cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light scattering properties of natural and artificially demineralized dental enamel at 1310 nm

A fundamental understanding of how near-IR light propagates through sound and carious dental hard tissues is essential for the development of clinically useful optical diagnostic systems, since image contrast is based on changes in the optical properties of these tissues on demineralization. During the caries (decay) process, micropores are formed in the lesion due to partial dissolution of the individual mineral crystals. Such small pores behave as scattering centers, strongly scattering visible and near-IR light. The optical properties of enamel can be quantitatively described by the absorption and scattering coefficients, and the scattering phase function. Our aim is to measure the optical scattering behavior of natural and artificial enamel caries. Near-IR attenuation measurements and angular-resolved goniometer measurements coupled with Monte Carlo simulations are used to determine changes in the scattering coefficient and the scattering anisotropy on demineralization at 1310 nm. An ultra-high resolution digital microradiography system is used to quantify the lesion severity by measurement of the relative mineral loss for comparison with optical scattering measurements. The scattering coefficient increases exponentially with increasing mineral loss. Natural and artificial demineralization increases the scattering coefficient more than two orders of magnitude at 1310 nm, and the scattering is highly forward directed.
Concentrations and Profiles of Polychlorinated Naphthalene Congeners in Eighteen Technical Polychlorinated Biphenyl Preparations

Concentrations and profiles of tri- through octa-chloro-substituted polychlorinated naphthalene (PCN) congeners were determined in eighteen technical polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixtures including Aroclors, Kanechlors, Clophens, Phenoclors, Sovol, and Chlorofen. PCNs were found in all the PCB mixtures at concentrations ranging from 5.2 to 730 μg/g. Concentrations of PCNs in Aroclor and Kanechlor mixtures were greater than those of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) present as impurities in these technical PCB preparations. Composition of PCN homologues varied among PCB mixtures. In general, highly chlorinated PCB mixtures contained greater percentages of more-chlorinated naphthalene congeners. Concentrations of PCNs varied by 3-fold among three different lots of Aroclor 1254. On the basis of measured concentrations of PCNs in PCB mixtures and global production estimates of PCBs, PCNs emitted from the use of PCBs was estimated to be 169 tons, which is less than 1% of the production of technical PCN m...
Sex Determination of Day-Old Chicks II. Type Variations

Abstract BASIC types of male and female eminences based primarily on shape were illustrated by Canfield (1940). The method of everting the eminence was illustrated and described in some detail. The section studied was clearly oriented by a drawing giving the nomenclature of the everted vent. Sex determining differences of each type were explained fully. The present paper describes some type variations which will help to make sexing more accurate and complete. Figure 1 (magnification approximately 9 ×) shows the complete set relettered with the new drawings interspersed. MALE TYPES Illustrations “a,” “b,” “c,” “e,” and “g” were previously described in illustrations “a,” “b,” “c,” “d,” and “e” respectively. Illustrations “d” and “d′” show the same type eminence under different pressures. The former with its more or less heart shaped protuberance includes the round bodies very indistinctly defined. In this state of rather intense pressure, sex determining features are very indistinct. . . .
Sigma-bond metathesis reactions of zirconocene alkyl cations with phenylsilane

The zirconocene methyl cations [(C5R5)2ZrMe(ClC6D5)][B(C6F5)4] (C5R5 = C5H5 (1a), C5H4Me (1b)) react with PhSiH3 in the dark to yield [{(C5R5)2Zr(μ-H)}2][B(C6F5)4]2 (5a,b) and a mixture of PhxMeyHzSi products. The reaction proceeds by initial Zr−C/Si−H σ-bond metathesis via a four-center transition state in which Si is β to Zr. In the presence of light, significant amounts of [{(C5R5)2Zr(μ-Cl)}2][B(C6F5)4]2 (4a,b) are formed by photochemical reaction of (C5R5)2ZrH+ species with the chlorobenzene solvent. The azazirconacycle [rac-(EBI)Zr{η2(C,N)-CH2CHMe(6-phenyl-2-pyridyl)}][B(C6F5)4] (2, EBI = 1,2-ethylene-bis-indenyl) does not react with PhSiH3 at 23 °C. However at 85 °C, 2 deinserts propene to afford the η2-pyridyl complex [rac-(EBI)Zr{η2(C,N)-(6-phenyl-2-pyridyl)}][B(C6F5)4] (6), which is catalytically isomerized to [rac-(EBI)Zr{η2(C,N)-2-(2-pyridyl)phenyl}][B(C6F5)4] (7) by PhSiH3. The key step in this process is Zr−C/Si−H σ-bond metathesis of 6 with PhSiH3 via a transition state in which Si is α to Z...
Adherence and Efficacy of Screening for Low Bone Mineral Density Among Ulcerative Colitis Patients Treated With Corticosteroids

Adherence and Efficacy of Screening for Low Bone Mineral Density Among Ulcerative Colitis Patients Treated With Corticosteroids
The rhetoric of atonement

