cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-E-T-703: Brain Dose From Gamma Knife Depends Primarily On the Treated Volume and Not On the Number, Shape Or Location of the Lesions

Purpose: To assess the hypothesis that the volume of brain parenchyma that receives a certain dose level in Gamma‐Knife is dependent on the treated volume and not on the number, shape or location of the lesions. This would help a physician validate the suitability of GammaKnife based stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSR) prior to treatment. Methods: Simulation studies were performed to establish the hypothesis for an oblong, a spherical lesion of various sizes and multiple spherical lesions. A similar study was performed on forty patients who underwent GKSR with mean age 54 (range 7–80), mean number of lesions 2.5 (range 1–6) and mean lesion volume at presentation 4.4cc (range 0.02cc–22.2cc). Following recommendations of QUANTEC, V12 of brain (VB12) was measured and a power‐law based relation is proposed here for estimating VB12 from the volume of target treated to 50% of maximum dose (VT50%). Results: In the simulation study, the volume of brain irradiated by 50% (VB50%), 10% (VB10%) and 1% (VB1%) of maximum dose was found to have linear, linear and exponentially increasing dependence on VT50%, respectively. In the retrospective study on forty GKSR patients, a similar relationship was found to predict the brain dose with a Spearman correlation coefficient >0.9 and the corresponding p‐value from Students T‐test <1*10‐4 for all the above 3 dependences. The relationships between clinical VT50% and the number and aspect ratio of lesions were statistically insignificant. The measured VB12 of brain agrees with the calculated value of VB12 to within 1.7%. Conclusion: The simulation and the retrospective clinical studies indicate that the volume of brain irradiated by a percentage of maximum dose is dependent on the treated volume and not on the number, shape or location of the lesions.
Interaction between central gray and nucleus raphe magnus: Role of norepinephrine

Recordings were made from single cells in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) of the rat. The response of these cells to electrical stimulation of the periaqueductal gray (PAG) was correlated with their response to iontophoretically applied norepinephrine (NE). It is shown that NE can cause excitation as well as inhibition of NRM neurons, although excitatory response was obtained more often than an inhibitory response. No correlation between the response to PAG stimulation and to NE was obtained. It is concluded that NE is not the transmitter that mediates the interaction between the PAG and NRM.
The job in the joint: The impact of generation and gender on work stress in prison

Abstract Most of the existing literature on correctional officer work stress examined factors such as leadership, job environment, stress and job satisfaction. This study surveyed correctional officers and examined the impact of gender and generation on work stress. Results indicated that gender is a significant factor regarding work-related stress, more than any other demographic variable, although generation had a small impact on job stress. Generation and gender explained a miniscule portion of work stress variance. Further studies are needed to assess the overall relationship among demographic factors, non-static officer attributes, and job stress.
THE INTERNAL CONVERSION COEFFICIENTS. I. THE K-SHELL

The internal conversion coefficients for electric and magnetic multipole radiation have been computed for the $K$-shell in the relativistic case with the unscreened coulomb field acting on the electron. The numerical results, which are obtained to four-significant-figure accuracy, were computed on the automatic sequence relay calculator (Mark I) and are given here for 12 values of $Z$ in the range $10l~Zl~96$ and 6 gammaray energies (between $0.3 m{c}^{2}$ and $5.0 m{c}^{2}$) for the first five electric and first five magnetic multipoles.
Providing Undergraduate Research Opportunities for Communication Students: A Curricular Approach.

Undergraduate research can provide transformative educational experiences and profoundly impact the teaching of communication. It is often difficult, however, to integrate undergraduate research into the communication curriculum. In this paper, we discuss the benefits of undergraduate research experiences and the challenges of teaching research methods in communication. We present a structure for incorporating a capstone undergraduate research experience into the communication curriculum. The value of the capstone experience stems from providing experiences that culminate in inquiry and knowledge creation. These experiences help students find relevance and ownership during the research process.
A joint acquisition-reconstruction paradigm for correcting inhomogeneity artifacts in MR echo planar imaging

One of the main sources of signal degradation in rapid MR acquisitions, such as Echo Planar Imaging (EPI), is magnetic field variations caused by field inhomogeneities and susceptibility gradients. If unaccounted for during the reconstruction process, this spatially-varying field can cause severe image artifacts. In this paper, we show that correcting for the resulting degradations can be formulated as a blind image deconvolution problem. We propose a novel joint acquisition-processing paradigm to solve this problem. We describe a practical implementation of this paradigm using a multi-image acquisition strategy and a corresponding joint estimation-reconstruction algorithm. The estimation step computes the spatial distribution of the field maps, while the reconstruction step yields a Minimum Mean Squared Error (MMSE) estimate of the imaged slice. Our simulations show that this proposed joint acquisition-reconstruction method is robust and efficient, offering factors of improvement in the quality of the reconstructed image as compared to other traditional methods.
Cloning your mind: security challenges in cognitive system designs and their solutions

