cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The significance of nitrogen cost minimization in proteomes of marine microorganisms.

Marine microorganisms thrive under low levels of nitrogen (N). N cost minimization is a major selective pressure imprinted on open-ocean microorganism genomes. Here we show that amino-acid sequences from the open ocean are reduced in N, but increased in average mass compared with coastal-ocean microorganisms. Nutrient limitation exerts significant pressure on organisms supporting the trade-off between N cost minimization and increased average mass of amino acids that is a function of increased A+T codon usage. N cost minimization, especially of highly expressed proteins, reduces the total cellular N budget by 2.7–10% this minimization in combination with reduction in genome size and cell size is an evolutionary adaptation to nutrient limitation. The biogeochemical and evolutionary precedent for these findings suggests that N limitation is a stronger selective force in the ocean than biosynthetic costs and is an important evolutionary strategy in resource-limited ecosystems.
X-ray fiber diffraction studies of a variant of xanthan gum in which the sidechain terminal mannose unit is absent

Abstract A variant of xanthan gum produced by a genetically engineered mutant of Xanthomonas campestris, in which the sidechain terminal mannose unit is absent, has been trapped in an ordered conformation in oriented fibers. X-ray diffraction patterns from these fibers show that the variant polymer has a molecular repeat of 47·5 A and five-fold helix symmetry, almost identical to that of xanthan. They also suggest that the effective molecular diameter is approximately 3 A less than that of xanthan. These results indicate that the conformation of the variant polymer is similar to that of xanthan, and show that removal of the sidechain terminal mannose unit does not critically affect the stability of the xanthan ordered structure.
Benefits of coronary artery bypass surgery.

A decade has now elapsed since bypass surgery was first done on a nationwide scale.1–7 More than 150,000 Americans have had the operation, and during 1975 alone, 54,000 coronary bypass operations were performed.8 After bypass grafting, it is now clear that most individuals have substantial or complete relief of angina, no longer require nitroglycerin or propranolol, and can return to full physical and sexual activity. These patients often state fervently that they are able to enjoy a better “quality of life” after bypass surgery. In addition, data are now available that indicate they can have improved ventricular function at rest and during exercise and can live longer. It is well accepted that bypass grafts restore blood flow to heart muscle deprived of its blood supply because of atherosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries. Mechanisms other than improved myocardial blood flow, however, may sometimes be responsible for the pain relief experienced by these patients after surgery. Nevertheless, it is quite clear that improved ventricular function and increased longevity occur only when bypass grafts improve myocardial blood flow. With the vast experience accumulated over the last 10 years the benefits derived from this procedure are coming into better focus.
Longitudinal Changes in Intracardiac Repolarization Lability in Heart Failure Patients with Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

Background: While it is known that elevated baseline intracardiac repolarization lability is associated with the risk of fast ventricular tachycardia (FVT) /ventricular fibrillation (VF) in heart failure (HF), the effect of its longitudinal changes on the risk of FVT/VF is unknown. Methods: Near-field (NF) right ventricular (RV) intracardiac electrograms (EGMs) were recorded every 3-6 months at rest in 248 patients with structural heart disease, systolic HF (mean age 61.2613.3; 185[75%] male; 162[65.3%] ischemic cardiomyopathy) and implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) [201 (81%) primary prevention]. Intracardiac beat-to-beat QT variability index (QTVINF) was measured on NF RV EGM. During the first study phase (median 18 months), participants made on average 2.4 visits. Then remote follow-up was continued for an additional median period of 3 years. Results: Average QTVINF did not change during the first year after ICD implantation (-0.34260.603 at baseline vs. -0.26260.552 at 6 months vs. -0.33460.603 at 12 months); however, it decreased thereafter (-0.51060.603 at 18 months; P50.042). Adjusted populationaveraged GEE model showed that the odds of developing FVT/VF increased by 75% for each 1 unit increase in QTVINF. (OR 1.75 [95%CI 1.05-2.92]; P50.031). However, individual patient-specific QTVINF trends (increasing, decreasing, flat) varied from patient to patient. For a given patient, the odds of developing FVT/VF were not associated with increasing or decreasing QTVINF over time (OR 1.27; [95%CI 0.05-30.10]; P5 0.881). Figure 1A,B shows population-averaged longitudinal trends in patients with and without FVT/VF. Figure 1C,D shows patient-specific longitudinal trends. Conclusion: While on average the odds of FVT/VF increased with an increase in QTVINF, patient-specific longitudinal trends in QTVINF did not affect the odds of FVT/VF.
Pheochromocytoma: Clinical manifestations and diagnostic tests