In this essay, we outline the defining characteristics of the rhetoric of atonement and argue that it as an identifiable sub‐genre of apologia. In building this argument, we examine the purposive and situational constraints that lead to atonement and argue that atonement rhetoric can be defined based on five characteristics. We use an analysis of several instances in which President Clinton relied upon atonement to illustrate the power and function of the sub‐genre.
A property of the observations fit by the extreme regression quantiles

Abstract The extreme regression quantile estimates have recently been proposed as a computationally fast method for detecting discrepant points and constructing high breakdown estimates for the linear model. Further support for this proposal comes from the following property. The convex hull of the observations which exactly fit an extreme regression quantile estimate must contain the mean values of the design variables. Hence, the observations identified by an extreme regression quantile cannot all be clustered on one side of the overall mean values of the design variables.
Remote Sensing of 3-D Conducting Objects in a Layered Medium Using Electromagnetic Surface Waves

Antennas that are located on or near the boundary between two electrically different media, such as air and earth, or seawater and rock, are used as prospective tools for remote sensing and geophysical exploration. As an example, this letter examines the electromagnetic (EM) response of a metallic object that is submerged in a conducting layer of seawater that is situated between an infinite half-space of air and a seabed of lower electrical conductivity. When the source and the object are at some distance away in the water, the primary EM propagation mode is on the interfaces because the surface waves are less attenuated than those following the direct or reflected propagation paths. The simulation tool that predicts the performances of the EM detection system uses the method-of-moments integral equation technique. The method is validated and applied to calculate the scattered fields from a submerged perfectly conducting cylinder. The numerical results are then compared with experimental data that are obtained by towing a steel cylinder through an impressed field that is produced by a horizontal electric source.
Seizure from hyponatremia in infants. Early recognition and treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether history, vital signs, and physical examination may be used as predictors of hyponatremia in first-time seizure in infancy; to examine the efficacy and safety of 3% saline bolus administered to control seizures; and to determine whether early intervention reduces apnea-related complications. DESIGN: Retrospective case series comparing clinical characteristics and initial laboratory data of infants with hyponatremic seizures and seizures of other categories. Treatment strategies and outcomes are examined in hyponatremic infants to determine the efficacy and safety of 3% saline administration. SETTING: Tertiary care community medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-six consecutive infants under 1 year of age with first-time seizure. RESULTS: Fifteen infants (27%) had hyponatremic seizure. They were younger and had lower body temperatures, higher serum glucose concentrations, and lower serum bicarbonate concentrations than infants with nonhyponatremic seizure (P < .05). All infants with hyponatremic seizure were formula fed; 13 (87%) had excessive solute-poor fluid. Hyponatremic seizures were more difficult to control and required more frequent intubation. Three of seven hyponatremic infants treated early with 3% saline required intubation. Six of eight infants who received delayed 3% saline solution or none required intubation. No adverse effects resulted from administration of hypertonic saline. CONCLUSION: Parameters for recognizing hyponatremic seizure include age less than 6 months; formula with solute-poor fluid; absence of significant medical history or recent febrile illness, hypothermia, hyperglycemia, status epilepticus, and absence of evidence of trauma. Bolus 3% saline was safe and effective in controlling hyponatremic seizure; early use reduced morbidity from anticonvulsant therapy.
Acute Hypoxia–Reperfusion Triggers Immunocompromise in Nile Tilapia

Abstract Inadequate dissolved oxygen in the aquatic environment is a well-established cause of fish morbidity and mortality. The specific effects of hypoxia on immune function in fish, however, are not well characterized. In this study, the effects of acute hypoxia followed by reoxygenation (rapid tissue reperfusion) as a source of immunocompromise in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were investigated. Using a precision apparatus developed in our laboratory for hypoxia exposures, a series of assays of increasing specificity for immune function were performed on acutely hypoxia-stressed Nile tilapia: tier I consisted of histopathology, tier II of hematology, plasma chemistry, and determining cortisol concentration, and tier III of determining the phagocytic index and analyzing the expression of the cytokines transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Nile tilapia were exposed to 7% oxygen saturation for 96 h, then tank water was rapidly reoxygenated. Sampling intervals were 48 and 9...
Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Low-Carbon I-Beam Steels in a Simulated Yucca Mountain Repository Environment

Abstract The electrochemical corrosion behavior of low-carbon steel (CS) was examined in a simulated Yucca Mountain (YM) groundwater by varying the electrolyte concentration and temperature under a...
Group contribution equation of state based on a concentric shell intermolecular potential model

Abstract A statistical mechanical model for site-site interactions distributed on concentric spherical shells is developed and initial calculations for pure fluids are made via a generalized mean-field framework. Tests are made to estimate accuracy, check consistency and evaluate parameter sensitivity and transferability. The general success of the results for model and real fluids suggests that the concept may be a fruitful alternative to present group contribution equations of state since it can include differences in molecular structure and non-conformal site-site interactions.
Tunnel measurement of density of states of ultrathin arsenic-doped layers in silicon.

