cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Wireless Channel Uncertainty upon Distributed Detection Systems

We consider a distributed detection system, in which sensors send their decisions over orthogonal noisy channels to a fusion center (FC). We study how the optimal integrated fusion rule and its low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) approximation, as well as the suboptimal non-integrated fusion rule, are related to the physical layer specifications (reception, modulation, channel model, and availability of channel state information (CSI) at FC). In particular, we consider training and non-training based systems and investigate the effect of imperfect CSI on the fusion rules, detection performance and error exponent, assuming that the sum of training and data symbol transmit powers is fixed. Our results show that the detection performance of the system with noncoherent reception is maximized when training symbol transmit power is zero. This performance is attainable with the statistics-based likelihood ratio test (LRT) rule for random channel model and the generalized LRT rule for deterministic channel model. For a system with BPSK modulation and coherent reception, subject to Rayleigh fading, the detection probability and error exponent are maximized when half of transmit power is allocated for training symbol. For Rician fading, however, optimal power allocation between training and decision symbols depends on the SNR and Rice factor. Comparing the integrated and non-integrated fusion rules, we show that the former always outperforms the latter.
Brain Size in Schizophrenia

To the Editor.— We read with great interest the article by Pearlson et al 1 in the August 1989 issue of theArchivesand are particularly interested in their report of reduced brain slice area (BSA) in schizophrenics. We are writing to add support to this finding with results from a sample of patients studied in our laboratory. The authors' conclusion that the smaller brain size in schizophrenics is most likely attributable to differences in socioeconomic status is troublesome to us, however, and is discussed further below. Our data were drawn from subjects who had received brain scans on an EMI 1010 computed tomographic scanner (EMI Ltd, England) between 1982 and 1984. Analytic methods have been described previously. 2,3 Brain size was estimated by summing the total intracranial areas of seven contiguous 8-mm sections beginning inferiorly at the lowest section showing the anterior horns of the lateral ventricles. Comparisons were
Postoperative assessment of laryngopharyngeal dysfunction in neonates after Norwood operation.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of vocal cord (VC) and swallowing dysfunction in infants after the Norwood operation and to examine the relationship between laryngopharyngeal dysfunction and postoperative outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 63 infants who underwent routine postoperative fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing function and vocal cords after a Norwood operation at our institution during a recent 6-year period (2003–2009). Results The overall incidence of VC dysfunction after the Norwood operation was 58.7%. After a modification of the aortic arch dissection technique in 2007, the incidence of VC dysfunction decreased significantly from 79.5% in 2003 through 2006 to 25% in 2007 through 2009 ( p p = 0.07). Swallowing dysfunction was more common in patients with VC dysfunction (21.6%) as compared with patients without VC dysfunction (7.7%; p = 0.18). Patients with VC dysfunction were more often discharged home on tube-only feeding regimens compared with infants without VC dysfunction (46% versus 26.9%). In infants with both VC and swallowing dysfunction, 75% were discharged exclusively to have tube feeding. Median hospital length of stay tended to be longer in infants with swallowing dysfunction (31 days) than in infants without swallowing dysfunction (23 days; p = 0.16). Conclusions Vocal cord and swallowing dysfunction are common in infants after the Norwood operation and may increase the need for tube feeding regimens. Modification of surgical techniques for dissection and mobilization of the aorta can significantly reduce the incidence of these adverse outcomes.
Positive ion formation in the ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization analysis of oligonucleotides by using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid

The development of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry and its demonstrated performance with large proteins has generated substantial interest in utilizing this technique as an alternative to gel electrophoresis for DNA sequence analysis. However, a lack of understanding of the desorption and ionization processes has greatly hampered advances in this field. This article explores the formation of positively charged oligonucleotides in UV (355-nm) MALDI analysis by using the matrix 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Whereas substantial fragmentation is observed in the positive-ion mode by using the short oligomer d(TAGGT), no fragmentation is evident in the negative-ion mode under identical conditions. The fragmentation products are consistent with a previously published model in which base protonation initiates base loss, which leads to subsequent cleavage of the phosphodiester backbone. Several polydeoxythymidilic acids containing modified nucleosides were used to investigate positive-ion formation. The results support the hypothesis that positive ions are formed by protonation of the nucleobases. Because base protonation initiates base loss, fragmentation is intrinsic to positive-ion formation in the MALDI analysis of oligonucleotides. This result explains the dramatic difference in fragmentation observed in positive-ion compared to negative-ion UV-MALDI mass spectra of oligonucleotides.
Dense gas removal from a valley by crosswinds

