cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progress in Grass Breeding

Publisher Summary This chapter describes that many fruitful areas in grass breeding remain to be more adequately explored. Efforts have been increased to obtain and evaluate both exotic and endemic strains of grasses. Though related in principle to those for corn, grass-breeding methods are being subjected to exploration and modification. The practical value of inbreeding remains unestablished. The polycross and other types of parent-progeny tests have been used as a basis of selection, for yield particularly. Available experimental data indicate that differences among grass varieties in forage production and quality may be small, particularly when the grasses are grown with legumes. Recombination of selected plants or lines to constitute synthetic varieties has been based upon insufficient information and experience. The data are needed concerning genetic stability and modification of synthetic variety behavior under different conditions of propagation in successive generations. Smilarly, effects of area and manner of seed production in relation to forage character are of interest. Results of disease and insect resistance studies of forage grasses have suggested that major improvements may be made in varietal composition, particularly in the former case. Agronomic problems are numerous and involve ecology, physiology, plant nutrition, and other aspects.
Markov Chain Analysis of Genetic Algorithms Applied to Fitness Functions Perturbed by Multiple Sources of Additive Noise

We investigate the convergence properties of genetic algorithms (GAs) applied to fitness functions perturbed by multiple sources of additive noise that each take on finitely many values. Our analysis of GAs in noisy environments employs a novel approach; we explicitly construct a Markov chain that models such GAs and analyze it to uncover the convergence properties of the algorithms. We show that the chain has only one positive recurrent communication class. This immediately implies that the GAs eventually (i.e., as the number of iterations goes to infinity) find at least one globally optimal solution with probability 1. Furthermore, our analysis shows that the chain has a stationary distribution that is also its steady-state distribution. Using this property and the transition probabilities of the chain, we derive an upper bound for the number of iterations sufficient to ensure with certain probability that a GA selects a globally optimal solution upon termination.
Biochemical systems analysis. III. Dynamic solutions using a power-law approximation

At present there is no general solution for the dynamic equations describing an arbitrary system of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. The reasons are three-fold. First, available methods of kinetic analysis are inadequate for obtaining the complete rate law of complex reactions. Second, even if the methods were available, the amount of experimental data required for such an analysis might be prohibitive. In addition, the general solution of the complete rate-equations represents an enormous nonlinear problem. These difficulties have been largely circumvented by utilizing a suitable approximation procedure that is based on the nonlinear nature of the rate law and yet is sufficiently simple to treat mathematically. In this paper the approximate dynamic equations are developed in matrix form, and a general program for the solution of an n chemical system using conventional numerical methods is described. Sample solutions are also presented to show that the equations resulting from the simplifying approximation retain the capability of describing many of the more interesting behavior patterns associated with biological systems.
Premature elective rupture of the membranes

Abstract In 1936, Plass and Seibert 1 reported on the results obtained in 681 consecutive patients in whom premature rupture of the membranes had been employed as a means for inducing labor, and concluded that this procedure offers the safest and most efficient method for inaugurating parturition. Since the series included 84 patients who presented some complication of pregnancy and since no control material was utilized, the data did not permit a real comparison except in most general terms. Because of the apparent good results, and because of the peculiar conditions in regard to obstetric patients in the University Hospitals, elective premature rupture of the membranes has been employed extensively during the intervening period. The present study was designed to permit an accurate comparison between patients who had late spontaneous rupture of the membranes and those who were subjected to induction of labor by elective early rupture of the bag of waters.
Recipient vessel selection in the difficult neck: Outcomes of external carotid artery transposition and end-to-end microvascular anastomosis.

Background Selection of recipient vessels for head and neck microvascular surgery may be limited in the previously dissected or irradiated neck. When distal branches of the external carotid artery (ECA) are unavailable, additional options for arterial inflow are needed. Here we propose high ligation of the ECA and transposition toward the lower neck as an alternative. Methods After obtaining institutional approval, patients who underwent head and neck tumor resection and simultaneous free flap reconstruction were identified over a 5-year period. Patients whose recipient artery was listed in the operative report were included. Chart review was performed to identify patient demographics, operative details, and patient and flap complications. In cases where the ECA was used, the artery was traced distally with care taken to protect the hypoglossal nerve. The ECA was then divided and transposed toward the lower neck where an end-to-end microvascular anastomosis was performed. Results The recipient artery used for head and neck microsurgery was available for 176 flaps, and the facial (n = 127, 72.2%) and external carotid (n = 19, 10.8%) arteries were most commonly used. There were 0 flap thromboses in the ECA group compared to 3 flap thromboses that occurred with other recipient arteries (P = 1.00). No cases of first bite syndrome or hypoglossal nerve injury were identified. Conclusions The ECA may be transposed toward the lower neck and used for end-to-end microvascular anastomosis without complication of hypoglossal nerve injury or first bite syndrome. This method may be considered an alternative in patients with limited recipient vessel options for head and neck microsurgery. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2015.
Instantaneous frequency and time-frequency distributions

