cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A method of probability diagnostic assignment that applies bayes theorem for use in serologic diagnostics, using an example of Neospora caninum infection in cattle.

Objective—To develop a method of probability diagnostic assignment (PDA) that uses continuous serologic measures and infection prevalence to estimate the probability of an animal being infected, using Neospora caninum as an example. Animals—196 N caninum-infected beef and dairy cattle and 553 cattle not infected with N caninum; 50 dairy cows that aborted and 50 herdmates that did not abort. Procedure—Probability density functions corresponding to distributions of N caninum kinetic ELISA results from infected and uninfected cattle were estimated by maximum likelihood methods. Maximum likelihood methods also were used to estimate N caninum infection prevalence in a herd that had an excessive number of abortions. Density functions and the prevalence estimate were incorporated into Bayes formula to calculate the conditional probability that a cow with a particular ELISA value was infected with N caninum. Results—Probability functions identified for infected and uninfected cattle were Weibull and inverse gamma...
ECOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE PLANKTONIC CYANOPHYTE GLEOTRICHIA ECHINULATA1

Gleotrichia echinulata was planktonic in Green Lake (Seattle, Washington) during summer, making its initial appearance between May and early July and disappearing during September. It apparently spent 8 to 10 months of the year on the bottom where colonies developed from spores deposited by the preceding year’s bloom. The depth of spore deposition may be important in determining the success of spore maturation, and solar radiation may be a primary factor in inducing the annual return of this alga to the plankton. The maximum growth rate in 1886 was about 0.124 colony doublings per day. The vertical distribution of the colonies was controlled primarily by wind-induced currents. The colonies had no measurable effect on light penetration even at a maximum density of over 400 colonies per liter. Laboratory studies indicated that G. echinulata can fix nitrogen. Only one herbivore in Green Lake, Lindia euchromatica, is known to feed on this species.
Effects of visual and proprioceptive information in visuo-motor calibration during a closed-loop physical reach task in immersive virtual environments

Research in visuo-motor coupling has shown that the matching of visual and proprioceptive information is important for calibrating movement. Many state-of-the art virtual reality (VR) systems, commonly known as immersive virtual environments (IVE), are created for training users in tasks that require accurate manual dexterity. Unfortunately, these systems can suffer from technical limitations that may force de-coupling of visual and proprioceptive information due to interference, latency, and tracking error. We present an empirical evaluation of how visually distorted movements affects users' reach to near field targets using a closed-loop physical reach task in an IVE. We specifically examined the recalibration of movements when the visually reached distance is scaled differently than the physically reached distance. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three visual feedback conditions during which they reached to target while holding a tracked stylus: i) Condition 1 (-20% gain condition) in which the visual stylus appeared at 80% of the distance of the physical stylus, ii) Condition 2 (0% or no gain condition) in which the visual stylus was co-located with the physical stylus, and iii) Condition 3 (+20% gain condition) in which the visual stylus appeared at 120% of the distance of the physical stylus. In all conditions, there is evidence of visuo-motor calibration in that users' accuracy in physically reaching to the target locations improved over trials. During closed-loop physical reach responses, participants generally tended to physically reach farther in condition 1 and closer in condition 3 to the perceived location of the targets, as compared to condition 2 in which participants' physical reach was more accurate to the perceived location of the target.
Advanced single-rotation propfan drive system

E CONOMIC and strategic incentives to reduce aircraft fuel consumption have prompted significant government and industry interest in advanced turboprop aircraft for the 1990s. Scale-model wind tunnel testing has shown that large improvements in propulsive efficiency are achievable with a propfan at the high-speed flight conditions of advanced turbofan-powered aircraft. The propfan design concept shown in Fig. 1 is a full-size system for test evaluation in NASA's Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) flight research program in mid-1987. The work described herein is the single-rotation gearbox phase of Allison's Advanced Propfan Engine Technology (APET) study sponsored by the NASA Lewis Advanced Turboprop Office. Today, with the propfan approach of thin-swept highly loaded blades, the flight envelope for commercial turboprop aircraft can be extended in speed and altitude to include the turbofan cruise points. The APET study established the engine cycle trades for an extended turboprop flight envelope. Cost/benefit analyses based on the specific fuel consumption advantages of a high-pressure-ratio cycle showed the advantage of operating in the 30:1 to 40:1 range, which is compatible with 1990's component technology. Turbine inlet temperatures on the order of 2500°F would complement the high pressure and, at the same time, not compromise hotsection life. The APET study also showed that the advanced turboprop propulsion system should be designed using modular concepts to enhance maintenance of components and auxiliary systems. The following discussion describes the preliminary design of a single-rotation (SR) propfan gearbox.
Assessing Community Needs of Sexual Minority Youths: Modeling Concept Mapping for Service Planning

