cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An accurate practical method for estimating GFR in clinical studies using a constant subcutaneous infusion

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the standard measure of renal function and serial measurements often are used to describe the course of renal disease in clinical studies including controlled clinical trials. Serum creatinine (Sr), commonly used to estimate renal function, is now recognized as insufficiently accurate for this purpose [1, 2]. The reference standard for estimating GFR is the renal clearance of inulin (C1). The plasma C1, derived from steady state level and input rate, is equally suitable [3]. Although inulin is the ideal marker, isotopic and unlabeled iothalamate are both used to estimate GFR from the renal ['1—6] or plasma [5, 7, 8] clearance of iothalamate (Cr0). Even these clearance methods, however, are sufficiently time consuming and expensive to constitute an impediment to accurately estimating GFR in clinical studies, particularly in children. Plasma clearance is measured either by giving a single bolus injection of a marker and measuring its fractional disappearance rate from plasma [9] (single-injection plasma clearance) or by infusing a marker to a steady state and measuring its input rate divided by its plasma concentration [101 (steady-state plasma clearance). Either of the two plasma clearance methods is preferred in children or patients with voiding dysfunction because collecting timed urine samples as required for renal clearances often is impractical. We describe a method for measuring the steady-state plasma C10. lothalamate is delivered subcutaneously from a very accurate portable pump at a constant rate for a calculated minimum infusion time. Clearance is calculated from input rate and the steady state plasma level.
Effect of beta-adrenergic receptor blockade on coronary haemodynamics in the resting unanaesthetized dog.

In the unanaesthetized dog propranolol 1 mg/kg intravenously failed to alter significantly coronary or systemic haemodynamics. These results suggest that in the supine, unanaesthetized dog, β-adrenergic receptor activity is minimal in the coronary arteries.
Heats of formation for NFn (n=1–3) and NFn+ (n=1–3)

Abstract Accurate heats of formation are computed for NF n and NF n + , for n =1–3. The geometries and vibrational frequencies are determined at the B3LYP level of theory. The energetics are determined at the CCSD(T) level of theory. Basis set limit values are obtained by extrapolation. In those cases where the CCSD(T) calculations become prohibitively large, the basis set extrapolation is performed at the MP2 level. The temperature dependence of the heat of formation, heat capacity, and entropy are computed for the temperature range of 300–4000 K and fit to a polynomial.
Critical Behavior of Birefringence in Two Smectic-A Pentylbenzenethio-Alkoxybenzoates Near the Smectic-C Phase

Abstract The birefringence has been measured in detail in the smectic-A phase of 4-n-pentylbenzenethio-4'-n-octyloxyaniline and 4-n-pentylbenzenethio-4'-n-decyloxyaniline. The reduction of the birefringence near the smectic-C phase has been analyzed in terms of the effect of pretransitional short-range tilt-angle fluctuations. The results show that the two materials exhibit quantitatively similar critical suppression of the birefringence which can be characterized, within the temperature range of the fits, by a specific-heat critical exponent a of 0.15 ± 0.12 and 0.16 ± 0.08, respectively.
Mode of action and relative value of imipramine and similar drugs in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis

The present study was partly a clinical pharmacological analysis of the action of imipramine in nocturnal enuresis and partly an attempt to select children who would benefit most from this treatment. 61 fairly severe cases of nocturnal enuresis were studied as out-patients, divided by the criteria primary/secondary enuresis and with/without associated behavioural disturbances. The patients received imipramine, imipramine-N-oxide, emepronium, and a placebo in random sequence in a double-blind cross-over trial. There was no difference in effect between placebo and emepronium; after imipramine the frequency of enuresis fell to 58% of the figure during placebo treatment, i.e. 31% of the children became dry; imipramine-N-oxide reduced the number of wet nights only to 78% of the number on placebo, 18% of the children became dry. When the patients were classified into groups imipramine and imipramine-N-oxide were found to have had the greatest effect in cases of presumed psychogenic aetiology, a 65% reduction of the frequency of wet nights whilst taking the placebo. The most favourable results were in children with combined nocturnal and diurnal enuresis and in those with urinary frequency and imperative urgency. The effect was maintained during treatment for 3 months with the most suitable drug. The dose was 50 mg regardless of the body weight of the patient. There were no serious side effects. It was concluded that the psychopharmacological actions of imipramine and imipramine-N-oxide appear to be important in their effects on enuresis. Imipramine might have been the best drug because success may require the combination of antidepressant and anticholinergic activity. It was not possible to assess in detail its presumed effect on the level of sleep. Thus many children can be treated successfully and the final cure of enuresis may be hastened by breaking a vicious circle of psychological phenomena.
OXIDATIVE METABOLISM IN HUMAN CORD BLOOD NEUTROPHILS