Abstract Wind tunnel experiments were made to determine how rapidly dense gas trapped in a topographic depression could be removed by an entraining crosswind. The two-dimensional outflow volume flux, ν o , was assumed equal to the inflow rate during 92 steady-state experiments with CO 2 continuously supplied into the bottom of two-dimensional, V-shaped valleys. As predicted by theory, at large Reynolds numbers it was found that ν o α U s 3 / g ′ i , where U s is the speed just above the dense gas pool and g ′ i is gravity times the relative density difference. The width of the pool, w , does not affect ν o when the primary Froude number ⩽ 1, except at low Reynolds numbers; in this case the data suggest ν o α ( U s wK ) 1/2 as an asymptote, where K is the molecular diffusivity. A universal relationship is suggested for ν o bridging these two asymptotes Transient experiments were conducted by filling a valley with dense gas, turning it off, then quickly removing a sliding cover; ν o was measured as a function of time with an array of samplers downwind. These experiments essentially confirmed predictions based on the steady-state results, even when SF 6 was substituted for CO 2 . Insertion of a flat floor into the valley had only minor effects on ν o ( t ) until the pool level subsided almost to the floor level. Substantial changes in the removal process were observed for the few tests run at Froude numbers exceeding unity.
Isozyme variation in cultivated and wild pineapple.

Isozyme variation was studied in 161 accessions of pineapple including four species of Ananas and one of Pseudananas. Six enzyme systems (ADH, GPI, PGM, SKDH, TPI, UGPP) involving seven putative loci revealed 35 electromorphs. Considerable variation exists within and between species of Ananas. Sixty-six distinct zymotypes were identified. Multivariate analyses of isozyme variation indicated that A. comosus contains five genetically diverse groups that do not match perfectly with the traditional varietal groups. Isozyme evidence also suggests that A. erectifolius is a conspecific variant of A. comosus, and that among other wild species, A. ananassoides is more closely related to A. comosus than A. bracteatus. Pseudananas is genetically distinct from all species of Ananas. It is evident from our study that differentiation among the species of Ananas may be due to ecological isolation rather than genetic divergence with breeding barriers and therefore may represent a species complex.
Maxillofacial prosthesis and its role as a healing art

Abstract The application of maxillofacial prosthesis has been discussed with examples to illustrate this highly specialized field of prosthetic dentistry. Oral and facial deformities which may be either acquired or congenital are seen in a large segment of the population. These unfortunate persons require the services of a maxillofacial prosthodontist. Every dentist with a little training and interest is fully qualified to undertake this type of work and help the afflicted by replacing anatomic deficiencies, restoring physiologic functions, correcting impaired speech, improving esthetics, and, in so doing, building up the patient's morale. The field of maxillofacial somatoprosthesis has been, until recently, an unheralded section of the prosthodontic service in dentistry. It is a sincere hope that more institutions will provide this type of service and that more dentists will take an interest and realize the importance of this branch of dentistry as a healing art.
Tectonic control of Early Cretaceous carbonate platforms in the Gulf of Mexico

In the Gulf of Mexico, a review of basin-wide spatial relationships between Early Cretaceous carbonate platform margins and older structures, combined with multichannel seismic reflection data from the northeastern Gulf, indicates that a tectonic hinge zone controlled the margins` initial positions. There is no evidence that this hinge zone influenced pre-Early Cretaceous sedimentation patterns throughout the basin. Thus, the authors think that it formed during latest Jurassic-earliest Cretaceous time. Such timing suggests that the hinge zone is a new type of geologic structure. During this period, the Gulf of Mexico was undergoing only thermal subsidence. The main phases of intracrustal extension and sea floor spreading, the stages of basin evolution most commonly associated with tectonic hinge zone formation at other divergent continental margins, had already taken place. The authors conclude that the hinge zone formed by processes until now not thought to be associated with hinge zone development: the cessation of sea floor spreading in the central part of the Gulf and associated rapid subsidence of cooling oceanic crust in the basin`s center.
Semiparametric empirical likelihood confidence intervals for AUC under a density ratio model

Inferences on the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) are usually based on a fully parametric approach or a fully nonparametric approach. A semiparametric empirical likelihood method is proposed to construct confidence intervals for AUC by assuming a density ratio model for the diseased and non-diseased population densities. The limiting distribution of the semiparametric empirical log likelihood ratio statistic for AUC has a scaled chi-square distribution. The proposed semiparametric empirical likelihood approach is shown, via a simulation study, to be more robust than a fully parametric approach and is more accurate than a fully nonparametric approach. Some results on simulation and an analysis of two real examples are presented.
Impact of geographic access to care on compliance and metabolic control in phenylketonuria.

