cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SVM-based Channel Estimation and Data Detection for Massive MIMO Systems with One-Bit ADCs.

Low-resolution Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) have emerged as a practical solution for reducing cost and power consumption for massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems. However, the severe nonlinearity of low-resolution ADCs causes significant distortions in the received signals and makes the channel estimation and data detection tasks much more challenging. In this paper, we show how Support Vector Machine (SVM), a well-known supervised-learning technique in machine learning, can be exploited to provide efficient and robust channel estimation and data detection in massive MIMO systems with one-bit ADCs. First, the problem of channel estimation is formulated as an SVM problem, and then a two-stage detection algorithm is proposed where SVM is further exploited in the first stage. The performance of the proposed data detection method is very close to that of Maximum-Likelihood (ML) data detection when the channel is perfectly known. Finally, we propose an SVM-based joint Channel Estimation and Data Detection (CE-DD) method, which makes use of both the to-be-decoded data vectors and the pilot data vectors to improve the estimation and detection performance. Simulation results show that the proposed methods are efficient and robust, and also outperform existing ones.
Incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with occupation, industry, and workplace exposures in the Health and Retirement Study

Background Chronic health effects from accumulated occupational exposures manifest as the workforce ages. The Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a panel survey of U.S. adults nearing/in retirement, allows assessment of associations among industry and occupation (I/O), workplace exposures, and incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods The study population comprised respondents from the 1992 HRS cohort employed in 1972 or later and not diagnosed with COPD as of initial interview. We examined associations with incident COPD through 2016 and: (1) broad and selected detailed I/O, (2) workplace exposures, and (3) exposures within I/O. Given the cohort's baseline age (50-62), we calculated subhazard ratios (SHRs) for COPD accounting for competing risk of death. Results SHRs for COPD were significantly elevated for several industries: mining; blast furnaces, steelworks, rolling and finishing mills; groceries and related products; and automotive repair shops. Occupations with significantly elevated SHRs were maids and housemen; farmworkers; vehicle/mobile equipment mechanics and repair workers; material moving equipment operators; and nonconstruction laborers. Significantly elevated COPD SHRs were observed for specific I/O-exposure pairs: blast furnace/steelworks/rolling/finishing mills and asbestos; automotive repair shops and aerosol paints; farmworkers and pesticide exposures; and both material moving equipment operators and nonconstruction laborers exposed to dust and ash. Conclusions Certain jobs and occupational exposures are associated with increased risk for developing COPD in late preretirement and during retirement. Given the disability and economic costs of COPD, these findings support focusing exposure prevention and medical monitoring resources on groups of workers at increased risk.
Discrete group actions

Our ongoing goal in this part of the text is to understand quotient spaces that locally look like (products of) hyperbolic spaces. In order to get off the ground, here we put the previous two chapters in a more general context, seeking to understand nice group actions on topological spaces and indicating how these fit in with more general notions in topology. Pathologies exist! Our goal in this chapter is to provide basic context (for further references see 34.5.4) before turning to the central case of interest: a discrete group acting properly on a locally compact, Hausdorff topological space.
Hyperoxia-induced S1P1 signaling reduced angiogenesis by suppression of TIE-2 leading to experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia

We have earlier shown that hyperoxia (HO)-induced sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1)/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling contribute to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). S1P acts through G protein-coupled receptors, S1P1 through S1P5. Further, we noted that heterozygous deletion of S1pr1 ameliorated the HO-induced BPD in the murine model. The mechanism by which S1P1 signaling contributes to HO-induced BPD was explored. S1pr1+/+ and S1pr1+/− mice pups were exposed to either room air (RA) or HO (75% oxygen) for 7 days from PN 1–7. Lung injury and alveolar simplification was evaluated. Lung protein expression was determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In vitro experiments were performed using human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs) with S1P1 inhibitor, NIBR0213 to interrogate the S1P1 signaling pathway. HO increased the expression of S1pr1 gene as well as S1P1 protein in both neonatal lungs and HLMVECs. The S1pr1+/− neonatal mice showed significant protection against HO-induced BPD which was accompanied by reduced inflammation markers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. HO-induced reduction in ANG-1, TIE-2, and VEGF was rescued in S1pr1+/− mouse, accompanied by an improvement in the number of arterioles in the lung. HLMVECs exposed to HO increased the expression of KLF-2 accompanied by reduced expression of TIE-2, which was reversed with S1P1 inhibition. HO induces S1P1 followed by reduced expression of angiogenic factors. Reduction of S1P1 signaling restores ANG-1/ TIE-2 signaling leading to improved angiogenesis and alveolarization thus protecting against HO-induced neonatal lung injury.
EVALUATION OF CONTROL OF EUROPEAN CORN BORER, OSTRINIA NUBILALIS (HUBNER), BY X-RAY INDUCED STERILITY