Oxidative metabolism (OxM) was assessed in cord blood, neutrophils (CBN) in an attempt to explain the susceptibility of infants to infections. A variety of methods were employed in prior reports, and results have been contradictory. Isolated neutrophils were used in this study. Hexose monophosphate shunt (HMS) activity was determined by glucose-1-14C oxidation. The kinetics of OxM were measured as the rate of light emission by chemiluminescence (CL), an assay related to superoxide and singlet oxygen formation. HMS activity in both resting and phagocytic cells was greater (p 0.05), but the kinetics of CL were quite different. During the first 8 min. of phagocytosis CL (light emission) increased sharply in both groups. At later times CL was sustained by control cells, but waned in CBN and within 15 min. was significantly less (p < 0.05). Thus, CBN initiated post-phagocytic OxM and reached normal peak values of HMS activity and CL. However, CBN were unable to maintain the increased rate of OxM after phagocytosis when compared to adult controls. This difference may indicate a functional defect.
Temporary placement of a defibrillating lead in the treatment of infection and ventricular tachycardia

or patients with systemic infections who are pacemaker ependent, temporary placement of a permanent pacing ead, attached to an externalized permanent pacemaker, is tandard practice following extraction of the permanent acing system. We report the temporary placement of a ermanent defibrillating lead, attached to an externalized ardioverter-defibrillator, in a patient with frequent ventriclar tachycardia (VT) and a life-threatening infection.
AGONISTIC BEHAVIOR IN SEVERAL SPECIES OF FISH.

Seven species of fish were studied in an attempt to determine interspecies differences in the amount and type of agonistic behavior shown. Fish in each species were paired and the frequency of attacks shown during a 5-min. observation session was recorded. An observation session was held for 16 pairs of fish of the same species on 5 consecutive days. It was found that bluegill showed the highest frequency of attacks, then green sunfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, black crappie, and yellow perch in that order. No attacks were recorded for walleyes during any of the observation sessions. Qualitative differences shown in agonistic behavior among the various species are also discussed.
Activity level as a function of physically enforced inaction.

(1946). Activity Level as a Function of Physically Enforced Inaction. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 285-291.
A study of chain‐addition polymerizations with temperature variations. IV. Copolymerizations—Experiments with styrene‐acrylonitrile

Free-radical copolymerizations were studied under nonisothermal conditions with emphasis on their thermal runaway and ignition behavior. Computational models are presented in generalized form and compared with experiments on the system styrene-acrylonitrile. A new, useful method is proposed for the evaluation of runaway parameters from scant kinetic data.
COMPARISON OF MOSQUITO CONTROL PROVIDED BY THE ARROYO CHUB (GILA ORCUTTI ) AND THE MOSQUITOFISH (GAMBUSIA AFFINIS)

Two 6-wk trials were conducted in 28-m2 earthen ponds to compare the efficacy of the arroyo chub, Gila orcutti, to the mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, as a biological control agent for mosquitoes and a possible replacement for the mosquitofish in sensitive watersheds of southern California. The mosquitofish population growth rate was 1.73 times greater than the arroyo chub population growth rate; however, greater reproduction by the mosquitofish did not result in significantly better reduction of mosquitoes than was provided by the comparatively small populations of arroyo chub. On average across a 6-wk study in the spring, both larvivorous fishes reduced the abundance of 3rd and 4th instars by 4- to 5-fold compared to that observed in the control ponds that lacked fish but contained few invertebrate predators. The abundance of nontarget microinvertebrates in ponds containing the mosquitofish was only 7% of that in ponds containing the arroyo chub during the summer, but did not differ significantly between the fish species treatments when zooplankton was comparatively more abundant during the spring. Even though the number of individuals produced by each fish species during 6 wk in the spring was greater than for fish stocked in the summer, species-specific population growth rates in the spring study (individuals/individual/d; mosquitofish, 0.077; arroyo chub, 0.044) were only slightly higher than in the summer (individuals/individual/d; mosquitofish, 0.068; arroyo chub, 0.039) indicating that differences in the number of fish stocked contributed primarily to the differences in final population size between spring and summer studies. The arroyo chub is native to the South Coastal drainages in California and should be considered as a viable alternative to the mosquitofish for integrated mosquito management programs in riverine wetlands and sensitive watersheds of southern California.
Bouquets, whiffs and pongs

When it comes to practical chemistry demonstrations designed to provoke the senses, Bruce Gibb suggests that we should follow our noses rather than it all being about bangs and flashes.
Disorders of water metabolism following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: A single institution’s experience

