cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dislocations in neodymium gallium garnet (Nd3Ga5O12 or NdGG)

Dislocations in imperfect (1 1 1) and (1 0 0) wafers of neodymium gallium garnet (Nd3 Ga5 O12 or NdGG) have been examined using etch pits and the bi-refringence method. Long straight dislocations, large prismatic loops, small prismatic loops, dislocation nodes, and low-angle grain boundaries were observed. The Burgers vectors of some of the dislocations lay along the 〈1 1 0〉 or 〈1 1 1〉 directions. Dislocations with Burgers vectors along 〈1 0 0〉 may have been present, but conclusive evidence for this was not obtained. The diameter of the smallest prismatic loop was 3.1μm. It is thought to be the smallest dislocation loop observed by the bi-refringence method. The rotation across the low-angle grain boundaries was ∼10−6°.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants sensitive to the antimalarial and antiarrhythmic drug, quinidine

Mutations at three loci in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been shown to confer increased sensitivity to the antimalarial and antiarrhythmic alkaloid, quinidine. Two of these groups are composed of strains carrying recessive mutations, the other group contains two dominant alleles. The largest complementation group has been designated QDS1, for increased quinidine-sensitivity. Exposure of qds1 cells to lethal concentrations of quinidine results in a novel small-budded terminal morphology in about 70% of the cells in the culture. Strains which carry qds1 alleles share other pleiotropic phenotypes. qds1 mutants are incapable of mating as α but not a cells, due to a defect in α-factor production. Homozygous diploid qds1 strains cannot sporulate. Genetic evidence indicates that QDS1 is allelic to KEX2, a precursor processing protease. Loss of QDS1 / KEX2 function results in quinidine sensitivity.
Topiramate: a case series study in migraine prophylaxis.

We reviewed the electronic records of 74 migraine patients treated with topiramate for more than 6 weeks. Twenty-four patients had episodic migraine and 50 had chronic (transformed) migraine. Most ...
Field equations, Huygens’s principle, integral equations, and theorems for radiation and scattering of electromagnetic waves in isotropic chiral media

Several aspects of electromagnetic wave propagation and scattering in isotropic chiral media (D = ∊E + β∊▽ × E, B = μH + βμ▽× H) are explored here. All four field vectors, E, H, D, and B, satisfy the same governing differential equation, which reduces to the vector Helmholtz equation when β = 0. Vector and scalar potentials have been postulated. Conservation of energy and momentum are examined. Some properties, consequences, and computationally attractive forms of the applicable infinite-medium Green’s function have been explored. Finally, the mathematical expression of Huygens’s principle, as applicable to chiral media, has also been derived and employed to set up a scattering formalism and to establish the forward plane-wave-scattering amplitude theorems. Several of the results given that pertain to the field equations and Green’s dyadic are available for constitutive equations other than those mentioned above; these results, along with some others, have been given now for the above-mentioned constitutive equations. The derivations of Huygens’s principle and other developments described here have not been given earlier, to our knowledge, for any pertinent set of constitutive equations. With advances in polymer science, the formalisms developed here may be useful in the utilization of artificial chiral dielectrics at suboptical and microwave frequencies; application to vision research is also anticipated.
A sensorless induction motor flux observer with inaccurate speed input based on an alternative state space model

The paper discusses the problem of flux estimation for the induction motor (IM) drive and presents a sensorless observer. The intention is to estimate the IM fluxes in the stationary reference frame in order to obtain both the magnitude and the angle of the rotor flux. The flux magnitude is typically used for d axis feedback; the flux angle is needed for field orientation. The paper presents an alternative state-space model of the IM. Based on this, a Lyapunov-type nonlinear state observer with continuous feedback is designed. The paper first assumes that the speed is known and develops a sensored observer; then, this is transformed into a sensorless observer by feeding it with a speed estimate (assumed inaccurate). This method eliminates the speed measurement. The paper shows that, despite the improper speed input, the design yields a partially accurate estimate of the state vector that is sufficient for obtaining the magnitude and angle of the flux. Previous observers developed under the same conditions based on the traditional IM model were only capable of estimating the angle of the flux (but not the magnitude). The novelty is that this method also yields an accurate flux magnitude. It is shown that the equilibrium point of the observer is influenced by the design gains; with high enough gain, the observer converges. The theoretical developments are supported by simulations.
Native Language Proficiency, English Literacy, Academic Achievement, and Occupational Attainment in Limited-English-Proficient Students: A Latent Growth Modeling Perspective.

