cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The minimal important difference of the epistaxis severity score in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Objectives/Hypothesis Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a disease of abnormal angiogenesis, causing epistaxis in over 96% of patients. The Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS) was developed as a standardized measurement of nasal symptoms among HHT patients. The minimal important difference (MID) of a disease index estimates the smallest change that a patient and clinician would identify as important. This study aims to establish the MID of the ESS in a diverse population of HHT patients. Study Design Retrospective cross-sectional study in patients with a diagnosis of HHT using Curacao criteria or genetic testing. Methods The ESS questionnaire and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) were administered to participants recruited through the HHT Foundation Web site. Demographics and relevant medical histories were collected from all participants. An anchor-based method using a change of 5 in the Physical Component Summary (PCS) of the SF-36 and a distributional method were used to estimate the MID. Results A total of 604 subjects were recruited between April and August 2008. All participants reported epistaxis. An increasing ESS in the study cohort showed a significant negative correlation to the PCS (r = −0.43, P < 0.001). The MID was determined to be 0.41 via the anchor-based approach and 1.01 via the distribution-based approach, giving a mean MID of 0.71. Conclusion Using both the anchor-based and distribution-based approaches, the estimated MID for the ESS in HHT is 0.71. Further implications include key metrics to help guide treatment responses in clinical care and essential information to calculate power and sample size for future clinical trials. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 126:1029–1032, 2016
Benefits of PrEP as an Adjunctive Method of HIV Prevention During Attempted Conception Between HIV-uninfected Women and HIV-infected Male Partners

Background. Data on effectiveness of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)– uninfected women attempting conception with HIV-infected male partners are limited to observational studies. Methods. To explore the benefits of PrEP for conception, we developed a model to estimate the average annual probability of a woman remaining HIV-uninfected and having a child (“successful” outcome) via condomless sex with an HIV-infected male. The outcome likelihood is dependent upon parameters defining HIV-1 infectivity. We simulated 2 scenarios: optimal (condomless sex acts limited to the ovulation window), and suboptimal (acts not limited to ovulation). Results. Inthe optimal scenariowhenthe maleisonantiretroviral therapy (ART),the averageannual probabilityof thesuccessfuloutcomeis29.1%,increasing to 29.2%withtheadditionofPrEP(P=.45).Inthe suboptimal scenario,the probability is 26.8% with ART alone versus 27.3% with ART/PrEP (P<.0001). Older maternal age reduces the probability of success in both scenarios, particularly after age 30. Conclusions. In our model, PrEP provides little added benefit when the HIV-infected male partner is on ART, condomless sex is limited tothe ovulation window, andother modifiabletransmission risks are optimized. Older female age decreases the probability of success by increasing the number of condomless sex acts required for conception.
Towards privacy-preserving activity recognition using extremely low temporal and spatial resolution cameras

Although extensive research on action recognition has been carried out using standard video cameras, little work has explored recognition performance at extremely low temporal or spatial camera resolutions. Reliable action recognition in such a “degraded” environment would promote the development of privacy-preserving smart rooms that would facilitate intelligent interaction with its occupants while mitigating privacy concerns. This paper aims to explore the trade-off between action recognition performance, number of cameras, and temporal and spatial resolution in a smart-room environment. As it is impractical to build a physical platform to test every combination of camera positions and resolutions, we use a graphics engine (Unity3D©) to simulate a room with various avatars animated using motions captured from real subjects with a Kinect v2 sensor. We study the performance impact of spatial resolutions from a single pixel up-to 10×10 pixels, the impact of temporal resolutions from 2 Hz up-to 30 Hz and the impact of using up-to 5 ceiling cameras. We found that reliable action recognition for smart-room centric gestures can still occur in environments with extremely low temporal and spatial resolutions. When using 5, single-pixel cameras at 30Hz we achieved a correct classification rate (CCR) of 75.70% across 9 actions, only 13.9% lower than the CCR for the same camera setup at 10×10 pixels. We also found that, in terms of the impact on action recognition performance, spatial resolution has the highest impact, followed by number of cameras, and temporal resolution (frame rate).
A Platform for Processing Expression of Short Time Series (PESTS)

Time course microarray profiles examine the expression of genes over a time domain. They are necessary in order to determine the complete set of genes that are dynamically expressed under given conditions, and to determine the interaction between these genes. Because of cost and resource issues, most time series datasets contain less than 9 points and there are few tools available geared towards the analysis of this type of data. To this end, we introduce a platform for Processing Expression of Short Time Series (PESTS). It was designed with a focus on usability and interpretability of analyses for the researcher. As such, it implements several standard techniques for comparability as well as visualization functions. However, it is designed specifically for the unique methods we have developed for significance analysis, multiple test correction and clustering of short time series data. The central tenet of these methods is the use of biologically relevant features for analysis. Features summarize short gene expression profiles, inherently incorporate dependence across time, and allow for both full description of the examined curve and missing data points. PESTS is fully generalizable to other types of time series analyses. PESTS implements novel methods as well as several standard techniques for comparability and visualization functions. These features and functionality make PESTS a valuable resource for a researcher's toolkit. PESTS is available to download for free to academic and non-profit users at http://www.mailman.columbia.edu/academic-departments/biostatistics/research-service/software-development .
Authors' reply [to comments on "A fuzzy approach to strategic games"]

