cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phonon Theory of Solid-State Diffusion Including Anharmonic Effects

An anharmonic-lattice-vibration theory of solid-state diffusion, based on classical theory developed previously, is presented in second-quantization form and is evaluated for Cu. Equilibrium statistical mechanics was used, and the Goldstone diagrams were isolated for the interacting-phonon events which contribute to ${D}_{0}$. A displacement transformation suitable for the inhomogeneous strain inherent in the migration mechanism was used. The results of a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the migration portion of ${D}_{0}$ were estimated numerically for Cu, using a nearest-neighbor Debye approximation. The values of ${D}_{0}$ obtained, including an experimental value of the entropy of vacancy formation, were 0.106, 0.091, and 0.078 for temperatures of 293, 793, and 1293\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, respectively. The temperature dependence shown by ${D}_{0}$, in the classical limit, was due to the $T$ dependence of the atomic force constants, thermal expansion, and $T$-dependent anharmonic terms. At lower temperatures, quantum effects introduced terms with inverse powers of $T$ and mass. At 293\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, which is $0.865{\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{D}$ for Cu, there is a 7% decrease of ${D}_{0}$ due to quantum terms. The anharmonic terms introduced no direct effects on the mass dependence of ${D}_{0}$. If the first few anharmonic terms are included in an expansion of the activation energy, the first and most important term is linear in $T$ in the classical limit. Hence, it appears in the experimentally measured ${D}_{0}$, rather than in the activation energy. Therefore, harmonic-lattice-vibration theories or elastic theories of the activation energy should be realistic. A suggestion is made regarding the possibility of controlling the diffusion process by the artificial stimulation of phonons using laser radiation in a selected frequency range.
Model of Biological Quantum Logic in DNA

The DNA molecule has properties that allow it to act as a quantum logic processor. It has been demonstrated that there is coherent conduction of electrons longitudinally along the DNA molecule through pi stacking interactions of the aromatic nucleotide bases, and it has also been demonstrated that electrons moving longitudinally along the DNA molecule are subject to a very efficient electron spin filtering effect as the helicity of the DNA molecule interacts with the spin of the electron. This means that, in DNA, electrons are coherently conducted along a very efficient spin filter. Coherent electron spin is held in a logically and thermodynamically reversible chiral symmetry between the C2-endo and C3-endo enantiomers of the deoxyribose moiety in each nucleotide, which enables each nucleotide to function as a quantum gate. The symmetry break that provides for quantum decision in the system is determined by the spin direction of an electron that has an orbital angular momentum that is sufficient to overcome the energy barrier of the double well potential separating the C2-endo and C3-endo enantiomers, and that enantiomeric energy barrier is appropriate to the Landauer limit of the energy necessary to randomize one bit of information.
A Meshless Volume Scheme

Development of a new meshless technique is described, called the meshless volume scheme. The method is completely meshless, yet retains the low storage and simple flux distribution technique characteristic of finite volume methods. The new method is based on the well-known Taylor series expansion method with least squares. A least squares weighting scheme is introduced that significantly reduces storage and computational requirements compared to other meshless schemes. The scheme is shown to be analogous to finite volume schemes in many ways, but still lacks a discrete telescoping property and is not discretely conservative. The method is applied to the Euler equations in two dimensions. Results are presented which agree well with established methods.
Preparation and characterization of blends made of poly(l-lactic acid) and β-cyclodextrin: Improvement of the blend properties by using a masterbatch

Abstract β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD), an enzymatically modified starch with a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic cavity, can form inclusion complexes with a variety of hydrophobic molecules. In this study, β-CDs were mixed with poly( l -lactic acid) (PLA) and then extruded, pelletized, and cast into sheets to create biodegradable and bio-based materials with the capacity to carry hydrophobic molecules to enable new applications for polymers in the food and pharmaceutical packaging area. The effects of different β-CD contents (0, 15, or 30%), and that of using a masterbatch (MB) (pellets containing 30% β-CD content) on the morphology and the physical properties of the PLA/β-CD blends were investigated. Thermal stability, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation at break, and oxygen and water-barrier capacity of the PLA decreased with higher β-CD contents and revealed that β-CDs and PLA are incompatible. Similarly, the crystalline content and color change increased with higher β-CD contents. The addition of β-CDs in the form of a masterbatch notably reduced these effects and increased the compatibility of the PLA and the β-CDs.
Social introversion and spatial abilities

