cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A General Model of a Single-Channel Queue: Discrete and Continuous Time Cases

In Part I, a single-channel service system consisting of a service facility and queue, in which the possible times of arrival of units and the possible service times are discrete, is analyzed. A method of calculating the moments of the total service time of units in the system is developed. This total service time is related to the delay caused by the system. When arrivals at different times are assumed to be independent, the "values" of the resulting Markov process can be calculated. These values lead to information about the transient behavior, autocorrelation function, expected first passage time, and expected extra delay that arises if another unit is inserted into the system. An expression for the geometric transform or moment generating function of the probability distribution of the total service time of units in the system is determined. The results are derived for arbitrary arrival and service time distributions. In Part II, the continuous time analog of the system of Part I is considered and analogous results are determined.
Increased Rate of Net Photosynthetic Carbon Dioxide Uptake Caused by the Inhibition of Glycolate Oxidase

There is considerable variation among species in their rate of photorespiration, and photorespiration increases greatly at higher temperatures. The addition of an inhibitor of glycolate oxidase, α-hydroxy-2-pyridinemethanesulfonic acid, to tobacco leaf disks at 35° stimulated photosynthetic 14 CO 2 uptake at least 3-fold, but 14 CO 2 uptake was not changed by the inhibitor at 25°. The inhibitor did not increase photosynthesis in maize leaf disks at either temperature. The evolution of CO 2 from glycolate was greatly enhanced in tobacco at 35° compared with 25°. Labeling of the glycolate of tobacco with glycolate-1- 14 C and -2- 14 C showed that the increased CO 2 evolved in the light (photorespiration) arose specifically from the carboxyl-carbon atom of glycolate. Maize, a species known to have a negligible photorespiration, produced 14 CO 2 poorly from glycolate-1- 14 C in comparison to tobacco. Acetate-1- 14 C, a substrate metabolized by dark respiration, produced similar amounts of 14 CO 2 in the light in both tobacco and maize. This respiration was changed little relative to photosynthesis by increasing temperature. Most plants, such as tobacco, have a high photorespiration. The loss of fixed carbon causes an increase in the internal concentration of CO 2 especially at higher temperatures, and results in a lower CO 2 concentration gradient and therefore a lower net photosynthetic CO 2 uptake. Some species, like maize, have a negligible photorespiration and are thus more efficient photosynthetically. The use of an inhibitor of the oxidation of glycolate, the substrate for photorespiration, changed tobacco so that it behaved photosynthetically like maize. Thus high rates of photorespiration may limit the net CO 2 uptake in many plant species.
Hadronic excitation of the giant resonance region of 208Pb

Abstract Calculations have been made of the inelastic spectra leaving 208Pb with excitation energies in the giant resonance region (≈ 9 to 15 MeV) following the inelastic scattering of 60 MeV protons and 115 MeV alphas. Particle-hole wave functions obtained in the RPA were used, together with an effective interaction between the projectile and each target nucleon. A “giant resonance” peak is predicted with excitation energy and strength similar to those observed. While the predominant multipole is quadrupole, considerable L = 4 and some L = 0 and L = 6 strength is concentrated in the same region. Because of this, the angular distributions are smoothed out. The use of the collective model to describe these excitations is discussed. The electric transition strengths B(EL) and the inelastic cross sections are contrasted and the use of multipole sum rules is criticized.
Substance Abuse, Familial Factors, and Mental Health: Exploring Racial and Ethnic Group Differences Among African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic Juvenile Offenders

The present study examined racial, ethnic, and gender differences in family composition substance abuse, and mental health issues, such as depression and self-esteem among adjudicated juvenile offenders. Results revealed a negative relationship between depression and self-esteem among all ethnicities and family compositions. Caucasians reported greater incidence of substance abuse than did African American and Hispanic youth. Moreover, in reconstituted families, Caucasians had lower self-esteem scores than did other ethnicities. The findings illustrate the complexities of risk to substance use among high-risk populations, particularly as they relate to familial factors and the importance of intensive family therapy among this population.
Discordance in Histopathologic Evaluation of Melanoma Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy with Clinical Follow-Up: Results from a Prospectively Collected Database

Background. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) status currently represents the single most important prognostic factor in clinically localized melanoma and is widely used in patients with melanoma at significant risk for nodal micrometastasis. Although several studies have looked at the rates and implications of inaccuracies in the histopathologic diagnosis of melanocytic lesions, accuracy in the histologic interpretation of the SLN in melanoma has not been addressed. The goal of this study was to determine the rates of discordance in the histopathologic evaluation of the SLN and the potential clinical impact on patients referred to a comprehensive melanoma center.
Oxygen and carbon isotope fractionation in calcitic deep-sea corals: Implications for paleotemperature reconstruction