The hypothesis that native language (L1) proficiency promotes English acquisition and overall academic achievement, a key theoretical assumption underlying bilingual education, was tested using latent growth modeling of data from 899 limited-English-proficient (LEP) eighth graders who were followed for 12 years in the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS:88/2000). A model in which L1 proficiency predicted English (L2) reading ability, which in turn predicted high school achievement and distal educational/occupational attainment, fit the data well for the full LEP sample and a Hispanic subsample. In Hispanics, the model explained 24.1%, 7.4%, 29.4%, and 46.3% of the variance in initial English reading level, English reading growth, high school achievement, and post-high school attainment, respectively. Model fit for an Asian subsample, however, was poor. Possible reasons for lack of group invariance include cultural differences in construct conceptualization, greater linguistic and cultural heterogeneity within the Asian subgroup, and cross-language transfer difficulties when L1 and L2 lack a shared alphabetic structure. At least for Hispanic LEP students, this study's results establish the theoretical foundation for exploring the effectiveness of specific educational interventions.
A study of anthraquinone dyes for the selection of candidates for carcinogen bioassay

Abstract A study of anthraquinone dyes as candidates for nomination to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Chemical Selection Working Group (CSWG) for carcinogenesis bioassay is described. The preliminary candidate list of dyes was provided by the U.S. Operating Committee (USOC) of the Ecological and Toxicological Association of the Dyestuffs Manufacturing Industry (ETAD). After the identification and elimination of the chemicals considered previously by the CSWG, already tested adequately, or on test currently, information on the remaining candidates was evaluated according to such factors as chemical structure, potential exposure, and suspicion of carcinogenicity. On the basis of these considerations, 16 chemicals were judged to be the best candidates for testing. Twelve chemicals were nominated for carcinogenesis bloassay; four for inclusion in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Short Term Testing Program.
A Minimal Budget Approach algorithm for integration of clean energy to electricity systems

In order to reduce green house emission, some clean energy policies have been approved or are being designed to stimulate clean energy development in electricity systems of some countries. The implementation of these clean energy policies needs a huge investment of money because this will reform the backbones of the energy infrastructure in these countries. Thus, it is important to find out how to minimize the investment meanwhile meet the growing power demand and satisfy the clean energy policies. This issue plays an important role in the development of a country in the aspects of economics, environment and energy. In this paper, we focus on the above issue and propose a Minimal Budget Approach (MBA) algorithm, which can help decison makers to find out how to realize the clean energy policies, meet increasing power demand and keep the budget as small as possible.
Signs, toy models, and the a priori: from Helmholtz to Wittgenstein

Abstract The Marburg neo-Kantians argue that Hermann von Helmholtz’s empiricist account of the a priori does not account for certain knowledge, since it is based on a psychological phenomenon, trust in the regularities of nature. They argue that Helmholtz’s account raises the ‘problem of validity’ ( Gultigkeitsproblem ): how to establish a warranted claim that observed regularities are based on actual relations. I reconstruct Heinrich Hertz’s and Ludwig Wittgenstein’s Bild theoretic answer to the problem of validity: that scientists and philosophers can depict the necessary a priori constraints on states of affairs in a given system, and can establish whether these relations are actual relations in nature. The analysis of necessity within a system is a lasting contribution of the Bild theory. However, Hertz and Wittgenstein argue that the logical and mathematical sentences of a Bild are rules, tools for constructing relations, and the rules themselves are meaningless outside the theory. Carnap revises the argument for validity by attempting to give semantic rules for translation between frameworks. Russell and Quine object that pragmatics better accounts for the role of a priori reasoning in translating between frameworks. The conclusion of the tale, then, is a partial vindication of Helmholtz’s original account.
The Prominence of Lexical Information in Memory Representations of Meaning.

Many current theories of memory assume that memory representations are abstract or conceptual in nature and that they exclude specific lexical information. It is argued that (a) the results of previous research in this area do not support the exclusion of lexical information from memory representations; and (b) an alternative word-based theory of memory provides more efficient representations and processes than the abstract theory. The results of three experiments conducted in the present study suggest that lexical information is present and persists in memory representations of meaning. Experiment 1 showed that, after a 10-minute filled interval, subjects reliably recognized studied sentences with greater confidence than synonymous distractors. Experiment 2 showed that subjects verified studied sentences faster than true synonymous sentences, again after a 10-minute filled interval. Experiment 3 showed that the presence of identical words in learned sentences caused interference in verifying the sentences, while the presence of synonymous words did not. These considerations suggest that the word-based theory of memory should be preferred over the available theoretical alternatives.
Published cases of adverse drug reactions: has the quality of reporting improved over time?

