cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective Catalytic Reduction of Oxides of Nitrogen with Ethanol/Gasoline Blends over a Silver/Alumina Catalyst in Lean Gasoline Engine Exhaust

Ethanol is a very effective reductant of nitrogen oxides (NOX) over silver/alumina (Ag/Al2O3) catalysts in lean exhaust environment. With the widespread availability of ethanol/gasoline-blended fuel in the USA, lean gasoline engines equipped with an Ag/Al2O3 catalyst have the potential to deliver higher fuel economy than stoichiometric gasoline engines and to increase biofuel utilization while meeting exhaust emissions regulations. In this work a pre-commercial 2 wt% Ag/Al2O3 catalyst was evaluated on a 2.0-liter BMW lean burn gasoline direct injection engine for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOX with ethanol/gasoline blends. The ethanol/gasoline blends were delivered via in-pipe injection upstream of the Ag/Al2O3 catalyst with the engine operating under lean conditions. A number of engine conditions were chosen to provide a range of temperatures and space velocities for the catalyst performance evaluations. High NOX conversions were achieved with ethanol/gasoline blends containing at least 50% ethanol; however, higher C1/N ratio was needed to achieve greater than 90% NOX conversion, which also resulted in significant HC slip. Temperature and HC dosing were important in controlling selectivity to NH3 and N2O. At high temperatures, NH3 and N2O yields increased with increased HC dosing. At low temperatures, NH3 yield was very low, however, N2O levelsmore » became significant. The ability to generate NH3 under lean conditions has potential for application of a dual SCR approach (HC SCR + NH3 SCR) to reduce fuel consumption needed for NOX reduction and/or increased NOX conversion, which is discussed in this work.« less
Error-Resilient Low-Power Viterbi Decoder Architectures

Three low-power Viterbi decoder (VD) architectures are presented in this paper. In the first, limited decision errors are introduced in the add-compare-select units (ACSUs) of a VD to reduce their critical path delays so that they can be operated at lower supply voltages without incurring timing errors. Power savings in this design can reach 58% and 44% with a 0.15 dB coding loss under reduced voltage operation and process variations, respectively, with adaptive supply voltage and adaptive body biasing applied to avoid timing errors. In the other two designs, we permit data-dependent timing errors to occur whenever a critical path in the ACSU is excited. Algorithmic noise-tolerance (ANT) is then applied to correct for these errors. Power reduction in these schemes is achieved by either overscaling the supply voltage [voltage overscaling (VOS)] or designing at the nominal process corner and supply voltage (average-case design). Two techniques are proposed to develop efficient estimators for error-correction and achieving increased robustness to timing based errors. The first is based on reduced-precision redundancy and the second on state clustering. The first can achieve up to 40% and 25% power savings under VOS and process variations with loss in coding gain of 1.1 and 1.2 dB, respectively, in a 130-nm CMOS process. The second can achieve up to 71% and 62% power savings under VOS and process variations, respectively, at a loss in coding gain of 0.8 and 0.6 dB, respectively. Under process variations, the designs achieve 16-33X improvement in bit error-rate (BER) performance at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 2 dB.
President's Annual State Of The Academy Report.

As I consider items to be included in this President's Annual State of the Academy Report, it seems obvious to me that the year 2006 was a good year, in a string of good years, for the American Aca...
Characterization of Low-Antenna Ultrawideband Propagation in a Forest Environment

Impulse ultrawideband (UWB) communication promises a number of benefits for use in wireless sensor networks, particularly in forest environments, where it has the potential to provide robust operation, along with the ability to combine communications with precision position location. In this paper, we present measurement results and empirical models for UWB signal propagation in a forest environment. Path-loss measurements were performed using a 620-ps duration UWB pulse with a frequency range of 830-4200 MHz. More than 22 000 measurements were recorded in 165 locations in four diverse forest environments in Virginia and Maryland, USA. Transmitters and receivers were separated by distances that range from 4 m to 50 m. Large-scale path loss was most closely modeled by log-distance propagation, with path-loss exponents ranging from 2.5 to 3.8. Small-scale fading analysis indicated that UWB signals experience Rician fading, with K-factors in the range of 10-16 dB. K-factors were found to depend on forest type, with the medium-density forest providing the greatest number of multipath components and highest overall K-factor. Multipath component analysis demonstrated that a forest is a fairly rich multipath environment; however, in most cases, approximately 90% of the available energy was contained within the strongest 3-15 multipath components. Postprocessing analysis divided the UWB pulse into three frequency subbands and demonstrated that model parameters also had frequency dependence. These measurements and models should aid in the development of future UWB outdoor sensor networks.
The Buckling of a Delaminated Sublaminate on an Elastic Foundation