With the booming of big-data applications, cognitive information processing systems that leverage advanced data processing technologies, e.g., machine learning and data mining, are widely used in many industry fields. Although these technologies demonstrate great processing capability and accuracy in the relevant applications, several security and safety challenges are also emerging against these learning based technologies. In this paper, we will first introduce several security concerns in cognitive system designs. Some real examples are then used to demonstrate how the attackers can potentially access the confidential user data, replicate a sensitive data processing model without being granted the access to the details of the model, and obtain some key features of the training data by using the services publically accessible to a normal user. Based on the analysis of these security challenges, we also discuss several possible solutions that can protect the information privacy and security of cognitive systems during different stages of the usage.
A simple method of preparing large amounts of phiX174 RF 1 supercoiled DNA.

Abstract A reproducible NaCl-sodium dodecyl sulfate precipitation method is described which can easily be used on large quantities of ΦX174 infected cells to produce mg amounts of ΦX174 RF I DNA, essentially uncontaminated with host cell DNA.
Evaluating a Method for Structuring the User-System Interface

Fitting machines to their users is the goal of human factors. This task must be accomplished at both the physical interface and the cognitive interface. While the methods of physical interface design are fairly standard, few techniques are recognized for designing the cognitive interface. This paper presents and validates one method of cognitive interface design. Expert subjects provided similarity ratings for all possible pairs of machine functions. These similarity data represent psychological distances among functions. The distance data were subjected to a Multi-dimensional Scaling procedure to yield coordinates for each function in N-dimensional space. The coordinates were converted into euclidean distances for analysis by a hierarchical clustering algorithm. The desired number of “clustered functions” can then be selected for the system of interest. This procedure was employed to construct a menu of word processing functions. A paired-associate learning study demonstrated that significantly fewer err...
Measurement of the response of several organic scintillators to electrons, protons and deuterons

Abstract The response of several common organic scintillators to electrons, protons and deuterons has been measured using a photomultiplier tube with S-11 spectral sensitivity. The Compton scattering of monoenergetic beams of gamma rays and neutrons was used to induce the charged particles to recoil with specific energies in the interiors of the scintillators. Pulse-shape discrimination was employed to distinguish between neutron and gamma-ray events. The following scintillators were studied as indicated: anthracene (electrons: 0.23–0.99 MeV, protons: 0.24–15.0 MeV); stilbene (electrons: 0.31–0.99 MeV, protons: 0.35–15.0 MeV); NE-213 (electrons: 0.16–0.99 MeV, protons: 0.24–15.0 MeV); NE-102 (electrons: 0.31–0.99 MeV, protons: 0.35–15.0 MeV); Pilot B (electrons: 0.31–0.99 MeV, protons: 0.35–15.0 MeV); and NE-230 (electrons: 0.16–0.99 MeV, deuterons: 0.25–11.0 MeV). All measured responses for a given scintillator were normalized to its measured response for 0.525 MeV electrons (arbitrarily assigned the value 1000). These data were used to compute p/β and d/β ratios which are relatively insensitive to detector geometry. The scintillators studied exhibit ratios which are remarkably similar over a wide range of particle energies. They increase non-linearly from ≈ 0.1 in the 0.3–1.0 MeV range to ≈ 0.5 in the 12.0–15.0 MeV range.
Iron(III) ion-modified chromatographic silica preparations and characterization

Abstract Stable, reproducible, iron(III) ion-modified silica stationary phases were prepared in aqueous media by a batch process. The catalytic activity of this modified stationary phase for oxidation of hydroquinone to benzoquinone was considerably greater than that of earlier iron(III) ion-modified silicas from non-aqueous media. Capacity factors of selected solutes were used to compare the retention properties of the aqueous to increase with the iron(III) ion-modified silica relative to those for the unmodified silica column, whereas the capacity factors for carbonyl-containing compounds (esters, ketones and aldehydes) became smaller or were unaffected.
Gracious Play: Discipline, Insight, and the Common Good

The article is a theological reflection on the vocation of university teaching that describes the heart of the matter of what faculty do in the classroom. The author draws on personal narrative, social-psychological analyses of how insight occurs and contexts for insights are constructed, and sociological accounts of shifts that have altered significantly the context of university teaching and learning at the cusp of the millennium to make her case. She argues that the vocation of university teaching involves creating spaces of gracious play that are potentially transformative for students and faculty. Creating such spaces, however, draws faculty into an asceticism that can be understood as a spiritual path. The article is a revision of the author's 1999 St. Elizabeth Seton Lecture at the College of Mount St. Joseph, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Testicular Adenomatoid Tumors

