cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of the artificial sweetener sucralose in coastal and marine waters of the United States

Abstract The first concentration data for the artificial sweetener sucralose (Splenda®) is presented for North American coastal and open ocean waters. Large volume water samples were collected and pre-concentrated using solid phase extraction followed by GC/MS analysis. The concentration of sucralose varied over several orders of magnitude in these environmental samples with the greatest abundance in a waste water treatment plant effluent (300 nM). The concentration decreased in receiving waters of the Cape Fear River Estuary, NC (CFRE) where surface water concentrations at the mouth of the estuary were 0.94 nM. Sucralose was also detected in the oligotrophic waters of the Gulf Stream (33 28.6 N −76 48.2 W) where it ranged in concentration from below detection limit to 0.17 nM. In the Northern and Middle Florida Keys values were similar to the CFRE with concentrations of 0.37 nM and 0.99 nM, respectively. The data presented here suggest the persistence and widespread distribution of sucralose in natural aquatic matrices with subsequent incorporation into a major oceanographic current, the Gulf Stream, where global distribution may take place.
Convulsant γ-butyrolactones block GABA currents in cultured chick spinal cord neurons

Abstract The γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibiting properties of the β-substituted γ-butyrolactone convulsant, β-isopropyl-γ-butyrolactone (βIPGBL), were studied using gigaseal recording techniques in cultured chick spinal cord neurons. βIPGBL produced a dose-dependent inhibition of GABA currents with half maximal effect at 92 μM. The effects of βIPGBL were immediate and completely reversible within minutes after exposure. The inhibition by βIPGBL showed mixed competitive and non-competitive features with little voltage-dependence. βIPGBL did not alter the GABA reversal potential nor the degree of GABA desensitization. At a single-channel level, βIPGBL markedly diminished the opening of GABA channels and decreased the mean channel open time by 30–40% without affecting the amplitude of the single-channel current.
Effect of rf cold plasmas on polysaccharides

Abstract Low temperature-low pressure argon, nitrogen, and air plasmas generated with rf radiation have been used to treat cotton cellulose and other saccharides. The physical and chemical nature of each substrate was altered by the cold plasma. Although no gross topographical changes of the cotton surface were visible even under the electron microscope, plasma-treated cotton wetted more rapidly and more uniformly than its control, and other saccharides were more soluble in water and other chemical reagents (such as ammonium hydroxide) after plasma treatment. Free radicals were created within the cellulose matrix and structures of all other saccharides. ESR signals, which indicate presence of carbon radicals, degenerated asymmetrically, implying that other types of radicals also existed. ESCA spectra of cotton cellulose showed that some carbon atoms had been oxidized and some oxygen atoms reduced during plasma activation. Activated cottons displayed chemiluminescence and had redox powers that varied with their environments. When cotton and organic monomers were simultaneously present in cold plasma, reactive centers initiated polymerization ofthin films upon the cotton surface. Plasmaactivated cottons exhibited the same chemical reactions as a-hydroxyperoxides or their precursors from living organisms.
Some effects of high fat diets on intestinal elimination. 1

1. Measured amounts of test fats mixed with a standard rat food (Purina Chow Checkers) were fed to white rats in order to see whether intestinal elimination would be affected by the added fat. 2. Ten and twenty per cent additions of lard, cottonseed oil, olive oil, linseed oil, menhaden oil, Crisco, bayberry tallow, cocoa butter or tributyrin to the standard rat food were the combinations fed. 3. From the rat feces collected during the feeding experiments, the following three fractions were separated: Total lipid content, soap fat, lipid content other than soap fat. Iodine numbers were run on each of the fractions. 4. Constipation resulted from feeding the rats mixtures of standard rat food with cocoa butter and with the bayberry tallow, in both ten and twenty per cent levels. 5. More soap was present in the feces following the diets which had produced constipation than in any other cases. 6. The added fats which caused constipation (cocoa butter and bayberry tallow) had lower iodine numbers than the other fats fed. The only exception was tributyrin, which had no effect on elimination and had practically no iodine number. The iodine numbers of the soaps isolated from the feces of the constipated animals were much lower than in any other case. 7. None of the other fats fed produced any effects on intestinal elimination in the rats. Diarrhea could not be produced by feeding fats to rats; no laxative action was noted even when 2 cc. doses of castor oil were given by stomach tube. 8. Diets consisting of twenty per cent tributyrin added to standard rat food were relished by rats, although previous investigators have reported tributyrin as toxic and so distasteful that rats refused to eat concentrations of as low as 5% tributyrin added to a standard rat food.
Phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of olive fruits of the Turkish variety “Sarıulak” from different locations

