cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Britons: West Indian colonial identity and Maria Riddell's natural history

This essay examines the national implications of natural history in Maria Riddell's Voyages to the Madeira, and Leeward Caribbean Isles: with Sketches of the Natural History of these Islands (1792). Riddell engages with the nationalism and theories of hybridity espoused by contemporary naturalists to question imputations of degeneration in the West Indies and to gesture instead toward the colonies' potential to foster a hybrid “British” national identity. This potential, however, is significantly undermined by instances of self‐censorship in Riddell's text. At a time of increasing tension between Britain and its Caribbean colonies, Riddell's selective elisions of well‐known aspects of West Indian society, such as slavery, register her efforts to reconcile these colonies with British values.
Relative resistance of and delayed toxicity in undifferentiated plant cells to methyl mercury.

Abstract Meristematic cells of carrot ( Daucus carota L., Ca68-10) and lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L., LE-67) cultured in 71-V medium (with 0.15 μg/ml 2, 4-D) were given one initial dose (0.0001, 0.001, or 0.01 μg/ml) of methyl mercury (MeHg) at 0 hr, cultured for 288 hr. and then subcultured for 4 weeks. In another experiment, MeHg was added in four daily doses (0.05, 0.10, 0.50, 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 μg/ml) starting at 72 hr for 120 hr and then subcultured for 168 hr. The resulting 50% growth reduction (Gr 50 ) levels were high—1570 and 540 μg Hg/g dry wt for carrot and lettuce, respectively. Methyl mercury was taken up completely by cells but retention decreased at higher MeHg concentrations in the medium. The resistance of undifferentiated cells of both species to MeHg was markedly greater than that observed in multicellular plants. Cells derived from Hg-treated cultures did not recover their growth potential when subcultured in Hg-free medium. The Gr 50 levels were lowered during successive subculturing in both carrot (50 μg Hg/g) and lettuce (10 μg Hg/g), indicating increased sensitivity to residual Hg in cells. This effect depended on the initial Hg concentration and on the number of cell divisions. At low MeHg concentrations, it was observed in cells 12 generations after one initial dose of 0.01 μg/ml MeHg.
A Trust Region Method for Norm Constrained Problems

A trust region method for the solution of nonlinear optimization problems with norm constraints is analyzed. Such optimization problems arise in parameter identification and nonlinear eigenvalue problems. The characteristics of these applications motivate the formulation and analysis of the trust region method. The algorithms studied here allow for inexact gradient information and the use of subspace methods for the approximate solution of subproblems. Characterizations and the descent properties of trust region steps are given, criteria for the existence of successful iterations under inexact gradient information and under the use of subspace methods are established, and global convergence of the method is proven.
Cardiopulmonary consequences of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: role of increased pulmonary artery pressure.

Goals:To determine whether increased pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPSS) results in short-term mortality or cardiorespiratory complications.Background:TIPSS is frequently performed for complications of cirrhosis. PAP increases following
Ionising radiation response of photosensitive germanosilicate thin films: A new radiation sensor strategy

The effect of X-ray irradiation on the absorption behaviour of highly photosensitive germanosilicate thin films is evaluated. The corresponding impact on the optical response of photosensitive Bragg gratings written into these materials indicates that these structures map be useful as ionising radiation sensor elements.
Persistence of community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome toxin-producing Mycoplasma pneumoniae in refractory asthma

Background The role of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) in the initiation and persistence of asthma remains elusive. Mp community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome toxin (CARDS Tx) is a unique virulence factor that induces an intense lymphocytic response and exacerbates asthma in animal models. We sought to determine the incidence of Mp infection and the presence of CARDS Tx in subjects with refractory asthma (RA). Methods We conducted a prospective observational study in 64 subjects with RA. Respiratory secretions (sputum, nasal lavage, and throat swab) and blood were analyzed for the presence of CARDS Tx and P1 adhesin (P1) DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and CARDS Tx by antigen capture. Serum IgM and IgG antibodies to CARDS Tx were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Thirty-three of 64 subjects (52%) tested positive for Mp: 29 of 33 by CARDS Tx vs 10 of 33 by P1 assays. Ten subjects followed longitudinally for up to 633 days tested persistently positive for Mp. There were no significant differences in Mp-specific IgG responses between Mp-positive and Mp-negative groups. Eight of 10 subjects who tested persistently positive failed to mount a substantial IgG response to CARDS Tx, and up to 8 weeks of clarithromycin failed to eradicate Mp in five subjects. Conclusions Subjects with RA may be chronically infected with Mp. PCR for CARDS Tx appears to be the most sensitive method of identifying Mp infection. Despite the persistence of Mp in subjects with RA, some subjects failed to mount an IgG response, and macrolide therapy was insufficient to eradicate Mp.
Scalable support for multithreaded applications on dynamic binary instrumentation systems