Abstract Inhabiting areas of the ocean where paleoenvironmental records are sparse, deep-sea corals represent valuable yet largely untapped Holocene records of intermediate and deep ocean variability. δ18O and δ13C were analyzed in nine live-collected deep-sea gorgonian corals (Isididae and Coralliidae) in order to further develop the “lines” paleotemperature method. Least squares linear regression analysis for full lifespan δ18O vs. δ13C (corrected for δ18Owater and δ13CDIC) was utilized to yield equations of the form y = mx + b. δ18O and intercept values were found to be a function of temperature, and to approximate calcite δ18O equilibrium. The corals in this study extend the previously reported calibration ( Hill et al., 2011 ) over a broader range of temperatures from 5 °C to 11.2 °C. When combined with the data from Hill et al. (2011) , a new expression for the relationship between the δ18Ointercept value and temperature is proposed: T ° C = − 4.12 ± 0.38 δ 18 O intercept + 12.33 ± 0.75 R 2 = 0.90 , p value 0.0001 . Error estimates are ± 0.7 °C for corals living at cold temperatures (2 °C), ± 1.4 °C in warmer waters (11 °C), and ± 0.5 °C at the mean water temperature of the data set (4.6 °C). The first multi-specimen verification of the “lines” method was performed on three co-located bamboo (Isididae) corals and found to give nearly coincident δ18O intercepts. Detailed intraspecimen sampling reveals δ18O and δ13C isotopic variability within coeval portions of the skeleton. In one specimen, “lines” method analysis was utilized on multiple samples taken from the same temporal increment of the skeleton, yielding multiple δ18O intercepts. Calculated temperatures using the calibration proposed here describe a temperature range of 7.9 to 10.3 °C, which approaches the temperature range of 11.1 ± 0.7 °C at the coral collection location.
Bladder Dysfunction in Sexual Abuse Survivors

ABSTRACT Purpose We determined the incidence of genitourinary dysfunction and urinary incontinence in self-identified sexual abuse survivors. Materials and Methods In a preliminary study an incontinence and genitourinary symptom questionnaire was distributed to female members of sexual abuse survivor support groups and a control group of patients attending a general gynecology clinic. The 52 item questionnaire contained questions regarding general physical and psychological health, incontinence and voiding dysfunction symptoms, and sexual abuse history. Fischer's exact test was used to compare responses between groups. Results Questionnaires from 58 sexual abuse survivors and 51 controls were included in the statistical analysis. Mean age ± SD was higher in the control than in the abuse survivor group (47.8 ± 18.5 vs 9.1 ± 41.5 years, p=0.03) but there was no difference in parity between groups (1.65 ± 1.85 vs 1.36 ± 1.44, p=0.37). Of abuse survivors 72% and of controls 22% reported ever experiencing urinary incontinence symptoms (p Conclusions Sexual abuse survivors have a significantly higher incidence of genitourinary dysfunction symptoms, including stress and urge incontinence, and voluntary urinary retention. Abuse survivors should be questioned about these symptoms, and evaluation and therapy should be recommended. This preliminary study demonstrates that the impact of psychological counseling in addition to medical therapy for urinary dysfunction in this group of patients deserves further study.
Do Teenage Mothers Experience Childbirth as Traumatic

Although several hundred thousand teenagers give birth each year in the United States, little is known about their psychological experience of childbirth, especially with respect to its traumatic impact. This article highlights the findings of a pilot study of 28 teenage mothers who reported on their traumatic and depressive symptoms related to childbirth. Literature on adolescent childbearing, posttraumatic stress, and postpartum depression is also reviewed.
Using visualization to teach parallel algorithms

In this paper, we describe two related techniques for delivering instructional animations of parallel algorithms --- one that runs on a Microsoft Windows workstation and another that is Web-based. After discussing the techniques, we examine their use in two pedagogical settings --- one in which students merely watch the animations as an aid to achieving a better understanding of the algorithm and one in which students actively participate in constructing the animation. The former context is appropriate in a juniorsenior algorithms course where, because of time constraints, parallel algorithms are only one of several topics studied. The latter context is appropriate for a course dedicated to the study of parallel algorithms or for a senior capstone experience. We conclude the paper with an appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques we have developed and with some indications of how these techniques could be extended in the future.
Fundamental operations in computer-assisted map analysis

Abstract Geographical information systems (GIS) provide capabilities for the mapping, management and analysis of cartographic information. Unlike most other disciplines, GIS technology was born from specialized applications. A comprehensive theory relating the various techniques used in these applications is only now emerging. By organizing the set of analytic methods into a mathematical structure, a generalized framework for cartographic modelling is developed. Within this framework, users logically order primitive operators on map variables in a manner analogous to traditional algebra and statistics. This paper describes the fundamental classes of operations used in computer-assisted map analysis. Several of the procedures are demonstrated using a fourth-generation computer language for personal computers.
Inhibition of HDAC9 Increases T Regulatory Cell Function and Prevents Colitis in Mice