The phenolic compounds, radical scavenging effect and antioxidant capacity of olive fruits from the “Sariulak” variety were studied from four different locations: Alanya, Ceyhan, Silifke and Karaman in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. They were collected on three different harvest dates (HDs) and in two consecutive crop years. The levels of most of the phenolic compounds in the fruits of the Alanya location were remarkably high among the values (mg/kg) obtained for all location samples mainly on the first HDs, for instance hydroxytyrosol rose to 3596.4, luteolin rose to 269.5, vanillic acid rose to 159.8 and caffeic acid rose to 62.1. The olive fruits from Alanya, which had the highest average rainfall compared to the other locations, showed the highest phenolic content. The olive fruits from Silifke, which had a dramatic decrease in rainfall between the two crop years, showed a reduction in total phenolic content in the following crop year. The highest oleuropein contents (mg/kg) were detected for the fruit samples grown in Silifke (963.5-2981.8) and for Karaman (835.2-655.6). All of the locations showed similar changes in antioxidant activity pointing to an increase with later HDs. The effect of HD on the phenolic compounds such as 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid and hidroxytyrosol, luteolin, chlorogenic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were more dependent on the location factor.
RNA binding characteristics and overall topology of the vaccinia poly(A) polymerase-processivity factor-primer complex

The vaccinia virus-encoded heterodimer responsible for poly(A) tail elongation comprises a polyadenylylation catalytic subunit (VP55) and associated processivity factor (VP39). We show that monomeric VP39's affinity for RNA homopolymers follows the hierarchy poly(I) >poly(U) >>poly(G) >poly(A) >poly(C), that the heterodimer interacts stably with 40-45 nucleotide nucleic acid segments, and that its homopolymer preference for polyadenylylation priming is comparable to the VP39 affinity hierarchy (above). For oligonucleotide ligands possessing the previously-identified (rU)2-(N)25-rU heterodimer-binding motif, the heterodimer's affinity and base-type preference are mediated via both the (rU)2and rU portions, with the greater contribution coming from (rU)2. VP39's R107 sidechain contributes to specificity at the downstream rU. Substitution of each ribouridylate of the motif with either ribothymidine or 4-thiodeoxythymidine indicated that the downstream rU interacts with both heterodimer subunits, whereas the upstream (rU)2interacts only with VP55. A 'crosslinking SELEX' approach indicated VP39-base proximity around position -10 of a 4-thioribouridine/deoxycytidine ligand pool. Upon incubating the heterodimer with a panel of identical-sequence oligonucleotides derivatized with azidophenacyl bromide at various phosphate positions, those derivatized at positions -11 to -21 photocrosslinked to both subunits in a coordinated manner. This region may therefore pass through a 'cleft' or enclosed 'channel' at the subunit interface.
Microbiological studies of a ‘virgin’ salt-fresh water transect at North Point, James Bay, Canada. I: Bacteriological aspects

During the June–August period, 1977, four sets of water and sediment samples were collected for bacteriological analysis, from a salt-fresh water shoreline transect in Northern Canada (51°30′ north latitude). Samples were processed for health indicator bacteria, organic sulfur reducing bacteria, ammonifying bacteria, denitrifying bacteria and ATP. Some chemical parameters were also studied. Based on the water classification scheme proposed by Sorokin & Kadota, the total bacterial population found in the sea sampling stations, would indicate that these waters are very eutrophic. The microbial biomass in these waters leads one to suspect that there may be an underestimation of the potential biodegradation capacity of these waters.
Topologies making a given ideal nowhere dense or meager

Abstract Let X be a set and let I be an ideal on X. In this paper we show how to find a topology τ on X such that τ-nowhere dense (or τ-meager) sets are exactly the sets in I We try to find the “best” possible topology with such property. In Section 1 we discuss the ideals {∅} and P (X). We also show that for every ideal I ≠ P (X) there is a topology T0 making it nowhere dense and that this topology is T1 if ∪ I = X. Section 2 concerns principal ideals P (S) for S ⊂ X. It contains characterization of cardinal pairs (κ, λ) = (|S|, |X⧹S|) for which P (S) can be made nowhere dense or meager by compact Hausdorff, metric, and complete metric topologies. Section 3 deals with the ideals containing all singletons. We prove there that it is consistent with ZFC + CH that for every σ-ideal I on R containing all singletons and such that every element of I is either null or meager, there exists a Hausdorff zero-dimensional topology making I nowhere dense. Section 4 contains the discussion of the above theorem. In particular, it is noticed there that the theorem follows from CH for the ideals with the cofinality ⩽ ω1.
Does pancreas transplant in diabetic patients affect the evolution of necrobiosis lipoidica

Background Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a non-infectious granulomatous skin disorder, with average age of onset is between 30 to 41 years, and female : male ratio of 3 : 1. The strongest systemic disease associated is diabetes mellitus (DM). Many treatment options are used for NL with variable success. To verify if reversal of the diabetic state is related to improvement of NL, we compared the evolution of NL lesions in patients who received a pancreas transplant with those who received a kidney. Methods Retrospective chart review of diabetic patients with NL who underwent transplant. Results A total of fifteen patients were identified and divided into two groups: group I (n = 11) consisted of patients who underwent pancreas only or pancreas plus kidney transplant, group II (n = 4) underwent kidney only transplant. Of the eleven patients in Group I, five had NL lesions at the time of transplant and all achieved resolution of these lesions. One patient experienced recurrence of NL associated with transplant rejection. In group II, one patient who had NL lesions at the time of transplant had persistent lesions after the transplant. Resolution of NL was observed in 45% (five/eleven) of the cases in the pancreas +/− kidney transplant group, whereas the one patient who had active NL and kidney transplant failed to demonstrate improvement of the lesion after the procedure, despite the concomitant use of immunosuppressant therapy. Conclusions Patients experienced improvement of NL within 2–8 weeks following pancreas transplantation. Metabolic changes, improvement of the microcirculation and normalization of blood glucose levels may be playing a role in the resolution of NL.
Projection-based blind deconvolution

