cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transformations and dynamic linear models

The dynamic linear model (DLM) with additive Gaussian errors provides a useful statistical tool that is easily implemented because of the simplicity of updating a normal model that has a natural conjugate prior. If the model is not linear or if it does not have additive Gaussian errors, then numerical methods are usually required to update the distributions of the unknown parameters. If the dimension of the parameter space is small, numerical methods are feasible. However, as the number of unknown parameters increases, the numerial methods rapidly grow in complexity and cost. This article addresses the situation where a state dependent transformation of the observations follows the DLM, but a priori the appropriate transformation is not known. The Box-Cox family, which is indexed by a single parameter, illustrates the methodology. A prior distribution is constructed over a grid of points for the transformation parameter. For each value of the grid the relevant parameter esitmates and forecasts are obtained for the transformed series. These quantities are then integrated by the current distribution of the transformation parameter. When a new observation becomes available, parallel Kalman filters are used to update the distributions of the unknown parameters and to compute the likelihood of the transformation parameter at each grid point. The distribution of the transformation parameter is then updated.
Realization of linear dynamical systems

Realization theory for both time-invariant and time-variable linear systems is developed and its applicability to linear quadratic control and filtering is discussed. For time-invariant systems a review of canonical structure theory is given and various properties such as minimality and equivalence are characterized in terms of the Hankel matrix. Realization theory for such systems is then developed based on the Hankel matrix and a new computational algorithm is presented. For time-variable systems the emphasis is on obtaining physically meaningful realizations and several procedures which accomplish this are detailed. For "constant rank" systems, a generalization of the Hankel matrix approach is also presented.
Color schlieren imaging with a two-path, double knife edge system

The traditional arrangement for visualizing optical phenomena with the schlieren technique is modified to include a Mach-Zehnder geometry. This allows for the implementation of two independent knife edges along two different beam paths, resulting in an enhanced combined image that is uniquely adjustable. Post-processed combined images are also generated by spatially separating the paths from each arm and then colorizing and combining the images into a single composite. In this way, bidirectional, color schlieren images have been produced using both white-light and monochromatic sources.
Instant chaos and hysteresis in coupled linear-nonlinear oscillators

Abstract A novel bifurcation to high-dimensional hyperchaos is observed in a driven coupled pendulum-flexible rod system. When the rod is in resonance with the pendulum, the system changes from a low-dimensional periodic attractor to a high-dimensional chaotic attractor abruptly. The bifurcation, which is hysteretic, is conjectured to stem from an unstable global invariant manifold of slow frequency motions.
Field ion image formation

Abstract Field ion image formation involves three basic physical processes: field evaporation, field adsorption and field ionization. Investigations of these processes cannot only help us to properly interpret the data obtained with field ion microscopy, but can also promote our understanding of the electronic and atomic properties of solid surfaces. Recent progress in this area is reviewed with emphasis on those topics requiring further investigation.
Increased Resistance to the Spread of Tobacco Mosaic Virus in Pinto Bean Leaves Caused by Sugar and Light

Ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation increased expansion of TMV lesions in detached Pinto bean primary leaves incubated in darkness. However, if after UV-irradiation the leaves were incubated in the light, no increase in lesion expansion occurred. The light effect was considered not to be due to photorepair of UV damaged DNA, since non-photorepairing treatments such as incubation in red light, or delayed exposure to white light after UV irradiation also prevented increase in lesion expansion. The effect of visible light in preventing TMV-lesion enlargement was shown to be related to photosynthetic energy supply to the host cell defense mechanism since incubation of infected leaves in the presence of the photosynthesis inhibitor 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-l,l-dimethyl urea (DCMU) in light caused large lesions whether leaves were irradiated by UV or not. Supplying 0.1 M sucrose in the dark also inhibited lesion enlargement in UV-irradiated or nonirradiated leaves. Dinitrophenol (DNP) negated the sucrose effect in the dark. However, in light incubation, DNP did not induce large lesions indicating that DNP did not interfere with energy supply in the light. It is concluded that the Pinto bean leaf cells can use energy derived both from mitochondria and chloroplasts for building the resistance mechanism to virus spread. In this case, cellular resistance to virus spread seems to be correlated with callose deposition on the walls of noninfected cells adjacent to the necrotic cells. Energy supply in various forms will assist host cells in building the resistance mechanism as well as retarding senescence. Detachment, prolonged dark incubation, or exogenous supply of DNP led to accelerated senescence which in turn led to secondary enlargement of lesions. The cause of such secondary enlargement may be explained by starvation of cells and disappearance of callose.
Strategy for developing an evidence-based transdisciplinary vision rehabilitation team approach to treating vision impairment