Background & Aims Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) help prevent autoimmunity, and increases in their numbers of functions could decrease the development of inflammatory bowel disease. Like other cells, Foxp3+ Tregs express histone/protein deacetylases (HDACs), which regulate chromatin remodeling and gene expression. We investigated whether disruption of a specific class IIa HDAC, HDAC9, activity in Tregs affects the pathogenesis of colitis in mice. Methods We tested the effects of various HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) in models of colitis using wild-type mice. We also transferred Tregs and non-Treg cells from HDAC9−/− or wild-type mice to immunodeficient mice. HDAC9 contributions to the functions of Tregs were determined during development and progression of colitis. Results Pan-HDACi, but not class I-specific HDACi, increased the functions of Foxp3+ Tregs, prevented colitis, and reduced established colitis in mice, indicating the role of class II HDACs in controlling Treg function. The abilities of pan-HDACi to prevent/reduce colitis were associated with increased numbers of Foxp3+ Tregs and their suppressive functions. Colitis was associated with increased local expression of HDAC9; HDAC9−/− mice resistant to development of colitis. HDAC9−/− Tregs expressed increased levels of the heat shock protein (HSP) 70, compared with controls. Immunoprecipitation experiments indicated an interaction between HSP70 and Foxp3. Inhibition of HSP70 reduced the suppressive functions of HDAC9−/− Tregs; Tregs that overexpressed HSP70 had increased suppressive functions. Conclusions Strategies to decrease HDAC9 expression or function in Tregs or to increase expression of HSP70 might be used to treat colitis and other autoimmune disorders.
Using field cocitation analysis to assess reciprocal and shared impact of LIS-MIS fields

This study utilized bibliometric tools to analyze the relationship between two separate, but related, fields: Library and Information Science (LIS) and Management Information Systems (MIS). The top-ranked 48 journals in each field were used as the unit of analysis. Using these journals, field cocitation was introduced as a method for evaluating the relationships between the two fields. The three-phased study evaluated (a) the knowledge imported-exported between LIS and MIS, (b) the body of knowledge influenced by both fields, and (c) the overlap in fields as demonstrated by multidimensional scaling. Data collection and analysis were performed using DIALOG and SPSS programs. The primary findings from this study indicate that (a) the MIS impact on LIS is greater than the reverse, (b) there is a growing trend for shared impact between the two disciplines, and (c) the area of overlap between the two fields is predominately those journals focusing on technology systems and digital information. Additionally, this study validated field cocitation as a method by which to evaluate relationships between fields. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Digital imaging of species concentration fields in spray flames

Images have been obtained of the distribution of OH, CH, and fuel vapor in a heptane-air spray flame. OH and CH images were acquired using planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF); the fuel vapor distribution was imaged by planar multi-photon dissociation (PMPD) of C 2 H 2 . Sheet illumination from a tunable, pulsed dye laser (PLIF) or an ArF excimer laser (PMPD) was used to excite the fluorescence which was monitored with an intensified, 100×100 photodiode array. Applications of both techniques in spray flames are discussed and representative results are presented.
On heights in the Collatz 3n + 1 problem

In the Collate problem, certain runs of consecutive integers have the same height. This phenomenon is investigated using an algorithm for reconstructing the trajectory of a number from the parity vector of the number. It is found that pairs of consecutive integers of the same height occur infinitely often and in infinitely many different patterns.
An appreciation of Professor Alexander E. Braunstein. The discovery and scope of enzymatic transamination.

Abstract Nonenzymatic transamination was discovered in the early 1930s. In the mid-1930s Braunstein and associates discovered the process of enzymatic transamination and established the biological significance of this reaction. Over the next 50 years, Braunstein and coworkers continued to contribute many new ideas and make important discoveries in the field of aminotransferases and other pyridoxal 5′-phosphate enzymes. This review outlines (1) the events leading to the discovery of enzymatic transamination, (2) how the discovery was made, (3) the findings that led to the recognition by the mid-1950s of the very wide scope and biological importance of aminotransferase reactions, and (4) the elucidation of the primary amino acid sequence and three-dimensional structure of aspartate aminotransferases.
Coping Strategies and Postdivorce Health Outcomes

Abstract This study investigated the linear and curvilinear relationships between coping strategies and health outcomes among a sample of 159 divorced individuals. Participants completed questionnaires which included measures of coping strategies, physical health, and psychological health. Results indicated that linear relationships existed between three of the five coping strategies-reframing, acquiring social support, and passive appraisal-and health. Curvilinear relationships were shown between four of the five coping strategies-acquiring social support, seeking spiritual support, mobilizing formal support, and passive appraisal-and health. Different patterns of results were shown for men andwomen.
COMPLEXES OF TRIVALENT PHOSPHORUS DERIVATIVES, XVIII. SOME COMPLEXES OF NEOPENTYLPHOSPHINES WITH RHODIUM, NICKEL, AND PALLADIUM CHLORIDES1

Abstract Trineopentylphosphine reacts with hydrated rhodium(III) chloride to give yellow ([(Me3CCH2)3P]2 RhCl2)2 in ethanol at room temperature but yellow [(Me3CCH2)3P]2 Rh(CO)Cl in boiling ROCH2CH2OH (R = CH3 or C2H5). Dineopentylphenylphosphine reacts with hydrated rhodium(III) chloride in ethanol to give red [(Me3CCH2)2PC6H5]3Rh2Cl4 at room temperature and orange ([(Me3CCH2)2PC6H5]2RhCl2)2 at the boiling point. Neither trineopentylphosphine nor dineopentylphenylphosphine reacts with nickel(II) chloride in ethanol solution. However, neopentyldiphenylphosphine reacts with nickel(II) chloride in ethanol solution to give purple [Me3CCH2P(C6H5)2]2NiCl2, which gives yellow solutions in polar solvents. Trineopentylphosphine reacts with palladium(II) chloride derivatives in boiling n-butanol to give either yellow [(Me3CCH2)3P]2PdCl2 or orange [(Me3CCH2)3PPdCl2]2 depending upon the reaction conditions.
An Analytic Approach to the Foil Gas Bearing Performance Map