We present a new projection-based algorithm for solving the classical blind-deconvolution problem. In our approach all known a priori information about both the unknown source and the blurring functions is expressed through constraint sets. In computer simulations the algorithm performed well even when the prior information was not accurate. To see how well our algorithm compares against others, we compared it with another recently published deconvolution method [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A9, 932 ( 1992)]. The advantages of each method are discussed.
40 Eridani and the gravitational lens effect

Observations covering a period of 20 years show that the large proper motion (4.08 arcsec/yr) of the nearly triple system 40 Eridani-ABC will cause its brightest member, A, to pass within 3 arcsec of a faint background star. The originally hoped-for primary gravitational lens effect will therefore not take place although a minor secondary effect may occur near the time of closest approach on June 1, 1987.
The determination of thorium in cerium matrices by neutron irradiation: Use of the argonne pneumatic facility

A method for the determination of thorium in cerium matrices has been developed. After sample dissolution, thorium is separated from cerium by anion exchange in 10 M nitric acid and elution with dilute ammonium EDTA-nitrate solution. The separated sample, encapsulated in polyethylene, is irradiated in a pneumatic tube and the γ-rays of the Th233 are counted. The standard error of the method is found to be ±7%, with a bias of +4% as determined by the method of standard addition. A maximum sensitivity of 0.01 ppm thorium in cerous chloride and 0.1 ppm in other cerium compounds is indicated. The Argonne pneumatic tube facility (“rabbit laboratory”) at CP-5 is briefly described and the portable hood philosophy is discussed.
Crystal Structures of the DNA-binding Domain Tetramer of the p53 Tumor Suppressor Family Member p73 Bound to Different Full-site Response Elements

How cells choose between developmental pathways remains a fundamental biological question. In the case of the p53 protein family, its three transcription factors (p73, p63, and p53) each trigger a gene expression pattern that leads to specific cellular pathways. At the same time, these transcription factors recognize the same response element (RE) consensus sequences, and their transactivation of target genes overlaps. We aimed to understand target gene selectivity at the molecular level by determining the crystal structures of the p73 DNA-binding domain (DBD) in complex with full-site REs that vary in sequence. We report two structures of the p73 DBD bound as a tetramer to 20-bp full-site REs based on two distinct quarter-sites: GAACA and GAACC. Our study confirms that the DNA-binding residues are conserved within the p53 family, whereas the dimerization and tetramerization interfaces diverge. Moreover, a conserved lysine residue in loop L1 of the DBD senses the presence of guanines in positions 2 and 3 of the quarter-site RE, whereas a conserved arginine in loop 3 adapts to changes in position 5. Sequence variations in the RE elicit a p73 conformational response that might explain target gene specificity.
s-cis, s-trans Isomerism about the Ala-Pro peptide bond in Nα-phospho- and Nα-phosphono-l-alanyl-l-prolines by 31P n.m.r.

Nα-(Phenethylphosphono)-l-alanyl-l-proline 1, a potent inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme, exhibits two 31P n.m.r. resonances (intensity ratio one to one), which exchange with a constant (k1) of about 1 s−1 and a free energy of activation ΔG*=∼ 20kcal/mol at 23° in deuterated dimethylsulfoxide. Two resonances in exchange are also observed in deuterium oxide at pH 7.5. Thus the exchanging 31P resonances report the s-cis, s-trans conformational equilibrium about the alanyl-proline peptide bond. Similar results were observed with Nα-[(O-phenyl)-phenethylphosphono]-l-alanyl-l-proline 2. Nα -(O-phenylphospho)-l-alanyl-l-proline, 3 Nα-(O, O′-diphenylphospho)-l-alanyl-l-proline 4, and Nα-[2-(2-oxo-1, 3, 2-dioxaphosphiranyl)]-l-alanyl-l-proline 5 in deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide, deuterium oxide, and deuterochloroform. A 13C n.m.r. spectrum of 5 confirmed the presence of s-cis and s-trans resonances for the proline carbons in the same intensity ratio observed by 31P n.m.r.
Pathology of the Fetal Membranes

Localized edema with resultant cyst formation is occasionally seen on the fetal surface. Infrequently, such cysts represent amnionic epithelial inclusion cysts. These are simple cysts lined by a single layer of amnionic epithelium and usually contain clear fluid (Fig. 14.1). Rarely, an epidermal inclusion cyst or epidermoid cyst may be seen within the amnion lined by keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium (Fig. 14.2).
Effect of cerebellum radiation dosimetry on cognitive outcomes in children with infratentorial ependymoma.