It is generally stated that the conditional mean frequency of a time-frequency distribution (TFD) should equal the instantaneous frequency of the signal. The commonly accepted definition of instantaneous frequency as the derivative of the phase of the analytic signal sometimes leads to curious results. Although it is commonly held that positivity of the TFD and satisfaction of the so-called "instantaneous frequency constraint" are generally incompatible, we show that one can always find a complex signal, the real part of which is the given signal, for which the derivative of the phase is consistent with the marginals and positivity. Furthermore, for the cases considered, the derivative of the phase of this signal, which by design equals the conditional mean frequency of a positive TFD, is a reasonable, readily interpretable choice for instantaneous frequency.
MOLTEN SALTS AS BLANKET FLUIDS IN CONTROLLED FUSION REACTORS.

The blanket of a fusion reactor serves to absorb and transfer the energy of the fusion reaction products, and to produce the tritium necessary to refuel the reactor. This report outlines how these two functions are performed by lithium-bearing molten salts.
Citrate Synthase A REGULATORY ENZYME FROM RHODOPSEUDOMONAS CAPSULATA

Abstract Citrate synthase (citrate oxaloacetate-lyase (CoA-acetylating), EC 4.1.3.7) is very active in Rhodopseudomonas capulata, a nonsulfur purple bacterium. This activity varies greatly from carbon source to carbon source. The highest specific activity for this enzyme was obtained in acetate and acetate-bicarbonate-grown cells (1.7 to 1.8 µmoles per mg of protein-min). Citrate synthase activity was 2-fold greater in cells grown aerobically in the dark than in cells grown semiananaerobically in the light, when either malate or pyruvate was the carbon source. The specific activities of this enzyme from glucose dark-grown and light-grown cells, and from pyruvate dark-grown cells were similar, and they were about one-half the specific activity of the enzyme from acetate-grown cells. Citrate synthase in this organism was found to be a regulatory enzyme. DPNH was a strong inhibitor of the enzyme and AMP was found to relieve this inhibition. DPNH, at 0.1 mm, increased the S0.5 value and the n value (Hill constant) for acetyl-CoA. It also increased the S0.5 value but did not change the n value for oxalacetate. Increasing amounts of DPNH increased the n values for AMP, the "deinhibitor". AMP, 0.46 mm, in the presence of DPNH, restored the S0.5 and the n values for acetyl-CoA to those obtained in the absence of effector molecules. AMP (0.46 mm) alone did not affect these values. Thus, AMP acts strictly as a deinhibitor of the DPNH effect with respect to acetyl-CoA. AMP, in the presence or absence of DPNH, decreased the S0.5 value and the n value for oxalacetate acting here both as a deinhibitor and as an activator. These results suggest that citrate synthase activity in R. capsulata is modulated both by the "energy charge" and the "reducing state" of the cell.
BCR Engagement Induces Fas Resistance in Primary B Cells in the Absence of Functional Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase

B cell susceptibility to Fas-mediated apoptosis is regulated in a receptor-specific fashion. CD40 engagement produces marked sensitivity to Fas killing, whereas surface Ig (sIg) engagement blocks Fas signaling for cell death in otherwise sensitive, CD40-stimulated B cell targets, and thus, induces a state of Fas resistance. The signaling mediator, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), is required for certain sIg-triggered responses, and Btk is reported to directly bind Fas and block Fas-mediated apoptosis. For these reasons, the role of Btk as a mediator of sIg-induced Fas resistance was examined. Dysfunction of Btk through mutation, and absence of Btk through deletion did not interfere with induction of Fas resistance by anti-Ig. This may be due, at least in part, to induction of Btk-dependent Bcl-2 family members by anti-Ig after CD40 ligand treatment. However, the susceptibility to Fas-mediated apoptosis of B cell targets stimulated by CD40 ligand alone was increased in the absence of Btk. These results indicate that Fas resistance produced by sIg triggering does not require Btk, but suggests that in certain situations Btk modulates B cell susceptibility to Fas killing.
Intrinsic inhomogeneity in barrier height at monolayer graphene/SiC Schottky junction

Graphene interfaced with a semiconductor forms a Schottky junction with rectifying properties. The inherent spatial inhomogeneity due to the formation of ripples and ridges in graphene can lead to fluctuations in the Schottky barrier height (SBH). The non-ideal behavior of the temperature dependent barrier height and ideality factor greater than 4 can be attributed to these spatial inhomogeneities. Assuming a Gaussian distribution of the barrier, mean SBHs of 1.30 ± 0.18 eV and 1.16 ± 0.16 eV are found for graphene/SiC junctions on the C- and Si-face, respectively. These findings reveal intrinsic spatial inhomogeneities in the SBHs in graphene based Schottky junctions.
Eternal inflation and the initial singularity