Records on emergence from four groups of untreated European corn borer larvae, involving 11560 invividuals, showed that on the first day of emergence 50% of the moths were females. After the first day of emergence, males outnumbered females with a gradual shift to more females during the latter part of the emergence period. The sex ratio of the moths studied was approximately 57% males and 43% females. Mating studies indicated that corn borer moths had a poor to moderate fecundity level. In cages containing eight males and eight females only 67.7% of the females mated. Also only 58-88% of the eggs deposited by females in the control matings hatched. Exposure of 1day old nmale moths to 32000r resulted in 1% egg hatch when they were mated to untreated females. The irradiated males competed equally with untreated males for virgin females. A ratio of eight irradiated males to four untreated males to eight untreated females resulted in 39.4% hatch of the deposited eggs. The survival of the irradiated males compared favorably with untreated males under laboratory conditions. Exposure of pupae to x rays resulted in a reduction in the percent of egg hatch as the dose was increased. Female pupae weremore » more susceptible to the eIfects of irradiation than male pupae. The percent of egg hatch varied with the age of the pupae at the time of treatment, younger pupae been more susceptible to irradiation than older pupae.« less
Developing strength and toughness in bio-inspired silicon carbide hybrid materials containing a compliant phase

Abstract Freeze casting has proven to be a versatile processing route to fabricate bio-inspired (“nacre-like”) hybrid composites that exhibit unique combinations of strength and toughness (damage-tolerance). To date, however, the effects of small changes in the architecture of such composites on their mechanical properties have been poorly investigated. Here we examine the influence of microstructural features such as ceramic/polymer ratio, layer thickness, and presence of bridges between ceramic lamellae, on the mechanical performance of the resulting composites. To this end, we compare the flexural strength and resistance to failure of a suite of silicon carbide/polymethyl methacrylate (SiC/PMMA) layered composites made by polymer infiltration of freeze-cast SiC scaffolds with various architectures. Our composite structures all show an increasing fracture resistance with crack extension (rising R-curve behavior) due to extrinsic toughening mechanisms such as uncracked-ligament bridging, inelastic deformation of ductile layers, lamellae pull out and ceramic bridge fracture. We show that a fine tuning of the composite architecture can lead to SiC/PMMA samples with a dendritic morphology, which exhibit the best strength and toughness. Specifically, the presence of ceramic bridges connecting the lamellae is seen to provide a strengthening effect similar to the mineral bridges between aragonite platelets in nacre, where they prevent debonding and limit platelet sliding; additionally, the fracture of these bridges between lamellae during crack extension is a potent toughening mechanism, thereby conferring optimal damage tolerance to the material.
Nuclear Power Plant Siting on Deep Alluvium

In seismically active areas, bedrock sites have usually been sought for nuclear power stations because of the presumed stability of the site, and information on the strong ground motion which can occur during an earthquake. Difficulties both in locating suitable sites of this value and in assessing the activity or capability of adjacent faults have led to an examination of alternate sites. A study has been made of the possibility of locating nuclear reactors in areas underlain by deep alluvial deposits. Among the preliminary results of the study, including information on ground motions from recent earthquakes, are indications that the strong ground motions caused by an earthquake at such a site are less intense than was formerly supposed, if the soil is sufficiently stiff. In an alluvial layer of great enough depth, the displacement occurring along a bedrock fault will not propagate to the surface.
Using a portable wireless computer lab to provide outreach training to public health workers.

Abstract Librarians at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport developed an outreach program for public health workers in north Louisiana. This program provided hands-on training on how to find health information resources on the Web. Several challenges arose during this project. Public health units in the region lacked suitable teaching labs and faced limited travel budgets and tight staffing requirements, which made it impractical for public health workers to travel. One solution to these problems is a portable wireless computer lab that can be set up at each site. The outreach program utilized this approach to present on-site training to public health workers in the region. The paper discusses operational and technical issues encountered in implementing this public health outreach project.
Ocean prediction capabilities (Present and Future) at the naval research laboratory

The Oceanography Division of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) conducts a coordinated program of research and development (R&D) that results in Navy operational ocean nowcast and prediction capabilities. This R&D covers domains from global scales down to local surf zone scales with both military and civilian applications. It includes sophisticated primitive-equation ocean circulation models on global and nested regional and local domains designed for high performance computing platforms at the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) and Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC). It also includes less sophisticated, but operationally-relevant models designed to run on workstations and personal computers at the Navy's regional Meteorology and Oceanography Centers (METOCCEN) and on-scene. These latter capabilities, while capable of stand-alone operations, are specifically designed to accept initial and boundary conditions available from the central site products. This paper presents an overview of NRL R&D efforts in global and regional nowcast and prediction capabilities that provide these initial and boundary conditions. These efforts combine primitive equation models with optimal interpolation assimilation techniques using both in situ and remotely-sensed temperature and altimetry data. Assimilation of altimetry data via statistical models that relate surface height to subsurface density structure is the key to mesoscale nowcast and prediction skill, especially for deeper water. Second, this paper presents and overview of the current, rapidly-relocateable local area nowcast and forecast capabilities for temperature, salinity, currents and surface waves for NAVOCEANO as well as the METOCCEN and on-scene applications.
Foreign Direct Investment Outflows in Business-Cycle Fluctuations

