone of high permeability, which is the result of mining by the caving technique. Ore samples from the caving area contained oxidized forms of iron and produced acid in a laboratory leaching test. Leaching experiments with several ore samples from the mine also indicated that the ratio of pyrite to calcite in the samples strongly controlled the resultant pH values. Oxidation of pyrite to sulfuric acid and compounds of iron is apparently responsible for the production of acid water in the mine. In contrast, dissolution of calcite in water results in a basic solution, with pH around 8.3, that can neutralize the acid produced by the oxidation process. Methods for prevention of acid mine drainage in this and other similar mines are noted.
Light Scattering from Infinite Cylinders. The Dielectric-Needle Limit

Expressions are developed for the dielectric-needle limit for scattering by dielectric cylinders, and the domain of validity of these expressions (2% and 10% error contour diagrams) over the refractive-index–size-parameter (m— α) domain is elucidated.
Impact of Sampling Clock Phase Noise on $\Sigma \Delta$ Frequency Discriminators

SigmaDelta frequency discriminators (SigmaDeltaFDs) convert instantaneous frequency deviations of a carrier signal to digital. They are used for decoding narrowband phase or frequency modulated signals in communication receivers, self calibration of RF frequency synthesizers and in digital phase locked loops. In this paper, the impact of reference (sampling) clock phase noise on a SigmaDeltaFD's spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) is derived. It is shown that for SigmaDeltaFDs with jittered sampling clock, in addition to FM sidebands, a high baseband tonal content is generated degrading overall SFDR. The reference clock phase noise impact is derived mathematically, and two commonly used SigmaDeltaFDs circuits are designed and implemented to verify the results experimentally. Experimental results are shown to match the theoretical prediction of SFDR within 3 dB.
Evaluation of a Real-Time Monitor for Fine Particle-Bound PAH in Air

Abstract An instrument for real-time monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on airborne fine particles was evaluated for use in indoor and ambient air measurements. The instrument is based on photoelectric ionization of surface PAH, loss of the photoelectrons, and subsequent measurement of the remaining positively charged particles in a filter electrometer. The instrument performed well in a variety of field situations. Its outputs correlated significantly (r2=0.985) with the results of conventional integrated sampling in 12 indoor microenvironments. The outputs were sensitive to activities that generated PAH aerosols; the limit of detection appears to be about 10 ng/m3 of total PAH. Elimination of the electrofilter in the front section of the instrument is suggested. This paper has been reviewed in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's peer and administrative review policies and approved for presentation and publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products doe...
Children’s Preferences In Picture Story Book Variables

MORE BOOKS WITH more illustrations than ever before are currently made available for the use of the preschool child. Educators and parents, as well as authors, illustrators, and editors ask the question--what books appeal to the young child? Books presented to the three to five year old child may have a lasting influence upon his attitudes to ward books and reading. The investigation report ed here was designed to discover three to five year old children's preferences in illustrations and story subjects. The present article concerns the re search and conclusions involving the illustration preferences.
An improved electrostatic discharge protection structure for reducing triggering voltage and parasitic capacitance

Abstract On-chip electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection structures are frequently used in microchips to protect the core circuit again ESD damages. Relatively large parasitic capacitances associated with these structures, however, can degrade the performance of microchips. In this paper, a new type of supply clamp is studied for the purpose of reducing the parasitic capacitance in ESD protection structures. The approach and physics of the new supply clamp are discussed, and both experimental data and device simulation are provided in support of the investigation.
Bayesian estimation of latent roots and vectors with special reference to the bivariate normal distribution

SUMMARY This paper discusses from a Bayesian viewpoint some aspects of the estimation of latent roots and vectors of the covariance matrix of the bivariate normal distribution. The joint distribution of (i) the angle of the canonical transformation, and (ii) the ratio of the larger root to the total variance is considered in detail and illustrated by an example. Also discussed is the problem of making inferences about the larger roots, and several simple approximations to the distribution are considered. Finally, a generalization is given of one of the approximation methods to latent roots of higher dimensional covariance matrices. In this paper some aspects of the estimation of latent roots and vectors of the covariance matrix of the bivariate normal distribution are considered from a Bayesian viewpoint. In ? 2 the joint posterior distribution is obtained for (i) the angle 0 associated with the canonical transformation, and (ii) the ratio V of the larger root to the total variance, i.e. the sum of the two roots. Some properties of the joint distribution and the associated marginal distributions are discussed and a numerical example is given. Attention is then turned, in ? 3, to the problem of making inferences about the larger root and several simple approximations to its distribution are considered. In particular, it is demonstrated that the distribution can be closely approximated by a scaled inverted x2 distribution upon equating moments.
Mechanisms for propagation failure in discrete reaction-diffusion systems