Purpose:A previous study of cases published approximately 10–30 years ago reveals that substantial improvement in the quality of adverse drug reaction (ADR) case reports is needed. Since that evaluation, recommendations are available concerning the content and formatting of case reports.Objective:To compare the quality of recently published ADR case reports to a previously published study of the quality of ADR case reports from 10–30 years ago. A secondary objective is to determine the quality of reporting by specialty journal.Methods:This was a two-phase study. Phase 1 included an assessment of the 23 patient, drug and ADR variables evaluated in the previous study to allow comparison with recently published case reports in specialty journals. Phase 2 mimicked the methods of Phase 1 with a random selection of available case reports in a 1-year period from a variety of journals.Results:For Phase 1, 19 of the 23 variables had significant differences in reporting compared with the previous study. Reporting o...
Intersession repeatability of Humphrey perimetry measurements in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

PURPOSE. To determine the relationship between intersession test repeatability in static perimetry and the degree of local sensitivity reduction in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS. Visual field data were obtained from 27 patients with RP using FASTPAC 30-2 of the Humphrey Field Analyzer and stimulus sizes III and V. Each test was repeated at two subsequent visits after an initial practice session. An intersession sensitivity difference was defined for each patient at each measured point in the visual field by subtracting the sensitivity value obtained during session 2 from the value obtained during session 3 at the corresponding test location. In addition, the mean sensitivity value for sessions 2 and 3 was determined at each location for each patient. RESULTS. Bland-Altman plots of intersession sensitivity differences as a function of mean sensitivities showed that test-retest variability was greatest at test regions with sensitivities of approximately 10 dB, with lower variability at locations with higher or lower sensitivity. The pattern of findings was similar for sizes III and V stimuli. The mean intersession sensitivity difference was + 0.26 dB for stimulus size III and + 0.45 dB for stimulus size V, representing a small improvement in sensitivity from session 2 to session 3. CONCLUSIONS. Intersession repeatability of visual field measurements in patients with RP is nonmonotonically related to the magnitude of the sensitivity loss. Therefore, apparent changes in visual field sensitivity as a result of time or treatment should be evaluated in light of the degree of the expected variability at particular sensitivity levels.
Doppio: breaking the browser language barrier

Web browsers have become a de facto universal operating system, and JavaScript its instruction set. Unfortunately, running other languages in the browser is not generally possible. Translation to JavaScript is not enough because browsers are a hostile environment for other languages. Previous approaches are either non-portable or require extensive modifications for programs to work in a browser. This paper presents Doppio, a JavaScript-based runtime system that makes it possible to run unaltered applications written in general-purpose languages directly inside the browser. Doppio provides a wide range of runtime services, including a file system that enables local and external (cloud-based) storage, an unmanaged heap, sockets, blocking I/O, and multiple threads. We demonstrate DOPPIO's usefulness with two case studies: we extend Emscripten with Doppio, letting it run an unmodified C++ application in the browser with full functionality, and present DoppioJVM, an interpreter that runs unmodified JVM programs directly in the browser. While substantially slower than a native JVM (between 24X and 42X slower on CPU-intensive benchmarks in Google Chrome), DoppioJVM makes it feasible to directly reuse existing, non compute-intensive code.
Distributed optimization to enable a flexible power grid with corrective power flow control

Power flow control is a means to optimize the usage of the existing transmission system and to allow for more flexibility in the power grid. This is especially of importance when introducing increased amounts of variable renewable generation as the grid needs to be able to handle varying power flow patterns. The optimal settings for such power flow control devices can be determined using a security constrained Optimal Power Flow (SCOPF) which incorporates N-1 contingency cases. In this paper, we use a risk-based formulation of system security in combination with corrective power flow control resulting in a decoupling of the contingency cases. Furthermore, we decompose the individual contingency cases into subproblems to allow for optimal coordination across control areas and improved computational efficiency. Simulation results are provided for the IEEE Reliability Test System.
Construction of G2 rounded corners with Pythagorean-hodograph curves

Abstract The problem of designing smoothly rounded right-angle corners with Pythagorean-hodograph (PH) curves is addressed. A G 1 corner can be uniquely specified as a single PH cubic segment, closely approximating a circular arc. Similarly, a G 2 corner can be uniquely constructed with a single PH quintic segment having a unimodal curvature distribution. To obtain G 2 corners incorporating shape freedoms that permit a fine tuning of the curvature profile, PH curves of degree 7 are required. It is shown that degree 7 PH curves define a one-parameter family of G 2 corners, facilitating precise control over the extremum of the unimodal curvature distribution, within a certain range of the parameter. As an alternative, a G 2 corner construction based upon splicing together two PH quintic segments is proposed, that provides two free parameters for shape adjustment. The smooth corner shapes constructed through these schemes can exploit the computational advantages of PH curves, including exact computation of arc length, rational offset curves, and real-time interpolator algorithms for motion control in manufacturing, robotics, inspection, and similar applications.
Excitation Temperatures in the Microwave-Induced Active-Nitrogen Afterglow

A systematic study of the excitation temperature obtained from microwave-produced active nitrogen is reported. Iron atoms are used as the thermometric species, and the excitation temperatures are calculated with the use of the two-line ratio method. The excitation temperatures determined cover the range of approximately 3000 K to 4000 K, depending on the region of the plasma viewed. The large difference between the excitation temperature and the thermal temperature, as well as the fact that the excitation temperature is relatively insensitive to operating conditions, gives credence to the excitation mechanism proposed for active nitrogen systems.
Mechanistic Investigation of Catalytic Carbon−Carbon Bond Activation and Formation by Platinum and Palladium Phosphine Complexes