This paper investigates business-cycle affects for a country's FDI outflows. OLS and panel regressions show that volatility in economic growth has a negative and significant impact on FDI outflows. Furthermore, we find different types of shocks have asymmetric impacts on FDI outflows. In other words, fluctuations of the same magnitude in a boom and a recession have different effects on FDI outflows. This relationship is more evident in OECD countries. We also include exchange rate volatility, lagged business-cycle measure, and control for potential endogeneity problem as robustness checks. Our findings are robust across different specifications.
The airworthiness and protocol development for night flying missions for small unmanned aerial systems (sUASs)

Night time flights are a relatively untouched field of application for small unmanned aerial systems (sUASs) in part due to the risks associated. However, there are many opportunities for agricultural, environmental or surveillance applications when night flying missions can be valuable or necessary. Undoubtedly, there are many risks associated with flying a sUAS at night that must be thoroughly addressed to ensure the safety to the public and property. While the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently has severe restrictions for night flying missions, it is necessary to investigate methods to enable them in a safe manner. This paper, for the first time, introduces the development of a lighting system for a sUAS operating within line of sight and the development of mission protocols to address the human factors. The paper is based on the developments in night flying airworthiness and efforts in obtaining an FAA COA for night flying operations.
Laryngotracheal Resection and Reconstruction

Subglottic stenosis is being recognized with increasing frequency in adults, and may be the most frequent indication for airway intervention in this patient population. A variety of factors may lead to subglottic narrowing but in many individuals, usually women, no antecedent cause is identified. Once the diagnosis is recognized, initial management with endoscopic therapy is indicated to provide symptom relief and to gain information about the suitability of open surgical intervention. In most cases, surgical resection and reconstruction will provide the best long term outcome.
A human 15-kDa IFN-induced protein induces the secretion of IFN-γ

A 15,000 molecular weight protein (15-kDa), induced and secreted by human PBMC after treatment with IFN-alpha or -beta, was assessed for its ability to modulate cellular function. Although it had no effect on growth or 2'5'-A synthetase activity in Daudi, U-937, or HL-60 cells, when incubated with fresh human PBMC, LPS-induced monocyte cytotoxicity against WEHI-164 target cells was augmented. This stimulation was inhibited by both an antibody against TNF-alpha and a rabbit polyclonal antiserum to the 15-kDa protein. Furthermore, when the 15-kDa protein was added to PBMC an increase in GTP cyclohydrolase I activity, as assessed by neopterin secretion, resulted. Neopterin secretion by PBMC in response to the 15-kDa was increased in a dose-responsive manner up to more than sixfold over baseline, with a 15-kDa concentration of less than 10 ng/ml effective. The 15-kDa protein also stimulated indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in fresh, human PBMC. Induction of neopterin secretion and IDO activity was inhibited by a polyclonal antiserum to 15-kDa. LPS-induced cytotoxic activity was not augmented by 15-kDa pretreatment of purified monocytes, indicating the need for the presence of a second cell population and the indirect action of the 15-kDa on the induction of monocyte activities. When PBMC or purified CD3+ cells, but not purified CD14+ cells, were incubated with the 15-kDa protein, secretion of a factor was induced that resulted in the induction of IDO activity in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells. An antibody to IFN-gamma, but not IFN-alpha, inhibited the induction of IDO activity by this secreted factor. In addition, antiserum to the 15-kDa blocked the secretion of IFN-gamma from the CD3+ cells. Thus, a 15-kDa product of IFN-alpha- and IFN-beta-treated monocytes and lymphocytes can stimulate secretion of IFN-gamma from CD3+ cells.
A geographical cluster of progressive supranuclear palsy in northern France

Objective: To describe a cluster of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in northern France. PSP has not been reported in geographical, temporal, or occupational clusters. A unit of Neurology and Neurogeriatrics opened in 2005 at the Centre Hospitalier de Wattrelos, serving the population of Wattrelos and Leers (combined population 51,551) and parts of neighboring towns. For most of the 20th century, this area was a center for chromate and phosphate ore processing, textile dyeing, and tanning. Significant industrial waste persists close to residential areas. Methods: From 2005 to 2014, 92 patients with PSP at Centre Hospitalier de Wattrelos were identified and studied. Detailed residential data were available in the medical records. Eighty cases have had magnetic resonance head scanning and 60 have died, of whom 13 have been examined neuropathologically. Results: The ratio of observed to expected PSP incidence over the period 2005 to 2012 was 12.3 (95% confidence interval: 7.4–35.9). Mean onset age was 74.3 years. The Richardson syndrome/PSP-parkinsonism ratio was 43%/42%. Four other phenotypes each occurred in 2% to 5%. Onset was gait/balance difficulty in 52%. None of the 92 affected patients were relatives and 7 were of North African ancestry. MRI was compatible with a clinical diagnostic of PSP in all cases. Histopathologic examination confirmed neurofibrillary degeneration and tufted astrocytes in all autopsied cases. Western blots revealed a typical tau 4R doublet. The tau H1 haplotype occurred in 95.8% of cases9 chromosomes. Conclusions: We have identified a cluster of PSP in a geographical area with severe environmental contamination by industrial metals.
Previously Unrecognized Virus from Submaxillary Glands of Gnotobiotic and Conventional Rats