For original paper see ibid., vol.7, no.6, p.634-42 (1999). We have no problem with the comments presented by Mathew and Kaimal (see ibid., p.415, 2005) regarding the investigation discussed in our original paper. The fact is that the general result in the investigated cases, that for a prisoner in both situations (noncooperative and selfish) the optional strategy is still to "confess" irrespective of the strategic choice made by the opponent party, really is in agreement with our original discussions. We thank the authors of the comments for their interest in our work, which has been recently expanded into "software testing via fuzzy strategic games" as well as "fighting terrorism in cyberspace using fuzzy strategic games." It is interesting to note that, especially in these two applications, the comments made by Mathew and Kaimal may make a significant impact.
Gas-solid reactions under a self-propagating combustion mode

Abstract The formation of various refractory metal nitrides by a self-propagating combustion reaction was investigated. In this process, the metal in the form of a powder compact is placed into a nitrogen atmosphere and ignited. A combustion wave then propagates throughout the compact converting the metal into its nitride. The use of both solid-solid and gas-solid combustion reactions to form refractory materials will be discussed with special emphasis placed on the gas-solid type. The characteristics and peculiarities of these reactions are illustrated by work on the titanium-nitrogen, niobium-nitrogen and silicon-nitrogen systems. Results concerning the effect of density, nitrogen pressure and dilution on the nature of the product phase (s) are presented.
Classical topological order in Abelian and non-Abelian generalized height models.

We present Monte Carlo simulations on a new class of lattice models in which the degrees of freedom are elements of an Abelian or non-Abelian finite symmetry group $\mathcal{G}$, placed on directed edges of a two-dimensional lattice. The plaquette group product is constrained to be the group identity. In contrast to discrete gauge models (but similar to past work on height models), only elements of symmetry-related subsets $\mathcal{S}\ensuremath{\in}\mathcal{G}$ are allowed on edges. These models have topological sectors labeled by group products along topologically nontrivial loops. Measurement of relative sector probabilities and the distribution of distance between defect pairs are done to characterize the types of order (topological or quasi-long-range order) exhibited by these models. We present particular models in which fully local non-Abelian constraints lead to global topological liquid properties.
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of persistent viral infections: pathogenesis and prevention

Several viral infections, including human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C viruses, and cytomegalovirus can be transferred from mothers to their infants; these viruses may establish persistent infections and are a significant source of child morbidity and mortality globally. The development of successful preventive antiviral or vaccine strategies is dependent upon better understanding of the infection process and transmitted viral strains, along with defining immune correlates of protection against infection or natural disease. Unique features of MTCT may be particularly helpful in understanding correlates of immune protection. Neonatal vaccination may not only prevent mother-to-child transmission but may also provide lifetime immunity. It is thus also important to define how best to elicit durable protective immune responses in infants. from Fourth Dominique Dormont International Conference. Host-Pathogen Interactions in Chronic Infections Paris, France. 13-15 December 2007
Crowding honeybee colonies in apiaries can increase their vulnerability to the deadly ectoparasite Varroa destructor

When humans switched from hunting honeybee colonies living scattered in the wild to keeping them in hives crowded in apiaries, they may have greatly increased disease transmission between colonies. The effects of clustering colonies were studied. Two groups of 12 colonies, with hives crowded or dispersed, were established in a common environment and left untreated for mites. Drones made many homing errors in the crowded group, but not in the dispersed group. In early summer, in both groups, the colonies that did not swarm developed high mite counts, but the colonies that swarmed maintained low mite counts. In late summer, in the crowded group but not in the dispersed group, the colonies that swarmed also developed high mite counts. All colonies with high mite counts in late summer died over winter; all colonies with low mite counts in late summer survived over winter. Evidently, swarming can reduce a colony’s mite load, but when colonies are crowded in apiaries, this mite-load reduction is erased as mites are spread through drifting and robbing.
Carbon nanotube imperfection-immune digital VLSI

Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors (CNFETs) are excellent candidates for building highly energy-efficient future electronic systems. Unfortunately, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are highly subject to inherent imperfections that pose major obstacles to robust CNFET digital VLSI: • It is nearly impossible to guarantee perfect alignment and positioning of all CNTs. This limitation introduces stray conducting paths, resulting in incorrect circuit functionality. • CNTs can be metallic or semiconducting depending on chirality. Metallic CNTs cause shorts resulting in excessive leakage and incorrect circuit functionality. A combination of design and processing techniques, presented in this talk, overcomes these challenges by creating CNFET digital VLSI circuits that are immune to these substantial inherent imperfections. This imperfection-immune design paradigm enables the first experimental demonstrations of: • Digital sub-systems built using CNFETs • Monolithic three-dimensional CNFET ICs. This research was performed at Stanford University in collaboration with Prof. H. S. Philip Wong and several Ph.D. students.
Microcomputer applications of hybrid intelligent systems