A study was conducted to examine the association between the personality trait social introversion, measured by peer ratings, and performance on a test of spatial reasoning, the Block Design subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. The subjects were 63 men from social fraternities at a state university. Social introversion and performance on the Block Design test correlated r =.72, p <.001, indicating a substantial association between these seemingly dissimilar measures of performance. Inasmuch as both variables have high heritability coefficients, it is possible they have a common genetic influence.
Synthesis and biological activity of 22-iodo- and (E)-20(22)-dehydro analogues of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Construction of 25-hydroxy-steroidal side chain substituted with iodine at C-22 was elaborated on a model PTAD-protected steroidal 5,7-diene and applied to a synthesis of (22R)- and (22S)-22-iodo-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Configuration at C-22 in the iodinated vitamins, obtained by nucleophilic substitution of the corresponding 22S-tosylates with sodium iodide, was determined by comparison of their iodine-displacement processes and cyclizations leading to isomeric five-membered (22,25)-epoxy-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 compounds. Also, 20(22)-dehydrosteroids have been obtained and their structures established by 1H NMR spectroscopy. When compared to the natural hormone, (E)-20(22)-dehydro-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was found 4 times less potent in binding to the porcine intestinal vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 2 times less effective in differentiation of HL-60 cells. 22-Iodinated vitamin D analogues showed somewhat lower in vitro activity, whereas (22,25)-epoxy analogues were inactive. Interestingly, it was established that (22S)-22-iodo-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was 3 times more potent than its (22R)-isomer in binding to VDR and four times more effective in HL-60 cell differentiation assay. The restricted mobility of the side chain of both 22-iodinated vitamin D compounds was analyzed by a systematic conformational search indicating different spatial regions occupied by their 25-oxygen atoms. Preliminary data on the in vivo calcemic activity of the synthesized vitamin D analogues indicate that (E)-20(22)-dehydro-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 22-iodo-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 isomers were ca. ten times less potent than the natural hormone 1α,25-(OH)2D3 both in intestinal calcium transport and bone calcium mobilization.
Experiment design and first season observations with the degree angular scale interferometer

We describe the instrumentation, experiment design, and data reduction for the first season of observations with the Degree Angular Scale Interferometer (DASI), a compact microwave interferometer designed to measure anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) on degree and subdegree scales (l 100-900). The telescope was deployed at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Research Station during the 1999-2000 austral summer, and we conducted observations of the CMB throughout the following austral winter. In its first season of observations, DASI has mapped CMB fluctuations in 32 fields, each 34 across, with high sensitivity.
TETRASAT: a program for the population analysis of allotetraploid microsatellite data

Microsatellite markers are quite popular due to their degree of polymorphism and efficiency; however, the utility of such markers for analysing allotetraploid species is often hampered by an inability to determine allele copy number for partial heterozygotes. tetrasat is a program that uses an iterative substitution process to account for all probable combinations of allele copy numbers in populations with partial heterozygote samples. The program subsequently calculates allele frequencies, and mean Hardy–Weinberg expected heterozygosity (HE), Shannon–Weiner Diversity Index (H′) and Nei's measure of population differentiation (GST) are reported for each locus and population. Of equal importance is the calculation of statistical variability generated by the missing data and allele substitution process, which allows for assessment of the strength of conclusions drawn from the statistics.
The characterization of the static behavior of p-n junction devices

This paper examines the static behavior of certain p-n junction devices that are governed by Van Roosbroeck's differential equations. It is found that this set of first-order differential equations accurately predicts semiconductor static behavior in both the bulk and the transition regions. The purpose of this model is to find the hole and electron concentrations, hole and electron currents, and electric field as functions of position and external excitation. For part of the paper, use is made of the quasi-neutrality approximation in the bulk regions and the quasi-equilibrium Boltzmann relations (QEBR) which relate the hole and electron concentrations at transition region edges to the applied voltage across the transition region. The unijunction transistor with intrinsic base, p-i and p-in diodes, and a new current gain device are examined using these concepts, and the results are compared with experiment. By applying boundary conditions only at the ohmic contacts, a p-i diode problem is solved on a computer. One especially important point in this problem is that quasi-neutrality of the base and the QEBR are not imposed upon the problem. However, the final results indicate that these concepts are good approximations, except for extremely short devices.
MeSHing molecular sequences and clinical trials

The centralized and public availability of molecular sequence and clinical trial data presents an opportunity to identify potentially valuable linkages across the bench-to-bedside "T1" translational barrier. In this study, we sought to leverage keyword metadata (Medical Subject Heading MeSH] descriptors) to infer relationships between molecular sequences and clinical trials, as indexed by GenBank and ClinicalTrials.gov. The results of this feasibility study found that approximately 30% of sequences in GenBank could be linked to trials and over 90% of trials in ClinicalTrials.gov could be linked to sequences through MeSH descriptors. In a cursory evaluation, we were able to consistently identify meaningful linkages between molecular sequences and clinical trials. Based on our findings, there may be promise in subsequent studies aiming to identify linkages across the T1 translational barrier using existing large repositories.
Simplification of differential temperature calibration and emittance measurements in scanning calorimetry