A one-dimensional model of a delamination in a laminated structure is considered in order to evaluate the effective edge fixity coefficient and the load at which the delaminated sublaminate buckles. A Rayleigh-Ritz energy method is applied to the model and the ef fective boundary fixity coefficient, c' , and the relative delamination tip deflection, wd/wc, are determined. Appreciable reductions in the buckling load, as compared to classical clamped boundary conditions, and nonzero deflections at the delamination front are pre dicted. The model also provides a rule of thumb as to the area around a delaminated sub laminate which must be modeled as an elastic foundation in order to properly predict the buckling behavior of the sublaminate.
Precise interprocedural dataflow analysis with applications to constant propagation

This paper concerns interprocedural dataflow-analysis problems in which the dataflow information at a program point is represented by an environment (i.e., a mapping from symbols to values), and the effect of a program operation is represented by a distributive environment transformer. We present an efficient dynamic-programming algorithm that produces precise solutions.
A rational source of plane fractals and its application to fragmentation analysis of thin plates

Abstract It is demonstrated in this paper that the Euler equation which corresponds to the subdivision of a torus into a polyhedron is a rational source of plane fractals. The vertex orders and polygon edges within a plane fractal are an invariant of the fractal. The process of forming a fractal is intimately related to the topological and infinitely divisible properties of the solutions for the Euler equation. Based on this equation it is shown that only four linear plane fractals are available and the boundary of a plane fractal is a fractal curve, such as the Koch curve. Certain relations between a plane fractal and a fractal formed by the Julia set are also discussed with the aid of a new plane fractal pattern given in this work. As an application of the present analysis, brittle fragmentation of a thin plate is considered. Present results provide a new expression for estimating the average size of a fragment based on an energy balance principle and an idea about quasi-identical plane fractals. Present theoretical analysis is in agreement with experimental results and previous investigations.
Incarcerated women in life context

Abstract The proportion of female inmates in the United States has steadily increased over the last several decades. Incarceration exposes these women to various health risks. Poor ventilation and a closed environment facilitate transmission of communicable diseases, and the rapid turnover of the population compromises continuity of care. Difficult life circumstances—poor socioeconomic conditions and limited access to health care—make these women vulnerable even before incarceration. Significant numbers of female inmates are substance abusers and infected by HIV. In fact, a majority of female inmates are charged with drug-related activities; often, they engage in exchanging sex as a means to meet their financial needs or to pay drug money. Further, many of them have been physically and/or sexually abused. Issues of incarcerated women need to be viewed within a broader community context because substance abuse, HIV infection, violence issues, and disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions are all intertwined. Therefore, collaboration among correctional and community health care providers and other social services is critical to improve female inmates' health and life conditions.
Hormonal and nutritional factors influencing glycogen deposition in primary cultures of rat liver parenchymal cells

The effect of the glucocorticoids, insulin, and glucose concentration on glycogen deposition in adult rat liver parenchymal cells maintained in a chemically defined, serum-free medium has been studied. Increasing the medium concentration of glucose from 5.6 mM to 30.6 mM in the absence of hormones increased cellular glycogen content from 6.5 to 51 micrograms of glycogen per mg of cell protein. Treatment of the cells with insulin increased the glycogen content by 15 to 30% at medium glucose concentrations above 10.6 mM. The addition if the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, to the culture medium resulted in 40 to 105% increased in glycogen content at glucose concentrations greater than 5.6 mM. The addition of dexamethasone and insulin together in the culture medium resulted in an increase in glycogen content that was greater than the additive effect of each hormone alone. This study establishes that glucose concentrations above 10.6 mM stimulate glycogen deposition in the absence of any hormonal stimulus. In addition, glucocorticoids directly stimulate glycogen deposition at glucose concentrations which are greater than physiological (5.6 mM).
The Correlation Between Political and Ecclesial Ideologies of Catholic Priests: A Research Note

One of the purposes of this study is to test two hypotheses about the relationship between the age of Catholic priests and their political and ecclesial attitudes. The first hypothesis states that younger Catholic priests are more politically conservative (extra-Church) than their older counterparts. The second hypothesis posits that these same generational differences hold true for Church-based (intro-Church) ideology. Findings from an original questionnaire completed by two hundred and fifty-two priests in Southern California support both hypotheses. It was established that younger priests are more conservative-froth politically and within the Church-and there is a high level of correlation between political ideology and ecclesial ideology for priests of all age groups.
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia in Situs Inversus Totalis

A 41-year-old male with situs inversus totalis had paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. On electrophysiology study, the mechanism of the tachycardia was determined as slow/fast atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia and slow pathway was successfully performed under fluoroscopic guidance.
Melting Behavior in Granular Metal Thin Films

