cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supersparse black box rational function interpolation

We present a method for interpolating a supersparse blackbox rational function with rational coefficients, for example, a ratio of binomials or trinomials with very high degree. We input a blackbox rational function, as well as an upper bound on the number of non-zero terms and an upper bound on the degree. The result is found by interpolating the rational function modulo a small prime p, and then applying an effective version of Dirichlet's Theorem on primes in an arithmetic progression progressively lift the result to larger primes. Eventually we reach a prime number that is larger than the inputted degree bound and we can recover the original function exactly. In a variant, the initial prime p is large, but the exponents of the terms are known modulo larger and larger factors of p-1.The algorithm, as presented, is conjectured to be polylogarithmic in the degree, but exponential in the number of terms. Therefore, it is very effective for rational functions with a small number of non-zero terms, such as the ratio of binomials, but it quickly becomes ineffective for a high number of terms.The algorithm is oblivious to whether the numerator and denominator have a common factor. The algorithm will recover the sparse form of the rational function, rather than the reduced form, which could be dense. We have experimentally tested the algorithm in the case of under 10 terms in numerator and denominator combined and observed its conjectured high efficiency.
Structure of 51Ti

Abstract We reproduce the gross experimental features of the low-lying negative parity states in 51 Ti basing the structure on single n, 2p-1h n and core plus n states. Most calculations do not consider the latter modes as distinct alternatives.
Disk-resolved photometry of Io II. Opposition Surges and Normal Reflectances

Abstract Near-opposition ( α = 2–8°) phase curves have been derived for individual regions on Io in three color classes using the limb-darkening results from Paper I. Analysis of the phase curves is complicated by a slight inconsistency of uncertain origin between data from Voyager 1 ( α = 2–5°) and Voyager 2 ( α = 7–8°). However, disk-integrated data from the same imaging sequences can be used to approximately “correct” the disk-resolved phase curves. Phase coefficients derived from the Voyager 1 data alone ( α = 2−5°) are typically 0.01−0.02 mag/deg for Bright regions and ≈0.03−0.04 mag/deg for Average and Polar materials, a difference suggestive of a contrast in surface texture. Accurate normal reflectances derived for the three color classes using the information on near-opposition limb darkening and phase behavior are generally consistent with earlier preliminary determinations. Careful comparison with laboratory spectra supports suggestions that Voyager disk-resolved spectra of Io can be explained by mixtures of sulfurs and SO 2 frost. However, given the coarse spectral resolution and limited wavelength coverage of the Voyager cameras, this consistency should not be misinterpreted as a unique diagnostic identification, nor should one assume that sulfurous materials must make up the bulk of Io's outer crust.
Thermocapillary Effects on the Wetting Characteristics of a Heated Curved Meniscus

An investigation of thermocapillary effects on a heated, evaporating meniscus, formed by a wetting liquid in a vertical capillary tube, has been conducted. Experiments were conducted to primarily observe how the wetting characteristics of the working fluid (pentane) are affected by the dynamics associated with the heating of and evaporation from a meniscus. The results have demonstrated that interfacial thermocapillary stresses arising from liquid-vapor interfacial temperature gradients can noticeably degrade the ability of the liquid to wet the pore.
Emergence of multi-stakeholder-driven cooperative research in the Northwest Atlantic: The case of the Northeast Consortium

Abstract The past 50 years in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank is marked by a growing divide between fishermen, scientists, and managers. This paper tracks the scientific, regulatory, social and political evolution of fisheries management in the Northwest Atlantic, culminating in a distrustful and adversarial climate, a convergence of diverse policy needs, and the emergence of a multi-stakeholder cooperative research program—the Northeast Consortium. The institutional structure and activities of the Northeast Consortium are presented and we conclude with a discussion of the role of cooperative research in building mutual understanding and respect, trust and scientific legitimacy.
Amino Acids in the Bacillus subtilis Morphogenetic Protein SpoIVA with Roles in Spore Coat and Cortex Formation

Bacterial spores are protected from the environment by a proteinaceous coat and a layer of specialized peptidoglycan called the cortex. In Bacillus subtilis, the attachment of the coat to the spore surface and the synthesis of the cortex both depend on the spore protein SpoIVA. To identify functionally important amino acids of SpoIVA, we generated and characterized strains bearing random point mutations of spoIVA that result in defects in coat and cortex formation. One mutant resembles the null mutant, as sporulating cells of this strain lack the cortex and the coat forms a swirl in the surrounding cytoplasm instead of a shell around the spore. We identified a second class of six mutants with a partial defect in spore assembly. In sporulating cells of these strains, we frequently observed swirls of mislocalized coat in addition to a coat surrounding the spore, in the same cell. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that in two of these mutants, SpoIVA fails to localize to the spore, whereas in the remaining strains, localization is largely normal. These mutations identify amino acids involved in targeting of SpoIVA to the spore and in attachment of the coat. We also isolated a large set of mutants producing spores that are unable to maintain the dehydrated state. Analysis of one mutant in this class suggests that spores of this strain accumulate reduced levels of peptidoglycan with an altered structure.
Algorithm-oriented generic libraries