AbstractPurpose: We determined the characteristics of testicular adenomatoid tumors which could distinguish these lesions from testicular malignancies.Materials and Methods: Clinical presentation and ultrasonographic findings in 3 men with testicular adenomatoid tumors were compared with those in 10 men treated for testicular malignancies.Results: Clinical presentation was similar for all patients. Of the 3 adenomatoid tumors 2 appeared isoechoic on ultrasound and 1 appeared normal. None of the 10 cancers appeared isoechoic or normal on ultrasound.Conclusions: Small tumors that appear isoechoic on ultrasound should be biopsied through an inguinal incision with frozen section assessment rather than immediate radical orchiectomy.
Approximate Wave Functions for the Ground State of Helium

Approximate /sup 1s/ electronic wave functions for the ground state of the helium atom have been obtained by the method of superposition of configurations. Parameters determining the radial factors of orbitals, with spherical harmonic angular factors up to 1 = 3, were varied to minimize the calculated energy. For each choice of the ten parameters varied in this way, a complete calculation was carried out, involving the construction and diagonalization of the twenty-by-twenty configuration interaction matrix obtained from all independent /sup 1/S functions determined by the ten independent orbital radial factors. The best energy obtained was -2.90276 atomic units, differing from the experimental value by 0.001 atomic unit. (auth)
Functional Status and Search for Meaning After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the search for meaning and functional status (psychological and physical) between persons who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention and have recurrent angina symptoms and those who do not have recurrent symptoms. Participants (224; 147 male, 77 female) who underwent PCI completed the following study materials: Meaning in Heart Disease instrument, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and SF36v2™. Persons with recurrent angina symptoms (40% of the sample) were more likely to have higher disrupted meaning, greater anxiety, greater depression, lower physical functioning, and greater use of meaning-based coping (searching for answers and refocusing global meaning) compared with individuals without recurrent symptoms. Interventions are needed to identify the risk of recurrent symptoms after percutaneous coronary intervention and provide coping and cognitive behavioral interventions focused on managing the psychological and physical disruptions.
Regulation of adipogenesis and energy balance by PPARγ and PGC-1

There has been a great deal of recent progress in our understanding of the transcriptional control of adipogenesis. Current data suggest that fat cell differentiation involves an interplay between the C/EBP family of transcription factors and PPARgamma. The thermogenic program of brown fat cells may also include a contribution from a new coactivator, PGC-1. Recent data suggests that this coactivator is responsible for activation of thermogenesis and oxidative metabolism in both brown fat and muscle. The PGC-1 dependent program includes both mitochondrial biogenesis and tissue-specific expression of uncoupling proteins.
Application of vacuum-assisted closure dressing in penile skin graft reconstruction

Abstract Introduction Skin grafting of penile defects is difficult because of the flexibility of the underlying recipient bed. This leads to disruption of the vascular ingrowth into the skin graft and compromises the results of the reconstruction. Technical Considerations We successfully used a vacuum-assisted closure dressing with an incorporated wooden framework to secure penile skin grafts in place during the early postoperative period. Conclusions A vacuum-assisted closure dressing can be used successfully to secure large and circumferential skin grafts, as well as skin grafts on concealed penises.
Effect of spatial arrangement of presynaptic calcium channels on the calcium current cooperativity of neurotransmitter release

Interaction between calcium nanodomains of individual voltage-dependent calcium channels in triggering exocytosis in neurons and endocrine cells is of significant importance for understanding localized calcium signaling in general and synaptic physiology in particular. Such channel domain interaction (overlap) is often experimentally probed by measuring the sensitivity of release rate to the total presynaptic calcium current, which is varied by changing the number of open channels while the single-channel current is kept fixed. Variation in the number of activated channels is in turn achieved using appropriate voltage-clamp protocols, or by pharmacologically blocking a subset of channels. The resulting slope of the log-log regression line between release rate and total calcium current is termed calcium current cooperativity, and is believed to indirectly probe the number of channels contributing to the exocytosis of a single vesicle (reviewed in [1]). If for instance each vesicle is coupled to a single channel, then neurotransmitter release rate would be linearly proportional to the number of open channels, leading to a current cooperativity value of ~1, whereas this relationship would be non-linear if many channels contribute to a single exocytosis event, resulting in higher current cooperativity. Due to the indirect nature of such current cooperativity assay, mathematical and computational modeling proved valuable in the analysis of this experimental protocol [2-7]. Here we use modeling of spatio-temporal calcium diffusion and buffering to explore more precisely the relationship between calcium current cooperativity and the underlying number of calcium channels contributing to vesicle release. We focus on the dependence of current cooperativity on the morphology of the active zone, in particular its dependence on the number of channels contributing to neurotransmitter release, both in the equidistant channel configuration, and for distinct non-equidistant channel distributions. Our general finding is that, under all conditions studied, current cooperativity significantly underestimates the number of channels contributing to the release of a single neurotransmitter vesicle, even when only a few channels contribute to release under condition of low release saturation. We also examine the implications of distinct current cooperativity values for the variability of synaptic transmission.
Coherent state semiclassical initial value representation for the Boltzmann operator in thermal correlation functions