Recent breakthrough improvements in foil gas bearing load capacity, high temperature tribological coatings and computer based modeling has enabled the development of increasingly larger and more advanced Oil-Free turbomachinery systems. Successful integration of foil gas bearings into turbomachinery requires a step wise approach that includes conceptual design and feasibility studies, bearing testing, and rotor testing prior to full scale system level demonstrations. Unfortunately, the current level of understanding of foil gas bearings and especially their tribological behavior is often insufficient to avoid developmental problems hampering commercialization of new applications. A new approach loosely based upon accepted hydrodynamic theory, has been suggested by DellaCorte, et al (1). The proposed “Foil Gas Bearing Performance Map” is intended to guide the integration process. This map, which resembles a Stribeck curve for bearing friction, is useful in describing bearing operating regimes, performance safety margins, the effects of load on performance and limiting factors for foil gas bearings. The previously proposed “Foil Gas Bearing Performance Map” has been based, in large part, on qualitative experience in the authors’ test facilities as well as product development case studies. A limited amount of test data specific to the understanding of the performance map has been experimentally obtained. A project is underway to obtain a larger, more rigorous data set. The objective of the current work is to take an analytic approach toward understanding the behavior of the various regions of this map. These analytic approaches can then be useful in both guiding further experimental investigations as well as providing useful non-dimensionalization schemes which may allow the performance map to be generalized, akin to the Stribeck curve. The foil journal bearing possesses several unique features that distinguish its analysis from those of the traditional hydrodynamic journal bearing. These features include the use of a gas as a lubricant, compliant structures / hydrodynamic surfaces, and interference fits (statically preloaded bearings). The combination of these features is considered in the proposed approach towards explaining the features of the foil gas bearing performance map.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Efficacy of an OspA vaccine preparation for prevention of Lyme disease in New York State.

A multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was done comparing a 30-μg dose of a single protein recombinant OspA vaccine preparation with a saline placebo for efficacy in prevention of Lyme disease in humans. The OspA vaccine (30-μg dose) or saline placebo was given intramuscularly at day 0,1 month later, and 12 months later. Cases of possible Lyme disease were evaluated clinically and using culture, polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot assays. Safety data are being analyzed separately. 1,634 adult volunteers were enrolled at a single center in New York State. Vaccine efficacy during the first year was 40% and during the second 37%. Compared with placebo, the OspA vaccine significantly reduced the frequency of Lyme disease during the 2-year study period (P<0.04, one-tailed Fisher’s exact test). Vaccine efficacy was restricted to volunteers under 60 years old (50% vs 9%, P<0.03, two-tailed Fisher’s exact test). A recombinant OspA vaccine preparation was found to have moderate activity in preventing Lyme disease in adults under 60 years old from New York State. Reasons for vaccine failure need to be addressed and a risk benefit ratio calculated.
Purinergic Receptors in Ocular Ciliary Epithelial Cells

Abstract Adenosine and ATP have been shown to activate separate cell surface purinergic receptors which have been designated P1 for adenosine and P2 for ATP. The pharmacological characterization of P1 and P2 purinergic receptor-mediated signal transduction has been performed in cultured cell lines of the ciliary epithelium. In ODM Clone-2, a cell line derived from human nonpigmented ciliary epithelium (NPE) and in a clone derived from bovine pigmented ciliary epithelium (PE), we observed that adenosine inhibits adenylate cyclase activity at high potency (nM) and stimulates adenylate cyclase activity at low potency (μM) suggesting the presence of P1 subtypes on these cell membranes. The selective agonist cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) was effective at inhibiting forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase in these cells. The IC50 for CPA in both NPE and PE was approximately 1 nM in the absence, and 11 nM in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX). In NPE, the selective agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino]-5′-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine (CGS 21680) stimulated adenylyl cyclase with an EC50 of 11 ± 4 nM in the presence of 4-(3-butoxy-4-methyoxybenzyl)-2-imidazolidinone (RO-20-1724), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor devoid of adenosine receptor antagonism, and 61 ± 8 μM in the presence of IBMX. In PE cells, EC50 value of RO-20-1724 was 19 ± 5 nM (n = 3). The characterization of P2 receptors based upon the ability of ATP and its related analogues to stimulate inositol phosphate production reveal the presence of a putative P2U, receptor in both cell types.
LC–MS/MS quantification of a neuropeptide fragment kisspeptin-10 (NSC 741805) and characterization of its decomposition product and pharmacokinetics in rats