Abstract The energy emitted by the two sample holders of a Perkin—Elmer Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) can be balanced quickly at any temperature by observing instrument signal as a function of differential temperature control setting. This balance point, depending on the emittance characteristics of the individual sample holders, will correspond closely to the point at which the temperatures of the two sample holders are the same, making rapid differential temperature calibration possible. Deterioration in the characteristics of the sample holders can be detected, and emittance measurements can be greatly simplified.
Phenotypic Diversity in Neuronal Cell Lines Derived from Raphe Nucleus by Retroviral Transduction

Abstract Two neuronal cell lines, RN33B and RN46A, were derived from E12 rat medullary raphe neuroepithelial cells by infection with a retrovirus encoding the temperature-sensitive mutant of SV40 large T antigen (T-ag). At permissive temperature (33°C), both cell lines express nuclear T-ag immunoreactivity, low levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and low (NF-L) and medium (NFM), but not high (NF-H), MW neurofilament proteins. Once differentiated, both cell lines cease dividing, take on a neuronal morphology, and express enhanced levels of NSE and all three NF proteins. The complex interaction of variables which mediates the differentiation of these neuronal cell lines is discussed. RN33B and RN46A cells show both similar and different physiological properties, and those features are highlighted to demonstrate the utility of these cell lines in studying neuronal differentiation, both in vitro and in vivo . For example, the expression of NF-L and NF-M in differentiating RN33B and RN46A cells can be potentiated by activation of protein kinase A. RN33B cells are glutamatergic while RN46A cells are serotonergic. 5-HT uptake and synthesis in RN46A cells are differentially regulated, as synthesis is maximal only in differentiated RN46A cells which have been treated with BDNF followed by partial depolarization. 5-HT uptake is seen at similar levels in both undifferentiated and differentiated RN46A cells and is independent of neurotrophin regulation. Following transplantation into the CNS, RN33B cells survive ≥6 months and differentiate according to local environmental signals; RN46A cells survive ≤2 months and do not show similar plasticity in vivo . These data are modeled to provide a conceptual framework as to the generation and differentiation capacity of neuronal cell lines derived by retroviral transduction.
Chaotic attractors of a locally conservative hyperbolic map with overlap

Abstract We introduce a class of hyperbolic maps which are locally conservative but globally dissipative. The dissipation stems not from local contraction of phase space but from the overlap that arises from the noninvertibility of the map. The dynamics of these maps are chaotic, and the attractors are strange, although not necessarily fractal. Though several examples of this class are provided, our analysis concentrates on a single example which is obtained as a modification of the baker's transform. We discuss the morphology of the attractors as the map parameter is varied. We find that some attractors are “thin” fractals and others are “fat” sets of positive measure. We are able to characterize the parameter values that lead to these two kinds of attractors, and for certain parameter values, we can derive analytically exact values for the fractal dimension or for the fat fractal scaling exponent. Taken together, these results lead us to conjecture that the generic attractor of this map has zero measure and full dimension.
Some physical and chemical factors contributing to fragipan strength in Kentucky soils

Abstract Sixteen pedons developed in various parent materials in Kentucky were studied in order to quantify fragipan strength and expression. The contribution to soil strength by clay, bulk density and amorphous or poorly crystalline chemical constituents in the soil fraction were also examined. The triple beam balance apparatus was successfully used to calculate strength of undisturbed, moist clods. Most argillic horizons were found to have strengths less than 40 Mg m−2, while most fragipan horizons had strengths exceeding 60 Mg m−2. Results using this simple technique corresponded favorably to those achieved by more sophisticated geotechnical equipment for unconfined compression tests. The contribution to strength by clay and bulk density decreased as peds became less plastic and more brittle. Amorphous materials were extracted by a selective sequential procedure using acid ammonium oxalate (in the dark), citrate-dithionite-bicarbonate, and alternating acid (6 N HCl)-alkali (KOH) treatments. Additional strength in fragipan horizons appeared to be related to an amorphous “binding” phase with a 0.5 Si (Al + Si) molar ratio, suggesting that the strength of fragipans is more than a “clay-bridging” or density phenomenon.
Long-term storage effects on canine osteochondral allografts.

We have studied long-term (to 60 days) effects of 4°C storage in culture media on the histologic, mechanical, and chemical properties of the cartilage from osteochondral shell allografts from the dog. The structural integrity of the cartilage matrix was intact up to 60 days of storage, for the mechanical properties represented by the aggregate modulus and apparent permeability remained normal. These data are supported by normal safranin-O staining as well as normal glycosaminoglycan content and total collagen concentration. However, chondrocyte viability, as assessed by 35SO4 uptake and hematoxylin and eosin preparations, decreased dramatically with time. We believe that the longer storage to 60 days is not indicated, unless conditions can be modified to maintain cell viability.
Membrane heterogeneities in the formation of B cell receptor–Lyn kinase microclusters and the immune synapse