The complexes Pt(PEt3)3 and Pd(PEt3)3 cleave the C−C bond of biphenylene to give (PEt3)2Pt(2,2‘-biphenyl), 1, and (PEt3)2Pd(2,2‘-biphenyl), respectively. Heating (PEt3)2Pt(2,2‘-biphenyl) in the presence of biphenylene leads to C−C cleavage of a second biphenylene to give (PEt3)2Pt(2,2‘-tetraphenyl), 2, via a Pt(IV) intermediate. 2 reductively eliminates tetraphenylene at 115 °C. At 120 °C the reaction is catalytic; Pt(PEt3)3 or 1 converts biphenylene to tetraphenylene. The intermediates in the catalytic cycle have been identified, and 1 and 2 have been characterized by X-ray analysis. Under catalytic conditions 1 and 2 approach steady-state concentrations. Kinetic analysis reveals that the steady-state concentration ratio, resting state species, and overall rate of catalysis, kobs, depend on the ratio of biphenylene to PEt3. This observation is consistent with loss of PEt3 from 1, resulting in the 14-electron species (PEt3)Pt(2,2‘-biphenyl), I. At 130 °C, I coordinates to PEt3 approximately 130 times fast...
«Plywood» structure and mineralization in the scales of the ocean sunfishes, mola mola and M. Ramsayi

The mineralized dermal denticles of fibrillar structure of the dermal plate of the modified scales of Mola mola and Mola ramsayi have both highly specialized and archaic features suggesting that the Molidae branched from the teleost line at an early stage in its evolution.
Distinct DNA damage determines differential phosphorylation of Chk2

Checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) has been implicated in DNA damage signaling. By using BJ human fibroblasts, HCT116 colorectal cancer cells and HeLa cervical cancer cells, we further detailed phosphorylation kinetics of Chk2 under treatment with neocarcinostatin (NCS) or doxorubicin (Dox). After NCS treatment, phosphorylation of Chk2 Thr68 occurs in 3 min, followed by phosphorylation of Ser19 and Ser33/35. In ATM deficient fibroblasts, NCS does not induce phosphorylation of NBS1 Ser343 and Chk2 Ser19 and Ser33/35, however Chk2 Thr68 is still phosphorylated, indicating that ATM is essential for phosphorylation of these residues when treated with NCS. By using Chk2-deficient HCT116 cells re-expressing phospho-mutant Chk2 (T68A), we found that inhibition of Thr68 phosphorylation enhances Ser19 phosphorylation in NCS treated cells. Interestingly, in contrast to NCS, Dox does not induce Ser33/35 phosphorylation in HeLa and HCT116 cells. Phosphorylation of Thr68 is sustained until 3 to 4 hours, and phosphorylation of...
Are Science, Engineering, and Medical Libraries Moving away from the Reference Desk? Results of a Survey of New Jersey Libraries

An online survey, conducted in 2009, of New Jersey academic libraries' provides data for studying different types of reference models being used in a subset of libraries involved in science, engineering, medical, nursing, or allied health subject areas. Based on the results, the traditional library reference desk is still the primary mode for delivering reference services. However, some of these libraries are supplementing the traditional service with nontraditional forms of reference and are experimenting with a variety of virtual, Web 2.0 tools. Community colleges, private and state universities and private and state colleges participated in this study.
Hypothermic preconditioning reduces Purkinje cell death possibly by preventing the over-expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in rat cerebellar slices after an in vitro simulated ischemia.

Abstract We showed that hypothermic preconditioning (HPC) increased survival of Purkinje neurons in rat cerebellar slices after oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD). HPC also reduced the OGD-increased expression of high mobility group I (Y) proteins, a transcription factor that can enhance inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. iNOS is a putatively damaging protein that contributes to ischemic brain injury. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) can be induced by various stimuli to protect cells. We hypothesize that HPC induces neuroprotection by reducing the expression of putatively damaging proteins such as iNOS and/or by increasing the expression of putatively protective proteins such as HSPs. Cerebellar slices were prepared from adult male Sprague–Dawley rats and incubated in circulating artificial cerebrospinal fluid. OGD was for 20 min at 37 °C and was followed by a 5-h recovery at 37 °C before slices were used for morphological, immunohistochemical and Western analyses. HPC was performed by incubating slices at 33 °C for 20 min at 1 h before the OGD. HPC and aminoguanidine, an iNOS inhibitor, prevented OGD-induced Purkinje cell death/injury. OGD increased the expression of iNOS and nitrosylated proteins. These increases were abolished by aminoguanidine and HPC. Interestingly, the expression of HSP70 was increased by OGD but not by HPC. Our results suggest that an increased iNOS expression contributes to the pathophysiology of OGD-induced Purkinje neuronal death in our model. Our results also suggest the involvement of inhibiting the expression of the putatively damaging iNOS proteins in the HPC-induced neuroprotection. HSP70 may not contribute to the HPC-induced neuroprotection.
Shall I Tell You Now or Later? Assimilation and Contrast in the Evaluation of Experiential Products