Research devoted to interventions and other attempts to buffer the negative experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (GLBTQ) youths is lacking. This study used Concept Mapping to explore the psychosocial support needs of diverse sexual minority youths served in a GLBTQ youth-focused center and brings youth voice to currently limited literature on GLBTQ service planning. Conceptual maps generated represent the types of supports youths believe are needed to meet their needs. Three primary areas for service planning—developing protective supports, mental health-related supports, and culturally relevant services—were identified from the 58 statements and 5 clusters generated.
Pectin Methylesterase in Snap Beansa,b

SUMMARY Snap bean pectin methylesterase had a pH optimum of 8.2. Its activity was enhanced by the presence of salts such as sodium chloride and calcium chloride. Low pH conditions increased the susceptibility of the enzyme to heat inactivation. There were indications that conditions were present in the intact pod which protected the enzyme from heat denaturation. The enzyme had a Q10 of 1.4 over a wide temperature range. It was not regenerated on frozen storage.
Influence of nitrous oxide anesthesia on venous gas embolism with carbon dioxide and helium during pneumoperitoneum

Background: Gas embolism is a potential hazard during laparoscopic procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nitrous oxide (N2O) inhalation in the case of gas embolism with carbon dioxide (CO2) and helium during pneumoperitoneum.
Facility life cycles

Abstract In this paper a conceptual model for facility life cycles is developed. The model suggests that facilities exhibit a life cycle comprised of stages, each stage of a facility life cycle being characterized by several dimensions. These include throughput, costs and utilization. The factors that influence a facility's progression through its life, controllable or uncontrollable as well as internal or external factors are discussed. Finally, a stages model is proposed and directions for future research are identified.
The Radiofrequency Spectrum of K 39 F by the Electric Resonance Method

The molecular beam electric resonance method has been used to investigate the rotational Stark spectrum of ${\mathrm{K}}^{39}$F. In this method linear polar diatomic molecules in one, or at most two, rotational states and definite states of space quantization are selected by means of inhomogeneous electric fields. The molecular transitions are not of the $\ensuremath{\Delta}J$ type (transition between different rotational states). Rather, the transitions are between states with the same value of $J$ but different values of ${m}_{J}$, the electric quantum number characterizing the state of space quantization. Lines are observed as a change in intensity of the refocused beam when the frequency of an oscillating field, which is perpendicular to an homogeneous field, times Planck's constant is equal to the energy difference between different states of space quantization. The frequency of the rotational Stark line is determined by the value of the homogeneous static field. The Stark line was observed at low and high fields for $J=1$ and low fields for $J=2$. It is found to be split. The fine structure is due to an interaction of the nuclear electric quadrupole moment of the ${\mathrm{K}}^{39}$ nucleus with the rest of the charges of the molecule as well as a variation of ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{2}A$ with the vibrational state of the molecule. Here $\ensuremath{\mu}$ is the permanent electric dipole moment, and $A$ is the moment of inertia. In addition, the quadrupole interaction constant is found to vary with the vibrational state. It is measured when the molecule is in the rotational state $J=1$ and the vibrational states $v=0,1,2,3 \mathrm{and} 4$; and $J=2$, $v=0,1\mathrm{and}2$.The frequency dependence of the Stark line at strong fields permits the determination of $\ensuremath{\mu}$ and $A$; they were determined only for the zeroth vibrational state.The results are: For $J=1$, $v=0$, $\frac{\mathrm{eqQ}}{h}=(\ensuremath{-}7.938\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.040)$ Mc/sec. The absolute value of $\frac{\mathrm{eqQ}}{h}$ decreases about 1.3 percent when the vibrational quantum number increases by unity. Within experimental error the quadrupole interaction and its variation with vibrational state for $J=2$ is the same as for $J=1$. A complete tabulation of the results will be found in Table II. For the zeroth vibrational state $\ensuremath{\mu}=(7.33\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.24)$ Debye, $A=(138.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6.9)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}40}$ g-${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. From $A$ we find for the internuclear distance for the zeroth vibrational state $r=(2.55\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.06)$ angstr\"oms. From the variation in intensity with vibrational state for a single transition the vibrational constant ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}=(390\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}39)$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Plane-Wave Model for the (Li7, t) Alpha Transfer Reaction

Differential cross sections for the ($^{7}\mathrm{Li}$, $t$) reaction on $^{16}\mathrm{O}$, $^{18}\mathrm{O}$, and $^{20}\mathrm{Ne}$ at bombarding energies between 12 and 20 MeV have been analyzed with a finite-range plane-wave direct-reaction model. Sixteen triton angular distributions leading to strongly excited states in $^{20}\mathrm{Ne}$, $^{22}\mathrm{Ne}$, and $^{24}\mathrm{Mg}$ have been selected so as to test the model over an extended range of reaction $Q$ values, angular momentum transfers, and incident beam energies. The projectile form factor has been evaluated using a phenomenological $p$ state $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-plus-triton cluster-model wave function. Coulomb-distortion effects have been accounted for in the local-energy WKB approximation. Relative $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ cluster widths have been extracted and the effects of the structure of the projectile on the reaction process have been discussed. Results of the analysis show that the model gives an adequate description of the shape of the angular distributions and the kinematic dependence of cross sections.
Unusual Mucopolysaccharide Disorder With Corneal and Scleral Involvement