The properties of 5.5 nm thick As doped layers in molecular beam epitaxy grown silicon were measured using a tunneling structure. The measurements reveal a large conductance minimum at zero bias at low temperature. The data agrees well with theory predicting a depression of the density of states at the Fermi level due to electron-electron interactions in a disordered system.
Design and experimental results for a high-altitude, long-endurance airfoil

Currently, there is interest in the development of high-altitude, long-endurance vehicles for a number of missions including communications relaying, weather monitoring, and provision of targeting information for cruise missiles. The preliminary design of such aircraft is complicated, however, by the lack of suitable airfoils. This is due to the fact that such vehicles, unlike those for which the majority of airfoils have been developed in the past, operate at fairly high lift coefficients and at relatively low Reynolds numbers. Thus, to provide realistic airfoil performance information for preliminary design efforts, an airfoil has been designed for an aircraft with missions similar to those noted. The airfoil is unflapped and has a thickness of 15% chord. The design Reynolds number range is 7 x 10 to 2 x 10. Low drag is predicted for lift coefficients ranging from 0.4, which corresponds to a high-speed dash, to 1.5, the maximum endurance condition. Further, the airfoil is designed specifically such that the maximum lift coefficient is unaffected by surface contamination. Consequently, takeoff and landing in rain or with insect residue on the wings should present no special difficulties. The airfoil has been tested in the NASA Langley Low-Turbulence Pressure Tunnel and, with the exception of the maximum lift coefficient prediction, the results generally confirm the theoretical predictions.
New organic nanoporous polymers and their inclusion complexes

By cross-linking cyclodextrin molecules with bifunctional linkers, we have synthesized a new class of nanoporous polymers with a narrow pore size distribution (ca. 1 nm). These polymers behave like nanosponges that spontaneously absorb common organic molecules from aqueous solutions. The significance is that such materials may be useful for ultrapure water applications which are critical for semiconductor manufacturing.
Linkage of gene for C2 deficiency and the major histocompatibility complex MHC in man. Family study of a further case.

. Close linkage between HL-A and C2 deficiency was first reported by Fu and co-workers in 1974. We present here a pedigree of a 31-year-old C2-deficient individual with clinical manifestations of Hodgkins disease. The following markers were tested: C2 levels, factor B polymorphism, blood groups, and enzyme typing. In addition to close linkage between HL-A and C2 deficiency, both parents were heterozygous for Bf (HL-A linked, electrophoretic variation of B). The two HL-A haplotypes closely linked to C2 deficiency are different: 2,W18 and W24,W18. They share, however, the SD2 antigen W18 and the LD type 7a.
X-ray-photoelectron spectroscopic studies of the electronic structure of CoO

The x-ray-photoelectron valence-band and inner-shell spectra of CoO are presented and interpreted using the molecular-orbital theory for the Co${\mathrm{O}}_{6}^{10\ensuremath{-}}$ cluster and the sudden approximation (monopole selection rules). The spectra are shown to exhibit the effects of monopole charge-transfer shake-up ($\mathrm{O}2p{e}_{g}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{Co}3d{e}_{g}$), multiplet splitting, and crystal-field splitting. The structure of Co $3d$ levels in CoO ($3{d}^{7}$) is broader than that of Ni $3d$ levels in NiO ($3{d}^{8}$), in agreement with the energy levels of the final hole state estimated from the Tanabe and Sugano diagrams for the ${d}^{6}$ and ${d}^{7}$ configurations. Shake-up satellite structures lying 5 to 10 eV below the main peaks in the Co inner-shell and valence-band levels suggest that the CoO optical-reflectance structure at 5.5 and 7.5 eV is associated with $\mathrm{O}2p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{Co}3d$ transitions.
Internal energy transport in adiabatic systems: Thermal taylor dispersion phenomena

Abstract This paper outlines a general theory of thermal convective-conductive Taylor dispersion phenomena applicable to all adiabatic systems, both continuous and spatially periodic. General expressions are obtained for the macroscale thermal propagation velocity vector U ∗ and effective thermal dispersivity dyadic α ∗ in terms of the prescribed thermophysical microscale data. By way of example, we address the problem of heat conduction in a composite medium. As a specific illustration, we show that although a composite medium may be composed of two separately homogeneous materials possessing identical (isotropic) thermal diffusivities α, the effective thermal dispersivity α ∗ of the composite medium may nevertheless differ by many orders of magnitude from the constant diffusivity α characterizing the individual phases; moreover, in contrast to the scalar, isotropic nature of the microscale diffusivity α, the effective macroscale dispersivity α ∗ will generally be anisotropic, depending upon which (if either) of the two homogeneous phases is continuous and which discontinuous! Detailed calculations are also presented for the effective thermal dispersivity dyadic for Darcy flow through the interstices of a two-dimensional packed bed composed of insulated circular cylinders in various spatial configurations. Results are given for the effective thermal dispersivities in terms of the Peclet number and bed porosities. While most of the numerical data were obtained for the Stokes flow case, Re = 0 (Re = Reynolds number), a few isolated calculations were also performed at Reynolds numbers up to about 100.
Possible new evidence for the origin of metazoans prior to 1 Ga: Sediment-filled tubes from the Mesoproterozoic Allamoore Formation, Trans-Pecos Texas