This research demonstrates that the effect of product information on the evaluation of an experiential product depends on the order with which such information is presented. In a series of experiments, we find that when information is presented before consuming an experiential product, the information results in an assimilation effect such that consumers evaluate the same experience more positively when the product information is favorable compared to when it is unfavorable. More interestingly, we demonstrate that when such information is presented after consuming an experiential product, it results in a contrast effect such that consumers evaluate the same experience more negatively when the product information is favorable compared to when it is unfavorable. These findings have important implications for marketers in a host of experiential categories.
The duration of antibiotic administration in penetrating abdominal trauma.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of penetrating abdominal trauma is changing to reflect an increasing incidence of multiple injuries. Not only do multiple injuries increase the risk of infection, a very high risk of serious infection is conferred by immunosuppression from hemorrhage and transfusion and the high likelihood of intestinal injury, especially to the colon. Optimal timing and choice of presumptive antibiotic therapy has been established for penetrating trauma, but duration has not been studied extensively in such seriously injured patients. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that 24 hours of antibiotic therapy remains sufficient to reduce the incidence of infection in penetrating abdominal trauma. METHODS: Three hundred fourteen consecutive patients with penetrating abdominal trauma were prospectively randomized into two groups: Group I received 24 hours of intravenous cefoxitin (1 g q6h) and group II received 5 days of intravenous cefoxitin. The development of a deep surgical site (intra-abdominal) infection as well as any type of nosocomial infection, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (ie, surgical site infections, catheter-related infections, urinary tract, pneumonia), was recorded. Hospital length of stay was a secondary endpoint. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests for coordinate variables and two-tailed unpaired t tests for continuous variables. The independence of risk factors for the development of infection was assessed by multivariate analysis of variance. Significance was determined when P RESULTS: Three hundred patients were evaluable. There was no postoperative mortality, and no differences in overall length of hospitalization between groups. The duration of antibiotic treatment had no influence on the development of any infection ( P = 0.136) or an intraabdominal infection ( P = 0.336). Only colon injury was an independent predictor of the development of an intraabdominal infection ( P = 0.0031). However, the overall infection incidence was affected by preoperative shock ( P = 0.003), colon ( P = 0.0004), central nervous system (CNS) injuries ( P = 0.031), and the number of injured organs ( P = 0.026). Several factors, including intraoperative shock ( P = 0.021) and injuries to the colon ( P = 0.0008), CNS ( P = 0.0001), and chest ( P = 0.0006), were independent contributors to prolongation of the hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-four hours of presumptive intravenous cefoxitin versus 5 days of therapy made no difference in the prevention of postoperative infection or length of hospitalization. Infection was associated with shock on admission to the emergency department, the number of intra-abdominal organs injured, colon injury specifically, and injury to the central nervous system. Intra-abdominal infection was predicted only by colon injury. Prolonged hospitalization was associated with intraoperative shock and injuries to the chest, colon, or central nervous system.
Global analysis of a “simple” proteome: Methanococcus jannaschii

The completed genome of Methanococcus jannaschii, including the main chromosome and two extra-chromosomal elements, predicts a proteome comprised of 1783 proteins. How many of those proteins are expressed at any given time and the relative abundance of the expressed proteins, however, cannot be predicted solely from the genome sequence. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with peptide mass spectrometry is being used to identify the proteins expressed by M. jannaschii cells grown under different conditions as part of an effort to correlate protein expression with regulatory mechanisms. Here we describe the identification of 170 of the most abundant proteins found in total lysates of M. jannaschii grown under optimal fermentation conditions. To optimize the number of proteins detected, two different protein specific stains (Coomassie Blue R250 or silver nitrate) and two different first dimension separation methods (isoelectric focusing or nonequilibrium pH gradient electrophoresis) were used. Thirty-two percent of the proteins identified are annotated as hypothetical (21% conserved hypothetical and 11% hypothetical), 21% are enzymes involved in energy metabolism, 12% are proteins required for protein synthesis, and the remainder include proteins necessary for intermediary metabolism, cell division, and cell structure. Evidence of post-translational modification of numerous M. jannaschii proteins has been found, as well as indications of incomplete dissociation of protein-protein complexes. These results demonstrate the complexity of proteome analysis even when dealing with a relatively simple genome.
Closed-loop electroosmotic microchannel cooling system for VLSI circuits