Abstract Objective To study the impact of geographic access to care on metabolic control and compliance in phenylketonuria (PKU). Study design Phenylalanine (Phe) levels and number of samples obtained were abstracted from a data base of 76 patients age Results There was a strong positive correlation between age and Phe levels in adolescents and young adults while age and number of samples submitted were negatively correlated. There was not a significant correlation between Phe levels and distance to clinic, nor was there a significant difference in the Phe levels by distant categories (Denver metro, Front Range, distant area). However, there was a decrease in number of samples sent compared to clinic guidelines by distance, with patients residing in distant areas (> 100 miles) sending significantly less samples. Conclusion Geographic access to care does not impact control of Phe levels, but it does affect the number of monitoring samples sent to the clinic. Age groups of adolescents and young adults have a strong impact on both control of Phe levels and number of monitoring samples compared to clinic guidelines.
Methylation of lysine residues of histone fractions in synchronized mommalian cells

Abstract Synchronized cultures of mammalian cells were labeled with 14 C-methyl methionine. Labeled methionine methyl groups were incorporated into certain histone fractions, forming methyl lysine. Incorporation of labeled methyl group into histone fractions as 14 C-methyl lysine was followed through the cell cycle from late G 1 into early M . The 14 C-methyl lysine contents of fractions F2a and F3 began to rise in S and reached maxima after termination of DNA and histone synthesis, coincident with the beginning of mitosis, and began to fall by mid- M . The 14 C-methyl lysine content of fraction F2b rose to a maximum early in S , coincident with initiation of DNA synthesis, and rapidly decreased to its original unmethylated level by late S . Fraction F1 remained unmethylated during the period G 1 - M . Evidence is presented to demonstrate differential methylation of histone fractions and to substantiate differential temporal coupling of the methylation of specific histone fractions with histone and DNA biosynthesis.
Tissue specific compartmental analysis of gonadotropin stimulation of ovarian ornithine decarboxylase

Luteinizing hormone is known to stimulate the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase in the ovary. Highly purified human follicle stimulating hormone that is devoid of significant biologically active luteinizing hormone can also induce ornithine decarboxylase activity in intact immature rats with a time course of induction similar to that reported for luteinizing hormone. A maximum of 8–10-fold stimulation above controls was observed 4 h following intravenous administration of human follicle stimulating hormone. This stimulation followed a strict dose response relationship. Ovine luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin always induced more ovarian ornithine decarboxylase activity than that achieved by maximally effective doses of follicle stimulating hormone. This could not be attributed solely to the ability of specific cell population to respond to the respective gonadotropins. Although granulosa cells contained little receptor for luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin and the residual tissue contained little receptor for follicle stimulating hormone, each tissue responded to these gonadotropins in a manner suggestive of the mediation by one or more diffusable factors. A relationship between gonadotropin induced 3’5’-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) concentration and ornithine decarboxylase activity suggests that the mediation of gonadotropin stimulated ovarian ornithine decarboxylase is not solely through cyclic adenosine monophosphate, indicating the presence of other factors in the induction of gonadotropin increased ornithine decarboxylase activity.
Políticas lingüísticas de séculos passados nos dias de hoje : O dilema sobre a educação bilíngüe no norte do Uruguai

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de discutir as politicas linguisticas promovidas pelo sistema educacional uruguaio que visam a combater a presenca do portugues nas comunidades bilingues no norte do pais nos ultimos dois seculos. Ilustra-se como essas politicas, comuns no seculo XIX quando respondiam ao ideal de uma nacao = um idioma, persistiram no seculo XX e se estendem ate os dias atuais. Propoe-se que esses ideais sao baseados em tres principios equivocados, a saber, que a lingua materna de todo o territorio e o espanhol, que a presenca do portugues no Uruguai e devida a influencia do Brasil e que todos os uruguaios devem falar espanhol, ou nao serao verdadeiros uruguaios. Finalmente, examinam-se as orientacoes das planificacoes linguisticas propostas por Ruiz (1984) e conclui-se que o portugues uruguaio nao deve ser visto como um problema ou um direito, mas como um recurso nacional do qual toda a nacao pode se beneficiar. Para tanto, e necessario que se esclareca o status do portugues uruguaio como um dialeto do portugues tao legitimo como qualquer outro. Desta maneira, acredita-se que as planificacoes linguisticas baseadas em ideais ultrapassados e discriminatorios possam atualizar-se e responder a necessidades atuais de integracao regional e apelo multicultural.
Long term hunter-gatherer adaptation to desert environments: a biogeographical perspective.

Abstract Hunter‐gatherer adaptations can be given new interpretation within a biogeographical framework. Emphasizing theories dealing with the mechanics of adaptation to environments varying in their stability and predictability, the author discusses a stability‐time hypothesis. Stable environments are conducive to biological adaptation and hence large numbers of species, because concentration upon specific resources limits the amount of time and energy expended through interspecific competition. In variable and less predictable environments, specialization is not a wise adaptive strategy, because the underlying base permitting finely‐tuned niches is missing. When resources are subject to rapid, unexpected changes, ecosystems are likely to be resilient rather than stable, i.e. species types do persist but population numbers and distributions alter dramatically over time. It is reasonable to assume that conditions such as resource abundance, variability and especially predictability influence human behavio...
Ionophore synthesis. An enantioselective route to the left-wing of indanomycin (X- 14547A).