It is shown that a physically reasonable spacetime that is eternally inflating to the future must possess an initial singularity.
On Spherically Symmetric Gravitational Collapse

This paper considers the dynamics of a classical problem in astrophysics, the behavior of spherically symmetric gravitational collapse starting from a uniform, density cloud of interstellar gas. Previous work on this problem proposed a universal self-similar solution for the collapse yielding a collapsed mass much smaller than the mass contained in the initial cloud. This paper demonstrates the existence of a second threshold—not far above the marginal collapse threshold—above which the asymptotic collapse is not universal. In this regime, small changes in the initial data or weak stochastic forcing leads to qualitatively different collapse dynamics. In the absence of instabilities, a progressing wave solution yields a collapsed uniform core with infinite density. Under some conditions the instabilities ultimately lead to the well-known self-similar dynamics. However, other instabilities can cause the density profile to become non-monotone and produce a shock in the velocity. In presenting these results, we outline pitfalls of numerical schemes that can arise when computing collapse.
Compressible Turbulent Skin Friction on Rough and Rough/Wavy Walls in Adiabatic Flow

Abstract : An experimental program was conducted to investigate effects of roughness, and roughness superimposed on single and/or multiple, shallow, periodic waveforms, on turbulent boundary-layer skin friction and velocity profile, in compressible, adiabatic flow. Test conditions were Mach number = 2. 9 and Reynolds number/ft = 2 million to 8 million. The planar models included smooth, sand-grain, machined and molded surface finishes. Direct measurements of surface shear and Pitot/recovery temperature profiles were obtained.
Pressure tuning of electronic states of Cs3Re3Cl12

Abstract The pressure shifts of three metal π→π★ transitions in Cs3Re3Cl12 have been measured up to 110 kbar. A comparison of the shifts gives, for the first time, the relative stabilization between a pair of unoccupied antibonding molecular orbitais and between a pair of occupied bonding molecular orbitals as a function of pressure. The results are discussed in terms of the atomic parentage of these molecular orbitals.
LCAccess – Global Directory of LCI resources

Abstract LCAccess is an EPA-sponsored web-site intended to promote the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) in business decision-making by facilitating access to data sources that are useful in developing a life cycle inventory (LCI). While LCAccess does not itself contain data, it is a searchable global directory of potential data sources. In addition to directing users to relevant data sources, LCAccess also serves as a central source for LCA information. To find the LCAccess web-site go to: http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/lcaccess . LCAccess is soliciting organizations that have completed LCI/LCA studies to provide their data sources for reference in LCAccess.
Growth and design of deep-UV (240–290 nm) light emitting diodes using AlGaN alloys

Solid-state light sources emitting at wavelengths less than 300 nm would enable technological advances in many areas such as fluorescence-based biological agent detection, non-line-of-sight communications, water purification, and industrial processing including ink drying and epoxy curing. In this paper, we present our recent progress in the development of LEDs with emission between 237 and 297 nm. We will discuss growth and design issues of deep-UV LEDs, including transport in Si-doped AlGaN layers. The LEDs are designed for bottom emission so that improved heat sinking and light extraction can be achieved by flip chipping. To date, we have demonstrated 2.25 mW of output power at 295 nm from 1 mm x 1 mm LEDs operated at 500 mA. Shorter wavelength LEDs emitting at 276 nm have achieved an output power of 1.3 mW at 400 mA. The heterostructure designs that we have employed have suppressed deep level emission to intensities that are up to 330 x lower than the primary quantum well emission.
Performance Analysis of Wireless MAC Protocols Using a Search Based Framework

Previously, we have developed a framework to perform systematic analysis of CSMA/CA based wireless MAC protocols. The framework first identifies protocol states that meet our study objective of minimizing a given performance metric. It then applies search techniques and heuristics to construct sequences of protocol events in a given topology that satisfy our objective. In this paper, we demonstrate that our framework can easily be extended to evaluate performance of new protocols by evaluating two completely different variants, namely MAC protocols for (i) quality of service (QoS), and (ii) power control. In each case, we identify previously unknown problems with the protocol. In particular, we generate scenarios where throughput of a lower priority class can be as high as 5 times compared to the throughput of a higher priority class, thus contradicting the basic notion of QoS. Traditional performance evaluation approaches typically evaluate average performance but do not capture the worst cases, nor do they expose the protocol breaking points. Thus this paper demonstrates the usefulness of a systematic approach in evaluating the protocol breaking points.
Bridging professional and mutual-help: An application of the transtheoretical model to the mutual-help organization