We outline an approach to construction of software libraries in which generic algorithms (algorithmic abstractions) play a more central role than in conventional software library technology or in the object-oriented programming paradigm. Our approach is to consider algorithms first, decide what types and access operations they need for efficient execution, and regard the types and operations as formal parameters that can be instantiated in many different ways, as long as the actual parameters satisfy the assumptions on which the correctness and efficiency of the algorithms are based. The means by which instantiation is carried out is language dependent; in the C + + examples in this paper, we instantiate generic algorithms by constructing classes that define the needed types and access operations. By use of such compile-time techniques and careful attention to algorithmic issues, it is possible to construct software components of broad utility with no sacrifice of efficiency.
A nonlinear DMC algorithm and its application to a semibatch polymerization reactor

Abstract In this paper a new nonlinear model-predictive control method is developed and applied to a semibatch polymerization reactor. The proposed control algorithm uses an explicit nonlinear process model and the basic elements of the classical dynamic matrix control (DMC). update of the DMC model by a disturbance vector which accounts for the effect of nonlinearities in the prediction horizon is the key feature of the method.
Fast estimation of pulse height spectra and extraction of transport parameters for semiconductor detectors

We discuss two simple, computationally efficient methods of estimating pulse height spectra for semiconductor detectors, one based on analytical techniques and the other involving Monte Carlo simulation. The former method gives rapid insight into the impact of major material parameters on detector performance, while the latter yields reasonable realistic spectra incorporating all major effects. We use both techniques in conjunction with a simulated annealing algorithm to extract electron and hole transport parameters from measured spectra.
IPCT Journal: a case study of an electronic journal on the Internet

This article sets forth some of the background of the founding of the Interpersonal Computing and Technology Journal: An Electronic Journal for the 21st Century (IPCT-J). It also describes much of the decisionmaking process regarding IPCT-J, where the issues of credibility, accessibility, permanence, and the associated technical issues concerning dissemination over the Internet as it exists were considered. Issues of scholarship and their relationship to publication (both print and electronic) are discussed. One conclusion is that even if e-journals are less expensive, easier to access, or save time, this is not going to allow e-journals to compete with print journals if the content of the e-journal is not perceived to be of high quality. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis and biodistribution of 125I labeled bivalent analogs of practolol as potential myocardial imaging agents.

Abstract Iodinated bivalent ligands 3 and 4 and a monovalent ligand 5 were prepared from the cardioselective β-antagonist, practolol. 125 I -labeled 3, 4 and 5 were prepared by solid phase isotopic exchange reaction with carrier-free Na 125 I and examined in rats as potential receptor-site-directed myocardial imaging agents. Biodistribution of these agents in rats indicated that 125 I-3 and 125 I-4 were localized in the heart similarly to 125 I-5 and the [ 125 I ]iodobenzoyl practolol ( 6 ) that was previously reported. Localization of 125 I-3 and 125 I-4 , was more persistent in the heart than that of 125 I -monovalent ligands 5 and 6 . Heart-to-blood ratios of 125 I-3 and 125 I-4 were significantly lower than those of 125 I-5 and 125 I-6 , due mainly to slow blood clearance rates of 125 I-3 and 125 I-4 .
A theory about the structure of GTSEs

Managing complexity is a fundamental goal of software engineering. One of the core techniques that has been successful in practice is that which separate concerns, especially variants of architectural abstractions called components and connectors. We present and illustrate a theory about the general structure of General Theories of Software Engineering (GTSE) - namely, that they should be organized as components and connectors to distinguish conceptually distinct general theory elements and their inter-relationships and interdependencies. Doing so, we argue, separates concerns that should be distinct and not conflated, thereby increasing the value of GTSE efforts.
Equine-Assisted Intervention for People with Dementia

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of using guided interactions with horses as a nonpharmaceutical intervention to improve the physiological and behavioral states of persons with dementia. A convenience sample of persons with dementia was recruited from an adult day health center (n = 16). A multi-component intervention was implemented comprised of opportunities for grooming, painting, and leading horses. Using a randomized pretest-posttest crossover design, researchers compared participants receiving the equine-assisted intervention with participants receiving treatment as usual. Older persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias engaged positively in animal-assisted therapy with horses. A reduction in behavioral problems was found post intervention in contrast to the comparison group. Pre-intervention measures showed that participants exhibited lower levels of disruptive behaviors compared with the control group on the days they wer...
Reinforcement preferences and personality profiles of hospitalized schizophrenics.

