cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feedback assisted transmission subspace tracking for MIMO systems

This paper describes a feedback assisted stochastic gradient algorithm for transmission tracking of the dominant channel subspaces for multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) communications systems. Subspace tracking is introduced as a means of tracking multiple transmission weights, being the MIMO generalization of beam steering in the familiar multiple-input-single-output case. The subspace solution approximates that of water filling (WF) in some cases, without the complete rate/power allocation required by WF. The gain of subspace tracking in low rank systems is demonstrated, particularly, in the case where the number of transmit antennas exceeds the number of receive antennas. Simulations of ergodic capacity show the utility of both subspace tracking in general and of the specific adaptation algorithm, and simulations of frame-error rates show the utility in a specific coding example.
The destabilizing elements in the coding region of c-fos mRNA are recognized as RNA.

Abstract The protein-coding region of the c-fos proto-oncogene transcript contains elements that direct the rapid deadenylation and decay of this mRNA in mammalian cells. The function of these coding region instability determinants requires movement of ribosomes across mRNAs containing them. Three types of mechanisms could account for this translational requirement. Two of these possibilities, (i) that rapid mRNA decay might be mediated by the nascent polypeptide chain and (ii) that it might result from an unusual codon usage, have experimental precedent. Here, we present evidence that the destabilizing elements in the c-fos coding region are not recognized in either of these two ways. Instead, the ability of the c-fos coding region to function as a potent mRNA destabilizer when translated in the +1 reading frame indicates that the signals for rapid deadenylation and decay reside in the sequence or structure of the RNA comprising this c-fos domain.
African Swine Fever Virus Georgia 2007 with a Deletion of Virulence-Associated Gene 9GL (B119L), when Administered at Low Doses, Leads to Virus Attenuation in Swine and Induces an Effective Protection against Homologous Challenge

ABSTRACT African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the etiological agent of an often lethal disease of domestic pigs. Disease control strategies have been hampered by the unavailability of vaccines against ASFV. Since its introduction in the Republic of Georgia, a highly virulent virus, ASFV Georgia 2007 (ASFV-G), has caused an epizootic that spread rapidly into Eastern European countries. Currently no vaccines are available or under development to control ASFV-G. In the past, genetically modified ASFVs harboring deletions of virulence-associated genes have proven attenuated in swine, inducing protective immunity against challenge with homologous parental viruses. Deletion of the gene 9GL (open reading frame [ORF] B119L) in highly virulent ASFV Malawi-Lil-20/1 produced an attenuated phenotype even when administered to pigs at 10 6 50% hemadsorption doses (HAD 50 ). Here we report the construction of a genetically modified ASFV-G strain (ASFV-G-Δ9GLv) harboring a deletion of the 9GL (B119L) gene. Like Malawi-Lil-20/1-Δ9GL, ASFV-G-Δ9GL showed limited replication in primary swine macrophages. However, intramuscular inoculation of swine with 10 4 HAD 50 of ASFV-G-Δ9GL produced a virulent phenotype that, unlike Malawi-Lil-20/1-Δ9GL, induced a lethal disease in swine like parental ASFV-G. Interestingly, lower doses (10 2 to 10 3 HAD 50 ) of ASFV-G-Δ9GL did not induce a virulent phenotype in swine and when challenged protected pigs against disease. A dose of 10 2 HAD 50 of ASFV-G-Δ9GLv conferred partial protection when pigs were challenged at either 21 or 28 days postinfection (dpi). An ASFV-G-Δ9GL HAD 50 of 10 3 conferred partial and complete protection at 21 and 28 dpi, respectively. The information provided here adds to our recent report on the first attempts toward experimental vaccines against ASFV-G. IMPORTANCE The main problem for controlling ASF is the lack of vaccines. Studies on ASFV virulence lead to the production of genetically modified attenuated viruses that induce protection in pigs but only against homologous virus challenges. Here we produced a recombinant ASFV lacking virulence-associated gene 9GL in an attempt to produce a vaccine against virulent ASFV-G, a highly virulent virus isolate detected in the Caucasus region in 2007 and now spreading though the Caucasus region and Eastern Europe. Deletion of 9GL , unlike with other ASFV isolates, did not attenuate completely ASFV-G. However, when delivered once at low dosages, recombinant ASFV-G-Δ9GL induces protection in swine against parental ASFV-G. The protection against ASFV-G is highly effective after 28 days postvaccination, whereas at 21 days postvaccination, animals survived the lethal challenge but showed signs of ASF. Here we report the design and development of an experimental vaccine that induces protection against virulent ASFV-G.
A Role for a Protease in Morphogenic Responses during Yeast Cell Fusion