Abstract An enantioselective synthesis of the tetrahydropyran “left-wing” ofthe ionophore X-14547A is described, wherein stereoselective 1,2-carbonyl additions and an oxapyronone-to-dihydropyran enolate Claisen rearrangement are key stereocontrol elements.
In vitro effects of anionic sulfur compounds on the spectrophotometric properties of native DNA

Several anionic sulfur compounds are recognized as efficacious pretreatments for sulfur mustard (HD) poisoning. Our intent was to see if pretreatment compounds had a direct effect on DNA, a site where HD damage is thought to occur. A modification of the method of Szinicz et al. (Arzneim.-Forsch. 1981; 31: 1713-1717) was used to analyze the UV/VIS spectrum (205-400 nm) (n = 6) of calf thymus DNA (10-15 x 10 3 kDa) in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of sodium thiosulfate, sodium 2-aminoethanethiosulfonate (thiotaurine), sodium metabisulfite or sodium sulfate. All compounds produced concentration-dependent absorbance decreases primarily at 212 nm, but also at 259 nm, with the exception of sodium sulfate. For example, 8.36 x 10 -4 M sodium thiosulfate reduced the absorbance of DNA at 212 nm by >60%. The kinetics of sulfur compounds on native DNA need further study. We propose that these anionic sulfur compounds interact with DNA possibly by changing the topology of this macromolecule. Effects may be due to interactions of these sulfur compounds at higher concentrations with DNA, with resulting ligand-DNA supercoiling. This process could protect against HD intoxication, which is caused in part by the uncoiling of DNA. Published in 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple herpetic whitlow lesions in a 4-year-old girl: case report and review of the literature

Herpetic whitlow is a herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2 infection of the fingers characterised by erythema and painful, non-purulent vesicles. In children it typically occurs after auto-inoculation from herpes stomatitis, herpes labialis or genitalis. Occasionally, person-to-person transmission occurs from family members with herpes labialis. We report a 4-year-old girl with multiple herpetic whitlows secondary to herpetic stomatitis and present a review of the medical literature based on a systematic MEDLINE search of published paediatric patients (English, French and German language). Of 42 identified patients, 72% were younger than 2 years, most had endogenous or exogenous inoculation of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 65% were initially misdiagnosed as having "bacterial felon". Recurrences were reported in 23%. Conclusion: herpetic whitlow should be suspected based on clinical signs. Specific diagnosis can be made by polymerase chain reaction or culture. The high rate of misdiagnosed cases indicates that this entity is not sufficiently known. Lesions are self-limited; surgical interventions can be harmful and should be avoided. Recurrences occur as frequently as in adults.
Severe hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance as evidenced by euglycemic clamps in genetically obese fa/fa rats.

The action of insulin on glucose metabolism and hepatic glucose production was studied in vivo over a wide range of insulin concentrations in lean and genetically obese (fa/fa) rats, using the euglycemic clamp technique. While total glucose metabolism was stimulated 3-fold by insulin in lean animals (half-maximal stimulation at 400 μU/ml insulin), the hormone had no significant effect on glucose metabolism in obese animals, whatever the concentration used. In lean rats, the endogenous (i.e. hepatic) glucose production was completely suppressed at a steady state insulin concentration of about 360 μU/ml. In obese rats, an insulin concentration as high as 10,000 μU/ml was needed to suppress the hepatic glucose production. These results suggest that, in obese rats 1) basal plasma insulin levels appear to maximally stimulate peripheral glucose metabolism, and the presence of postreceptor defects prevents any further stimulatory effect of the hormone on glucose metabolism; 2) grave impairments of the action of ...
Short-term hospitalization for suicidal patients within a crisis intervention service

Abstract This article describes management of two cases in a short-term medical/surgical setting developed by a crisis intervention service in a general community hospital. These patients have common links of suicidal threats, ambivalence about psychiatric hospitalization, and noncompliant character structures that lead to a manipulation of the mental health system. Cases selected are representative of a subset of patients who historically don't do well on a regular impatient unit. We will examine the clinical change during short-term hospitalization, explore psychodynamic issues, and describe the integration within the overall mission of an acute care general hospital. The cost-saving implication for brief hospitalization in a medical/surgical setting for maintaining chronic mental patients in the community is also discussed.
Identification of novel enzyme-prodrug combinations for use in cytochrome P450-based gene therapy for cancer.