The kisspeptins are critical regulators of mammalian reproduction. Kisspeptin-10 ((45)YNWNSFGLRF-NH2(54), kisspeptin-112-121 or metastin 45-54, NSC 741805), an active fragment of kisspeptin, has been shown to be a potent stimulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and secretion of luteinizing hormone in both rodents and primates. This shorter peptide fragment may have clinical utility potential and it is important to characterize its pharmacokinetic property. Recently, the pharmacokinetics of both kisspeptin-54 and kisspeptin-10 were characterized in humans using a radioimmunoassay (RIA), which measures only the immunoreactive kisspeptin (kisspeptin-IR). In this study, a highly sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS assay was developed to quantify kisspeptin-10 levels in rat plasma. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 0.5 ng/mL, the within-day and between-day coefficient of variations (CVs) ranged from 5.2 to 15.4% and 1.3 to 14.2%, and the accuracy values ranged from 98 to 114% and 99 to 105%, respectively. With this method, stability studies demonstrated that kisspeptin-10 degraded rapidly with decomposition half-lives of 6.8 min, 2.9 min and 1.7 min at 4 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C, respectively. The principal decomposition product was characterized as the N-terminal tyrosine deleted kisspeptin-10 (46)NWDSFGLRF-NH2(54). Pharmacokinetic study in rats showed that low ng/mL kisspeptin-10 was detected in the first few minutes, and eliminated rapidly and became undetectable 30 min after intravenous (i.v.) bolus administration of 1.0 mg/kg kisspeptin-10.
Analysis and speciation of selenium ions in mine environments

Aqueous extracts of five mine soil samples and a set of selenite (SeO32–)–selenate (SeO42–) solutions (0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 25 mg/l) were speciated using atomic absorption spectroscopy with hydride generation (AAS-HG) and ion chromatography (IC) to compare these methods for Se speciation. In another experiment, a SeO32––SeO42––SO42– solution (25 mg/l) was reacted with CaO, MgO, MnO2, CuO, La2O3, and WO3 to evaluate the relative distribution of the Se species and SO42– in the SORB (sorbed ions that were desorbed by NaOH), SOLN (equilibrium concentrations), CMPX (irreversibly sorbed and neutral ion pair complexes) fractions. The AAS-HG method was capable of analyzing Se as low as 0.002 mg/l, which was below the detection limit of IC. High concentration of SO42– affected the chromatographic Se speciation either by shifting or overlapping Se peaks, in which AAS-HG was more useful. However, IC was capable of speciating aqueous SeO32––SeO42– directly without any sample pretreatment, whereas AAS-HG measured SeO32–+SeO42–, and SeO32– in separate runs and SeO42– was calculated from the difference, i.e., spectrophotometric speciation was an indirect method. For both Se species, AAS-HG and IC data were comparable within detection standard deviations. Ratios of different Se species at measured soil pH and pe indicated that SeO32– or SeO42– would be the dominant Se species; the p(SeO42–/SeO32–) values further suggested SeO42– would be the major solution species. Except for CaO and MgO treatments, the %SeO32– in the SORB fraction was ≥%SeO42–. In the SOLN fraction %SeO42– was ≥%SeO32– for all oxides but CaO, whereas in the CMPX fraction this order was observed for only CaO and MnO2. The %SeO32– was highest in the SOLN fraction for all oxides but MgO and La2O3 for these two oxides SeO32– dominated in CMPX and SORB fractions, respectively. The SOLN fraction also contained the highest %SeO42– for all oxides but MgO which retained SeO42– primarily in the SORB fraction. The %SeO32– and %SeO42– in the CMPX fraction were highest for MgO, thus, suggesting a possible formation of MgSeO30 and MgSeO40. A similar trend of SORB %SO42– and SORB %SeO42– was attributed to the analogous adsorption mechanisms (outer-sphere complexation). For all oxides but MgO, %SO42– was <%SeO42– in the SOLN fraction and ≥%SeO42– in the CMPX fraction. Comparative ionic distributions provide an overall picture of the relative abundance of different Se species in various fractions associated with different oxides present in micro- and macrolevels in soils and geological materials.
Maximum SINR transmit beamforming for multiuser MIMO systems with limited feedback

The Lloyd's vector quantization method is adopted to design a codebook for multiuser transmit beamforming vectors over multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels which only allow limited feedback. The beamformer code-book is designed to maximize the post-processing signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and the resulting codebook is called maximum SINR (MSINR) codebook. The MSINR cooperative beamforming algorithm proposed in our previous work under the assumption that the instant channel information of all users is perfectly known to each user as well as the receiver is modified to obtain the code for a given set of channel samples, which is the key step in the Lloyd's method. The obtained codebook, as revealed by the numerical results, is robust to a wide range of deviation of the actual transmit SNR from that associated with a codebook.
Ultrasound beam simulations in inhomogeneous tissue geometries using the hybrid angular spectrum method

The angular spectrum method is a fast, accurate and computationally efficient method for modeling wave propagation. However, the traditional angular spectrum method assumes that the region of propagation has homogenous properties. In this paper, the angular spectrum method is extended to calculate ultrasound wave propagation in inhomogeneous tissue geometries, important for clinical efficacy, patient safety, and treatment reliability in MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery. The inhomogeneous tissue region to be modeled is segmented into voxels, each voxel having a unique speed of sound, attenuation coefficient, and density. The pressure pattern in the 3-D model is calculated by alternating between the space domain and the spatial-frequency domain for each plane of voxels in the model. The new technique was compared with the finite-difference time-domain technique for a model containing attenuation, refraction, and reflection and for a segmented human breast model; although yielding essentially the same pattern, it results in a reduction in calculation times of at least two orders of magnitude.
Quick analysis of optical spectra to quantify epidermal melanin and papillary dermal blood content of skin.

