cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Architectural relationship of symbolic substitution and optical shadow casting

The architectural relationship between two powerful optical computing techniques namely, symbolic substitution and optical shadow-casting is discussed. A common basis for both the techniques are devel oped and their roots are traced back to fundumental principles of logic design. It has been shown that both shadow-casting and symbolic substitution based optical computing operations can be expressed as a logical sum of product expression.
Metabolic control of synthesis of the different forms of dihydrofolate reductase of the amethopterin-resistant Streptococcus faecium var. durans Ak

Abstract The metabolic regulation of the synthesis of the folate reductase and the specific dihydrofolate reductase of the amethopterin-resistant bacterium Streptococcus faecium var. durans Ak was investigated. Under growth conditions for maximum synthesis, the differential rate increased two fold during exponential growth. Synthesis of both reductases was coordinate and air-sensitive. The interrelated growth requirements of the bacterium contribute to the complexity of regulation. Folate acts as a “positive” inducer of both types of reductase. Purines and thymine or their metabolic derivatives are interdependent in exerting an action which may antagonize the folate effect. These regulator agents apparently have little selective effect on any of the electrophoretically distinct forms of dihydrofolate reductase. Proportionate synthesis of the folate reductase (the major form), of the specific dihydrofolate reductase (the minor form) and of a minor component of folate reductase occurred in the presence and absence of the exogenous regulators. Amethopterin appears to act as a protective agent of reductase-active protein synthesized during exponential growth.
Proximal sodium and fluid transport.

Renal salt transport constitutes the main driving force for transepithelial water movement and thus assumes a key role in maintaining water balance. Most nephron segments are characterized by primary transport of sodium ions, although in a restricted portion of the nephron, the ascending limb of Henle's loop, chloride transport [1–4] is primary. It is well established that the bulk of filtered salt and water is reabsorbed by the proximal tubule; on the other hand, it has been well-known for decades that the fine adjustment of salt and water balance occurs in the distal portions of the nephron, i.e., the distal convoluted tubule and the collecting ducts. Under certain conditions proximal tubular function can dictate salt and water balance in the body, for example, during strong inhibition of proximal tubular transport when the distal nephron is overloaded [5]. In addition, it appears likely today from studies on renal ephithelium as well as other epithelial structures [6] that sodium transport may play an important role in restoring filtered nonelectrolytes to the body by coupled co-transport mechanisms.
Optical fiber-based laser remote sensor for airborne measurement of wind velocity and turbulence

We discuss an optical fiber-based continuous-wave coherent laser system for measuring the wind speed in undisturbed air ahead of an aircraft. The operational principles of the instrument are described, and estimates of performance are presented. The instrument is demonstrated as a single line of sight, and data from the inaugural test flight of August 2010 is presented. The system was successfully operated under various atmospheric conditions, including cloud and clear air up to 12 km (40,300 ft).
THE MALLORY-WEISS SYNDROME: EVALUATION BY EARLY ENDOSCOPY OF ITS CLINICAL PICTURE AND ITS INCIDENCE IN UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE.

1. In a prospective study of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, 297 cases were examined endoscopically. Eight instances of gastric or esophageal tears were noted. Over the 29-month period during which the study was carried out, there were 49,760 admissions to this municipal teaching hospital. The incidence of gastroesophageal tears was 2.7% of all upper gastrointestinal bleeders and 0.016% of all admissions. 2. Early endoscopy was of great value in establishing a rapid and accurate diagnosis of the lesion. 3. In 2 instances bleeding did not result from the demonstrated tears, but was due to coexistent acute gastric erosions. 4. In 4 other cases, bleeding from the tear stopped spontaneously; one of these was operated electively for a nonbleeding duodenal ulcer. Surgical intervention for continued bleeding was necessary in 2 patients, one of whom died. 5. An initial conservative approach to therapy of the Mallory-Weiss syndrome is suggested, provided the diagnosis is ascertained by early esophagogastroscopy. Continued bleeding will obviously dictate surgical intervention.
Combined calcination, sintering and sulfation model for CaCo3‐SO2 reaction

A mathematical model developed accounts for the multiple rate processes involved in the reaction of solid CaCO 3 or Ca(OH) 2 with SO 2 at high temperatures in the combustion environment. The model, based on the grain-subgrain concept, considers the concomitantly occurring calcination, sintering and sulfation reactions and their interactive effects on pore structure and reaction kinetics. It incorporates internal diffusion, reaction, and product layer diffusion in simulating the calcination of the CaCO 3 grain and subsequent sintering and sulfation occurring on the CaO subgrains. It is the first sulfation model to incorporate the true mechanism of diffusion through the solid product phase: the solid-state ionic diffusion of Ca 2+ and O 2- ions in a coupled manner through the nonporous CaSO 4 (Hsia et al., 1993, 1995). Its predictions are compared with the random pore model (Bhatia and Perlmutter, 1981a) and the grain model (Szekely and Evans, 1971) using experimental CaO sulfation data from the literature as well as short-contact-time CaCO 3 and Ca(OH) 2 sulfation data reported previously. Mahuli et al. (1997) discussed a high reactivity modified calcium carbonate synthesized by optimizing the pore structural properties. This modified CaCO 3 can convert 70 - 75% of sulfation within 0.5 S, which is substantially higher than any other sorbents reported for similar particle size and reaction condition The model is used to predict the calcination and sulfation kinetics, as well as to simulate the surface area evolution of the modified CaCO 3 , which provides further insights into its exceptional reactivity.
Book Review, Terrorist Recognition Handbook: A Practitioner's Manual for Predicting and Identifying Terrorist Activities