Abstract Background Many individuals with vision impairment experience significant loss of the ability to perform daily living activities, which often results in a further decline and loss of quality of life. Appropriate rehabilitation of the population with vision impairment has the potential to both improve individual abilities for health and personal management as well as maximize utilization of available health care resources. Methods The case for an evidence-based model for the vision rehabilitation health care team as a medical rehabilitation program is presented. The recommended strategy has 3 main components: development of a consensus team clinical practice guideline leading to a future evidence-based team guideline for vision rehabilitation; evaluation and measurement of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the involved vision rehabilitation professionals before and after implementation of the new paradigm; and measurement of outcomes that estimate the effects of the proposed paradigm on patient care by measuring both the improvement in visual ability of the patient and the economic impact of the model on optometric practice. Conclusions Development of a state-of-the-art evidence-based transdisciplinary team model guideline will facilitate improvement in the quality of life of individuals with diseases that result in chronic vision impairment.
Non-intrusive mapping of subsurface defects in semiconductors

We have adapted differential interference contrast Nomarski microscopy in the transmission configuration to the problem of mapping subsurface defects in semiconductors. We have demonstrated the ability to rapidly measure the depth of the precipitate-free-zone in silicon with a reproducibility of ±1 μm in whole Si wafers up to 200 nm in diameter, having an extrinsic doping concentration up to 7×1019 cm−3 and a nominal, as received, back side roughness. Because our subsurface defect profiler is completely non-destructive, product wafers can be inspected at various stages of processing and immediately returned to the production line.
A population-based, multivariate analysis of the association between 911 access and per-capita county trauma death rates.

Study objective: Decreased response times for injury should decrease the morbidity and mortality of trauma. The 911 telephone access is designed to improve the response time for emergencies. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between county 911 access and per-capita county trauma death rates. Methods: Data on all trauma deaths from 1986 through 1988 were obtained from the North Carolina Medical Examiner's data base. Counties were divided into those that had 911 access during the entire study period (15), those that never had 911 access (62), and those that installed 911 during 1987 (ten). Counties obtaining 911 access in 1986 or 1988 were excluded (13). Results: The per-capita trauma death rate in counties that had 911 access throughout the study was 4.3 ± 0.8 versus 5.0 ± 1.1 per 10,000 population in counties that never had 911 access ( P P Conclusion: Although counties with 911 access had lower trauma death rates by t -test, multivariate analysis showed no significant independent association of 911 access with per-capita county trauma death rates. In the ten counties that implemented 911 access in 1987, no significant changes in trauma death rates occurred after implementation. Although other factors may explain these findings, this study showed no significant independent impact of 911 access on per-capita county trauma death rates.
Resonator Fiber-Optic Gyro Using LiNbO 3 Integrated Optics At 1.5-µm Wavelength

Fiber-optic gyros are being developed as attractive devices for many navigation and guidance applications. These all solid-state devices promise to have many advantages such as light weight, long life, no moving arts, and low voltage power. One class of fiber-optic gyros, the resonator fiber-optic gyro (RFOG), has been investigated primarily as a means of realizing these advantages while significantly reducing the length of the fiber coil. One of the key developments for interferometer fiber gyros was the use of all-guided-wave single-mode components to achieve a rugged, stable device.5 More recently the incorporation of integrated optics has allowed the use of closed loop schemes to achieve good scale factor performance over high dynamic range and has made low cost practical devices possible.6 On the other hand, while significant progress has been achieved towards the incorporation of semiconductor sources in RFOGs,7 all-guided-wave RFOGs have not yet been reported. In particular, little data yet exists on the use of integrated optics in RFOGs to achieve the necessary frequency shifting and loop closure. In this paper, we present data on a nearly all guided-wave RFOG experimental system, employing a 20m fiber resonator, lithium niobate (LiNbO3) integrated optics, and a 1.5-μm helium-neon (HeNe) laser. Frequency shifting is achieved by the use of serrodyne phase ramp techniques.8, The gyro is packaged, with the exception of the source and its associated beamsplitter.
Experimental Study of Dynamic Crack Growth in Unidirectional Graphite/Epoxy Composites using Digital Image Correlation Method and High-speed Photography

In this work, fracture behavior of multilayered unidirectional graphite/epoxy composite (T800/3900-2) materials is investigated. Rectangular coupons with a single-edged notch are studied under geometrically symmetric loading configurations and impact loading conditions. The notch orientation parallel to or at an angle to the fiber orientation is considered to produce mode-I or mixed-mode (mode-I and -II) fracture. Feasibility of studying stress-wave induced crack initiation and rapid crack growth in fiber-reinforced composites using the digital image correlation method and high-speed photography is demonstrated. Analysis of photographed random speckles on specimen surface provides information pertaining to crack growth history as well as surface deformations in the crack-tip vicinity. Measured deformation fields are used to estimate mixed-mode fracture parameters and examine the effect of fiber orientation (β) on crack initiation and growth behaviors. The samples show differences in fracture responses dep...
Foliated breccias in the active Portuguese Bend landslide complex, California: bearing on melange genesis