Granular metal films consisting of small Sn, Bi, and Pb particles, typically from less than 100 A to several 1000 A in size and embedded in a SiO2 matrix, have been fabricated over a range of metal compositions by RF sputter deposition. Two different film geometries have been prepared, homogeneous films and multilayer films consisting of alternating layers of granular metal and SiO2. These films have been characterized by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy and their melting behavior studied by differential scanning calorimetry. As the concentration of the metal component is decreased, the average particle size decreases and the particle size distribution becomes more narrow. When the solid-liquid transition is studied, the melting temperature has been found to be increasingly depressed as the particle size is reduced. In the smallest particles the relative reduction in the melting temperature is greater than 10 percent. No strong evidence for melting point enhancements, due to pressureeffects arising from the different thermal expansions of the metal particles and the SiO2 matrix, has been observed in either the homogeneous or multilayer films.
Microhabitat Distribution of the Hermit Crabs Calcinus haigae and Calcinus hazletti (Decapoda: Anomura: Diogenidae)

Two sympatric species of hermit crabs, Calcinus haigae and Calcinus hazletti, appear to have different microhabitat distributions in the subtidal. Several biotic factors may be influencing this microhabitat difference. We documented the field distributions of these two species as a function of coral species and investigated whether aggregation behavior, avoidance behavior, and/or shell exchanges are influencing the distribution patterns. Individuals of C. hazletti occurred predominantly on the cauliflower coral Pocillipora meandrina. In addition, individuals of C. hazletti aggregated toward conspecifics in the laboratory. Individuals of C. haigae avoided individuals of C. hazletti in the field unless the C. haigae were in damaged shells. Individuals of C. haigae did not initiate interspecific shell exchange attempts in the laboratory, but individuals of C. hazletti did initiate interspecific shell exchanges. Thus, both intraspecific and interspecific interactions affect the distributions of these crabs.
In vitro study of carious lesions around dental restorations.

Twenty-three teeth were filled with silver and copper amalgam restorations. Carious lesions were detected around 9 out of 23 silver amalgam restorations, whereas carious lesions were found around 18 out of 23 copper amalgam restorations. This difjerence was statistically significant.
STM studies of Si(100)-2×1 oxidation: defect chemistry and Si ejection

Abstract The initial stages of oxidation of the Si(100)-2×1 surface have been studied using STM and STS. In contrast to the Si(111)-7×7 surface, which has a metallic density of states (DOS), the dangling bonds of the Si dimers on the 2×1 surface are paired, leading to the formation of a surface gap and a vanishing DOS near EF. We observe a reduced reactivity of Si dimers towards O2 compared to that of Si adatoms on Si(111)-7x7, consistent with the reduced DOS near EF. Defects on the Si(100)-2×1 surface which have a metallic DOS dominate the reactivity towards O2 in the early stages of the reaction. Among the new sites generated by the exposure to O2 are 1.4 A high bumps on top of the surface. Upon annealing of the O2-exposed surface or upon O2 exposure at an elevated temperature these bumps form elongated islands. Evidence is presented suggesting that the bumps and islands likely are due to silicon ejected to the surface by the oxidation reaction. Possible mechanisms and implications are discussed.
Optimal switching in coplanar orbit transfer

The set of all controls that satisfy the Weierstrass necessary condition for optimality in the problem of time-open, coplanar orbit transfer via impulses is presented, along with the switching relations that must be satisfied at a corner in an optimal trajectory. This includes detailed data for eccentricities near unity. This study takes advantage of recently discovered closed-form solutions for the switching surfaces of this problem.
Automated Optoelectronic Test System For Characterization Of FDDI Physical Media Dependent Components

An automated test system was developed to test and characterize high-speed, fiber-optic transmit/receive (T/R) modules in a high-volume production environment. This tester is designed to test the Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Physical Media Dependent (PMD) specifications and various other parameters to 200 MBd and higher. At this time, the PMD specifications are still evolving and various test methods are being employed to test the same parameters. The results from these test methods may yield components giving sub-par system performance. In order to guarantee the interoperability of these modules from various suppliers, consistency in test methodology must be established. This consistency will aid in the acceptance and success of the FDDI standard.
Defined Criteria of Performance in Organizational Control.

This paper reports a laboratory experiment in which a business game was played by groups of volunteer participants. The game was subject to two treatments, one altering the degree of interdependence between game participants, the other altering how it was played. The game was designed to simulate a decision-making organization, consisting of subunits with minimal or extensive interdependence, with or without defined criteria to achieve organizational control. The hypothesis that the approach to organizational control was dependent upon the degree of subunit interdependence was supported. More specifically, defined criteria were found to be appropriate only when there was minimal interdependence but inappropriate when there was extensive interdependence. Further, the evidence suggested that the viewpoints and orientations of the participants were consistent with those required by the state of organizational interdependence.
What Human Life Amendments Mean and Don't Mean

Bertha Alvarez Manninen describes a number of efforts to pass state human life amendments (HLAs) and argues that they work against the legality of abortion, as provided for by Roe v. Wade. She note...
Specification of Neuronal Connectivity: ETS Marks the Spot