Cell fusion during yeast mating provides a model for signaling-controlled changes at the cell surface. We identified the AXL1 gene in a screen for genes required for cell fusion in both mating types during mating. AXL1 is a pheromone-inducible gene required for axial bud site selection in haploid yeast and for proteolytic maturation of a -factor. Two other bud site selection genes, RSR1 , encoding a small GTPase, and BUD3 , were also required for efficient cell fusion. Based on double mutant analysis, AXL1 in a MAT α strain acted genetically in the same pathway with FUS2 , a fusion-dedicated gene. Electron microscopy of axl1 , rsr1 , and fus2 prezygotes revealed similar defects in nuclear migration, vesicle accumulation, cell wall degradation, and membrane fusion during cell fusion. The axl1 and rsr1 mutants exhibited defects in pheromone-induced morphogenesis. AXL1 protease function was required in MAT α strains for fusion during mating. The ability of the Rsr1p GTPase to cycle was required for efficient cell fusion, as it is for bud site selection. During conjugation, vegetative functions may be redeployed under the control of pheromone signaling for mating purposes. Since Rsr1p has been reported to physically associate with Cdc24p and Bem1p components of the pheromone response pathway, we suggest that the bud site selection genes Rsr1p and Axl1p may act to mediate pheromone control of Fus2p-based fusion events during mating.
17β-estradiol attenuates glutamate-induced apoptosis and preserves electrophysiologic function in primary cortical neurons

Glutamate toxicity causes neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases; hence, there is a need for therapeutic agents rendering functional neuroprotection. We tested the effects of 17beta-estradiol (estrogen) in rat primary cortical neurons after glutamate exposure. Wright staining and ApopTag assays indicated that 0.5 microM glutamate for 24 hr caused apoptosis. Glutamate-induced apoptosis correlated with upregulation of calpain, a proapoptotic shift in the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio, and increased activation of caspase-3. Pretreatment with 10 nM estrogen prevented apoptosis, attenuated calpain upregulation, shifted the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio toward survival, and decreased caspase-3 activation. Single-cell voltage-clamp techniques were used to record whole-cell currents associated with Na+ channels, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor channels, and kainate receptor channels. No significant differences were recorded in membrane capacitance at -70 mV in neurons treated with estrogen or estrogen plus glutamate, relative to controls. Notably, no changes in capacitance indicated that neurons treated with estrogen and glutamate did not experience apoptosis-associated cell shrinkage. No membrane potential could be recorded in the neurons treated with glutamate due to apoptosis. All recorded currents were similar in amplitude and activation/inactivation kinetics in control neurons and neurons treated with estrogen plus glutamate. Estrogen thus preserved both neuronal viability and function in this in vitro glutamate toxicity model.
Regular Expressions and State Graphs for Automata

Algorithms are presented for 1) converting a state graph describing the behavior of an automaton to a regular expression describing the behavior of the same automaton (section 2), and 2) for converting a regular expression into a state graph (sections 3 and 4). These algorithms are justified by theorems, and examples are given. The first section contains a brief introduction to state graphs and the regular-expression language.
Pressor doses of angiotensin II increase hepatic glucose output and decrease insulin sensitivity in rats.

The metabolic effects of angiotensin II (AII) were studied under steady-state conditions of euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemia in anaesthetized rats. Pressor doses of All (50 and 400 ng/kg per min) had dose-dependent hypertensive and hyperglycaemic effects during glucose clamp studies. Glucose turnover measurements showed that hepatic glucose output (HGO) increased equally at both pressor doses compared with either saline infusion or All infusion at a dose without a pressor effect (20 ng/kg per min) ; however, glucose disposal increased significantly only at 50 ng/kg per min. Infusion of the All receptor antagonist, saralasin, did not itself alter glucose output or disposal significantly, but it abolished the effects of a simultaneous infusion of AII. It is concluded that pressor doses of All increase HGO by a receptor-mediated mechanism that is not related to the pressor response to the hormone. The hyperglycaemic reaction to this metabolic effect of All is partially offset by increased glucose disposal at lower doses. The physiological significance of these metabolic actions of AII remains to be established, but they raise the possibility that All could potentially play a role in glucose homeostasis in vivo.
Reinventing Primary Care: Lessons From Canada For The United States

Canada is, in many respects, culturally and economically similar to the United States, and until relatively recently, the two countries had similar health systems. However, since passage of the Canada Health Act in the 1970s, that nation's health statistics have become increasingly superior. Although the costs of Canada's health system are high by international standards, they are much lower than U.S. costs. This paper describes several factors likely to be responsible for Canada's better health at lower cost: universal financial coverage through a so-called single payer; features conducive to a strong primary care infrastructure; and provincial autonomy under general principles set by national law.
Gait recognition using static, activity-specific parameters

A gait-recognition technique that recovers static body and stride parameters of subjects as they walk is presented. This approach is an example of an activity-specific biometric: a method of extracting identifying properties of an individual or of an individual's behavior that is applicable only when a person is performing that specific action. To evaluate our parameters, we derive an expected confusion metric (related to mutual information), as opposed to reporting a percent correct with a limited database. This metric predicts how well a given feature vector will filter identity in a large population. We test the utility of a variety of body and stride parameters recovered in different viewing conditions on a database consisting of 15 to 20 subjects walking at both an angled and frontal-parallel view with respect to the camera, both indoors and out. We also analyze motion-capture data of the subjects to discover whether confusion in the parameters is inherently a physical or a visual measurement error property.
Ppc89 Links Multiple Proteins, Including the Septation Initiation Network, to the Core of the Fission Yeast Spindle-Pole Body