Purpose Cognitive decline is a recognized effect of radiation therapy (RT) in children treated for brain tumors. The importance of the cerebellum and its contribution to cognition have been recognized; however, the effect of RT on cerebellum-linked neurocognitive deficits has yet to be explored. Methods and Materials Seventy-six children (39 males) at a median 3.3 years of age (range, 1-17 years old) were irradiated for infratentorial ependymoma from 1997 to 2008. The total prescribed dose was 54 to 59.4 Gy administered to the postoperative tumor bed with 5- or 10-mm clinical target volume margin. Age-appropriate cognitive and academic testing was performed prior to the start of RT and was then repeated at 6 months and annually throughout 5 years. The anterior and posterior cerebellum and other normal brain volumes were contoured on postcontrast, T1-weighted postoperative magnetic resonance images registered to treatment planning computed tomography images. Mean doses were calculated and used with time after RT and other clinical covariates to model their effect on neurocognitive test scores. Results Considering only the statistically significant rates in longitudinal changes for test scores and models that included mean dose, there was a correlation between mean infratentorial dose and intelligence quotient (IQ; −0.190 patients/Gy/year; P =.001), math (−0.164 patients/Gy/year; P =.010), reading (−0.137 patients/Gy/year; P =.011), and spelling scores (−0.147 patients/Gy/year; P =.012), where Gy was measured as the difference between the mean dose received by an individual patient and the mean dose received by the patient group. There was a correlation between mean anterior cerebellum dose and IQ scores (−0.116 patients/Gy/year; P =.042) and mean posterior cerebellum dose and IQ (−0.150 patients/Gy/year; P =.002), math (−0.120 patients/Gy/year; P =.023), reading (−0.111 patients/Gy/year; P =.012), and spelling (−0.117 patients/Gy/year; P =.015) scores. Conclusions Sparing portions of the cerebellum should be considered in RT planning for children with infratentorial ependymoma because of the potential impact of radiation dose on cognitive function.
NORMALIZATION AND LEGITIMATION: MODELING STIGMATIZING ATTITUDES TOWARD EX‐OFFENDERS*

Successful community reentry and the criminological impact of incarceration may depend in part on the attitudes (and consequent reactions) that prisoners encounter after release. Theories of social stigma suggest that such attitudes depend, in turn, on the levels of familiarity with the stigmatized group (the normalization thesis) as well as on the credibility and trust they accord to sanctioning agents (the legitimation thesis). To assess these two hypotheses, we present the first multivariate analysis of public attitudes toward ex-offenders. Data from a four-state, random-digit telephone survey of more than 2,000 individuals indicate that, net of controls, personal familiarity with ex-offenders may soften attitudes, whereas confidence in the courts may harden them. As expected, non-Hispanic Whites, conservatives, and southern residents hold more negative views of ex-offenders. Our findings lend indirect support to concerns that incarceration is becoming “normalized”, and we suggest strategies for reducing the stigma of incarceration.
Expression of the β6 Integrin Subunit Is Associated with Sites of Neutrophil Influx in Lung Epithelium

SUMMARY Inhalation of ozone by Rhesus monkeys results in epithelial injury and granulocyte influx in both conducting airways and respiratory bronchioles. We have reported that ozone-induced neutrophil recruitment and subsequent epithelial repair can be inhibited in vivo with a CD18 antibody. The antibody-mediated effect is abrogated by local instillation of C5a (a CD18-independent neutrophil chemoattractant), thereby demonstrating a role for neutrophils in lung epithelial repair processes. As an extension of this study, we examined the effect of ozone and neutrophil influx on epithelial expression of the b 6 integrin, an adhesion molecule associated with proliferation and repair. Expression of b 6 integrin was determined by immunohistochemistry for ozone-exposed monkeys treated with either control immunoglobulins or a CD18 antibody. The tracheal epithelium of ozoneexposed monkeys treated with control immunglobulins expressed the b 6 integrin. In contrast, the tracheal epithelium of ozone-exposed monkeys treated with CD18 antibody exhibited very low to undetectable expression of b 6 integrin. In association with C5a instillation and neutrophil influx, b 6 integrin was also observed in respiratory bronchiolar epithelium from both control and ozone-exposed animals. These findings cumulatively suggest that lung epithelial cell expression of b 6 integrin is associated with sites of neutrophil recruitment. (J Histochem Cytochem 49:41‐47, 2001)
Phase Relationships and Interference

In this chapter we consider the result of light waves traveling the same path from the same source. This consideration will lead in turn to an explanation of the colors of anisotropic material viewed between two polarizing devices (polars) in white light. These colors are known as interference colors.
Capecitabine versus continuous-infusion 5-fluorouracil for colorectal cancer: a retrospective efficacy and safety comparison.