Pheochromocytoma accounts for about 0.1 per cent of patients with diastolic hyperstension. It mimics many diseases varying from anxiety psychoneurosis to intracranial tumors. Cardinal symptoms include sevre headache (72 to 92 per cent), sweating (60 tp 70 per cent), palpitations (51 to 73 per cent), and hypertension (> 90 per cent) of which 50 per cent is sustained, 50 per cent paroxysmal. Many drugs (phenothiazines, Saralasin, antiemetics, steroids, etc.) have been reported as precipitating factors. Patients who should be screened for pheochromocytoma include: (1) all symptomatic patients with sustained or paroxysmal hyperstension; (2) asymptomatic hypertension; (3) all patients with MEA 2a,b (hyperparathyroidism, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, neurocutaneous lesions) and their first degree relatives, even if the latter are asymptomatic and normotensive; (4) hypertension plus diabetes mellitis or hypermetabolism; (5) hypertensive episode during induction of anesthesia or radiologic procedure; and (6) hypertensive response during histamine administration, i.e., gastric analysis. Urinary metanephrine is the single best screening test. Plasma catecholamine determination is particularly helpful when collected before and immediately after an attack. Provacative agents (histamine, glucagon, tyramine) are needed rarely. Preoperative localization of the tumor can be done with nephrotomography IVP, computerized axial tomography, ultrasound, 131-I-19-iodocholesterol scan, arteriography, venography.
Hot-gas ignition of non-premixed methane flames in the presence of inert particles

Abstract A detailed numerical study was conducted on the ignition of non-premixed atmospheric CH 4 /air flames containing inert Al 2 O 3 particles in counterflow configurations. The gas injection temperatures of the fuel-side, the air-side, or both sides were increased separately until ignition was observed. The coupled conservation equations were solved for both phases along the stagnation streamline, with detailed descriptions of gas-phase chemical kinetics, molecular transport, and radiative heat transfer. The reactant injection temperature, strain rate, orientation of particle seeding, and injection particle number density and temperature were varied. Results showed that particles could drastically modify the temperature field of the gas phase and with it the ignition temperature. It was found that when the particle number densities are relatively high, the velocity field is also affected due to the momentum exchange between the two phases. Thus, the local strain rates and ignition temperatures are modified. No table differences were observed among the three configurations considered, namely heated air-side, heated fuel-side, and simultaneously heated air- and fuel-sides due to the different temperature fields generated. The controlling chemical pathways were found to depend not only on whether particles are present or not but also on whether the particles were injected from the air- or fuel-side. When particles are injected from the hot air-side rather than the cold fuel-side, lower ignition temperatures were observed. It was also determined that ignition occurs more readily in air-side seeding compared to fuel-side seeding as the particle number density increases. The effect of the particle injection temperature on hot-gas ignition was also assessed. It was shown that the ignition process is controlled by the competition between heating and cooling of the gas by the particles in cases where only one reactant stream is heated and that the conditions under which the particles assist or retard ignition cannot be readily determined without performing a detailed analysis of the problem.
Frequency effects on lift and drag for flow past an oscillating cylinder

A transversely oscillating cylinder in a uniform flow is modeled to investigate frequency effects of flow-induced wake on lift and drag of the cylinder. Specifically, verified unsteady fluid dynamic simulations using an immersed-boundary method in a fixed Cartesian grid predict the flow structure around the cylinder and reveal how the integration of surface pressure and shear distributions provides lift and drag on the oscillating cylinder. In this study, frequency ranges to be considered are both near and away from the natural frequency of wake vortex shedding. Subsequently, the effects of frequency lock-in, superposition and demultiplication on lift and drag are discussed based on the spectral analysis of time histories of lift and drag.
An Authenticated Control Framework for Distributed Voltage Support on the Smart Grid

Existing and forthcoming devices at the residential level have the ability to provide reactive power support. Inverters which connect distributed generation such as solar panels and pluggable hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to the grid are an example. Such devices are not currently utilized by the power system. We investigate the integration of these end-user reactive-power-capable devices to provide voltage support to the grid via a secure communications infrastructure. We determine effective locations in the transmission system and show how reactive power resources connected at those buses can be controlled. Buses belong to reactive support groups which parallel the regions of the secure communications architecture that is presented. Ultimately, our goal is to present how the smart grid can enable the utilization of available end-user devices as a resource to mitigate power system problems such as voltage collapse.
Optimized multiemitter beams for free-space optical communications through turbulent atmosphere

Using laser beams with less than perfect spatial coherence is an effective way of reducing scintillations in free-space optical communication links. We report a proof-of-principle experiment that quantifies this concept for a particular type of a partially coherent beam. In our scaled model of a free-space optical communication link, the beam is composed of several partially overlapping fundamental Gaussian beams that are mutually incoherent. The turbulent atmosphere is simulated by a random phase screen imprinted with Kolmogorov turbulence. Our experiments show that for both weak-to-intermediate and strong turbulence an optimum separation between the constituent beams exists such that the scintillation index of the optical signal at the detector is minimized. At the minimum, the scintillation reduction factor compared with the case of a single Gaussian beam is substantial, and it is found to grow with the number of constituent beams. For weak-to-intermediate turbulence, our experimental results are in reasonable agreement with calculations based on the Rytov approximation.
SELP and SELPLG genetic variation is associated with cell surface measures of SELP and SELPLG: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Carotid MRI Study.