Abstract We model a chain of coupled bistable reactors by the discrete Nagumo reaction-diffusion equation: du n dt = f(u n ) + d(u n+1 + u n-1 - 2u n ) , where f(un) = un(un -1)(a - un) and a, d are parameters. We determine a propagating front initiated by the following boundary and initial conditions: u = 1(t⩾0) and (n⩾2 and t = 0). We show that the front fails to propagate (1) if d is too small (d
Analyzing Impact of Intermodal Facilities on Design and Management of Biofuel Supply Chain

The impact of an intermodal facility on location and transportation decisions for biofuel production plants is analyzed. Location decisions affect the management of the inbound and outbound logistics of a plant. This supply chain design and management problem is modeled as a mixed integer program. Input data for this model are location of intermodal facilities and available transportation modes, cost and cargo capacity for each transportation mode, geographical distribution of biomass feedstock and production yields, and biomass processing and inventory costs. Outputs from this model are the number, location, and capacity of biofuel production plants. For each plant, the transportation mode used, timing of shipments, shipment size, inventory size, and production schedule that minimize the delivery cost of biofuel are determined. The model proposed in this research can be used as a decision-making tool for investors in the biofuels industry since it estimates the real cost of the business. The state of Mis...
Three dimensional transport lattice model for describing action potentials in axons stimulated by external electrodes.

Abstract Conditions that stimulate action potentials in one or more nerves is of widespread interest. Axon and nerve models are usually based on two dimensional pre-specified lumped equivalents that assume where currents will flow. In contrast, here we illustrate creation of three dimensional (3D) system models with a transport lattice of interconnected local models for external and internal electrolyte and axon membrane. The transport lattice solves Laplace's equation in the extracellular medium and is coupled to the Hodgkin–Huxley model at local membrane sites. These space-filling models incorporate the geometric scale, which allows explicit representation of confined axons and external electrodes. The present results demonstrate feasibility of the basic approach. These models are spatially coarse and approximate, but can be straightforwardly improved. The transport lattice system models are modular and multiscale (spatial scales ranging from the membrane thickness of 5 nm to the axon segment length of 2 cm).
Days of heroin use predict poor self-reported health in hospitalized heroin users.

Abstract This study examined associations between substance use behaviors and self-reported health among hospitalized heroin users. Of the 112 participants, 53 (47%) reported good or better health. In multivariable logistic regression models, each day of heroin use in the last month was associated with an 8% lower odds of reporting health as good or better (OR = .92; 95% CI 0.87, 0.97, p
Periodic cracking of functionally graded coatings

The antiplane elasticity problem for a functionally graded coating bonded to a homogeneous half space is considered. The coating is assumed to contain periodic cracks perpendicular to the surface. The problem is formulated in terms of an integral equation with strongly singular kernels. Three dimensionless parameters representing the crack depth, the material nonhomogeneity and the crack periodicity are identified. In addition to the mode III stress intensity factor calculated by varying these three parameters, the results presented include a qualitative discussion of the question of fracture instability, the effect of periodic cracking on the relaxation of stresses on the coating surface, and the comparison of the total strain energy released as a result of surface cracking with that assumed in a simple stress relaxation model.
Antibiotics and gastrointestinal colonization by vancomycin-resistant enterococci

Although several classes of antimicrobial agents have been associated with colonization or infection with glycopeptide-resistant enterococci (GRE) in individual clinical studies, the agents most commonly implicated are extended-spectrum cephalosporins and compounds with potent activity against anaerobic bacteria, including ticarcillin-clavulanic acid. In some clinical studies, formulary alterations designed to minimize the use of extended-spectrum cephalosporins or ticarcillin-clavulanic acid have resulted in significant decreases in colonization and infection by GRE. Experimental data using a mouse model of GRE gastrointestinal colonization indicate that persistence of high-level GRE colonization of the mouse gastrointestinal tract is promoted by exposure to agents with potent activity against anaerobic bacteria, suggesting that reduction of competing flora is the major factor leading to persistence of high-level colonization. One study performed in humans is consistent with this model and suggests that high levels of colonization may promote spread of resistant organisms in the nosocomial setting. Establishing colonization with GRE in uncolonized mice correlates with exposure to agents that are (a) secreted into the bile in significant concentrations and (b) have negligible activity against the colonizing enterococcal strain. Differences between piperacillin-tazobactam and ceftriaxone in the establishment model can be attributed directly to differences in their anti-enterococcal activity. Modification of antimicrobial prescribing practices may play an important role in facilitating successful infection control efforts to limit GRE in the nosocomial setting.
Reproductive conflict in honey bees: a stalemate of worker egg-laying and policing