Dynamic binary instrumentation systems are used to inject or modify arbitrary instructions in existing binary applications; several such systems have been developed over the past decade. Much of the literature describing the internal architecture and performance of these systems has focused on executing single-threaded guest applications. In this paper, we discuss the specific design decisions necessary for supporting large, multithreaded applications on JIT-based dynamic instrumentation systems. While implementing a working solution for multithreading is straightforward, providing a system that scales in terms of memory and performance is much more intricate. We highlight the design decisions in the latest version of the Pin dynamic instrumentation system, including the just-in-time compiler, the emulator, and the code cache. The overall design strives to provide scalable performance and memory footprints on modern applications.
Biodiesel Production from Wet Algal Biomass through in Situ Lipid Hydrolysis and Supercritical Transesterification

In an effort to process wet algal biomass directly, eliminate organic solvent use during lipid extraction, and recover nutrients (e.g., N, P, and glycerol) for reuse, we developed a catalyst-free, two-step technique for algal biodiesel production. In the first step, wet algal biomass (ca. 80% moisture) reacts in subcritical water to hydrolyze intracellular lipids, conglomerate cells into an easily filterable solid that retains the lipids, and produce a sterile, nutrient-rich aqueous phase. In the second step, the wet fatty acid-rich solids undergo supercritical in situ transesterification (SC-IST/E) with ethanol to produce biodiesel in the form of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs). Chlorella vulgaris grown sequentially under photo- and heterotrophic conditions served as the lipid-rich feedstock (53.3% lipids as FAEE). The feedstock and process solids were characterized for lipid components using highly automated microscale extraction and derivatization procedures and high-temperature gas chromatography. Hyd...
High Radiation Dose May Reduce the Negative Effect of Large Gross Tumor Volume in Patients With Medically Inoperable Early-Stage Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose To determine whether the effect of radiation dose varies with gross tumor volume (GTV) in patients with stage I/II non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods and Materials Included in the study were 114 consecutive patients with medically inoperable stage I/II NSCLC treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy between 1992 and 2004. The median biologic equivalent dose (BED) was 79.2 Gy (range, 58.2–124.5 Gy). The median GTV was 51.8 cm 3 (range, 2.1–727.8 cm 3 ). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox regression models were used for survival analyses. Results Multivariate analysis showed that there was a significant interaction between radiation dose and GTV ( p n = 68), the OS medians for patients with GTV >51.8 cm 3 and ≤51.8 cm 3 were 18.2 and 23.9 months, respectively ( p = 0.015). If BED was >79.2 Gy ( n = 46), no significant difference was found between GTV groups ( p = 0.681). For patients with GTV >51.8 cm 3 ( n = 45), the OS medians in those with BED >79.2 Gy and ≤79.2 Gy were 30.4 and 18.2 months, respectively ( p 3 ( n = 45), the difference was no longer significant ( p = 0.577). Conclusion High-dose radiation is more important for patients with larger tumors and may be effective in reducing the adverse outcome associated with large GTV. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Tu(r)ning weakness to strength

Abstract Biological systems contain highly functional and mutable materials ranging from inferior building blocks with weak chemical bonding (e.g. H-bonds in spider silk), to abundantly available materials (e.g. silica in some sea creatures), to structurally inferior materials (e.g. extremely brittle crystals in mineralized tissues like nacre or bone). Although wide and varying, biology commonly exhibits unlikely harmony within material structures and physiologic functionality. How can we exploit our knowledge of biological systems in designing synthetic materials, and can we extrapolate from this, a broad yet fundamental similarity between protein materials to a subject as classical and ancient as music?
Initial growth stages of AlxGa1 − xP on epitaxial silicon

Abstract The nucleation and growth of Al x Ga 1 − x P grown by metalorganic molecular beam epitaxy on epitaxial Si(100) substrates was studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. It was found that for deposition temperatures in the range 450–550°C, the Al x Ga 1 − x P grew by three-dimensional island growth for all compositions studied ( x = 0 to 0.45). Changes in aluminum concentration have been found to affect the density and size distributions of the Al x Ga 1 − x P islands. In addition, increases in both temperature and composition have been shown to lead to bimodal distributions of islands.
Relative orientation revisited

Relative orientation is the recovery of the position and orientation of one imaging system relative to another from correspondences among five or more ray pairs. It is one of four core problems in photogrammetry and is of central importance in binocular stereo as well as in long-range motion vision. While five ray correspondences are sufficient to yield a finite number of solutions, more than five correspondences are used in practice to ensure an accurate solution with least-squares methods. Most iterative schemes for minimizing the sum of the squares of weighted errors require a good guess as a starting value. The author has previously published a method that results in the best solution without requiring an initial guess [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A4, 629 ( 1987)] An even simpler method is presented here that utilizes the representation of rotations by unit quaternions.
DEVELOPMENT OF A GRID SEARCH MOLECULAR MECHANICS MODELING STRATEGY TO STUDY ELUTION BEHAVIOR IN CYCLODEXTRIN MODIFIED CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS

Novel methods to use molecular mechanics (MM) in modeling solute-receptor interactions are developed that are pertinent to computational studies of dynamic separation or sensing processes. Specifically, a grid search MM modeling approach is used to study separation behavior in cyclodextrin (CD)-modified capillary electrophoresis (CE). Laboratory CE separations of di-substituted naphthalene compounds are accomplished employing an anionic, single isomer carboxymethyl-CD as a running buffer additive. Computational work involved the docking of these solutes into the cavity of this CD using a systematic grid search to probe the interaction space. It was discovered that the size of incremental changes in position and dimensional freedom in defining the grid are significant parameters. At each grid position the configuration of the atoms in the complex is altered in a process to minimize energy. It was discovered that comprehensive minimization involving many iterations of the process is extremely important in l...
Operational issues in solids processing plants: Systems view

A systematic approach to deal with the operational issues in solids processing plants is presented. Potential problems in various equipment units are identified and classified according to continuum-scale phenomena: breakage, adhesion and cohesion, compaction, bulk solids flow problems, fluid-driven solids flow problems, and segregation. Analysis is performed in the continuum and particle scales so as to identify the causal and opposing effects of each problem. With appropriate mathematical models and empirical correlations, these effects can be related to equipment design, operating conditions, particle attributes, and material properties. The ratio of these competing effects shows whether a potential problem is a real concern and points the direction for taking preventive measures. The action plan may include changing operating conditions or equipment design of a particular unit, or making modifications to upstream equipment units. The method is illustrated with an industrial example: the production of potash.
Is Approximate Number Precision a Stable Predictor of Math Ability

Previous research shows that children's ability to estimate numbers of items using their Approximate Number System (ANS) predicts later math ability. To more closely examine the predictive role of early ANS acuity on later abilities, we assessed the ANS acuity, math ability, and expressive vocabulary of preschoolers twice, six months apart. We also administered attention and memory span tasks to ask whether the previously reported association between ANS acuity and math ability is ANS-specific or attributable to domain-general cognitive skills. We found that early ANS acuity predicted math ability six months later, even when controlling for individual differences in age, expressive vocabulary, and math ability at the initial testing. In addition, ANS acuity was a unique concurrent predictor of math ability above and beyond expressive vocabulary, attention, and memory span. These findings of a predictive relationship between early ANS acuity and later math ability add to the growing evidence for the importance of early numerical estimation skills.
Should we ration health care

The paper begins by drawing a distinction between "allocation"--the distribution of resources between different categories, and "rationing"--the distribution of scarce resources within a single category. I argue that the current allocation of funds to health care makes some form of rationing unavoidable. The paper next considers proposals by Daniel Callahan and Norman Daniels supporting age rationing publicly-financed life-extending medical care. I provide reasons for doubting that either argument succeeds. The final section of the paper sets forth an alternative approach which holds that if people have any rights to health care, then they have a right to a decent minimum.
Implications for Programmes and Policies From Future Disaster Trends

It is all but certain that there will be more and worse disasters in the future. Other researchers as well as ourself have detailed and documented this elsewhere. This undesirable outcome will result from the last stages of two master and worldwide social trends: industrialisation and urbanisation. However, crisis planning and emergency managing policies can be established and steps can be taken that will reduce and weaken some of the negative effects of the disasters of the twenty-first century. Among major ones are: I. Noting and accepting the fact that all disasters are essentially social occasions that initially and primarily have to be dealt with by social means; II. Dropping the distinction in planning between natural and technological disasters and moving to an all-hazard or generic approach; III. Making disaster mitigation at least as much a priority in planning and application as emergency preparedness, response and recovery; IV. More closely integrating disaster planning to the developmental planning or social change processes of the social system involved; and V. Ascertaining in what ways disaster problems are similar to and different from other environmental problems, and concurrently addressing both where there are similarities. If the right policies and measures are put in place, the future will not be the past revisited nor will it be only the present repeated.
Biochemical and Structural Characterization of an Archaeal Flagella