Possible new evidence for the origin of metazoans prior to 1 Ga comes from sediment-filled tubes preserved on a bedding-plane parting in a chert in the Allamoore Formation (Mesoproterozoic) in a talc quarry in the Millican Hills, near Van Horn, Trans-Pecos Texas. Available data for the Van Horn region indicate that the age of the Allamoore Formation is ∼1250 Ma. The sediment-filled tubes are most likely the feeding traces of animals grazing on algal mats in shallow subtidal or intertidal environments.
Dose-dense chemotherapy for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

AbstractNon-Hodgkin lymphoma is a heterogeneous disease that represents the seventh leading cause of cancer death. Second-generation and third-generation chemotherapy regimens have only produced a marginal improvement in outcome over the administration of the cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristi
A complex systems approach to evaluate HIV prevention in metropolitan areas: preliminary implications for combination intervention strategies.

Background HIV transmission among injecting and non-injecting drug users (IDU, NIDU) is a significant public health problem. Continuing propagation in endemic settings and emerging regional outbreaks have indicated the need for comprehensive and coordinated HIV prevention. We describe the development of a conceptual framework and calibration of an agent-based model (ABM) to examine how combinations of interventions may reduce and potentially eliminate HIV transmission among drug-using populations. Methodology/Principal Findings A multidisciplinary team of researchers from epidemiology, sociology, geography, and mathematics developed a conceptual framework based on prior ethnographic and epidemiologic research. An ABM was constructed and calibrated through an iterative design and verification process. In the model, “agents” represent IDU, NIDU, and non-drug users who interact with each other and within risk networks, engaging in sexual and, for IDUs, injection-related risk behavior over time. Agents also interact with simulated HIV prevention interventions (e.g., syringe exchange programs, substance abuse treatment, HIV testing) and initiate antiretroviral treatment (ART) in a stochastic manner. The model was constructed to represent the New York metropolitan statistical area (MSA) population, and calibrated by comparing output trajectories for various outcomes (e.g., IDU/NIDU prevalence, HIV prevalence and incidence) against previously validated MSA-level data. The model closely approximated HIV trajectories in IDU and NIDU observed in New York City between 1992 and 2002, including a linear decrease in HIV prevalence among IDUs. Exploratory results are consistent with empirical studies demonstrating that the effectiveness of a combination of interventions, including syringe exchange expansion and ART provision, dramatically reduced HIV prevalence among IDUs during this time period. Conclusions/Significance Complex systems models of adaptive HIV transmission dynamics can be used to identify potential collective benefits of hypothetical combination prevention interventions. Future work will seek to inform novel strategies that may lead to more effective and equitable HIV prevention strategies for drug-using populations.
Higher energy prices: Windfall gains for homeowners?

Abstract The rapid rise of energy fuel prices in recent years has stimulated household interest in the cost of heating, cooling, and lighting houses. The obvious response implied by government policy and some government programs emphasizes an evaluation of houses, at least partially, on the basis of the reported fuel bills. The more fundamental issue, however, is establishing the potential for reducing energy consumption by improving home energy efficiency. The distribution of this potential throughout the housing stock implies that homeowners should gain or lose house value according to market perception of the retrofit potential rather than fuel bills per se . Houses which require few expenditures per unit of energy saved annually should increase in value at the expense of houses which require major expenditures. The ability to improve housing in response to higher energy prices probably correlates weakly but negatively with household income; lower income households could gain the most per dollar invested in home energy improvements. The hypotheses presented in this paper identify a number of issues that require empirical validation yet challenge conventional views on the basis of currently available data.
724 Hla Dq2/Dq8 Typing in Children Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

Background and Aims Genes encoding HLA DQ2/DQ8 are associated with celiac disease (CD) and testing for their presence has high negative predictive value for the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the role of HLA typing in symptomatic individuals in whom the diagnosis of CD is uncertain. Methods We proceded a retrospectiv study leaded on a group of children investigated for CD in “Grigore Alexandrescu” Emergency Children’s Hospital from 2007 to 2012 that underwent HLA typing. Inclusion criteria were all patient with mild enteropathy (Marsh 1, 2, 3a), moderate elevated values of tisular tranglutaminase (tTG) antibodies (between cut off point and 5 times nomal value) and poor response to gluten free diet. The medical records of all patients investigated for CD were reviewed. Results 164 patients were performed HLA typing; 26 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria; 20 (76.9%) of these had HLA DQ2/DQ8 present and 6 (23.07%) had a negative test for HLA DQ2/DQ8. The mean age of our investigated group was 23.46 months and the mean age for HLA DQ2/DQ8 negative group was 21.08 months. Sex distribution indicated 9 boys and 17 girls. Gastrointestinal symptoms dominated: 17 children had diarrhea, 9 had failure to thrive and 13 patients had both chronic diarrhea and poor weight gain. Conclusion Patients with clinical suspicion of CD that have moderate levels of tTG antibodies, mild biopsy changes and poor response to gluten free diet need to have HLA typing specially at younger ages (under 3 years old).
Estimation of Vertical Concentration Profiles from Existing Wells