Hybrid intelligent technologies are becoming a part of the repertoire of computer systems developers and an important technique in the study of artificial intelligence. The integration of neural networks and expert systems has proven to be a useful way to develop real-world applications, and other intelligent technologies including fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, and case-based reasoning are also receiving substantial attention. This article presents an analysis of the strengths and limitations of these five intelligent technologies, models for hybrid systems, and a review of the status and significance of research on and development of integrated intelligent technologies. Microcomputer-based applications and development environments are emphasized.
The effect of quinidine on electrical energy required for ventricular defibrillation.

Abstract A technique for the evaluation of the electrical energy necessary for ventricular defibrillation under various controlled conditions was developed. Using this technique, quinidine was found to strikingly increase the energy necessary for defibrillation.
Immunohistochemical studies of sensory neurons in rat olfactory epithelium.

The olfactory sensory neurons undergo continuous turnover under normal physiological conditions. Injured olfactory sensory neurons are also replaceable. In this study, we investigated cellular differentiation and growth of sensory neurons in the rat's olfactory epithelium after nerve transection by using immunohistochemical staining with polyclonal or monoclonal anti-olfactory marker protein (OMP), anti-c-jun protein and anti-p53 protein antibodies. OMP is found exclusively in olfactory sensory neurons, while c-jun functions as a transcription factor. p53 protein functions as a negative regulator of cellular proliferation related to the apoptotic pathway induced by DNA damage. The olfactory epithelium sections incubated with anti-OMP antibody showed staining of mature neurons and axons in the epithelium. Nerve transection resulted in a significant reduction in neurons labelled with OMP On the 9th day after operation, our study indicated some recovery with an increasing number of neurons expressing OMP. In control animals without nerve lesions, c-jun protein immunoreactive neurons were present in the olfactory epithelium adjacent to the basal region. Following days 1 and 3 after nerve transection, no expression of c-jun protein was seen in neurons of the epithelium. On day 9 after transection, neurons in some basal areas indicated expression of c-jun protein. The immunolocalization demonstrated that p53 protein was present in some neurons located on the upper part of the olfactory epithelium. In contrast, an abundance of neurons expressing p53 protein was evident in the olfactory epithelium 1 and 3 days after nerve transection, indicating more cell deaths. Nine days following the lesions, the epithelium showed the number of neurons expressing p53 protein declining to that of control animals. The present findings suggest that OMP, c-jun protein and p53 protein can serve as useful markers for identifying subclasses of olfactory neurons and determining the existence of a neurological disorder in olfactory epithelium.
Biochemical factors influencing erythrocyte deformability and capillary entrance phenomena

Evaluation of the effects of biochemical modification of erythrocytes by low pressure filtration through Nuclepore filters of 2.8 and 3.0μm pore diameter and glass micropipettes of 2.7 and 3.0 μm internal diameter and channel length greater than 100 μm indicates the relative sensitivity of the micropipette in detection of reduction of cellular deformability. In dynamic studies of erythrocyte entrance behaviour on micropipettes, the significance of induced relative sphericity on cellular deformability was evident. Reduction of intracellular ATP, cellular pH, sphere induction by bifunctional membrane protein cross linking reagents and lead caused diminution in cellular deformability, attributable to the more spherical shape. Similarly echinocyte formation by effects of aged plasma, oleate and senscence, and stomatocyte induction by chlorpromazine caused marked decrease in capillary entry of cells having flow velocities of approximately 100 μm/s in contrast inhibitors of the glucose carrier, of calmodulin an...
Analyzing Mast Cell Development and Function Using Mice Carrying Mutations at W/c-kit or SI/MGF (SCF) Loci

Mast cells have been implicated in a wide variety of biological responses, but identifying the nature and importance of the mast cell's specific contributions to these reactions has been difficult. W/Wv mice have mutations affecting the c-kit tyrosine kinase receptor which is encoded at the W locus and which is necessary for normal mast cell development. In W/Wv mice, the cells which ordinarily give rise to normal mast cell populations do not adequately respond to a major migration, survival, proliferation and maturation factor expressed in the microenvironments where mast cells ordinarily develop: the c-kit receptor ligand, SCF. As a result, W/Wv mice virtually lack tissue mast cells. However, adoptive transfer to W/Wv mice of immature mast cells derived in vitro from the bone marrow cells of the congenic normal (+/+) mice selectively repairs the mast cell deficiency of the W/Wv recipients. These "mast cell knock-in" mice can be used to analyze the expression of biological responses in tissues which differ only because they do or do not contain populations of mast cells. This approach permits identification and quantification of the specific contributions of the mast cell to biological responses expressed in the skin, gastrointestinal tract and other anatomical sites, and also greatly facilitates analysis of the mechanisms by which mast cells influence these responses.
Proton-proton scattering below 20 MeV