The active portion of the Portuguese Bend landslide complex is approximately 3 km2 in area and 30-50 m thick. Measured displacement rates range from less than 1 to greater than 30 mm/day on different parts of the landslide, with total displacements over the last 30 yrs ranging from about 10 to greater than 150 m. Six types of breccia, each locally with a foliated matrix, were recognized in the active landslide complex and are absent outside the landslide complex. Slide-body breccias are of two types, the first formed by extensional fracturing during bulk "pure shear" at the top of the landslide (slide-top breccia) and the second by flow of tuffaceous shales and fracture of embedded siliceous shales during simple shear deep in the landslide to the basal decollement (slide-bottom breccias). Slide-margin breccias, also in simple shear, are produced on the lateral margins of individual slide blocks accompanying wrench-fault motion. Other breccias (fault-ramp breccias) are formed during motion over ramps. Coll...
A promiscuous proton in taxadiene biosynthesis

Herein we describe quantum chemical calculations on a two-step proton-transfer pathway that interconverts key intermediates in the biosynthesis of taxa-4,11-diene, a precursor of Taxol, that provides an energetically more favorable alternative to the usually proposed direct proton-transfer pathway. In effect, the bicyclic diterpene skeleton involved in this rearrangement provides a cage of three π-bonds that surrounds a locally mobile proton.
GaSb QW-based `buffer-free' vertical LED monolithically embedded within a GaAs cavity using interfacial misfit arrays

We demonstrate a monolithic, hybrid GaSb/GaAs diode emitting at 1.6 mum. The LED is comprised of a GaSb active region embedded within GaAs/AlGaAs DBRs using two interfacial misfit arrays. Growth, fabrication and characterization are discussed
The formation of leached layers on albite surfaces during dissolution under hydrothermal conditions

Hydrothermally altered (225°C) albite was compositionally depth-profiled using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)coupled with calibrated Ar ion sputtering. Solution data were collected during dissolution runs for the same crystals which were spectroscopically analyzed. We found that leached zones depleted in Na, Al, and O develop during the initial, incongruent phase of dissolution. Angle resolved XPS (ARXPS) demonstrated that Na and Al are significantly depleted from the upper few monolayers. Depths of leaching, which range from 10 to 900 A, decrease with increasing pH in theacid region and increase with pH in the basic region. Based on calculated dissolution rates the depth of leaching can be roughly correlated with the release rate of Si. From the observation that the equivalents of H+ consumed always exceed the equivalents of Na+ and Al3+ released, hydrolysis cannot be considered to be a simple ion exchange process. The XPS spectra also revealed the presence of Cl− over the entire leaching depth for samples run at pH pHzpc, suggesting electrostatic adsorption of aqueous species at charged sites within the leached layer. The presence of Cl− and Ba2+ also show that preferential leaching creates a porous and open structure which allows for the large-scale influx of solvent molecules. Preliminary evaluations of diffusion transport rates through leached layers suggest that dissolution is not rate limited by diffusion. Instead, the kinetics of dissolution seem to be related to the intrinsic rate of structural hydrolysis. Using the XPS and solution data in conjunction with theoretical and experimental studies in the literature, we propose a dissolution mechanism based on initial ion exchange followed by the hydrolysis of Al and Si, which is modeled as the breakdown of activated complexes formed at bridging oxygen (Obr) sites. Elemental mass balances based on comparisons between the XPS and solution data suggest that dissolution occurs non-uniformly and is probably preferentially constrained to dislocations and macroscopic defects within the structure.
Prediction of partial molar volumes of amino acids and small peptides: counting atoms versus topological indices.

Experimental data of partial molar volumes of amino acids and small peptides were compiled from several publications and enabled us to perform a predicative analysis based on quantitative structure−property relationships (QSPR). Based on the simplest level of the descriptors, the new method has high accuracy and was found to be more reliable when compared to the latter QSPR method based on topological indexes. Incorporation of isoelectric pH and 3-D solvent-accessible surface area parameters increased the predictability of the equation to a small extent. Cross-validation studies show that this method is successful in predicting the partial molar volumes of other noncoded amino acids, dipeptides, and diketopiperazine derivatives. This method is the beginning of new studies for larger peptides and proteins. It also can be suggested to be used for molecules that contain the same type of atoms as an amino acid.
The allosteric binding profile of himbacine: a comparison with other cardioselective muscarinic antagonists.