Malcolm W. Nance deftly describes and analyzes modern-day terrorist activity in his 2008 Second Edition of the Terrorist Recognition Handbook. This work is a tribute to Nance's wide-ranging experience, and a showcase of substantial ability in the printed accumulation, analysis, and assemblage of unclassified information on terrorist tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), enhanced with graphics from various sources and of varying quality. While a 463-page work measuring 6 1/8" x 9 1/4" is something more than a pocket-sized "handbook," Nance's compilation comes in a format that would be attractive to the casual reader as well as homeland, national security, and law enforcement professionals.Comprised of 21 chapters in six sections, Nance's latest iteration of this handbook carries over much material from the first four sections of his previous edition - "Know the Terrorist", "Identifying the Terrorist Group and Its Cells", "Detection of Key Terrorist Activities", and "Predicting An Attack". In this latest edition though, he adds a section on "The New Fields of Terror", new supplemental data, a "bibliography" (sic) and appendices appearing as a sixth section.
Explaining attributes-sampling concepts: A hypothesis-testing framework

Abstract In most auditing texts, there is minimal explanation of the rationale supporting attributes sampling. A mechanical approach is often presented that lends little toward understanding why the steps are being performed. This paper utilizes a hypothesis-testing framework to explain the foundation underlying attributes sampling, the concepts involved, and the rationale supporting the procedures.
Invited commentary: recommendation for a north american pediatric patch test series.

Given the increased recognition of pediatric allergic contact dermatitis and lack of patch testing consensus in children, we present a minimum basic 20-allergen North American pediatric series, for screening children ages 6–12 with suspected contact allergy.
Application of time-reversal guided waves to field bridge testing for baseline-free damage diagnosis

There is ongoing research at Carnegie Mellon University to develop a "baseline-free" nondestructive evaluation technique. The uniqueness of this baseline-free diagnosis lies in that certain types of damage can be identified without direct comparison of test signals with previously stored baseline signals. By relaxing dependency on the past baseline data, false positive indications of damage, which might take place due to varying operational and environmental conditions of in-service structures, can be minimized. This baseline-free diagnosis technique is developed based on the concept of a time reversal process (TRP). According to the TRP, an input signal at an original excitation location can be reconstructed if a response signal obtained from another point is emitted back to the original point after being reversed in a time domain. Damage diagnosis lies in the premise that the time reversibility breaks down when a certain type of defect such as nonlinear damage exists along the wave propagation path. Then, the defect can be sensed by examining a reconstructed signal after the TRP. In this paper, the feasibility of the proposed NDT technique is investigated using actual test data obtained from the Buffalo Creek Bridge in Pennsylvania.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 gene expression in the presence of catecholamine norepinephrine

Various forms of host stresses (e.g. physiological, psychological) are thought to influence susceptibility to pathogenic microorganisms. Catecholamines such as norepinephrine are released into the GI environment during acute stress and may influence the infective process of bacterial pathogens associated with the GI tract. To examine the effects of norepinephrine on expression of virulence factors in Escherichia coli O157:H7, the clinical-type isolate EDL933 (ATCC 43895) was grown in serum-Standard American Petroleum Institute media in the presence or absence of norepinephrine. After 5 h of exposure to norepinephrine, treatment and control cultures (not exposed to norepinephrine) were harvested, their RNA isolated, and gene expression evaluated. There was a dramatic increase in the expression of virulence factor transcripts including stx 1, stx 2, and eae . Also induced were transcripts involved in iron metabolism. Conversely, there was comparative repression of iron acquisition and phage shock protein-related transcripts in the presence of norepinephrine. Novel observations from these data suggested that exposure to norepinephrine induced glutamate decarboxylase acid resistance as well as an SOS response in E. coli O157:H7. The results corroborate many of the previous findings detailed in the literature and provide new observations that could expand the scope of microbial endocrinology.
Accelerated ab initio molecular dynamics with response equation extrapolation

Abstract Polynomial extrapolation of response (‘z-vector’) elements is shown to reduce the cost of correlated-wavefunction, classical ab initio molecular dynamics. Demonstrations with resolution-of-the-identity Moller–Plesset perturbation theory (RI-MP2) show that the number of response equation iterations is reduced by a factor of 2–3, thereby enabling accelerated MP2 dynamics. Coupled with previously demonstrated Fock matrix extrapolation, the combined iterative SCF and z-vector calculations are reduced to a minority share of the total calculation. Though demonstrated for MP2, these methods can also be generalized to higher levels of electron correlation or excited state methods.
Intensity of Light Reflected from a Parallel Plate