Die Resultate der alteren Proton-Proton-Streuexperimente konnten durch die Annahme erklart werden, dass Protonen, die einen Zentralstoss erleiden, sich bei Annaherung auf etwa 3 × 10−13 cm stark anziehen. Die Form des entsprechenden Potential-topfes konnte nicht festgelegt werden. Auf Grund spaterer Experimente konnte die zulassige Form des Potentials begrenzt, aber nicht eindeutig bestimmt werden.
Influence of Corn Germ Protein on Yield and Quality Characteristics of Comminuted Meat Products in a Model System

Incorporation of corn germ protein in the production of comminuted meat products was tested. Corn germ protein (2%) as stabilizer in pre-emulsified fat (PEF) preparation stabilized sausage emulsions, which were added to the batter during comminution. Corn protein as an ingredient (4%) also increased both the stability of sausage batter (by binding of fat and water) and the yield of the finished product. There were no significant effects of the corn germ protein on hardness and color of finished product. Corn germ protein as a stabilizer in PEF and ingredient resulted in increased water holding capacity and adhesiveness of batter and lower shear force of the finished products. Corn germ protein can potentially be used as an ingredient for comminuted meat production.
Impact of changing diet regimes on Steller sea lion body condition

A leading theory for the cause of the decline of Steller sea lions is nutritional stress, which led to chronic high juvenile mortality and possibly episodic adult mortality. Nutritional stress may have resulted from either poor quality or low abundance of prey. The objective of this study was to determine whether we could predict shifts in body condition (i.e., body mass or body fat content) over different seasons associated with a change in diet (i.e., toward lower quality prey). Captive Steller sea lions (n = 3) were fed three different diet regimes, where Diet 1 approximated the diet in the Kodiak area in the 1970s prior to the documented decline in that area, Diet 2 approximated the species composition in the Kodiak area after the decline had begun, and Diet 3 approximated the diet in southeast Alaska where the Steller sea lion population has been increasing for over 25 yr. All the animals used in this study were still growing and gained mass regardless of diet. Body fat (%) varied between 13% and 28%, but was not consistently high or low for any diet regime or season. Mean intake (in kg) of Diet 2 was significantly greater for all sea lions during all seasons. All animals did, however, tend to gain less body mass on Diets 2 and 3, as well as during the breeding and postbreeding seasons. They also tended to gain more mass during the winter and on Diet 1, though these differences were not statistically significant. Thus, changing seasonal physiology of Steller sea lions appears to have more impact on body condition than quality of prey, provided sufficient quantity of prey is available. Steller sea lions are opportunistic predators and are evidently able to thrive on a variety of prey. Our results indicate that Steller sea lions are capable of compensating for prey of low quality.
The heterogeneity of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: an autopsy and one dimensional echocardiographic study.

Abstract Although echocardiography is sensitive in detecting genetically determined idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis with the two major criteria of systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve and asymmetric septal hypertrophy, the predictive value of these findings in a nonselected population remains uncertain. A study was made of nine consecutive patients with an echocardiographic diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis who underwent autopsy between 1975 and 1979. The patients ranged in age from 1 month to 74 years (average 53), and six were women. Seven had systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve, and one pseudo systolic anterior motion, eight had asymmetric septal hypertrophy, and three had mid systolic aortic valve closure. All nine had a systolic murmur at the cardiac apex and an abnormal electrocardiogram. At autopsy only two patients had asymmetric septal hypertrophy and myocardial fiber disarray; the other seven had no evidence of hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy on gross examination or light microscopy. Of these seven, two had concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, one coronary atherosclerosis, one cardiac amyloidosis, and three no cardiac disease. These data suggest that systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve and asymmetric septal hypertrophy may be sensitive but are poorly predictive of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis in the general hospital population. Because these two findings may be observed even in patients with a normal heart, an echocardiographic diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis based on these criteria should be made with caution.
Precautionary Note for Use of Bisulfite in Pharmaceutical Formulations

The effect of sodium bisulfite on aspirin hydrolysis was studied at 40° in the pH range of 6.5–7.5. Significant catalytic activity by the sulfite ion was observed. Second-order rate constants were calculated for this catalysis and compared to other buffer species. The sulfite ion was a much more efficient catalyst than acetate, phosphate, or carbonate.
Empirical Evaluation of Formulae for Correction of Item-Total Point-Biserial Correlations