Disorders of water metabolism are a common complication of pituitary surgery. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and duration of post-surgical diabetes insipidus (DI) at our institution. Secondary objectives included characterizing the incidence of post-operative hyponatremia as well as delineating factors associated with the onset of these complications. Records of 319 patients who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery at the authors’ institution between 1998 and 2005 were reviewed for the presence of disorders of water metabolism using pre-specified criteria. DI was diagnosed in 59 (18.5%) of our patients at a mean time of 13.6 h following surgery. DI resolved in nearly half of our patients within one week. Approximately 80% of our patients enjoyed resolution of DI at a mean time of 2.9 months following surgery. Duration of DI was not significantly influenced by tumor size or location. Additionally, 28 (8.8%) of our patients exhibited a period of hyponatremia at a mean time of 4 days following surgery. One quarter of these patients carried a diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. We herein report an incidence of DI as well as hyponatremia within our post-operative population comparable to that reported by other high-volume pituitary centers. Over half of our patients still exhibited DI at the time of discharge, therefore, patient education regarding the treatment of DI, signs of its resolution, and symptoms consistent with the onset of hyponatremia should be an integral part of every hospitalization.
Equilibrium without independence

Abstract Because players whose preferences violate the von neumann-Morgenstern independence axiom may be unwilling to randomize as mixed-strategy Nash equilibrium would require, a Nash equilibrium may not exist without independence. This paper generalizes Nash's definition of equilibrium, retaining its rational-expectations spirit but relaxing its requirement that a player must bear as much uncertainty about his own strategy choice as other players do. The resulting notion, “equilibrium in beliefs”, is equivalent to Nash equilibrium when independence is satisfied, but exists without independence. This makes it possible to study the robustness of equilibrium comparative statics results to violations of independence.
Beyond the Soldier and the State: Contemporary Operations and Variance in Principal-Agent Relationships:

Are all soldiers created equal to deal with the multiple relationships found in contemporary military operations? Principal-agent theory has long been used in understanding relationships within political environments, and was recently applied by Feaver to understand civil-military relations. While Feaver’s institutional application focuses on two actors, the soldier and the state, recent criticism of this two-actor approach requires an expansion to include the actors beyond the state (e.g., United Nations, coalitions) that influence contemporary military operations. This article adopts the principal-agent framework to examine the case of Kosovo, with quantitative and qualitative data collected from key military commanders from the United States and United Kingdom. Using their experience, this article explores the relationships found outside the two-actor model: between soldiers and actors beyond the state. We argue that variation exists in the relationships and that nationality provides some clues why thi...
Quantum dynamics in a time-dependent variational approximation.

The time-dependent variational method, which in many-body theory leads to the Hartree-Fock approximation, is here tested in quantum-mechanical models inspired by the physics of the inflationary universe. Some remarks about field-theoretic applications are also made.
Equilibrium and adjustments in noncompetitive markets: Lost sales versus backlogging processes

Abstract This paper considers trading processes in which, periodically, price and output decisions are made before the realization of a random demand. A major achievement is to extend the scope of outcomes for the lost sales trading processes by demonstrating that the class of PF 2 density functions preserves uniqueness and regularity of behavior without imposing any linearity requirements. A second achievement is to verify that the backlogging full payment process and the lost sales process share common qualitative features with the major difference arising in the properties of the system equilibria.
An infrared spectroscopic investigation of the curing reactions of the EPON 828/meta-phenylenediamine system

Mid- and near-infrared (IR) spectroscopy has been used to study the curing of a bisphenol-A based epoxy resin (EPON-828) with a tetrafunctional curing agent, viz., meta-phenylenediamine (MPDA). Three different cure cycles were used in the study. Primary amine functionality was observed to react relatively rapidly; none remained after curing for 2 h at 75°C. Secondary amine functionality was exhausted in epoxy rich samples subjected to the standard cure cycle (2 h at 75°C followed by 2 h at 125°C). In samples with stoichiometric amount or higher MPDA, complete reaction of secondary amine or epoxy groups was not observed. In amine-rich samples subjected to post curing (6 h at 175°C), evidence was seen for the reaction of hydroxyl and epoxy groups, resulting in a considerable increase in the crosslink density of these samples.
Further characterization of structural determinants of rabbit hemopexin function.