A semiclassical methodology for evaluating the Boltzmann operator entering semiclassical approximations for finite temperature correlation functions is described. Specifically, Miller’s imaginary time semiclassical approach is applied to the Herman–Kluk coherent state initial value representation (IVR) for the time evolution operator in order to obtain a coherent state IVR for the Boltzmann operator. The phase-space representation gives rise to exponentially decaying factors for the coordinates and momenta of the real time trajectories employed in the dynamical part of the calculation. A Monte Carlo procedure is developed for evaluating dynamical observables, in which the absolute value of the entire exponential part of the integrand serves as the sampling function. Numerical tests presented show that the methodology is accurate as well as stable over the temperature range relevant to chemical applications.
Sister-chromatid exchange induction by carcinogens in HTC cells An in vitro system which does not require addition of activating factors

The hepatic tumor cell line (HTC) was tested for the ability to produce sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in response to chemical carcinogens which require activation. Without the addition of exogenous microsomal enzyme preparations, cyclophosphamide, N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced significant levels of SCEs in these cells. Mitomycin C (MMC) and ultraviolet light, which do not require activation, also produced significant levels of SCEs. The induction of SCEs in HTC cells by AFB1 was shown to be inhibited by estradiol, a known inhibitor of microsomal activating enzymes. For the carcinogens tested, the HTC cell SCE assay was quite sensitive and comparable to other mammalian test systems. Exceptional sensitivity was found in the case of AFB1. SCE analysis of HTC cells offers a simplified system of detecting carcinogens requiring activation. This system also has the potential of investigating interactions between agents such as steroid hormones and carcinogens.
Scalability of line-of-sight massive MIMO mesh networks for wireless backhaul

This paper considers an extended wireless network with multi-antenna nodes in line-of-sight (LoS) propagation environment. Assuming that the number of antennas at each node can be scaled as some arbitrary function of the number of nodes, we study the scalability of this network, i.e., its ability to deliver non-zero rate to each source-destination pair. Since the rank of the LoS multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel starts collapsing with the increasing separation between the transmitter and the receiver, we consider two competing transmission strategies: (i) long hop: each source-destination pair minimizes the number of hops by sacrificing multiplexing gain and ideally achieving full power gain over each hop, and (ii) short hop: each source-destination pair communicates through a series of short hops each achieving full multiplexing gain. By characterizing the number of antennas required to achieve scalability in both the cases, we show that the antenna requirement is significantly less for the short hop case. These results have key applications in the design of wireless backhaul for cellular networks, where the possibility of having massive MIMO links is becoming a reality due to the increasing maturity of higher transmission frequencies, e.g., 28 and 38 GHz.
Nuclear pores and nuclear assembly

Communication between the nucleus and cytoplasm occurs through large macromolecular structures, the nuclear pores. Quantitative scanning transmission electron microscopy has estimated the mass of a nuclear pore to be 60 million Daltons in yeast and 120 million Daltons in vertebrates. The past two years were noteworthy in that they saw: 1) the purification of both the yeast and vertebrate nuclear pores, 2) the initial description of routes through the pore for specific transport receptors, 3) glimpses of intranuclear organization imposed by the nuclear pores and envelope and 4) the revelation of new and pivotal roles for the small GTPase Ran not only in nuclear import but in spindle assembly and nuclear membrane fusion.
Ultrafast studies of photoexcited electronic dynamics in thiol-capped CdTe semiconductor nanoparticles

The charge carrier dynamics of thiol-capped CdTe nanoparticles have been studied using femtosecond laser spectroscopy. High-resolution transmission electronic microscopy shows that thiol-capped CdTe particles are spherical, with 2-3 nm average diameter. Static electronic absorption spectrum suggests that they are in the strongly quantum-confined regime. Steady state emission measurements show only a band edge emission at ~ 505 nm, indicating a low density of deep-trapped states. The electronic relaxation dynamics show a fast decay (a few ps), which is dependent on excitation intensity, a slow decay (~230 ps), and an offset beyond 600 ps. The slow decay is attributed to the electron-hole recombination of surfactant or solvent trapped electrons. The intensity dependent, fast decay component is assigned to exciton-exciton annihilation or photoionization/Auger recombination, with the assistance of nanosecond fluorescence study. The decay profiles appear to be independent of probe wavelength. The overall relatively slow decay at low excitation intensity is consistent with the strong fluorescence, indicating an efficient radiative relaxation process.
“We Are Who We Are”: Humanity and Divinity in Russian Literature and History

Book reviewed in this article: Laura Engelstein and Stephanie Sandler, (eds.) Self and Story in Russian History
Differences in mothers' and children's perceptions of urban black children's life stress