Three formulae developed to correct item-total correlations for spuriousness were evaluated. Relationships among corrected, uncorrected, and item-remainder correlations were determined by computing sets of mean, minimum, and maximum deviation coefficients and Spearman rank correlations for nine test lengths. The results indicated that the Guilford or Cureton formula should be applied to item-total correlations below .4 in item pools with as few as 18 to 20 items.
An Autoregulatory Pathway Establishes the Definitive Chromatin Conformation at the Pit-1 Locus

The transcription factor Pit-1 (POU1-F1) plays a dominant role in cell lineage expansion and differentiation in the anterior pituitary. Prior studies of the mouse Pit-1 (mPit-1) gene revealed that this master regulatory locus is activated at embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5) by an early enhancer (EE), whereas its subsequent expression throughout adult life is maintained by a more distal definitive enhancer (DE). Here, we demonstrate that the sequential actions of these two enhancers are linked to corresponding shifts in their proximities to the Pit-1 promoter. We further demonstrate that the looping of the definitive enhancer to the mPit-1 promoter is critically dependent on a self-sustaining autoregulatory mechanism mediated by the Pit-1 protein. These Pit-1-dependent actions are accompanied by localized recruitment of CBP and enrichment for H3K27 acetylation within the Pit-1 locus. These data support a model in which the sequential actions of two developmentally activated enhancers are linked to a corresponding shift in higher-order chromatin structures. This shift establishes an autoregulatory circuit that maintains durable expression of Pit-1 throughout adult life.
Recovery of Sasajiscymnus tsugae, released against hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, in the southern Appalachians

Abstract Eastern hemlock in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is currently threatened by the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae). As part of a management plan against this invasive insect pest, about 350,000 adults of the predatory beetle Sasajiscymnus tsugae (Sasaji and McClure) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were released at ca. 150 sites in the Park from 2002 to 2007. Of these adult release sites, 33 were sampled in 2008 and 2009 using beat-sheet sampling for 4 man-hours. Sasajiscymnus tsugae adults (n=78) and/or larvae (n=145) were recovered from seven sites (21.2% of the release sites sampled). Recovery of S. tsugae was significantly associated with older release sites, with the most beetles recovered from 2002 release sites. These results indicate that S. tsugae may require more time (i.e., 5–7 years) than anticipated for population densities to reach readily detectable levels in some areas.
A hamster model for streptococcal impetigo.

Wannamaker [1] in a recent review of group A streptococcal impetigo has emphasized the importance of the disease and the unanswered questions associated with its natural history and management. It is well established that group A streptococci are responsible for most impetigo beyond infancy. It is a disease that may be manifested by acute extensive lesions, but more often presents as an indolent infection that is treated as little more than a nuisance by the patient, parent, and in some instances, the physician. To a large extent the importance of streptococcal impetigo is measured by its association with acute glomerulonephritis. In recent years a number of observations has expanded our knowledge of streptococcal skin infections and their relation to nephritis [1]. For instance, there appear to be certain strains that display a predilection for producing skin infections in contrast to respiratory infections. Furthermore, these "impetigo strains" seem to differ markedly in their ability to induce nephritis. Recent outbreaks of impetigo and nephritis at Red Lake, Minnesota, and in Trinidad have clarified many aspects of epidemiology, bacteriology, and immunology. Nonetheless, many gaps remain in our knowledge of streptococcal skin infections
Disturbances and disorders of attachment in infancy: An overview

Cet article sert d'introduction a ce numero special. Le Trouble d'Attachment Reactif (abrege RAD en anglais) existe en nosologie psychiatrique depuis 1980, lorsque le DSM-III a ete publie. Depuis 1980, cependant, peu de recherches ont ete faites sur le RAD en tant que categorie diagnostic. D'un autre cote, la recherche sur le developpement de patterns d'attachement a influence la pratique clinique. Dans cet article, plusieurs problemes de diagnostic sont etudies et un modele de conceptualisation du continuum de niveaux d'adaptation de l'attachement chez les nourrissons et les jeunes enfantes est presente. Les articles de ce numero special sont egalement presentes et les probl.emes qu'ils soulevent plus particulierement mis en lumiere.
Trace gas and aerosol measurements at a remote site in the northeast U.S.

Abstract This paper presents the results of continuous measurements of trace atmospheric gases and aerosol composition made at the summit of Whiteface Mountain, New York, for 28 days in July 1982. The gas phase species NO, NO x ( = NO + NO 2 + PAN ), HNO 3 , SO 2 and NH 3 were measured, as well as aerosol SO 4 2− , NO 3 − , H + and NH 4 + . Mean and median NO x concentrations were 1.1 and 1.0 ppb, respectively, with maximum and minimum values of 3.2 and 0.3 ppb. HNO 3 concentrations were variable, occasionally exceeding the simultaneously measured NO x levels. Mean and median SO 2 were 0.8 and 0.3 ppb, with concentrations up to 12 ppb in pollution episodes. Mean and median NH 3 were both 2.2 ppb. Monthly mean SO 4 2− was 5.3 μg m −3 , with values in clean air of about 1.5 μg m −3 , and in polluted air up to 80 μg m −3 . Trajectory calculations indicate that episodes of high pollutant concentrations occur in air masses arriving at Whiteface from the southwest. These episodes contributed most of the SO 4 2− , HNO 3 and aerosol acidity, and about half the SO 2 and NO x to which the site was exposed during the measurement period. Limited comparisons of air chemistry data with the composition of cloudwater collected during the program are also presented.
Bounds on the curvature at the top and bottom of the transition probability landscape