The experiments described in the study by Lin et al., together with classic cell biological experiments, suggest a model in which a signal from the peripheral target induces the expression of particular ETS proteins in individual motor pools and subsets of sensory neurons. Once ETS protein expression has been induced, the sensory neurons extend their central axons ventrally and make specific connections with motor neurons in appropriate motor pools. Lin et al. suggest that homophilic cell surface interactions might provide for a selective matching of sensory axons and motor neurons that are part of the same circuit. Further, they note that there is emerging evidence implicating ETS proteins in controlling expression of cadherin genes and that at least one member of this family of homophilic cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) is expressed in a motor pool–specific pattern. It will be of interest to explore the possibility that ETS-regulated expression of a CAM by both sensory and motor axons might result in matched central connections.While such a model is attractive in its simplicity, several important issues are not yet resolved. Most importantly, there is as yet no evidence that ETS proteins are required for the formation of specific connections between central sensory axons and target motor neurons. It is also not known whether peripheral manipulations that alter the connectivity of sensory neurons lead to a respecification of ETS protein expression in those neurons. Still, the evidence from the study of Lin et al. strongly suggests that ETS proteins play a deterministic role in the specification of spinal circuits, and if central aspects of the model receive experimental verification, we will have gained important insight into the processes by which circuits in the developing nervous system may be specified.
Widowhood in old age: Viewed in a family context

Researchers and clinicians have traditionally explored widowhood as an intrapersonal process. We expand the paradigm of bereavement research to explore the widow's perceptions of her experience within a family context. In a study of family bereavement, 24 widows each participated in 2 separate qualitative interviews, followed by standard qualitative analyses of the transcribed narratives. Three inter-related central topics emerged. (1) Widows stress the importance of their independence vis a vis their family as central to their sense of identity. (2) Widows perceive that they and their adult children avoid expressing their feelings of sadness and loss with each other. (3) Widows believe that their children are unable to understand the meaning of the widows' loss because of differences in generations and life situations. Two inter-woven underlying themes emerged: protection of self and of other, and boundaries between widow and children. Just as protection is rooted in a dynamic of separation between widow and child, boundaries are rooted in their deep bond. When researchers and clinicians recognize the dynamics of these two themes they can potentially increase understanding of widowhood within the context of the family.
Cytoplasmic malate levels in maize root tips during K+ ion uptake determined by 13C-NMR spectroscopy.

Abstract 13 C-NMR spectroscopy was used to determine the level of cytoplasmic malate in maize root tips that exhibited different rates of malate synthesis. Intracellular malate was 13 C-labeled at carbons 1 and 4 by perfusing root tips with 5 mM H 13 CO 3 − . This labeling reflects the activities of phospho enol pyruvate carboxylase and malate dehydrogenase (production of [4- 13 C]malate), and fumarase (scrambling of 13 C-label between C1 and C4 of malate). In vivo 13 C-NMR spectra contained a clearly resolved resonance from cytoplasmic [4- 13 C]malate, while the resonance from cytoplasmic [1- 13 C]malate overlapped with others. After 90 min of H 13 CO 3 − treatment, 13 C-labeling of organic acid pools and reached steady-state. Thereafter, the ratios [ 13 C ] malate /[ 12 C + 13 C ] malate and [1- 13 C]malate/[4- 13 C]malate in tissue extracts remained constant; evidence is presented that these ratios were the same for both cytoplasmic and total cellular malate. Hence, the intensity of the cytoplasmic [4- 13 C]malate signal was proportional to the amount of cytoplasmic malate in root tips. Potassium sulfate stimulated malate synthesis in maize root tips, relative to root tips perfused with HCO 3 − alone; total cellular malate doubled after approx. 1 h of 5 mM K 2 SO 4 -treatment. Cytoplasmic malate increased from approx. 3.5 mM to approx. 7.5 mM within 45 min of the onset of K 2 SO 4 -treatment, declining slightly thereafter. The possible effects of these changing cytoplasmic malate concentrations on the enzymes involved in malate metabolism are discussed.
Graphical Tests for Power Comparison of Competing Designs

Lineups [4, 28] have been established as tools for visual testing similar to standard statistical inference tests, allowing us to evaluate the validity of graphical findings in an objective manner. In simulation studies [12] lineups have been shown as being efficient: the power of visual tests is comparable to classical tests while being much less stringent in terms of distributional assumptions made. This makes lineups versatile, yet powerful, tools in situations where conditions for regular statistical tests are not or cannot be met. In this paper we introduce lineups as a tool for evaluating the power of competing graphical designs. We highlight some of the theoretical properties and then show results from two studies evaluating competing designs: both studies are designed to go to the limits of our perceptual abilities to highlight differences between designs. We use both accuracy and speed of evaluation as measures of a successful design. The first study compares the choice of coordinate system: polar versus cartesian coordinates. The results show strong support in favor of cartesian coordinates in finding fast and accurate answers to spotting patterns. The second study is aimed at finding shift differences between distributions. Both studies are motivated by data problems that we have recently encountered, and explore using simulated data to evaluate the plot designs under controlled conditions. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is used to conduct the studies. The lineups provide an effective mechanism for objectively evaluating plot designs.
Dynamics of variable-yield nutrient-phytoplankton-zooplankton models with nutrient recycling and self-shading.