Using electrophoretic markers, eggs laid by workers were identified in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies with a queen. Based on extrapolation, these represented about 7% of the unfertilized (male) eggs laid in the colonies. A very small proportion of workers (of the order of 0.01%) lay these eggs. Worker-laid eggs are rapidly removed, so that very few sons of workers are reared. Thus the reproductive cooperation in bee colonies is maintained by ongoing antagonistic interactions among the members of the colony, with worker laying and egg removal policing by other workers being relatively common.
Packaging of Single DNA Molecules by the Yeast Mitochondrial Protein Abf2p

Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA are packaged by proteins in a very different manner. Although protein-DNA complexes called "nucleoids" have been identified as the genetic units of mitochondrial inheritance in yeast and man, little is known about their physical structure. The yeast mitochondrial protein Abf2p was shown to be sufficient to compact linear dsDNA, without the benefit of supercoiling, using optical and atomic force microscopy single molecule techniques. The packaging of DNA by Abf2p was observed to be very weak as evidenced by a fast Abf2p off-rate (k(off) = 0.014 +/- 0.001 s(-1)) and the extremely small forces (<0.6 pN) stabilizing the condensed protein-DNA complex. Atomic force microscopy images of individual complexes showed the 190-nm structures are loosely packaged relative to nuclear chromatin. This organization may leave mtDNA accessible for transcription and replication, while making it more vulnerable to damage.
Characterization of DISC Formation and TNFR1 Translocation to Mitochondria in TNF-α–Treated Hepatocytes

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) activation in hepatocytes can trigger apoptotic or inflammatory signaling. The factors that determine which signaling pathway dominates are not clear and are thought to relate to the efficiency of death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation. However, the steps involved in DISC formation in hepatocytes are poorly understood. In characterizing DISC formation within cultured hepatocytes, we demonstrated that TNF-α exposure leads to the rapid formation of a DISC involving TNF-α, the TNFR-associated death domain adaptor molecule (TRADD), the Fas-associated death domain adaptor molecule (FADD), caspase-8, TNFR-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), and receptor-interacting protein (RIP). The inclusion of the sensitizing agent actinomycin D both accelerated and amplified the appearance of the DISC. Notably, TNFR1 along with some DISC components also appeared within mitochondria within 30 minutes. Whereas TNFR1 consistently co-localized with the TRADD, FADD, the caspase-8, and TRAF2 in the cytosolic fraction, TNFR1 in the mitochondria was associated only with caspase-8 after TNF-α exposure. Similar observations were made in vivo using TNF-α with D-galactosamine. Actinomycin D alone also enhanced the appearance of DISC components in both cytosol and the mitochondria. Thus the DISC that includes TNFR1 forms in the cytosol of hepatocytes under both survival and pro-apoptotic conditions. The observations also suggest that TNF-α–mediated signaling includes the translocation of TNFR1 to mitochondria.
Civil society, political stability, and state power in Central Asia: cooperation and contestation

This article develops a concept of civil society in Central Asia distinct from that which emerged from the East European communist societies of the late 1980s. Kazakhstan presents a case study of a civil society that conceptually can be located between the vibrant civil society of the Baltic democracies and the civil society of the strongly repressive environments of Belarus or Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan's authoritarian structures and cultural traditions make it difficult to develop strong independent civic organizations – cooperation tends to mark state-civil society relations more than contestation, which shaped much of Eastern Europe's experience. Even in a context of relative affluence where civil society organizations are allowed some space to engage in critical activities, contestation tends to be minimized. This is only partially related to state suppression and cooptation; a political culture that views democratic processes as potentially destabilizing is also a significant factor. Kazakhstan represen...
Embedding the weighted Sobolev space $ W^l_p(\Omega;v)$ in the space $ L_p(\Omega;\omega)$

Several conditions on the weight functions and are obtained that guarantee the embedding inequality Classes of weights and in which these conditions are both necessary and sufficient are described.
A Fourier rebinning algorithm for cone beam CT