The transition probability between the states of a controlled quantum system is a basic physical observable, and the associated control landscape is specified by the transition probability as a function of the applied field. An initial control likely will produce a transition probability near the bottom of the landscape, while the final goal is to find a field that results in a high transition probability value at the top. For controls producing either of the latter extreme landscape values, the Hessian of the transition probability with respect to the control field characterizes the curvature of the landscape and the ease of leaving either limit. Prior work showed that the Hessian spectrum possesses an upper bound on the number of non-zero eigenvalues as well as an infinite number of zero eigenvalues. The associated eigenfunctions accordingly specify the coordinated control field changes that either maximally or minimally influence the transition probability. We show in this paper that there exists a lower bound on the number of non-zero Hessian eigenvalues at either the top or bottom of the landscape. In particular, there is at least one non-zero eigenvalue at the top and generally one at the bottom. Under special circumstances, the Hessian may be identically zero at the bottom (i.e. it possesses no non-zero eigenvalues). These results dictate the curvature of the top and bottom of the landscape, which has important physical significance for seeking optimal control fields. At the top, a field that produces a single non-zero Hessian eigenvalue of small magnitude will generally exhibit a high degree of robustness to field noise. In contrast, at the bottom, working with a field producing the maximum number of non-zero eigenvalues will generally assure the most rapid climb towards a high transition probability.
Steroid 17α-hydroxylation in the rat adrenal gland

Abstract A 17α-hydroxylating system has been demonstrated conclusively for the first time in normal rat adrenal tissue. The system is precipitated from extracts of adrenal tissue at 40% saturation of ammonium sulfate. When this fraction is incubated with protein components precipitated at 80% saturation of ammonium sulfate, only 11β-hydroxylation occurs. It is concluded that the normal rat adrenal gland has the capacity to 17α-hydroxylate progesterone, but that this reaction as studied in vitro is inhibited in the presence of the 11β-hydroxylating system. To what extent this inhibition occurs in situ is not known.
Transmitter-side timing adjustment to mitigate interference between multiple nodes for OFDMA mesh network

We propose new timing adjustment techniques at the transmitting nodes of the OFDMA mesh networks in order to minimize mutual-pair interference (MPI) as much as possible. The proposed methods suggest the adjustment parameters for the received signals from multiple transmitting nodes to be aligned as much as possible for multiple receiving nodes simultaneously. First, minimum distance condition is suggested and the corresponding linear programming method is introduced. Next, the least squares (LS) technique is applied for timing adjustment, and the decentralized adjustment scheme is developed based on LS solution. The performance results confirm that the proposed timing adjustment scheme dramatically improve the overall performance of OFDMA mesh networks because it can effectively reduce the amount of MPI caused by asynchronous feature of the OFDMA mesh network.
Role flexibility and status continuity: Tiriki (Kenya) age groups today

Research in Tiriki, Western Province, Kenya, in 1954–56, 1961, and 1982 reveals the continuing practice and importance of initiating young males into a graded system of semi-generational age groups. This paper describes and analyzes how and why members of the two seniormost Tiriki-Terik ‘elder’ age grades still enjoy the highest tribal social status even though they have largely forsaken their traditional judicial and ritual roles. These elders have assumed many domestic and subsistence supervisory roles left unfilled by junior age grade members who are working for cash in distant urban centers. ka]Key Words kb]age grading kb]senior age groups kb]social change kb]Kenya kb]aging in Africa kb]aging in developing societies Special thanks to Lucinda Sangree both for sharing the rich field data she gathered in Tiriki and for her helpful analytic and interpretative suggestions. Many thanks to Mark Luborski for his honest and insightful queries and suggestions.
THE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION OF A CORPORATE RETIREMENT PLAN: A CASE STUDY

This paper is based on an actual study of a pooled profit-sharing plan sponsored by a Fortune 50 company from September 1978 to June 1983. The purpose of performance measurement is to identify skill at portfolio management and provide evidence indicating whether performance coincides with the investment skills claimed by the portfolio manager. The approach here is to apply the security market line analysis suggested by Fama. Characteristic lines were determined for the plan portfolio allowing the calculation for alpha, the Jensen differential performance index, beta, and R2. Tests are made to determine if the investment manager was able to achieve superior performance by shifting portfolio market sensitivity in anticipation of major market moves (market-timing effect) and/or selecting undervalued securities (security-selection effect).
Chemical structures at the Nextel fibre/polyimide matrix interface detected by photoacoustic FTIR spectroscopy