Ashe, Warren K. (National Institute of Dental Research, Bethesda, Md.), Henry W. Scherp, and Robert J. Fitzgerald. Previously unrecognized virus from submaxillary glands of gnotobiotic and conventional rats. J. Bacteriol. 90: 1719–1729. 1965.—A serially transmissible cytopathic agent was isolated from histologically normal submaxillary glands, but not from various other tissues or specimens, from 74 of 97 gnotobiotic and conventional rats. Triturates of the glands or subsequent culture supernatant fluids induced specific cytopathic effects (CPE) in monolayer cultures of primary rabbit kidney cells (14 passages), a line of human skin cells (8 passages), and HeLa cells (17 passages). Transfer of supernatant fluids containing infected cells enhanced transmissibility. Neutralization of the CPE was demonstrated with sera of gnotobiotic and conventional rats and with homologous rabbit antiserum. A cold hemagglutinin specific for rabbit erythrocytes is associated with, but separable from, the infectious particle. Cultures of the agent induced no discernible effect on inoculation by various routes into suckling, weanling, or adult conventional mice, rats, and hamsters. Weanling and adult rabbits were also unaffected. Cultures for bacteria in gland extracts and infected cell supernatant fluids were uniformly negative. Negative cultures on PPLO media and negative arginine deiminase tests indicated that this agent is not a Mycoplasma . The data indicate that it is a virus whose biological and physical properties distinguish it from the known cytomegaloviruses. Because it has been found so far only in rat submaxillary glands, this agent is designated provisionally as RSMG virus. Images
Nucleating Agents in Polypropylene

The effects of nucleating agents such as dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS) (a derivative of sorbitol), pine crystal 1500, sodium and potassium benzoates in commercial grade isotactic polypropylene iPP are studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Isothermal crystallization kinetics of polypropylene to the alpha phase have been analyzed using Avrami's model. Results indicate that dibenzylidene sorbitol and pine crystal are very effective in increasing the crystallization temperature of the polymer and number of nuclei formed during crystallization.
Comorbid autoimmune diseases in patients with vitiligo: A cross-sectional study

Background Few large-scale studies have quantified the burden of comorbid autoimmune diseases in patients with vitiligo. Objective We sought to determine the prevalence of comorbid autoimmune diseases in patients with vitiligo. Methods We conducted a manual chart review on a cohort of 1873 patients with vitiligo seen between January 2002 and October 2012 at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI. Patients were excluded if they had fewer than 2 dermatology notes (N = 595) or if they were never given a diagnosis of vitiligo by a dermatologist (N = 180). Results Of 1098 patients with vitiligo, nearly 20% had at least 1 comorbid autoimmune disease. Compared with the general US population, we found a higher prevalence of thyroid disease (12.9%, P P P = .046), pernicious anemia (0.5%, P = .007), systemic lupus erythematosus (0.3%, P = .048), Guillain-Barre syndrome (0.3%, P P = .003), linear morphea (0.2%, P P = .002), and Sjogren syndrome (0.2%, P = .011). Limitations The study lacked a control group. This was a single-institution study with possible selection bias, and thus the findings may not be representative of the overall population of patients with vitiligo. Conclusions We observed a high prevalence of comorbid autoimmune diseases in patients with vitiligo and report several new associations.
Ultrasound-guided lumbar plexus block for open reduction and internal fixation of hip fracture.

Purpose: Ultrasound technology has been applied to increase both efficacy and safety of certain peripheral nerve blocks. This case report describes the first successful ultrasound-guided lumber plexus block. Clinical Features: We describe a 91-year-old woman with aortic stenosis who successfully underwent open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured right hip with a lumbar plexus block. Ultrasound provided direct visualization to help identify the anatomical structures and guide the block needle during performance of the block. Complete block of the lumbar plexus was attained within 15 min, and the surgical procedure was performed uneventfully. Conclusion: The use of ultrasound has gained popularity to perform peripheral nerve blocks. In this case report, a successful lumbar plexus block was performed with ultrasound guidance. By direct visualization, using this technology may potentially reduce complications associated with lumbar plexus blocks.
Comparison of associative learning strategies