The authors suggest that the mental health system of the nation could benefit by more fully embracing the idea of mutual-help (i.e., self-help), and this collaboration could be facilitated by the utilization of a well-established clinical theory to elucidate the psychological processes at work within mutual-help organizations. The processes of change of the transtheoretical model is offered as one potential framework. This well-established model has been used to help psychologists better understand clinical and professional phenemonena, but, to date, has been used less frequently with non-professional interventions. This article applies the ten processes of change of the transtheoretical model to mutual-help organizations, focusing on four groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Oxford House, GROW, and Schizophrenics Anonymous. The advantages of the transtheoretical model and its potential ability to act as a common language across clinical professionals and mutual-help organizations are discussed. In addition, advantages of bolstering the present mental health system using combinations of both forms of care along the recovery continuum are described. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The inhibition of fungal growth in resistant cotton plants infected by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum

The vascular colonization of cotton plants by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum was determined by examining growth of the fungus from free-hand cross sections taken from 0 to six days after inoculation at various distances above the points of root inoculation. Fungal spread in both longitudinal and lateral directions in the susceptible cultivar Rowden was evident four days after inoculation, whereas fungal spread in the resistant cultivar Seabrook Sea Island was restricted. The quantity of viable fungus in infected tissues was determined from macerated tissues plated on Czapek- Dox agar. The colony counts declined within six days after inoculation in resistant Seabrook Sea Island, but not in susceptible Rowden, implying that an inhibition of fungal growth in vascular tissues occurred in resistant Seabrook Sea Island. This inhibition could contribute to the restriction of fungal spread and thus be a factor in the resistance of cotton plants to F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum.
Thermodynamic properties of DCl in D2O solution from 5 to 50°C

The themodynamic properties of solutions of deuterium chloride (DCl) in deuterium oxide (D2O) have been determined from emf measurements of the electrochemical cell without transference from 5 to 50°C, and from 0.002 to 1.0 mol-kg−1. The standard potential of the silver/silver chloride electrode relative to the platinum/deuterium electrode has been determined. An equation for the Gibbs energy as a function of temperature has been derived from which the enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity have been computed. Equations for the activity coefficient and the osmotic coefficient of DCl in D2O have been developed. The excess Gibbs energy of the solution and the excess partial molar free energy as a function of temperature have been calculated, from which the other excess thermodynamic properties have been computed. The values for the heat capacity and the apparent molar heat capacity have been compared with calorimetric data in the literature. The relative partial molar enthalpy has been calculated. The solvent isotope effect on the excess thermodynamic functions is discussed.
Radiation-induced defect buildup and radiation-enhanced diffusion in a foil under energetic bombardment

Abstract The distribution of interstitials, monovacancies and vacancy aggregates containing two to six vacancies in a silver foil under irradiation was calculated as a function of both distance from the surface of the foil and irradiation time by numerically solving the rate equations for various temperatures (0–250°C) and internal sink concentrations (0,10 −5 and 10−3). The calculations would be useful in areas of high-voltage electron microscopy, radiation-enhanced diffusion and void formation. The mobile defects (interstitials, monovacancies, divacancies and trivacancies) were assumed to react with each other, to annihilate at fixed sinks and to diffuse to the surface. Vacancy clusters larger than trivacancies were considered to be immobile, able to grow, but not dissociate. Humps on the steady-state concentration profiles for monovacancies and immobile vacancy clusters were found near the surface of a foil, provided the irradiation temperature and sink density were low and/or the defect production rate was quite high. The radiation-enhanced diffusion coefficient, D rad , of the material was calculated from the diffusivities of mobile defects and their steady-state concentrations, as a function of temperature, sink concentration, and Frenkel-pair production rate.
PTIDES model on a distributed testbed emulating smart grid real-time applications

PTIDES, a programming model for distributed real-time systems, was proposed previously. The model captures both the functionality of the system and the desired timing of interactions with the environment. The PTIDES simulator supports simulation of both of these aspects. In this work, we focus on the PTIDES development environment in the context of applications drawn from the control of electric power systems. The evaluation is based on experiments on a system of distributed computing platforms emulating typical power system control and monitoring devices and an emulation of portions of the electric power grid based on conventional micro-controller instrumentation.
On the mechanism of the stereo- and regioselective ether-ring opening of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1β,4β-epoxy-2α,3α-carbonyldioxy arene systems with boron tribromide

Abstract Stereo- and regioselective formation of bay-region bromo alcohols observed during etherbridge opening of the titled systems with boron tribromide has been rationalized, on the basis of AM1 calculations, by the intramolecular same-face delivery of the bromide ion from the intermediate borate group and the relative stability of the bay-region versus non-bay-region benzylic cations, respectively.
Incorporation of boron in the walls of an "all-carbon" cyclophane: a novel approach to Lewis acidic macrocycles.