The increasing heat generation rates in VLSI circuits motivate research on compact cooling technologies with low thermal resistance. This paper develops a closed-loop two-phase microchannel cooling system using electroosmotic pumping for the working fluid. The design, fabrication, and open-loop performance of the heat exchanger and pump are summarized. The silicon heat exchanger, which attaches to the test chip (1 cm/sup 2/), achieves junction-fluid resistance near 0.1 K/W using 40 plasma-etched channels with hydraulic diameter of 100 /spl mu/m. The electroosmotic pump, made of an ultrafine porous glass frit with working volume of 1.4 cm/sup 3/, achieves maximum backpressure and flowrate of 160 kPa and 7 ml/min, respectively, using 1 mM buffered de-ionized water as working fluid. The closed-loop system removes 38 W with pump power of 2 W and junction-ambient thermal resistance near 2.5 K/W. Further research is expected to strongly reduce the thermal resistance for a given heating power by optimizing the saturation temperature, increasing the pump flowrate, eliminating the thermal grease, and optimizing the heat exchanger dimensions.
A Non-Linear Speaker Adaptation Technique using Kernel Ridge Regression

We propose a non-linear model space transformation for speaker or environment adaptation based on weighted kernel ridge regression (KRR). The transformation is given by a generalized least squares linear regression in a kernel-induced feature space operating on Gaussian mixture model means and having as targets the adaptation frames. Using the “ kernel trick”, the solution to the optimization problem is obtained by solving a system of linear equations involving the Gram matrix of the input variables. We show that MLLR is a special case of KRR when a linear kernel is employed. Furthermore, we study an efficient low-rank approximation to the kernel matrix termed “ rectangle method”, where the regressors are chosen to be a small set of clustered adaptation frames. Experiments conducted on the EARS database (English conversational telephone speech) indicate that KRR with a Gaussian RBF kernel outperforms standard regression class-based MLLR.
Performance fee contract change and mutual fund risk

Abstract We examine the effect that an exogenously, specifically governmentally required change in compensation contract had on a managerial decision. We find that a group of mutual funds changed their portfolio risk levels after they were forced to change their performance fee schedules. Their portfolio risk choices differed predictably from a randomly selected group of nonperformance fee funds and a group of performance fee funds that were not required to change their compensation contracts. In addition, the affected mutual funds lost both shareholders and assets around the time of the imposition of the restriction while the other funds exhibited little change or gained assets and shareholders.
A computational approach to boundary detection

A unified approach to boundary perception is presented. The model consists of a hierarchical system which extracts and groups salient features in the image at different spatial scales. In the first stage a Gabor wavelet decomposition provides a representation of the image which is orientation selective, has optimal localization properties, and provides a good model for early feature detection. Following this, local competitive interactions are introduced which help in reducing the effects of noise and illumination variations. Scale interactions help in localizing line ends and corners, and play an important role in boundary perception. The final stage groups similar features aiding in boundary completion. Experimental results on detecting edges, texture boundaries, and illusory contours are provided. >
Doing the right thing (and figuring out what that is).

S74. 54. Tiemersma EW, Bronzwaer SL, Lyytikainen O, et al. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Europe, 1999-2002. Emerg Infect Dis 2004; 10:
Treating Sexually Abused Children and Their Families: Identifying and Avoiding Professional Role Conflicts

This article addresses the ethical issues and dilemmas that clinical practitioners confront when providing services to sexually abused children and their families. The differences between the roles...
Task coalescence and performance evaluation for parallel software structures on distributed, real-time systems

The task coalescence problem which occurs during the development stage of a real-time distributed system is investigated. An algorithm for coalescing task modules, evaluating performance, and searching for the optimal solution is described. A model called MOSMUP (MOno- Synchronisation and MUlti-message Passing) is developed for evaluating coalesced task modules and used in the algorithm. A software tool is constructed to implement the algorithm. >
Peroxisome Synthesis in the Absence of Preexisting Peroxisomes

Zellweger syndrome and related diseases are caused by defective import of peroxisomal matrix proteins. In all previously reported Zellweger syndrome cell lines the defect could be assigned to the matrix protein import pathway since peroxisome membranes were present, and import of integral peroxisomal membrane proteins was normal. However, we report here a Zellweger syndrome patient (PBD061) with an unusual cellular phenotype, an inability to import peroxisomal membrane proteins. We also identified human PEX16, a novel integral peroxisomal membrane protein, and found that PBD061 had inactivating mutations in the PEX16 gene. Previous studies have suggested that peroxisomes arise from preexisting peroxisomes but we find that expression of PEX16 restores the formation of new peroxisomes in PBD061 cells. Peroxisome synthesis and peroxisomal membrane protein import could be detected within 2–3 h of PEX16 injection and was followed by matrix protein import. These results demonstrate that peroxisomes do not necessarily arise from division of preexisting peroxisomes. We propose that peroxisomes may form by either of two pathways: one that involves PEX11-mediated division of preexisting peroxisomes, and another that involves PEX16-mediated formation of peroxisomes in the absence of preexisting peroxisomes.
Negative index metamaterial for two distinct polarizations: Double negative at 813 nm and single negative at 770 nm

A negative index metamaterial demonstrating n=?1.0+0.8i with both negative effective permittivity and permeability at 813 nm of linearly polarized light is fabricated. It also exhibits a negative refractive index at 770 nm for orthogonal polarization.
SkpA Restrains Synaptic Terminal Growth during Development and Promotes Axonal Degeneration following Injury