Ss learned paired-associate lists of nouns using one of four learning strategies: repetition of the pair, reading the pair as subject and object nouns in a meaningful sentence, generation of a meaningful sentence linking the two nouns, or visualization of a mental image in which the word referents were in vivid interaction. Half of the pairs were tested for recall of the response member given the stimulus and half were tested for multiple-choice recognition of the response. Significant differences in recall and recognition occurred with conditions ranking in the order: imagery (best), sentence generation, sentence reading, and rote repetition (worst). The results are interpreted in terms of associative consequences of relational organization: S’s memory benefits from his actively searching out, discovering, and generating (or depicting) predicative or “actor-action-object” relations between the words or referents of a pair.
Trust and persistence [software agents]

We rely on computers to control our power plants and water supplies, our automobiles and transportation systems, and soon our economic and political systems. Increasingly, software agents are enmeshed in these systems, serving as the glue that connects distributed components. Clearly, we need mechanisms to determine whether these agents are trustworthy. What do we need to establish trust? Agents are often characterized by features such as autonomy, sociability, proactiveness, and persistent identity. This latter feature is key in determining trust. When agents operate over an extended period, they can earn a reputation for competence, timeliness, ease of use, and trustworthiness, which is something ephemeral agents cannot do. Along with persistence, we need a reliable way to identify an agent and ensure that its true identity is not concealed. How can we assess an agent's trustworthiness? As with other aspects of agents and multiagent systems, we can take our cue from the human domain. Our reputations for trustworthiness are determined and maintained by the people we deal with. Analogously, a software agent's reputation will reside within the other agents with whom it interacts. For some agent interactions, such as those involving commerce, agents will simply inherit the reputation of their human owner, sharing, for example, their owner's credit rating and financial capability. For other types of interactions, such as those involving information gathering, an agent will determine its own reputation through its efforts at gathering and distilling information. An agent with a reputation for conducting thorough searches will be trusted by other agents wishing to use its Web search results.
System theory and transportation

Large scale systems with some social relevance present major challenges to the modern system engineer. The coordination of future transportation systems both on a national and an urban scale is among the more important of these. A number of citizens feel that reorganizing urban life in the United States is a fitting and pressing national goal for the next several decades and reorganizing the urban transportation segment is an essential feature of urban planning. A systems study of the city will be discussed and a number of activities basic to a city system model will be proposed. Transportation will be one of these elements.
Regulation of the NaV1.5 cytoplasmic domain by calmodulin

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) are transmembrane proteins that underlie action potentials in excitable tissues. Here, Gabelli et al. suggest a novel mechanism for the cytoplasmic control of switching from the inactivated to the non-inactivated form of the Nav1.5 channel that involves dimerization.
Compensatory response to reducing body weight

A reduction in weight is accompanied by several metabolic adjustments that promote rapid and efficient weight regain. The compensatory adjustments pose substantial obstacles to the maintenance of a weight-reduced state. These adaptive responses are discussed in the context of a homeostatic feedback system that functions to maintain peripheral fat stores. The current and future roles of pharmacotherapy in countering these compensatory adjustments are also addressed.
The response of the 18O/16O composition of atmospheric CO2 to changes in environmental conditions

[1] This study investigates the response of the global mean and spatial variations of the δ18O value of atmospheric CO2 (δCa) to changes in soil CO2 hydration rates, relative humidity, the δ18O value of precipitation and water vapor, visible radiation, temperature, and ecosystem flux partitioning. A three-dimensional global transport model was coupled to a mechanistic land surface model and was used to calculate isotopic fluxes of CO2 and H2O and the resulting δCa. The model reproduced the observed global mean and north-south gradient in δCa. The simulated seasonal amplitude and phases of CO2 and δCa agreed well at some but not all locations. Sensitivity tests with relative humidity increased by 3.2% from its original value decreased δCa by 0.21‰. Similarly, a global 3.3‰ decrease in the isotopic composition of both precipitation and water vapor (δWP and δWAV, respectively) caused a 2.6‰ decrease in δCa. A 1 K increase in atmospheric temperatures also affected δCa, but there was a very small δCa response to realistic changes in light levels. Experiments where leaf and soil CO2 fluxes were repartitioned revealed a nontrivial change to δCa. The predicted north-south δCa gradient increased in response to an increase in soil CO2 hydration rates. However, the δCa gradient also had a large response to global changes in δWP and δWAV. This result is particularly important since most models fail to deplete δWP enough at middle and high latitudes, where the influence of δWP and δWAV on the δCa gradient is strongest.
Reagent-loaded cartridges for valveless and automated fluid delivery in microfluidic devices