A p-doped conjugated cyclophane! The six boron atoms of the bora-cyclophane (see picture) recently reported by Chen and Jakle team up to impart a set of unique properties to this novel macrocycle. In particular, this macrocycle undergoes six consecutive reversible reductions to afford the hexaanion. It also binds up to six small nucleophilic anions, a process that quenches the fluorescence of the ring and changes its character to electron-rich.
An Observation about Frostman Shifts

A classical theorem of Frostman says that if B is a Blaschke product (or any inner function), then its Frostman shifts \(B_w = \left( {B - w} \right)\left( {1 - \bar wB} \right)^{ - 1}\) are Blaschke products for all |w| < 1 except possibly for w in a set of logarithmic capacity zero. If B is a Frostman Blaschke product, equivalently an inner multiplier for the space of Cauchy transforms of measures on the unit circle, we show that for all |w| < 1, Bw is indeed another Frostman Blaschke product.
Observational estimates of the horizontal eddy diffusivity and mixing length in the low-level region of intense hurricanes

This study examines further the characteristics of turbulent flow in the low-level region of intense hurricanes using in situ aircraft observations. The data analyzed here are the flight-level data collected by research aircraft that penetrated the eyewalls of category-5 Hurricane Hugo (1989), category-4 Hurricane Allen (1980), and category-5 Hurricane David (1979) between 1 km and the sea surface. Estimates of horizontal eddy momentum flux, horizontal eddy diffusivity, and horizontal mixing length are obtained. It is found that the horizontal momentum flux and horizontal diffusivity increase with increasing wind speed. The horizontal mixing length increases slightly with wind speed also, but the mixing length is not significantly dependent on the wind speed. The magnitude of the horizontal momentum flux is found to be comparable to that of the vertical momentum flux, indicating that horizontal mixing by turbulence becomes nonnegligible in the hurricane boundary layer, especially in the eyewall region. Within the context of simple K theory, the results suggest that the average horizontal eddy diffusivity and mixing length are approximately 1500 m 2 s 21 and 750 m, respectively, at about 500 m in the eyewall region corresponding to the mean wind speed of approximately 52 m s 21 . It is recalled also that the mixing length is a virtual scale in numerical models and is quantitatively smaller than the energy-containing scale of turbulent eddies. The distinction between these two scales is a useful reminder for the modeling community on the representation of small-scale turbulence in hurricanes.
Quantitative high-throughput screening data analysis: challenges and recent advances

In vitro HTS holds much potential to advance drug discovery and provide cell-based alternatives for toxicity testing. In quantitative HTS, concentration–response data can be generated simultaneously for thousands of different compounds and mixtures. However, nonlinear modeling in these multiple-concentration assays presents important statistical challenges that are not problematic for linear models. The uncertainty of parameter estimates obtained from the widely used Hill equation model can be extremely large when using standard designs. Failure to properly consider standard errors of these parameter estimates would greatly hinder chemical genomics and toxicity testing efforts. In this light, optimal study designs should be developed to improve nonlinear parameter estimation; or alternative approaches with reliable performance characteristics should be used to describe concentration–response profiles.
The effect of annealing on NiAlFe B2 compounds

Abstract Rods of both Ni30Al20Fe and Ni40Al30Fe were examined by optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy in both the as-(double) extruded condition and after various heat treatments. Hardness, tensile and compression tests were performed on the alloys. The as-extruded and high temperature (750°C or higher) microstructures of Ni30Al20Fe were similar and consisted of B2 grains with a γ-Fe phase covering some boundaries; at 500°C the microstructure consists of α-Fe precipitates in a B2 matrix but no grain boundary phase was present. The microstructure of Ni40Al30Fe consisted of α-Fe precipitates in a B2 matrix at all temperatures, the precipitates coarsened with increasing annealing temperature. For short (200 min) anneals of both alloys yield strength, hardness maxima and ductility minima were found after annealing at 500°C. These effects were ascribed to the α-Fe precipitates. The presence of the γ-Fe phase on the grain boundaries of Ni30Al20Fe may have contributed to the ductility enhancement in the asextruded condition after high (750°C or higher) anneals.
Chronic intravenous glucose infusion causes moderate hypertension in rats.

We have reported that chronic insulin infusion increases mean arterial pressure (MAP) in rats. In those studies, glucose was coinfused to prevent hypoglycemia, but it is possible that the glucose infusion rate may have exceeded the rate actually required to prevent hypoglycemia. If true, then the glucose infusion alone should have a similar effect, and this study tested that hypothesis. In six rats (insulin group) instrumented with artery and vein catheters, insulin was infused for 7 days intravenously (iv) at 1.5 mU/kg/min together with glucose iv at 18.6 mg/kg/min. Seven other rats (glucose group) received the same glucose infusion for 7 days but without iv insulin. MAP increased significantly in both groups, from 98 ± 3 and 96 ± 2 mm Hg to 107 ± 5 and 104 ± 3 mm Hg in the insulin and glucose groups, respectively, and the renal and hormonal changes were similar to those previously reported during insulin infusion. There were no significant differences between the two groups for any variable measured. These data indicate that the sugar intake provided by the glucose infusion essentially mimics the response to our insulin and glucose infusion protocol, and that similar mechanisms underlie the renal and cardiovascular responses to each protocol.
Gallium uptake in the thyroid gland in amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism.