Abstract For more than 40 years, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been considered the most effective systemic agent for managing advanced colorectal cancer. However, continuous-infusion (CI) schedules of 5-FU require central venous access devices, which are associated with catheter complications and are an inconvenience to patients. The novel oral fluoropyrimidine capecitabine appears to offer comparable efficacy while providing a more convenient schedule that is often preferred by patients. Published phase II/III clinical studies of capecitabinebased regimens for colorectal cancer were compared with key studies of CI 5-FU–based regimens to assess safety, efficacy, quality of life, and pharmacoeconomics. Studies were identified via Medline searches and conference abstracts dating back to 1997. Qualitative analyses show that capecitabine as a single agent as well as in combination regimens is an effective first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer, providing a higher response rate compared with standard 5-FU/leucovorin. Costs associated with capecitabine also appear to be lower than those associated with catheter-based therapies. Capecitabine offers physicians a more convenient treatment for advanced colorectal cancer, with manageable toxicity and antitumor activity comparable to that of CI therapies.
Real time emulations: foundation and applications

The mesoscopic properties of the state-of-the-art nanoscale devices and the emerging petascale computing and storage systems have one thing in common: they function at scales that are orders of magnitude larger than what can be simulated in standard industry and academic laboratory settings. For many decades, CAD and verification communities have successfully developed and used emulations to overcome and complement the shortcomings of simulations for logic verification. Physical prototyping and 2D/3D silicon emulation of the increasingly complex systems holds a significant promise to overcome the limitations of computer modeling and simulations. While the potential opportunities are plenty, much research is required for prototyping and building effective, relevant and indicative emulation platforms.
Iterative reverse optimization procedure for calibration of aspheric wave-front measurements on a nonnull interferometer

The accuracy of interferometric measurements made with a nonnull configuration is degraded by test-dependent aberrations. Calibration of the data can be done with reverse optimization methods. An iterative reverse optimization process that improves efficiency and eliminates sensitive merit function weighting issues is described. The process is shown to calibrate a nonnull interferometric measurement of a wave front with more than 200 waves of departure to an accuracy of 0.16 waves peak to valley and 0.02 waves rms.
Pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal cefepime in automated peritoneal dialysis.

ObjectiveThis study determined the pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal (IP) cefepime in automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) patients.Design and MethodsA prospective pharmacokinetic study was perfor...
Recruitment of Older Adults: Success May Be in the Details

Purpose Describe recruitment strategies used in a randomized clinical trial of a behavioral prospective memory intervention to improve medication adherence for older adults taking antihypertensive medication. Results Recruitment strategies represent 4 themes: accessing an appropriate population, communication and trust-building, providing comfort and security, and expressing gratitude. Recruitment activities resulted in 276 participants with a mean age of 76.32 years, and study enrollment included 207 women, 69 men, and 54 persons representing ethnic minorities. Recruitment success was linked to cultivating relationships with community-based organizations, face-to-face contact with potential study participants, and providing service (e.g., blood pressure checks) as an access point to eligible participants. Seventy-two percent of potential participants who completed a follow-up call and met eligibility criteria were enrolled in the study. The attrition rate was 14.34%. Implications The projected increase in the number of older adults intensifies the need to study interventions that improve health outcomes. The challenge is to recruit sufficient numbers of participants who are also representative of older adults to test these interventions. Failing to recruit a sufficient and representative sample can compromise statistical power and the generalizability of study findings.
A Study of Factors Influencing the Growth of Nonprofits in Social Services

This exploratory study identifies and assesses the significance of factors that contribute to the growth of the nonprofit sector in the field of social services across 285 major metropolitan areas in the United States. Measures derived from social cohesion, demand heterogeneity, market failure, resource dependence, and philanthropic culture theories are introduced to correlation and multiple regression analyses. All but the philanthropic culture measures are positively associated with the growth of the nonprofit sector in social services. Particularly noteworthy are the positive influences that religious cohesion and interdenominational diversity have on numbers of nonprofit social service providers—a finding that reaffirms the historical linkage between religion and voluntary associations. Summary U.S. economic and sociodemographic census data, as well as data from a unique religious census, are analyzed. If a unifying theory of the nonprofit sector is attainable, studies such as this should contribute to laying the empirical building blocks for such a theory.
Bubble size prediction for rigid and flexible spargers

There exists a narrow operating window in bubble columns where the motion is so gentle that the normally dominating forces of coalescence and breakup no longer define the bubble size, hence formation dynamics must control. Elementary force balances are presented to predict bubble size, which compares favorably with experimental data and is shown to be applicable to both rigid and flexible spargers. The main focus is on the prediction and performance of a small-holed flexisparger, for which it is proved that the gas momentum term is highly significant. Also, it is shown that the intermediate drag law is more appropriate than Stokes for forming bubbles.
Gaussian Plume Model Parameters for Ground-Level and Elevated Sources Derived from the Atmospheric Diffusion Equation in a Neutral Case.