The spindle-pole body (SPB), the yeast analog of the centrosome, serves as the major microtubule (MT) organizing center in the yeast cell. In addition to this central function, the SPB organizes an...
Large kinetic isotope effects in modern speleothems

The application of stable isotopes in speleothem records requires an understanding of the extent to which speleothem calcite isotopic compositions refl ect the compositions of the cave waters from which they precipitate. To test for equilibrium precipitation, modern speleothem calcite was grown on glass plates, so that the carbon and oxygen isotope composition of the calcite and the water from which it precipitated could be directly compared. The plates were placed on the tops of three actively growing stalagmites that occupy a 1 m 2 area in Harrison’s Cave, Barbados, West Indies. Only some of the plate δ 13 C values and none of the plate δ 18 O values correspond to equilibrium values, indicating signifi cant kinetic isotope effects during speleothem calcite growth. We investigate herein mechanisms that may account for the kinetic isotope effects. On each plate, speleothem calcite was deposited with distinct δ 18 O and δ 13 C compositions that increase progressively away from the growth axis, with up to 6.6‰ 13 C and 1.7‰ 18 O enrichments. The positive δ 13 C
Medicare+Choice: current role and near-term prospects.

ABSTRACT: With the enactment of the Balanced Budget Act in 1997, the Medicare+Choice (M+C) program has been beset by plan withdrawals and declining enrollment. Despite this, M+C provides coverage t...
Kinetics of Rab27a-dependent actions on vesicle docking and priming in pancreatic Β-cells

The small GTPase Rab27a, along with the isoforms of Rab3, is present on insulin secretory granules and has been implicated in regulation of Ca2+-triggered exocytosis. We have used membrane capacitance measurements to define the role of Rab27a in regulating the size and refilling of distinct pools of insulin granules by comparison of evoked secretory responses from Rab27a-null ashen and strain-matched wild-type control pancreatic β-cells. We find that ashenβ-cells display a kinetic defect in refilling of readily releasable and immediately releasable vesicle pools (RRP and IRP, respectively) in response to depolarization-evoked Ca2+ influx. The deficit in IRP refilling was not observed in the presence of stimulatory glucose concentrations (16.7 mm), though incomplete refilling of the RRP persisted. Comparatively, β-cells from Rab3a−/− mice exhibited complete refilling of the IRP and RRP, demonstrating that Rab27a and Rab3a exert distinct roles in the insulin granule secretory pathway. Further, depletion of the RRP in ashenβ-cells was twofold faster than that of control β-cells. These deficits in refilling and exocytotic rate in ashenβ-cells were absent when cAMP-regulatory pathways were activated. Elevated cAMP increased the RRP pool size, and complete refilling of the RRP occurred in ashenβ-cells; responses were comparable to wild-type controls. These effects of cAMP were largely eliminated by Rp-cAMP inhibition of PKA, indicating that PKA acts on vesicle priming downstream or via pathways independent of Rab27a. In summary, Rab27a exerts dual roles in glucose-mediated insulin granule exocytosis, facilitating refilling of releasable granule pools while also limiting the rate of release from these pools.
Multiphase Extraction of Light Non-aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) Using Prefabricated Vertical Wells

Work in this paper describes the results of a field and modeling study conducted to investigate the extraction of LNAPL (jet propellant 4, i.e., JP-4, jet fuel) using Prefabricated Vertical Wells (PVWs) at a former air force base. Field testing consisted of 185 operating hours on 25 rows, each consisting of 7 or 8 PVWs. A total of 133 L of free-phase liquid is removed from the subsurface in addition to 467 kg of organics in the vapor phase as a result of volatilization due to the application of vacuum heads exceeding the JP-4 vapor pressure. Monitored field data are used to calibrate a numerical model for investigating the effect of irreducible water content, LNAPL, and gas contents on system performance. Analysis results show that increasing the irreducible water content from 5 % to 20 % decreases the free-LNAPL specific volume from 0.08 m to 0.067 m, which led to reduction in removal efficiency. Under a continuous saturation condition, more wetting fluid (water), traps the nonwetting fluid (LNAPL) in the soil pores, and reduces its mobility, which eventually impedes the LNAPL recovery. Given the model parameters that simulate field conditions, the PVWs show best removal rates in the gas phase. The model results indicated that 292 L of JP-4 can be recovered in 19.5 days (based on 8 h of operation per day) with an effective rate of 1.87 L/h. At the end of 4.25 years of system operation, the maximum benzene concentration is 0.002 ppm. At a gas extraction rate of 10,273 L/min, a maximum concentration of 0.38 ppm in the vapor phase is achieved after 2.5 years of vapor extraction.
Molecular mechanisms underlying diabetes and other autoimmune diseases