The Reinforcement Survey Schedule developed by Cautela and Kastenbaum was applied to a random sample of hospitalized schizophrenics from several different wards of a state hospital. A personality test designed to identify the strengths of various emotional dispositions was also used. The most highly reinforcing items for the population as a whole were being entertained by TV, movies, or radio; babies; children; and happy people. Reinforcement preferences for men and women were quite different on a number of items. Results from the personality test indicated that schizophrenic patients who exhibit affect of any type (positive or negative) have more reinforcement preferences than those who are relatively apathetic.
Novel approaches in Extended Principal Component Analysis to compare spatio-temporal patterns among multiple image time series

Extended Principal Component Analysis (EPCA) aims to examine the patterns of variability shared among multiple datasets. In image time series analysis, this is conventionally done by virtually extending the spatial dimension of the time series by spatially concatenating the different time series and then performing S-mode PCA. In S-mode analysis, samples in space are the statistical variables and samples in time are the statistical observations. This paper introduces the concept of temporal concatenation of multiple image time series to perform EPCA. EPCA can also be done with a T-mode orientation in which samples in time are the statistical variables and samples in space are the statistical observations. This leads to a total of four orientations in which EPCA can be carried out. This research explores these four orientations and their implications in investigating spatio-temporal relationships among multiple time series. This research demonstrates that EPCA carried out with temporal concatenation of the multiple time series with T-mode (tT) is able to identify similar spatial patterns among multiple time series. The conventional S-mode EPCA with spatial concatenation (sS) identifies similar temporal patterns among multiple time series. The other two modes, namely T-mode with spatial concatenation (sT) and S-mode with temporal concatenation (tS), are able to identify patterns which share consistent temporal phase relationships and consistent spatial phase relationships with each other, respectively. In a case study using three sets of precipitation time series data from GPCP, CMAP and NCEP-DOE, the results show that examination of all four modes provides an effective basis for comparison of the series.
The effect of tongue exercise on serotonergic input to the hypoglossal nucleus in young and old rats

Purpose Breathing and swallowing problems affect elderly people and may be related to age-associated tongue dysfunction. Hypoglossal motoneurons that innervate the tongue receive a robust, excitato...
A slow selection analysis of two locus, two allele traits☆

Abstract A deterministic, continuous time model for the dynamics of two locus, two allele Mendelian traits in a large randomly mating diploid population is derived. The model allows for frequency and time dependent birth and death rates. It is analyzed under the assumption that the selective forces acting in the population are small. Slow selection approximations to the system's solution are then constructed. Two particular cases are studied. First, when linkage between loci is tight, the population is shown to rapidly approach Hardy-Weinberg proportions, which then may vary on a (slow) time scale determined by differential fitness. In the case of constant birth and death rates, a measure of the population's fitness is shown to increase on the slow time scale after an initial rapid adjustment. The second case considered is for loose linkage; a population near linkage equilibrium is studied. It is shown that the epistatic parameters cancel and that the results agree with the tight linkage case to leading order. The linkage disequlibrium is described in both cases.
Concept for a Central Flight Management System for the Supersonic Transport

The supersonic transport offers many benefits in passenger confidence and convenience; however, it poses new problems in economy and safety in flight. Recent advances in micro-miniature technology make possible applications of digital data processors to the solution of these problems. The paper includes a discussion of the functions of navigation, flight control, flight management, data link and inflight recording and maintenance. Micro-miniature circuit technology is also described as applied to the central flight management computer. Representative organizations are presented for several alternate processors.
Spatially blind trade and fiscal impact policies and their impact on regional economies

Abstract The evidence for the US suggests that spatially blind policies often generate greater impacts on regional economic growth and development than policies specifically targeted at regions on regional issues generally. In this presentation, attention will be directed to two sets of national policies that have been promulgated without due consideration of their specific spatial (regional) impacts – trade policy and fiscal policy. Drawing on research conducted for the US, Japan and Brazil, an examination of trade policies will be presented, using the experience of NAFTA in North America and MERCOSUR in Brazil. Some further analysis of experience in Colombia will also provide insights into the role of national trade policy and, in the case of Colombia, fiscal decentralization policies. The second part of the presentation will examine fiscal policy impacts mediated through regional business cycles; the experience of Japan and the US will be examined. The results affirm the important implications that national (spatially blind) policies can have on regional economies; in the case of Brazil, trade policies have exacerbated already wide differentials in per capita income across states.
BEYOND THE MEAN BIAS: THE EFFECT OF WARNING AGAINST FAKING ON BIODATA ITEM VARIANCES