Abstract The possibility of an allosteric interaction by himbacine, a cardioselective antagonist, with rat cardiac muscarinic receptors was studied. Himbacine allosterically decelerated the dissociation of bound [ 3 H]N-methylscopolamine ([ 3 H]NMS) in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC 50 value of 103.7 μM. When compared to the 3C 50 values of other cardiovascular antagonists, the rank order of potencies was: methoctramine > gallamine > himbacine > AF-DX 116. In contrast, the potencies of these compounds to displace [ 3 H]NMS binding were: himbacine > methoctramine > AF-DX 116 > gallamine. The allosteric potencies were found not to be correlated with binding potencies (correlation coefficient). = −0.15. A striking common fefeature of the cardioselective anatagonists is their ability to bind to an allosteric site on cardiac muscarinic receptors.
Structures important in mammalian 11β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases

Abstract We have used the X-ray crystallographic structures of rat and human dihydropteridine reductase and Streptomyces hydrogenans 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase to model parts of the 3-dimensional structure of human 11β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. We use this information along with previous results from studies of Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase mutants to analyze the structures in binding sites for NAD(H) and NADP(H) in 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-types 1 and 2. We also examine the structure of an α-helix at catalytic site of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-types 1, 2, 3, and 4. This α-helix contains a highly conserved tyrosine and lysine. Adjacent to the carboxyl side of this lysine is a site proposed to be important in subunit association. We find that 11β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases-type 1 have the same residues at the “anchor site” and conserve other stabilizing features, despite only 20% sequence identity between their entire sequences. Similar conservation of stabilizing structures is found in the 11β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases-type 2. We suggest that interactions of the dimerization surface of α-helix F with proteins or membranes may be important in regulating activity of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases.
Effect of sample area and sieve size on benthic macrofaunal community condition assessments in California enclosed bays and estuaries.

Benthic macrofauna are used extensively for environmental assessment, but the area sampled and sieve sizes used to capture animals often differ among studies. Here, we sampled 80 sites using 3 different sized sampling areas (0.1, 0.05, 0.0071 m2) and sieved those sediments through each of 2 screen sizes (0.5, 1 mm) to evaluate their effect on number of individuals, number of species, dominance, nonmetric multidimensional scaling (MDS) ordination, and benthic community condition indices that are used to assess sediment quality in California. Sample area had little effect on abundance but substantially affected numbers of species, which are not easily scaled to a standard area. Sieve size had a substantial effect on both measures, with the 1-mm screen capturing only 74% of the species and 68% of the individuals collected in the 0.5-mm screen. These differences, though, had little effect on the ability to differentiate samples along gradients in ordination space. Benthic indices generally ranked sample condition in the same order regardless of gear, although the absolute scoring of condition was affected by gear type. The largest differences in condition assessment were observed for the 0.0071-m2 gear. Benthic indices based on numbers of species were more affected than those based on relative abundance, primarily because we were unable to scale species number to a common area as we did for abundance. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 649–658. © 2010 SETAC
Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II antagonists in renal transplantation: Delaying the progression of chronic allograft nephropathy?

Advances in immunosuppressive therapy have improved the survival of both cadaveric and living donor renal transplants. The improved long-term survival is probably a consequence of these advances and concurrent improvements in the general medical management of the transplant recipients. One area of care that remains controversial in renal transplantation is the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). ACEI and ARB are now commonly used in patients with chronic renal insufficiency, proteinuria and hypertension caused by the disease of their own native kidneys. This article reviews the potential benefits of interrupting the production of angiotensin II (All) or blockade of the AT1 receptor for All in renal transplant recipients. The current hypotheses for the pathophysiology and the cytokine abnormalities in the progression of renal dysfunction include a facilitative role for All. In addition, calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity, with the increased generation of transforming growth factor-β, is also affected by the actions of All. It is suggested that ACEI and ARB be used more widely in transplantation patients.
Distant and local recurrence in patients with biochemical failure after prostate brachytherapy.

Abstract Purpose To analyze the patterns of failure after the brachytherapy management of localized prostate cancer. Methods and materials From 1990 to 2008, 2869 patients underwent prostate brachytherapy and 213 experienced a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure by the Phoenix definition. Of these 213 patients, 33.5% were low, 18.5% intermediate, and 58% high risk. Results Of the 119 patients biopsied, 36 (30%) had a least one positive posttreatment biopsy. In univariate and multivariate analyses, PSA doubling time was the most predictive of a positive biopsy. Patients with doubling times ≤3, >3–6, ≥6–10, and >10 months had positive biopsy rates of 9%, 18%, 36%, and 42%, respectively ( p = 0.01). The actuarial rate of remaining free from distant metastases at 10 years was 73%. Patients with PSA doubling times of ≤3, >3–6, >6–10, and >10 months had freedom from distant metastases rates of 0%, 74%, 78%, and 94.5% at 10 years, respectively ( p Conclusions About one third of patients harbor a component of local failure and one fourth demonstrate clinical metastases. PSA doubling time can be used to help predict the source of a rising PSA.
Transinguinal laparoscopic exploration for identification of contralateral inguinal hernias in pediatric patients.