A 68-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman had diffuse corneal stromal deposits that stained with alcian blue and colloidal iron but did not react with periodic acid-Schiff stain and lipid stains. Similar deposits were found within postmortem sclera in one case, but not in other ocular or extraocular tissues. The abnormal material was sensitive to testicular hyaluronidase and chondroitinase. The material reacted with monoclonal antibody 9-A-2 after digestion by chondroitinase AC in one case and ABC in both cases, which is consistent with the identification of the glycosaminoglycans chondroitin 4-sulfate and dermatan sulfate. Electron microscopic examination of the cornea in both cases disclosed granular material in vacuoles dispersed extracellularly and, rarely, in keratocytes. Results of blood and skin fibroblast enzyme assays for clinically relevant mucopolysaccharidoses and mucolipidoses were normal in both patients, and there were no somatic abnormalities suggesting a storage disease.
Analysis of a Relatively Dry Front during the Taiwan Area Mesoscale Experiment

Abstract The evolution of a relatively dry front during the early-summer rainy Season of Taiwan is analyzed. Because of the synoptic subsidence associated with a subtropical high pressure cell over the northern South China Sea, prefrontal soundings over the Taiwan area exhibited a shallow, warm, moist layer in the lowest levels, capped by an inversion with extremely dry air aloft. Over the Taiwan area, the southwest flow ahead of the surface front was more than 10 m s−1 at the 850-mb level. It interacted with the central mountain range, resulting in the windward ridge, leeside trough. Downstream of the blocked region, strong southwesterly winds (∼1 5 m s−1) developed in the lowest levels along the northwest coast, where the flow deflected by the mountain barrier merged with the undetected southwest monsoon flow. The hilly terrain along the southeastern China coast retarded the cold air behind the surface front. The cold air was then ducted around the southeastern China coast. At the 850-mb level, a weak s...
Analysis of LGBT identity development models and implications for practice

A review of LGBT identity development models reveals fluidity, complexity, and contradictions.
Temperature Distribution in Louvered Panels

The temperature distribution along a radiating panel as affected by the presence of thermal louvers is investigated. A linear relation between the effective emittance and temperature is introduced in the energy equation and the mathematical solution is found to agree numerically with the more conventional techniques employing incremental and iterational methods. Experimental results indicate the validity of the model. The analysis provides a description of the thermal features of nonisothermal louvered panels and yields convenient procedures for evaluating thermal gradients and heat-transfer rates. A numerical example is given to illustrate application of the theory.
Degradation Kinetics and Mechanism of N6-[(Dimethylamino)methylene]mitomycin C in Aqueous Solutions

The degradation of N6-[(dimethylamino)methylene]mitomycin C, a semisynthetic analogue of mitomycin C, was studied in aqueous solution. The compound degraded rapidly and followed pseudo-first-order kinetics in both acidic (pH < 5) and basic pH ≥9) media. In the near-neutral pH region, however, biphasic kinetics were observed. At the pH of maximum stability (6.5), 10% activity was lost after ˜6 h at 22°C. Citrate and phosphate species were catalytic at pH 6.5. Spectro-photometric and HPLC methods were used to elucidate the degradation mechanism at pH 7–9. Under these conditions, equilibrium addition of one water molecule into the amidine side chain occurred, followed by parallel formation of mitomycin C and N6-(formyl)mitomycin C. The latter compound subsequently hydrolyzed to mitomycin C.
The Liberty Simulation Environment: A deliberate approach to high-level system modeling

In digital hardware system design, the quality of the product is directly related to the number of meaningful design alternatives properly considered. Unfortunately, existing modeling methodologies and tools have properties which make them less than ideal for rapid and accurate design-space exploration. This article identifies and evaluates the shortcomings of existing methods to motivate the Liberty Simulation Environment (LSE). LSE is a high-level modeling tool engineered to address these limitations, allowing for the rapid construction of accurate high-level simulation models. LSE simplifies model specification with low-overhead component-based reuse techniques and an abstraction for timing control. As part of a detailed description of LSE, this article presents these features, their impact on model specification effort, their implementation, and optimizations created to mitigate their otherwise deleterious impact on simulator execution performance.
Quasielastic neutron scattering of –NH3 and –BH3 rotational dynamics in orthorhombic ammonia borane