Archaea cells possess a variety of motility and adhesion surface apparatus such as pili, hami, cannulae, and flagella which are genetically and biochemically unique to this domain of life. To explore the identity and properties of flagella from the model methanogenic archaean Methanospirillum hungatei strain JF1, we isolated the polar flagellar filaments by cell shearing and differential centrifugation. The flagella were visualized by negative stain electron microscopy revealing thin straight or gently curved filaments approximately 11 nm in diameter and up to 10 μm in length. This archaeal flagellum has a diameter significantly smaller than that of bacterial flagella. The M. hungatei flagellin components were separated by SDS PAGE, excised, tryptic digested and analyzed by LC/MS to identify the major flagellin proteins. Unlike the flagella of other described archaeal species, M. hungatei contains only one major flagellin protein, Mhun_3140, one of the three FlaB paralogs present in the genome. On SDS gel, this protein exhibited a molecular weight significantly higher than that predicted from its amino acid sequence, suggesting post-translational modifications. A glycostain and subsequent glycan analysis confirmed the presence of a glycan modification. We have determined a three-dimensional reconstruction of the archaeal flagellar filament at 7.5A resolution by cryo electron microscopy (cryoEM). The structure reveals a core α helix in each subunit that contributes to the formation of the filament that is similar to that observed the bacterial type IV pili. Despite this similarity, the archaeal flagella structure exhibits many non-helical structural elements that bear little resemblance to the bacterial type IV pili.
Protein and ribonucleic acid synthesis after exposure to warmth.

VARIOUS investigators1,2 have demonstrated changes in metabolic and enzyme activity, and Hochachka3 has demonstrated changes in isoenzymes in goldfish as a result of exposure to warmth. Precht discussed the possibility that the warm adjustment may be caused by changes in enzyme activity4. Since numerous other physiological changes also occur during this process, we decided to investigate whether or not new protein synthesis is a prerequisite for it, and to examine the nature of the regulation of protein synthesis if this is a causative factor.
Beyond economic and value wars: Mythic images of future cities

Abstract Images of the future are essential to a society's survival. According to Polak [1] , images of the future reflect and foreshadow society's future; as images go, so goes society. As a visual medium, cities in particular depend on robust images of the future. I submit that our ability to develop useful images of future cities depends on our visual literacy in understanding architectural images. This study explores alternative futures illustrated with future fantasies as an experiment in connecting images, archetypal myths, and alternative futures. Using two variables (strength of the economy and shifts in social values), four scenarios are proposed: Frontier Freedoms, Urban Fortress, Eco-Survival, and Utopian Hopes. Scenarios of future cities depicted by architectural imagery and linked to worldviews and archetypal myths broaden public discourse beyond economics and technology to address qualitative contextual factors such as identity, community, sacredness, and nature.
Social Policy: Hayek and Schmoller Compared

The quite difficult task of comparing Hayek's and Schmoller's concept of social policy can only be attempted by confining the discussion to the dominant and basic principles of their prevailing ideas. The reasons are manifold. Just one of them for instance is that Schmoller, as far as I can see, never gave us any workable definition of this ambiguous term, and for Hayek this term is a politically much abused and empty phrase. Another would be that Hayek referred to Schmoller only sporadically and treated the latter's voluminous oeuvre only very peripherally in his own relevant work. I, therefore, suggest the concentration mainly on Hayek's critique of Schmoller's two important components of his somewhat “syndicalistic” system which determined his vague, but still relevant concept of “social policy”.
DIVISION OF THE HARDNESS OF MOLYBDENUM INTO RATE-DEPENDENT AND RATE-INDEPENDENT COMPONENTS

The hardness, H , and rate sensitivity of the hardness, m = ∂ ln H /∂ ln ∊ eff | x p , where ∊ eff is an effective strain rate and x p the plastic depth, are measured in molybdenum at room and low temperature (160 and 170 K) using as-received and annealed specimens. Based on these measurements it is found that H separates into two components: one depending on indentation rate and temperature, and the other depending on the starting state of the material. An activation volume is defined, v ∗ = 9 kT/mH , which falls within the range of values derived from other experimental techniques. The values of m obtained from indentation creep, indentation load relaxation, and indentation rate-change experiments agree closely with each other provided a consistent analysis is used. The results of these experiments suggest that the rate- and temperature-dependence of the hardness can be used to discriminate between strengthening mechanisms at low temperature.
Calciphylaxis in three patients with end-stage renal disease.

Background: Calciphylaxis is a rare and life-threatening condition of progressive cutaneous necrosis secondary to small-and medium-sized vessel calcification seen almost exclusively in patients with end-stage renal disease and hyperparathyroidism. Two patients had bullous lesions preceding their ulcerative lesions, an unusual presentation of this entity. One patient also had penile involvement that, to our knowledge, has not been described previously. Observations: Three patients, all of whom were being maintained on hemodialysis, developed painful, progressive leg ulcerations. Two patients had elevated parathormone levels, and the third patient did not. All patients had only very modest increases in their calcium × phosphate product. Conclusions: Calciphylaxis should be included in the differential diagnosis of panniculitis and vasculitis. It is important to diagnose promptly, as early treatment may prevent progression. (Arch Dermatol. 1995;131:63-68)
Influence of Pine Host Species on Infestation and Damage by Dioryctria Borers (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the Central Great Plains