Several nutrient–phytoplankton–zooplankton models with internal nutrient storage by phytoplankton are derived and analyzed. It is shown that there are thresholds beyond which the system is uniformly persistent. Variable-yield models with self-shading of phytoplankton are also considered. With respect to uniform persistence, our result demonstrates that the global dynamics of the system with shading are the same as those for which the self-shading mechanism is ignored.
A new, long-wavelength borondipyrromethene sphingosine for studying sphingolipid dynamics in live cells

Sphingolipids function as cell membrane components and as signaling molecules that regulate critical cellular processes. To study unacylated and acylated sphingolipids in cells with fluorescence microscopy, the fluorophore in the analog must be located within the sphingoid backbone and not the N-acyl fatty acid side chain. Although such fluorescent sphingosine analogs have been reported, they either require UV excitation or their emission overlaps with that of the most common protein label, green fluorescent protein (GFP). We report the synthesis and use of a new fluorescent sphingolipid analog, borondipyrromethene (BODIPY) 540 sphingosine, which has an excitation maximum at 540 nm and emission that permits its visualization in parallel with GFP. Mammalian cells readily metabolized BODIPY 540 sphingosine to more complex fluorescent sphingolipids, and subsequently degraded these fluorescent sphingolipids via the native sphingolipid catabolism pathway. Visualization of BODIPY 540 fluorescence in parallel with GFP-labeled organelle-specific proteins showed the BODIPY 540 sphingosine metabolites were transported through the secretory pathway and were transiently located within lysosomes, mitochondria, and the nucleus. The reported method for using BODIPY 540 sphingosine to visualize sphingolipids in parallel with GFP-labeled proteins within living cells may permit new insight into sphingolipid transport, metabolism, and signaling.
EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID ON THE GROWTH AND ANATOMY OF COLEUS BLUMEI, ANTIRRHINUM MAJUS AND SALVIA SPLENDENS

Summary Plants of Coleus blumei (Coleus), Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon) and Salvia splendens (Salvia) exhibited three common responses to foliar applications of 50 mg/1 aqueous solution of gibherellic acid (GA); elongation of the internodes, hyponasty and chlorosis. Elongation of subapical internodes was a result primarily of cell division in both Antirrhinum majus and Salvia splendens. Gibberellic acid at 500 mg/1 caused less elongation of the sub-apical region than at 50 mg/1 and 100 mg/1 in S. splendens. Treated plants had a smaller stem diameter and more xylem parenchyma. Coleus blumei cuttings showed reduced rooting when treated with 50 mg/1 GA.
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based methodology to quantify differential gene expression directly from microdissected regions of frozen tissue sections.

Quantitative differences in the expression of oncogenes are a critical feature of the cancer process. Several methods are currently available for assessing differential gene expression, but none can be used to determine quantitative changes in gene expression from small numbers of cells. The ability to conduct this type of quantitative analysis would be useful in the study of definable, early stages of carcinogenesis when very few cells are involved. We therefore developed a highly sensitive, slide-based technique that incorporates the benefits of in situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription–PCR (RT-PCR) to quantify differential c-myc gene expression from liver tissue sections having either low or high levels of proliferating hepatocytes. To eliminate the need for isolating and quantifying mRNA, cells of interest were microdissected from frozen histological sections and their RNA directly subjected to RT-PCR amplification. These reactions were conducted in the presence of an internal RNA standard that was specifically designed to normalize differential RT and PCR efficiencies between samples. GENESCAN software analysis was used to determine the ratios of the RT-PCR products of the target gene to the RNA standard. These ratios were then normalized to the numbers of cells isolated, as quantified by image analysis, and comparative gene expression values were determined between sample groups. We conclude that this technology can be adapted to study any gene of interest in any type of frozen tissue or isolated cells. This methodology is particularly applicable to the molecular analysis of histopathologically distinct preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions identified on tissue sections. Mol. Carcinog. 20:317–326, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Heritability of cognitive abilities as measured by mental chronometric tasks: A meta-analysis