Neutrons scattering techniques are ideally suited to directly probe H in materials due to the large incoherent scattering cross-section of hydrogen atom, and have been invaluable in providing direct insight into the local fluctuations and large amplitude motions in AB. Dihydrogen bonding may have a significant affect on materials to be used to store hydrogen for fuel-cell powered applications. We have noticed a trend of low temperature release of H2 in materials composed of hydridic and protonic hydrogen. This phenomenon has caught our attention and motivated our interest to gain more insight into dihydrogen bonding interactions in AB. We present results from a thorough Quasielastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) investigation of diffusive hydrogen motion in NH311BH3 and ND311BH3 to obtain (1) a direct measure of the rotational energy barriers the protonated species and (2) a confirmation of the 3-site jump model for rotational motion. The amplitude of the energy barrier of rotation of BH3 and NH3 determined by QENS are compared to those determined for BD3 and ND3 determined by 2H NMR studies.
Chirp design for acoustical system identification

A repeated linear chirp (choip) is a broadband waveform with the lowest possible peak to rms amplitude ratio (peak factor) also having the property that the frequency band for its power concentration (power band) can be specified. A low peak factor is desirable to maximize signal power while avoiding clipping or saturation effects. The capability to concentrate power is desirable to maximize the signal to noise ratio. Choips, having both properties, make reduced measurement time possible in practical system identification relative to impulse and maximum length sequence waveforms. This is particularly useful with time‐varying systems. Choips for use with analog–digital data acquisition systems can be designed easily and quickly. They can be designed to minimize leakage and aliasing. For application to a typical acoustical system, over 99% of a choip’s power can be concentrated in a specified power band.
DEGRADATION OF NON-REPLICATING BACTERIOPHAGE DNA IN NON-ACCEPTING CELLS.

Restricted λ DNA is rapidly degraded to acid-soluble fragments in non-accepting host cells, whether they are sensitive or immune to λ. Genetic markers from restricted phages infecting non-accepting immune cells are only very rarely recovered upon subsequent induction. Finally, unreplicated DNA from restricted phages does not appear in the lysate of non-accepting cells infected with a mixture of restricted and unrestricted phages. It is concluded from these various observations that the processes which result in non-acceptance of restricted DNA are able to act even when the DNA is in a non-replicating condition.
Residue management of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue seed crops

Regulations on open-field burning have forced grass seed growers to adopt alternatives for postharvest residue management. Experiments were conducted on fields established by grass seed producers in western Oregon to compare effects of (i) mechanical straw removal and flail-chopping the stubble (flail-chop), (ii) mechanical straw removal and propane-burning the stubble (propane-burn), and (iii) open-field burning the residue (open-burn) on seed yield the following year. Treatments were tested on three consecutive crop years of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv. Regal and Pleasure) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. cv. Martin and Rebel II). Seed yield components were measured to identify the components through which treatments affect yield. Treatments did not affect seed yield of Regal perennial ryegrass and Martin tall rescue in any crop year. Third-crop seed yield of Pleasure perennial ryegrass was 15% higher for the open-burn than for the flail-chop treatment; fourth-crop seed yield was 12% higher for the open-burn treatment than for either flail-chop or propane-burn. Across years, seed yields of Rehel II tall rescue for propane-burn and open-burn treatments were 8 and 12% greater, respectively, than for flail-chop. Where seed yields were affected, differences among treatments were through changes in seed number per unit area (seeds m -2 ), but seed weight was relatively stable. Treatments did not affect the number of fertile tillers in any cultivar. Variations in seed number were apparently due to treatment effects on the number of seeds set per tiller. We conclude that the need for postharvest residue burning in perennial ryegrass and tall rescue is cultivar specific. Mechanical residue removal is apparently as effective as open-field burning for maintaining high seed yields in some cultivars of these grasses.
Improved limits on spin-dependent WIMP-proton interactions from a two liter CF3I bubble chamber.

Data from the operation of a bubble chamber filled with 3.5 kg of CF{sub 3}I in a shallow underground site are reported. An analysis of ultrasound signals accompanying bubble nucleations confirms that alpha decays generate a significantly louder acoustic emission than single nuclear recoils, leading to an efficient background discrimination. Three dark matter candidate events were observed during an effective exposure of 28.1 kg-day, consistent with a neutron background. This observation provides the strongest direct detection constraint to date on WIMP-proton spin-dependent scattering for WIMP masses > 20 GeV/c{sup 2}.
Immunocytochemical localization of GD3 ganglioside to astrocytes in murine cerebellar mutants