Background: P-selectin (SELP) and its ligand, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (SELPLG), play key roles in both the inflammatory response and the atherosclerotic process. Previous studies have shown genetic variation in the SELP gene [selectin P (granule membrane protein 140kDa, antigen CD62)] to be associated with plasma SELP concentrations; however, the major biological function of SELP (and SELPLG) is at the cell surface. We therefore investigated the association of SELP polymorphisms with platelet SELP measures and polymorphisms in the SELPLG gene (selectin P ligand) with lymphocyte, granulocyte, and monocyte SELPLG measures among 1870 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Carotid MRI Study. Methods: Whole-blood flow cytometry was used to analyze leukocyte and platelet markers in the ARIC Carotid MRI Study. The allele frequencies for the SELP and SELPLG polymorphisms of whites and African Americans were markedly different; therefore, all analyses were race specific. Results: SELP T715P was significantly associated with lower values for platelet SELP measures in whites ( P = 0.0001), whereas SELP N562D was significantly associated with higher values for SELP measures in African Americans ( P = 0.02). SELPLG M62I was significantly associated with lower granulocyte and monocyte SELPLG measures in African Americans ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.0002, respectively) and with lower lymphocyte SELPLG measures in whites ( P = 0.01). Conclusions: Specific SELP and SELPLG polymorphisms were associated with cell surface measures of SELP and SELPLG in both whites and African Americans in the ARIC Carotid MRI Study. To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the association of SELP and SELPLG genetic variation with measures of cell surface SELP and SELPLG.
Cesium solubility, diffusion and permeation in zirconium carbide

To compare the relative effectiveness of ZrC vis-a-vis SiC as a fission product barrier in fuel structures for high temperature gas cooled reactor (HTGR) applications, a series of cesium infusion experiments on various ZrC powders, and ZrC coated graphite structures was performed to study the cesium solubility, diffusivity, and permeability of this coating material. The ZrC powder results yield a solubility of Cs in ZrC, S(ppm wt) = (1.7 × 10−6) exp[229 kJ/RT], over the temperature range 1485–1896 K. The diffusion coefficient of Cs in ZrC is 10−18–10−16 m2/s over a similar temperature interval. The activation energy of diffusion is estimated to be ≈ 50 kJ/mole. The results of experiments in which both SiC and ZrC coated graphite samples were exposed to cesium are more difficult to interpret. The results support the conclusions of the ZrC powder experiments that ZrC is comparable to SiC as a diffusion barrier to cesium.
Spending on the Fly: Mental Budgets, Promotions, and Spending Behavior:

Abstract Recent research has suggested that consumers have in-store slack for grocery trips—that is, they leave room in their mental budgets to make unplanned purchases. Drawing on this work, this article examines how the impact of promotions depends on whether the shopper still has in-store slack remaining in his or her mental budget. Specifically, the authors evaluate how the effect of promotional savings for both planned and unplanned items on spending varies as a function of whether the item is purchased before or after the shopper's in-store slack is depleted. In addition, they examine how these relationships vary depending on income. To achieve these goals, the authors conducted a field study in which respondents used a handheld scanner to record the order of purchases. The results suggest that savings on planned items lead to stockpiling by higher-income shoppers when the savings occur before the in-store slack has been depleted but lead to increased purchase of unplanned items when they occur afte...
Modeling urban atmospheric temperature profiles

Abstract A 100 m 2 model of the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana was constructed in an open flat field in Central Illinois in an attempt to simulate the effect of the nocturnal heat island on atmospheric stability. Temperature differentials were measured to an elevation of 1.5 m at three locations corresponding to points of measurement in the prototype. Using a model law based on the Monin-Obukhov scale length of turbulence, temperature measurements from the model were compared with existing data for the Fort Wayne complex. Moderate success was achieved in reproducing stability variation across the urban complex.
The Generation and Propagation of Sea Level Variability Along the Pacific Coast of Mexico

Abstract Case history analysis, cross spectra and multiple regression analysis have been used in a study of low-pass filtered sea level records from the Pacific mainland coast of Mexico in 1971 and 1973–75. During the summer-fall season (May–October), sea level variability is characterized by strong alongshore coherence and nondispersive, poleward phase propagation over a wide frequency range (0.02–0.37 cpd). The strength and clarity of the propagating signals seem to be related primarily to large-amplitude events of elevation (10–30 cm) that are generated off the southern coast of Mexico by tropical storms. These events are typically forced by the alongshore, poleward movements of the storms to as far north as 20°N, and thereafter continue to propagate freely at least as far as Guyamas (28°N). Large, variable phase speeds (250–500 km day−1 are observed in the southern region, consistent with the alongshore speeds of the forcing. A multiple-input statistical forcing model, in which adjusted sea level is r...
Carbohydrate availability modifies sorbitol dehydrogenase activity of apple fruit