Abstract The purpose of this study is to meta-analyze the published studies that measure the performance differences in mental chronometric tasks using a behavioral genetic research design. Because chronometric tasks are so simple, individual differences in the time it takes to complete them are largely due to underlying biological and physiological mechanisms. The publications that come from these studies show trends, but they also show much heterogeneity, which makes it difficult to draw clear conclusions. Statistically integrating them through meta-analysis is a way to provide a clearer, more comprehensive picture of the magnitude of genetic influence involved in mental processing speed. Analyses from this study show that heritability is somewhat dependent on task difficulty, with performance on more complex tasks having a higher heritability than less difficult tasks. Implications of this study are twofold: (a) mental processing speed is partially heritable ( h 2 estimates from .298 to .521); and (b) as chronometric task complexity increases, so does the heritability.
Neuropsychological profiles of six children with anoxic brain injury

Anoxic brain injury (ABI) often results in severe memory impairment and other cognitive and behavioral deficits, although limited information is available regarding pediatric cases. This study reported the neuropsychological outcomes in six children and adolescents who sustained ABI. Profiles were compared by mechanism of injury (ischemic vs. hypoxemic) and three cases were evaluated more than once. Severe intellectual, attention, memory, and behavioral impairments were observed in all six cases although academic achievement, internalizing behavioral problems, and visuospatial deficits were in general less severe than other cognitive and behavioral deficits. The longitudinal case studies varied but showed steady increases in memory and intellectual performance in the younger children with strongest improvement in nonverbal abilities and little change in parent-reported behavior. This study raises several possible hypotheses about specific cognitive and behavioral outcomes observed in pediatric ABI.
Prospective Comparison of Posterior Fossa Exploration and Stereotactic Radiosurgery Dorsal Root Entry Zone Target as Primary Surgery for Patients With Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuralgia

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is the most common facial pain syndrome, with an incidence of approximately 27 per 100 000 patient-years. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare facial pain outcomes for patients having either a posterior fossa exploration (PFE) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as their first surgery for idiopathic TN. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 140 patients with idiopathic TN who had either PFE (n = 91 ) or SRS (n = 4 9) from June 2001 until September 2007. The groups were similar with regard to sex, pain location, and pain duration. Patients who had SRS were older (67.1 vs 58.2 years; P < .001). The median follow-up after surgery was 38 months. RESULTS: Patients who had PFE more commonly were pain free off medications (84% at 1 year, 77% at 4 years) compared with the SRS patients (66% at 1 year, 56% at 4 years; hazard ratio = 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-4.6; P = .003). Additional surgery for persistent or recurrent face pain was performed in 14 patients after PFE (15%) compared with 17 patients after SRS (35%; P = .009). Nonbothersome facial numbness occurred more frequently in the SRS group (33% vs 18%; P = .04). No difference was noted in other complications between patients who had PFE (12%) (dysesthetic facial pain, n = 3; cerebrospinal fluid leakage, n = 3; hearing loss, n = 2; wound infection, n = 1; pneumonia, n = 1; deep vein thrombosis, n = 1) and patients who had SRS (8%) (dysesthetic facial pain, n = 4; P = .47). CONCLUSION: PFE is more effective than SRS as a primary surgical option for patients with idiopathic TN.
Inequalities for the zeros of dirichlet L-functions☆

Abstract Let χ denote a primitive, Dirichlet character to the modulus q > i and let L ( s ,χ) be the corresponding Dirichlet L -series defined by L ( s , χ ) = ∑ χ ( n ) n − s , s = σ + it , for σ>0. It is of interest to know where the zeros of L ( s,χ ) are located, since the location of these zeros would yield important results in number theory. In this paper, we show that the spectrum of each member of a certain class of Hermitian matrices leads to an explicit zero-free region for L ( s ,χ).
Learning for evolutionary design

This paper describes a technique for evolving similar solutions to similar configuration design problems. Using the configuration design of combination logic circuits as a test bed, the paper shows that combining genetic algorithms with a case-based memory leads to improved performance on sets of similar design problems. In this approach, rather than starting from scratch on each design, we periodically inject a genetic algorithm's population with appropriate partial solutions to similar previously attempted problems. Experimental results on the combinational logic design of parity checkers and adders shows that this system takes less time to provide better quality solutions to new design problems as it gains experience from solving other similar design problems. The designs generated by the combined system also tend to be more similar than those generated by a randomly initialized genetic algorithm. This implies that the system can be used for quick, high quality re-design so that when components fail or deteriorate, we can quickly regain lost or deteriorating functionality.
Varying-coefficient additive models for functional data

Both varying-coe cient and additive models have been studied extensively in the literature as extensions to linear models. They have also been extended to functional response data. However, existing extensions are still not su ciently flexible to reflect the functional feature of the responses. In this paper, we extend both varying-coe cient and additive models to a much more flexible “varying-coe cient additive model” and propose a simple algorithm to estimate the nonparametric additive and varying-coe cient components of this model. We establish the L 2 rate of convergence for each component function and demonstrate the applicability of the new model through tra c data.
A Novel Digital Relay Model Based on SIMULINK and Its Validation Based on Expert System