Antigen binding to the B cell receptors (BCRs) induces BCR clustering, phosphorylation of BCRs by the Src family kinase Lyn, initiation of signaling, and formation of an immune synapse. We investigated B cells as they first encountered antigen on a membrane using live cell high resolution total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in conjunction with fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Newly formed BCR microclusters perturb the local membrane microenvironment, leading to association with a lipid raft probe. This early event is BCR intrinsic and independent of BCR signaling. Association of BCR microclusters with membrane-tethered Lyn depends on Lyn activity and persists as microclusters accumulate and form an immune synapse. Membrane perturbation and BCR–Lyn association correlate both temporally and spatially with the transition of microclustered BCRs from a “closed” to an “open” active signaling conformation. Visualization and analysis of the earliest events in BCR signaling highlight the importance of the membrane microenvironment for formation of BCR–Lyn complexes and the B cell immune synapse.
Classical mechanical methods for extracting dynamics from stimulated-emission pumping spectra

A methodology that uses classical mechanics to simulate low-resolution, stimulated-emission pumping spectra and to extract their dynamical information is presented. The peaks in the spectra are associated with partially or totally decoupled regions of phase space in which a particular kind of motion takes place. If the classical dynamics is chaotic, the decoupling is only partial and the motion has a lifetime that corresponds to the widths of the peaks in the low-resolution spectra. The methodology is applied to the sodium trimer and to the HCN/HNC system.
Confederate Lane: Class, race, and ethnicity in the Mississippi Delta

In the Mississippi Delta of the United States, class developed as a racial relationship. Propertied blacks, immigrants, and old-stock poor whites destabilized an ideological discourse pursued by the planter elite. In this article, we examine shifting class processes through the history of poor white people who have settled in a largely white school district located in Washington County, Mississippi, and we consider how ethnicity, religion, and kinship have inflected those processes and political relations. We also trace the role of the federal government in altering social relations. Today in the Delta, black political elites maintain black racial solidarity as the key to electoral success. White elites, largely shorn of political power, are forming alliances with the emerging blacks. Working-class whites, having lost many privileges accrued during the segregationist period, find themselves adrift.
On Managing Midlife Transitions in Career and Family

Transitions are ubiqitious phenomena in modern life. This research sets forth a grounded theory phase sequence model of the transition process. The model is used to explore the midlife transition in terms of emotionality, changing career and family investments, and movement toward autonomy at the workplace. Implications for careerists and human resource management are suggested.
Function and structure of GFP-like proteins in the protein data bank

The RCSB protein databank contains 266 crystal structures of green fluorescent proteins (GFP) and GFP-like proteins. This is the first systematic analysis of all the GFP-like structures in the pdb. We have used the pdb to examine the function of fluorescent proteins (FP) in nature, aspects of excited state proton transfer (ESPT) in FPs, deformation from planarity of the chromophore and chromophore maturation. The conclusions reached in this review are that (1) The lid residues are highly conserved, particularly those on the “top” of the β-barrel. They are important to the function of GFP-like proteins, perhaps in protecting the chromophore or in β-barrel formation. (2) The primary/ancestral function of GFP-like proteins may well be to aid in light induced electron transfer. (3) The structural prerequisites for light activated proton pumps exist in many structures and it's possible that like bioluminescence, proton pumps are secondary functions of GFP-like proteins. (4) In most GFP-like proteins the protein matrix exerts a significant strain on planar chromophores forcing most GFP-like proteins to adopt non-planar chromophores. These chromophoric deviations from planarity play an important role in determining the fluorescence quantum yield. (5) The chemospatial characteristics of the chromophore cavity determine the isomerization state of the chromophore. The cavities of highlighter proteins that can undergo cis/transisomerization have chemospatial properties that are common to both cis and trans GFP-like proteins.
Whither United Nations Economic and Social Ideas? A Research Agenda

This article sets out a working framework to analyze the contribution of the United Nations (UN) to global economic and social policy, and to development discourse and practice, at the start of a multi-year research effort. It seeks to better understand the sources, evolution, and impact of key UN development ideas, and the role of the UN as an intellectual actor in the multilateral marketplace of ideas. The first part of the article outlines how recent literature about ideas has informed our work. The second part explores methodological debates with especial attention to the shortcomings of ideational approaches, addressing conceptual difficulties in dealing with ideas, and offering some thoughts both about what these debates may add to our understanding as well as ways that a contribution to scholarly debates will result. The third part poses key research questions and outlines how we propose analyzing the relationship between ideas and policy.
A mouse model of the perimenopausal transition: importance for cardiovascular research.