An important problem in the life sciences and in health care is simple and rapid detection of biomarkers. Although microfluidic devices are potentially useful in addressing this problem, current techniques for automating fluid deliverywhich include valves and electroosmosisrequire sophisticated microfabrication of the chip, bulky instrumentation, or both. In this paper, we describe a simple and reliable technique for storing and delivering a sequence of reagents to a microfluidic device. The technique is low-cost, requires minimal user intervention, and can be performed in resource-poor settings (e.g., outside of a laboratory) in the absence of electricity and computer-controlled equipment. In this method, cartridges made of commercially available tubing are filled by sequentially injecting plugs of reagents separated by air spacers. The air spacers prevent the reagents from mixing with each other during cartridge preparation, storage, and usage. As an example, we used this “plug-in cartridge” technology ...
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ASYMETRICAL TONIC NECK REFLEX IN NORMAL INFANTS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the following factors on achievement of head position and incidence, strength, and duration of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex: 1) method of eliciting the reflex, 2) extent of head turning, and 3) direction of head turning. Subjects included 20 - 4 to 10 week old infants. Supine infants were videotaped during eight trials representing all combinations of the three factors. Head turning was elicited actively by having the infant follow a rattle or, passively, by having the examiner turn the infant's head; the head was turned to approximately 70 degrees (full turn) or 30 degrees (partial turn) from vertical; and the head was turned to the left or right. Passively turning the head fully to the side was most effective in achieving the intended head position. Full head turns were most effective in eliciting the reflex, and the reflex was stronger and lasted longer during full head turns. No difference in the three measures of the reflex occurred as a r...
Economic analysis of the effects of caloric alternatives and reinforcer magnitude on "demand" for food in baboons.

Abstract In a study examining “demand” for food, the responses of six adult male baboons ( Papio c. anubis ) were maintained under a fixed ratio schedule of food reinforcement during daily 22-h experimental sessions. Completion of the ratio requirement resulted in the delivery of a single 1-g food pellet. Caloric intake was studied under four food-access conditions: a single source of 1-g food pellets, two sources of pellets with different response costs, one source of pellets and one source of dextrose solutions with different response costs, or a single source of multiple pellets. Total daily caloric intake under minimal response-cost conditions did not vary across these four conditions. Increasing the response requirement for a single pellet decreased daily food intake. Compared to this single-pellet condition, increasing the response requirement: (a) decreased intake of multiple pellets to a much smaller extent; (b) decreased pellet intake to a larger extent when dextrose was available on an alternate lever and (c) decreased pellet intake to the greatest extent when pellets were available on an alternate lever. Changes in pellet intake were fitted to a theoretical equation derived by Hursh et al . (1988) to describe changes in demand for a commodity. Increasing the number of pellets per delivery decreased the rate of change in intake as cost increased, indicating decreased elasticity. Dextrose availability increased the rate of change in intake as cost increased, indicating increased elasticity. Availability of an identical food source increased the initial slope of intake without effecting the rate of change, thus also increasing elasticity. Mathematical analysis of demand curves provide a means of comparing the effects of diverse environmental manipulations on feeding behavior.
Abstract 2710: KSHV-induced PDGF signaling dyregulation drives a Rac1 and ROS-mediated paracrine tumorigenic mechanism necessary for Kaposi's sarcoma

Kaposi9s sarcoma (KS), caused by the Kaposi9s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), is a major AIDS-associated malignancy characterized by angiogenesis and proliferation of spindle cells. KSHV-infected KS lesions are composed of latently-infected cells and a minority of cells expressing lytic genes such as vGPCR, which are implicated the development of KS angioproliferative phenotype via a paracrine mechanism. A key unsolved question is how this minor population of lytically-infected cells expressing vGPCR transduce an angio-proliferative phenotype to latently-infected cells. Here, we describe a Rac1 and ROS driven mechanism of paracrine amplification of viral oncogenesis in the KSHV-induced tumor model mECK36. It is triggered by vGPCR-induced PDGF secretion, which in the presence of high expression of PDGF receptors and NADPH oxidase family members caused by latent KSHV infection, leads to STAT3-mediated transcriptional activation of c-Myc, VEGF and KSHV latent genes. This paracrine loop, driven by PDGF signaling and regulated by Rac1 and ROS, amplifies vGPCR oncogenesis by driving proliferation and angiogenesis in latently-infected cells. Inhibtion of this molecular pathway by either the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors impair KSHV-induced tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, further validating this paracrine oncogenesis mechanism and its components as anti-KS tumor targets. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2710. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2710
Dendritic cell recovery post-lymphodepletion: a potential mechanism for anti-cancer adoptive T cell therapy and vaccination