Complete defoliation of the stem or spur and girdling the phloem (D/G) subtending a single apple (Malusdomestica Borkh.) fruit at 70 or more days after bloom resulted in reduction of fruit growth. Extractable sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) (enzyme code, 1.1.1.14) activity and sorbitol and starch content of the cortex tissue of fruit receiving D/G treatment subsequently declined. Co-extraction of control and D/G cortex tissues yielded expected levels of SDH activity, indicating that the loss of extractable SDH activity in D/G fruit was not due to presence of an inhibitor or proteolytic activity. Incubating cortex sections from D/G fruit in a buffered 200 mM sorbitol or glucose solution increased extractable SDH activity, and incubating cortex sections from control fruit in the sorbitol solution maintained the activity. However, neither 200 mM fructose or 27 mM PEG, the latter with the same osmotic potential as the sorbitol solution, affected extractable SDH activity of D/G fruit. The results indicate that carbohydrate availability may affect extractable SDH activity of apple fruit, and that specific carbohydrates such as sorbitol and glucose may be signals for modulating this activity.
Octylgermane on Gold: Synthesis, Oxidation, and Pattern Formation

Chemisorbed monolayers of octylgermane (C8H17GeH3) on gold have been formed by vapor deposition in ultrahigh vacuum. The monolayer has been characterized by X-ray photoelectron and reflection absorption infrared spectroscopies (XPS and RAIRS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). XPS data indicate the monolayer can be oxidized by exposure to ozone. STM images exhibit a complex pattern which can be modeled as strain-mediated spinodal decomposition.
Acute graft-versus-host disease: differing risk with differing graft sources and conditioning intensity

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a constant component of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), with variations in incidence and severity affected by the graft source, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility, and the preparative regimen. The graft source – related versus unrelated donors, bone marrow (BM) versus peripheral blood (PB), umbilical cord blood (UCB) versus unrelated donor BM – are discussed in this review, as well as myeloablative versus reduced-intensity (RI) preparative regimens. Recent comparisons of matched related versus matched unrelated donor HCT support a minimal difference in aGVHD between these two donor sources. The use of BM versus mobilized PB in the matched related donor (MRD) setting has been compared in randomized as well as phase-II comparative clinical trials which support a slight increase in aGVHD in the adult population. Similar results have been seen in the unrelated donor (URD) setting, although based on minimal comparative data to date. Preliminary comparisons of UCB versus URD BM have shown a decreased incidence of aGVHD with UCB, despite increased HLA mismatching. Haploidentical HCT has continued to be explored, with limitations due to delayed immune reconstitution and disease relapse. Many reduced-intensity preparative regimens have been published, with a reduced or minimal difference in incidence of aGVHD when historically compared to myleoablative preparative regimens. More formal comparisons of the different graft sources as well as preparative regimen intensities will be required to determine a more accurate picture of the differences between these transplantation alternatives.
Analysis of waiting-time predictability in scalable media streaming

Providing video streaming users with expected waiting times enhances their perceived quality-of-service (QoS) and encourages them to wait. In the absence of any waiting-time feedback, users are more likely to defect because of the uncertainty as to when they will start to receive services. In this paper, we analyze waiting-time predictability in scalable video streaming. We present three prediction schemes and study their effectiveness when applied with various stream merging techniques and scheduling policies. The results demonstrate that the waiting time can be predicted accurately, especially when enhanced cost-based scheduling is applied. The combination of waiting-time prediction and cost-based scheduling leads to outstanding performance benefits.
Volcanic oceanic islands

Volcanic oceanic islands are of special interest because they furnish direct evidence as to the material that forms the ocean-floors. The Pacific volcanic islands are arranged in linear groups, with a common general trend of about west-northwest and east-southeast. There are many active volcanoes in the Pacific. The Intra-Pacific lavas are mostly basalts, but with small amounts of trachytes and other alkaline lavas at almost all the groups. There are many coral islands in the Pacific, which are probably built on sinking volcano-pedestals. The Pacific is surrounded by folded mountain ranges and island “festoons,” on which are many volcanoes, some of them active. These Circum-Pacific lavas are chiefly andesitic and very different from those of the Intra-Pacific islands.
Lexipafant fails to improve survival in severe necrotizing pancreatitis in rats.