To further identify structural features of the hemopexin molecule important for its heme transport function, a fragment of the heme-binding domain (residues 1–213, Mr 35 kD, domain I) of rabbit hemopexin was obtained after digestion with subtilisin. Both apo- and heme-domain I were cleaved by subtilisin, and the subtilisin-digested form of domain I (called SD-DI) was shown by microsequencing to have been cleaved at Asp 22 forming a 30 kD subfragment lacking the conserved histidine residue at position 7 and the N-linked oligosaccharide at Asn 9. The 5 kD peptide cleaved from domain I is not disulfide linked to domain I and can be removed by membrane ultrafiltration. SD-DI retains the ability of domain I to bind heme, to associate with the other functional domain of hemopexin (domain II), and to interact with the hemopexin receptor on mouse Hepa cells. Moreover, although the heme complex of SD-DI is less themostable than native heme-domain I, like heme-domain I, heme-SD-DI is stabilized to a large extent when associated with domain II. These results show that the conserved His 7 residue is not involved in heme binding by hemopexin and that residues 1–22 of hemopexin and the N-linked oligosaccharide at Asn 9 are not essential for either receptor binding or interdomain interactions. Nevertheless, these N-terminal residues of hemopexin do contribute significantly to the overall stability of the hemopexin molecule and the interdomain interactions necessary for receptor recognition.
The Pre-Clinical Animal Model in the Translational Research of Interventional Cardiology

Scientific discoveries for improvement of human health must be translated into practical applications. Such discoveries typically begin at “the bench” with basic research, then progress to the clinical level. In particular, in the field of interventional cardiology, percutaneous cardiovascular intervention has rapidly evolved from an experimental procedure to a therapeutic clinical setting. Pre-clinical studies using animal models play a very important role in the evaluation of efficacy and safety of new medical devices before their use in human clinical studies. This review provides an overview of the emerging role, results of pre-clinical studies and development, and evaluation of animal models for percutaneous cardiovascular intervention technologies for patients with symptomatic cardiovascular disease.
The Lure of Motherhood

A multivariate exploration of motivations for parenthood in 184 unmarried, childless, female college undergraduates indicated that positive memories of early childhood maternal love, traditional feminine sex-role identification and antifeminist sympathy were the primary unique psychological variables accounting for expressed desire for children. Significantly correlated with parenthood motivation, but not contributing uniquely, were memories of father's loving care, perceptions of maternal success at, and enjoyment of, childrearing, and happiness of childhood. Women from large families (three or more siblings) expressed more desire for children than women from smaller families. Religious affiliation and birth order were not related to motivation.
Design and characterization of optical-THz phase-matched traveling-wave photomixers

Design and characterization of optical-THz phase-matched traveling-wave photomixers for difference-frequency generation of THz waves are presented. A de-biased coplanar stripline fabricated on low-temperature-grown GaAs is illuminated by two non-collinear laser beams which generate moving interference fringes that are accompanied by THz waves. By tuning the offset angle between the two laser beams, the velocity of the interference fringe can be matched to the phase velocity of the THz wave in the coplanar stripline. The generated THz waves are radiated into free space by the antenna at the termination of the stripline. Enhancement of the output power was clearly observed when the phase-matching condition was satisfied. The output power spectrum has a 3-dB bandwidth of 2 THz and rolls off as ~9 dB/Oct which is determined by the frequency dependent attenuation in the stripline, while the bandwidth of conventional photomixer design has the limitation by the RC time constant due to the electrode capacitance. The device can handle the laser power of over 380 mW, which is 5 times higher than the maximum power handring capability of conventional small area devices. The results show that the traveling-wave photomixers have the potential to surpass small area designs, especially at higher frequencies over I THz, owing to their great thermal dissipation capability and capacitance-free wide bandwidth.
A Small Molecule That Inhibits the Interaction of Paxillin and α4 Integrin Inhibits Accumulation of Mononuclear Leukocytes at a Site of Inflammation

Extracellular antagonists of α4 integrin are an effective therapy for several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; however, these agents that directly block ligand binding may exhibit mechanism-based toxicities. Inhibition of α4 integrin signaling by mutations of α4 that block paxillin binding inhibits inflammation while limiting mechanism-based toxicities. Here, we test a pharmacological approach by identifying small molecules that inhibit the α4 integrin-paxillin interaction. By screening a large (∼40,000-compound) chemical library, we identified a noncytotoxic inhibitor of this interaction that impaired integrin α4-mediated but not αLβ2-mediated Jurkat T cell migration. The identified compound had no effect on α4-mediated migration in cells bearing the α4(Y991A) mutation that disrupts the α4-paxillin interaction, establishing the specificity of its action. Administration of this compound to mice led to impaired recruitment of mononuclear leukocytes to a site of inflammation in vivo, whereas an isomer that does not inhibit the α4-paxillin interaction had no effect on α4-mediated cell migration, cell spreading, or recruitment of leukocytes to an inflammatory site. Thus, a small molecule inhibitor that interferes with α4 integrin signaling reduces α4-mediated T cell migration in vivo, thus providing proof of principle for inhibition of α4 integrin signaling as a target for the pharmacological reduction of inflammation.
Reflected Appraisals, Parental Labeling, and Delinquency: Specifying a Symbolic Interactionist Theory

This article draws on behavioral principles of George Herbert Mead and other symbolic interactionists to specify a theory of the self to explain delinquent behavior. The theoretical framework builds on Mead's analysis of the social act, symbolic interactionists' specification of the self as a reflection of appraisals made by significant others, and labeling theorists' notions of dramatization of evil, deviance amplification, and secondary deviance. This integrated framework is tested with a causal model of the causes and consequences of reflected appraisals and delinquent behavior. The analysis provides general support for the theory. Reflected appraisals of self are substantially affected by parental appraisals and prior delinquency; future delinquency is sustantially affected by reflected appraisals of self as a rule violator; and reflected appraisals mediate much of the effects on delinquency of parental appraisals, prior delinquency, and structural variables.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism and childhood stroke.