This paper presents the development of a novel digital relay model and its validation by a digital relay data analysis application. The model is developed as a SIMULINK S-function block. MATLAB file I/O functions are employed to generate an oscillography file and an event report. The expert system based digital relay data analysis application validates the relay model and generates diagnosis information for refining the model. An example is used to demonstrate the procedure of simulation, validation, and refining
In situ hybridization of the MADS‐box gene POTM1 during potato floral development

The potato MADS-box gene POTM1 is a member of the SQUA-like family of plant MADS-box genes. The amino acid sequence of POTM1 most closely matches the sequence of PFG (Petunia Flowering Gene), a petunia MADS-box gene involved in the transition from vegetative to reproductive development. To examine the likely role of POTM1 in potato reproductive tissue, in situ hybridizations were performed on sections of the potato shoot apex at various stages during the transition to flowering. Scanning electron micrographs provide a reference for each stage to illustrate the progression from vegetative meristem to inflorescence meristem and floral organs. POTM1 mRNA accumulates in vegetative, inflorescence and floral meristems. Transcripts are present in petal primordia during the later stages of petal development and they accumulate later during floral development inside the stamens and carpels, but not in carpel walls. This widespread pattern of mRNA accumulation is unique among the SQUA-like genes and indicates that POTM1 is active during a variety of stages of development, and may function in regulating cell determination in transitional phases of both vegetative and floral meristems.
Allelic diversity in the TGFB1 regulatory region: characterization of novel functional single nucleotide polymorphisms

Altered TGF-beta1 expression due to polymorphisms affects a wide variety of normal cellular and disease processes such as T cell activation and proliferation, tumor progression, and asthma. In this study, a comprehensive examination of function and diversity was undertaken for the TGFB1 promoter region and exon 1 (-2,665 to +423). The known TGF-beta1 promoter was extended to encompass 463 bases by the identification of a strong enhancer activity for a distal segment (-2,665 to -2,204). Ten novel polymorphisms and 14 novel alleles were identified. Most single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) appear to be randomly associated except c.-768_-769insC and c.+74G > C and a set of five novel polymorphisms present in a single allele in persons of African descent. The TGFB1 alleles clustered into three phylogenetic groups based on the common functional SNPs c.-1347C > T (commonly known as -509C-T) and c.+29T > C (commonly known as +869T-C) suggesting three phenotypic groups. Two SNPs unique to African-Americans affect the TGFB1 regulatory region. The c.-1287G > A SNP in the promoter alters the binding affinity of two unidentified transcription factor complexes which translates into a significant difference in reporter gene expression and the c.-387C > T SNP in the 5' UTR alters the binding of Stimulating protein 1 and 3. Thus, TGFB1 possesses a highly polymorphic, extensive regulatory region that likely impacts the pathogenesis of numerous TGF-beta1 related diseases.
Cytoprophet: a Cytoscape plug-in for protein and domain interaction networks inference

Summary: Cytoprophet is a software tool that allows prediction and visualization of protein and domain interaction networks. It is implemented as a plug-in of Cytoscape, an open source software framework for analysis and visualization of molecular networks. Cytoprophet implements three algorithms that predict new potential physical interactions using the domain composition of proteins and experimental assays. The algorithms for protein and domain interaction inference include maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) using expectation maximization (EM); the set cover approach maximum specificity set cover (MSSC) and the sumproduct algorithm (SPA). After accepting an input set of proteins with Uniprot ID/Accession numbers and a selected prediction algorithm, Cytoprophet draws a network of potential interactions with probability scores and GO distances as edge attributes. A network of domain interactions between the domains of the initial protein list can also be generated. Cytoprophet was designed to take advantage of the visual capabilities of Cytoscape and be simple to use. An example of inference in a signaling network of myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus is presented and available at Cytoprophet’s website.
A comparison of the effects of computer and manual reminders on compliance with a mental health clinical practice guideline.

Objective: To evaluate the relative effectiveness of computer and manual reminder systems on the implementation of a clinical practice guideline. Design: Seventy-eight outpatients in a mental health clinic were randomly assigned within clinician to one of the two reminder systems. The computer system, called CaseWalker, reminded clinicians when guideline-recommended screening for mood disorder was due, ensured the fidelity of the diagnosis of major depressive disorder to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), and generated a progress note. The manual system was a checklist inserted in the paper medical record. Measures: Screening rates for mood disorder and the completeness of the documentation of which DSM-IV criteria were met by patients who were said to have major depressive disorder were compared. Results: The CaseWalker, compared with the paper checklist, resulted in a higher screening rate for mood disorder (86.5 vs. 61 percent, P = 0.008) and a higher rate of complete documentation of DSM-IV criteria (100 vs. 5.6 percent, P < 0.001). Conclusions: In an outpatient mental health clinic, computer reminders were shown to be superior to manual reminders in improving adherence to a clinical practice guideline for depression. n JAMIA. 2000;7:196-203.
Serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, prealbumin and albumin in healthy fullterm, small-for-gestational age and preterm newborn infants.