Adoptive transfer of autologous tumor-reactive T cells holds promise as a cancer immunotherapy. In this approach, T cells are harvested from a tumor-bearing host, expanded in vitro and infused back to the same host. Conditioning of the recipient host with a lymphodepletion regimen of chemotherapy or radiotherapy before adoptive T cell transfer has been shown to substantially improve survival and anti-tumor responses of the transferred cells. These effects are further enhanced when the adoptive T cell transfer is followed by vaccination with tumor antigens in combination with a potent immune adjuvant. Although significant progress has been made toward an understanding of the reasons underlying the beneficial effects of lymphodepletion to T cell adoptive therapy, the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recent studies, including ours, would indicate a more central role for antigen presenting cells, in particular dendritic cells. Unraveling the exact role of these important cells in mediation of the beneficial effects of lymphodepletion could provide novel pathways toward the rational design of more effective anti-cancer immunotherapy. This article focuses on how the frequency, phenotype, and functions of dendritic cells are altered during the lymphopenic and recovery phases post-induction of lymphodepletion, and how they affect the anti-tumor responses of adoptively transferred T cells.
The Interfacial Pressure Distribution and Thermal Conductance of Bolted Joints

Experimental interface pressure distributions and thermal conductance data are presented for a bolted joint. The variables considered included the bolt torque and associated axial load, the upper and lower plate thicknesses, and the mean interface temperature within the bolt radius. For 7.62-cm-dia Aluminum 6061-T6 plates, axial loads of 6.69 to 13.425 kN (1500 to 3000 lb), three heat fluxes, and mean junction temperatures of up to 310 K were considered. Pressure distribution data obtained with a pressure-sensitive film compared favorably with both theoretical predictions and published experimental data. Thermal conductance data obtained at three radial locations for the bare interface compared favorably with published data. These data also were compared with a previously published correlation for heat transfer in bolted joints. Thermal conductance data for high-conductivity elastomeric gasket materials were obtained to ascertain their suitability for thermal enhancement. The results of this investigation will be useful in the thermal analysis of bolted and riveted joints.
Laboratory-Based Smart Power System, Part II: Control, Monitoring, and Protection

Wide area monitoring (WAM), wide area protection (WAP), and wide area control (WAC) systems will enhance the future of smart grid operation in terms of reliability and security. In part I of this paper, a proposed architecture for a hybrid ac/dc smart grid hardware test-bed system was presented. Design details of the various components and their connectivity in the overall system architecture were identified. In part II of the paper, the focus is on the design of monitoring, control, and protection systems and their integrated real-time operation. Various control scenarios for system startup and continuous operation are examined. We have developed a control system based on wide area measurements. The advanced measurement system based on synchrophasors was also implemented using DAQs real-time synchronous data. The developed system features a wide variety of capabilities such as online system parameters calculation and online voltage stability monitoring. These are implemented as an experimental case to enhance wide area monitoring systems. Moreover, the protection system was designed inside of the real-time software environment to monitor the real-time wide area data, and make a comprehensive and reliable coordination for the whole system. Ideas related to the interaction of a dc microgrid involving sustainable energy sources with the main ac grid have been also implemented and presented. The implemented system is explicit and achievable in any research laboratory and for real-time real-world smart grid applications.
Endogenous proviruses of random-bred chickens and ring-necked pheasants: Analysis with restriction endonucleases

Abstract We have examined, by digestion with restriction endonucleases and nucleic acid hybridization, sequences homologous to avian sarcoma virus (ASV) DNA in DNA from 18 random-bred chickens of the brown leghorn and brown nick flocks and 8 ring-necked pheasants. Both species have sequences related to the replicative genes ( gag, pol , and env ) and to the transforming gene ( src ) of ASV. The disposition of these sequences in random-bred chickens is reminiscent of the situation in inbred white leghorn flocks; the sequences related to gag, pol , and env appear to reside in structures which closely resemble proviruses of the endogenous chicken virus RAV-O, and the src -related sequences appear to be a cellular gene (or genes). The number of endogenous proviruses present in the random-bred flocks is highly variable, and there are proviruses present at positions in the genomes of the random-bred birds different from those described for white leghorns. The endogenous ASV-related sequences in ring-necked pheasants fall into the same two categories; sequences related to the replicative genes of ASV probably reside in proviruses, and the src -related sequences in a cellular gene (or genes). However, the endogenous pheasant viruses are clearly distinct from those of chickens both by analysis with restriction endonucleases and by hybridization. These observations support the hypothesis that cellular src (c- src ) has had a separate evolutionary history from the endogenous proviruses, which apparently arise by germ line infections. The endogenous viruses of chickens and pheasants, while clearly related, appear to have undergone significant independent evolution, which suggests that the frequency with which these viruses achieve a successful germ line infection across species boundaries is low compared with the rate of successful germ line infections within a species.
Role stress as a contributor to burnout in child care professionals

This study was designed to determine whether role ambiguity or role conflict best explained the variance in the level of burnout experienced by 85 full-time, employed child care professionals. Results showed that role conflict was the strongest predictor of a sense of personal accomplishment, while role ambiguity was the strongest predictor of a sense of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Interpretations and recommendations for research and practice are included.
Improved method for estimating bioconcentration/bioaccumulation factor from octanol/water partition coefficient