Genotyping for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene ( MTHFR ) has been recommended for part of the evaluation for underlying prothrombotic state in childhood stroke; however, studies are inconclusive regarding the role of this gene and also the role of hyperhomocysteinemia, which is the putative mechanism by which MTHFR polymorphism is related to stroke. The prevalence of MTHFR polymorphism in childhood arterial ischemic stroke and cerebral sinovenous thrombosis was compared with that of a reference population, and prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was reviewed. In arterial ischemic stroke, the prevalence of at-risk methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotypes was 27%, and in cerebral sinovenous thrombosis it was 13%; the population prevalence was 26%. The odds ratio for at-risk genotype in childhood arterial ischemic stroke was 1.06 (95% confidence interval, 0.22-4.0); in cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, it was 0.42 (95% confidence interval, 0.01-3.6). No tested cases had hyperhomocysteinemia. MTHFR polymorphism and hyperhomocysteinemia were not risk factors in childhood arterial ischemic stroke or cerebral sinovenous thrombosis in the Intermountain West region.
An Optical Mask System Of Target To Background Discrimination

An optical method of suppressing an imaging system's response to a slowly varying background interference is described. The method involves masking the photodetectors with a photochromic plate and a model for this system is developed. The photochromic mask is shown to be equivalent to an optical Automatic Gain Control (AGC) device. The time response of such a system is developed and simulation results are presented that demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
Increased congestive heart failure after myocardial infarction of modest extent in patients with diabetes mellitus

Abstract To elucidate the factors involved in the reduced survival rate of diabetic patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we prospectively evaluated 100 patients with well-documented diabetes and 426 control patients. We characterized infarct size and analyzed the incidence and severity of congestive heart failure (CHF) and subsequent death with respect to infarct size. The extent of the index infarct was less in diabetic compared to nondiabetic patients, 16.2 ± 2.2 CK-gm-eq/m 2 compared with 19.2 ± 0.9 ( p p
Very low frequency (VLF) breakdown of air in non-uniform fields for varying humidity conditions

The effect of humidity on the breakdown voltage of air for frequencies in the kilo-Hertz range is largely unknown, especially for larger dimensions. This is of interest for high-power communication towers that can operate in a variety of climates. The very low frequency (VLF) and low frequency (LF) bands are used for long distance communication in the range of 10–30 kHz and 30–100 kHz, respectively. Results are reported for rod/rod gaps and rod/plane gaps in the range of 125–1000 mm at a frequency of 30 kHz. The breakdown voltage at 30 kHz is observed to be markedly lower than that at 60 Hz for non-uniform field configurations with corona pre-discharges. Electric field calculations have been completed for the experimental configurations to attempt to explain the difference in breakdown voltage.
Load balancing for spectrum management in a cluster-based cognitive network

Cognitive radio technology has received increasing attention recently as a solution for the spectrum scarcity problem in wireless technology. It allows radios to intelligently locate free frequencies and use them efficiently. In our work, the unused spectrum is used to serve secondary users who do not have a license to access the spectrum. We propose a cluster-based architecture to form a secondary network. This network uses the licensed spectrum to overlay secondary users' traffic. Cluster-heads group nodes to form distinct clusters and they manage spectrum in their clusters. In this paper, we investigate the performance of our spectrum management scheme. Simulation results show that load balanced clustering improve spectrum utilization and increase the throughput of the secondary network.
Detecting and Controlling Cheating in Online Poker

Cheating in online computer games is becoming a significant problem as the popularity of such games steadily increases. In this paper we review different forms of cheating observed in computer games and give our solution for a particular form of cheating, which involves assistance from artificially intelligent programs, known as bots. Our solution has numerous advantages over traditional methods for combating this form of cheating, such as its non-obtrusive nature, continuous verification, and simple non-interactive and outsourcing-proof design.
Putting BGP on the right path: a case for next-hop routing