The postmenopausal population of the U.S. is expected to reach 40 million in the next decade, accounting for ≈33% of all women and 15% to 20% of all adult Americans. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) will be a leading cause of death among these women, while osteoporosis and resulting fractures will affect up to half of women, and many others will experience significant cognitive decline.1 Results of prospective clinical trials indicate that neither estrogen nor estrogen+progestin hormone therapy reduces the risk of CVD in postmenopausal women.2,3 As such, a major interest of health professionals is to better understand the determinants of CVD risk of women before becoming postmenopausal. See page 1910 The risk of CVD in women increases with age.4,5 During the years leading up to the menopause (the perimenopausal transition), women experience reductions in …
A possible role of repetitious DNA in recombinatory joining during chromosome rearrangement in Drosophila melanogaster.

It is postulated that certain repetitious DNA components play a role in the recombination processes during chromosome rearrangements. When the distribution of silver grain densities after the in situ hybridization of repetitious DNA (Rudkin and Tartof 1973) and the distribution of chromosome breaks due to X-irradiation (Kaufmann 1946) are compared, a strong correlation is found for the euchromatic portion of the D. melanogaster salivary X chromosome. These observations justify the postulate above that certain repetitious DNA provides homologous regions in the DNA of broken chromosome ends necessary for proper recombinatory joining.
Spice Quality: Effect of Cryogenic and Ambient Grinding on Volatiles

Interest in the production of high-quality spice products has encouraged scientists to investigate the effects of cryogenic milling on spice quality. Gas chromatographic analyses of ether extracts, direct headspace samples and traditional volatile oil determinations accompanied by sensory analyses of the spices were made to determine if cryogenically milled spices were comparable to ambiently milled spices. Results indicated that cryogenically milled spices retained more of the volatiles of the natural spice. Untrained odor panelists were able to detect differences in some ambiently and cryogenically milled spices.
Childhood Asthma Hospitalization Rates, Childhood Asthma Prevalence, and Their Relationships in Erie County, New York

We estimated asthma hospitalization rates, prevalence, and their relationships for children under age 15 in Erie County, New York. Information on hospitalizations was obtained from hospital discharge data, and prevalence was estimated through a mailed survey of 9271 children. The hospitalization rate was 2.3 per 1000, the lifetime prevalence was 14.1%, and the hospitalization-to-prevalence ratio was 16.3 per 1000 prevalent cases. Hospitalization rates and hospitalization-to-prevalence ratios were higher among young children relative to older children; and hospitalization rates, prevalence, and hospitalization-to-prevalence ratios were higher among males, blacks, and Buffalo residents, suggesting greater severity, poorer management, and/or less access to care among these groups. The hospitalization-to-prevalence ratio may be useful in estimating prevalence from more easily available hospitalization data.
Simvastatin enhances aquaporin-2 surface expression and urinary concentration in vasopressin-deficient Brattleboro rats through modulation of Rho GTPase.

Statins are 3-hydroxyl-3-methyglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors that are commonly used to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. Emerging data have suggested that they also have “pleotropic effects,” including modulating actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Here, we report an effect of simvastatin on the trafficking of aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Specifically, simvastatin induced the membrane accumulation of AQP2 in cell cultures and kidneys in situ. The effect of simvastatin was independent of protein kinase A activation and phosphorylation at AQP2-Ser256, a critical event involved in vasopressin (VP)-regulated AQP2 trafficking. Further investigation showed that simvastatin inhibited endocytosis in parallel with downregulation of RhoA activity. Overexpression of active RhoA attenuated simvastatin's effect, suggesting the involvement of this small GTPase in simvastatin-mediated AQP2 trafficking. Finally, the effect of simvastatin on urinary concentration was investigated in VP-deficient Brattleboro rats. Simvastatin acutely (3–6 h) increased urinary concentration and decreased urine output in these animals. In summary, simvastatin regulates AQP2 trafficking in vitro and urinary concentration in vivo via events involving downregulation of Rho GTPase activity and inhibition of endocytosis. Our study provides an alternative mechanism to regulate AQP2 trafficking, bypassing the VP-vasopressin receptor signaling pathway.
Effects of Training On Teachers' Accuracy in the Identification of Gifted Children:

Teachers are frequently asked to assist in the identification of intellectually gifted children. Their referrals, however, are relatively inaccurate, as they overlook many gifted children and nominate others who will not achieve the criterion for intellectual giftedness. This experimental study sought to determine if appropriate instruction would improve the accuracy of teacher-judged giftedness. The investigation was conducted in several rural schools in a region which was designated economically disadvataged. Teachers who were provided appropriate instruction were significantly more effective in their referrals, and equally efficient as those teachers in the control who had not been given instruction.
Constellation: a visualization tool for linguistic queries from MindNet