A compound's bioconcentration factor (BCF) is the most commonly used indicator of its tendency to accumulate in aquatic organisms from the surrounding medium. Because it is expensive to measure, the BCF is generally estimated from the octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow), but currently used regression equations were developed from small data sets that do not adequately represent the wide range of chemical substances now subject to review. To develop an improved method, we collected BCF data in a file that contained information on measured BCFs and other key experimental details for 694 chemicals. Log BCF was then regressed against log Kow and chemicals with significant deviations from the line of best fit were analyzed by chemical structure. The resulting algorithm classifies a substance as either nonionic or ionic, the latter group including carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids and their salts, and quaternary N compounds. Log BCF for nonionics is estimated from log Kow and a series of correction factors if applicable; different equations apply for log Kow 1.0 to 7.0 and >7.0. For ionics, chemicals are categorized by log Kow and a log BCF in the range 0.5 to 1.75 is assigned. Organometallics, nonionics with long alkyl chains, and aromatic azo compounds receive special treatment. The correlation coefficient (r2 = 0.73) and mean error (0.48) for log BCF (n = 694) indicate that the new method is a significantly better fit to existing data than other methods.
Clinical evaluation of the Capronor contraceptive implant: preliminary report

Capronor, a single-capsule, biodegradable, subdermal contraceptive that releases levonorgestrel over a 12- to 18-month period, has been evaluated in 48 healthy women, ages 18 to 40 years. Sixteen participants received a 2.5 cm capsule (12 mg of levonorgestrel), and 32 received a 4.0 cm capsule (21.6 mg of levonorgestrel). Serum levonorgestrel levels were significantly lower in the 2.5 cm group. Ovulation occurred in all cycles in the 2.5 cm group and in 26.3% of cycles in the 4.0 cm group. Levonorgestrel levels with the shorter capsule were too low for reliable contraception in all users, and 4 cm may be a minimal functional length. Bleeding patterns were regular in most women who ovulated and irregular in most remaining subjects. It is assumed that changes in cervical mucus and the endometrium contributed to effective contraception despite the frequency of ovulation.
Use of liquid chromatography for separation and determination of carrier species associated with the synthesis of no carrier-added11C-labelled compounds determination of the specific activity of {11C} urea

An analytical technique using reversed-phase liquid chromatography has been developed for the determination of urea at quantities as low as 1 ng to quantitate the amount of non-labelled urea produced during the synthesis of no-carrier-added {11C}urea starting from11CN−. As a result, the specific activity of the {11C} urea thus prepared was calculated to be as high as 3.5±0.8 Ci/μmol.
Identification of the precipitate in alkalinized solutions of mepivacaine and bupivacaine at 37 °C

Commercial and control solutions of bupivacaine (0(.)75%) and mepivacaine (1(.)5%) were alkalinized with bicarbonate until cloudy at room temperature. The solutions were heated to 37 degrees C for 2(.)5 h. The precipitates were filtered, lyophylized and analysed by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. Analysis showed the precipitates to be predominantly the free base of the local anaesthetic. The precipitate of the commercial bupivacaine solution also contained a small amount of the hydrochloride salt. The mepivacaine control crystals contained an unknown at molecular weight 528, which may represent a dimer of the free base and hydrochloride salt.
Habituation, response to novelty, and dishabituation in human infants: Tests of a dual-process theory of visual attention

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to test a dual-process theory of infants' performance on visual habituation-dishabituation tasks. The findings demonstrate that (a) infant habituation functions are often nonmonotonic, with fixation increasing before the eventual response waning; (b) this initial increment in responding is related to stimulus “complexity”; (c) response to novelty is enhanced by increasing the “complexity” of the novelty-test stimulus; and (d) dishabituation, followed by decay, occurs for familiarized patterns when retested after the introduction of a “complex” stimulus, but not after introduction of a “simple” stimulus. Following P. Groves and R. Thompson (1970, Psychological Review, 77, 419–450) we propose that infant visual attention to repeated presentations of a stimulus involves two processes, habituation and sensitization.
A generalization of Hurwitz's Theorem

Hurwitz's theorem says that the limit of schlicht functions, in the topology of compact convergence, is again a schlicht function or a constant function. We generalize this to mappings between Riemann surfaces and get more precise information on the relation between the distribution of values of analytic functions and the topology of compact convergence on the space of all analytic maps.
Use of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and bypass surgery despite improved medical therapy for unstable angina pectoris.

To evaluate current strategies for the management of unstable angina, 104 consecutive patients admitted to the coronary care unit with unstable angina during a 6-month period were followed prospectively. Although 58 patients had symptomatic relief with the initiation of intensive medical therapy, 46 (44%) continued to have episodes of angina despite maximal tolerated triple-drug antianginal therapy as well as aspirin or heparin, or both. In-hospital mortality for the 104 patients was 4%. The incidence of myocardial infarction was 8%, and differed (p