Conclusions. Lexipafant administration fails to improve survival or lessen the disease severity in two experimental models of severe acute pancreatitis. Background. The potent platelet activating factor antagonist Lexipafant has been shown to attenuate the biochemical and histologic changes associated with some animal models of acute pancreatitis, suggesting an important role for this cytokine in its pathogenesis. However, a survival advantage following Lexipafant administration has not been demonstrated. This study evaluates the effect of this platelet activating antagonist on survival in rat models of necrotizing and fulminant hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Methods. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent induction of either acute necrotizing (n=40) or hemorrhagic pancreatitis (n=36) with a time- and pressure-controlled bile duct infusion of 10 mM glycodeoxycholic acid (GDOC) or enterokinase 15 U/mL, in combination with supramaximal cerulein stimulation (5 µg/kg/h). Immediately after pancreatitis induction, rats were randomly divided into three groups and received Lexipafant (1 mg or 10 mg) or saline as a continuous intravenous infusion over 9 h. Twenty-four-hour survival rates were determined and severity of pancreatitis was assessed by pancreatic histology scores. Results. The survival rates for GDOC treated rats were 55% (saline), 50% (1 mg Lexipafant) and 50% (10 mg Lexipafant). As expected, all rats induced with enterokinase and treated with saline died with hemorrhagic pancreatitis within 24 h. The same was true of those treated with high- and low-dose Lexipafant, and there was no difference in survival time. Histology scores did not differ between Lexipafant-treated and control rats in either GDOC or enterokinase rats.
Representation Error for Real Numbers in Binary Computer Arithmetic

Real numbers can be represented in a binary computer by the form i-Be where i is the integer part, B the base, and e the exponent. The accuracy of the representation will depend upon the number of bits allocated to the integer part and exponent part as well as what base is chosen. If L(i) and L(e) are the number of bits allocated to the magnitudes of the integer and exponent parts and we define I= 2L(i) and E = 2L(e), the exponent range is given by B±E, the maximum relative representation error is given by B/2I, and the average relative representation error is given by (B-1)/(4I 1n B). The formulas provide quantitative comparison for the effectiveness of alternative formats for real number representations.
Karmarkar's algorithm and the ellipsoid method

We show that Karmarkar's algorithm and the ellipsoid method are closely related. At each iteration, the potential function used to measure convergence of the primal solutions in Karmarkar's algorithm correctly characterizes the logarithmic volume of an ellipsoid that contains all of the optimal dual solutions. As the potential function declines, the volume of the ellipsoid monotonicly shrinks to zero. These ellipsoids can be used to determine the optimal basis for linear programming. Conversely, the relation of these two algorithms may lead to an efficient implementation for the ellipsoid method.
The Role of Translational Circuits in RF Receiver Design

This paper provides an overview of translational or commutated circuits and their role in RF receivers. Insights are offered into the frequency translation of impedances, their modeling, and their application in input matching, blocker rejection, and channel selection. A new front end is also described that rejects blockers at the third harmonic of the local oscillator frequency. I. INTRODUCTION In the past 10 years, tremendous progress has been made in the area of RF receivers. Driven by such factors as cost, power consumption, and proliferation of wireless standards, RF designers have continually exploited CMOS integration and new circuit techniques to push the performance envelope of receivers. This paper provides an overview of recent receiver design efforts, focusing, for the sake of depth, on examples that employ translational circuits. Such circuits have created a new paradigm in RF design, helping to avoid external filters and realize compact, low-power receivers. Section II deals with the properties of translational circuits, particularly, commutated impedances. Sections III and IV review the use of translation in input matching and blocker rejection, respectively. Section V is concerned with channel selection and Section VI presents a new harmonic-rejecting commutated front end. II. TRANSLATIONAL CIRCUITS In this paper, we deal with a class of receivers exploiting translational circuits, an example of which are -path filters. Such circuits have overcome two serious difficulties in RF design: they can realize RF transfer functions with a precise center frequency, and, by virtue of frequency translation, they can provide arbitrarily high quality factors. It is important to recognize the significance of these two attributes; the only non-translational filters exhibiting a similar behavior are SAW (or crystal) devices but with a fixed center frequency and a that trades with the insertion loss. Transfer functions and impedances can be translated in frequency by means of mixing or other frequency conversion methods. The idea can be traced back to “signal scanning” or “commutated” networks introduced in the late 1940s [1] and early 1950s [2, 3]. It was proposed that capacitors scanning a signal path periodically synthesize a comb filter. Shown
Damage evolution governed by microcrack nucleation with application to the fatigue of 63Sn–37Pb solder

Abstract In many materials, including tin–lead eutectic solder, a substantial portion of their fatigue life is spent in accumulation of randomly distributed microcracks. An assembly of discrete interconnected elements (e.g. grains or phases) approximates the solid in this paper. Percolation theory is employed to derive critical microcrack density and to predict size effect. Self-similarity in microcrack nucleation leads to a simple power law for lifetime prediction. Its application to the fatigue of tin–lead eutectic solder shows a good agreement with experimental data.
Light sensitivity and form perception in dark adaptation.