We studied the effects of faking biodata test items by randomly warning 214 of 429 applicants for a nurse's assistant position against faking. While the warning mitigated the propensity to fake, the specific warning effects depended on item transparency. For transparent items, warning reduced the extremeness of item means and increased item variances. For nontransparent items, warning did not have an effect on item means and reduced item variances. These faking effects were best predicted when transparency was operationalized in terms of item-specific job desirability in addition to the item-general social desirability. We also demonstrated a psychometric principle: The effect of warning on means at the item level is preserved in scales constructed from those items, but the effect on variances at the item level is masked at the scale level. These results raise new questions regarding the attenuating effects of faking on validity, and regarding the benefit of warning applicants against faking.
Clb5-associated kinase activity is required early in the spindle pathway for correct preanaphase nuclear positioning in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a single cyclin-dependent kinase, Cdc28, regulates both G1/S and G2/M phase transitions by associating with stage-specific cyclins. During progression through S phase and G2/M, Cdc28 is activated by the B-type cyclins Clb1–6. Because of functional redundancy, specific roles for individual Clbs have been difficult to assign. To help genetically define such roles, strains carrying a cdc28ts allele, combined with single CLB deletions were studied. We assumed that by limiting the activity of the kinase, these strains would be rendered more sensitive to loss of individual Clbs. By this approach, a novel phenotype associated with CLB5 mutation was observed. Homozygous cdc28-4ts clb5 diploids were inviable at room temperature. Cells were defective in spindle positioning, leading to migration of undivided nuclei into the bud. Occasionally, misplaced spindles were observed in cdc28-4 clb5 haploids; additional deletion of CLB6 caused full penetrance. Thus, CLB5 effects proper preanaphase spindle positioning, yet the requirement differs in haploids and diploids. The execution point for the defect corresponded to the time of Clb5-dependent kinase activation. Nevertheless, lethality of cdc28-4 clb5 diploids was not rescued by CLB2 or CLB4 overexpression, indicating a specificity of Clb5 function beyond temporality of expression.
A survey of computational approaches to three-dimensional layout problems

The component layout or packaging problem requires efficient search of large, discontinuous spaces. This survey paper reviews the state-of-the-art in product layout algorithms. The focus on optimization and geometric interference calculation strategies addresses the common aspects of the layout problem for all applications.
Modeling of “living” free‐radical polymerization processes. I. Batch, semibatch, and continuous tank reactors

A comprehensive mathematical model is developed for “living” free-radical polymerization carried out in tank reactors and provides a tool for the study of process development and design issues. The model is validated using experimental data for nitroxide-mediated styrene polymerization and atom transfer radical copolymerization of styrene and n-butyl acrylate. Simulations show that the presence of reversible capping reactions between growing and dormant polymer chains should boost initiation efficiency when using free nitroxide in conjunction with conventional initiator and also increase the effectiveness of thermal initiation. A study shows the effects of the value of the capping equilibrium constant and capping reaction rate constants for both nitroxide-mediated styrene polymerization (using alkoxyamine as polymer chain seeds) and atom transfer radical polymerization of n-butyl acrylate (using methyl 2-bromopropionate as chain extension seeds). Also the effect of introducing additional conventional initiator into atom transfer radical polymerization of n-butyl acrylate is studied. It is found that the characteristics of long chain growth are determined by the fast exchange of radicals between growing and dormant polymer chains. Polymerization results in batch, semibatch, and a series of continuous tank reactors are analyzed. The simulations also show that a semibatch reactor is most flexible for the preparation of polymers with controlled architecture. For continuous tank reactors, the residence time distribution has a significant effect on the development of chain architecture. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1630–1662, 2002
Numerical solution of the fifth-order KdV equation for shallow-water solitary waves

A numerical solution for a solitary-wave solution of the fifth-order Korteweg-de Vries equation for shallow-water waves is found by a series solution in exponential. The solution agrees to within a few percent with the sech2 solution of the KdV equation.
Effect of the statistical significance of results on the time to completion and publication of randomized efficacy trials.

Context.—Medical evidence may be biased over time if completion and publication of randomized efficacy trials are delayed when results are not statistically significant.Objective.—To evaluate whether the time to completion and the time to publication of randomized phase 2 and phase 3 trials are affected by the statistical significance of results and to describe the natural history of such trials.Design.—Prospective cohort of randomized efficacy trials conducted by 2 trialist groups from 1986 to 1996.Setting.—Multicenter trial groups in human immunodeficiency virus infection sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.Patients.—A total of 109 efficacy trials (total enrollment, 43708 patients).Main Outcome Measures.—Time from start of enrollment to completion of follow-up and time from completion of follow-up to peer-reviewed publication assessed with survival analysis.Results.—The median time from start of enrollment to publication was 5.5 years and was substantially longer for negative trials than for results favoring an experimental arm (6.5 vs 4.3 years, respectively; P<.001; hazard ratio for time to publication for positive vs negative trials, 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-7.7). This difference was mostly attributable to differences in the time from completion to publication (median, 3.0 vs 1.7 years for negative vs positive trials; P<.001). On average, trials with significant results favoring any arm completed follow-up slightly earlier than trials with nonsignificant results (median, 2.3 vs 2.5 years; P=.045), but long-protracted trials often had low event rates and failed to reach statistical significance, while trials that were terminated early had significant results. Positive trials were submitted for publication significantly more rapidly after completion than were negative trials (median, 1.0 vs 1.6 years; P=.001) and were published more rapidly after submission (median, 0.8 vs 1.1 years; P=.04).Conclusion.—Among randomized efficacy trials, there is a time lag in the publication of negative findings that occurs mostly after the completion of the trial follow-up.
Methotrexate and Pralatrexate