A method of computing the vertical distributions of solute concentrations in aquifer strata penetrated by an existing well or borehole can be developed from a simple solute mass/water balance approach. This approach allows refinement of site characterization without the cost of drilling additional wells or using other site characterization methods. This method also allows pre-diction of the water quality impacts of different well construction and screening options when the vertical distribution of flows from an aquifer and the aquifer water concentrations are known or can be estimated. Data requirements and methods of data collection for use of the technique are reviewed. Flowmeter or spinner logging surveys indicate the flow contribution of each portion of the well. When depth-specific samples are collected under the same pumping conditions as the spinner logging, a solute mass/water balance approach allows vertical concentration distributions in the aquifer to be estimated. Application to a well containing arsenic concentrations that approach the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 50 μ/L indicates that water with arsenic concentrations of nearly 100 μ/L enters the well from a particular stratum.
Nonlinear Asymptotic Solution of the Reissner Plate Equations

On developpe des solutions asymptotiques pour des plaques circulaires sous une pression uniforme. On presente les resultats pour des plaques a bords encastres
Using field theory in hadron physics

This decade has seen a marvelous return to quantum field theory among theorists in high energy physics. The compelling beauty of non-Abelian gauge theories, the striking empirical support for spontaneous symmetry breaking in weak interaction theories, the deep connection between asymptotic freedom and the approximate scaling in inelastic lepton scattering on hadrons, the entrancing suggestion of quark confinement-all this and more has drawn our focus once again on quantum field theories. We have learned to view field theory as providing us with fundamental degrees of freedom rather than thinking that each new particle or resonance as requiring a new field for its description. Indeed the idea that some small set of degrees of freedom (quarks and gluons) provides the basis for all observed mesons and baryons seems to be a concrete realization of the ideas of “nuclear democracy” advocates of the last decade. [Increasing numbers of them have been seen with path integrals and Lagrangians lately.] It makes explicit the concept that all hadrons are composites; not of each other, though through unitarity all the hadrons can become the other hadrons within the restrictions of conservation of charge, baryon number, isospin, etc. It is a deeper way: they are all composites of quarks and gluons.
Classical and Latent Class Analysis Evaluation of Sputum Polymerase Chain Reaction and Urine Antigen Testing for Diagnosis of Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Adults

Diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia is complicated by the lack of a diagnostic reference standard that is highly sensitive and specific. Latent class analysis (LCA) is a mathematical technique that relates an unobserved ("latent") infection to multiple diagnostic test results by use of a statistical model. We used classical analysis and LCA to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of blood culture, sputum Gram stain, sputum polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and urine antigen testing for diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia among 149 adults with community-acquired pneumonia. On the basis of LCA models, sensitivity of autolysin PCR and pneumolysin PCR was 82% and 89%, respectively, but specificity was low, 38% and 27%, respectively. For urine antigen testing, sensitivity was 77%-78%, and specificity was 67%-71%. Results of the LCA models were comparable with those obtained from classical analysis. LCA may be useful for diagnostic test evaluation and for determining the prevalence of pneumococcal infection in epidemiological studies of community-acquired pneumonia and in vaccine efficacy trials.
When the party is over: a signal for dispersal of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.

The mechanisms that permit bacteria to make the transition from an unattached or planktonic cell to a surface-associated multicellular biofilm and back have become a subject of intense interest to microbiologists over the past several years. Studies by a research team led by Staffan Kjelleberg,
A 1-NORM BOUND FOR INVERSES OF TRIANGULAR MATRICES WITH MONOTONE ENTRIES

This paper provides some new bounds for 1 norms of positive triangular matrices with monotonic column entries. The main theorem refines a recent inequality · · · ·
Debugging Components, Component-based Systems, and Support Tools

TESTING can be described as a technique primarily used to discover that software fails, but finding a failure is only a first step toward improvement. To eliminate a software failure once it has been uncovered is called ‘debugging.’ Debugging, like most software terms involving ‘bug,’ is often misleading, because it suggests a minor correction to the code source. In reality the cause of failure is frequently an omission—the code fails because its author failed to provide for some circumstances, under which it failed. To search through source code looking for something that is not there is a good way to find nothing. It would be better to look at those places in the code where action should be, with an eye out to discover it is missing. Unfortunately, the code correction for an omission is not unique, seldom localized, and seldom small. This is another way of saying that many ‘bugs’ have no real existence: the failure is real and real work must be done to eliminate it, but the only localized cause is in human incompetence, impossible to ‘squash.’ One thing people are really good at is fastening a simple, misleading name on something complex, and ‘debugging’ is one of the best.
Filter estimation for multiuser detection with side user information