An equation is derived for the intensity of light reflected from a parallel plate without assuming Stokes’ law to hold or a fixed phase change of π on external reflection. It is shown that this equation reduces to equations generally used in describing this intensity only under conditions which are probably never applicable.
Variable Speed Drives Employing Eddy Current Couplings for Component Testing

This paper will discuss the increasing need, development and finally the production units for precisely controlled variable speed drives. After outlining the basic needs for such equipment, two basic types of units and three specific needs, will be discussed in detail. The basic units that will be described are liquid cooled, constant torque, and air cooled, variable torque eddy current drive units. In the paper will be found a detailed discussion of the physical make up of each unit and the method used for obtaining precision control in any speed range.
The use of operant theory in the design of performance reporting systems

Operant theory is a branch of psychology that focuses on reinforcement and punishment. In general, reinforcement is preferred over punishment and a combination of both should be optimal. Outcome feedback can provide either reinforcement or punishment depending on the cues transmitted. Therefore, the receipt of only positive feedback should elicit better task performance than the receipt of only negative feedback. Also, a combination of the two should be the best motivator. A laboratory experiment was designed in which subjects participated in a computer simulation of a raw materials purchasing scenario. Performance was measured by costs incurred and decision speed. The group receiving a variance report when costs were outside of a specified range, both positively and negatively, made the quickest decisions without sacrificing cost performance. Receiving only negative performance reports resulted in the worst task performance. Even though the results of the experiment provide very limited support of operant theory, they do suggest that this theory may be useful in the design of better reporting systems. Also, the results indicate that the most common reporting systems may not be the most effective.
Detection of human chorionic gonadotropin in fresh and formalin-fixed testicular tumor tissue. Comparison of sensitivity of immunoperoxidase to radioimmunoassay.

Abstract Immunocytochemical techniques for the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), such as immunoperoxidase or immunofluorescence, allow detection but not quantification of this hormone. A modification of standard radioimmunoassay (RIA) techniques allows utilization of tissue slurries and yields quantitative data on tissue HCG levels. Tissue slurry RIAs and indirect immunoperoxidase were performed on fresh and formalin fixed tissue specimens from 15 patients with nonseminomatous testicular tumors. HCG detectability by RIA or immunoperoxidase was markedly decreased by formalin fixation. Tissue specimens with high levels of HC G in the fresh state yielded positive immunoperoxidase and RIA results, while specimens with minimally elevated HCG levels tended to be negative. Results of tissue slurry RIAs correlated well with immunoperoxidase results. The detection of HCG in fixed tissue appears to underestimate the amount of HCG present in fresh specimens. Therefore, a negative RIA on formalin fixed tissue slurry or negative immunoperoxidase of the formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue does not rule out the absence of HCG in fresh tissue.
Chemical Communication and "Propaganda" in Slave-Maker Ants

Slave-maker ants of the Formica sanguinea group direct their raids by means of odor trails. Artificial trails made from whole-body extracts and extracts of Dufour's glands and hindguts can be used to guide columns of workers to selected target colonies and to initiate raids. In workers of F. pergandei and F. subintegra, members of the F. sanguinea group, the Dufour's glands are hypertrophied and contain large quantities of three acetates (decyl, dodecyl, and tetradecyl), which are discharged at defending workers during the slave raids. The acetates produce very efficient, long-lasting alarm signals that attract the slave-makers but disperse the defenders; in effect, therefore, they are "propaganda substances."
High bandwidth evaluation of elementary functions

Among the requirements currently being imposed on high-performance digital computers to an increasing extent are the high-bandwidth computations of elementary functions, which are relatively time-consuming procedures when conducted in software. In this paper, we elaborate on a technique for computing piecewise quadratric approximations to many elementary functions. This method permits the effective use of large RAMs or ROMs and parallel multipliers for rapidly generating single-precision floating-point function values (e.g., 30–45 bits of fraction, with current RAM and ROM technology). The technique, based on the use of Taylor series, may be readily pipelined. Its use for calculating values for floating-point reciprocal, square root, sine, cosine, arctangent, logarithm, exponential and error functions is discussed.
Predictors of indoor allergen

Abstract Rationale Indoor allergens can significantly increase morbidity in atopic children with asthma. The purpose of this study was to relate allergen-specific home characteristics to measured allergen levels in the homes of asthmatic children. Methods As part of an ongoing environmental intervention study, pet, cockroach, and dust mite allergen levels were collected from the homes of 341 children. Trained inspectors documented characteristics of homes located in suburban Maryland (76%) and Baltimore City (23%). We used factor analyses and linear regressions to explore the relationship between evidence found during home inspection and allergen levels. Results Factor analyses identified groups of independent home characteristics associated with each allergen. The combined evidence of roaches, plumbing leaks, dirty cooking pots and city dwelling was significantly associated with cockroach allergen levels (t=8.6, p Conclusions Analysis of a large cohort study demonstrated that cockroach allergen could be predicted by infestation, plumbing leaks and greasy stoves, but not by kitchen debris. Mite allergen was predicted by infrequent cleaning and surface clutter, but was unaffected by presence of mattress or pillow encasements.
A collective computation approach to automatic target recognition