Abstract Gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy can be used to increase the therapeutic activity of anti-cancer prodrugs that undergo liver cytochrome P450 (CYP)-catalyzed prodrug to active drug conversion. The present report describes a cell-culture-based assay to identify CYP gene–CYP prodrug combinations that generate bystander cytotoxic metabolites and that may potentially be useful for CYP-based gene therapy for cancer. A panel of rat liver microsomes, comprising distinct subsets of drug-inducible hepatic CYPs, was evaluated for prodrug activation in a four-day 9L gliosarcoma cell growth inhibition assay. A strong NADPH- and liver microsome-dependent increase in 9L cytotoxicity was observed for the CYP prodrugs cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and methoxymorpholinyl doxorubicin (MMDX) but not with three other CYP prodrugs, procarbazine, dacarbazine, and tamoxifen. MMDX activation was potentiated ∼250-fold by liver microsomes from dexamethasone-induced rats (IC 50 (MMDX) ∼0.1 nM), suggesting that dexamethasone-inducible CYP3A enzymes contribute to activation of this novel anthracycline anti-tumor agent. This CYP3A dependence was verified in studies using liver microsomes from uninduced male and female rats and by using the CYP3A-selective inhibitors troleandomycin and ketoconazole. These findings highlight the advantages of using cell culture assays to identify novel CYP prodrug–CYP gene combinations that are characterized by production of cell-permeable, cytotoxic metabolites and that may potentially be incorporated into CYP-based gene therapies for cancer treatment.
Music Regions and Mental Maps: Teaching Cultural Geography

Music informs understandings of place and is an excellent vehicle for teaching cultural geography. A study was developed of geography students' perception of where music genres predominate in the U...
Isolation and characterization of human osteoblasts from needle biopsies without in vitro culture.

Summary We isolate and characterize osteoblasts from humans without in vitro culture. These techniques should be broadly applicable to studying the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and other bone disorders.
Vitamin D for Cancer Prevention and Survival

Higher levels of the principal circulating form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], are associated with substantially lower incidence and death rates from colon, breast, and ovarian cancer, with a linear dose–response gradient. The accumulated evidence from observational studies and a randomized trial reveal that population serum levels of 25(OH)D in the range of 40–60 ng/ml will markedly reduce incidence and mortality rates of several cancers including those of the breast, colon, and ovary. There is an immediate clinical need for cancer care providers worldwide to assure that a serum 25(OH)D level > 40 ng/ml is achieved as soon as feasible after diagnosis of patients with breast and colon cancer, unless specifically contraindicated by preexisting hypercalcemia. This serum target could be revisited after further rigorous studies are performed, but the evidence that has accumulated during the past 30 years is sufficiently strong now to adopt the above dosages and serum targets for professional and public health action. Such prompt action is likely to cut mortality from these cancers by half within approximately 5 years. Research on a wider range of cancer types with higher serum 25(OH)D levels (≥50 ng/ml or 125 nmol/l) is needed. In the meantime, vitamin D3 intake by everyone in the continental United States and Canada aged 1 year and older should be no less than 2,000 IU/day of vitamin D3 and 1,000 IU/day for infants.
Levels of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Manure, Biosolids, and Fertilized Soil

Increasing antibiotic resistance genes in the environment may pose a threat to public health. In this study, tetracycline and sulfonamide resistance genes (Tet-W, Tet-O, and Sul-I) were quantified in 24 manure samples from three farms and 18 biosolids samples from seven different wastewater treatment plants using quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods. Concentrations of Tet-W and Tet-O genes were observed to be significantly higher (p 0.05) in concentration of antibiotic resistance genes was observed after biosolids application on soil. Even though the concentration of antibiotic resistance genes in manure was statistically higher than that in biosolids, when they were applied on land, the contribution to the soil depended on the background soil concentration and the soil characteristics. Further study of multiple soil samples in various locations is needed.
Design Optimization of a Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexer

The optimized design of Arrayed Waveguide Gratings which correspond and cover the entire coarse wavelength division multiplexing band is presented. The device parameters and how they affect performance will also be discussed.
Tailorable, 3D microfabrication for photonic applications: Two-polymer microtransfer molding

For photonic devices, extending beyond the planar regime to the third dimension can allow a higher degree of integration and novel functionalities for applications such as photonic crystals and integrated optical circuits. Although conventional photolithography can achieve both high quality and structural control, it is still costly and slow for three-dimensional (3D) fabrication. Moreover, as diverse functional polymers emerge, there is potential to develop new techniques for quick and economical fabrication of 3D structures. We present a 3D microfabrication technique based on the soft lithographic technique, called two-polymer microtransfer molding (2P-μTM) to accomplish low cost, high structural fidelity and tailorable 3D microfabrication for polymers. Using 2P-μTM, highly layered polymeric microstructures are achievable by stacking planar structures layer by layer. For increased processing control, the surface chemistry of the polymers is characterized as a function of changing ultraviolet dosage to optimize yield in layer transfer. We discuss the application of the 2P-μTM to build polymer templates for woodpile photonic crystals, and demonstrate methods for converting the polymer templates to dielectric and metallic photonic crystal structures. Finally, we will show that 2P-μTM is promising for fabricating 3D polymeric optical waveguides.
TCT-569 Aortic Dissection and Mortality During Pregnancy in the United States: A 10-Year Analysis