. Jacobsen, B. B., Peitersen, B., Andersen, H. J. and Hummer, L. (The University Clinic of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital Fuglebakken and the Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark). Serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, prealbumin and albumin in healthy fullterm, small-for-gestational age and preterm newborn infants. Acta Paediatr Scand, 68: 49, 1979.—Simultaneous serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), prealbumin (TBPA) and albumin (Alb) were measured in 130 fullterm, 32 small-for-gestational age and 25 preterm infants during their first six days of life. In all infants serum concentrations of TBG were higher and serum TBPA and Alb were lower than in male adults. Even higher serum TBG levels wer found in the mothers. There was no correlation between serum concentrations in paired maternal and cord sera. In infants with birth weights appropriate for gestation serum TBG, TBPA, and Alb concentrations increased progressively with gestational age. In small-for-gestational age infants born at term serum concentrations of TBG and Alb were lower than those in full-term, but higher than those in premature newborns. Serum TBPA in small-for-gestational age babies was evne lower than seen in prematures. A positive correlation was found between thyroid hormones and TBG concentrations, not between serum TBPA and thyroid hormones. The ratios between serum concentration of thyroid hormones and proteins might indicate that more thyroid hormonebinding sites are occupied in fullterm than in low birth-weight newborns. However, the main reason for the different serum levels of thyroid hormones in fullterm, small-for-gestational age and preterm babies is probably the various serum TBG concentrations demonstrated in these infants.
Synthesis of ketoximes via a solvent-assisted and robust mechanochemical pathway

A versatile and robust mechanochemical route to ketone–oxime conversions has been established for a broad range of ketones via a simple mortar–pestle grinding method. The relative reactivity of aldehydes vs. ketones under these conditions has also been explored, along with an examination of the possible connection between reactivity and electronic substituent effects.
Efficiency and frequency stability in a high power microwave gap

The authors calculate the power transfer of an intense modulated electron beam to an external load. The simple model fully incorporates various effects such as nonlinear beam loading, finite transit time, AC and DC space charges, and the beam's initial velocity modulation. It is shown that a fully modulated beam may deliver up to 57% of its power to a load without forming a virtual cathode. >
Coarse grain models and the computer simulation of soft materials

This article presents a topical review of coarse grain simulation techniques. First, we motivate these techniques with illustrative examples from biology and materials science. Next, approaches in the literature for increasing the efficiency of atomistic simulations are mentioned. Considerations related to a specific coarse grain modelling approach are discussed at length, and the consequences arising from the loss of detail are given. Finally, a large number of results are presented to give the reader a feeling for the types of problem which can be addressed.
A window-based Bayesian estimator for noise removal

A window-based Bayesian restoration filter is proposed which smooths noise and preserves edges. The filter estimates a sample value by optimizing a partial signal likelihood function, dependent upon a set of surrounding elements. Simulations confirm that a noisy image restored by the window-based filter compares favorably to an estimate computed using the complete observed image, even for small window sizes.
Habitat-related error in estimating temperatures from leaf margins in a humid tropical forest.

Leaf margin characters are strong predictors of mean annual temperature (MAT) in modern plant communities and widely used tools for reconstructing paleoclimates from fossil floras. However, the frequency of nonentire-margined species may vary dramatically between different habitats of the same forest. In this paper we explore the potential for this habitat variation to introduce error into temperature reconstructions, based on field data from a modern lowland forest in Amazonian Ecuador. The data show that the provenance of leaves can influence temperature estimates to an important degree and in a consistent direction. Woody plants growing along lakes and rivers underestimated MAT by 2.58‐58C, while those in closed-canopy forest provided very accurate predictions. The high proportion of liana species with toothed leaves in lakeside and riverside samples appears to be responsible for a large part of the bias. Samples from closed-canopy forest that included both lianas and trees, however, were more accurate than tree-only or liana-only samples. We conclude that paleotemperature reconstructions based on leaf margin characters will be misleading to the extent that fossilization provides a better record of certain habitats than others. The preponderance of lake and river deposits in the angiosperm fossil record suggests that underestimation of mean annual paleotemperature may be common.
Rheometry of irregularly shaped anisotropic biological samples

Quantification of viscoelastic properties of soft fibrous protein gels and tissue biopsies is vital to the study of disease progression and wound healing, among other research areas. The aim of this work is to establish a method of testing irregularly-shaped and anisotropic biological samples. This method has been tested with samples that have G' in the range of 10–500 Pa and sizes of approximately 15mm in diameter. Future aims of this work include characterizing clots from acute stroke patients and studying anisotropic shear in fibrous biopolymer gels.