BGP is plagued by many serious problems, ranging from protocol divergence and software bugs to misconfigurations and attacks. Rather than continuing to add mechanisms to an already complex protocol, or redesigning interdomain routing from scratch, we propose making BGP simpler. We argue that the AS-PATH, which lists the sequence of ASes that propagated the route, is the root of many of BGP's problems. We propose a transition from today's path-based routing to a solution where ASes select and export routes based only on neighboring ASes. We discuss the merits and limitations of next-hop routing. We argue that next-hop routing is sufficiently expressive to realize network operator's goals while side-stepping major problems with today's BGP. Specifically, we show that next-hop routing simplifies router implementation and configuration, reduces BGP's attack surface, makes it easier to support multipath routing, and provably achieves faster convergence and incentive compatibility. Our simulations show that next-hop routing significantly reduces the number of update messages and routing changes, and is especially effective at preventing the most serious convergence problems.
Effects of two cueing treatments on lexical retrieval in aphasic speakers with different levels of deficit

The effects of two cueing treatments for lexical retrieval were examined with three aphasic speakers who demonstrated different levels of lexical processing impairment (i.e., predominately semantic, predominately phonologic, and mixed semantic-phonologic). Each speaker received both treatments, with treatments being applied sequentially to different word lists in a multiple baseline design. Both treatments consisted of a prestimulation phase followed by the application of a response-contingent cueing hierarchy. One treatment employed semantic-level cueing, whereas the other treatment utilised phonologic-level cueing. All participants evidenced a positive response to both of the treatments and one participant (predominately phonologic-level deficit) showed a superior response to lexicalsemantic treatment.
Randomized parallel algorithms for the homing sequence problem

Homing sequences play an important role in the testing of finite state systems and have been recently used in learning algorithms due to Rivest and Schapire (1993) and Freund et al. (1993). It is well-known that every minimal DFA has a homing sequence of length O(n/sup 2/) which can be constructed sequentially in time O(n/sup 3/). But no efficient parallel algorithm was known for this problem. We present two RNC algorithms of time complexity O(log/sup 2/n) for this problem. We show that one of our RNC algorithms produces a homing sequence of length O(n logan) for almost all DFA's with n states using a random model of Traktenbrot and Barzdin (1973). We also discuss connections between the homing sequence problem and other problems in the field of hardware fault-testing and protocol verification.
Finite element methods are not always optimal

Consider a regularly elliptic 2mth order boundary value problem Lu = f with f @e H^r(@W), where r $@?m. In previous work, we showed that the finite element method (FEM) using piecewise polynomials of degree k is asymptotically optimal when k >= 2m - 1 + r. In this paper, we show that the FEM is not asymptotically optimal when this inequality is violated. However, there exists an algorithm, called the spline algorithm, which uses the same information as the FEM and is optimal. Moreover, the error of the finite element method can be arbitrarily larger than the error of the spline algorithm. We also obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for a Galerkin method (or a generalized Galerkin method) to be a spline algorithm.
In Stream, Streamside, and Under Stream Bank Movements of a Bog Turtle, Glyptemys muhlenbergii

ABSTRACT Movements of a bog turtle, Glyptemys muhlenbergii, outside of characteristic wetland habitat were recorded using radiotelemetry. Data suggest that permit reviewers and park managers should consider the conservation implications of stream use, undercut banks, and streamside habitat in formulating mitigation and management plans within the range of this federally protected species.
Unsteady force measurements in sphere flow from subcritical to supercritical Reynolds numbers

The flow over a smooth sphere is examined in the Reynolds number range of 5.0 × 10^4 < Re < 5.0 × 10^5 via measurements of the fluctuating forces and particle image velocimetry measurements in a planar cut of the velocity field. Comprehensive studies of the statistics and spectra of the forces are presented for a range of subcritical and supercritical Reynolds numbers. While the subcritical lateral force spectra are dominated by activity corresponding to the large-scale vortex shedding frequency at a Strouhal number of approximately 0.18, there is no such peak apparent in the supercritical spectra, although resolution effects may become important in this region. Nor does the large-scale vortex shedding appear to have a significant effect on the drag force fluctuations at either sub- or super-critical Reynolds numbers. A simple double spring model is shown to capture the main features of the lateral force spectra. The low-frequency force fluctuations observed in earlier computational studies are shown to have important implications for statistical convergence, and in particular, the apparent mean side force observed in earlier studies. At least one thousand dimensionless time units are required for reasonable estimates of the second and higher moments below the critical Reynolds number and even more for supercritical flow, stringent conditions for computational studies. Lastly, investigation of the relationship between the motion of the instantaneous wake shape, defined via the local position where the streamwise velocity is equal to half the freestream value, and the in-plane lateral force for subcritical flow reveals a significant negative correlation throughout the near wake, which is shown to be related to a structure inferred to arise from the large-scale vortex shedding convecting downstream at 61% of the freestream velocity. In addition to its utility in understanding basic sphere flow, the apparatus is also a testbed that will be used in future studies, examining the effect of both static and dynamic changes to the surface morphology.
Linearly precoded OFDM system with adaptive modulation