This article reviews methotrexate and the more potent, related compound, pralatrexate, for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including mycosis fungoides, Sezary syndrome, and CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders. Although these folate antagonists are traditionally viewed as antiproliferative cell cycle inhibitors, it is recognized that they inhibit DNA methylation, providing a rationale for their use as epigenetic regulators and cell proliferation inhibitors. The underlying mechanisms are outlined, key supporting data presented, followed by brief mention of recent mathematical modeling supporting the general superiority of combination therapy. Several novel examples involving folate antagonists are proposed.
Calculation of Component Mode Synthesis Matrices From Measured Frequency Response Functions, Part 2: Application

This paper demonstrates how to calculate Craig-Bampton component mode synthesis matrices from measured frequency response functions. The procedure is based on a modified residual flexibility method, from which the Craig-Bampton CMS matrices are recovered, as presented in the companion paper, Part I (Morgan et al., 1998). A system of two coupled beams is analyzed using the experimentally-based method. The individual beams' CMS matrices are calculated from measured frequency response functions. Then, the two beams are analytically coupled together using the test-derived matrices. Good agreement is obtained between the coupled system and the measured results.
Effective source term in the diffusion equation for photon transport in turbid media.

The Green's function for the diffusion equation is widely used to describe photon transport in turbid media. We have performed aseries of spectroscopy experiments on a number of uniform turbid media with different optical properties (absorption coefficient in the range 0.03-0.14 cm(-1), reduced scattering coefficient in the range 5-22 cm(-1)). Our experiments have been conducted in the frequency domain, where the measured parameters are the dc intensity (I(dc)), ac amplitude (I(ac)), and phase (?) of the light intensity wave. In an infinite medium, the Green's function predicts a linear dependence of ln(rI(dc)) and ? on the source-detector separation r. Our measurements show that the intercepts of these straight lines predicted by the Green's function do not agree with the experimental results. To reproduce the experimental results, we have introduced an effective photon source whose spatial extent and source strength depend on the optical properties of the medium. This effective source term has no effect on the slopes of the straight lines predicted by the Green'sfunction at large values of r.
The Looming Threat of Bioterrorism

Biological weapons have recently attracted the attention and the resources of the nation. Discerning the nature of the threat of bioweapons as well as appropriate responses to them requires greater attention to the biological characteristics of these instruments of war and terror. The dominant paradigm of a weapon as a nuclear device that explodes or a chemical cloud that is set adrift leaves us ill-equipped conceptually and practically to assess and thus to prevent the potentially devastating effects of bioterrorism. Strengthening the public health and infectious disease infrastructure is an effective step toward averting the suffering that could be wrought by a terrorist's use of a biological agent.
Vacuum-fused circuit breakers for low and medium voltage AC trailing cable protection

Since the enactment of the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act of 1969, the use of fuses has not been allowed for protection for three phase AC trailing cables in underground coal mines. In 1981 a mining equipment manufacturer approached the Mine Safety and Health Administration with a combination fuse-contactor device requesting that it be permitted as a means of protection for three phase AC trailing cables of 1000 volts or less. The concept behind the design of the vacuum contactor-fuse device was to use a vacuum contactor to provide protection to a specific current level during abnormal circuit conditions. If fault currents exceeded this level, a current limiting fuse would be used to interrupt the current before the vacuum contactor could open. The Mine Electrical Systems Division located in the Mine Safety and Health Administration's Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center was called upon to make an evaluation of this device. This paper details the tests and criteria used to ensure that the device provided no less protection than a molded case circuit breaker. Details of the laboratory tests conducted and the results of extensive field tests are presented. >
Comparison of the Basin-scale Effect of Dredging Operations and Natural Estuarine Processes on Suspended Sediment Concentration

Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) data from San Pablo Bay, California, were analyzed to compare the basin-scale effect of dredging and disposal of dredged material (dredging operations) and natural estuarine processes. The analysis used twelve 3-wk to 5-wk periods of mid-depth and near-bottom SSC data collected at Point San Pablo every 15 min from 1993–1998. Point San Pablo is within a tidal excursion of a dredged-material disposal site. The SSC data were compared to dredging volume, Julian day, and hydrodynamic and meteorological variables that could affect SSC. Kendall's τ, Spearman's ϱ, and weighted (by the fraction of valid data in each period) Spearman's ρ, correlation coefficients of the variables indicated which variables were significantly correlated with SSC. Wind-wave resuspension had the greatest effect on SSC. Median water-surface elevation was the primary factor affecting mid-depth SSC. Greater depths inhibit wind-wave resuspension of bottom sediment and indicate greater influence of less turbid water from down estuary. Seasonal variability in the supply of erodible sediment is the primary factor affecting near-bottom SSC. Natural physical processes in San Pablo Bay are more arally extensive, of equal or longer duration, and as frequent as dredging operations (when occurring), and they affect SSC at the tidal time scale. Natural processes control SSC at Point San Pablo even when dredging operations are occurring.
The epidemiology of overweight and obesity: public health crisis or moral panic?

National and international health organizations have focused increasingly on a perceived obesity epidemic said to pose drastic threats to public health. Indeed, some medical experts have gone so far as to predict that growing body mass will halt and perhaps even reverse the millennia-long trend of rising human life expectancy. 1 In response to such concerns public health agencies across the world have sprung into action, searching for policies or incentives to mitigate the alleged ‘disease’ of obesity. Yet even as the volume of alarm grows louder, a growing number of researchers, drawn from a broad array of academic disciplines, are calling these claims into question. The authors of this article come from this latter group. In our view the available scientific data neither support alarmist claims about obesity nor justify diverting scarce resources away from far more pressing public health issues. This article evaluates four central claims made by those who are calling for intensifying the war on fat: that obesity is an epidemic; that overweight and obesity are major contributors to mortality; that higher than average adiposity is pathological and a primary direct cause of disease; and that significant long-term weight loss is both medically beneficial and a practical goal. Given the limited scientific evidence for any of these claims, we suggest that the current rhetoric about an obesity-driven health crisis is being driven more by cultural and political factors than by any threat increasing body weight may pose to public health.
A highly specialized and motivated volunteer population: platelet donors.

The plateletpheresis program of the M.D. Anderson Hospital was established in 1963. Approximately 20,000 units of platelet concentrates are produced per year. Credit for the nonreplacement fee generates the greatest number of donors. No organized recruitment campaign exists. Each donor becomes a recruiter for the program. Also involved in donor recruitment are all laboratory personnel, as well as Donor Room exployees.
Postural responses exhibit multisensory dependencies with discordant visual and support surface motion.

The purpose of this study was to identify how the postural system weights coincident yet discordant disturbances of the visual and proprioceptive/vestibular systems. Eleven healthy subjects (25-38 yrs) received either fore-aft translations of an immersive, wide field-of-view visual environment (0.1 Hz, ± 3.7 m/sec), or anterior-posterior translations of the support surface (0.25 Hz, ± 15 cm/sec), or both concurrently. Kinematics of the head, trunk, and shank were collected with an Optotrak system and angular motion of each segment plotted across time. With only support surface translation, segmental responses were small (1 ◦ -2 ◦ ) and mostly opposed the direction of sled translation. When only the visual scene was moving, segmental responses increased as the trial progressed. When the inputs were presented coincidentally, response amplitudes were large even at the onset of the trial. Mean RMS values across subjects were significantly greater with combined stimuli than for either stimulus presented alone and areas under the power curve across subjects were significantly increased at the frequency of the visual input when both inputs were presented. Thus, intra-modality dependencies were observed, such that responses to the visual inputs significantly increased and responses to the somatosensory signals reflected the stimulus amplitude only when the two inputs were combined. We believe it unlikely that the role of any single pathway contributing to postural control can be accurately characterized in a static environment if the function of that pathway is context dependent.
Development and optimization of porous pSiCOH interconnect dielectrics for 45 nm and beyond

A porous pSiCOH interconnect dielectric with a dielectric constant k=2.4 has been developed from mixtures of a SiCOH skeleton precursor and bicycloheptadiene (BCHD) and optimized for successful integration in the interconnect structure of 45 nm ULSI chip. The ulk pSiCOH is characterized by small pores, low pore connectivity, and excellent electrical properties. This paper describes the selection of the precursors, the optimization process and the properties of the optimized pSiCOH. The film has been qualified for integration in three 2X dual damascene metallization levels of 45 nm interconnects.
Sirtuins, Aging, and Metabolism

Sirtuins are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent protein deacetylases that link protein acetylation, metabolism, aging, and diseases of aging. Sirtuins were initially found to slow aging in lower organisms and more recently shown to mediate many effects of calorie restriction on metabolism and longevity in mammals. This chapter focuses on two key mammalian sirtuins, SIRT1 (which resides mainly in the nucleus) and SIRT3 (which is mitochondrial). I discuss the many protein substrates of these sirtuins and how they determine the metabolic strategy most efficacious under scarce or abundant food supplies. I also discuss the logic by which sirtuins link protein acetylation and metabolism. Finally, I discuss emerging data showing protection by sirtuins against most of the common diseases of aging. It is possible that sirtuins will be novel targets to combat these diseases pharmacologically.
A novel feature extraction scheme for face recognition