Austrian pine, Pinus nigra Arnold, jack pine, P. banksiana Lamb., Scotch pine, P. sylvestris L., and ponderosa pine, P. ponderosa Laws., in the Nebraska National Forest in central Nebraska were examined for infestation and damage by Dioryctria borers. Ponderosa pine and Scotch pine had the largest and second largest current-year Dioryctria borer infestations, respectively, as estimated by the number of new pitch masses on the trees. The two species also had the largest previous-year infestations (as estimated by old pitch masses) and damage severity ratings. Austrian pine and jack pine were the least infested and damaged species. The Dioryctria borers present were identified as D. ponderosae Dyar and D. tumicolella Mutuura, Munroe & Ross.
Cognitive effects of beta blockers

This study examined the effects of atenolol and metoprolol on neuropsychologic functioning, mood, sedation, and sleep. Following tapering of antihypertensive medication and a 3-wk placebo washout, 35 hypertensive patients were randomized to receive double-blind either atenolol or metoprolol for 4 wk. There was no consistent evidence that beta blocker treatment was associated with a deleterious effect on neuropsychologic functioning. The neuropsychologic effects of the drugs did not differ. There were also no significant changes in mood as assessed by the Profile of Mood States as a consequence of treatment with a beta blocker. However, there was a trend for patients receiving metoprolol to report a poorer mood profile. There was no overall or differential drug effect on deep sleep or sedation. On both drugs, however, patients complained of disturbing dreams (p less than 0.04); however, the two drugs did not differ in this regard. On both medications patients had substantial complaints of fatigue; however, it is inappropriate to attribute this to the medication since there were equivalent complaints on placebo.
Contour maps of lunar remanent magnetic fields

The 2605 usable orbits of Apollo 15 and 16 subsatellite magnetometer data have been reexamined for intervals suitable for analysis of crustal magnetic anomalies. To minimize plasma-related disturbances, segments from 274 of these orbits were selected from times when the moon was either in a lobe of the geomagnetic tail or in the solar wind with the subsatellites in the lunar wake. External field contributions which remained in the selected intervals were minimized by (1) quadratic detrending of individual orbit segments with lengths much greater than anomaly wavelengths and (2) two-dimensional filtering with minimum passed wavelengths less than or equal to anomaly wavelengths. Improvements in coverage, accuracy, and resolution of previously published anomaly maps produced from these data are obtained. In addition to improved maps of the Reiner Gamma and Van de Graaff-Aitken anomalies studied previously, a third region of relatively high-amplitude anomalies centered near the crater Gerasimovich on the southeastern far side has been mapped. Both the Van de Graaff-Aitken region and the Gerasimovich region are marked by the general occurrence of extensive groups of Reiner Gamma-type swirls.
Acute respiratory failure revealing a multilocular thymic cyst in an infant: a case report

Introduction: Multilocular thymic cysts are rare benign lesions of the neck and mediastinum that can occur at any age. In children, multilocular thymic cysts are usually symptomatic after the age of 2 years and produce few symptoms. We present an unusual case of a multilocular thymic cyst diagnosed in a 3-month-old girl and causing severe respiratory failure. Case presentation: A 3 month-old-girl, with a medical history of dyspnea and wheezing since the age of 20 days, presented in our pediatric intensive care unit for acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. The chest radiograph showed thoracic distension without any other abnormalities. The diagnosis of severe asthma was initially suspected and the patient was treated by intravenous corticosteroids and continuous perfusion of salbutamol without any improvement. A chest tomography scan was performed and demonstrated an anterior mediastinal multiseptated cystic mass extending from the inferior face of the thyroid gland to the left cardiophrenic angle. Sternotomy and excision biopsy were planned urgently. The cystic mass was excised completely. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a multilocular thymic cyst. Conclusion: The particularities of our observation are the occurrence of a multilocular thymic cyst in a young infant and its presentation by a severe acute respiratory failure mimicking asthma.
Psychophysical experiments for evaluating target distinctness in images

An experimental design has been developed to facilitate collection of data for developing and testing computational models for assessment of the perceptual similarity or difference of texture patterns. This experimental design is based on Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgement. To facilitate consistency in presentation of stimuli, collection of data, and computation of psychological scale values, an X-windows testing environment has been developed called the X-based Perceptual Experiment Testbed (XPET). A pilot study was conducted utilizing this experimental design. The study utilized images in which targets and their associated background had uncorrelated Gaussian noise texture patterns. Thus, only first- order image statistics were of significance. Psychological scale values for `target distinctness' obtained using this experimental design were compared to several first-order image metrics. Correlation coefficients as high as 0.9881 were found between the psychological scale values and first-order image metrics. It has been concluded that this experimental design should be adequate for data collection to support development of new second-order image metrics.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On the computer control of movement