Aortic dissection during pregnancy is a morbid condition for both the mother and her fetus. There is scant data on the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of aortic dissection during pregnancy. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database was queried for cases of pregnancy and aortic dissection
The assessment of positivity and negativity in social networks: the reliability and validity of the social relationships index†

The Social Relationships Index (SRI) was designed to examine positivity and negativity in social relationships. Unique features of this scale include its brevity and the ability to examine relationship positivity and negativity at the level of the specific individual and social network. The SRI's psychometric properties were examined in three studies. The SRI demonstrated good psychometric properties, including test–retest reliability for the assessment of positivity and negativity, and of relationship classifications across social networks. Additionally, discriminant and convergent validity was established with existing social relationship and personality scales. Finally, the SRI showed some generalizability across different contexts. These studies suggest that the SRI is a reliable and valid alternative measure for use in health studies that require a shorter assessment of relationships. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Control techniques to improve Space Shuttle solid rocket booster separation

The present Space Shuttle's control system does not prevent the Orbiter's main engines from being in gimbal positions that are adverse to solid rocket booster separation. By eliminating the attitude error and attitude rate feedback just prior to solid rocket booster separation, the detrimental effects of the Orbiter's main engines can be reduced. In addition, if angular acceleration feedback is applied, the gimbal torques produced by the Orbiter's engines can reduce the detrimental effects of the aerodynamic torques. This paper develops these control techniques and compares the separation capability of the developed control systems. Currently with the worst case initial conditions and each Shuttle system dispersion aligned in the worst direction (which is more conservative than will be experienced in flight), the solid rocket booster has an interference with the Shuttle's external tank of 30 in. Elimination of the attitude error and attitude rate feedback reduces that interference to 19 in. Substitution of angular acceleration feedback reduces the interference to 6 in. The two latter interferences can be eliminated by atess conservative analysis techniques, that is, by using a root sum square of the system dispersions.
MANY-BODY PROBLEM IN QUANTUM STATISTICAL MECHANICS. II. VIRIAL EXPANSION FOR HARD SPHERE GAS

The virial expansion method is used to evaluate the fugacity coefficients b/sub 1/ to the order a/sup 2/ lambda /sup 2/ hard-sphere gas with spin J satisfying Bose-Einsiein or Fermi-Dirac statistics. (auth)
On the capacity of the interference channel with a relay

Capacity gains due to relaying in wireless networks with multiple source-destination pairs are analyzed. A two- source, two-receiver network with the relay is considered. The focus is on the scenario in which, due to channel conditions, the relay can observe the signal from only one source. The relay can thus help the intended receiver of this message, via message forwarding, to decode it. In addition, the relay can simultaneously help the unintended receiver subtract the interference associated with this message. We call the latter strategy interference forwarding. An achievable rate region employing decode-and-forward (that simultaneously does message and interference forwarding) at the relay is derived and analyzed. This strategy is shown to achieve the capacity region under certain conditions. Our results demonstrate that the relay can help both receivers, despite the fact that it forwards only the message intended for one of them. This applies in general to communications in the presence of an interferer transmitting at any arbitrary rate. Interference forwarding improves reception of interfering signals at the receivers. This facilitates decoding of the unwanted messages and eliminating the resulting interference. Therefore, in networks with multiple source-destination pairs, in addition to relaying messages, interference forwarding may also be employed to help in combating interference.
Women, acute ischemic heart disease, and antithrombotic therapy: challenges and opportunities.

There now exists an extensive and growing literature examining gender-based differences in the pathobiology, presentation, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes of ischemic heart disease (IHD). IHD is a dominant mode of death for women,1 and, for >20 years, more women than men die annually from IHD.2 The first manifestation of IHD in women is frequently myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death.2 A better understanding of the spectrum of issues—from pathophysiology through implementation of evidence-based care—among women with IHD is a public health imperative. Article p 2822 Recently, many observations have converged around a common set of themes in the care of women with IHD, especially acute IHD. Lansky et al3 have pointed out that women with degrees of obstructive coronary artery disease comparable to those of men receive less revascularization. From the Can Rapid risk stratification of Unstable angina patients Suppress ADverse outcomes with Early implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines (CRUSADE) registry, we know that women presenting with high-risk non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndromes (primarily myocardial infarction) are less likely than men to undergo an early invasive management strategy despite being at a higher baseline risk.4 Women with non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndromes are less likely than men to receive recommended evidence-based medications and cardiac procedures, again despite being at higher baseline risk.5 However, there are also challenges in evaluating and deciding on treatments for women presenting with acute coronary syndromes. Roe and colleagues6 have shown that women presenting with non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndromes have a greater likelihood of nonobstructive disease than do men, and the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) investigators have compiled a substantial body of work suggesting that the pathobiology of IHD differs in women compared with men.7 All of this makes it imperative that we perform enough research in women …
Nonmonotone systems decomposable into monotone systems with negative feedback