We consider the minimum-mean-square-error (MMSE) filter estimation in a multiuser communication environment with side user information (knowledge of the signature waveforms of a group of users). Unlike the approach adopted by the past research work known as "group-blind" linear multiuser detection, in this paper we attack directly the problem of estimating the input data covariance matrix with side user information under small sample support, and build an MMSE filter estimate using the improved covariance matrix estimate. For known Gaussian channel noise variance and signal waveforms of a group of users, we derive a closed form filter estimate, obtain its asymptotic covariance matrix, and demonstrate numerically that it coincides with the Cramer-Rao bound. When they are unknown, a recursive optimization procedure with guaranteed convergence is also developed. Simulation studies in the context of DS-CDMA communications demonstrate the state-of-the-an performance of the proposed filter estimates.
The impact of technology on power for high-speed electrical and optical interconnects

The impact of technology scaling - in the form of transistor performance improvement and a higher demand in bit rate - on power dissipation of short distance electrical and optical interconnects is extensively quantified. We find that: 1) the transistor performance improvement has a similar impact on both types of interconnects, leaving critical length (length above which optical interconnects dissipate lower power) relatively unchanged; 2) the increase in bit rate significantly reduces critical length, favoring optics; 3) at the 32 nm technology node (and beyond) with its commensurate bandwidth requirement, optical interconnect becomes favorable for distances as low as 10 cm corresponding to inter-chip communication; 4) most critical factors in making optical interconnects favorable are reduction in coupling losses and optical detector capacitance.
Dopamine receptor stimulants N-0923 and (+/-)-threo-methylphenidate: Labeling with tritium

Dopamine receptor ligands N-0923 (1) and (+/-)-threo-methylphenidate (4) have been labeled with tritium at high specific activity, for becoming useful tools to study the dopamine receptor family.
Pro-Oxidant Effect of Vitamin E in Cigarette Smokers Consuming a High Polyunsaturated Fat Diet

Abstract—Dietary polyunsaturated fats and vitamin E are associated with reduced risk for atherosclerosis, but in smokers, they could promote lipid oxidation. Therefore, we examined the effects of a high polyunsaturated fat diet and vitamin E supplementation on measures of lipid oxidation in cigarette smokers. Ten subjects who smoked >1 pack of cigarettes per day were sequentially fed the following: a baseline diet in which the major fat source was olive oil, a diet in which the major fat source was high-linoleic safflower oil, and finally, the safflower oil diet plus 800 IU vitamin E per day. LDL oxidation lag time and rate and plasma total F2-isoprostanes and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) were determined after 3 weeks on each diet. The safflower oil diet increased total F2-isoprostanes from 53.0±7.2 to 116.2±11.2 nmol/L and PGF2α from 3.5±0.2 to 5.5±0.5 nmol/L, without changing LDL oxidation parameters. Addition of vitamin E prolonged mean LDL oxidation lag time but, paradoxically, further increased F2-isopr...
Representation of the neutron cross sections of several fertile and fissile nuclei in the resonance regions

Abstract In this paper we review several problems related to the measurement, analysis and evaluation of the neutron cross sections of the main fertile and fissile nuclides in the resonance region. In particular we discuss the ENDF/B-V representation of these cross sections. In recent years little progress has been made in improving our knowledge of the resolved resonance parameters of the fertile nuclei. We suggest that this absence of progress is due to a lack of adequate methodologies to deal with the systematic errors arising from uncertainties in the analysis of the measurements. We comment on the ENDF/B treatment of the unresolved resonance region and recommend the validation of the unresolved resonance range evaluations with appropriate transmission and self-indication measurements.
Micromanipulation of biological systems with microelectromagnets

Micromanipulation of biological systems with microelectromagnets, a ring trap, and a matrix, was demonstrated. A ring trap is a circular conducting wire topped with an insulating layer, whereas a matrix consists of two arrays of wires, aligned perpendicular to each other, that are separated and covered with insulating layers. Microelectromagnets can create strong and local magnetic field profiles on micrometer length scales, controlling the motion of magnetic particles and biological systems in a fluid at room temperature. Magnetic beads, yeast cells bound to magnetic beads, and magnetotactic bacteria were trapped with a ring trap; they were continuously moved and assembled with a matrix. With versatile manipulation capabilities, microelectromagnets can be a new tool for biological and medical applications.
Identification of Market Power in Large-Scale Electric Energy Markets

Market power potential is a serious concern for efficient and competitive operation of centrally-dispatched electricity markets. Traditional measures for market power ignore underlying physical characteristics of the electric grid that may be exploited for local advantage. In our prior work we have proposed a revenue sensitivity-based approach for identifying market participants with market power potential, and we demonstrated detailed cases using a 30-bus system[1] [2] [3]. In this paper we address computational challenges for scaling our method to large systems, and we present practical extensions to a portion of our work that enables the evaluation of very large, RTO-scale electric power grids.
Induction of apoptosis in human T-cells by methyl mercury: temporal relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of reductive reserve.