Abstract Autoimmunity is a fascinating and complex phenomenon. The various mechanisms such as self tolerance, genetic and environmental regulation of the autoimmune phenotype, which govern the susceptibility to autoimmune disease were discussed at a recent workshop 7 7This workshop was held in Los Angeles on October 21 1992 in cojunction with the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.. Here, Ron Gill and Kathyrn Haskins report on the new advances in this area.
A Method for Analysis of Plant Tissue by Direct Reading Spark Emission Spectroscopy

A procedure was developed for the rapid quantitative determination of K, P, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, B, and Zn content in plant tissue by direct reading emission spectrometry using spark excitation and the rotating disc electrode technique. Aliquots of standard reference material, ground to pass a 40 mesh screen, are weighed into high form porcelain crucibles and ashed at 450°C for 6 h. Five milliliters of an internal standard-buffer solution (0.2% cobalt and 0.5% lithium in 1 N HCl) are added to the remaining ash. The resulting solution is subjected to a 30-sec burn on the spectrometer, and the intensity ratios for each element are recorded. Known concentrations (X) and intensity ratio units (Y) are entered into a stepwise regression computer program, and the linear, quadratic, and cubic regressions of Y on X are determined. Sample values are entered as Y into the appropriate regression equation which is then solved for X. If quadratic or cubic regression equations are used, the program will select the appropriate root. Relative standard deviations for samples determined over a several-day period generally were less than 10%.
Privacy In The Age Of Technology

The rapid developments in technology have brought increased convenience, but at the price of loss of privacy. Consumers should be aware of the potential threat to their personal information and should learn the facts and take steps to protect themselves.
Fredholm Integral Equations

It was stated in Chapter 2 that Fredholm integral equations arise in many scientific applications. It was also shown that Fredholm integral equations can be derived from boundary value problems. Erik Ivar Fredholm (1866– 1927) is best remembered for his work on integral equations and spectral theory. Fredholm was a Swedish mathematician who established the theory of integral equations and his 1903 paper in Acta Mathematica played a major role in the establishment of operator theory.
171-P: VIRTUAL CROSSMATCHING: IT’S NOT AS SIMPLE AS IT SEEMS

Aim Use of the virtual crossmatch (XM) has increased the efficiency of organ allocation and reduced the number of organs declined based on unexpected positive XMs (Cecka JM., et al. Am J Transplant. 2011). Despite these benefits, a cell based XM still provides a final safeguard before transplantation. False negative XM predictions may arise when reactivity is due to both antigen specific antibodies and antibodies to crossreactive epitopes. Methods HLA-specific antibodies were assessed using class I or class II phenotype panels and IgG or C1Q single antigen bead assays. (Lifecodes Immucor; Labscreen, One Lambda,Inc). One wash CDC B cell XMs were performed. Results Luminex IgG tests yielded reactivity with DR53 phenotypes ranging from 3,000-10,000 MFI with DR53 heterozygotes and >10,000 MFI with homozygotes. Reactivity with DR10 phenotypes were 2,000-3,000 MFI. Single antigen beads yielded reactions with DR53 of 20,000 MFI with undiluted serum and 17,000 MFI with serum diluted 1:8. Reactions with DR10 were 15,000 and 2,000 MFI with undiluted and 1:8 diluted serum, respectively. MFI values given above would predict negative XMs with DR10+/DR53- cells and positive XMs with DR10-/DR53+ cells. The C1q assay yielded MFI values of 28,000 with DR53 and 300 with DR10. These C1Q results substantiate the prediction of a negative CDC XM result with a DR10 cell. CDC XM tests yielded the following results: + with a titer of 2 with a DR10+/DR53- cell, + with a titer of 32 with a DR10-/DR53 homozygote cell, and negative with DR53 heterozygotes and with cells bearing other antigens crossreactive with DR10 (DR1 and DR15/51). Conclusions We propose that the CDC+ XM with the DR10 cell was due to contributions from the DR10 antibodies and the much stronger antibodies to DR53 that shares one or more epitopes with DR10. These data show that accurate prediction of crossmatches must take into account the possible contributions of antibodies positive for antigens crossreactive with the target antigen.
Phase in the Near Field

In recent decades, the role of phase in near-field optics has been explored. I discuss past results, current challenges, and unexplored avenues of research in near-field phase.
Control of Horn Flies (Haematobia irritans) and Gastrointestinal Nematodes and Its Relation with Growth Performance in Stocker Cattle12

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effects of horn fly and gastrointestinal (GI) nematode control on the performance of stocker cattle grazing Bermudagrass in Louisiana. A total of 168 (56 per trial) weaned calves were available for 3 trials. Stocker cattle were stratified by sex and BW and randomly assigned to 2 replicate treatment groups. The treatments were 1) no horn fly or GI nematode control; 2) horn fly control administrated with insecticidal ear tags, sprays, and pour-ons; 3) GI nematode control administrated every 28 d with fenbendazole; and 4) both horn fly and GI nematode control. Lengths of the trials were 84, 98, and 112 d for trials 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and trials were initiated in early to mid-May of each year. Horn fly and fecal egg counts were conducted periodically. Stocker cattle treated for horn flies had lower (P
Experimental Kinematics and Dynamics of Butterflies in Natural Flight