Abstract The ground-level concentration profiles, derived from the analytical solution of the atmospheric diffusion equation for a line source and for the wind speed and vertical dispersion coefficient expressed by Schmidt's conjugate power laws, can be exactly reproduced by the Gaussian plume model if, for an elevated source, both σz and u are functions of downwind distance, stability and source elevation, while for ground-level emission u is constant. On the basis of the above considerations, the applicability of the Gaussian model to the neutral case, in which the vertical dispersion coefficient is represented by an exponential law, is investigated. Since only numerical solutions to atmospheric diffusion equation can be derived in this case, σz and u are determined by minimizing the difference between the numerical ground-level profile and the one given by the Gaussian model. The reported results prove that Gaussian model can approximate very accurately the ground-level concentration profile solution t...
Online multi-task learning via sparse dictionary optimization

This paper develops an efficient online algorithm for learning multiple consecutive tasks based on the K-SVD algorithm for sparse dictionary optimization. We first derive a batch multi-task learning method that builds upon K-SVD, and then extend the batch algorithm to train models online in a lifelong learning setting. The resulting method has lower computational complexity than other current lifelong learning algorithms while maintaining nearly identical model performance. Additionally, the proposed method offers an alternate formulation for lifelong learning that supports both task and feature similarity matrices.
Increased expression of antimicrobial peptides in the cervix during Trichomonas vaginalis infection (MUC2P.923)

The lower genital tract is a unique mucosal environment and further studies are needed to define the types of immune responses that occur during genital infections. We investigated the expression of antimicrobial proteins/peptides (AMP) and cytokines produced in response to Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection. A cohort of women (30 TV+, 30 TV-) aged 18-45 that was at high risk of acquiring HIV was studied. mRNA was isolated from cervical cytobrush samples, reverse transcribed, and real time PCR used to determine AMP and cytokine expression. Cytokines were measured by ELISA in cervical vaginal lavage (CVL). TV+ samples had significantly higher mRNA levels of S100A7, S100A8, S100A9 and Muc1 than TV- samples. In contrast, lactoferrin was lower in the TV+ group. For defensins (HBDs), mRNA for HBD4 was significantly higher in TV+ samples, while HBD103 was lower in TV+ samples, but there was no difference in HBD1. Cathelicidin was not different between TV+ and TV- samples. mRNA for RegIIIγ was detected in only four samples. Although a role in inducing expression of AMPs has been shown for IL-22 and IL-17A, these two cytokines, as well as IFNγ, were not different in TV+ and TV- groups. However, IL-17 protein, but not IL-22 was higher in TV+ CVL samples (p < 0.05). Our data identify AMPs that have altered expression in the cervix during TV infection suggesting that these AMPs might have an important role in immunity against TV infection.
Ambiguous POMDPs: Structural Results and Applications

Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) and their generalization, Partially Observable MDPs (POMDPs), have been widely studied and used as invaluable tools in dynamic stochastic decision-making. However, two major barriers have limited their application for problems arising in various practical settings: (a) computational challenges for problems with large state or action spaces, and (b) ambiguity in transition probabilities, which are typically hard to quantify. While several solutions for the first challenge, known as "curse of dimensionality," have been proposed, the second challenge remains unsolved and even untouched in the case of POMDPs. We refer to the second challenge as the "curse of ambiguity," and address it by developing a generalization of POMDPs termed Ambiguous POMDPs (APOMDPs). The proposed generalization not only allows the decision maker to take into account imperfect state information, but also tackles the inevitable ambiguity with respect to the correct probabilistic model. Importantly, this paper extends various structural results from POMDPs to APOMDPs. Such structural results can guide the decision maker to make robust decisions when facing model ambiguity. Robustness is achieved by using α-maximin expected utility (α -MEU), which (a) differentiates between ambiguity and ambiguity attitude, (b) avoids the over conservativeness of traditional maximin approaches widely used in robust optimization, and (c) is found to be suitable in laboratory experiments in various choice behaviors including those in portfolio selection. The structural results provided also help to handle the "curse of dimensionality," since they significantly simplify the search for an optimal policy. Furthermore, we provide an analytical performance guarantee for the APOMDP approach by developing a bound for its maximum reward loss due to model ambiguity. To generate further insights into how APOMDPs can help to make better decisions, we also discuss specific applications of APOMDPs including machine replacement, medical decision-making, inventory control, revenue management, optimal search, sequential design of experiments, bandit problems, and dynamic principal-agent models.
Parameter estimation in linear functional relationships

We present the application of a weighted least-squares technique to extract parameter estimates in linear models when all variables are subject to error and the goal of the investigation is the value of the parameters themselves. We assume that the relative variances of the variables are known and that the errors between variables are independent. The method of parameter estimation for linear functional relationships is presented, and we describe its differences from linear regression. We discuss how to obtain confidence intervals for the parameter estimates with an emphasis on computer Monte Carlo simulations. An explicit example related to measurements of lung volume changes is presented. An eigenvalue analysis of the data pertaining to the number of independent variables and a physical interpretation of the data space are also discussed.
Pure Motor Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: Relationship to Multifocal Motor Neuropathy with Conduction Block (P06.137)