Amiodarone is an iodinated antiarrhythmic agent that is effective in the treatment of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. A number of side effects are seen, including pulmonary toxicity and thyroid dysfunction. A patient with both amiodarone-induced pneumonitis and hyperthyroidism who exhibited abnormal gallium activity in the lungs, as well as diffuse gallium uptake in the thyroid gland is presented. The latter has not been previously reported and supports the concept of iodide-induced thyroiditis with gallium uptake reflecting the inflammatory response.
Rank Tests for Spatial Correlation

If spatial data do not have an underlying normal distribution, the traditional tests for spatial correlation may lead to erroneous conclusions. This is illustrated by means of an example. A class of tests based on the ranks of the observations is proposed and the large sample normality of each test is established. A theorem providing the basis for locally most powerful tests is also presented.
A First Degree Family History in Lone Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) may be due to an inherited trait, particularly in lone AF patients. A family history of AF in lone AF patients has not previously been compared with a family history of patients with AF and established risk factors (non–lone AF). Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of having a first-degree relative with AF in lone and non–lone AF patients. Methods We performed a case-control study of consecutive subjects presenting to a single electrophysiology laboratory. A convenience sample of subjects with no known arrhythmias was also enrolled. Results Four hundred twenty-nine subjects were enrolled: 136 had AF (54 with lone AF), 84 had atrial flutter, 158 had other supraventricular arrhythmias, and 51 had no known arrhythmias. Significantly more subjects with AF reported a first-degree family history of AF compared with the remainder of the cohort (25% vs. 5%; P Conclusion Lone AF patients have a first-degree family member with AF substantially more often than other AF patients. This suggests that an inherited trait may be particularly important in this subgroup of patients.
Multivariate statistical methods.

This is the 20th in the series designed by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the Canadian Association of Radiologists, and the American Journal of Roentgenology. The series, which will ultimately comprise 22 articles, is designed to progressively educate radiologists in the methodologies of rigorous clinical research, from the most basic principles to a level of considerable sophistication. The articles are intended to complement interactive software that permits the user to work with what he or she has learned, which is available on the ACR Web site (www.acr.org).
WHERE SEX WAS, THERE SHALL GENDER BE? THE DIALECTICS OF PSYCHOANALYTIC GENDER THEORY

Psychoanalytic theories of gender identity have come a long way since Freud. The author reviews two dialectics that have shaped psychoanalytic gender theory thus far: first, the tension between theories that emphasize biological versus sociocultural influences on gender, and second, the dialectic between nomothetic (i.e., universalizing) and idiographic (i.e., focusing on individual variation) approaches. The author argues that psychoanalytic gender theory could be further enriched with more attention to two additional dialectics. One involves the so-called gender binary and the relative focus on cultural versus developmental aspects of the binary; a second involves the relationship between gender identity and desire. Attention to these dialectics can help better integrate theoretical and clinical perspectives on gender identity.
The performance impact of I/O optimizations and disk improvements

In this paper, we use real server and personal computer workloads to systematically analyze the true performance impact of various I/O optimization techniques, including read caching, sequential prefetching, opportunistic prefetching, write buffering, request scheduling, striping, and short-stroking. We also break down disk technology improvement into four basic effects--faster seeks, higher RPM, linear density improvement, and increase in track density--and analyze each separately to determine its actual benefit. In addition, we examine the historical rates of improvement and use the trends to project the effect of disk technology scaling. As part of this study, we develop a methodology for replaying real workloads that more accurately models I/O arrivals and that allows the I/O rate to be more realistically scaled than previously. We find that optimization techniques that reduce the number of physical I/Os are generally more effective than those that improve the efficiency in performing the I/Os. Sequential prefetching and write buffering are particularly effective, reducing the average read and write response time by about 50% and 90%, respectively. Our results suggest that a reliable method for improving performance is to use larger caches up to and even beyond 1% of the storage used. For a given workload, our analysis shows that disk technology improvement at the historical rate increases performance by about 8% per year if the disk occupancy rate is kept constant, and by about 15% per year if the same number of disks are used. We discover that the actual average seek time and rotational latency are, respectively, only about 35% and 60% of the specified values. We also observe that the disk head positioning time far dominates the data transfer time, suggesting that to effectively utilize the available disk bandwidth, data should be reorganized such that accesses become more sequential.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Phylogenetically Closely Related Hydrogenobaculum sp. Isolates from Yellowstone National Park