Abstract Background The use of transinguinal laparoscopy for contralateral groin exploration during unilateral inguinal hernia repair has gained popularity. Controversy exists, however, regarding its use in older children. We report a large, single-surgeon series describing the safety and effectiveness of this procedure. Methods A retrospective review was completed of all cases of open inguinal hernia repair from 1997 to 2009 performed by the senior author. Patients were explored laparoscopically through the ipsilateral hernia sac to assess the contralateral groin. Exclusion criteria were an inadequate sac or preoperatively diagnosed bilateral inguinal hernia. Results A total of 649 children underwent open inguinal hernia repair. A preoperative diagnosis of bilateral hernia was made in 18% (n = 117), and of the 532 unilateral cases, an inadequate sac was present in 15% (n = 79). Transinguinal laparoscopic exploration was performed on the remaining 453 children. A hernia or contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) was found in 38% of children (n = 173). In children older than 8 years, 32% demonstrated a hernia or CPPV on laparoscopic exploration. No complications occurred because of laparoscopy. Conclusion Transinguinal laparoscopic exploration is safe and effective and should be routinely performed in pediatric patients of all ages because of the high prevalence of contralateral hernia and CPPV.
Open C-shaped permanent magnets for NMR imaging

Previously developed design methodology provides a systematic analysis of magnetic structures composed of uniformly magnetized prisms that generate uniform fields. The approach is based on the property of cancellation of field singularities at the interfaces between the media. Applications of this design methodology thus far have been restricted to magnetic structures with concave cavity boundaries. However, convex cavity boundaries may be necessary for C-shaped magnetic structures involved in medical NMR imaging that feature a side opening in addition to openings at both ends. This paper introduces transition structures placed in the region of the magnet opening and analyzes their field properties. The results indicate a remarkable benefit of the transition elements in terms of field uniformity and the size of the imaging region.
Drop Size Distribution Retrieval with Polarimetric Radar: Model and Application

Polarimetric radar measurements are used to retrieve properties of raindrop distributions. The procedure assumes that drops are represented by a gamma distribution and retrieves the governing parameters from an empirical relation between the distribution shape and slope parameters and measurements of radar reflectivity and differential reflectivity. Retrieved physical characteristics of the drop size distribution (DSD) were generally well matched with disdrometer observations. The method is applied to select storms to demonstrate utility. Broad DSDs were determined for the core (high reflectivity) regions of thunderstorms. Largest drop median volume diameters were at the leading edge of the storm core and were displaced slightly downwind from updrafts. Rainy downdrafts exhibited what are believed to be equilibrium DSDs in which breakup and accretion are roughly in balance. DSDs for stratiform precipitation were dominated by relatively large drops. Median volume diameters at the ground were closely related to the intensity of an overlying bright band. The radar measurements suggest that, although DSDs in stratiform rain were also broad and nearly constant in the rain layer, they were not at equilibrium but were merely steady. DSD invariance is attributed to small total drop numbers, which result in few collisions.
Ultrafast all-optical switching with a single quantum dot

We demonstrate all-optical switching based on a single quantum dot coupled to a photonic crystal cavity. The quantum-dot mediated interaction between the signal and control beams occurs at the single-photon level.
Ex vivo transfection of pulmonary artery segments in lung isografts.

Abstract Background . Gene transfer to lung grafts may be useful in ameliorating ischemia-reperfusion injury and rejection. Proximal pulmonary artery endothelial transfection may provide beneficial downstream effects on the whole lung graft. We have already demonstrated the feasibility of in vivo and ex vivo transfection in proximal pulmonary artery segments of rat lung grafts. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for and duration of transfection. Methods . Orthotopic left lung transplantation was performed in F344 rats after donor lung proximal pulmonary artery segments were isolated and injected with lipid 67/DOPE–chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) complementary deoxyribonucleic acid construct. Effect of exposure time was studied by exposing donor pulmonary artery segments to the construct for 0, 30, and 60 minutes prior to transplantation. In another series of experiments, pulmonary artery segments were exposed to the construct for 60 minutes prior to transplantation. Onset and duration of gene expression were determined after sacrificing animals at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours and 3 days as well as 1 week, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after transplantation. Effect of exposure temperature was studied by exposing pulmonary artery segments to the construct for 60 minutes at 4°, 10°, and 23°C. These recipients were sacrificed on postoperative day 3. Effect of exposure pressure was studied by using two volumes of the construct (0.01 and 0.03 mL). These recipients were sacrificed on postoperative day 3. Transgene expression was assessed by chloramphenicol acetyl transferase activity assay. Results . Transgene expression was similar after 30- and 60-minute exposure. Transgene expression was evident within 3 to 6 hours after operation and persisted at 8 weeks after operation. Expression was detected at all temperatures and was equivalent at both exposure pressures. Conclusions . Gene transfection into graft pulmonary artery segments is possible under a range of conditions applicable to clinical lung transplantation.
Tobacco industry efforts subverting International Agency for Research on Cancer's second-hand smoke study