The problem of designing and standardizing tests of scotopic vision for military purposes has claimed much attention. The light sensitivity tests (used in studies of avitaminosis) were discarded in the early 40’s in favor of form perception tests for the armed forces, but the relation of the two types of tests remains a matter of scientific interest. By means of a supplementary form-target device designed for use in the Hecht-Shlaer (research) adaptometer, data were collected on trained adult subjects for both light and form thresholds with 3° targets. Results are presented and analyzed for dark-adapted cone vision and rod vision, separately. Data are given showing the differing amounts and character of luminance necessary for cones and rods and for light versus perception of form (T) orientation. The close correspondence of these experimental findings to some results of recently released military research is shown, and the relation of these results to current visual theory on the stimulus characteristics of the retina are discussed.
Aggregation in Budgeting: An Experiment

ABSTRACT: We conduct two experiments to study the effect of aggregated budget proposals on budgetary slack when superiors cannot commit to an acceptance policy. Prior research on similar settings suggests preferences for fairness will lead to retaliatory behavior by the superior if the subordinate's requests are perceived as selfish. Aggregation causes costs to be more closely distributed around the mean, which decreases the possibility that subordinates will have to make abnormally large budget requests that may be viewed as selfish and hence may reduce the likelihood of rejection. Aggregation also increases the size of each budget decision. This second effect may also deter superiors from retaliating, because it becomes more costly to do so. In our first experiment we find that aggregation increases the frequency of mutually beneficial budget approval. In our second experiment we find that, although some of the increase in budget approval is due to the larger decision unit, the primary driver is the su...
Holostrain system: a powerful tool for experimental mechanics

A portable holographic interferometer that can be used to measure displacements and strains in all kinds of mechanical components and structures is described. The holostrain system captures images on a TV camera that detects interference patterns produced by laser illumination. The video signals are digitized. The digitized interferograms are processed by a fast processing system. The output of the system are the strains or the stresses of the observed mechanical component or structure.
Comparative analysis of three nucleic acid-based detection systems for hepatitis C virus RNA in plasma from liver transplant recipients

Abstract The early detection of hepatitis C viraemia (HCV) following liver transplantation is important for monitoring disease recurrence and planning antiviral chemotherapy. In the current study, the sensitivity, specificity, and concordance of three HCV RNA assays were compared using a random sample of 84 plasma specimens from 23 transplant recipients. Two of the assays were prototype commercial tests: Roche Molecular Diagnostic's RT-PCR HCV Amplicor TM system; and Chiron's Quantiplex TM HCV-RNA assay. The third was a ‘home brew’ PCR-liquid hybridization/gel retardation assay developed at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). On all criteria the PCR-based assays out-performed the Quantiplex assay and displayed an overall concordance of 87%. A high percentage of specimens in the Quantiplex assay gave indeterminate results (12%) or high coefficients of variance (13%). The specificities of all RNA assays were determined using HCV serostatus as the gold standard. Both of the PCR-based assays had specificities of 100%, whereas the Chiron Quantiplex HCV assay had a specificity of 88%, if indeterminates were counted as negatives, and a specificity of 64% if indeterminates were counted as positives. The calculated sensitivities of the PCR-based assays were 56% and 48% for the ‘home brew’ and the Roche assays, respectively. The UPMC HCV assay, however, was determined to be capable of reproducibly detecting four or fewer chimpanzee infectious doses, suggesting that HCV viraemia was not present in the PCR-negative cases. The sensitivity of the Quantiplex assay was 41% counting indeterminates as negatives and 46% counting them as positives. The high cost of the Quantiplex assay combined with the number of uninterpretable results, the lack of sensitivity, and reduced specificity may limit the usefulness of this assay for monitoring HCV recurrence.
Trichomoniasis in Pregnancy and Mental Retardation in Children

Purpose Trichomoniasis is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection and is associated with premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, and low birth weight. This study examines the association between maternal trichomoniasis and intellectual disability (ID) in children. Methods This study utilized linked maternal, infant, and child records for 134,596 Medicaid-insured singleton births in South Carolina from 1996 through 2002. Data were obtained from Medicaid billing records, birth certificates, and administrative data from the South Carolina Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN). Pregnancies during which women were diagnosed with urinary tract infection, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or vulvovaginal candidiasis were excluded, as were children diagnosed with a known cause of mental retardation. Odds of diagnosed ID in children were modeled using population averaged generalized estimating equation models. Results Controlling for potential confounders, women with trichomoniasis were significantly more likely to have a child with ID (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.46). The association was stronger for moderate to severe ID documented by the school system or DDSN (HR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.35–2.51). Second-trimester trichomoniasis was associated with more than a three-fold increase in the odds a child was identified as trainable mentally handicapped or profoundly mentally handicapped in the public school system, or was receiving ID services from DDSN. There was not a significant difference in the risk of ID in children of women with treated versus untreated trichomoniasis. Conclusion Maternal trichomoniasis may be a preventable risk factor for ID.
A self-balancing CUSUM approach for the efficient allocation of resources during post-disaster debris disposal operations