This paper presents a practical approach for assessing the melanin and blood content of the skin from total diffuse reflectance spectra, R(λ), where λ is wavelength. A quick spectral analysis using just three wavelengths (585 nm, 700 nm and 800 nm) is presented, based on the 1985 work of Kollias and Baquer who documented epidermal melanin of skin using the slope of optical density (OD) between 620 nm and 720 nm. The paper describes the non-rectilinear character of such a quick analysis, and shows that almost any choice of two wavelengths in the 600-900 range can achieve the characterization of melanin. The extrapolation of the melanin slope to 585 nm serves as a baseline for subtraction from the OD (585 nm) to yield a blood perfusion score. Monte Carlo simulations created spectral data for a skin model with epidermis, papillary dermis and reticular dermis to illustrate the analysis.
Fault Recognition of Wind Turbine Using EMD Analysis and FFT Classification

This paper employs empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and fast Fourier transform (FFT) to analyze the oil-leakage fault signal of the gearbox of wind turbines. K-nearest neighbors (KNN) is used on automatic fault recognition. First, both normal and faulty oil-leakage gearboxes are considered. Second, EMD is applied on analyzing the intrinsic mode function (IMF) of the current signals, and FFT is used to get the IMF spectrum. Finally, the features of the spectrum are extracted, and KNN is used on fault recognition of wind turbine gearboxes. The result indicates that it can effectively recognize the oil-leakage fault of gearboxes.
Role of redundant coordinates in evaluating skeletal force constants in simple cyclic systems

Abstract The treatment of redundant vibrational coordinates and their effect on force field determinations often presents difficulties for the vibrational spectroscopist. W hiffen [17], for example, approached the redundancy problem in the force field for the planar vibrations of benzene by transforming a set of redundant internal valence force constants ƒij, to a non-redundant set of tilde force constants ƒ ij, where ƒ ij represents appropriate linear combinations of the original ƒij. We use the concept of tilde force constants to eliminate the redundancies among the internal valence displacement coordinates in cyclopropane C3H6 and phosphorus P4 and to clarify the precise meaning of the resulting skeletal force constants for these systems.
Ovarian remnant syndrome: Study in laboratory rats

Abstract 0BJECTIVES: This study was designed to answer two questions: (1) will devascularized ovarian rat tissue reimplant on intact or denuded peritoneal surfaces, and (2), will any revascularized tissue become functional, as evidenced by follicle formation and vaginal cornification? STUDY DESIGN: A total of 110 young female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four study groups and a control group. Bilateral oophorectomy was performed on the rats in the first three study groups. In these groups the ovaries were sutured to the left peritoneal surfaces; where the devascularized tissue might become revascularized. The vascularized ovary was sutured to the right denuded peritoneal surface. in the rats in group 4, and an oophorectomy was performed on the rats in the control group. The study animals were killed and evaluated at 3, 6, or 9 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of the devascularized ovarian tissue revascularized. Forty-three percent of the viable ovarian tissue demonstrated follicular growth that increased with time to death. Thirty-seven percent of the rats showed the effects of estrogen on the vaginal epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that devascularized ovarian tissue may reimplant on intact or abraded peritoneal surfaces, where in time it may resume functioning. These findings suggest that great care must be taken when using the laparoscope to collect ovarian specimens.
Games with vector payoffs

Two-person games are defined in which the payoffs are vectors. Necessary and sufficient conditions for optimal mixed strategies are developed, and examples are presented.
Smooth Muscle Tropomyosin Forms Semi-Rigid End to End Polymers

Variation in the structural mechanics of tropomyosin isoforms may govern differences in their affinity and positioning on F-actin. Such differences may influence the access of actin-binding proteins along the sides of actin filaments and also the cooperativity of actin-myosin interactions. Here, smooth and striated muscle tropomyosin were rotary shadowed and compared by electron microscopy. EM shows that cardiac and skeletal tropomyosin primarily consist of 40 nm long single molecules, whereas smooth muscle tropomyosin is a mixture of varying length chains of end-to-end linked molecules found together with single molecules. The tendency of smooth muscle tropomyosin to polymerize reflects greater end-to-end interaction, possibly required on smooth muscle thin filaments, which lack troponin to stabilize this interaction. Measurement of the apparent persistence length (PL) of single smooth muscle tropomyosin molecules and the chain-like polymers yield indistinguishable values, which are comparable to those that we find for cardiac tropomyosin. The semi-rigidity of smooth muscle tropomyosin polymers may ensure a high degree of positional fidelity of tropomyosin on smooth muscle thin filaments, despite the lack of troponin (cf. Lehman et al., 2009). It is unlikely, however, that stiff, polymerized superhelical chains of tropomyosin can bind directly to F-actin. However, in vitro an equilibrium may yield sufficient single smooth muscle tropomyosin molecules or short chains to bind. In vivo, actin and smooth muscle (or cytoskeletal) tropomyosin may copolymerize or, alternatively, G-actin may polymerize on a scaffold of tropomyosin chains. Thus differing mechanisms of thin filaments assembly may be related to tropomyosin end-to-end binding strength.
Lithium Intercalation into ATi2(PS4)3 (A = Li, Na, Ag)