Biochemical analysis of the murine mutants, Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd/pcd), staggerer (sg/sg) and lurcher (Lc/+), which are characterized by neuronal degeneration in the cerebellar cortex, have revealed substantially elevated levels of GD3 ganglioside (ceramide-Glu-Gal-NANA-NANA). Ultrastructural studies on pcd/pcd and sg/sg have shown astrocytes elaborating slender sheet-like processes which wrap around neuronal processes. Seyfried et al. hypothesized that the elevation in GD3 seen in these mutants is attributed to its expression by altered astrocytes. Using a monoclonal antibody to GD3 and a polyclonal antibody to GFAP we have explored the cellular localization of GD3. Positive immunofluorescence was observed in sg/sg, pcd/pcd and Lc/+ cerebella, but not in age-matched normal littermates or in weaver (wv/wv) a fourth cerebellar murine mutation which destroys granule cells prior to their migration across the molecular layer. In wv/wv cerebella, astrocytes do not elaborate sheets of processes and no significant elevations of GD3 are observed biochemically. The positive GD3 staining in pcd/pcd and Lc/+ was confined to the granule cell layer and appeared as many punctate or short, fine profiles, suggestive of binding to thin cytoplasmic processes. No GD3 positive staining was seen in the Bergmann glia or astrocytes of the white matter. GD3-positive staining was seen throughout the cortex in sg/sg which displayed severe disruption of its histoarchitecture with no clear delineation between the molecular and granule cell layers. Ultrastructural localization of GD3 was performed using pre-embedding immunocytochemistry with a PAP technique in sg/sg mice. The cytoplasmic processes and cell bodies of astrocytes displayed positive membrane staining. Our results suggest that astrocytes undergo important changes in membrane composition during pathological reaction caused by neuronal degeneration.
Soil carbon storage beneath recently established tree plantations in Tennessee and South Carolina, USA

Abstract Rates of soil carbon (C) accumulation under 7 recently established tree plantations in Tennessee and South Carolina (USA) were estimated by comparing soil C stocks under the plantations to adjacent reference (nonplantation) sites. Estimated rates of C accumulation in surface (0– 40 cm ) mineral soil were 40– 170 g C m −2 yr −1 during the first decade following plantation establishment. Most soil C at each site was found in mineral-associated organic matter (i.e., soil C associated with the silt–clay fraction). Soils with high sand content and low initial C stocks exhibited the greatest gains in particulate organic matter C (POM-C). Labile soil C stocks (consisting of forest floor and mineral soil POM-C) became an increasingly important component of soil C storage as loblolly pine stands aged. Rates of mineral soil C accumulation were highly variable in the first decade of plantation growth, depending on location, but the findings support a hypothesis that farm to tree plantation conversions can result in high initial rates of soil C accumulation in the southeastern United States.
Improvements to the molecular beam Fourier analysis technique

Abstract The molecular beam relaxation spectrometry (MBRS) technique is briefly reviewed and application of the Fourier transform to the MBRS technique is discussed. A method of analytically compensating for the finite time required to turn the molecular beam on and off is developed and it is shown in detail how improper or incomplete allowance for this effect and those due to the time of flight dispersions can introduce serious errors into the analysis of the data. Indeed these errors can be great enough to give the appearance of the existence of a finite surface reaction even in cases of completely non-reactive scattering.
Client-side content delivery policies in replicated web services: parallel access versus single server approach

The widespread use of web applications pushes for faster and more reliable web services. Several techniques have been developed to address web-service reliability, and to provide a better Quality of Service (QoS) for Internet users. A relatively new technique is web-services geographical replication. Geographical replication can be achieved with both server-side and client-side policies. Among these policies, in this paper we contrasted, qualitatively and quantitatively (via simulation), the most promising client-side techniques: one parallel strategy and one single-server strategy. The aim of our study was to determine the pros and cons of the two approaches (single server versus parallel servers) with the aim of identifying the best solutions for content-delivery systems. We analytically quantified the overhead introduced by the selected parallel strategy and proposed two extensions of the parallel strategy to reduce its overhead still maintaining the simplicity of the original approach. The selected strategies are evaluated when: (i) a consistent number of clients adopt the same strategy, (ii) clients download both small and/or big files from the web servers, and (iii) clients are connected to the Internet via a slow-link connection. Results of our analysis pointed out the problems of adopting a parallel strategy in a widespread fashion, and indicated the scenarios in which a parallel strategy may be advantageous. As a result of our study, we proposed a hybrid strategy that combines the parallel and the single server strategies. The hybrid strategy applies either the parallel or the single-server strategy depending on the load and system conditions.
The role of fluid hydrostatic pressure in bone-implant interface load transfer

Permeability of the soft tissue-bone system surrounding artificial joints fixed in cancellous bone was measured in four adult dogs after implants had been in place 2 months. Fluid was forced through a cavity formed by removal of the implant, the cavity was capped with a stopper to allow for pressure generation. Surface permeability of the 2-month-old implant cavity was 45 times less than the permeability of freshly drilled holes in cancellous bone. A mathematical model of a rigid implant resting on a biphasic solid-fluid layer showed the fluid carried 90% of the load when the implant cavity permeability was assumed, but only 27% when the freshly drilled permeability was used. The results suggest caution in interpreting finite-element models with bonded interfaces and suggest a possible role of the fluid in biological response at the interface.
Mapping of the IRF8 gene identifies a 3’ UTR variant associated with risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia but not other common non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes

Background: Our genome-wide association study (GWAS) of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) identified 4 highly correlated intronic variants within the IRF8 gene that were associated with CLL. These results were further supported by a recent meta-analysis of our GWAS with two other GWAS of CLL, supporting the IRF8 gene as a strong candidate for CLL risk. Methods: To refine the genetic association of CLL risk, we conducted Sanger sequencing of IRF8 in 94 CLL cases and 96 controls. We then conducted fine mapping by genotyping 39 variants (of which 10 were identified from sequencing) in 745 CLL cases and 1,521 controls. We also assessed these associations with risk of other non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes. Results: The strongest association with CLL risk was observed with a common single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of IRF8 (rs1044873, log additive OR = 0.7, P = 1.81 × 10−6). This SNP was not associated with the other NHL subtypes (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: We provide evidence that rs1044873 in the IRF8 gene accounts for the initial GWAS signal for CLL risk. This association appears to be unique to CLL with little support for association with other common NHL subtypes. Future work is needed to assess functional role of IRF8 in CLL etiology. Impact: These data provide support that a functional variant within the 3′UTR of IRF8 may be driving the GWAS signal seen on 16q24.1 for CLL risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 1–6. ©2013 AACR .
Electrostatic modeling and ESD damage of magnetoresistive sensors

The response of a thin-film sensor to the excessive current and/or voltage during an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event is studied. An unshielded magnetoresistive (MR)-like recording head structure is analyzed and modeled from the viewpoint of electrostatic theory. An electrical model for the MR head structure is proposed and used in circuit simulations to study the current flow through the thin-film resistor during a Human Body Model ESD transient. A thermal model for the thin-film resistor burnout is compared with experiment and 2D modeling of the fields and voltages are presented. Finally, Maxwell's method is used to calculate the induced charge on the MR structure when a charged external conductor is present.
Analysis and Synthesis of Quantum Circuits by Using Quantum Decision Diagrams

Quantum information processing technology is in its pioneering stage and no proficient method for synthesizing quantum circuits has been introduced so far. This paper introduces an effective analysis and synthesis framework for quantum logic circuits. The proposed synthesis algorithm and flow can generate a quantum circuit using the most basic quantum operators, i. e., the rotation and controlled-rotation primitives. The paper introduces the notion of quantum factored forms and presents a canonical and concise representation of quantum logic circuits in the form of quantum decision diagrams (QDD’s), which are amenable to efficient manipulation and optimization including recursive unitary functional bi-decomposition. This paper concludes by presenting the QDD-based algorithm for automatic synthesis of quantum circuits.
Geospatial patterns in influenza vaccination: evidence from uninsured and publicly insured children in North Carolina.

Background The purpose of this study was to explore geospatial patterns in influenza vaccination. Methods We conducted an ecological analysis of publicly funded influenza vaccinations at the ZIP code tabulation area (ZCTA) level using secondary data for publicly funded influenza vaccinations among eligible school-aged children (age range, 5-17 years) for the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 influenza seasons from the North Carolina Immunization Registry (NCIR). NCIR data were merged by ZCTA with other publicly available data. We tested for spatial autocorrelation in unadjusted influenza vaccination rates using choropleth maps and Moran's I. We estimated nonspatial and spatial negative binomial models with spatially correlated random effects adjusted for demographic, economic, and health care variables. The study was conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the spring of 2014. Results The NCIR demonstrated spatial autocorrelation in publicly funded influenza vaccinations among uninsured and means-tested, publicly insured school-aged children; ZCTAs tended to have influenza vaccination rates that were similar to their neighbors. This result was partially explained by included ZCTA characteristics, but not wholly. Conclusion To the extent that the geospatial clustering of vaccination rates is the result of social influences, targeting interventions to increase influenza vaccination among school-aged children in one area could also lead to increases in neighboring areas.
Time-domain finite element modeling of antenna arrays with distributed feed network

Numerical simulation has become an indispensable tool for the design and optimization of complex antenna systems. In an advanced antenna system multiple antenna elements are usually arranged into a certain array configuration, driven through a feed network whose major function is to distribute the input signal from the signal generator to the radiating elements and combine the signals received by the antenna elements. Complicated interactions could occur between the antennas and the feed network, which affect the overall performances of the entire radiation system. On the one hand, a well-designed feed network with a good control on the signal distribution enables the antenna system to have desired radiation characteristics. On the other hand, multiple interactions resulting from signals traveling back and forth between radiating and feed structures could lead to undesired mutual couplings and give rise to secondary radiations that deteriorate the system performance. Consequently, accurate modeling of the interactions between the antennas and the feed network is essential and must be taken into consideration for optimizing the performance of the antenna system.
Inoculation of millet with azospirillum

Millet plants (Pennisetum glaucum) were grown at three levels of nitrogen fertilization with and without an inoculum of live nitrogen-fixing Azospirillum cells. The highest average rate of nitrogen fixation as estimated from acetylene reduction by excised preincubated roots was only 23g N2 fixed per ha per day and occurred after treatment with low levels of nitrogen amendment. The average rates of acetylene reduction for intact plants at all treatments were also low. The lack of significant nitrogen fixation due to an Azospirillum-millet association in this study was substantiated by plant dry weight analysis, and determination of the nitrogen content of plants, pot leachate, and soil. There was significant correlation between the total nitrogen content of the plants per pot at the termination of the experiment and the amount of nitrogen fertilizer added initially, but there was no effect of inoculum on final total nitrogen content.
A 3D-to-2D Transform Algorithm for Incorporating 3D Antenna Radiation Patterns in SCM