In this paper, we discuss the collection, post-processing and subsequent evaluation of flight data of butterflies, in various free flight scenarios. The flight data is obtained by means of a vision tracking system; from which estimates of the motion of different body parts, including the head, abdomen and wings are then determined. These estimates are subsequently post-processed with a view to examining the mathematical correlations that exist between motion of individual body parts of the butterfly with its overall flight trajectory. Preliminary results performing a comparison of different takeoff sequences, are then presented.
THE SCALING OF PLANT AND ANIMAL BODY MASS, LENGTH, AND DIAMETER

The interspecific scaling exponents of body mass M and diameter D with respect to length L were determined to evaluate the predictions of three scaling hypotheses (geometric, stress, and elastic similitude). The relation between M and L was determined for data from a total of 133 aquatic and terrestrial species (66 plant and 67 animal species); the relation between D and L was determined independently for a total of 753 aquatic and terrestrial species (667 plant and 86 animal species). Organisms were crudely classified as to their geometry (spheres, spheroids, cylinders) and shape (defined as the body slenderness factor, L/D) to examine whether geometry and shape evinced size-dependent variations. Regression indicated M = 1.29L2.95 (r2 = 0.91, N = 133; αRMA = 3.09 ± 0.088). The stress and elastic similitude (which respectively predict αRMA = 5 and αRMA = 4) were rejected; geometric similitude was not (αRMA = 3). For animals and plants, αRMA = 2.81 ± 0.061 (r2 = 0.98), and αRMA = 2.95 ± 0.093 (r2 = 0.94), respectively. For aquatics and terrestrial organisms, αRMA = 2.82 ±0.134 (r2 = 0.97, N = 36), and αRMA = 3.08 ±0.111 (r2 = 0.89, N = 97), respectively. These results were interpreted to support the hypothesis of geometric similitude. For the pooled plant and animals data, D = 0.05L1.00 (r2 = 0.95; αRMA = 1.03 ± 0.009), which was compatible with the hypothesis of geometric similitude. For plants, D = 0.05L1.06 (r2 = 0.95; αRMA = 1.09). For animals, D = 0.29L0.98 (r2 = 0.95; αRMA = 1.01 ± 0.025). Also, for aquatics, αRMA = 0.951 ± 0.151, whereas for terrestrial plants and animals, αRMA = 1.03 ± 0.089. Although the scaling exponent for D differed among individual groupings of animals and plants, the results of regression analyses were interpreted to indicate that, on the average, body diameter scaled isometrically with respect to length as predicted by geometric similitude. For the pooled data set, organic shape varied over 3 orders of magnitude; L varied over 9 orders of magnitude reflecting 22 orders of magnitude of M. In terms of body geometry and the absolute numbers of species in the total data set: spherical shaped species (L = D) 20) cylindrical plants; the smallest organisms were spherical plants and animals. Although not subject to statistical inference, these data were interpreted to indicate that organic shape and geometry evince size-dependent variations. These variations as well as size-dependent changes in bulk density are hypothesized to account for the scaling exponents of M and D determined for individual plant and animal clades and grades.
Analysis the monitoring results of occupational exposure population and environmental highly pathogenic bird flu in Yangquan

Objective To improve monitoring level and timely find bird flu outbreaks in Yangquan by understanding infection status and environmental distribution of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in its occupational exposure population. Methods Survey the samples of occupational exposed population in Yangquan,mineral area,suburbs,Pingding county and Yu county at the same time respondents' pharyngeal swab and environmental samples were collected. After examination of type A influenza nucleic acid in pharyngeal swab and environmental samples with fluorescence quantitative PCR technique,further subtype tests were made on positive samples of type A influenza virus nucleic acid. Results 54. 18 percent of practitioners among 251 monitoring occupational exposed persons often contacted with dead birds and 67. 65 percent of persons often contacting with dead poultry didn't take any protective measures. Type A influenza nucleic acid tests on occupational exposed population were all negative.2 samples of H9 subtype of avian influenza were only found in live poultry markets among 50 specimens of environment detection and the positive rate was 4%. Conclusion Inapparent infection of type A influenza virus isn't found in occupational exposure population in Yangquan city but H9 subtype of avian influenza exists in live poultry markets. Scientific management on live poultry markets should be strengthened.
Linear, first and second-order, unconditionally energy stable numerical schemes for the phase field model of homopolymer blends

Abstract In this paper, we develop a series of efficient numerical schemes to solve the phase field model for homopolymer blends. The governing system is derived from the energetic variational approach of a total free energy, that consists of a nonlinear logarithmic Flory–Huggins potential, and a gradient entropy with a concentration-dependent de-Gennes type coefficient. The main challenging issue to solve this kind of models numerically is about the time marching problem, i.e., how to develop suitable temporal discretizations for the nonlinear terms in order to preserve the energy stability at the discrete level. We solve this issue in this paper, by developing the first and second order temporal approximation schemes based on the “Invariant Energy Quadratization” method, where all nonlinear terms are treated semi-explicitly. Consequently, the resulting numerical schemes lead to a symmetric positive definite linear system to be solved at each time step. The unconditional energy stabilities are further proved. Various numerical simulations of 2D and 3D are presented to demonstrate the stability and the accuracy of the proposed schemes.
Smart and multibeam diversity antenna arrays with high-bandwidth analog signal processing