We consider the linearly precoded OFDM approach proposed by A.P. Petropulu et al. (see IEEE Trans. Wireless Commun., 2003), where a non-redundant precoding was applied to the symbol blocks before entering the OFDM system. The precoding, while it maintained the transmit power, introduced a structure to the transmitted signal that allowed for blind channel estimation by a simple auto-correlation performed at the receiver. We propose an adaptive modulation based extension of the method of Petropulu et al. in order to combat a channel with deep fading. Bits are allocated on each subcarrier so that the overall transmit power is minimized under a fixed bit error rate (BER). The obtained bit allocation can also be viewed as minimizing BER for the precoded system, under a fixed overall transmit power constraint. The proposed approach provides large performance gains over the uniformly loaded one, especially under deep fading conditions, for the same overall throughput and transmit power.
Construction of a sentimental word dictionary

The Web has plenty of reviews, comments and reports about products, services, government policies, institutions, etc. The opinions expressed in these reviews influence how people regard these entities. For example, a product with consistently good reviews is likely to sell well, while a product with numerous bad reviews is likely to sell poorly. Our aim is to build a sentimental word dictionary, which is larger than existing sentimental word dictionaries and has high accuracy. We introduce rules for deduction, which take words with known polarities as input and produce synsets (a set of synonyms with a definition) with polarities. The synsets with deduced polarities can then be used to further deduce the polarities of other words. Experimental results show that for a given sentimental word dictionary with D words, approximately an additional 50% of D words with polarities can be deduced. An experiment is conducted to find the accuracy of a random sample of the deduced words. It is found that the accuracy is about the same as that of comparing the judgment of one human with that of another.
High-speed germanium-on-insulator photodetectors

We will present recent results from our work on germanium-on-silicon photodetectors. We demonstrate that the devices display high bandwidth and efficiency at 850 nm, and could be suitable for future 40 Gb/sec optical interconnect applications.
Clinical utility of bronchoalveolar lavage in pediatric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary disease in the pediatric cancer patient continues to pose a difficult clinical dilemma. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is commonly utilized for the diagnosis of pulmonary complications in the immunocompromised child. PROCEDURE: We retrospectively reviewed 53 BAL procedures performed in pediatric cancer patients with pulmonary disease between 1988 and 1998 to determine the diagnostic and clinical utility of BAL. Patients who had undergone prior myeloablative therapy were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: The majority of patients (83%) had an underlying diagnosis of acute leukemia or lymphoma. BAL yielded a specific diagnosis in 16 patients (30%), including 15 infections and 1 malignant infiltration. Medical management was altered in an additional 14 patients (26%) as a consequence of a negative BAL result. Severe but transient complications associated with the BAL procedure occurred in four patients (8%). Minor complications following the BAL occurred in 21 patients (40%) and included transiently increased oxygen requirement and anesthesia-related gastrointestinal complaints. The mortality from lung disease in this patient population was 7.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Both positive and negative BAL results contribute to the management of pediatric cancer patients with pulmonary disease. The low incidence of significant complications associated with BAL and the high mortality rate in this patient population support the choice of BAL as an initial diagnostic test in pediatric cancer patients with pulmonary disease.
Theoretical consideration of integrating social structure into symbolic interactionism: Selected methodological insights

The purpose in this paper was to elucidate the process-social structure controversy, concerning the relationships of self to symbolic interactionism. Increasingly, knowledgeable scholars of self theory are gaining methodological insights, which support the fact that our conceptions of process and social structure are each incomplete, supplementary dimensions articulating the same phenomenal states of being and development. Just as self and society are “twin born”; structure and process are analytically separable dimensions of self that, however, are not mutually reducible. Hence, the basic problem, attempted herein, is to expound dimensions of the symbolic interactionist perspective required for logically specifying and analyzing those psychological, social, and situational conditions under which social structure and social process each exert their differential – as well as their combined, simultaneous influences in determining consequences that self has for social behavior.
Some Aspects of Hurricane Inner-Core Dynamics and Energetics

Abstract The energy cycle of the mature hurricane resides in the secondary circulation that passes through the storm’s eyewall. By equating the generation of energy in this cycle to boundary layer dissipation, an upper bound on wind speed is derived. This bound depends on the degree of thermodynamic disequilibrium between the tropical ocean and atmosphere, on the difference between sea surface and outflow absolute temperatures, and also on the ratio between the enthalpy exchange and surface drag coefficients. Such a bound proves to be an excellent predictor of maximum wind speeds in two different axisymmetric numerical models and does not appear to depend on the existence of the hurricane eye. But further consideration of the detailed dynamics of the eye and eyewall show that the intensification of hurricanes is accelerated by feedbacks associated with a component of eye subsidence forced by radial turbulent diffusion of momentum. This radial momentum diffusion is an inevitable by-product of the strong fr...
Cobalt (II) oxide and nickel (II) oxide alloys as potential intermediate-band semiconductors: A theoretical study