Differences between mothers' and childrens' perceptions of the children's life Stressors were evaluated among 380 urban black elementary school children and their mothers. Fifty-eight life Stressors were rated for frequency of occurrence to the children over the last year and the degree of negative affect associated with Stressors that occurred. Fifty-one items were classified into seven specific contextual categories. Predicted mother-child differences were noted for total frequency and subjective weight ratings and in mulnvariate comparisons of frequency and subjective weight ratings across the seven categories, confirming mothers' tendency to underreport in comparison with their children. Gender differences were not evident for total frequency or subjective weight ratings, but multivariate analyses support gender differences across categories. Mothers showed no consistent pattern of differences between reports for sons and daughters. Development of population-appropriate stress measures, use of stress categories, and implications for the interpretation of stress reports are discussed.
Optimum renewable generation capacities in a microgrid using generation adequacy study

Microgrids, as small power systems, may be comprised of different types of loads and distributed generation. As the integration of renewable power generation increases, the total available generation capacity of the system will be more derated due to the effect of equipment failures and the intermittent nature of these resources. Therefore, it is critical to determine optimum renewable generation capacities and provide enough reserve margin to meet the target reliability of the microgrid. In this paper, we first model a microgrid, including conventional and renewable distributed generation and the loads. Second, we determine the renewable generation capacity required to meet growth in demand at a certain level of grid reliability through a generation adequacy study. Adequacy of the microgrid is evaluated using parameters such as loss of load probability (LOLP) and expected energy not served (EENS). Third, the impact of different conditions, such as wind speed diversity (captured by correlating the wind power output), a combination of wind and solar power, and load diversity, on generation adequacy is studied through sensitivity analyses. Finally, the optimum renewable generation capacities are determined such that the total cost of generation and unserved power is minimized. The optimization process is based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method which uses Monte Carlo (MC) simulation for generation adequacy studies in each iteration.
The minimal genus problem in ℂℙ2 # ℂℙ2

In this paper, we give two infinite families of counterexamples and finite positive examples to a conjecture on the minimal genus problem in ℂℙ2#ℂℙ2 proposed by Lawson [Exposition. Math. 15 (1997) 385–431].
Autism and anxiety in males with fragile X syndrome: an exploratory analysis of neurobehavioral profiles from a parent survey.

Although it is suspected that anxiety modifies the clinical presentation of autism in fragile X syndrome (FXS), neuropsychiatric co-morbidity profiles of these two disorders have not been extensively studied. The National Fragile X Survey was completed for 1,027 males with FXS, for whom yes/no information regarding the presence of several disorders is provided. Although the survey exhibited limited depth and lacked validation by standardized measures, this exploratory study was conducted to take advantage of the data as an opportunity for identifying future lines of inquiry. We addressed the following questions: (i) how do the co-morbidity profiles of FXS males with both autism and anxiety compare to those without anxiety?; (ii) do individuals with autism exhibit specific co-morbidity profiles compared to FXS males with anxiety only, or without either autism or anxiety?; (iii) how do co-morbidity profiles in children ages 3-11 differ from profiles of individuals >12 years? The group with autism and anxiety reported the highest prevalence of attention problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, self-injurious behavior and aggressiveness. In addition, the lowest prevalence rates of these conditions were often observed in non-anxious groups regardless of autism status. Overall, this exploratory analysis generated several hypotheses for further study: (i) anxiety increases the severity of autism in FXS, particularly through additional behavioral abnormalities; (ii) some neuropsychiatric and behavioral conditions (i.e., attention problems, hyperactivity/impulsivity, aggressiveness) are primarily related to comorbid anxiety, not autism; (iii) prevalence of behavioral abnormalities increases with age. Future studies evaluating these hypotheses should incorporate validated neurobehavioral assessments, and control for cognitive level.
Cognitive multiple access networks

A cognitive radio can sense the transmission of other users in its environment and possibly extract the corresponding messages. It can use this information to transmit over the same channel while reducing interference from, and to other users. In this paper, we define inter/intra-cluster competitive, cooperative, and cognitive behavior in wireless networks. We define intercluster cognitive behavior as simultaneous transmissions by two or more clusters in which some clusters know the messages to be transmitted by other clusters, and so can act as relays or use a Gel'fand-Pinsker coding-like technique to mitigate interference. We construct an achievable region for the inter-cluster behavior of two multiple access channels. In the Gaussian case, we compare our achievable region to that of competitive behavior as well as that of cooperative behavior
Lessons from the Financial Crisis of 1907