ABSTRACT We describe the complete genome sequences of four closely related Hydrogenobaculum sp. isolates (≥99.7% 16S rRNA gene identity) that were isolated from the outflow channel of Dragon Spring (DS), Norris Geyser Basin, in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), WY. The genomes range in size from 1,552,607 to 1,552,931 bp, contain 1,667 to 1,676 predicted genes, and are highly syntenic. There are subtle differences among the DS isolates, which as a group are different from Hydrogenobaculum sp. strain Y04AAS1 that was previously isolated from a geographically distinct YNP geothermal feature. Genes unique to the DS genomes encode arsenite [As(III)] oxidation, NADH-ubiquinone-plastoquinone (complex I), NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain, a DNA photolyase, and elements of a type II secretion system. Functions unique to strain Y04AAS1 include thiosulfate metabolism, nitrate respiration, and mercury resistance determinants. DS genomes contain seven CRISPR loci that are almost identical but are different from the single CRISPR locus in strain Y04AAS1. Other differences between the DS and Y04AAS1 genomes include average nucleotide identity (94.764%) and percentage conserved DNA (80.552%). Approximately half of the genes unique to Y04AAS1 are predicted to have been acquired via horizontal gene transfer. Fragment recruitment analysis and marker gene searches demonstrated that the DS metagenome was more similar to the DS genomes than to the Y04AAS1 genome, but that the DS community is likely comprised of a continuum of Hydrogenobaculum genotypes that span from the DS genomes described here to an Y04AAS1-like organism, which appears to represent a distinct ecotype relative to the DS genomes characterized.
Intuition and surprise

Purpose – This editorial seeks to address the importance of intuition and metaphor in the construction of logical systems of thought.Design/methodology/approach – Two unconventional approaches to probability theory are considered, one based upon the non‐intuitive law of the excluded middle, and one based upon the notion of surprise.Findings – It is argued that formal systems based upon non‐intuitive assumptions/axioms are generally less likely to be accepted by researchers. Nevertheless, it sometimes is possible to identify unconventional systems with greater intuitive appeal than their more orthodox counterparts.Originality/value – The editorial emphasizes an aspect of formal mathematical systems – intuition – that is often overlooked.
Comparative Study of Spray Booth Filter System Efficiency

ABSTRACT During recent years, greater emphasis has been placed on the control of particulate emissions from painting operations. This has gained more importance as more is learned about the potential release of toxic metals to the atmosphere from painting operations. This has led to queries about the efficiency of various painting arrestor systems to reduce particulate discharges to the atmosphere. Even more important is the capability of the arrestor systems to control PM10 emissions. In 1995, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated a study to evaluate various dry paint overspray arrestor systems. This study was designed to evaluate not only the total emissions control capability of the arrestor but also the PM10 control capability of the various system designs. Paint overspray arrestor systems using five different filtration concepts or materials were selected. They include systems constructed of fiberglass, paper, Styrofoam, and cardboard materials. These systems used filtration techniques i...
Temporal control of eating on periodic water schedules

Abstract Three pairs of rats were given periodic access to water at intervals of 40, 90, or 120 sec while food was continuously available. Excessive eating was not induced at any rate of water delivery, but the temporal pattern of eating was controlled by the water delivery schedules. At higher delivery rates, most eating occurred soon after water presentation: lower delivery rates resulted in progressively flatter temporal distributions. Temporal distributions of eating on periodic water schedules were consistent with Killeen's model of temporal control. Killeen's model also describes the similar temporal distributions of behaviors which occur at excessive rates induced by periodic food schedules. This suggests that common principles of temporal control govern interim behaviors entrained by periodic schedules regardless of either the nature of the scheduled event, e.g., food or water, or the effect of the schedule on the overall rate of responding.
Current Density Profiles of Surface Mounted and Recessed Electrodes for Neural Prostheses

A Green's function approach has been used to solve Lapalce's equation for the quasi-static fields of a recessed, disk electrode. The resulting integral equation was solved numerically using the moment method. An analysis of the error in the approximate solution shows that it must be less than 7 percent for the cases studied. The calculations indicate that a recessed electrode has a more uniform current density profile than a surface mounted electrode. This is true both at the electrode surface, and at the electrode carrier?tissue junction. The significance of this finding is discussed as is its application to electrochemical, histopathological, and physiological studies of neural prostheses. The clinical use of recessed electrodes in cochlear implants is recommended.
Photochemistry in biomass burning plumes and implications for tropospheric ozone over the tropical South Atlantic