Scientific reports on second-hand smoke have stimulated legislation on clean indoor air in the USA, but less so in Europe. Recently, the largest European study, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), demonstrated a 16% increase in the point estimate of risk in lung cancer for nonsmokers, a result consistent with earlier studies. However, the study was described by newspapers and the tobacco industry as demonstrating no increase in risk. To understand the tobacco industry’s strategy on the IARC study we analysed industry documents released in US litigation and interviewed IARC investigators. The Philip Morris tobacco company feared that the study (and a possible IARC monograph on second-hand smoke) would lead to increased restrictions in Europe so they spearheaded an inter-industry, three-prong strategy to subvert IARC’s work. The scientific strategy attempted to undercut IARC’s research and to develop industry-directed research to counter the anticipated findings. The communications strategy planned to shape opinion by manipulating the media and the public. The government strategy sought to prevent increased smoking restrictions. The IARC study cost $2 million over ten years; Philip Morris planned to spend $2 million in one year alone and up to $4 million on research. The documents and interviews suggest that the tobacco industry continues to conduct a sophisticated campaign against conclusions that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer and other diseases, subverting normal scientific processes.
Studying Storage-Recomputation Tradeoffs in Memory-Constrained Embedded Processing

Fueled by an unprecedented desire for convenience and self-service, consumers are embracing embedded technology solutions that enhance their mobile lifestyles. Consequently, we witness an unprecedented proliferation of embedded/mobile applications. Most of the environments that execute these applications have severe power, performance, and memory space constraints that need to be accounted for. In particular, memory limitations can present serious challenges to embedded software designers. The current solutions to this problem include sophisticated packaging techniques and code optimizations for effective memory utilization. While the first solution is not scalable, the second one is restricted by intrinsic data dependences in the code that prevent code restructuring. In this paper, we explore an alternate approach for reducing memory space requirements of embedded applications. The idea is to re-compute the result of a code block (potentially multiple times) instead of storing it in memory and performing a memory operation whenever needed. The main benefit of this approach is that it reduces memory space requirements, that is, no memory space is reserved for storing the result of the code block in question.
Cathodoluminescence in diagenetic calcites; the roles of Fe and Mn as deduced from electron probe and spectrophotometric measurements

Quantitative spectrophotometric measurements of cathodoluminescence (CL) intensities of calcite cements from the Mississippian Lake Valley Formation are compared with Mn and Fe electron microprobe analyses of the same calcites. CL intensities of these calcites show excellent positive correlation with Mn concentrations at approximately constant Fe/Mn ratio and within narrow ranges of Fe contents (r = 0.76 to 0.97). Our data suggest that Fe/Mn ratios may control the maximum CL intensity of calcite. Below this maximum, at constant Fe/Mn ratios, CL intensity can vary significantly and is controlled mainly by absolute concentrations of Mn and Fe. CL intensities are therefore a function both of absolute concentrations of Mn and Fe and of Fe/Mn ratios. The data further suggest that CL intensities in calcites with low Fe concentrations (< 1,000 ppm) are more sensitive to Mn activation than to Fe quenching. CL spectra on the calcites show no evidence of rare earth element activators. Visual estimates of CL intensities of these calcite cements compare moderately well with intensities measured with the spectrophotometer. Spectrophotometrically measured CL intensities of calcites in any single visually estimated category (bright, moderate, dull, non-luminescent) overlap with those from adjacent categories. Thus spectrophotometric measurements are distinctly superior to the visual estimates. Our data indicate that calcites with more than about 100 ppm Mn will luminesce even in the presence of moderate amounts of Fe. In the absence of detectable Fe, calcites with about 150 to 650 ppm Mn have moderate CL, and those with Mn contents greater than about 700 ppm have bright CL. In the presence of detectable Fe, the amount of Mn required to impart moderate or bright CL increases with Fe content. Furthermore, Fe does not extinguish Mn-activated CL up to about 10,000 ppm Fe, the maximum of our data. These results are in general agreement with the electron microprobe study of Grover and Read (1983), in partial agreement with the data of Frank et al. (1982), and in poor agreement with the data of Fairchild (1983). Considering the poor precision of the electron probe at low element concentrations (< 100 ppm), our data are reasonably consistent with the published ion microprobe and atomic absorption data (Mason 1987; ten Have and Heijnen 1985; Richter and Zinkernagel 1981) which imply that Mn concentrations in the 30 to 50 ppm range are sufficient to activate cathodoluminescence in calcites.
MEL'NIKOV ANALYSIS OF A HAMILTONIAN PERTURBATION OF THE NONLINEAR SCHRODINGER EQUATION

Homoclinic varieties play a crucial role in the dynamics of perturbations of the focusing Nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLS). We undertake a Mel’nikov analysis to investigate the possibility of persistence of transversal homoclinic orbits for a conservative perturbation of the NLS.
Cocrystallization for successful drug delivery.