Solar cells based on single pn junctions, employing single-gap semiconductors can ideally achieve efficiencies as high as 34%. Developing solar cells based on intermediate-band semiconductors (IBSCs), which can absorb light across multiple band gaps, is a possible way to defy this theoretical limit and achieve efficiencies as high as 60%. Here, we use first principles quantum mechanics methods and introduce CoO and Co0.25Ni0.75O as possible IBSCs. We show that the conduction band in both of these materials is divided into two distinct bands separated by a band gap. We further show that the lower conduction band (i.e., the intermediate band) is wider in Co0.25Ni0.75O compared with CoO. This should enhance light absorption from the valence band edge to the intermediate band, making Co0.25Ni0.75O more appropriate for use as an IBSC. Our findings provide the basis for future attempts to partially populate the intermediate band and to reduce the lower band gap in Co0.25Ni0.75O in order to enhance the potential of this material for use in IBSC solar cell technologies. Furthermore, with proper identification of heterojunctions and dopants, CoO and Co0.25Ni0.75O could be used in multi-color light emitting diode and laser technologies.
The Immigration Rule of Lenity and Chevron Deference

The rule of lenity is commonly thought of as the ancient canon of statutory construction which directs that ambiguities in penal statutes be construed in favor of the defendant. There is a similar, but lesser known, canon of construction in immigration law, however, often similarly referred to by courts as the rule of lenity, which directs that statutory ambiguities in deportation provisions be resolved in favor of the noncitizen. Despite the extreme judicial deference traditionally given the political branches in immigration matters, courts have long employed this canon, created by the Supreme Court in light of the harshness of deportation. Despite the Court's recent reference to it, the role of the immigration rule of lenity in deportation proceedings is no longer clear due to the now-famous Chevron doctrine. One important issue left unresolved by the Court in Chevron is the role of canons of construction in the review of agency interpretations. Chevron, which directs reviewing courts to defer to reasonable agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes, is in direct conflict with the immigration rule of lenity (as well as other strict construction canons), which directs that such ambiguities be resolved in the opposite direction. Although the Court's opinion in Chevron stated that courts should not defer to agency interpretations if Congress had expressed an intent regarding the interpretive issue before the court, determined by employing "traditional tools of statutory construction," the Court did not shed any light on the issue of the role of canons of construction in determining congressional intent. Similarly, although the Court stated that only reasonable agency interpretations should be deferred to in the case of ambiguity, the Court did not provide any guidance regarding the role of canons in determining whether the agency's interpretation is reasonable. This Article analyzes the conflict between the immigration rule of lenity and Chevron deference and argues that courts should consider lenity, and canons in general, when reviewing agency interpretations.
Where Can Colorectal Cancer Screening Interventions Have the Most Impact

Background: Although colorectal cancer death rates in the United States have declined by half since 1970, large geographic disparities persist. Spatial identification of high-risk areas can facilitate targeted screening interventions to close this gap. Methods: We used the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic within ArcGIS to identify contemporary colorectal cancer “hotspots” (spatial clusters of counties with high rates) based on county-level mortality data from the national vital statistics system. Hotspots were compared with the remaining aggregated counties (non-hotspot United States) by plotting trends from 1970 to 2011 and calculating rate ratios (RR). Trends were quantified using joinpoint regression. Results: Spatial mapping identified three distinct hotspots in the contemporary United States where colorectal cancer death rates were elevated. The highest rates were in the largest hotspot, which encompassed 94 counties in the Lower Mississippi Delta [Arkansas (17), Illinois (16), Kentucky (3), Louisiana (6), Mississippi (27), Missouri (15), and Tennessee (10)]. During 2009 to 2011, rates here were 40% higher than the non-hotspot United States [RR, 1.40; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.34–1.46], despite being 18% lower during 1970 to 1972 (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.78–0.86). The elevated risk was similar in blacks and whites. Notably, rates among black men in the Delta increased steadily by 3.5% per year from 1970 to 1990, and have since remained unchanged. Rates in hotspots in west central Appalachia and eastern Virginia/North Carolina were 18% and 9% higher, respectively, than the non-hotspot United States during 2009 to 2011. Conclusions: Advanced spatial analysis revealed large pockets of the United States with excessive colorectal cancer death rates. Impact: These well-defined areas warrant prioritized screening intervention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1151–6. ©2015 AACR . This article is featured in Highlights of This Issue, [p. 1149][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/24/1149?iss=8