The objective of our study was to define the mechanism by which MeHgCl induces human T-cell apoptosis. We asked the question: does mercury disrupt the Deltapsim and induce a mitochondrial permeability transition state? Using two fluorescent reagents, JC-1 and DiOC6(3), we demonstrated that MeHgCl exposure resulted in a decrease in the Deltapsim. Since a decline in Deltapsim can disturb the pHi, we employed SNARF-1 to assess pHi; results indicate that mercury treatment reduced the pHi from 7.0 to 6.5. Consistent with these observations, we noted that uncoupled electron transfer reactions generated ROS, while cardiolipin, a mitochondrial phospholipid, was oxidized. In concert with the biochemical changes, there was a decrease in overall dimension of the mitochondria of mercury-treated cells and a loss in cristae architecture. The toxicant also depleted the thiol reserves of the cell and promoted translocation of cytochrome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol. Furthermore, when T cells were thiol-depleted, there was increased susceptibility to MeHgCl-induced apoptosis. Finally, we established a temporal relationship between the decline in Deltapsim, generation of ROS, and depletion of thiol reserves. The earliest detectable event was at the level of the mitochondrion; in the presence of MeHgCl there was a profound reduction in mitochondrial Deltapsim and a decline in GSH levels within 1 h. Subsequently, a further decrease in thiol reserves was linked to the generation of ROS. We propose that the target organelle for MeHgCl is the mitochondrion and that induction of oxidative stress leads to activation of death-signaling pathways.
Real-Time PCR Assay To Detect Smallpox Virus

We developed a highly sensitive and specific assay for the rapid detection of smallpox virus DNA on both the Smart Cycler and LightCycler platforms. The assay is based on TaqMan chemistry with the orthopoxvirus hemagglutinin gene used as the target sequence. With genomic DNA purified from variola virus Bangladesh 1975, the limit of detection was estimated to be approximately 25 copies on both machines. The assay was evaluated in a blinded study with 322 coded samples that included genomic DNA from 48 different isolates of variola virus; 25 different strains and isolates of camelpox, cowpox, ectromelia, gerbilpox, herpes, monkeypox, myxoma, rabbitpox, raccoonpox, skunkpox, vaccinia, and varicella-zoster viruses; and two rickettsial species at concentrations mostly ranging from 100 fg/μl to 1 ng/μl. Contained within those 322 samples were variola virus DNA, obtained from purified viral preparations, at concentrations of 1 fg/μl to 1 ng/μl. On the Smart Cycler platform, 2 samples with false-positive results were detected among the 116 samples not containing variola virus tested; i.e., the overall specificity of the assay was 98.3%. On the LightCycler platform, five samples with false-positive results were detected (overall specificity, 95.7%). Of the 206 samples that contained variola virus DNA ranging in concentrations from 100 fg/μl to 1 ng/μl, 8 samples were considered negative on the Smart Cycler platform and 1 sample was considered negative on the LightCycler platform. Thus, the clinical sensitivities were 96.1% for the Smart Cycler instrument and 99.5% for the LightCycler instrument. The vast majority of these samples were derived from virus-infected cell cultures and variola virus-infected tissues; thus, the DNA material contained both viral DNA and cellular DNA. Of the 43 samples that contained purified variola virus DNA ranging in concentration from 1 fg/μl to 1 ng/μl, the assay correctly detected the virus in all 43 samples on both the Smart Cycler and the LightCycler platforms. The assay may be useful for the early detection of smallpox virus infections should such infections occur as a result of a deliberate or an accidental recurrence.
Representing conditional branches for high-level synthesis applications

The authors outline a new representation of behavioral specification for high-level synthesis applications. The main features of the representation are correct handling of conditional branches; the ability to tradeoff between control-select and data-select forms; keeping minimum necessary precedence relationships; correct representation of all conditional actions; and simplified mutual exclusion testing and correct determination of bit-widths and value transfers. The representation is simple and can be easily generated automatically. >
Heuristic-Based Techniques for Mapping Irregular Communication Graphs to Mesh Topologies

Mapping of parallel applications on the network topology is becoming increasingly important on large supercomputers. Topology aware mapping can reduce the hops traveled by messages on the network and hence reduce contention, which can lead to improved performance. This paper discusses heuristic techniques for mapping applications with irregular communication graphs to mesh and torus topologies. Parallel codes with irregular communication constitute an important class of applications. Unstructured grid applications are a classic example of codes with irregular communication patterns. Since the mapping problem is NP-hard, this paper presents fast heuristic-based algorithms. These heuristics are part of a larger framework for automatic mapping of parallel applications. We evaluate the heuristics in this paper in terms of the reduction in average hops per byte. The heuristics discussed here are applicable to most parallel applications since irregular graphs constitute the most general category of communication patterns. Some heuristics can also be easily extended to other network topologies.
An alternating technique for evaluating weight functions for 3‐D surface flaws in finite solid bodies

An efficient method, based on the Schwarz–Neumann alternating technique, is presented for computing weight functions of a general solid (3-D as well as 2-D), with embedded or surface-flaw configurations. The total rate of change of the crack-opening displacements, due to simple perturbations of crack-dimension characteristics, is conveniently decomposed into the infinite-domain and boundary-correction parts. The former is determined from available analytical solutions of ideal-shaped cracks, whereas the latter is computed numerically by imposing nil boundary-traction requirements for the displacement field corresponding to the weight functions. Numerical examples, with solutions for 3-D weighted-average and local stress intensity factors, indicate that the proposed method is very accurate and efficient.
Seismic Hazards and Water Supply Performance