This paper presents an overview of the work done at the University of Colorado at Boulder in the area of smart and multibeam antennas, specifically as related to the following projects, funded by the NSF Wireless Initiative: (1) multibeam lens antenna arrays and reconfigurable antennas for wireless communications with diversity. Design and characterization of a 10-GHz multibeam array with two different diversities polarization and angle is presented. A new method of using random reconfiguration of a simple antenna to increase capacity is discussed. This work was done in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin. (2) analog processing that enables principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA) for broadband signals. The design and performance of a dynamic holographic processor integrated with RF and baseband electronics is discussed. The processor is capable of blind signal separation, otherwise not possible by state-of-the-art DSP for signals with bandwidths above a few kHz. This work was done in collaboration with the Department of Physics and JILA, University of Colorado.
Spatio-temporal prediction of social connections

It is long known that a user's mobility pattern can be affected by his social connections. Users tend to visit same locations visited by their friends. In this paper we investigate the inverse problem: How does a set of user trajectories reflect their social connections. To this end, we define the social connection prediction problem. Given two users, predict the probability that they are friends by mining their historical trajectories. A first approach to do so is to exam how often the two users visit the same location at the same time, which suffers from the problem that different locations/times may have different predictive power. We propose a comprehensive prediction model that is able to capture this difference between locations and time slots. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we trained the proposed model using the publicly available Foursquare dataset. The result shows the proposed model is able to predict existence of social connections between randomly selected users significantly more accurate comparing with the naive method.
Selected Use of Telemedicine in Intensive Care Units Based on Severity of Illness Improves Cost-Effectiveness

Abstract Background: Telemedicine in the intensive care unit (tele-ICU) is expected to address geographic health disparities through more efficient resource allocation. Our previous economic evalua...
Outcomes of occult primary (OP) of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with oropharynx (OPX)-targeted radiotherapy (RT) and concurrent chemotherapy (CCRT).

5559 Background: OP of HNSCC is commonly treated with comprehensive mucosal RT including nasopharynx, OPX, hypopharynx and larynx and bilateral neck. We are reporting the long term outcomes of a conservative mucosal sparing technique consisting of targeting only the OPX mucosa and bilateral necks. Methods: This is a single-institution retrospective study. From January 1998-2010, a total of 68 patients with OP of HNSCC were treated with CCRT (90%) or RT alone (10%), 40% with IMRT. RT fields comprehended OPX mucosa only and bilateral necks. Gross disease in the neck received 70Gy, involved neck 63 Gy, OPX 60 Gy, uninvolved neck and ipsilateral retropharyngeal nodes 54 Gy. All fractions were given at the rate of 1.8-2 Gy/fraction. The median age was 58 (21-87), 80% Caucasian, and 75% males. Stage IVa (N2) was 75% of the population, while stages III (N1), and IVb (N3) were 9, and 16% respectively. 16 patients (9N3+7 bulky N2) underwent neck dissection (ND). The median time interval from diagnosis to RT and RT...
The transcription factor MEF2A fine-tunes gene expression in the atrial and ventricular chambers of the adult heart

The distinct morphological and functional properties of the cardiac chambers arise from an elaborate developmental program involving cell lineage determination, morphogenesis, and dynamic spatiotemporal gene expression patterns. Although a number of transcription factors have been identified for proper gene regulation in the chambers, the complete transcriptional network that controls these patterns remains poorly defined. Previous studies have implicated the MEF2C transcription factor in the regulation of chamber-restricted enhancers. To better understand the mechanisms of MEF2-mediated regional gene regulation in the heart, we took advantage of MEF2A knock-out (KO) mice, a model that displays a predominantly ventricular chamber phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis of atrial and ventricular tissue from adult MEF2A KO hearts revealed a striking difference in chamber gene expression, with a larger proportion of dysregulated genes in the atrial chambers. Canonical pathway analysis of genes preferentially dysregulated in the atria and ventricles revealed distinct MEF2A-dependent cellular processes in each cardiac chamber. In the atria, MEF2A regulated genes involved in fibrosis and adhesion, whereas in the ventricles, it controlled inflammation and endocytosis. Finally, analysis of transcription factor-binding site motifs of differentially dysregulated genes uncovered distinct MEF2A co-regulators for the atrial and ventricular gene sets, and a subset of these was found to cooperate with MEF2A. In conclusion, our results suggest a mechanism in which MEF2 transcriptional activity is differentially recruited to fine-tune gene expression levels in each cardiac chamber. This regulatory mechanism ensures optimal output of these gene products for proper physiological function of the atrial and ventricular chambers.
Explaining between-race differences in African-American and European-American women's responses to breast density notification.