Photochemistry occuring in biomass burning plumes over the tropical south Atlantic is analyzed using data collected during the Transport and Atmospheric Chemistry Near the Equator-Atlantic aircraft expedition conducted during the tropical dry season in September 1992 and a photochemical point model. Enhancement ratios (ΔY/ΔX, where Δ indicates the enhancement of a compound in the plume above the local background mixing ratio, Y are individual hydrocarbons, CO, O3, N2O, HNO3, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), CH2O, acetone, H2O2, CH3OOH, HCOOH, CH3COOH or aerosols and X is CO or CO2) are reported as a function of plume age inferred from the progression of Δnon-methane hydrocarbons/ΔCO enhancement ratios. Emission, formation, and loss of species in plumes can be diagnosed from progression of enhancement ratios from fresh to old plumes. O3 is produced in plumes over at least a 1 week period with mean ΔO3/ΔCO = 0.7 in old plumes. However, enhancement ratios in plumes can be influenced by changing background mixing ratios and by photochemical loss of CO. We estimate a downward correction of ∼20% in enhancement ratios in old plumes relative to ΔCO to correct for CO loss. In a case study of a large persistent biomass burning plume at 4-km we found elevated concentrations of PAN in the fresh plume. The degradation of PAN helped maintain NOx mixing ratios in the plume where, over the course of a week, PAN was converted to HNO3. Ozone production in the plume was limited by the availability of NOx, and because of the short lifetime of O3 at 4-km, net ozone production in the plume was negligible. Within the region, the majority of O3 production takes place in air above median CO concentration, indicating that most O3 production occurs in plumes. Scaling up from the mean observed ΔO3/ΔCO in old plumes, we estimate a minimum regional O3 production of 17×1010molecules O3 cm−2 s−1. This O3 production rate is sufficient to fully explain the observed enhancement in tropospheric O3 over the tropical South Atlantic during the dry season.
Damping dynamics of optical stochastic cooling

A necessary condition for transverse phase space damping in the optical stochastic cooling (also applicable in the microwave stochastic cooling) with transit-time method for both the longitudinal and transverse damping dynamics is studied. An optimal laser focusing condition for laser-beam interaction in the correction undulator was also obtained. The required laser amplification power can be large for hadron colliders at very high energies.
Absence of gap for infinite half-integer spin ladders with an odd number of legs

A proof is presented for the absence of gap for spin-\textonehalf{} ladders with an odd number of legs in the infinite-leg length limit. This result is relevant to the current discussion of coupled one-dimensional spin systems, a physical realization of which are vanadyl pyrophosphate, ${(\mathrm{VO})}_{2}$${\mathrm{P}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$, and stoichiometric ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{n\ensuremath{-}1}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{n+1}{\mathrm{O}}_{2n}$ (with $n=3, 5, 7, 9, \dots{}$).
Stimulated Raman scattering in lead vapor heat pipe for tunable and narrow-linewidth XeCl excimer laser

Narrow-linewidth and high-efficiency conversion of stimulated Raman scattering in a lead vapor heat pipe was observed using a narrow-linewidth and injection-locked XeCl excimer laser system as the pump source. The XeCl was continuously tuned over its entire B-X gain curve, from the (0-0) transition to the (0-3) transition, giving it a range of 0.8 nm (307.65-308.45 nm). The laser linewidth was narrowed down to 0.002 AA(0.02 cm/sup -1/). The output energy was 310 mJ/pulse, with a repetition rate up to 50 p.p.s. and good beam quality. A lead vapor heat pipe operating at 1225 degrees C was used as a single-pass stimulated Raman converter, shifting the radiation from 308 to 459 nm. Photon conversion efficiency as high as 80% was achieved, using a pump linewidth of 0.01 AA. >
Influenza-A viruses in ducks in northwestern Minnesota: fine scale spatial and temporal variation in prevalence and subtype diversity.

Waterfowl from northwestern Minnesota were sampled by cloacal swabbing for Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) from July – October in 2007 and 2008. AIV was detected in 222 (9.1%) of 2,441 ducks in 2007 and in 438 (17.9%) of 2,452 ducks in 2008. Prevalence of AIV peaked in late summer. We detected 27 AIV subtypes during 2007 and 31 during 2008. Ten hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes were detected each year (i.e., H1, 3–8, and 10–12 during 2007; H1-8, 10 and 11 during 2008). All neuraminidase (NA) subtypes were detected during each year of the study. Subtype diversity varied between years and increased with prevalence into September. Predominant subtypes during 2007 (comprising ≥5% of subtype diversity) included H1N1, H3N6, H3N8, H4N6, H7N3, H10N7, and H11N9. Predominant subtypes during 2008 included H3N6, H3N8, H4N6, H4N8, H6N1, and H10N7. Additionally, within each HA subtype, the same predominant HA/NA subtype combinations were detected each year and included H1N1, H3N8, H4N6, H5N2, H6N1, H7N3, H8N4, H10N7, and H11N9. The H2N3 and H12N5 viruses also predominated within the H2 and H12 subtypes, respectively, but only were detected during a single year (H2 and H12 viruses were not detected during 2007 and 2008, respectively). Mallards were the predominant species sampled (63.7% of the total), and 531 AIV were isolated from this species (80.5% of the total isolates). Mallard data collected during both years adequately described the observed temporal and spatial prevalence from the total sample and also adequately represented subtype diversity. Juvenile mallards also were adequate in describing the temporal and spatial prevalence of AIV as well as subtype diversity.
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