Objective: To report two cases of pure motor chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), response to therapy, and possible relationship to multifocal motor neuropathy with conduction block (MMN). Background Motor CIDP is a rare variant of classic CIDP that is not well understood in regard to both its pathogenesis and appropriate treatment. The few studies that have been published suggest that unlike classic CIDP, motor CIDP does not respond well to corticosteroids. Design/Methods: Two motor CIDP patients are presented, one of whom has high titers to anti-GM1 antibodies. Results: Patient 1 is a 48 year old woman with a history of CIDP who developed worsening of her strength and diffuse wasting and fasciculations concerning for motor neuron disease. She was found to have an elevated titer of anti-GM1 antibodies of 1:102,400 and a pure motor demyelinating neuropathy with secondary axonal degeneration by electrodiagnosis. The patient failed to respond to weekly IVIG therapy and then worsened with corticosteroids, becoming bed-bound and requiring non-invasive ventilation. Despite weekly rituximab infusions, she continued to declined and was started on monthly plasma exchange and intravenous cyclophosphamide. She can now walk and her anti-GM1 antibody titer has fallen to 1:12,800. Patient 2 is a 56 year old man who presented with a three month history of fasciculations, progressive wasting, and diffuse weakness requiring a wheelchair after failing to respond to single courses of both IVIG and plasma exchange. His electrodiagnostic testing revealed findings similar to the first patient. He was restarted on weekly IVIG and, after 12 courses, finally recovered his ability to walk. Conclusions: Motor CIDP may be more resistant to treatment than classic CIDP. High titers of anti-GM1 antibodies and paradoxical worsening with corticosteroids in some patients could also support a distinct pathogenesis more similar to MMN. Abundant fasciculations seen in this disorder may mistakenly suggest motor neuron disease. Disclosure: Dr. Thyerlei has nothing to disclose. Dr. Weiss has received personal compensation for activities with Walgreens, CSL Behring and Talecris Biotherapeutics as a consultant and/or speaker.
Sensation Seeking and Cognitive Complexity

Data of 80 undergraduate women showed that high sensation seekers were higher in cognitive complexity than low sensation seekers. In addition to seeking more stimulating situations and activities, high sensation seekers may also develop cognitive means to increase the stimulating value of available social information.
Investigating Reaction Conditions To Control the Self-Assembly of Cobalt-Seamed Nanocapsules

The synthesis and X-ray crystallographic structure of the first cobalt-seamed hexameric nanocapsule, [Co24(C-pentylpyrogallol[4]arene)6], is presented. The overall metal–ligand arrangement of this novel capsule is similar to that of previously reported copper- and nickel-seamed hexameric nanocapsules. However, the title nanocapsule encloses a larger void space than those found in previous hexameric nanocapsules.
[Dynamic maternal measles antibody level in infants: a longitudinal study].

Objective To understand the dynamic maternal measles antibody level in infants in Guangzhou. Method Women who delivered babies in a maternal and child health care hospital in Guangzhou and their infants who were never affected by measles were included in our study. All the serum samples collected from mothers and infants were tested by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)for the quantitative measurement of measles IgG antibodies. A longitudinal sero-epidemiological study was conducted to investigate the duration of the presence of measles maternal antibodies in infants based on the measurement at different time points(0, 3, 5, 7 month). Result A total of 689 mothers and their 691 infants(two pairs of twins)were included in the study. The concentration and the sero-positivity rate of measles antibody in mothers was 513.8 mIU/ml and 81.6% respectively. The concentration and the sero-positivity rate of measles antibody in infants was 732.8 mIU/ml and 87.3%, respectively. The measles antibody levels of newborns were positively associated with those of mothers(r=0.917 5, P<0.001), which declined rapidly at 3 months after birth and mostly turned to be negative at 7 months after birth. Measles antibody turned be negative at 3 months after birth in low, middle level groups, but remained to be positive in high level group at 5 months after birth. Conclusion The maternal measles antibody could rarely protect infants at age of 8 months even though mother had been vaccinated or acquired natural immunity. It is suggested to adjust the time of the first dose measles vaccination in infants and increase the measles antibody level of child bearing aged women to reduce the incidence of measles in infants. Key words: Measles; Maternal antibody; Infant
Chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer: A neuroimaging clinicopathologic correlation

This 52-year-old male without a significant medical history was receiving chemotherapy with diethylnorspermine (DENSPM), a polyamine analogue, for a partially resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Ten months after his initial diagnosis, he was admitted to an outside hospital for evaluation of altered mental status. Over the course of the next few days the patient developed progressive neurologic signs and symptoms including lethargy, tonic deviation of his eyes to the left, asymmetic pupils, and right-sided decerebrate posturing elicited by painful stimuli. Neuroimaging studies revealed multiple lesions scattered in the periventricular white matter, thalamus, midbrain pons, and cerebellar peduncles. The clinical and neuroimaging differential diagnoses are discussed, and postmortem neuropathologic correlation is presented.
Flavonoids and Cardiovascular Health

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of flavonoids in cardiovascular health and its potential health promoting properties. Flavonoids are mentioned to be naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds and are the most prevalent class of phytochemicals in fruit, vegetables and plant-derived beverages. A brief account of the molecular structure and classification of flavonoids is given with emphasis on tea flavonoids. Studies have indicated the protective effects of flavonoids in cardiovascular diseases and these chemicals possess the bioactivity to positively affect against cardiovascular risk factors such as lipoprotein oxidation, dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction. Flavonoids have strong antioxidant properties and so can reduce oxidative stress related to cardiovascular disease. The cardioprotective role of tea is reported to be due to antioxidant effect of the flavonoids, which act as scavengers for free radicals. The activation and aggregation of blood platelets is mentioned to be involved in pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and dietary flavonoids are reported to inhibit the platelets. The protective effect of flavonoids, particularly tea flavonoids is discussed and the effectiveness for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.
Fault-tolerant distributed logistic regression using unreliable components