The story of the panic and crash of 1907 suggests that major financial crises can be the result of a convergence of certain market forces—forces of the market's “perfect storm,” if you will—that cause investors and depositors to react with alarm. The storm begins with a highly complex financial system, whose very complexity makes it difficult for anyone to know what might be going wrong. By definition, the multiple parts of the financial system are linked, which means that trouble in one institution, city, or region can travel easily and quickly to others. Buoyant growth in the economy makes the financial system more fragile, due partly to the demand for capital and partly to the tendency of some institutions to take more risk than is prudent. Leaders in government and the financial sector implement policies that inadvertently or otherwise elevate the exposure to risk of crisis. When an economic shock hits the financial system, the mood of the market swings from optimism to pessimism, creating a self-reinforcing downward spiral. Collective action by leaders succeeds in arresting the spiral, thought he speed and effectiveness with which they act ultimately determines the length and severity of the crisis. In reflecting on the crash and panic of 1907, this article considers these market forces, both t heir interact ion with one another in the past and their possible relevance to market conditions a century later.
Energy-aware scheduling with deadline and reliability constraints in wireless networks

In this paper, we address the problem of scheduling a set of periodic real-time messages in a wireless network with the objective of minimizing the total energy consumption while meeting deadline and reliability constraints. We formally prove that this problem is NP-hard and solve it in two stages. First, we consider a simple model that assumes that the wireless channel is completely reliable and the network is fully provisioned. Using the technique of employing multiple hop-by-hop transmissions instead of a single direct hop transmission as the basis, we prove that the strategy of choosing the hop distances such that they are equidistant is optimal in terms of energy consumption under the deadline constraint. Based on the intuition provided by the optimal strategy, we present heuristic scheduling algorithms for a more realistic wireless channel model and network condition. Our simulation results show that the proposed scheduling algorithms provide significant energy savings over the baseline algorithms
Analysis of melt spinning

Abstract The analysis of Slattery [J.C. Slattery, Spinning of a Noll simple fluid, AIChE J. 12 (1966) 456–460] for melt spinning is revisited. For a limiting case, corresponding to commercial high-speed spinning, the liquid thread is shown to be in an extensional flow following the die swell and prior to solidification. The analysis applies both to Newtonian fluids and to the Noll simple fluid, a very general class of viscoelastic fluids. While initially developed for an isothermal process, the analysis is shown to apply to non-isothermal processes upstream of the onset of crystallization, so long as the polymer–gas interface is isothermal. Two cases are considered that suggest this may be either approximately correct or exact. The predictions are shown to closely agree with the non-isothermal data of George [H.H. George, Model of steady-state melt spinning at intermediate take-up speed. Polym. Eng. Sci. 22 (1982) 292–299], the only data currently available for the region upstream of the onset of the phase transition that also satisfy our constraint on the Froude number.
The Big Bang's magic number

The Big Bang model rests, in large part, on the ability of theory to explain the relative abundances of the light elements, in particular the primaeval ratio of hydrogen to helium. The fusing of these light elements took place during a brief interval in the early
Neighborhood differences in exposure and sensitization to cockroach, mouse, dust mite, cat, and dog allergens in New York City

Background Asthma prevalence varies widely among neighborhoods within New York City. Exposure to mouse and cockroach allergens has been suggested as a cause. Objective To test the hypotheses that children living in high asthma prevalence neighborhoods (HAPNs) would have higher concentrations of cockroach and mouse allergens in their homes than children in low asthma prevalence neighborhoods (LAPNs), and that these exposures would be related to sensitization and asthma. Methods In the New York City Neighborhood Asthma and Allergy Study, a case-control study of asthma, children 7 to 8 years old from HAPNs (n = 120) and LAPNs (n = 119) were recruited through the same middle-income health insurance plan. Children were classified as asthma cases (n = 128) or controls without asthma (n = 111) on the basis of reported symptoms or medication use. Allergens were measured in bed dust. Results HAPN homes had higher Bla g 2 ( P = .001), Mus m 1 ( P = .003), and Fel d 1 ( P = .003) and lower Der f 1 ( P = .001) than LAPN homes. Sensitization to indoor allergens was associated with asthma, but relevant allergens differed between LAPNs and HAPNs. Sensitization to cockroach was more common among HAPN than LAPN children (23.7% vs 10.8%; P = .011). Increasing allergen exposure was associated with increased probability of sensitization (IgE) to cockroach ( P P = .009), and cat ( P = .001), but not mouse ( P = .58) or dog ( P = .85). Conclusion These findings further demonstrate the relevance of exposure and sensitization to cockroach and mouse in an urban community and suggest that cockroach allergen exposure could contribute to the higher asthma prevalence observed in some compared with other New York City neighborhoods.
Does the descriptive representation of the working class “crowd out” women and minorities (and vice versa)? Evidence from the Local Elections in America Project

If working-class Americans begin holding political office in larger numbers, could they eventually “crowd out” other historically underrepresented groups such as women and minorities? This paper develops a simple theory to predict when the descriptive representation of one social group will decrease the descriptive representation of others. I then use the Local Elections in America Project's data to explore the links between the racial, gender, and social class makeup of candidates and officeholders in more than 18,000 local and county elections in California. The descriptive representation of workers does not seem to reduce female or minority representation. To the contrary, many working-class candidates are women and minorities, and those who are not do not seem to pose any threat of crowding out other historically underrepresented groups.
Mechanical and Sensory Testing of Overfilled Breast Implants