Motivated by the work of Angeli and Sontag [1] and Enciso and Sontag [7] in control theory, we show that certain flnite and inflnite dimensional semi-dynamical systems with \negative feedback" can be decomposed into a monotone \open loop" system with \inputs" and a decreasing \output" function. The original system is reconstituted by \plugging the output into the input". Employing a technique of Gouz¶ [9] and Cosner [5] of imbedding the system into a larger symmetric monotone system, we are able to obtain information on the asymptotic behavior of solutions, including existence of positively invariant sets and global convergence.
The Strange New World in the Church: A Review essay of 'With the Grain of the Universe' by Stanley Hauerwas

Hauerwas's refusal to translate the argument displayed in With the Grain of the Universe (his recent Gifford Lectures) into language that “anyone” can understand is itself part of the argument. Consequently, readers will not understand what Hauerwas is up to until they have attained fluency in the peculiar language that has epitomized three decades of Hauerwas's scholarship. Such fluency is not easily gained. Nevertheless, in this review essay, I situate Hauerwas's baffling language against the backdrop of his corpus to show at least this much: With the Grain of the Universe transforms natural theology into “witness.” In the end, my essay may demonstrate what many have feared, that Hauerwas is, in fact, a Christian apologist—though of a very ancient sort.
Adaptive Distributed Source Coding

We consider distributed source coding in the presence of hidden variables that parameterize the statistical dependence among sources. We derive the Slepian-Wolf bound and devise coding algorithms for a block-candidate model of this problem. The encoder sends, in addition to syndrome bits, a portion of the source to the decoder uncoded as doping bits. The decoder uses the sum-product algorithm to simultaneously recover the source symbols and the hidden statistical dependence variables. We also develop novel techniques based on density evolution (DE) to analyze the coding algorithms. We experimentally confirm that our DE analysis closely approximates practical performance. This result allows us to efficiently optimize parameters of the algorithms. In particular, we show that the system performs close to the Slepian-Wolf bound when an appropriate doping rate is selected. We then apply our coding and analysis techniques to a reduced-reference video quality monitoring system and show a bit rate saving of about 75% compared with fixed-length coding.
Seasonal Occurrence and Impact of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Tree Fruit

Halyomorpha halys is an introduced stink bug species from Asia that is spreading throughout the Mid-Atlantic United States. It is native to South Korea, Japan, and eastern China, where it is an occasional pest of tree fruit, including apple and pear. Cage experiments with adults placed on apple and peach during critical plant growth stages demonstrate that it can cause damage to developing fruit during mid- and late season growth periods and that feeding occurs on all regions of the fruit. Feeding that occurred during pit hardening/mid-season and final swell periods were apparent as damage at harvest, whereas feeding at shuck split/petal fall in peaches and apples caused fruit abscission. Tree fruit at two commercial farms were sampled weekly in 2006-2007 to determine H. halys seasonality. Low densities of nymphs in apple suggest that it is an unsuitable developmental host. Both nymphs and adults were found on pear fruits with peak populations occurring in early July and mid-August, the time when pit hardening/mid-season and swell period damage occurs. At both farms, stink bug damage was greater than 25% damaged fruit per tree. We attribute this to H. halys because population densities were significantly higher than native pentatomids at both locations in both beat samples and blacklight trap captures. The data presented here documents the potential for H. halys to cause damage in orchards throughout the Mid-Atlantic United States and shows the need for development of appropriate control strategies.
Black Youth Beyond the Digital Divide: Age and Gender Differences in Internet Use, Communication Patterns, and Victimization Experiences

Using a nationally representative diverse sample of 10- to 17-year-old youth, this study explores Black youths’ Internet use, communication patterns, behavior, and victimization experiences via Internet and cell phone. Findings yielded a number of differences between Black and non-Black youth, with Black youth using the Internet with more intensity and being more likely to gain access via cell phone. Notable within-group differences emerged, including the increased rates of sexual victimization and being sent sexual images via text for girls. With age, participants tend to communicate with more people they met online. In addition, the adolescent developmental task of exploring sexuality becomes more pronounced in the 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 age groups.
Attentional Focus Moderates Habituation-Language Relationships: Slow Habituation May be a Good Thing