Hurricane Katrina and other recent disasters have underscored the challenges related to disaster-generated debris disposal. During Katrina, extraordinary amounts of debris, far exceeding typical annual amounts of solid waste, were almost instantaneously deposited across a three-state area. Collection and disposal of disaster debris is an enormous task. Although the locations and amounts of debris can be easily summarized after recovery activities have been completed, they are uncertain and difficult to estimate in real time. Inaccurate estimates can result in inequitable allocation of disposal resources, increased costs, prolonged recovery, and increased social, political, and economic unrest. This paper uses prospective statistical process control methods to achieve equity in allocating debris disposal resources. These methods enable the detection of emerging debris collection patterns in real time as debris information becomes available during disposal operations. Using the self-starting CUSUM method proposed by Hawkins (Statistician 36:299–315, 1987) as a foundation, we develop a self-balancing approach for debris cleanup operations and evaluate its performance using data from a 2003 Atlantic hurricane.
Regiochemistry of Platinum-Catalyzed Hydrophosphination of a Diene. Formation of the Chiral Diphosphine Et2PCH(CN)CH(CH2CH2CN)PEt2 via Monophosphine Intermediates

Pt-catalyzed addition of diethylphosphine to the diene cis,cis-mucononitrile gave the new diphosphine Et2PCH(CN)CH(CH2CH2CN)PEt2 as a 3:2 mixture of diastereomers. Two monophosphine−alkene intermediates in the hydrophosphination were characterized by NMR spectroscopy.
Six Sigma: An Overview and Hospital Library Experience

ABSTRACT Six Sigma is recognized as a proven management strategy for performance improvement and is gradually being adapted by hospitals and healthcare facilities. OSF Saint Francis Medical Center deployed Six Sigma in 2002 and has realized positive results with this strategy in clinical, quality, service, and financial outcomes. When hospitals decide to implement Six Sigma, there is an opportunity for librarians to provide supportive services such as collection resources and expert literature searching. With training, librarians can also participate on project teams and have the potential to utilize Six Sigma methodology to improve library processes.
Motility proteins and the origin of the nucleus

Hypotheses on the origin of eukaryotic cells must account for the origin of the microtubular cytoskeletal structures (including the mitotic spindle, undulipodium/cilium (so-called flagellum) and other structures underlain by the 9(2)+2 microtubular axoneme) in addition to the membrane-bounded nucleus. Whereas bacteria with membrane-bounded nucleoids have been described, no precedent for mitotic, cytoskeletal, or axonemal microtubular structures are known in prokaryotes. Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that the cells of the earliest-branching lineages of eukaryotes contain the karyomastigont cytoskeletal system. These protist cells divide via an extranuclear spindle and a persistent nuclear membrane. We suggest that this association between the centriole/kinetosome axoneme (undulipodium) and the nucleus existed from the earliest stage of eukaryotic cell evolution. We interpret the karyomastigont to be a legacy of the symbiosis between thermoacidophilic archaebacteria and motile eubacteria from which the first eukaryote evolved. Mutually inconsistent hypotheses for the origin of the nucleus are reviewed and sequenced proteins of cell motility are discussed because of their potential value in resolving this problem. A correlation of fossil evidence with modern cell and microbiological studies leads us to the karyomastigont theory of the origin of the nucleus.
The Use of Available Potential Energy to Evaluate the Impact of Satellite Data on Numerical Model Analysis during FGGE

To evaluate the effect of the FGGE satellite observing system, the following two data sets were compared by examining the available potential energy (APE) and extratropical cyclone activity within the entire global domain during the first Special Observing Period: (1) the complete FGGE IIIb set, which incorporates satellite soundings, and (2) a NOSAT set which incorporates only conventional data. The time series of the daily total APEs indicate that NOSAT values are larger than the FGGE values, although in the Northern Hemisphere the differences are negligible. Analyses of cyclone scale features revealed only minor differences between the Northern Hemisphere FGGE and NOSAT analyses. On the other hand, substantial differences were revealed in the two Southern Hemisphere analyses, where the satellite soundings apparently add detail to the FGGE set.
Are Terrorists Courageous? Micro-Sociology of Extreme Left Terrorism

This article contests the affirmation—based on common sense—according to which terrorists simply need courage. The typical terrorist act can be considered part of the sociological category known as “vile violence” that is the act of striking out at a victim after having placed him or her in a desperate situation that does not allow for any escape. This article is based on primary and secondary sources, such as the analysis of thirty-five homicides committed in Italy by six terrorist units of the extreme left; interviews with extreme left terrorists; interviews with victims of extreme left terrorists; autobiographies of extreme left terrorists; autobiographies of victims of extreme left terrorists; video interviews of extreme left terrorists; and written statements of the investigating magistrates.
Correlation of serum biomarkers in adults with single ventricles with strain and strain rate using 2D speckle tracking.