We present a method to incorporate the effect of the three-dimensional (3D) antenna radiation patterns into a two-dimensional (2D) multiple-inputmultiple-output (MIMO) channel model. The proposed method is a low-complexity technique that increases the accuracy of existing 2D spatial channel model (SCM) proposed by 3GPP for performance analysis of long-term evolution (LTE) MIMO. Using a realistic 3D antenna field pattern and the 2D 3GPP SCM, the 3D-to-2D transform algorithm (3D-2D-TF) gives a 5% outage capacity within 0.5 b/s/Hz when compared to a higher complexity averaging approach using 18-cut planes (18-CP) of the 3D radiation pattern. This is achieved with 6% of the run-time complexity. By not including the elevation information, the original SCM 2D model gives an outage capacity prediction error of up to 2.4 b/s/Hz as compared to the 18-CP averaging approach. The 3D-2D-TF is therefore a promising low-complexity candidate that increases the accuracy of 2D channel models for MIMO 4G performance evaluations.
Solution of l 1 Minimization Problems by LARS/Homotopy Methods

Many applications in signal processing lead to the optimization problems min parxpar1 subject to y = Ax, and min parxpar1 subject to pary - Axpar les epsi, where A is a given d times n matrix, d < n, and y is a given n times 1 vector. In this work we consider l1 minimization by using LARS, Lasso, and homotopy methods (Efron et al., Tibshirani, Osborne et al.). While these methods were first proposed for use in statistical model selection, we show that under certain conditions these methods find the sparsest solution rapidly, as opposed to conventional general purpose optimizers which are prohibitively slow. We define a phase transition diagram which shows how algorithms behave for random problems, as the ratio of unknowns to equations and the ratio of the sparsity to equations varies. We find that whenever the number k of nonzeros in the sparsest solution is less than d/2log(n) then LARS/homotopy obtains the sparsest solution in k steps each of complexity O(d2)
Neural net simulation: SFSN model for image compression

We present a recent simulation of our neural net model for image compression (SFSN) which is based on the Kohonen SOFM system. Our previous work was limited to a certain scope of image domains. Our updated simulator is meant to be very general via a well-constructed universal codebook for each domain of images. It shows an improvement over the traditional peer non-neural models (e.g., wavelet and JPEG) in some image domains. We present our neural compression simulator and our most recent results in some important domains, such as satellite and document imaging.
Combined refraction-diffraction of short-waves in large coastal regions

Panchang, V.G., Cushman-Roisin, B. and Pearce, B.R., 1988. Combined refraction-diffraction of short-waves in large coastal regions. Coastal Eng., 12: 133-156. A method for solving the combined refraction-diffraction equation in large domains is described. This equation is modified to the reduced wave equation, and the elliptic, boundary-value problem is solved by the marching or "Error Vector Propagation" method. The solution method is direct, and eliminates the computer storage problems associated with large matrices obtained in standard methods. This efficiency is obtained at the cost of resolution of the shorter wave components in a direction normal to the incident wave direction. As such, the method is limited by the paraxial approximation encountered in the parabolic equation method of solving the oceanwave refraction-diffraction problem. But it overcomes the other limitation of the parabolic approximation, in that it allows backscattering and propagation in the - x direction. Therefore it is possible to accommodate reflecting structures such as seawalls along the downwave boundary of the domain, and its computational convenience allows it to be applied to large coastal regions to study wave refraction and diffraction. The method has been tested for several cases, and some results are presented. The model compares very well with other model solutions and observed data.
Structure of yeast hexokinase: III. Low resolution structure of a second crystal form showing a different quaternary structure, heterologous interaction of subunits and substrate binding

Abstract A 7 A resolution electron density map of a second crystal form (called BII) of yeast hexokinase B has been obtained. This crystal form, unlike the first crystal form (BI), binds nucleotide and sugar substrates. While the overall tertiary structure of each subunit appears to be largely the same in both crystal forms, the quaternary structure of the dimer is completely different in the two crystals. The two subunits in the crystallographic asymmetric unit of form BII are related by a molecular screw axis; that is, the two subunits are related by a 160 ° rotation and a 13 A translation of one subunit relative to the other along the symmetry axis resulting in non-equivalent environments for the two chemically identical subunits. A deep cleft divides each subunit into two domains or lobes of roughly equal size. The helical regions which are clearly visible as rods of electron density in this map constitute at least 40 to 50% of the polypeptide chain and 70 to 80% of one of the lobes. At this resolution the molecule does not appear to be homologous in detail to other kinases such as phosphoglycerate kinase and adenylate kinase. Sugar substrates and inhibitors bind deeply in the cleft which separates the two lobes and produce substantial alterations in the protein structure.
Demographic, landscape, and meteorological factors controlling the microbial pollution of coastal waters