An interesting paradox in the developmental literature has emerged in which fast-habituating babies tend to be temperamentally difficult and fast language learners, even though temperamentally difficult babies tend to be slow language learners. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine whether the paradoxical relationships among habituation, temperamental difficulty, and language acquisition could be mediated partly or wholly by infant attentional focus, because the latter also tends to correlate with temperamental difficulty and vocabulary size. Forty mother–infant dyads were followed from child age 5–20-months. Results replicated those of Tamis-LeMonda and Bornstein (Child Develop 1989, 60, 738–751): measures of visual habituation at 5 months were related to 13-month vocabulary. However, relationships between 5-month habituation and 20-month vocabulary were moderated by temperamental attentional focus. For children low in attentional focus, 5-month habituation was related negatively to 20-month productive vocabulary; whereas for children high in attentional focus, early habituation was positively related to later vocabulary. Results are consistent with a model of habituation in which volitional attentional focus overrides basic attentional mechanisms that occur during habituation. Copyright # 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unexpected Transcriptional Activity of the Human VMD2 Promoter in Retinal Development

Vitelliform macular dystrophy (VMD) is associated with mutations in the VMD2 gene, which encodes a chloride channel protein and is thought to be preferentially expressed in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). In an effort to establish an inducible gene knockout system for the RPE, we recently used a 3.0-kb human VMD2 promoter to direct the expression of a reverse tetracycline-inducible system controlled Cre recombinase in transgenic mice. Although Cre function was localized to the RPE in most VMD2-cre mouse lines, Cre activity was also identified in neural retina in approximately half of the transgenic lines. In two VMD2-cre mouse lines, Cre activity was predominately localized to retinal Muller cells. This surprising expression pattern is likely caused by the transcriptional activity of our transgene system during retinal development. Therefore, our results suggest that transcription of VMD2 gene may occur in progenitors of Muller cells. The two VMD2-cre mouse lines that demonstrated Cre activity specifically in the RPE or predominantly in the Muller cells were fully characterized. These VMD2-cre mice are potentially useful for dissecting cellular mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, two leading causes of blindness with high relevance to gene expression in the RPE or Muller cells.
The role of angiogenesis in the development of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in children after cavopulmonary anastomosis

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are a frequent cause of progressive cyanosis after construction of a cavopulmonary anastomosis. Their formation complicates the management of children with single ventricle physiology after a bidirectional Glenn shunt or the Kawashima procedure. The key role of the liver in this phenomenon is suggested by the observation that providing modifications of the Fontan procedure which permit hepatic venous effluent to reach the pulmonary arterial circulation limit further development of the malformations. In addition, it is known that patients with end-stage hepatic failure develop pulmonary arteriovenous malformations that diminish after liver transplantation. We have begun purification of a factor derived from hepatocyte-conditioned media that is inhibitory for the proliferation of cultured endothelial cells. This substance is heat sensitive, and binds avidly to a copper-containing chromatography column. These clinical observations, and this preliminary experimental work, support the concept that hepatic-derived angiogenic factors may play a role in the development of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations after construction of cavopulmonary anastomoses.
Effect of Cellular Quiescence on the Evolution of Drug Resistance in CML

This chapter examines the role of tumor stem cell dynamics on the evolution of drug resistant mutants in the context of CML therapy with small molecule inhibitors. In particular, the role of tumor stem cell quiescence is examined. Modeling shows that in the context of treatment with a single drug, parameters that determine the kinetics of cellular quiescence do not affect the probability of treatment failure as a result of drug resistant mutants. On the other hand, if two or more drugs are used in combination to treat the cancer, then treatment failure as a result of drug resistance is promoted by the occurrence of cellular quiescence. Interestingly, while cellular quiescence significantly prolongs the time until the cancer has dropped to low numbers or has been driven extinct, the model predicts that drug resistance does not evolve during this treatment phase. The occurrence of cellular quiescence increases the likelihood that resistant mutants are generated during the growth phase of the cancer before therapy is initiated.
The Development and Maintenance of Friendship

A behavioural examination of friendship development is presented. First, the construction of the Friend Observation Checklist (FOC), a self-report behaviour checklist for assessing friendship behavioural exchange, is described. Second, a twelve-week longitudinal study of friendship development is reported. Seventy male and female college students, who were just beginning their first term of school, used the FOC to track the behaviours occurring in newly developing friendships. A three-month follow-up was also conducted. Dyads which successfully developed into close friendships showed different behavioural and attitudinal trends from dyads which did not become close friends. Both the dyads' breadth of interaction and the intimacy level of their interaction were positively correlated with ratings of friendship intensity. As the friendships progressed, the intimacy level of dyadic interaction accounted for an increasing percentage of the variance in friendship ratings, beyond that accounted for by sheer quan...
Guest Editors' Introduction: Approaches to Recovery-Oriented Computing

Given that hardware fails, software has bugs, and human operators make mistakes, researchers must increasingly consider recovery-oriented approaches to dependability. The articles in this issue's theme section describe how a range of techniques based on these perspectives canaugment and complement other efforts to improve dependability.