The theoretical background for an ongoing experiment in motion control is described. The work has as its goal the discovery of efficient ways to distribute the computation and organize the communication needed to manage systems involving many degrees of freedom and unpredictable environments. Formalizing motion control to the extent necessary to be able to investigate correctness of motion-control programs is an important subgoal. A conceptual framework is presented together with some remarks of an existing implementation which uses these ideas. >
WIDEBAND MIMO MEASUREMENTS OF OUTDOOR NLOS CHANNELS

The measurement results of the wideband wireless multi- ple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels in outdoor environments are presented. Our wideband wireless MIMO channel sounder consists of four transmitters and eight receivers, and operates at a carrier fre- quency of 1.8 GHz with a bandwidth of 2.5 MHz. After obtaining the multipath delay profiles from the data collected in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) environments, realistic wideband MIMO channel capacities are computed and compared with the ideal channel simulation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 216 -218, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley. com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21309
SLCA III: A METATHEORETIC APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF LANGUAGE

Discourse analysis is a fundamental concern for the study of human communication, accessible through an analysis of language behavior. A theoretic basis is provided for eight variable classes identified by Syntactic Language Computer Analysis (SLCA-III). Numerous empirical studies support its utility as an indicator of perception and cognition. Issues are raised regarding the role of language research in communication. Emphasis is placed on treatment of language as a behavioral indicator of experience, fluctuating as a barometer of social roles, psychological states, communication disorders, and communication mode.
Sizing Up the Competition: Do Burying Beetles Weigh or Measure Their Opponents?

Limited resources, like food, space, and mates, set the stage for intraspecific competition in many species. These conflicts are usually settled through the assessment of various asymmetries, or differences, between the competitors. In conflicts there are three basic asymmetries: (1) resource holding potential (RHP), determined by the fighting ability; (2) pay-off, or the cost–benefit ratio for each individual; and (3) an uncorrelated asymmetry, such as ownership, which is not affected by the other two (Maynard Smith and Parker, 1976; Hammerstein, 1981). However, the importance of each asymmetry differs among species. For example, in the grass snake, Natrix natrix, RHP is the determining factor (Luiselli, 1996), but in the speckled wood butterfly, Pararge aegeria, ownership is crucial (Davies, 1978). Burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.) compete fiercely for possession of a small carcass, a valuable and unpredictable resource. A mating pair buries the carcass, mates, and raises the young using the carcass as a food source. Reproductive success is based on finding and possessing a carcass, thus setting the stage for intrasexual competition. Same-sex burying beetles compete when they meet at a carcass (the limited
Analysis of germplasm distribution patterns for collections held at the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station, Ames, Iowa, USA

Understanding the patterns of distribution of plant genetic resources, especially the extent and contextual bases of distributions, may be critical in setting appropriate targets for seed multiplication, packaging, storage space, and other technical operations. We analyzed germplasm distribution patterns over a 12-year period for 10 crop collections conserved by the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station in Ames, Iowa, to determine if distribution rates over a given time interval help predict future distributions and to document how distribution patterns vary among accessions within collections. We demonstrated that, with an appropriate tracking system and commonly available statistical software, germplasm distribution patterns can be easily analyzed and plotted over time. Data measured over periods of up to 3 years had little predictive value, while a 6-year period gave relatively accurate projections of future distributions. Patterns of distributions within collections varied between those that are approximately normally distributed and those best described by an exponential function, with larger collections tending to be non-normally distributed. Means and standard deviations of standardized, long-term distribution rates, calculated from samples of 200–700 accessions, accurately described the distributional rates of 90–95% of all accessions. The documentation of changes in usage patterns within and among collections as they mature is also discussed. Analysis of average shipment size suggests that germplasm distributions became more focused over time for 8 of the 10 collections analyzed. This may result when users request germplasm based upon knowledge about specific accessions gained through personal experience and by examining evaluation and characterization data.
Basis for the Differential Action of Aminonucleoside on Normal and Transformed Human Fibroblasts

Acid-soluble extracts of normal human fibroblasts (IMR 90 cells) exposed to [3H]aminonucleoside of puromycin ([3H]AMS) contained larger amounts of unchanged AMS than did similar extracts of their transformed counterparts (AG 2804 cells). The radioactive compounds present in IMR 90 cells were further analyzed by sequential high-voltage paper electrophoresis, enzyme digestion, and paper chromatography. In addition to unchanged [3H]AMS, only [3H]adenosine, and [3H]inosine, and [3H]adenosine monophosphate could be detected, apparently derived from [3H]adenosine present in the [3H]AMS samples added to the cultures. Consistent with the absence of metabolism of AMS in IMR 90 cells was the failure to find AMS derivatives in the RNA or DNA of these cells. The content of ribonucleoside triphosphates (rNTPs) in acid-soluble extracts in IMR 90 cells was significantly reduced by AMS treatment, and nuclei or broken cell preparations obtained from AMS-treated IMR 90 cells incorporated [3H]UTP into macromolecules at approximately control rates, when supplemented with rNTPs. These findings indicated that the reduced level of rNTPs may be responsible for the AMS-induced inhibition of RNA synthesis in normal cells.
Small Scale Molecular Structure in the Nuclei of Nearby Spiral Galaxies: IC 342