Coastal areas in the United States and many other countries are considered to be desirable regions to live and recreate. However, as human use of coastal land and water increases, so does the incidence of aquatic-borne disease from contact with contaminated water and eating contaminated shellfish. Movement of humans into coastal areas both greatly increases the number of sources of microbial pathogens and radically alters the landscape through increased construction activity and paving of former natural areas. On a regional scale, increases in human population over a 14-year period in coastal North Carolina were strongly correlated with increases in shellfish bed closures due to high fecal coliform bacterial counts. On a watershed scale, an analysis of several tidal creeks found strong correlations between mean estuarine fecal coliform bacterial counts and watershed population, percent developed area and especially with percent impervious surface coverage. Conversion of natural landscapes to impervious surfaces (roads, drives, sidewalks, parking lots and roofs) removes the land’s natural filtration capability, allows for increased concentration of pollutants at the land’s surface and provides a means of rapid conveyance of pollutants to downstream waterways. An analysis of rural watersheds in the Coastal Plain found that stream fecal coliform counts and turbidity were both strongly correlated with rainfall in the previous 24 h in watersheds containing extensive industrial swine and poultry operations, as well as watersheds containing more traditional agriculture and cattle husbandry. In contrast, in watersheds rich in swamp wetlands these relationships were not significant, even in watersheds containing extensive animal production. Based on these findings, we suggest that waterborne microbial pathogen abundance can be minimized in urbanizing coastal areas through reduced use of impervious surfaces and maximal use of natural or constructed wetlands for passive stormwater runoff treatment. In animal husbandry areas, retention of natural wetlands and management practices designed to minimize sediment runoff can likely reduce inputs of pathogenic microbes into streams.
Web service discovery using semi-supervised Block Value Decomposition

Service communities help improve the service discovery process by targeting user queries at highly relevant sub-spaces. In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised web service community learning approach using Block Value Decomposition Co-clustering (SS-BVD). Our approach incorporates domain knowledge in the form of must-link and cannot-link constraints and leverages the duality between web services and their operations to significantly improve the homogeneity of communities. By employing BVD, our approach not only supports different numbers of communities for services and operations, but also forms communities for both the services and their operations simultaneously. Through experiments performed on real world web service data, we demonstrate the performance of SS-BVD for service community learning.
When Leaving Your Ex, Love Yourself Observational Ratings of Self-Compassion Predict the Course of Emotional Recovery Following Marital Separation

Divorce is a highly stressful event, and much remains to be learned about the factors that promote psychological resilience when marriages come to an end. In this study, divorcing adults (N = 109) completed a 4-min stream-of-consciousness recording about their marital separation at an initial laboratory visit. Four judges rated the degree to which participants exhibited self-compassion (defined by self-kindness, an awareness of one's place in shared humanity, and emotional equanimity) in their recordings. Judges evidenced considerable agreement in their ratings of participants' self-compassion, and these ratings demonstrated strong predictive utility: Higher levels of self-compassion at the initial visit were associated with less divorce-related emotional intrusion into daily life at the start of the study, and this effect persisted up to 9 months later. These effects held when we accounted for a number of competing predictors. Self-compassion is a modifiable variable, and if our findings can be replicated, they may have implications for improving the lives of divorcing adults.
Risk Factors for Infant Maltreatment: A Population-Based Study.

Abstract Context: Of the approximately 900,000 children who were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect by US child protective services in 2002, the birth-to-3 age group had the highest rate of victimization (1.6%) and children younger than 1 accounted for the largest percentage of victims (9.6%). Objective: To identify perinatal and sociodemographic risk factors associated with maltreatment of infants up to 1 year of age. Design and Setting: Observational cohort study. Participants: 189,055 children born in 1996 in Florida. Main Outcome Measure: Infant maltreatment, defined as a verified report of abuse, neglect, or threatened harm that occurred between day 3 of life and 1 year. Results: 1,602 children (.85%) of the 1996 birth cohort had verified instances of maltreatment by age 1. Of 15 perinatal and sociodemographic variables studied, 11 were found to be significantly related to infant maltreatment. Five factors had adjusted relative risks (RR) of two or greater: Mother smoked during pregnancy (RR 2.8); more than two siblings (RR 2.7); Medicaid beneficiary (RR 2.1); unmarried marital status (RR 2.0); low birth weight infant (RR 2.0). Infants who had four of these five risk factors had a maltreatment rate seven times higher than the population average. Conclusions: Data on nearly all risk factors found to be significantly associated with infant maltreatment are available on the birth certificate. Such information can be incorporated into a population-based risk-assessment tool that could identify subpopulations at highest risk for infant maltreatment. Because resources are limited, these groups should be given priority for enrollment in child abuse prevention programs.