Introduction: Cocrystallization is an effective crystal engineering approach for modifying the crystal structure and properties of drugs. The number of examples of solving drug formulation and manufacture problems by cocrystallization is rapidly growing. An updated review that systematically examines the cocrystal research in the context of drug delivery is timely and valuable. Areas covered: Topics covered in this review include nature of cocrystal, impact of cocrystallization on key pharmaceutical properties (both enhancement and deterioration), cocrystal preparation method and future directions in this field. The focus of this review is on the crystal engineering and pharmaceutical literature in the last 5 years. However, classical literature is also examined when relevant. Expert opinion: The most effective cocrystal research relies on both in-depth understanding of structure–property relationship and efficient preparation of desired cocrystals. The future cocrystal research will see growth in the are...
Hydrogen peroxide, organic hydroperoxide, and formaldehyde as primary pollutants from biomass burning

Hydrogen peroxide, organic hydroperoxide species, and formaldehyde were found to be enhanced within biomass burning plumes during the Transport and Atmospheric Chemistry near the Equator - Atlantic (TRACE A) experiment. This enhancement could have resulted from direct emission by the fires or by secondary photochemical production. In this study, direct production of hydroperoxide and formaldehyde from biomass burning is proposed and examined through comparisons of hydroperoxide and formaldehyde measurements, obtained from three fire flights in TRACE A, with model estimates, with other measurement data, and with results from fire experiments at the University of Rhode Island (URI). For highest concentrations of hydroperoxide and formaldehyde, model predictions fall short of those observed, and an additional source is required. H 2 O 2 and CH 3 OOH were noted to increase with CO and were significantly correlated with other measured species known to be produced from biomass burning. The enhancements of H 2 O 2 and CH 3 OOH relative to CO were different between flights in which the relative enhancements of CO to CO 2 were also different. The enhancement ratio of H 2 O 2 and CH 3 OOH relative to CO was 1-5x10 -2 and 2-4x10 -3 , respectively. CH 2 O was correlated with CO. The enhancement ratios of CH 2 O were determined in relation to both CO and CO 2 for three flights and were 7-19x10 -3 and 3-5x10 -4 , respectively. The correlations of CH 2 O with other measured combustion species were more significant than those of H 2 O 2 and CH 3 OOH. To determine whether hydroperoxide and formaldehyde can be directly produced from biomass burning, simple biomass fire experiments were performed at URI. These species were observed to be clearly elevated in test biomass fires. These experiments present unequivocal evidence for the direct production of hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde from biomass burning. The results from both TRACE A and our fire experiments also fit possible mechanisms of direct formation of hydroperoxide and formaldehyde in combustion processes. The atmospheric implication of the direct production of these species from biomass burning is their contribution to odd-hydrogen radical production, thereby affecting the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere before O 3 would be photochemically developed. In TRACE A, odd-hydrogen radical production from the direct source of these species is estimated to be near 30% of the total radical production.
Molecular mechanisms for telomere maintenance in neuroblastoma.

10041 Background: Despite a well-developed risk classification schema utilizing both clinical and biologic factors, the clinical outcome of neuroblastoma (NB) is remarkably heterogeneous. Replicative immortality in cancers is mediated by 2 known telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs): telomerase reactivation and alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT). We hypothesized that TMMs are essential for cancer development in high-risk NBs (HR-NBs) but not low-risk or stage 4S NBs that frequently undergo spontaneous regression. We investigated the prevalence of known molecular events involved in TMMs in NB risk categories. Methods: The analysis included 47 NBs from 27 patients with high-risk disease and poor outcomes and 19 patients with low- or intermediate-risk disease and good outcomes (LR-NBs). Presence of the ALT phenotype was determined by telomeric fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and its association with ATRX alterations was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Direct sequencing of the TERT promo...
Adult survivors of childhood cancer: the medical and psychosocial late effects of cancer treatment and the impact on sexual and reproductive health.

Abstract Introduction There are over 13 million cancer survivors in the United States, which constitutes 3–4% of the U.S. population. According to the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program (SEER) data the 5‐year overall survival rate for children diagnosed with cancer between ages 0–19 is 83.1%, and 2/3 of childhood cancer survivors will experience at least one late effect of treatment. Aim To provide a brief overview of the medical and psychosocial effects of cancer treatments in survivors of childhood cancer with a focus on sexual and reproductive health issues in this population. Methods The development of a manuscript from a presentation at the Annual Society of Sexual Medicine meeting. An overview of long‐term and late effects of treatment experienced by young adult cancer survivors was presented. Main Outcome Measure This manuscript is based on a presentation that reviewed the medical and psychosocial literature, consensus statements of professional groups, and clinical observations. Results Cancer and cancer treatments have both direct and indirect effects of physiological, psychological, and interpersonal factors that can negatively impact the health and well‐being of cancer survivors including sexual and reproductive function and satisfaction. Conclusions Cancer, its management, and the resulting late effects must be explored and understood by providers caring for childhood cancer survivors so that educational, psychological, pharmacologic, as well as preventive interventions can be implemented with this population.
Tree of Consciousness: The Shekhinah in Edmond JabèS' Yaël