Abstract Comparison of the electrochemical insertion of lithium into ATi 2 (PS 4 ) 3 with A = Li, Na, Ag and ATi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 with Li, Ag is striking. Whereas only four lithium per formula unit (Li/f.u.) can be inserted reversibly into the phosphates, up to 7 and 10 Li/f.u. can be inserted reversibly in the thiophosphates with A = Li and Ag. Moreover, the Ag + to Ag 0 reduction in AgTi 2 (PO 4 ) 3 is not reversible, but in AgTi 2 (PS 4 ) 3 it is reversible. Strong hybridization of the Ag-5s and host antibonding bands stabilizes the formal valences Ag 0 , Ti + , and (PS 4 ) 4− in the discharged state of AgTi 2 (PS 4 ) 3 ; but only the formal valence Ti 2+ is accessible in LiTi 2 (PS 4 ) 3 . Unfortunately the large volume change associated with the lithium insertion renders the structure progressively more amorphous on cycling, which causes the capacity to fade quite dramatically on further cycling. The thiophosphates transform to the phosphates on heating in air.
Laboratory and questionnaire measures of aggression among female parolees with violent or nonviolent histories

Female parolees were recruited into a laboratory study to determine the relationship between their previous aggression history, questionnaire measures of aggression, and behavioral measures of aggressive responding using a laboratory methodology: the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm (PSAP). Subjects were assigned to a violent or nonviolent group based on their criminal history. Subjects participated in sessions in which they were given three response options: (1) nonaggressive responding that earned money, (2) aggressive responding that ostensibly subtracted money from another fictitious person and was defined as aggressive since it resulted in the ostensible delivery of an aversive stimulus (subtraction of money) to another person, and (3) escape responding that protected the subject's earnings from periodic subtractions initiated by the fictitious other person. Results indicated that the violent female parolees emitted significantly more aggressive responses than subjects in the nonviolent group. This study provides additional external validity as well as evidence for convergent and discriminant validity for PSAP laboratory measurement of human aggressive responding and extends these findings to female parolees. Comparisons to previously published data with male parolees showed that gender differences were found among violent but not nonviolent parolees. Aggr. Behav. 26:291–307, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Dielectric constant in fluids of classical deformable molecules

Classical statistical mechanical description of dielectric fluids is further discussed. Dipole moment correlations of polarizable molecules are discussed.(AIP)
DNA binding properties of the vitamin D3 receptor zinc finger region.

The DNA binding domains of the nuclear receptor superfamily are highly conserved and consist of residues that fold into two zinc finger-like motifs, suggesting that the structures of this region among the members of the superfamily are likely to be very similar. Furthermore, the response elements that these receptors bind to are similar in sequence and organization. Nevertheless, these receptors selectively recognize target response elements and differentially regulate linked genes. In order to study the details of receptor:DNA binding, we have over-expressed and purified the vitamin D3 receptor DNA binding domain (VDRF) and have begun characterizing its DNA binding properties. We find that the VDRF protein binds strongly and specifically to direct repeats constituting a vitamin D response element from the mouse osteopontin (Spp-1) promoter region but weakly to the human osteocalcin vitamin D response element. Unlike receptors that recognize hormone response elements oriented as inverted repeats, such as ...
High prevalence of low affinity peptide–MHC II tetramer–negative effectors during polyclonal CD4+ T cell responses

T cell affinity for antigen initiates adaptive immunity. However, the contribution of low affinity cells to a response is unknown as it has not been possible to assess the entire affinity range of a polyclonal T cell repertoire. In this study, we used a highly sensitive two-dimensional binding assay to identify low affinity cells in polyclonal autoreactive and pathogen-reactive CD4+ T cell populations specific for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) antigens, respectively. Low affinity CD4+ T cells, below detection with peptide–major histocompatibility complex class II tetramers, were at least as frequent as high affinity responders and contributed significant effector cytokines in both primary antigen–specific responses. We further demonstrated that MOG- and LCMV-specific CD4+ T cells possessed similarly broad ranges in their affinities (>100-fold wide), only differing in the frequencies of low and high affinity cells. Thus, low as well as high affinity CD4+ T cells are critical effectors in autoimmune and pathogen-specific responses.
Pseudodementia Associated with Use of Ibuprofen

OBJECTIVETo report a case of dementing syndrome resulting from ibuprofen use.CASE SUMMARYA 76-year-old white man with normal mental status became confused, was lost in familiar places, and showed short-term memory loss after beginning a therapeutic regimen of ibuprofen 600 mg 3 times daily for osteoarthritis in anticipation of embarking on a foreign trip. Symptoms of dementia began within 1 week after taking ibuprofen and resolved completely within 1 week after the ibuprofen regimen was stopped. This pattern was repeated 6 months later, when the patient again traveled abroad. Consistently before, during, and after these events, the patient took atenolol, clonidine, lisinopril, aspirin, vitamin C, lecithin, vitamin E, and multivitamins.DISCUSSIONUsing the Naranjo probability scale, we reasoned that the patient's dementia-like syndrome could be attributed to the use of ibuprofen because pseudodementia appeared after the suspected drug was administered, improved when the drug was discontinued, reappeared whe...
Evaluating the Impact of the Healthy Beverage Executive Order for City Agencies in Boston, Massachusetts, 2011-2013