A neural network associative memory is used to guide the template-matching process in a digital simulation model of a third-generation fuse. The templates are produced by analytic models of target interaction with several simultaneous sensors and are stored by means of the Hinton-Sejnowski formula in a symmetrically cross-coupled (Hopfield) network. A description is given of some salient features of network design and simulation. The performance gain that can be achieved with this collective computation approach is limited mainly by the size of the network. >
Human TRiC complex purified from HeLa cells contains all eight CCT subunits and is active in vitro

Archaeal and eukaryotic cytosols contain group II chaperonins, which have a double-barrel structure and fold proteins inside a cavity in an ATP-dependent manner. The most complex of the chaperonins, the eukaryotic TCP-1 ring complex (TRiC), has eight different subunits, chaperone containing TCP-1 (CCT1-8), that are arranged so that there is one of each subunit per ring. Aspects of the structure and function of the bovine and yeast TRiC have been characterized, but studies of human TRiC have been limited. We have isolated and purified endogenous human TRiC from HeLa suspension cells. This purified human TRiC contained all eight CCT subunits organized into double-barrel rings, consistent with what has been found for bovine and yeast TRiC. The purified human TRiC is active as demonstrated by the luciferase refolding assay. As a more stringent test, the ability of human TRiC to suppress the aggregation of human γD-crystallin was examined. In addition to suppressing off-pathway aggregation, TRiC was able to assist the refolding of the crystallin molecules, an activity not found with the lens chaperone, α-crystallin. Additionally, we show that human TRiC from HeLa cell lysate is associated with the heat shock protein 70 and heat shock protein 90 chaperones. Purification of human endogenous TRiC from HeLa cells will enable further characterization of this key chaperonin, required for the reproduction of all human cells.
Resilience and Aging: Research and Practice By Helen Lavretsky

As higher and higher percentages of the world population age into the increased risks of the diseases and losses associated with old age, a new paradigm is beginning to emerge—perhaps just in time ...
Favored Boundaries in the Structural Unit Model of Grain Boundaries

A systematic geometrical procedure for predicting favored boundaries in the structural unit model is presented. The method is applicable to both symmetric and asymmetric tilt boundaries. The predictions are confirmed by modeling the structures of tilt boundaries belonging to low symmetry ([112] and [221]) axes in f.c.c. and b.c.c. structures. The results confirm the applicability of the structural unit model for relatively high-index tilt axes.
Anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at radical prostatectomy preserves functional urethral length--a comparative urodynamic study.

Objectives To characterize the continence mechanism of anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at the time of radical prostatectomy using urodynamic evaluation. Patients and methods Prospective pre- and postoperative urodynamic profiles were performed in patients receiving conventional posterior ‘racket handle’ closures (control group — eight patients) and those receiving anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction at radical prostatectomy (study group — nine patients). Bladder neck tube reconstruction was performed by constructing 2 cm anterior bladder neck tubes over 22 F catheters. Results A significantly longer post-operative functional urethral length was demonstrated using urodynamic assessment in patients receiving an anterior bladder neck tube closure (4.6 vs 3.4 cm; P<0.01). Conclusion The anterior bladder neck tube reconstruction may promote urinary continence in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy by preservation of functional urethral length.
Polarized spectral emittance from periodic micromachined surfaces: V. Undoped silicon: angular measurement in shallow lamellar gratings

Experimental results of thermal emittance from lamellar gratings in intrinsic silicon are presented along with a theoretical discussion. For azimuthal angular directions in shallow gratings, enhanced thermal emission plateaus and maxima are observed. In the case of p-polarized emission in the Φ = 90° azimuth (parallel to the grating vector), the plateau arises when two diffractive orders can be supported; it lies between the Rayleigh polar angles corresponding to the forbidden zone. The experimentally observed angular dependence of the s-polarized emission for the Φ = 90° azimuth has been compared with a coupled-wave calculation, and a respectable agreement has been obtained. For the experimentally observed s-polarized emission in the Φ = 0° azimuth (perpendicular to the grating vector), there is an onset of enhanced emission at the polar angles that follows a simple empirical relation unrelated to any known diffraction law. By contrast, the p-polarized emission in the Φ = 0° azimuth shows relatively little structure. These data illustrate the value of thermal emission for surveying multivariate absorption processes involving microstructures.
Vancomycin versus Linezolid in the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Nosocomial Pneumonia: Implications of the ZEPHyR Trial

In 2003, a retrospective trial comparing linezolid versus vancomycin in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) showed improved survival in the linezolid group. This led to the ZEPHyR (Linezolid in the Treatment of Subjects with Nosocomial Pneumonia Proven to Be Due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) trial comparing linezolid versus vancomycin for MRSA pneumonia, which showed a benefit for linezolid with respect to clinical response but without a survival advantage. Limitations of the study included unbalanced treatment groups at baseline and number of patients excluded to reach the per-protocol group. Results of the ZEPHyR trial do not support routine use of linezolid for the treatment of MRSA pneumonia.
Generalized optimal Kernel-Based Ensemble Learning for hyperspectral classification problems