Background To obtain an ideal outcome in breast augmentation procedures, breast implants may be overfilled to reduce wrinkles and improve longevity. Determination of the optimal volume for saline-filled breast implants remains problematic for plastic surgeons. Objective We sought to evaluate the effect of overfilling or underfilling implants on sensory response and on implant shell mechanical properties. Methods Fifty-three Mentor Style 1600 smooth saline-filled mammary implants (275-cc base volume) were examined. Saline fill volumes ranged from 230 cc to 1650 cc. Implants were incubated at 37°C and 100% humidity for 6 weeks. Before destructive testing to determine strength, elasticity, and toughness, 22 women ranging in age from 18 to 55 years graded the implants for firmness to palpation. Objective indices of firmness were measured by durometer. Results Implants filled 50% above manufacturer's recommended volume were considered firm, whereas implants 50% below manufacturer's recommended volume were considered natural or soft. A linear relationship was observed between sensory response and durometer hardness data. Fill volume did not affect shell mechanical properties: shell strength, toughness, and elasticity remained unchanged (P > .05). Conclusions Saline-filled breast implants can be safely filled far beyond manufacturer's recommendations with regard to the mechanical properties of the Silastic polymer implant shell. Clinical judgment is required to avoid hardness due to overfill. Repeating this study using an in vivo incubation method is required to determine how overfill will affect implant shells over time in the harsh milieu of a biologic environment.
Highbrow proteasome in high-throughput technology

Proteasome is a major protease of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway involved in the regulation of practically all intracellular biochemical processes. The enzyme core is created by a heteromultimer of complex architecture built with multiple subunits arranged into a tube-like structure. The multiple active sites of diverse peptidase specificity are hidden inside the tube. Access to the interior is guarded by a gate formed by the N-termini of specialized subunits and by the attachment of additional multisubunit protein complexes controlling the enzymatic capabilities of the core. Proteasome, due to its Byzantine molecular architecture and equally sophisticated enzymatic mechanism, is by itself a fascinating biophysical object. Recently, the position of the protease advanced from an academically remarkable protein processor to a providential anticancer drug target and futuristic nanomachine. Proteomics studies actively shape our current understanding of the protease and direct the future applications of the ...
Non-uniform projection angle processing in computed tomography

In this paper, we present a novel approach for the collection of computed tomography data. Non-uniform increments in projection angle may be used to reduce data acquisition time with minimal reduction in the accuracy of the reconstructed profile. The key is to exploit those projection angles which correspond to regions where the object contains few high spatial frequency components. This technique is applicable to optical phase computed tomography, as well as X-ray computed tomography. We present simulation results on intraocular lenses used in cataract surgery.
EXPRESSION OF TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA IS ELEVATED IN HUMAN AND EXPERIMENTAL DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY

Diabetes is now the most common cause of progressive kidney failure leading to dialysis or transplantation. The central pathological feature of diabetic nephropathy is accumulation of extracellular matrix within the glomeruli. The factors in the diabetic milieu responsible for extracellular matrix accumulation are not understood. Here we report that in glomeruli of rats made diabetic there is a slow, progressive increase in the expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) mRNA and TGF-beta protein. A key action of TGF-beta is induction of extracellular matrix production, and specific matrix proteins known to be induced by TGF-beta were increased in diabetic rat glomeruli. These proteins include an alternatively spliced form of fibronectin, tenascin, and the proteoglycan biglycan. TGF-beta has not previously been implicated in the matrix accumulation that occurs in the diabetic kidney. Glomeruli from humans with diabetic nephropathy also showed a striking increase in immunoreactive TGF-beta protein and deposition of the special form of fibronectin, whereas glomeruli from normal subjects or from individuals with other glomerular diseases (where extracellular matrix accumulation is not a feature) were negative or barely positive. These results implicate TGF-beta in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
Multichannel effective range theory

Abstract Effective range theory is developed for systems of many coupled two-body channels with angular momenta li. Derivatives of the amplitudes Mij (where M is essentially the inverse of the K matrix) are formed. Quite in analogy with one channel effective range theory, the diagonal elements Mii are accurately given, by an expression quadratic in the momentum ki. The coefficients Rii of ki2 are effective range type integrals which are interpretable in terms of the range of forces and can be taken to be energy independent to the same extent as in the one channel theory. The non-diagonal elements Mij are, to a good approximation, energy independent, even for Rii greatly different from Rjj and li ≠ lj. The case of two coupled channels is studied in detail: a computer experiment was performed to test the validity of the theory; for l = 0, the properties of narrow resonances including the interactions which can lead to them are thoroughly investigated. The positions of the poles of the T matrix are briefly considered. Comparison is made between the effective range type of parametrization and Breit-Wigner theory. The present theory is contrasted to the effective range theory for the eigenphase shifts; the eigenphase shift theory is shown, in principle, to be less accurate. Some possible applications are briefly discussed.
Predicting Thermoacoustic Instability: A Novel Analytical Approach and Its Experimental Validation