We consider the problem of computing distributed logistic regression using unreliable components. We consider both faults in the memory units and faults in the processing units. We show that using a real-number-coding technique, we can suppress errors during the computation and ensure that logistic regression converges with bounded error if the number of faults that happen during each iteration of the logistic regression is bounded, even when the faults happen in an adversarial manner. Moreover, since the coding technique is based on computation with real numbers, we show that the error-correction can be carried out at the algorithmic level (or block-level) based on the results from intermediate steps of logistic regression. Therefore, we only need to add redundant hardware at block-level, not the circuit level, for achieving fault-tolerance in the computation of logistic regression.
The Impact of the Judicial Role Orientation

This chapter begins, in Sect. 5.1, by discussing the link between the judicial role orientation and judicial behavior. An empirical investigation of the effect judicial role orientation has on judicial decision-making is devised in Sect. 5.2, the results of which are discussed in Sect. 5.3.
Mapping breast cancer blood flow index, composition, and metabolism in a human subject using combined diffuse optical spectroscopic imaging and diffuse correlation spectroscopy

Diffuse optical spectroscopic imaging (DOSI) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) are model-based near-infrared (NIR) methods that measure tissue optical properties (broadband absorption, ? a , and reduced scattering, ? s ? ) and blood flow (blood flow index, BFI), respectively. DOSI-derived ? a values are used to determine composition by calculating the tissue concentration of oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin ( HbO 2 , HbR), water, and lipid. We developed and evaluated a combined, coregistered DOSI/DCS handheld probe for mapping and imaging these parameters. We show that uncertainties of 0.3 ?? mm ? 1 (37%) in ? s ? and 0.003 ?? mm ? 1 (33%) in ? a lead to ? 53 % and 9% errors in BFI, respectively. DOSI/DCS imaging of a solid tissue-simulating flow phantom and
Human CYP2A13 and CYP2F1 Mediate Naphthalene Toxicity in the Lung and Nasal Mucosa of CYP2A13/2F1-Humanized Mice.

Background: The potential carcinogenicity of naphthalene (NA), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, in human respiratory tract is a subject of intense debate. Chief among the uncertainties in risk...
Power-Division Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) in Flexible Optical Access With Synchronized Downlink/Asynchronous Uplink

The data traffic in optical access networks increases dramatically, driven by wired and wireless services. Limited by the available bandwidth with low-cost optical and electrical devices, modulations and multiple access schemes with higher spectral efficiency are desirable. The current time-division multiplexing and wavelength-division multiplexing cannot fulfill the requirement due to the low spectral efficiency and high cost. The multistack flexible optical access network shows its benefit by low cost, reduced fiber deployment, increased flexibility, and ultra-high network extension capability. With varying path losses to different users, the network performance is significantly limited by users with high path losses generated by more couplers or long fibers. These users cannot have good service qualities using the existing multiple access schemes. We propose to use the power-division non-orthogonal multiple access with synchronized downlink and asynchronous uplink. The performance and reliability are significantly improved for high path loss users, by optimizing all users as a group and adjusting the power ratio adaptively. In the uplink, the asynchronous transmission enables low latency and simple DSP in optical network units. The simulation shows a significantly better performance. And the proposed scheme is experimentally demonstrated by our testbed with 2.5-dB increased power margin in synchronized downlink and one-order-of-magnitude BER floor reduction in asynchronous uplink.
Imagination in Politics: Freedom or Domination?

Mihaela Czobor-Lupp’s motivation for examining the theme of imagination in politics comes from her belief that “while liberalism sees, to some extent, imagination as an important public power, it f...
Auger effect limited performance in tunnel field effect transistors

Tunnel field-effect-transistors (TFETs) are promising candidates for next generation transistors for low power applications, as the TFETs promise low subthreshold swing (SS). Different from traditional MOSFET, the TFETs rely on energy-efficient switching of band-to-band tunneling (BTBT), therefore the SS in TFETs is not limited by the 60 mV/decade Boltzmann limit. This reduction in energy consumption makes TFETs suitable candidates to replace standard MOSFETs in low power applications. However, most experimentally demonstrated TFETs suffer from low on current[1], and the theoretical low SS is compromised by impurities and Auger generation. To understand the underlying physics and predict the device characteristics of TFETs, sophisticated numerical simulations can be used. On the other hand, physics based compact models are also required to provide fast predictions for existing and new device concepts. Furthermore, a physics based compact model is more efficient to model the effects like Auger generation which could be time-consuming for numerical calculations. In this work, we introduce a physics based compact model for homojunction TFETs with Auger generation effect considered. This compact model is based on the modified Simmons' equation at finite temperature[2]. With our compact model, the possible impact of Auger generation effect to off-current and SS is explored.