In this paper, a Generalized Kernel-based Ensemble Learning (GKEL) algorithm for hyperspectral classification problems is presented. The proposed algorithm generalizes the Sparse Kernel-based Ensemble Learning (SKEL) technique, developed previously by the authors. SKEL optimally and sparsely weights and aggregates an ensemble of individual SVM classifiers which independently conduct learning within their corresponding randomly selected spectral feature sub-space using a Gaussian kernel. This ensemble decision is fully optimal, if the dimensionality of the randomly selected feature subspaces and the initial number of the sub-classifiers are determined optimally and is sub-optimal, otherwise. This suboptimality issue is addressed by taking a bottom-up approach. Individual sub-classifiers are added one-by-one optimally to the ensemble until the ensemble converges. The feature subspace of each individual classifier is optimally selected. The ensemble is modeled as a Quadratically-Constrained Linear Programming (QCLP) problem and optimized by combining Multiple Kernel Learning (MKL) with a greedy, non-linear integer programming method for non-monotonic sparse feature sub-space selection. Hyperspectral image data as well as multivariate data are used to verify the performance improvement of the proposed GKEL algorithm over SKEL in detecting difficult targets.
Approaching Error-Free Customer Satisfaction Through Process Change and Feedback Systems

Employee-based errors result in quality defects that can often impact customer satisfaction. This study examined the effects of a process change and feedback system intervention on error rates of 3 teams of retail furniture distribution warehouse workers. Archival records of error codes were analyzed and aggregated as the measure of quality. The intervention consisted of a process change where teams of 5 employees who had previously been assigned a specific role within the process were cross-trained to know and help with other team members' functions. Additionally, these teams were given performance feedback on an immediate, daily, and weekly basis. Team A reduced mean errors from 7.47 errors per week during baseline to 3.53 errors per week during the intervention phase. Team B experienced a reduction in mean number of weekly errors from a baseline of 11.39 errors per week to 3.82 errors per week during the intervention phase. Team C did not experience significant error rate reduction.
Characterization of silent afferents in the pelvic and splanchnic innervations of the mouse colorectum

Hypersensitivity in inflammatory/irritable bowel syndrome is contributed to in part by changes in the receptive properties of colorectal afferent endings, likely including mechanically insensitive afferents (MIAs; silent afferents) that have the ability to acquire mechanosensitivity. The proportion and attributes of colorectal MIAs, however, have not previously been characterized. The distal ∼3 cm of colorectum with either pelvic (PN) or lumbar splanchnic (LSN) nerve attached was removed, opened longitudinally, pinned flat in a recording chamber, and perfused with oxygenated Krebs solution. Colorectal receptive endings were located by electrical stimulation and characterized as mechanosensitive or not by blunt probing, mucosal stroking, and circumferential stretch. MIA endings were tested for response to and acquisition of mechanosensitivity by localized exposure to an inflammatory soup (IS). Colorectal afferents were also tested with twin-pulse and repetitive electrical stimulation paradigms. PN MIAs represented 23% of 211 afferents studied, 71% (30/42) of which acquired mechanosensitivity after application of IS to their receptive ending. LSN MIAs represented 33% of 156 afferents studied, only 23% (11/48) of which acquired mechanosensitivity after IS exposure. Mechanosensitive PN endings uniformly exhibited significant twin-pulse slowing whereas LSN endings showed no significant twin-pulse difference. PN MIAs displayed significantly greater activity-dependent slowing than LSN MIAs. In conclusion, significant proportions of MIAs are present in the colorectal innervation; significantly more in the PN than LSN acquire mechanosensitivity in an inflammatory environment. This knowledge contributes to our understanding of the possible roles of MIAs in colon-related disorders like inflammatory/irritable bowel syndrome.
Initial density profile measurements using a Laser-Induced Fluorescence diagnostic in the Paul Trap Simulator Experiment

Installation of a laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) diagnostic system has been completed and initial measurements of the beam density profile have been performed on the Paul trap simulator experiment (PTSX). The PTSX device is a linear Paul trap that simulates the collective processes and nonlinear transverse dynamics of an intense charged particle beam propagating through a periodic focusing quadrupole magnetic configuration. Although there are several visible transition lines for the laser excitation of barium ions, the transition from the metastable state has been considered first, mainly because a stable, operating, broadband, and high-power laser system is available for experiments in this region of the red spectrum. The LIF system is composed of a dye laser, fiber optic cables, a line generator, which uses a Powell lens, collection optics, and a CCD camera system. Single-pass mode operation of the PTSX device is employed for the initial tests of the LIF system to make optimum use of the metastable ions. By minimizing the background light level, it is expected that adequate signal-to-noise ratio can be obtained to re-construct the radial density profile of the beam ions.
On minimizing the maximum eigenvalue of a symmetric matrix