This article describes seismic hazards, including fault rupture, liquefaction, landslides, and site amplification, using Los Angeles as a case study. Water supply simulation results are presented for a 7.8 MW earthquake on the San Andreas Fault. Severe water losses are shown after 24 h, with nearly 2,700 locations of pipeline damage and a 66% decrease in normal water service. The water supply system was modeled with and without reservoirs that have been removed from service to meet water quality standards. The results show that opening the disconnected reservoirs immediately after a serious earthquake is an effective strategy for emergency response.
Taurine Transport in Human Placental Microvillous Membrane Vesicles

Taurine, a β-amino acid, is actively transported across the in vitro perfused human placenta. To further characterize the transport mechanism microvillous membrane vesicles (MVV) were prepared from the apical brush border of human term placentae by Mg2 +-aggregation and differential centrifuga-tion. Vesicular uptake of taurine was measured by rapid filtration technique at 25oC using [U-14C] taurine. All data are expressed as mean ± SEM. The course of uptake over time in the presence of an inward Na+ gradient (n = 4) revealed an “overshoot” phenomena. When Na+ was replaced with K+ in the incubation medium (n = 4), the overshoot was abolished and the uptake rate was sharply reduced. Uptake velocities at taurine concentrations from 1 to 35 μM were studied (n = 6) showing that taurine uptake was saturable and the Km was 12.1 μM and the Vmax was 36.2 pmol/mg protein/min. Hypotaurine, β-alanine, and taurine all inhibited the uptake of taurine by MVV (n = 4). Taurine is actively transported into MVV from human t...
Linguistic analysis of natural language communication with computers

Interaction with computers in natural language requires a language that is flexible and suited to the task. This study of natural dialogue was undertaken to reveal those characteristics which can make computer English more natural. Experiments were made in three modes of communication: face-to-face, terminal-to-terminal and human-to-computer, involving over 80 subjects, over 80,000 words and over 50 hours. They showed some striking similarities, especially in sentence length and proportion of words in sentences. The three modes also share the use of fragments, typical of dialogue. Detailed statistical analysis and comparisons are given. The nature and relative frequency of fragments, which have been classified into twelve categories, is shown in all modes. Special characteristics of the face-to-face mode are due largely to these fragments (which include phatics employed to keep the channel of communication open). Special characteristics of the computational mode include other fragments, namely definitions, which are absent from other modes. Inclusion of fragments in computational grammar is considered a major factor in improving computer naturalness. The majority of experiments involved a real life task of loading Navy cargo ships. The peculiarities of face-to-face mode were similar in this task to results of earlier experiments involving another task. It was found that in task oriented situations the syntax of interactions is influenced in all modes by this context in the direction of simplification, resulting in short sentences (about 7 words long). Users seek to maximize efficiency In solving the problem. When given a chance, in the computational mode, to utilize special devices facilitating the solution of the problem, they all resort to them. Analyses of the special characteristics of the computational mode, including the analysis of the subjects" errors, provide guidance for the improvement of the habitability of such systems. The availability of the REL System, a high performance natural language system, made the experiments possible and meaningful. The indicated improvements in habitability are now being embodied in the POL (Problem Oriented Language) System, a successor to REL.
Membrane and Secretory Proteins Are Transported from the Golgi Complex to the Sinusoidal Plasmalemma of Hepatocytes by Distinct Vesicular Carriers

From rat livers labeled in vivo for 30 min with [35S] cys-met, we have isolated two classes of vesicular carriers operating between the Golgi complex and the basolateral (sinusoidal) plasmalemma. The starting preparation is a Golgi light fraction (GLF) isolated by flotation in a discontinuous sucrose density gradient and processed through immunoisolation on magnetic beads coated with an antibody against the last 11 aa. of the pIgA-R tail. GLF and the ensuing subfractions (bound vs nonbound) were lysed, and the lysates processed through immunoprecipitation with anti-pIgA-R and anti-albumin antibodies followed by radioactivity counting, SDS-PAGE, and fluorography. The recovery of newly synthesized pIgA-R was > 90% and the distribution was 90% vs 10% in the bound vs nonbound subfractions, respectively. Albumin radioactivity was recovered to approximately 80%, with 20% and 80% in bound vs nonbound subfractions, respectively. Other proteins studied were: (a) secretory-apolipoprotein-B, prothrombin, C3 component of the complement, and caeruloplasmin; (b) membrane-transferrin receptor, EGR-receptor, asialoglycoprotein receptor, and the glucose transporter. In all the experiments we have performed, the secretory proteins distributed up to 85% in the nonbound subfraction (large secretory vacuoles), whereas the membrane proteins were segregated up to 95% in the bound subfraction (small vesicular carriers). These results suggest that in hepatocytes, membrane and secretory proteins are transported from the Golgi to the basolateral plasmalemma by separate vesicular carriers as in glandular cells capable of constitutive and regulated secretion.