The birthplace of modern combustors, the Rijke tube, is considered in this paper. The findings of earlier investigations are used as the departure point, and a complementary analytical approach is introduced for predicting its thermoacoustic instability with experimental validations. In the core of the novel analytical work resides a unique mathematical tool that evolved only within the last decade. It is called the cluster treatment of characteristic roots paradigm, which uniquely reveals the stable operating regions for thermoacoustic instability in the space of the operational parameters, such as geometric dimensions or thermal parameters. For linearizable systems, these stability regions are declared exhaustively and nonconservatively. The experimental validation of this analytical approach is the primary contribution of the present paper. The main intention of this paper is to supplement the combustion science literature with the analytical capabilities of cluster treatment of characteristic roots.
Mutations and quantitative genetic variation: lessons from Drosophila

A central issue in evolutionary quantitative genetics is to understand how genetic variation for quantitative traits is maintained in natural populations. Estimates of genetic variation and of genetic correlations and pleiotropy among multiple traits, inbreeding depression, mutation rates for fitness and quantitative traits and of the strength and nature of selection are all required to evaluate theoretical models of the maintenance of genetic variation. Studies in Drosophila melanogaster have shown that a substantial fraction of segregating variation for fitness-related traits in Drosophila is due to rare deleterious alleles maintained by mutation–selection balance, with a smaller but significant fraction attributable to intermediate frequency alleles maintained by alleles with antagonistic pleiotropic effects, and late-age-specific effects. However, the nature of segregating variation for traits under stabilizing selection is less clear and requires more detailed knowledge of the loci, mutation rates, allelic effects and frequencies of molecular polymorphisms affecting variation in suites of pleiotropically connected traits. Recent studies in D. melanogaster have revealed unexpectedly complex genetic architectures of many quantitative traits, with large numbers of pleiotropic genes and alleles with sex-, environment- and genetic background-specific effects. Future genome wide association analyses of many quantitative traits on a common panel of fully sequenced Drosophila strains will provide much needed empirical data on the molecular genetic basis of quantitative traits.
Geochemistry of Coalbed Natural Gas (CBNG) Produced Water in Powder River Basin, Wyoming: Salinity and Sodicity

Extraction of natural gas from a confined coal aquifer requires the pumping of large amounts of groundwater, commonly referred to as produced water. Produced water from the extraction of coalbed natural gas is typically disposed into nearby constructed discharge ponds. The objective of this study was to collect produced water samples at outfalls and corresponding discharge ponds and monitor pH, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and alkalinity. Outfalls and corresponding discharge ponds were sampled from five different watersheds including Cheyenne River (CHR), Belle Fourche River (BFR), Little Powder River (LPR), Powder River (PR), and Tongue River (TR) within the Powder River Basin (PRB), Wyoming from 2003 to 2005. From Na, Ca, and Mg measurements, sodium adsorption ratios (SAR) were calculated, and used in a regression model. Results suggest that outfalls are chemically different from corresponding discharge ponds. Sodium, alkalinity, and pH all tend to increase, possibly due to environmental factors such as evaporation, while Ca decreased from outfalls to associated discharge ponds due to calcite precipitation. Watersheds examined in this study were chemically different form each other and most discharge ponds with in individual watersheds tended to increase in Na and SAR from 2003 to 2005. Since discharge pond water was chemically changing as a function of watershed chemistry, we predicted SAR of discharge pond water using a regression model. The predicted discharge pond water results suggested a high correlation (R2 = 0.83) to discharge well SAR. Overall, results of this study will be useful for landowners, water quality managers, and industry in properly managing produced water from the natural gas extraction.
Leveraging Manufacturing for a Sustainable Future

Manufacturing offers many opportunities for reducing environmental impact, utilizing resources more efficiently and, overall, greening the technology of production. These opportunities are most often related to process, machine or system improvements that impact only the operation of the process, machine or system. But, there is more potential in manufacturing enhancements to have a larger impact on the life cycle impact of the product the manufactured item is used in. This is referred to as “leveraging” and several examples of this are given, along with definitions of the fundamental terms. The potential for leveraging in manufacturing to have an impact on sustainable manufacturing and some future requirements are described.
Source of a problem with Fourier transform spectroscopy.

Thermal radiation from sample and detector can affect internally modulated Michelson interferometers (for example, rapid scanning, phase-modulated, or internally chopped) and cause serious systematic errors in the spectra measured by these instruments.