Introduction Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with negative health effects. Access to healthy beverages may be promoted by policies such as the Healthy Beverage Executive Order (HBEO) established by former Boston mayor Thomas M. Menino, which directed city departments to eliminate the sale of SSBs on city property. Implementation consisted of “traffic-light signage” and educational materials at point of purchase. This study evaluates the impact of the HBEO on changes in beverage availability.
A 3D implantable microsystem for intraocular pressure monitoring using a glass-in-silicon reflow process

This paper describes an implantable microsystem being developed to continuously monitor intraocular pressure. The glass-in-silicon reflow process allows the formation of an embedded cavity and a variety of device shapes. A 0.18µm CMOS circuit fits within the cavity and uses vertical feedthroughs in the glass to interface with other components. An optical trigger wakes up the IC to take data, reducing idle-mode power consumption to 50pW. The glass package allows the possibility of solar energy harvesting and provides haptics that facilitate implantation and allow explantation without tissue damage. The final microsystem will incorporate a microprocessor, microbattery, pressure sensor, and antenna.
Interparticle Potential Energies in Na-Montmorillonite Clay Suspensions

The small angle X-ray scattering data obtained in an earlier investigation of a series of Na-montmorillonite clay samples containing varying concentrations of sodium metaphosphate have been used to calculate the potential energy φ(x) of the interaction between two isolated parallel clay platelets separated by a distance x. All φ(x) curves have the form expected for Na-montmorillonite. In each curve there is a potential well for a platelet separation approximately equal to the most probable separation distance determined in the earlier study. Because the depth of the potential well is of the order of 0·01 eV for all samples, the attractive forces are relatively weak. While the calculated φ(x) functions are not highly accurate, in future investigations precautions can be taken to increase the reliability of the computed potential energy functions. This preliminary study suggests that determination of φ(x) from small angle X-ray scattering data can be a useful method for quantitative study of interparticle forces in Na-montmorillonite clays.
Hotspot mutation panel testing reveals clonal evolution in a study of 265 paired primary and metastatic tumors

Purpose: We used a clinical next-generation sequencing hotspot mutation panel to investigate clonal evolution in paired primary and metastatic tumors. Experimental Design: A total of 265 primary and metastatic tumor pairs were sequenced using a 46-gene cancer mutation panel capable of detecting one or more single nucleotide variants as well as small insertions/deletions. Mutations were tabulated together with tumor type, percentage tumor, mutational variant frequency, time interval between onset of primary tumor and metastasis, and neoadjuvant therapy status. Results: 227 (85.7%) of 265 tumor-metastasis pairs showed identical mutation calls. Of the tumor pairs with identical mutation calls, 160 (60.4%) possessed defining somatic mutation signatures and 67 (25.3%) cases did not exhibit any somatic mutations. There were 38 (14.3%) cases that showed at least one novel mutation call between the primary and metastasis. Metastases were almost two times more likely to show novel mutations (n=20, 7.5%) than primary tumors (n=12, 4.5%). TP53 was the most commonly additionally mutated gene, followed by PIK3CA and SMAD4. PIK3CA mutations were more often associated with metastasis in colon carcinoma samples. Conclusions: Clinical next-generation sequencing hotspot panels can be useful in analyzing clonal evolution within tumors as well as in determining subclonal mutations that can expand in future metastases. PIK3CA, SMAD4 and TP53 are most often involved in clonal divergence, providing potential targets that may help with metastatic control.
Pushing for answers: is myosin V directly involved in moving mitochondria?

In budding yeast, the actin-based class V myosin motors, Myo2 and Myo4, transport virtually all organelles from mother to bud during cell division. Until recently, it appeared that mitochondria may be an exception, with studies showing that the Arp2/3 complex is required for their movement. However, several recent studies have proposed that Myo2 has a direct involvement in mitochondria inheritance. In this issue, Altmann et al. (Altmann, K., M. Frank, D. Neumann, S. Jakobs, and B. Westermann. 2008. J. Cell Biol. 181:119–130) provide the strongest support yet that Myo2 and its associated light chain Mlc1 function directly and significantly in both mitochondria–actin interactions and in the movement of mitochondria from mother to bud. The conflicting functions of Arp 2/3 and Myo2 may be reconciled by the existence of multiple pathways involved in mitochondrial transport.
Transverse beam resonance in the superconducting linac of the Spallation Neutron Source

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, USA(Received 27 August 2009; published 19 April 2010)AweaktransverseresonanceintheSpallationNeutronSource(SNS)superconductinglinacisidentiﬁedin computer simulations, and is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind measured beam losses. Thisweak resonance is induced by the nonlinear dodecapole component of the linac quadrupole magnets. Itoccurs when the linac focusing lattice has a transverse phase advance close to 60 . By reducing the phaseadvance to approximately 50 to avoid the resonance, we observe signiﬁcant reduction in beam loss in theSNS superconducting linac. We present theory and computer simulation results supporting the notion thata suppression of the 60 resonance may contribute to reduction in the beam loss.