Abstract Photoacoustic (PA) Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to study Nextel glass fibre/polyimide composite interfaces. It is shown that exposure of the fibre/matrix interface to dry and aqueous environments may lead to chemical changes at the interface. Among the two polyimide resins examined in this study, the aromatic thermoplastic polyimide resin used in the Nextel BF10 composites (Ultem 1000) may interact with the fibre surface without a coupling agent, while the polyimide resin (PMR-15) used to prepare Nextel AF10 composites requires the presence of a coupling agent at the interface. However, exposure to aqueous environments will cause hydrolysis of the imide linkage in the polymer as well as hydrolysis of the coupling agent-glass fibre surface interactions, but the extent of hydrolysis will be reduced in the presence of coupling agents.
Unease of Use

Email security is a significant concern, so why don't more people encrypt their email? EIC Fred Douglis takes a stab at using a new privacy guard with Gmail, and describes his experience.
Sleep duration and breast cancer risk in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project follow-up cohort.

Short sleep has been hypothesised to increase the risk of breast cancer. However, little is known about the association between sleep and different subtypes of breast cancer defined by hormone receptor status. Among 40 013 women in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project, including 1846 incident breast cancer cases, we prospectively examined self-reported weekday and weekend sleep duration in relation to breast cancer risk. We used multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We found no association between sleep and overall breast cancer. However, we observed a decreased risk of ER+PR+ breast cancer (RR <6 vs 8 – 9 h (95% CI): 0.54 (0.31, 0.93), P for trend, 0.003) with shorter sleep duration. Our finding does not support an association between sleep duration and overall breast cancer risk. However, the effect of sleep on different subtypes of breast cancer deserves further investigation.
SU-FF-T-227: Extra-Focal Analytical Source Model for the Radiation Output From a Linear Accelerator

Purpose: To describe in detail the recently improved extra‐focal photon source component of an accurate analytical source model for the radiation output from a linear accelerator.Method and Materials: In the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm used in the Eclipse™ Integrated Treatment Planning System (Varian Medical Systems Inc.) the radiation output from a linear accelerator is modeled using a multiple‐source model with separate sub‐sources for primary photon radiation, extra‐focal photon radiation and electron contamination. Closely related to this, analytical models for accessories such as hard wedges and dynamic wedges are included. We describe in detail the extra‐focal photon source component. A recent improvement to the extra‐focal source leading to enhanced accuracy in cases of small MLC apertures that are common during IMRT treatments is discussed. Another related improvement significantly improves the modeling of the Varian Enhanced Dynamic Wedge (EDW). Results: The new extra‐focal source model significantly improves the modeling of small MLC apertures that occur during dynamic IMRT treatments. In our test case to water phantom the maximum error (disregarding the buildup region) in depth dose curves has been reduced to 1% of dose maximum. Modeling of the Varian Enhanced Dynamic Wedge has been significantly improved also: in our example dataset the worst case deviation of local value at CAX has been reduced by more than 50%. Conclusion: The analytical source and accessory models used in the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm in combination with a scheme to optimize the free parameters of the model has been already shown to be clinically acceptable. In this work we discuss two improvements related to the extra‐focal source model which further improve its accuracy. Conflict of Interest: The authors are employed by Varian Medical Systems Finland Oy.
Doping-induced type-II to type-I transition and interband optical gain in InAs/AlSb quantum wells

We show that proper doping of the barrier regions can convert the well-known type-II InAs/AlSb quantum wells (QWs) to type I, producing strong interband transitions comparable to regular type-I QWs. The interband gain for TM mode is as high as 4000 1/cm, thus providing an important alternative material system in the midinfrared wavelength range. We also study the TE and TM gain as functions of doping level and intrinsic electron–hole density.
Genetic control of sucrose synthetase in maize endosperm

Sucrose synthetase activity in endosperm extracts of seven shrunken(sh) mutants of spontaneous origin and three similar mutants due to the association of the controlling element Ds with the Sh locus is examined. A residual level of 3 to 5% as compared to the normal (Sh) endosperm is seen in all the mutants. The residual activity is similar to that of the Sh locus encoded endosperm sucrose synthetase by several criteria including an identical size of polypeptides and a similarity in antigenic properties. These two enzymes are, however, distinguishable by a slight difference in electrophoretic mobility in native gels and a difference in the relative abundance of enzyme molecules. The latter property is a reflection of a marked difference seen in the developmental profile of enzyme activity in the two genotypes. The earlier hypothesis (Chourey and Nelson 1976) that these two sucrose synthetases are encoded by two separate genes is strengthened by: (a) the presence of the residual enzyme in a sh deletion mutant and (b) an electrophoretic demonstration of two proteins, corresponding to the major and minor sucrose synthetase proteins, in the wild type (Sh) genotype. The two sucrose synthetase genes seem to provide a model system in plants for studying the molecular basis of temporal specificity of genes.
A framework for collaborative knowledge creation