It is not uncommon for readers to situate the writing of Egyptian—French Jewish writer Edmond Jabes (1912—1991) within post-structuralist currents. However, it is the contention of this article that these critics overlook that which makes him a prototype of the post-Shoah Jew rethinking the concept of God through the ancient traditions (Talmudic, Kabbalistic and philosophical traditions). Whereas in most of his writing the interpretation of God's presence as Sacred text originates from the Talmudic tradition, the fourth of his seven Books of Questions, entitled Yael, humanises God in the form of the Shekhinah, one of the feminine emanations of God in the Kabbalistic tradition. Through the sacred vision of his new Yael-Shekhinah, Jabes elevates his own writing to the dimension of a spiritual act.
Laser Doppler vibrometer-based acoustic landmine detection using the fast M-sequence transform

Acoustic landmine detection using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) has demonstrated success in recent field tests. However, low detector signals and speckle noise are still challenging problems in the LDV-based acoustic-to-seismic detection of buried landmines. This letter describes the use of binary maximum-length sequences as the acoustic excitation for achieving high SNRs of scanning results. Some relevant issues associated with the detection system design and experimental field results are discussed.
A modified freezing-drying apparatus for tissues.

The preparation of tissues by the freezing-drying technic is preferred for many histochemical studies because of the rapid fixation, avoidance of deleterious action of chemical fixation and extraction by aqueous and lipid solvents in fixation, dehydration and clearing; to facilitate this procedure a freezing-drying apparatus has been constructed which permits cutting of sections within five hours after the fresh tissue is obtained. Liquid nitrogen provides a most efficient moisture trap and in conjunction with a heating element provides any desired temperature down to — 80°C. during tissue drying. Paraffin infiltration is started without disassembling the equipment and completed in a few minutes. Most stains and histochemical reactions for enzyme and other substances can be applied directly to sections of frozen-dried tissue cut from the same blocks.
Deformation and breakup of slender drops in linear flows

We study the deformation and breakup of a low-viscosity slender drop in a linear flow, , which depends on the drop length and the imposed flow. Our predictions are in reasonable agreement with the recent experimental data of Bentley (1985) for general two-dimensional linear flows and those of Grace (1971) for simple shear and hyperbolic extensional flow. We also present calculations for a class of three-dimensional flows as an illustration of the behaviour of three-dimensional flows in general.
Predicting energy expenditure through hand rim propulsion power output in individuals who use wheelchairs

Aim To examine the relationship between hand rim propulsion power and energy expenditure (EE) during wheelchair wheeling and to investigate whether adding other variables to the model could improve on the prediction of EE. Methods Individuals who use manual wheelchairs (n=14) performed five different wheeling activities in a wheelchair with a PowerTap power meter hub built into the right rear wheel. Activities included wheeling on a smooth, level surface at three different speeds (4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 km/h), wheeling on a rubberised track at one speed (5.5 km/h) and wheeling on a sidewalk course that included uphill and downhill segments at a self-selected speed. EE was measured using a portable indirect calorimetry system. Stepwise linear regression was performed to predict EE from power output variables. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the measured EE to the estimates from the power models. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between the criterion values and the predicted values. Results EE and power were significantly correlated (r=0.694, p Conclusion EE can be accurately and precisely estimated based on hand rim propulsion power. These results indicate that power could be used as a method to assess EE in individuals who use wheelchairs.
Aperiodic phase re‐setting in scalp EEG of beta–gamma oscillations by state transitions at alpha–theta rates

We evaluated the rapid changes in regional scalp EEG synchronization in normal subjects with spatial and temporal resolution exceeding prior art 10-fold with a high spatial density array and the Hilbert transform. A curvilinear array of 64 electrodes 3 mm apart extending 18.9 cm across the scalp was used to record EEG at 200/sec. Analytic amplitude (AA) and phase (AP) were calculated at each time step for the 64 traces in the analog pass band of 0.5-120 Hz. AP differences approximated the AP derivative (instantaneous frequency). The AP from unfiltered EEG revealed no reproducible patterns. Filtering was necessary in the beta and gamma ranges according to a technique that optimized the correlation of the AP differences with the activity band pass filtered in the alpha range. The sizes of temporal AP differences were usually within +/-0.5 radian from the average step corresponding to the center frequency of the pass band. Large AP differences were often synchronized over distances of 6 to 19 cm. An optimal pass band to detect and measure these recurring jumps in AP in the beta and gamma ranges was found by maximizing the alpha peak in the cospectrum of the correlation between unfiltered EEG and the band pass AP differences. Synchronized AP jumps recurred in clusters (CAP) at alpha and theta rates in resting subjects and with EMG. Cortex functions by serial changes in state. The Hilbert transform of EEG from high-density arrays can visualize these state transitions with high temporal and spatial resolution and should be useful in relating EEG to cognition.