It is known that x-ray projections collected from a circular orbit of an x-ray source are insufficient for accurate reconstruction of a 3D object. For each local region of the object (except in the plane containing the source trajectory) there is a conical volume in the object's spatial frequency space that is unmeasured due to the circular geometry. The Feldkamp, Davis and Kress (FDK) algorithm based on filtered backprojection (FBP) involves a 3D backprojection step so that these unmeasured spatial frequencies are set to zero, resulting in cone beam artifacts for certain objects. We present a new type of cone beam CT reconstruction algorithm based on the Fourier rebinning (FORE) framework of Defrise et al. The cone beam x-ray projection data are rebinned into a set of in-plane sinograms using the FORE rebinning approximation, followed by 2D FBP to reconstruct each axial slice. The algorithm is able to extrapolate data into the missing region of the object's frequency space in a computationally efficient way, allowing for a reduction of cone beam artifacts for certain objects. Unlike FDK, the algorithm is exact for an impulse object located anywhere along the axis of rotation. Reconstruction errors are dependent on the radial distance, cone angle, and the second-derivative of the projection data in the longitudinal direction. Finally, an extension to the algorithm is presented that permits reconstruction in regions of the object that are not seen by the detector in every view.
Visualization and scheduling of non-functional requirements for agile processes

Agile software development and project management methodologies, such as Scrum and Extreme Programming, have become very popular in quickly delivering quality Functional Requirements (FRs). However, agile project management methodologies have not adequately captured planning and visualization activities for crosscutting concerns and non-functional requirements in agile practices. This research proposes a planning and visualization framework that would be used to schedule software non-functional requirements implementations while utilizing agile software development and project management agile techniques. The approach is validated through visual simulation and a case study. Results showed that utilizing a risk-driven agile planning approach that involve non-functional requirements resulted in shortening the project schedule by one to two months over a traditional “Highest-Business-Value-First” agile scheduling technique.
Childhood Morbidity and Health in Early Adulthood: Life course linkages in a high morbidity context.

Abstract This paper examines whether morbidity in early or later childhood is associated with health later in life. I investigate the relationship between five types of childhood morbidity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Guatemalan adults who experienced high levels of morbidity in childhood. The analysis is based on the Human Capital Study (2002–2004), a recent follow-up of the INCAP Longitudinal Study conducted between 1969 and 1977. I find that most types of childhood morbidity are associated with poorer adult health, independent of family background, adult socioeconomic status, and health behaviors. Higher levels of infections in childhood were associated with a low level of high density lipoprotein (HDL), and higher level of triglycerides, plasma glucose, waist circumference, and obesity (but not hypertension). These results are consistent with the literature that finds that childhood morbidity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality at older ages. However, diarrheal disease in later childhood was associated with lower levels of some risk factors, as measured by triglycerides and plasma glucose, suggesting that exposure to bacteria after infancy may be beneficial for some measures of adult health.
Prediction of Soil Organic Properties in a Diverse Population of Ohio Soils Using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy Analysis

A Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) method was used to predict soil organic carbon and amino sugar concentrations, and β-Glucosidase and β-Glucosaminidase activity in 184 diverse soils of Ohio. The measured variable values were calibrated to NIR spectral data with partial least squares regression analysis. The multivariate models developed were validated using the full cross validation method and the test set method with a test set size of 50 samples. Statistical analysis of the spectral data was done using the multivariate analysis software Unscrambler 8.0 (CAMO Inc). The first differential transformation of the NIR region (1100-2498 nm) gave good results. The NIRS method predicted well the organic carbon (OC) and amino sugar concentrations in soil (R2 was 0.91 for OC and 0.90 for amino sugar). The enzyme activity values were also well predicted (R2 was 0.82 for soil β-glucosidase and β-glucosaminidase enzyme activity). Thus, the NIRS method has the potential to rapidly and accurately predict values of carbon-related variables, including the carbon enzymes β-Glucosidase and β-Glucosaminidase, in soils. The equipment needed is not expensive and the NIRS method can be used where very large numbers of environmental samples need to be rapidly analyzed. Indeed, the prediction equations can be constantly improved as more data points are entered into the correlations between laboratory measured values and NIRS values.
The relative food value and biochemical composition of five phytoplankton diets for queen conch, Strombusgigas (Linne) larvae

Abstract The food value of five phytoplankton diets for queen conch larvae, Strombus gigas (Linne), was estimated in two feeding experiments. The species Isochrysis aff. galbana clone T.ISO, Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard) Schiller (ex. P. marialebouriae ) clone EXUV, Emiliania huxleyi (Lohm.) Hay & Mohler (ex. Coccolithus huxleyi ) clone Bt-6, and Heterocapsa pygmacea (Loeblich) Schmidt & Sherley clone Gymno all supported rapid growth and high survival of queen conch larvae. Dunaliella tertiolecta (Butch.) clone DUN supported only minimal growth. The total lipid content and fatty acid composition of all five algal diets were analysed. The best diets had above average lipid content and contained the long-chained polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (20:5ω3) and/or docosahexaenoic (22:6ω3) acids.
Impact of diet-related cancer prevention messages written with cognitive and affective arguments on message characteristics, stage of change, and self-efficacy.