We describe interferometric CO (1-0) and (2-1) maps of the nucleus of the nearby spiral galaxy, IC 342.
Statistical Properties of Jacobian Maps and the Realization of Unbiased Large-Deformation Nonlinear Image Registration

Maps of local tissue compression or expansion are often computed by comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using nonlinear image registration. The resulting changes are commonly analyzed using tensor-based morphometry to make inferences about anatomical differences, often based on the Jacobian map, which estimates local tissue gain or loss. Here, we provide rigorous mathematical analyses of the Jacobian maps, and use them to motivate a new numerical method to construct unbiased nonlinear image registration. First, we argue that logarithmic transformation is crucial for analyzing Jacobian values representing morphometric differences. We then examine the statistical distributions of log-Jacobian maps by defining the Kullback-Leibler (KL) distance on material density functions arising in continuum-mechanical models. With this framework, unbiased image registration can be constructed by quantifying the symmetric KL-distance between the identity map and the resulting deformation. Implementation details, addressing the proposed unbiased registration as well as the minimization of symmetric image matching functionals, are then discussed and shown to be applicable to other registration methods, such as inverse consistent registration. In the results section, we test the proposed framework, as well as present an illustrative application mapping detailed 3-D brain changes in sequential magnetic resonance imaging scans of a patient diagnosed with semantic dementia. Using permutation tests, we show that the symmetrization of image registration statistically reduces skewness in the log-Jacobian map.
Anisotropic liquid crystals for tunable optical negative-index metamaterials

2D reconfigurable negative-index metamaterials incorporating anisotropic LCs have been presented that operate in the near-IR. The anisotropic behavior of the LCs was treated rigorously using the periodic FE-BI full-wave analysis technique. The entries in the permittivity tensor for the LCs can be tuned by changing the director orientation of the LC molecules. There are several apparent design tradeoffs between the two configurations such as number of LC layers employed, biasing requirements, and ease of fabrication.
On transitive subrelations of binary relations

The transitive closure of a binary relation R can be thought of as the best possible approximation of R “from above” by a transitive relation. We consider the question of approximating a relation from below by transitive relations. Our main result is that every thick relation (a relation whose complement contains no infinite chain) on a countable set has a transitive thick subrelation. This allows for a solution to a problem arising from previous work by the author and Alan Taylor. We also exhibit a thick relation on an uncountable set with no transitive thick subrelation.
PLA/clay/wood nanocomposites: nanoclay effects on mechanical and thermal properties

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/clay/wood nanocomposites were prepared by melt extrusion of PLA, nanoclay, and wood flour (WF). The clay particles exhibit an intercalated structure in the PLA matrix and the addition of WF slightly increases the spacing in the galleries of the intercalated structure. The intercalated clay particles and WF in the PLA matrix restrict the motion of the PLA molecules and crystals. The tensile and flexural moduli of PLA/clay/wood nanocomposites with 30 wt% WF, respectively, increase from 3.75 to 7.08 GPa and from 3.83 to 6.01 GPa compared to neat PLA by adding up to 5 wt% nanoclay. Voids around clay particles, observed via scanning electron microscopy are associated with the negative effect of the clay particles on the interfacial adhesion between the WF and the PLA matrix. Clay particles improve the thermal decomposition temperature (T d) of PLA/clay/wood nanocomposites by about 10°C compared to that of PLA/wood composites. The effects of clay particles on other thermal properties suc...
Nanoparticles and antigen delivery: understanding the benefits and drawbacks of different delivery platforms.