This article describes a framework for managing the life cycle of knowledge in organizations and how this framework can be used to support collaborative knowledge creation. The framework emerges from years of work with the laboratories and facilities that are under the direction of the United States Department of Energy. The article begins by describing the background of the work from which the framework emerged; this is followed by describing the problem of identifying the ‘right’ knowledge for the ‘right’ people at the ‘right’ time and how the use of performance objectives addresses this problem. Next, the life cycle of knowledge in organizations, the theoretical foundation of the framework, and the details of the implementation of the framework are described. Finally, a discussion section summarizes the framework and discusses future directions for enhancing and extending the framework for supporting collaborative knowledge creation in organizations.
Platelet-derived growth factor signaling in human malignancies

Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors were identified and purified decades ago. PDGFs are important during normal development and in human cancers. In particular, autocrine PDGF signaling has been implicated in various types of malignancies such as gliomas and leukemia. In contrast, paracrine signaling was found in cancers that originate from epithelial cells, where it may be involved in stromal cell recruitment, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. This editorial briefly discusses autocrine and paracrine PDGF signaling and their roles in human cancers, and introduces a series of review articles in this issue that address the possible roles of PDGFs in various processes involved in different types of cancers.
Erratum to The origins of the vertebrate hypothalamic―pituitary―gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic―pituitary―thyroid (HPT) endocrine systems: New insights from lampreys [General and Comparative Endocrinology (2009) 161, 20―29]

Center for Molecular and Comparative Endocrinology and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USAFig. 2. A diagram representing the evolution of GnRH in metazoans (A) and chordates (B). (A) Distinct GnRH lineages have been identiﬁed in metazoans including GnRH inTunicates; Mollusks and Annelids; and Vertebrates. From the information to date on the identiﬁcation of the GnRHs there is likely an ancestral GnRH that gave rise to theGnRH lineages in the deuterostome and proteomes. (B) In the vertebrates and likely due to a genome/gene duplication event, an ancestral gene gave rise to two lineages ofGnRHs—the gnathostome GnRH and lamprey GnRH-II. The gene duplication events that generated the different ﬁsh and tetrapod paralogous groups likely took place withinthe Gnathostome lineage, after its divergence from the ancestral agnathans. Lamprey GnRH-I and III (type 4) can be identiﬁed now as paralogous homologs of GnathostomeGnRH and lamprey GnRH-II group, resulting from a duplication within the lamprey lineage. This implies that there probably was a genome/gene duplication event that gaverise to all forms of vertebrate GnRH affecting the common ancestor of lamprey and Gnathostome isoforms. The Gnathostome branch of the lamprey GnRH-I and -IIIorthologous group was probably lost during evolution. Distinct GnRH lineages are depicted as follows: tunicates (purple circle); mollusks and annelids, Type 5 GnRH, (orangecircle); mammalian GnRH and orthologs, Type 1 GnRH (brown circle); chicken GnRH-II and lamprey GnRH-II, Type 2 GnRH (green circle); salmon GnRH, Type 3 GnRH (lightblue circle); and lamprey GnRH-I and -III, Type 4 GnRH (dark blue circle). 1R, 2R and 3R indicate whole genome duplications. Phylogenetic diagram was modiﬁed from http://tolweb.org/Bilateria/2459/2002.01.01 in The Tree of Life Web Project, http://tolweb.org/.0016-6480/$ - see front matter 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.04.019DOI of original article: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.11.023.* Corresponding author. Fax: +1 603 862 4013.E-mail address: sasower@cisunix.unh.edu (S.A. Sower).
Numerical Simulation of an Acoustically Driven Resonator With Internal Thin Parallel Plates

Heat transfer and flow characteristics in a two-dimensional resonator with inside thin plates due to acoustic excitations are investigated numerically. The effect of the presence of the internal thin plates in the resonators is then studied. Such parallel plates (stacks) have been used in acoustic resonators for developing thermoacoustic refrigerators and thermoacoustic engines. A fully compressible form of the Navier-Stokes equations is considered for the numerical model and an explicit time-marching algorithm is used to track the acoustic waves and energy flux. Numerical solutions are obtained by employing a highly accurate flux corrected transport (FCT) algorithm. In the present model, the acoustic waves are induced by vibrations of the left wall, and the right wall is stationary. By neglecting the effect of side walls, the top and bottom boundary conditions are assumed to be symmetric. No simplifying assumption is made regarding the existence of the acoustic field. The interaction of acoustic standing waves with the internal parallel plates produces a temperature difference between the two ends which can be used for refrigeration or to do work (as a heat engine). The temperature differences are found to be significantly dependent on the location, length and gap of the internal plates. The model developed can be used for the analysis of flow and temperature fields driven by acoustic transducers, as well as in the design of high-performance resonators for thermoacoustic refrigerators and engines.Copyright © 2007 by ASME