Abstract Background Prior research shows between-race differences in women's knowledge and emotions related to having dense breasts, thus suggesting that between-race differences in behavioral decision-making following receipt of breast density (BD) notifications are likely. Guided by the theory of planned behavior, this study examined differences in emotion-related responses (i.e., anxiety, worry, confusion) and behavioral cognition (e.g., intentions, behavioral attitudes) following receipt of BD notifications among African American (AA) and European American (EA) women. This study also examined whether race-related perceptions (i.e., discrimination, group-based medical mistrust), relevant knowledge and socioeconomic status (SES) explained the between race differences. Method Michigan women (N = 457) who presented for routine screening mammogram and had dense breasts, no prior breast cancer diagnoses, and had screen-negative mammograms were recruited from July, 2015 to March 2016. MANOVA was used to examine between race differences in psychological responses (i.e., emotional responses and behavioral cognition), and a multi-group structural regression model was used to examine whether race-related constructs, knowledge and SES mediated the effect of race on emotional responses and behavioral cognition. Prior awareness of BD was accounted for in all analyses. Results AA women generally reported more negative psychological responses to receiving BD notifications regardless of prior BD awareness. AA women had more favorable perceptions related to talking to their physicians about the BD notifications. Generally, race-related perceptions, SES, and related knowledge partially accounted for the effect of race on psychological response. Race-related perceptions and SES partially accounted for the differences in behavioral intentions. Between-race differences in emotional responses to BD notifications did not explain differences in women's intentions to discuss BD notifications with their physicians. Conclusions Future examinations are warranted to examine whether there are between-race differences in actual post-BD notification behaviors and whether similar race-related variables account for differences.
Energy Efficiency Financing for Low- and Moderate-Income Households: Current State of the Market, Issues, and Opportunities

Author(s): Leventis, G; Kramer, C; Schwartz, LC | Abstract: Ensuring that low- and moderate-income (LMI) households have access to energy efficiency is equitable, provides energy savings as a resource to meet energy needs, and can support multiple policy goals, such as affordable energy, job creation, and improved public health. Although the need is great, many LMI households may not be able to afford efficiency improvements or may be inhibited from adopting efficiency for other reasons. Decision-makers across the country are currently exploring the challenges and potential solutions to ramping up adoption of efficiency in LMI households, including the use of financing. The report’s objective is to offer state and local policymakers, state utility regulators, program administrators, financial institutions, consumer advocates and other LMI stakeholders with an understanding of: -The relationship between LMI communities and financing for energy efficiency, including important considerations for its use such as consumer protections -The larger programmatic context of grant-based assistance and other related resources supporting LMI household energy efficiency -Lessons learned from existing energy efficiency financing programs serving LMI households -Financing products used by these programs and their relative advantages and disadvantages in addressing barriers to financing or to energy efficiency uptake for LMI households
Introduction to Rabindranath Tagore's The Home and the World

(2004). Introduction to Rabindranath Tagore's The Home and the World. South Asian Review: Vol. 25, Colonial Studies 1880-1947, pp. 54-59.
Use Alteration: Surface Attrition

Analyses of prehistoric lithic assemblages often employ use-wear traces to make inferences about tool technofunction. It is just recently, however, that ceramic use-wear (referred to here as surface attrition) has received some attention. This is appropriate because ceramic surface attrition can, potentially, provide information about use behavior at the same level of specificity as lithic use-wear studies. We lack only the appropriate theoretical and methodological framework to put the analysis of ceramic surface attrition in a position similar to lithic use-wear studies.
Multiculturalist policies in an age of immigration: Do multiculturalist policies influence negative immigrant attitudes toward homosexuality?

In this article, we provide an empirical analysis of the relationship between multiculturalist policies and immigrant attitudes toward homosexuality. Normative discourses implicate multiculturalism...
Caspase-1-associated immune activation in an accelerated SIV-infected rhesus macaque model

In the antiretroviral therapy (ART) era, chronic HIV infection is primarily associated with chronic inflammation driving comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive impairment. Caspase-1 activation in leukocytes has been documented in HIV infection; however, whether caspase-1 activation and the downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) contribute to chronic inflammation in HIV comorbidities remains undetermined. The relationship between the caspase-1 cascade and persistent inflammation in HIV has not been investigated. Here, we used an accelerated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaque model with or without ART to investigate the dynamics of caspase-1 and immune cell activation before infection, 21 days post infection (dpi), and necropsy. Caspase-1, IL-18, IL-1β, and immune markers were measured both in the circulation and lymphoid tissues. We found a significant increase in caspase-1 and IL-18 in SIV infection that positively correlated with inflammatory monocytes and negatively correlated with CD4+ T cell counts. ART attenuated these effects at necropsy in the circulation. Further, lymph nodes from SIV+ or SIV+ART animals had increased activation of caspase-1 and potential upstream priming of the NF-κB pathway, indicating that tissue-specific immune activation persists with ART. Together, these results shed light on the interconnectedness of the caspase-1 pathway and peripheral immune activation and further indicate that ART is not sufficient for suppressing inflammation. The caspase-1 pathway may provide novel therapeutic targets to improve HIV-associated comorbidities and health outcomes in the context of viral suppression.
Coxsackie B4-Induced Pancreopathy