Background With advances in cardiac care, patients with congenital heart disease, including single ventricle (SV) physiology, now survive into adulthood. These patients often suffer from congestive heart failure (CHF) with overexpression of serum biomarkers. Strain and strain rate (SR) may better describe the myocardial mechanics of a failing SV. Our objective was to determine the correlation between strain/SR and biomarkers in adult patients with SV and CHF. Methods Adult patients (age ≥8 years) with a SV were enrolled. Strain/SR in a 16-segment model of a SV was measured using 2D speckle echocardiography. Serum levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 8, matrix metalloproteinase 9, procollagen I C-terminal peptide (PCIP), cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, nitrotryrosine, tissue growth factor beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, and creatinine (Cr) were measured. Patients underwent a complete 6 Minute Walk Test (MWT). Pearson correlation coefficient was used. P <.05 was considered significant. Results Ten patients with SV (LV = 7, RV = 3) were enrolled. Mean age was 35.5 years (25–42 years). Mean single ventricular ejection fraction (SVEF) was 47%. ICTP correlated with the basal, mid, and apical anterolateral SR, as well as apical anterior and inferior SR. PCIP correlated with mid anterolateral, basal anteroseptal, and mid inferolateral SR. TGF-β correlated with apical inferior SR. Cr correlated with mid inferior-septal and apical lateral SR. 6 MWT negatively correlated with the apical anterior septum SR. Conclusions ICTP, Cr, and PCIP correlated best with segmental SR values. Our results provide a preliminary platform for future studies to follow the results of treatment modalities using strain/SR and biomarkers for CHF in this population.
Play Therapy in Elementary Schools: A Best Practice for Improving Academic Achievement

This pilot study of 1st graders who are academically at risk examined the effectiveness of child-centered play therapy (CCPT). The experimental group received biweekly, 30-minute play therapy sessions for 8 weeks. Findings indicated that these 1st graders participating in CCPT (n = 21) demonstrated a statistically significant increase on the Early Achievement Composite of the Young Children's Achievement Test (Hresko, Peak, Herron, & Bridges, 2000) when compared with children in the control group (n = 20). Results support using CCPT as an intervention for academic achievement.
Mixed linear system estimation and identification

We consider a mixed linear system model, with both continuous and discrete inputs and outputs, described by a coefficient matrix and a set of noise variances. When the discrete inputs and outputs are absent, the model reduces to the usual noise-corrupted linear system. With discrete inputs only, the model has been used in fault estimation, and with discrete outputs only, the system reduces to a probit model. We consider two fundamental problems: Estimating the model input, given the model parameters and the model output; and identifying the model parameters, given a training set of input-output pairs. The estimation problem leads to a mixed Boolean-convex optimization problem, which can be solved exactly when the number of discrete variables is small enough. In other cases the estimation problem can be solved approximately, by solving a convex relaxation, rounding, and possibly, carrying out a local optimization step. The identification problem is convex and so can be exactly solved. Adding l 1 regularization to the identification problem allows us to trade off model fit and model parsimony. We illustrate the identification and estimation methods with a numerical example.
Adaptive manipulation of a Hybrid Mechanism Mobile Robot

This paper reports experimental and analytical results of a Hybrid Mechanism Mobile Robot (HMMR) designed for field and military applications. The HMMR presented in this paper constitutes the second generation of a mobile robot that combines locomotion with manipulation in a symmetric invertible platform. The experimental results highlight the ability of the robot to operate in an unstructured environment and overcome obstacles that are much taller than its folded structure. The analytical results on the other hand reflect the ability of the robot to adapt the arm's posture to the magnitude of the external load during manipulation in order to prevent tip-over instability. This adaptability is controlled by an optimization algorithm that updates the position of the mobile base with respect to the object, and accordingly, calculates a global arm configuration that minimizes the eccentricity of the external loading and maximizes the payload capacity of the arm.
Managing Risk and ‘Giving Back’

In the spring of 2002, a few weeks after I began fieldwork at a state- and corporate- supported ‘School-to-Career’ Biotechnology Academy,1 I met Armando, a high school senior and Academy attendee. The Academy can be best described as a ‘school-within-a-school’ public high school program, focused on building academic, social, and technological skills essential for careers in the region’s biotechnology industry. As a charismatic presence among a cohort of mostly Latino and Southeast Asian Biotech Academy participants who had been designated ‘at- risk’ of not graduating from high school, Armando, a promising science student, father to a three-year-old son, and supermarket employee, was enthusiastic about the program and about biotechnology in general. Indeed, the day I met him at Morton High School,2 a school serving a predominantly low- and middle-income Mexican American and Vietnamese American neighborhood in San Jose, CA,3 he was serving as a kind of unofficial ambassador for the Academy.
NAHUA IN ANCIENT MESOAMERICA: Evidence from Maya inscriptions

This paper examines Nahua words found in both the Maya codices and the monumental texts. These words, spelled with syllabic signs, occur for the most part in contexts associated with foreign influence: Nahuatl deity names and words for “helmet,” “tribute,” and “heart.” One word—“and then”—is a conjunction used frequently in discourse. Sound correspondences between these loan words and the Nahua sources suggest an Eastern Nahua dialect as the likely source during the Classic period. Thus, Mexican influence in the Maya area, frequently attributed directly to Teotihuacan, may in fact have come by way of Nahua-speakers settled in the Gulf region. The epigraphic evidence establishes that Nahua speakers were influential in Mesoamerica far earlier than previously believed.