Security and authentication of a person is a crucial part of any industry. There are many techniques used for this purpose. One of them is face recognition. Face recognition is an effective means of authenticating a person. The advantage of this approach is that, it enables us to detect changes in the face pattern of an individual to an appreciable extent. The recognition system can tolerate local variations in the face expression of an individual. Hence face recognition can be used as a key factor in crime detection mainly to identify criminals. There are several approaches to face recognition of which Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Gabor Wavelet Transform (GWT) have been incorporated in this paper. The system consists of a database of a set of facial patterns for each individual. The characteristic features called ‘EigenFaces’ are extracted from the stored images using which the system is trained for subsequent recognition of new images‥
Comparative Behavior of Virulent Strains of Treponema pallidum and Treponema pertenue in Gradient Cultures of Various Mammalian Cells

Two strains of virulent Treponema pallidum and two of virulent T. pertenue were investigated for their ability to attach to and survive in gradient cultures of five different mammalian cells under aerobic conditions. The strains of T. pallidum studied were the high-rabbit-passage Nichols and the low-rabbit-passage KKJ. The former was known to readily attach to cottontail rabbit epithelial cells (Sf1Ep) and to survive in the virulent state for up to 21 days. We therefore compared attachment of the other virulent treponemes with that of T. pallidum (Nichols). The KKJ strain of T. pallidum behaved in a fashion similar to T. pallidum (Nichols) in all of the cultures. Both strains exhibited preferential attachment to cells of Sf1Ep and those derived from the ear of a nude athymic (nu/nu) mouse. In these cultures, we observed a consistent three- to fivefold increase in attached treponemes up to 12 days after initial inoculation. The strains of T. pertenue were the human-derived Gauthier and cynocephalus-derived FB. These two strains of T. pertenue also attached to cells of all five types of cultures, but in smaller numbers than were seen with T. pallidum and equally to all of the cultures. Neither preferential attachment to Sf1Ep and nude mouse ear cells nor increased attachment with time was seen.
Extraction of small signal characteristics and loop compensation of digitally controlled LLC resonant converter with period modulation

The LLC resonant converter has been studied with direct frequency modulation, but seldom with direct period modulation that introduces a non-linear gain. A low cost and high speed digital controller (hardware implementation of the digital filter) will present moving zeroes and poles when the sampling rate changes along with the switching period. The moving zero (in the case of digital PI controller) will cancel a part of the non-linear gain induced by the period modulation leaving a residual that can be ignored in sense of engineering practice. Small Signal Characteristics of the Period Modulated LLC Resonant Converter is extracted from an evaluation converter. The expanded DCX load trap behavior of the double tuned LLC is also observed in certain transformer structures with an integrated asymmetrical resonant inductor.
Supporting rapid prototyping through frequent and reliable deployment of evolving components

In rapid system prototyping, there is a need to quickly depoly new versions of software components into test systems, in order to get feedback on how those new versions operate within the system. Compounding this, multiple configurations of various versions may need to be tested together. Incompatibilities between component versions can cause a serious loss of time and effort, as the errors are tracked down and the testbed is reconfigured with known working versions. We are developing the HERCULES framework to safely and reliably deploy and evolve component-based systems by executing and controlling multiple versions of software components at run-time. HERCULES naturally fills a need in rapid system prototyping and can enhance and streamline the overall process of developing a component-based system.
The CCA-adding Enzyme Has a Single Active Site*

The CCA-adding enzyme (tRNA nucleotidyltransferase) synthesizes and repairs the 3′-terminal CCA sequence of tRNA. The eubacterial, eukaryotic, and archaeal CCA-adding enzymes all share a single active-site signature motif, which identifies these enzymes as belonging to the nucleotidyltransferase superfamily. Here we show that mutations at Asp-53 or Asp-55 of theSulfolobus shibatae signature sequence abolish addition of both C and A, demonstrating that a single active site is responsible for addition of both nucleotides. Mutations at Asp-106 (and to a lesser extent, at Glu-173 and Asp-215) selectively impaired addition of A, but not C. We have previously demonstrated that the tRNA acceptor stem remains fixed on the surface of the CCA-adding enzyme during C and A addition (Shi, P.-Y., Maizels, N., and Weiner, A. M. (1998)EMBO J. 17, 3197–3206). Taken together with this new evidence that there is a single active site for catalysis, our data suggest that specificity of nucleotide addition is determined by a process of collaborative templating: as the single active site catalyzes addition of each nucleotide, the growing 3′-end of the tRNA would progressively refold to create a binding pocket for addition of the next nucleotide.
The Significance of Group Psychotherapy in the Training of Family Practitioners