Abstract Objective To determine if participants reading messages matched to a preferred style of message argument respond more favorably than participants reading unmatched messages. Design Randomized trial using telephone and in-person surveys and cognitive response interviews. Setting University campus. Participants Of 125 initially interested, a convenience sample of 100 university employees completed the study (female: 88%, white: 94%, mean age: 43.7). Intervention(s) Participants read 2 print messages written with cognitive (COG) (fact based) or affective (AFF) (story based) arguments. Main Outcome Measure(s) 7-point Likert scale ratings of message appeal, understandability, persuasiveness, and relevance according to classification into 1 of 4 message groups: COG-AFF (mismatched to affective), AFF-COG (mismatched to cognitive), COG-COG (matched cognitive), and AFF-AFF (matched affective). Analysis 1-way analysis of variance ( P ≤ .05) and systematic review of qualitative interviews. Results The COG-AFF group consistently gave the lowest ratings to the affective messages and the AFF-COG group generally gave high scores compared with other message groups. Participants also expressed a desire for more factual information. Conclusions and Implications A combination of cognitive and affective arguments may be appealing to subjects with an affective preference but disliked by individuals who prefer only a fact-based approach. Argument format may be an important message design consideration.
Melting curve of o-terphenyl

Melting of high purity o-terphenyl was investigated in the range 0–500 MPa by differential thermal analysis. The sample was purified by repeated recrystallization from methanol, followed by vacuum sublimation. This material was approximately 99.995% pure, and the results suggest that sample purity was maintained to within the experimental uncertainty. The sample was loaded into a high pressure cell with a teflon/nylon composite pressure transmitting diaphragm. A differential thermocouple and a calibrated temperature measuring thermocouple were in direct contact with the sample. The data are best fitted by a quadratic melting equation: tm = 56.0 + 0.357 P − 0.000129 P2, where tmis in ‡C and P is in MPa. The intercept and initial slope agree well with existing ambient pressure melting data.
Quadrilateral space syndrome.

The axillary nerve and posterior circumflex humeral artery course posteriorly through the quadrilateral space (Fig 1), an anatomic area bounded by the humerus, teres minor, teres major, and triceps muscles. These neurovascular structures are susceptible to injury or compression, which, if present, may cause shoulder pain, paresthesia, and localized tenderness to palpation, a clinical entity termed quadrilateral space syndrome. Symptoms may vary with arm position, often worsening with abduction. Diagnosing this syndrome can be difficult because symptoms
Comparing the Bergman and Szegö projections on domains with subelliptic boundary Laplacian

We prove that the difference between the Bergman and Szego projections on a bounded, pseudoconvex domain (with C ∞ boundary) is smoothing whenever the boundary Laplacian is subelliptic. An equivalent statement is that the Bergman projection can be represented as a composition of the Szego and harmonic Bergman projections (along with the restriction and Poisson extension operators) modulo an error that is smoothing. We give several applications to the study of optimal mapping properties for these projections and their difference.
The performance and economics of noise and vibration reducing materials in the construction industry

Abstract Cost is a property of a material just as much as its capability to attenuate noise. The overall worth of a material is a function of its technical performance and of its cost. The costs, both direct and indirect, of noise-insulating walls are considered in relation to their performance. The balance between sound absorption and insulation is used as an example of the technique of optimization which is of great value in the development of new materials. The cost and performance of anti-vibration mountings for large loads are also considered. As a knowledge of the dynamic properties of a mounting is essential to proper design it is surprising that many manufacturers seem to be unaware of the necessity for dynamic testing. The preparation of a code of practice is proposed.
Stochastic control of infinite dimensional systems in Hilbert space: A factorization perspective

A factorization perspective to problems of optimal causal estimation and optimal causal control of linear stochastic systems defined on an infinite dimensional Hilbert space is presented. A separation principle is derived when the system input/output map is generated by an abstract evolution operator. The factorization formalism allows for an essentially algebraic approach to these problems.