Vaccination has been shown historically to be one of the most effective prevention methods for controlling, and in some cases eradicating, infectious disease [1]. While the majority of vaccines used routinely today are wholeorganism vaccines consisting of either live attenuated vaccines or killed whole bacteria or viruses [2], subunit vaccines based on isolated proteins, peptides or polysaccharaides are the main focus of current research efforts in the development of new or improved vaccines. Subunit vaccine formulations are an attractive prospect for a number of reasons. First, by eliminating the need to utilize attenuated or whole killed pathogens the increased safety of subunit antigens, afforded by eliminating the need to utilize attenuated or whole killed pathogens, subunit antigens offer enhanced safety profiles, more simplified manufacture processes and broadens their applicability for use in immunosuppressed individuals [3]. Second, subunit vaccine formulations are significantly less reactogenic than other vaccines [3]. Third, subunit vaccines are significantly more pure and can be readily characterized, improving quality control of the vaccine preparations [3–5]. The overall simplicity and purity of the subunit antigens, however, comes at a price. When used alone, especially in the case of recombinant proteins, these formulations often lack the necessary immunostimulatory properties required to elicit the appropriate host immune response [5]. Therefore, subunit antigens require coadministration with immune-stimulating compounds or adjuvants, such as monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), unmethylated CpG oligonucleotides (CpGs), α-galactosylceramide (GalCer), flagellin, muramyl dipeptide, saponin-based adjuvants (e.g., QS-21) and immune-stimulating complexes, to elicit appropriate protective immune responses [6]. Although these adjuvants have been shown to induce immune responses when simply coformulated and administered with a subunit antigen, high adjuvant doses are often required to elicit a strong enough response to improve antigen efficacy. The necessity of high adjuvant doses is likely due to a combination of factors, including adjuvant solubility and uptake efficiency, which may impact spatial and temporal coordination of dendritic cell activation and stimulation. Nanoparticles provide a means of mitigating some of these factors, primarily by providing a soluble platform that can optimally accommodate potentially disparate chemistries and ensure synchronized uptake of both antigen and adjuvant due to the nanoparticle’s inherent biodistribution profile and uptake dynamics [7] or through physical co-localization [8,9].
Compensation and Employment Impact of a Full-time MBA Program

The changing Master of Business Administration (MBA) marketplace and considerable direct and indirect costs for an MBA degree mean that school administrators and other stakeholders need a better understanding of what factors may influence the rate of return to their MBA programs. We investigated the potential of using analytical frameworks to identify those variables that may predict employment probabilities and starting salaries of full-time MBA graduates, in the context of a single, private MBA program. Our results suggest that for graduates of this particular program, pre-MBA salary and work experience in accounting, banking, finance, and consulting industries predicted higher post-MBA salary levels, as did having a liberal arts major as an undergraduate. Other human capital measures, such as Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores or elite undergraduate education, were not associated with higher employment probabilities or salary levels for this program’s students, while having an undergraduate business major was associated with lower employment probability. Although our study has limited inference to determine the value of an MBA education more generally, it has potentially important implications for administrators of MBA programs, who could gain useful insights on applying empirical analysis to their own programs. Although this process can be costly and time consuming without a supportive institutional environment, it could provide useful evidence-based guidelines for practice with substantial payoffs for both the program and the students.
Modeling an Application's Theoretical Minimum and Average Transactional Response Times

The theoretical minimum transactional response time of an application serves as a ba- sis for the expected response time. The lower threshold for the minimum response time represents the minimum amount of time that the application should take to complete a transaction. Knowing the lower threshold is beneficial in detecting anomalies that are re- sults of unsuccessful transactions. On the converse, when an application's response time falls above an upper threshold, there is likely an anomaly in the application that is causing unusual performance issues in the transaction. This report explains how the non-stationary Generalized Extreme Value distribution is used to estimate the lower threshold of an ap- plication's daily minimum transactional response time. It also explains how the seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average time series model is used to estimate the upper threshold for an application's average transactional response time.
A Novel Approach To Calibrate Mesopore Size from Nitrogen Adsorption Using X-ray Diffraction: An SBA-15 Case Study

The mesoporous silicate SBA-15 was prepared with a range of pore sizes by adjusting synthesis conditions, primarily tetraethyl orthosilicate to Pluronic P-123 ratios and calcination temperature. Materials were characterized by SAXS to determine unit cell dimension and diffraction intensities, and by nitrogen adsorption to obtain mesopore diameters using the BJH and DFT methods. We modeled the electron density distribution and then used this to calculate the structure factor and theoretical diffraction intensities. Model results show points where the structure factor equals zero for the 2-D hexagonal system, corresponding to peak extinctions in the SAXS diffraction patterns. We compare model results to experimental data to establish biases in the mesopore diameters determined from nitrogen adsorption. Conventional BJH mesopore determination from the adsorption branch is found to underestimate pore diameters by 15% or ∼0.9 nm, BJH analysis from the desorption branch underestimates pore diameter by 40% or 1....
Bradyarrhythmias, abnormalities of conduction, and indications for pacing in acute myocardial infarction.

Bradyarrhythmias and conduction abnormalities are not uncommon in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. This article examines the anatomic basis for such disturbances, their prognoses, and their therapy, both immediate and long term.
Spatial-temporal routing for supporting end-to-end hard deadlines in multi-hop networks

We consider the problem of routing packets with end-to-end hard deadlines in communication networks. The problem is challenging due to the complex spatial-temporal correlation among flows with different deadlines. To tackle this challenging problem, we introduce the concepts of virtual links/routes to incorporate end-to-end deadline constraints into routing and propose a novel virtual queue architecture to guide the spatial-temporal routing which specifies where and when a packet should be routed. The proposed policy can support any periodic constant traffic within the network throughput region. Our simulations further show that the policy outperforms traditional policies such as backpressure and earliest-deadline-first (EDF) for general traffic flows.