It is the purpose of this paper to describe the contribution that the group psychotherapist can make to the training program of family practice residents and to specifically delineate the significance of the use of the group method in this endeavor.
70-MHz Solid-State Frequency Modulator

This report describes the development of a wide-band frequency-modulated oscillator with the following design goals: 1) direct modulation at a center frequency of 70 MHz; 2) instantaneous frequency deviation-±10 MHz; 3) linearity-within ±1 percent to ±10 MHz; 4) deviation rate (baseband response)-±0.5 dB from 100 Hz to 10 MHz; 5) provision for automatic frequency control.
Gray cases of child abuse: Investigating factors associated with uncertainty

Research in child abuse pediatrics has advanced clinicians' abilities to discriminate abusive from accidental injuries. Less attention, however, has been paid to cases with uncertain diagnoses. These uncertain cases - the "gray" cases between decisions of abuse and not abuse - represent a meaningful challenge in the practice of child abuse pediatricians. In this study, we describe a series of gray cases, representing 17% of 134 consecutive children who were hospitalized at a single pediatric hospital and referred to a child abuse pediatrician for concerns of possible abuse. Gray cases were defined by scores of 3, 4, or 5 on a 7-point clinical judgment scale of the likelihood of abuse. We evaluated details of the case presentation, including incident history, patient medical and developmental histories, family social histories, medical studies, and injuries from the medical record and sought to identify unique and shared characteristics compared with abuse and accidental cases. Overall, the gray cases had incident histories that were ambiguous, medical and social histories that were more similar to abuse cases, and injuries that were similar to accidental injuries. Thus, the lack of clarity in these cases was not attributable to any single element of the incident, history, or injury. Gray cases represent a clinical challenge in child abuse pediatrics and deserve continued attention in research.
Plasmonic paper: a porous and flexible substrate enabling nanoparticle-based combinatorial chemistry

The intrinsic properties of nanoparticles are both fundamentally interesting and offer tremendous potential for a variety of applications. However, leveraging their utility is difficult because these properties are often intimately connected to nanoparticle stability in solution. We report that cellulose filter paper is a versatile substrate to capture, stabilize, and manipulate nanoparticles. Once immobilized, we present ensemble averaged extinction spectra and propose that this plasmonic paper is a solid state equivalent to a nanoparticle solution. We also demonstrate that capillary flow within the paper creates concentration gradients of reagents for combinatorial chemical reactions on the immobilized nanoparticles. Importantly, the added stability afforded to the nanoparticles by the paper allows for exposure to chemical environments that would otherwise disrupt a nanoparticle colloid. These new capabilities could enable new architectures in nanoparticle-based sensors and biodiagnostics where many of the previous design limitations are entirely avoided.
Emerald City: An Environmental History of Seattle

Young Matthew Klingle has hit a home run in his first at bat in the academic big leagues. Emerald City is a triumph of rigorous scholarship, showing the historian's eye for detail and penchant for ...
Gene Therapy for Xerostomia

The notion of gene therapy has been discussed for ~ 50 years, but it traditionally was considered suitable for use only with inherited monogenic disorders and cancers refractory to conventional therapy. More recently, the use of gene therapy (gene transfer) for other conditions, including quality of life disorders that lack a suitable treatment, has become accepted. This chapter describes the development of a gene therapy for one such quality of life disorder, the xerostomia caused by radiation-induced salivary gland hypofunction, from its initial idea to the conduct of a first in-human clinical trial.
The relationship between shame and perceived biological origins of mental illness among South Asian and white American young adults

Mental illness (MI) affects one in four people in their lifetime and a failure to seek help for MI can have grave consequences. To decrease stigma and increase help seeking, prior campaigns have promoted the biological origins of MI. Even though some research supports the efficacy of this approach, other research does not. We propose cultural differences as a partial explanation for these inconsistent results. The current study assessed ethnic differences in the relationship between perceived causes of MI, shame associated with MI and perceived family support for help seeking. White and South Asian American (SAA) undergraduate students completed an online survey (n = 177). Results indicated that SAAs were significantly more likely than whites to perceive character deficits as the cause of MI. Further, among those who had sought help for MI, ethnic differences emerged in perceptions of MI based on perceived cause. SAAs who believed that MI had biological origins perceived more shame and less family support for seeking help compared to SAAs who believed MI was due to character deficits. The converse was true for whites - those who believed that MI had biological origins perceived less shame and more family support for help seeking compared to whites who believed MI was due to character deficits. The results of the current study illuminate the role that culture plays in perceptions of MI. Further, these results have implications for interventions targeting South Asian populations and for mental health outreach in general.
Synopsis of the theory of human communication.

(1953). Synopsis of the Theory of Human Communication. Psychiatry: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 215-243.