An important optimization problem that arises in control is to minimize $\varphi ( x )$, the largest eigenvalue (in magnitude) of a symmetric matrix function of x. If the matrix function is affine,...
A PECVD CNT-based open architecture field ionizer for portable mass spectrometry

This paper reports a novel carbon nanotube (CNT)- based field ionizer that is part of a portable micro gas analyzer. The device uses a micro-fabricated 3D foam-like silicon structure (mufoam) to increase the neutral particle flux, resulting in higher ion current. The mufoam is fabricated using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). The ionizer uses plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) CNTs as field enhancers. The PECVD CNT growth interacts with the mufoam to produce a sparse array of isolated CNT clusters on top of the mufoam. Electrical tests of the device both as an electron field emitter and field ionizer are reported and discussed.
Molecular-Dynamics Simulations of Collisions of Buckminsterfullerene with Diamond Surfaces

We have performed molecular dynamics simulations using a recently developed empirical many-body potential energy function to study the collision of the C60 isomer buckmin-sterfullerene with a hydrogen-terminated diamond surface. The simulations indicate that the cluster can react with the surface and has a larger probability of gaining atoms from the surface than of losing atoms to the surface. We have investigated the dependence of the reaction probability on the initial center-of-mass translational velocity of the cluster. The structures and energy distributions of the product clusters have been determined. Both inelastically and reactively scattered clusters have large amounts of internal energy which suggests that gas-phase dissociation is likely.
Regional Brain Activity Associated with Visual Backward Masking

In visual backward masking, the visibility of a briefly presented visual target is disrupted by a mask that is presented shortly thereafter. The goal of the current study was to identify regions in the human cortex that may provide the neural basis of visual masking. We searched for areas whose activity correlated with perception as we systematically varied the strength of masking. A total of 13 subjects performed a backward masking task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Target and mask were presented at three delay intervals (34, 68, and 102 msec) and behavioral measures confirmed that the targets were more visible at longer masking intervals. Two sets of regions of interest were identified: Distinct regions in the visual cortex (V1/ V2, LO, hMTp) were segregated using scans to localize visual processing drawn from the existing literature. Additional cortical regions were selected in a data-driven approach based on their activity during the backward masking task. For each set, we determined the regions whose magnitude of activation increased at longer masking intervals. Nine of the subjects provided valid behavioral performance data on the visual masking task and imaging data from these subjects were used for subsequent analysis. The scans of visual processing areas identified four regions, including: early visual areas (V1 and V2), the motion-sensitive regions in the lateral occipital (LO) lobe (hMTp), and two components (dorsal and ventral) of the object-sensitive region, LO. Of these, the ventral and dorsal LO regions were sensitive to the strength of the mask. For the data-driven approach, six regions were identified on the basis of a difference map in which all masking intervals were contrasted with rest. These included the inferior parietal, anterior cingulate, precentral, insula, thalamic, and occipital areas. The predicted effects of more activity with weaker masking were seen in the thalamus, inferior parietal, and anterior cingulate. This study isolated three types of visual processing areas. The first included regions that subserve key stages of vision (including object and motion processing). The second type responded to the presentation of brief ly presented visual stimuli, regardless of masking interval. The third type (selected from the first two) included regions sensitive to the interval between the target and mask. These latter regions (including ventral LO, inferior parietal, anterior cingulate, and thalamus) may form the neural substrate of backward masking.
Pericyte-specific expression of PDGF beta receptor in mouse models with normal and deficient PDGF beta receptor signaling

Background: Pericytes are integral members of the neurovascular unit. Using mouse models lacking endothelialsecreted platelet derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) or platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRb )o n pericytes, it has been demonstrated that PDGF-B/PDGFRb interactions mediate pericyte recruitment to the vessel wall in the embryonic brain regulating the development of the cerebral microcirculation and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Relatively little is known, however, about the roles of PDGF-B/PDGFRb interactions and pericytes in the adult brain in part due to a lack of adequate and/or properly characterized experimental models. To address whether genetic disruption of PDGFRb signaling would result in a pericyte-specific insult in adult mice, we studied the pattern and cellular distribution of PDGFRb expression in the brain in adult control mice and F7 mice that express two hypomorphic Pdgfrb alleles containing seven point mutations in the cytoplasmic domain of PDGFRb that impair downstream PDGFRb receptor signaling. Results: Using dual fluorescent in situ hybridization, immunofluorescent staining for different cell types in the neurovascular unit, and a fluorescent in situ proximity ligation assay to visualize molecular PDGF-B/PDGFRb interactions on brain tissue sections, we show for the first time that PDGFRb is exclusively expressed in pericytes, and not in neurons, astrocytes or endothelial cells, in the adult brain of control 129S1/SvlmJ mice. PDGFRb colocalized only with well-established pericyte markers such as Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan NG2 and the xLacZ4 transgenic reporter. We next confirm pericyte-specific PDGFRb expression in the brains of F7 mutants and show that these mice are viable in spite of substantial 40-60% reductions in regional pericyte coverage of brain capillaries. Conclusions: Our data show that PDGFRb is exclusively expressed in pericytes in the adult 129S1/Sv1mJ and F7 mouse brain. Moreover, our findings suggest that genetic disruption of PDGFRb signaling results in a pericytespecific insult in adult F7 mutants and will not exert a primary effect on neurons because PDGFRb is not expressed in neurons of the adult 129S1/SvlmJ and F7 mouse brain. Therefore, mouse models with normal and deficient PDGFRb signaling on a 129S1/SvlmJ background may effectively be used to deduce the specific roles of pericytes in maintaining the cerebral microcirculation and BBB integrity in the adult and aging brain as well as during neurodegenerative and brain vascular disorders.
Erratum to Kinematic Inversion of the 2004 M 6.0 Parkfield Earthquake Including an Approximation to Site Effects