Constellation is a visualization system for the results of queries from the MindNet natural language semantic network. Constellation is targeted at helping MindNet's creators and users refine their algorithms, as opposed to understanding the structure of language. We designed a special-purpose graph layout algorithm which exploits higher-level structure in addition to the basic node and edge connectivity. Our layout prioritizes the creation of a semantic space to encode plausibility instead of traditional graph drawing metrics like minimizing edge crossings. We make careful use of several perceptual channels both to minimize the visual impact of edge crossings and to emphasize highlighted constellations of nodes and edges.
Real-Time Multiplex PCR Assay for Detection of Brucella spp., B. abortus, and B. melitensis

The identification of Brucella can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process that places personnel at risk for laboratory-acquired infection. Here, we describe a real-time PCR assay for confirmation of presumptive Brucella isolates. The assay was designed in a multiplex format that will allow the rapid identification of Brucella spp., B. abortus, and B. melitensis in a single test.
A real-time cross-layer design of the multimedia application layer with a MIMO based wireless physical layer

To provide reliable real-time video services in a wireless multipath-fading system, large modifications in transmitting power would be necessary to counteract the extreme variations in channel quality. However, with the availability of diversity such as receiver diversity or multiple channels as in MIMO systems, one can ldquosmooth outrdquo these channel fluctuations, making it possible to support a reliable bit rate channel with efficient power control. Our goals in this work are the following. First to demonstrate a real-time implementable physical layer solution. Second to utilize this physical layer solution along with a practical video encoder to demonstrate the feasibility of a robust real-time cross-layer solution which allows seamless interaction between the application layer and the physical layer to provide a reliable video service. The solution we propose not only makes maximum use of available channel capacity but also makes the best possible use, in real-time, of the compressed video information.
The dripping candle wax sign

The dripping candle wax sign indicates melorheostosis. The radiographic findings may reflect a developmental error primarily in intramembranous bone formation. This leads to an irregular thickening of cortical bone (cortical hyperostosis) that extends up to (but usually not past) the articular surface (2). Pathologic findings suggest both overproduction of bone matrix and increased angiogenesis (5). The distribution of affected bone is thought to be due to the predilection of melorheostosis to occur in sclerotomes (skeletal regions innervated by a single spinal sensory nerve) (3).
Measuring social capital and its consequences

If social capital is understood to be a resource that can facilitate the attainment of a community’s goals, then it may be searched for in its institutions, in its patterns of culture, in its modes of communication and association, or in its shared psychosocial characteristics as expressed in qualities such as trust, cooperativeness, or initiative. This paper focuses on the latter expressions of social capital, and especially on efforts to measure its presence in large-scale national populations. Evidence from Hofstede’s sample of 40 nations shows that the average strength of ‘individualism’ in each national population was strongly correlated with measures of income equality and press freedom; and from Inglehar’s sample of more than 40 nations that when positive social values such as trust are widely shared they produce desirable features of social organization such as economic growth and stable democratic government. The paper considers how far such psychosocial characteristics of national populations are stable or variable. It concludes with a discussion of the uses policymakers make of these distinctive elements of social capital.
Human Factors in the Long Run

Some fundamental questions are raised in such a way that planning for the future of the Human Factors Society may be stimulated. These questions deal with the nature of the field and of the society.
Simulated performance of local maximum likelihood detection with interferences of unknown signature waveforms

This paper presents the simulation results for the group blind local maximum likelihood (GB-LML) detection (Y. Sun, July 2000), (Y. Sun, Dec. 2001) method with interference of unknown signal waveforms. Typical multiuser detection in code division multiple access (CDMA) systems has prior knowledge of signature waveforms of all users. Recent blind detection technologies focus on demodulating the desired users' information with the prior knowledge of signature waveforms of such users, but with other users' signature waveforms unknown. In the battle field, peer to peer digital communication often comes with the interfering signal without prior knowledge of signature waveforms, moreover with some hostile interfering signals. This technology also considers the commercial CDMA network with the inter and intra cell interference. In CDMA network, the base station has the knowledge of signature waveforms of all users within the cell, but has little knowledge of the signature waveforms outside the cell, especially with users switching between different base stations. In this paper, the simulation result showed that the local maximum likelihood detection (Y. Sun, July 2000), (Y. Sun, Dec. 2001) could achieve good performance, which exceeds that of traditional blind linear multiuser detectors with lower complexity.
Application management and visualization with Plush

Deploying, running, and maintaining applications running on a distributed set of resources is a challenging ta sk. Software developers often spend a significant amount of time dealing with the complexities associated with software configuration and management in these environments. Distributed application management systems are designed to automate the process, and to ultimately help developers cope with the common problems that arise during the design, implementation, and evaluation of distributed systems. In this talk, we highlight the key features of Plush, an application management system for PlanetLab and ModelNet, and describe how Plush simplifies peer-to-peer system visualization and evaluation.
Techniques for data hiding