The Wallenda (Wnd)/dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK)-Jnk pathway is an evolutionarily conserved MAPK signaling pathway that functions during neuronal development and following axonal injury. Improper pathway activation causes defects in axonal guidance and synaptic growth, whereas loss-of-function mutations in pathway components impairs axonal regeneration and degeneration after injury. Regulation of this pathway is in part through the E3 ubiquitin ligase Highwire (Hiw), which targets Wnd/DLK for degradation to limit MAPK signaling. To explore mechanisms controlling Wnd/DLK signaling, we performed a large-scale genetic screen in Drosophila to identify negative regulators of the pathway. Here we describe the identification and characterization of SkpA, a core component of SCF E3 ubiquitin ligases. Mutants in SkpA display synaptic overgrowth and an increase in Jnk signaling, similar to hiw mutants. The combination of hypomorphic alleles of SkpA and hiw leads to enhanced synaptic growth. Mutants in the Wnd-Jnk pathway suppress the overgrowth of SkpA mutants demonstrating that the synaptic overgrowth is due to increased Jnk signaling. These findings support the model that SkpA and the E3 ligase Hiw function as part of an SCF-like complex that attenuates Wnd/DLK signaling. In addition, SkpA, like Hiw, is required for synaptic and axonal responses to injury. Synapses in SkpA mutants are more stable following genetic or traumatic axonal injury, and axon loss is delayed in SkpA mutants after nerve crush. As in highwire mutants, this axonal protection requires Nmnat. Hence, SkpA is a novel negative regulator of the Wnd-Jnk pathway that functions with Hiw to regulate both synaptic development and axonal maintenance.
On Efficient Large Margin Semisupervised Learning: Method and Theory

In classification, semisupervised learning usually involves a large amount of unlabeled data with only a small number of labeled data. This imposes a great challenge in that it is difficult to achieve good classification performance through labeled data alone. To leverage unlabeled data for enhancing classification, this article introduces a large margin semisupervised learning method within the framework of regularization, based on an efficient margin loss for unlabeled data, which seeks efficient extraction of the information from unlabeled data for estimating the Bayes decision boundary for classification. For implementation, an iterative scheme is derived through conditional expectations. Finally, theoretical and numerical analyses are conducted, in addition to an application to gene function prediction. They suggest that the proposed method enables to recover the performance of its supervised counterpart based on complete data in rates of convergence, when possible.
ESTIMATING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SUBSIDENCE IN AN ORGANIC SOIL 15, 20, AND 30 YEARS AFTER DRAINAGE

Abstract Wetland hydrology can be restored to soils that have been drained by plugging ditches to return the water table to its original elevation. Organic soils subside after drainage, and when ditches are plugged the restored water table may rise above the soil surface, killing newly planted vegetation. This study developed a method to estimate amounts of primary (settling) and secondary (oxidation) subsidence that could be applied to any organic soil. Primary subsidence was estimated from differences in bulk density between the drained and representative undrained sites. Secondary subsidence was estimated from accumulation of sand in the surface (Oap) horizons and changes in bulk density between oxidized and unoxidized organic horizons. Total subsidence was the sum of primary and secondary subsidence. Bulk density, particle size, and organic carbon data were gathered from one drained (Juniper Bay) and three undrained Carolina bay wetlands. Juniper Bay was drained with a network of ditches in three stag...
Postoperative pain after adult tonsillectomy with plasmaknife compared to monopolar electrocautery

Objectives/Hypothesis: Monopolar cautery is the most commonly used technique for tonsillectomy. The aim of the present study is to compare postoperative pain using a new technology, PlasmaKnife tonsillectomy (PKT), in comparison with monopolar cautery tonsillectomy (MCT). Study Design: Prospective, randomized, single-blinded, self-controlled study using paired organs. Methods: Thirty-two adult patients, aged 18 to 30 years, scheduled for tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis were included. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo PKT on one side and MCT on the opposite side. The primary outcome was self-rated daily pain assessed by using a 10-point scale. Patients were provided 21-day pain diaries and were phoned twice weekly by a research assistant to assess pain and remind them to complete diaries. Secondary outcomes included comparisons of operative time, blood loss, and postoperative complications. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance comparing PKT to MCT during the 21-day postoperative period revealed no difference in postoperative pain between the two groups (P = .131). In addition, total operative time (P = .276) and blood loss (P = .418) did not differ significantly between PKT and MCT. Conclusions: Adult subjects undergoing PKT do not experience less postoperative pain in comparison to MCT.
MGAviewer: a desktop visualization tool for analysis of metagenomics alignment data.