It has been brought to our attention by users of the kinematic finite-fault models published for the 2004 Parkfield earthquake in Liu et al. (2006) that the values in Table 2 (p. S149) are not correct. In fact, we erroneously published preliminary values …
The Anabolic 500 Survey: Characteristics of Male Users versus Nonusers of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids for Strength Training

Study Objective. To contrast the characteristics of two groups of men who participated in strength-training exercise—those who reported anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use versus those who reported no AAS use. Design. Analysis of data from the Anabolic 500, a cross-sectional survey. Participants. Five hundred six male self-reported AAS users (mean age 29.3 yrs) and 771 male self-reported nonusers of AAS (mean age 25.2 yrs) who completed an online survey between February 19 and June 30, 2009. Measurements and Main Results. Respondents were recruited from Internet discussion boards of 38 fitness, bodybuilding, weightlifting, and steroid Web sites. The respondents provided online informed consent and completed the Anabolic 500, a 99-item Web-based survey. Data were collected on demographics, use of AAS and other performance-enhancing agents, alcohol and illicit drug use, substance dependence disorder, other Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision diagnoses, and history of sexual and/or physical abuse. Most (70.4%) of the AAS users were recreational exercisers who reported using an average of 11.1 performance-enhancing agents in their routine. Compared with nonusers, the AAS users were more likely to meet criteria for substance dependence disorder (23.4% vs 11.2%, p<0.001), report a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (10.1% vs 6.1%, p=0.010), use cocaine within the past 12 months (11.3% vs 4.7%, p<0.001), and report a history of sexual abuse (6.1% vs 2.7%, p=0.005). Conclusion. Most of the AAS users in this study were recreational exercisers who practiced polypharmacy. The AAS users were more likely than nonusers to meet criteria for substance dependence disorder, report a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, report recent cocaine use, and have a history of sexual abuse. The information uncovered in this study may help clinicians and researchers develop appropriate intervention strategies for AAS abuse.
Does a Positive Axillary Lymph Node Needle Biopsy Result Predict the Need for an Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Clinically Node-Negative Breast Cancer Patients in the ACOSOG Z0011 Era?

American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z0011 defined clinical node negativity by physical examination alone. Although axillary ultrasound with biopsy has a positive predictive value for lymph node (LN) metastases approaching 100 %, it may not appropriately identify clinically node-negative women with ≥3 positive LNs who require axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). We sought to identify the total number of positive LNs in women presenting with cT1–2N0 breast carcinoma with a positive preoperative LN biopsy to evaluate the potential for overtreatment when ALND is performed on the basis of a positive needle biopsy in patients who otherwise meet ACOSOG Z0011 eligibility criteria. Patients with cT1–2N0 breast cancer by physical examination with a positive preoperative LN biopsy were identified from a prospective institutional database. Clinicopathologic characteristics and axillary imaging results were compared between women with 1 to 2 total positive LNs and ≥3 total positive LNs. Between May 2006 and December 2013, a total of 141 women with cT1–2N0 breast cancer had abnormal axillary imaging and a preoperative positive LN biopsy (median patient age 51 years, median tumor size 2.4 cm, 86 % ductal histology, 79 % estrogen receptor positive). Sixty-six women (47 %) had 1 to 2 total positive LNs, and 75 (53 %) had ≥3 total positive LNs. Women with ≥3 total positive LNs had larger tumors (2.4 vs. 2.2 cm, p = 0.03), fewer tumors with ductal histology (79 vs. 94 %, p = 0.01), more lymphovascular invasion (80 vs. 61 %, p = 0.01), and higher median body mass index (29.2 vs. 27.1 kg/m2, p = 0.04). Having >1 abnormal LN on axillary imaging was significantly associated with having ≥3 total positive LNs at final pathology (68 vs. 43 %, p = 0.003). Axillary imaging with preoperative LN biopsy does not accurately discriminate low- versus high-volume nodal disease in clinically node-negative patients.
China's Emerging Financial Markets

This case documents the many unusual features and puzzles of Chinese financial markets (e.g., foreigners' receiving large discounts in buying Chinese shares relative to Chinese investors). The case illustrates how government policies can have a profound impact on the development of financial markets. Students analyze how policies work and why policies are imposed in China and generally not elsewhere. It also illustrates the perils and added risks from government regulation in financial markets.
Souls in Extremis: Enacting Processes of Recovery from Homelessness Among Older African American Women