Data hiding is the process of embedding data into image and audio signals. The process is constrained by the quantity of data, the need for invariance of the data under conditions where the `host' signal is subject to distortions, e.g., compression, and the degree to which the data must be immune to interception, modification, or removal. We explore both traditional and novel techniques for addressing the data hiding process and evaluate these techniques in light of three applications: copyright protecting, tamper-proofing, and augmentation data embedding.
HANDEDNESS AND CAREER CHOICE: ANOTHER LOOK AT SUPPOSED LEFT/RIGHT DIFFERENCES

Numerous studies have considered the possibility of consistent differences in the percentages of left- and right-handers in verbal and visuospatial career fields and academic disciplines. Conflicti...
A Rare Mechanism of Hyponatremia in HIV Disease

Patient: Male, 25 Final Diagnosis: Corticosteroid reistance Symptoms: Weakness Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Diagnosis Specialty: Nephrology Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Hyponatremia is the most common disorder of body fluid and electrolyte balance in clinical practice. It is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay. Little is known about the relationship between hyponatremia and HIV disease. It is thought that hyponatremia in HIV is associated with a syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH), volume depletion, and adrenal insufficiency. Another common association is with Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP). In early 1990s, there were several reports linking hyponatremia and HIV disease. It was found that these patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) had abnormal adrenal cortical function. Additionally, these patients showed an abnormally elevated baseline cortisol level and a blunted response to cosyntropin. Case Report: Here, we present the case of an HIV patient presenting with hyponatremia and a physical examination suggestive of hypovolemia. Laboratory tests revealed urinary loss of sodium in the setting of normal serum cortisol level. The patient responded well to the administration of a mineralocorticoid hormone. Conclusions: Glucocorticoid resistance is an unusual cause of hyponatremia, and needs to be identified and treated accordingly.
The Effects of Covenant Violations on the Underpricing of Seasoned Equity Offerings and the Implied Cost of Equity Capital

This study examines the impact of covenant violations on the implied cost of equity capital and the underpricing of seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). Using a novel dataset of 1,028 first-time covenant violations from 1996–2011, we find a higher level of SEO underpricing during the period immediately following covenant violations. This suggests that creditors require violating firms to issue equity to lower leverage and that equity investors interpret the violation negatively. We also find that violating firms experience an average increase of 8.48% in the implied cost of equity capital. By comparing analysts’ earnings forecasts before and after the violations, we conclude that the negative effects on equity owe to the loss of flexibility that accompanies covenant violations, and are not simply a reflection of the deteriorating health of the firm.
Synthesis and stability of minerals in the system MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O

Phase equilibria in the system MgO- Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -H 2 O were studied in order to obtain further information on the stability of metamorphic minerals and mineral assemblages. The equilibria are described in terms of composition triangles, of phases in equilibrium with H 2 O. Seventeen sets or triangles are given to describe changing equilibria with increasing temperature, at a constant water pressure of 10,000 psi. Syntheses of phases and equilibrium data are discussed, along with factors influencing the attainment of equilibrium. At low temperatures montmorillonite solid solutions cover a large field in the high-silica (?) portion of the diagram, whereas mixtures high in magnesia yield aluminian serpentine, in combination with other phases. Alumina hydrates and kaolinite dominate the high-alumina portion of the diagram in this temperature range. Aluminian serpentine at higher temperatures gives way to clinochlore. Cordierite, the only anhydrous ternary phase encountered, is stable in equilibrium with H 2 O above ca. 500°C., and the stable joins, quartz-cordierite(?)- H 2 O and cordierite-spinel-H 2 O, divide the quaternary system into two areas: that part dominated by the alumino-silicates, and the area involving magnesium silicates. In the alumina-silica side of the system pyrophyllite is the hydrate stable to the highest temperature, 575°C; but in the magnesia- silica side, talc is stable to a much higher temperature, 780°C. Application of the data obtained to geologic problems are discussed.
A Survey of Radiology Practices' Use of After-hours Services

Purpose To identify the characteristics of and the motives behind radiologists’ use, or lack thereof, of after‐hours services. Methods From August 2005 to June 2006, 300 non‐specialty hospitals randomly selected from the 2005 American Hospital Association Directory of Hospitals were contacted by phone, email, and mail, with an attempt made to speak to the chief of radiology. We obtained 115 responses, a 38.3% response rate, including 64 from practices that used an external after‐hours service. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistical analyses. Results Practices gave convenience as the most important reason they use an after‐ hours services, with value for recruiting ranked second and shortage of radiologists for off‐hours coverage third. Three‐fourths of practices said they receive 5% or fewer of their reads from these services. Two‐thirds of practices paid the service about as much as they collected or more. Approximately 40% of respondents utilized an after‐hours service located internationally. Of these, 56% said that the radiologists reading internationally were either all Americans or mostly Americans
Ion flow through biomembranes. Physical theory explains its high sensitivity.