Summary: Numerous metagenomics projects have produced tremendous amounts of sequencing data. Aligning these sequences to reference genomes is an essential analysis in metagenomics studies. Large-scale alignment data call for intuitive and efficient visualization tool. However, current tools such as various genome browsers are highly specialized to handle intraspecies mapping results. They are not suitable for alignment data in metagenomics, which are often interspecies alignments. We have developed a web browser-based desktop application for interactively visualizing alignment data of metagenomic sequences. This viewer is easy to use on all computer systems with modern web browsers and requires no software installation. Availability: http://weizhongli-lab.org/mgaviewer Contact: ude.csds@zwil
Plasminogen and tissue-type plasminogen activator deficiency as risk factors for thromboembolic disease

Abstract Objective.—To review the published evidence for an association between a deficiency of plasminogen or tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and the risk of thrombosis. Data Sources.—Review of the medical literature, with an emphasis on the last 10 years. Data Extraction and Synthesis.—After an initial assessment of the literature, including review of clinical study design and laboratory methods, a draft manuscript summarizing the findings was prepared and circulated to participants in the College of American Pathologists Conference on Diagnostic Issues in Thrombophilia. The key findings and each recommendation were presented for discussion at the conference. Recommendations were accepted if a consensus of the 27 experts attending the conference was reached. The results of the discussion were used to revise the manuscript into its final form. Conclusions.—The consensus of the conference was that routine laboratory assessment of plasminogen and tPA concentration in patients with thrombophilia is ...
Duplication of a 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid monooxygenase gene in Alcaligenes eutrophus JMP134(pJP4).

The Alcaligenes eutrophus JMP134 plasmid pJP4 contains genes necessary for the complete degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 3-chlorobenzoic acid. tfdA encodes 2,4-D monooxygenase, the initial enzyme in the 2,4-D catabolic pathway. The tfdA locus has recently been localized to a region on pJP4 13 kilobases away from a cluster of five genes, tfdB to tfdF, which encode the enzymes responsible for the further degradation of 2,4-D to chloromaleylacetic acid (W.R. Streber, K. N. Timmis, and M. H. Zenk, J. Bacteriol. 169:2950-2955, 1987). A second, dissimilar locus on pJP4, tfdAII, has been observed which encodes 2,4-D monooxygenase activity. Gas chromatographic analysis of the 2,4-D metabolites of A. eutrophus harboring pJP4 or subclones thereof localized tfdAII to within a 9-kilobase SstI fragment of pJP4 which also carries the genes tfdBCDEF. This fragment was further characterized in Escherichia coli by deletion and subcloning analysis. A region of 2.5 kilobases, adjacent to tfdC, enabled E. coli extracts to degrade 2,4-D to 2,4-dichlorophenol. Hybridization under low-stringency conditions was observed between tfdA and tfdAII, signifying that the 2,4-D monooxygenase gene was present as two related copies on pJP4.
Recognition and Polymorphism in Host-Parasite Genetics

Genetic specificity occurs in many host-parasite systems. Each host can recognize and resist only a subset of parasites; each parasite can grow only on particular hosts. Biochemical recognition systems determine which matching host and parasite genotypes result in resistance or disease. Recognition systems are often associated with widespread genetic polymorphism in the host and parasite populations. I describe four systems with matching host-parasite polymorphisms: plant-pathogen interactions, nuclear-cytoplasmic conflict in plants, restriction enzymes in bacterial defence against viruses, and bacterial plasmids that compete by toxin production and toxin immunity. These systems highlight several inductive problems. For example, the observed patterns of resistance and susceptibility between samples of hosts and parasites are often used to study polymorphism. The detectable polymorphism by this method may be a poor guide to the actual polymorphism and to the underlying biochemistry of host-parasite recognition. The problem of using detectable polymorphism to infer the true nature of recognition and polymorphism is exacerbated by non-equilibrium fluctuations in allele frequencies that commonly occur in host-parasite systems. Another problem is that different matching systems may lead either to low frequencies of host resistance and common parasites, or to common resistance and rare parasites. Thus low levels of host resistance or rare parasites do not imply that parasitism is an unimportant evolutionary force on host diversity. Knowledge of biochemical recognition systems and dynamical analysis of models provide a framework for analysing the widespread polymorphisms in host-parasite genetics.
How to pay, come what may: approximation algorithms for demand-robust covering problems

Robust optimization has traditionally focused on uncertainty in data and costs in optimization problems to formulate models whose solutions will be optimal in the worst-case among the various uncertain scenarios in the model. While these approaches may be thought of defining data- or cost-robust problems, we formulate a new "demand-robust" model motivated by recent work on two-stage stochastic optimization problems. We propose this in the framework of general covering problems and prove a general structural lemma about special types of first-stage solutions for such problems: there exists a first-stage solution that is a minimal feasible solution for the union of the demands for some subset of the scenarios and its objective function value is no more than twice the optimal. We then provide approximation algorithms for a variety of standard discrete covering problems in this setting, including minimum cut, minimum multi-cut, shortest paths, Steiner trees, vertex cover and un-capacitated facility location. While many of our results draw from rounding approaches recently developed for stochastic programming problems, we also show new applications of old metric rounding techniques for cut problems in this demand-robust setting.