In a midwestern city of the USA, the authors implemented the Leaving Homelessness Intervention Research Project-and its eight subprojects-to further understand homelessness as experienced by older minority women, develop intervention strategies to facilitate the movement of the participants out of homelessness, and illuminate the women's recovery process. After reviewing the social issue of homelessness among older African American women in the USA, and offering a framework on recovery and qualitative themes of recovery among participants involved in the Telling My Story subproject, the authors present a four-factor model of recovery-focused practice. The model reflects two recovery paradigms: one that is responsive to the negative consequences people experience as a result of their exposure to extreme situations, such as homelessness, and a proactive one in which assistance is designed to help people in recovery advance their own self-development and move forward their process of individuation.
The practice-based research network as a model for end-of-life care research: challenges and opportunities.

vening to improve the illness experience as well as the organization, delivery, and financing of care for these individuals. The purpose of this article is to familiarize the reader with the successful model of primary care PBRNs and to extend this model to end-of-life/palliative care research. Using examples from the Population-based Palliative Care Research Network (PoPCRN), this paper defines PBRNs, describes issues related to governance and organizational structure and the necessary elements for successful PBRN-based research, and discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by PBRNs for end-oflife and palliative care research.
Shadow/Puppet Synthesis: A Stepwise Method for the Design of Self-Stabilization

This paper presents a novel two-step method for automated design of self-stabilization. The first step enables the specification of legitimate states and an intuitive (but imprecise) specification of the desired functional behaviors in the set of legitimate states (hence the term “shadow”). After creating the shadow specifications, we systematically introduce the main variables and the topology of the desired self-stabilizing system. Subsequently, we devise a parallel and complete backtracking search towards finding a self-stabilizing solution that implements a precise version of the shadow behaviors, and guarantees recovery to legitimate states from any state. To the best of our knowledge, the shadow/puppet synthesis is the first sound and complete method that exploits parallelism and randomization along with the expansion of the state space towards generating self-stabilizing systems that cannot be synthesized with existing methods. We have validated the proposed method by creating both a sequential and a parallel implementation in the context of a software tool, called Protocon. Moreover, we have used Protocon to automatically design three new self-stabilizing protocols that we conjecture to require the minimal number of states per process to achieve stabilization (when processes are deterministic): 2-state maximal matching on bidirectional rings, 5-state token passing on unidirectional rings, and 3-state token passing on bidirectional chains.
סיפור בשורת הולדת יצחק: ניתוח סטרוקטורליסטי

חקר המיתוס על פי שיטתו הסטרוקטורליסטית של האנתרופולוג קלוד לוי־סטרוס, באמצעות ניתוח מבני של חילופי גרסאות, משמש במאמר זה כלי לניתוח הגרסאות . גלית 16–1, ובבראשית יח 22–1המקראיות לסיפור בשורת הולדת יצחק – בבראשית יז חזן־רוקם מראה, בעקבות לוי־סטרוס, שביטוייה של החשיבה המיתית מצטיינים בהבלטת ניגודים חריפים בין המושגים היסודיים של החיים והתרבות, כגון חיים ומוות, תרבות וטבע ונשיות וגבריות, ומגדירה את המונח 'מיתוס' בתור מודוס מחשבה או חוויה התורם ליצירת זהותה התרבותית והאינטלקטואלית של קבוצה. החידוש שחידשה התיאוריה הסטרוקטורליסטית, בהציעה את התבנית בתור מפתח להבנת משמעות המיתוס, מרכזי בניתוח שלהלן. שיטת מחקר זו מאפשרת התחקות אחר התהוותה של יצירה תרבותית קדומה, שנוצרה על ידי חברה בשלבים ראשוניים של התהוותה. ניסוח המאפיינים המיתולוגיים של סיפור בשורת הולדת יצחק מציע מבט חדש גם בתופעת כפל הסיפורים במקרא. הסיפור, על גרסאותיו, מבטא מתח בין פנים לחוץ, בין מרחב נשי למרחב גברי ובין הפיזי למטאפיזי. בתהליך יצירת המיתוס, חומרים מהוויית החיים משמשים כלי להעברת משמעות. כך נוצרת מערכת חשיבה מורכבת העומדת בבסיס יצירת זהותו התרבותית והאינטלקטואלית של העם.
A pilot study on particle emission from printer paper shredders

ABSTRACTThis project investigated airborne particle releases derived from paper shredding. The characteristics of these emissions have not been studied previously. The objective of this project was to characterize released particles in terms of particle size distribution, particle mass and number concentration, particle morphology and chemical composition, as well as the structure of paper fibers. A significant amount of paper particles were found in the close vicinity of an unenclosed paper shredder during shredding and the manual manipulation of shredded paper. The particle release from shredding using two types of printer paper, two types of shredders, and various shredding frequencies was measured inside the shredder basket. The particles released from paper shredding were found to be in the nanometer to micrometer size ranges, and the particles contained calcium and other metal elements. Manual stirring of shredded paper released the highest particle concentration as measured at the opening of the co...