Supporting the hypothesis that Coxsackie B4 (CB4) may cause pancreopathy and/or be important in the pathogenesis of human diabetes mellitus are virologic, serologic, immunologic, genetic and pathologic studies. The most direct evidence for this relationship is isolation of the virus from a human pancreas showing histopathologic change consistent with the patient’s diagnosis, juvenile (type 1) diabetes mellitus. Other laboratory assays, including measurement of islet cell antibodies and CB4 antibodies in populations of patients with juvenile diabetes mellitus provide further evidence for viral etiology of this disease. In the context of epidemiologic study, these and other observations, including age, sex and seasonal variation have been assessed. Additionally, positive correlations between certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) determinants and viral antigenic responses, including CB4, have been found in studies of diabetic individuals.
Lithic Refitting and Archaeological Site Formation Processes

The lithic assemblage recovered from Horizon 2 of the Twin Ditch site is the focus of an ongoing refitting study and provides the data employed in the analysis presented here. The abundance of lithic tools and manufacturing debris recovered from this relatively pristine Early Archaic base camp has allowed for the reassembly of numerous broken stone tools and for the reconstruction of several chipped stone tool manufacturing episodes through refitting. These refitted artifacts provide a wealth of spatial and technological data that can be applied to numerous archaeological research questions. More specifically, the refitted tools and debitage from Horizon 2 provide details concerning archaeological site disturbance processes, modes of refuse accumulation, and the occupational history of the site. The results of the present analysis indicate that the Horizon 2 cultural deposits have been subjected to minimal post-occupational disturbance, that lithic debris accumulations on the site represent both primary knapping loci and secondary refuse deposits, that at least two distinct occupational episodes are represented on the site, and that the individual occupations of the site were probably of relatively short duration.
Moral sentiments and welfare of nations: (Review of Robert H. Frank's passions within reason)

This review article of Robert H. Frank'sPassions within Reason introduces emotional behavior into the economist's world and discusses the complex interdependence between honesty, rational behavior and information. Honesty and rationality are shown to be very similar as motivations of behavior and mutually reinforcing when character information is available; and honesty appears as a substitute condition of market efficiency when perfect and symmetrical market information, that crucial and oft-stressed but unrealistic necessary condition of efficiency, is lacking. Many of the arguments are not new; but they are brought together and presented here in simple, nontechnical language.
Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement remediates hedonic dysregulation in opioid users: Neural and affective evidence of target engagement

Addiction neuroscience models posit that recurrent drug use increases reactivity to drug-related cues and blunts responsiveness to natural rewards, propelling a cycle of hedonic dysregulation that drives addictive behavior. Here, we assessed whether a cognitive intervention for addiction, Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE), could restructure reward responsiveness from valuation of drug-related reward back to valuation of natural reward. Before and after 8 weeks of MORE or a support group control, prescription opioid users (N = 135) viewed opioid and natural reward cues while an electroencephalogram biomarker of target engagement was assessed. MORE was associated with decreased opioid cue-reactivity and enhanced capacity to regulate responses to opioid and natural reward cues. Increased positive affective responses to natural reward cues were associated with decreased craving and mediated MORE’s therapeutic effects on opioid misuse. This series of randomized experiments provide the first neurophysiological evidence that an integrative behavioral treatment can remediate hedonic dysregulation among chronic opioid users.
Fundamentals of epigenetics

Abstract The regulation of gene expression is a tightly controlled process by which genes are expressed at appropriate times, in the right cells, and in the correct amounts. The DNA sequence of genes often dictates expression depending on whether the sequence includes binding sites for transcriptional regulators and other regulatory proteins. Epigenetics is another layer of regulation and results in changes in gene expression that are not due to changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic regulation encompasses posttranslational modifications of histones, DNA methylation, and regulation by noncoding RNAs, which are the building blocks for the genetic mechanisms of imprinting and X inactivation.
Phase II study of preoperative chemotherapy with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine followed by chemoradiation for borderline resectable or node-positive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

697Background: Pre-operative therapy for resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) may eliminate micro-metastatic disease early and help achieve negative surgical margins. The present stud...
Hybrid PET/MR imaging: physics and technical considerations

In just over a decade, hybrid imaging with FDG PET/CT has become a standard bearer in the management of cancer patients. An exquisitely sensitive whole-body imaging modality, it combines the ability to detect subtle biologic changes with FDG PET and the anatomic information offered by CT scans. With advances in MR technology and advent of novel targeted PET radiotracers, hybrid PET/MRI is an evolutionary technique that is poised to revolutionize hybrid imaging. It offers unparalleled spatial resolution and functional multi-parametric data combined with biologic information in the non-invasive detection and characterization of diseases, without the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation. This article reviews the basic principles of FDG PET and MR imaging, discusses the salient technical developments of hybrid PET/MR systems, and provides an introduction to FDG PET/MR image acquisition.