Numerous biomembranes exhibit a sensitivity to changes in electrical potential greater than predicted as possible from the classical application of the Boltzmann relation, a phenomenon which has long defied explanation, the actual sensitivity of some Na+ channels being many times greater than the classical limit. This paper explains, using a minimum of mathematics, how the very rapid gating effect of adsorbed Ca2+ (or other impermeable divalent cations) can directly affect the conductance of channels, and thus interact with the electric field within the channel to produce a change in the potential across the channel’s gate much greater than the change in the membrane potential, with a corresponding change in the fraction of open conformational gates and change in conductance. These results are not in conflict with the Boltzmann relation, the necessary energy being made available from the total potential difference across the membrane by a long unrecognized stochastic process; the full mathematical theory is given in cited references.
Reliability, recursion, and risk

P(A U B) = P(A) + P(B) -P(A n B) (2) always. Numerous exercises based on these ideas are found in every introductory text. What is not widely recognized, however, is that one can get a lot of mileage from these (or related) elementary equations even in complex situations if they are used recursively in a proper manner. Recursion and a few elementary facts about probability can provide a basis for calculating the risks inherent in very complicated structures. The need to assess the risks found in complex technological ventures has become readily apparent with disasters such as Three Mile Island, the Union Carbide accident at Bhopal, India, the space shuttle Challenger's explosion in 1986, and most recently the Exxon Oil spill at Valdez. Engineers have long wrestled with such reliability problems using techniques quite different from the ones we will present here. Our discussion will lead to some contemporary topics in discrete mathematics such as trees and computational complexity and toward implementation of a simple reliability algorithm in Pascal, illustrating in the process the advantage that Pascal has over FORTRAN as a language for discrete mathematics. A brief concluding commentary will indicate the impact that the ideas described here have had on reliability research during the past decade. FIGURE 1 provides an illustration of a type of model widely used. This figure is a simple example of a fault tree. The leaf nodes are nodes 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, and the other nodes are internal nodes. The tree is a full binary tree in that each node has either two children or no children. The components of the fault tree are of three types: AND gates (intersections), OR gates (unions), and basic events. (The
Intrinsic Biomarker for Oxidative Stress by FLIM

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), when present above normal physiological levels, causes oxidative stress (OS), leading to damage of proteins and DNA and lipid peroxidation. OS has been associated with myriad of diseases like inflammation, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Hence an OS biomarker would have immense clinical importance. There is a dearth of nondestructive techniques to measure OS in vivo. This work shows non-invasive detection of OS by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of an intrinsic probe. Recognition of this endogenous biomarker enables label-free OS imaging. We identified this as fluorescent product of lipid oxidation by ROS. Using FLIM-phasor analysis, we can identify the presence and spatial location these species with a characteristic long lifetime (LLS). We could correlate the LLS to lipid droplets in the oleic acid treated HeLa cells using third harmonic generation (THG) imaging and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. For chemical analysis, we performed single point Raman spectroscopy which revealed typical lipid droplet Raman-bands. LLS FLIM signature was also observed in mouse perigonadal white adipose tissue (WAT) lipid droplets, which co-localized with THG signal. This further confirms the association of LLS to lipid droplets. We show application of LLS as OS biomarker in cardiology and cancer. An increase of LLS was observed in induced-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes under OS due to hypoxia. This correlates to the increase in ROS production due to hypoxia. LLS FLIM signature was also observed in melanoma, a ROS driven cancer. LLS were mostly located in the dendritic projection of the melanoma cells. Comparatively, only a small amount of LLS was displayed by melanocytes. This label-free, non-invasive FLIM-phasor method is a promising imaging technique for OS detection in biological systems, especially for in vivo measurements.Work supported in part by NIH grants P50GM076516,P41GM103540 and UH2TR000481-0.
Yammer goes to college

Universities are constantly looking for ways to improve courses, the delivery of those courses, and ultimately student learning. As fast as social networking has taken off, why not incorporate this technology into current Learning Management Systems? In recent years we have seen smaller online systems turn into things like WebCT, Blackboard and D2L. Now we are seeing public social network systems like Facebook turning into company social networking systems like Yammer. As a spin-off, Yammer is now being used for a variety of things within the university environment, from student/faculty collaboration, group collaboration, and faculty/faulty collaboration. This paper introduces the reader to Yammer and some of the things that have been done with it in the classroom and university environments.
Local Smoothing of Fourier Integral Operators

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, if Y and Z are smooth paracompact manifolds of dimensions n > 2 and n + 1, respectively, we shall prove local regularity theorems for a certain class of Fourier integral operators , E IE P(Z, Y; W) which naturally arise in the study of wave equations. Secondly, we want to apply these estimates to prove versions of the Carleson-Sjolin theorem on compact two-dimensional manifolds with periodic geodesic flow. The operators we shall study satisfy the curvature condition introduced in [32]. The main example occurs when Z = Y x R1 and Y is the solution operator for the Cauchy problem for the wave equation