cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fault Detectability Analysis of Switched Affine Systems with Linear Temporal Logic Constraints

In this paper, we consider detectability analysis for faults in systems governed by switched affine dynamics. By a fault, we mean a sudden and permanent change in the system dynamics. Given the model of the healthy system, such a fault can be detected via model invalidation, i.e., by collecting past observations over a finite horizon and checking whether these observations can be generated by the healthy system model. Whenever the faulty system model is also available, it is possible to find T, the minimum length of the horizon, with which the fault is guaranteed to be detected eventually (with a T-step delay at most). The procedure for finding such T is known as the fault detectability analysis, and can be accomplished by solving a mixed integer linear program (MILP) for switched affine systems. The main contribution of this work is to show the possibility of reducing the value of T, by augmenting the fault detectability analysis with additional linear temporal logic (LTL) constraints on the switching signals, if any. We express the LTL constraints (restricted in a finite horizon) with a nondeterministic finite state machine called a monitor, which is then transformed into a set of mixed integer linear constraints that can be easily integrated in the MILP used for the detectability analysis. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is illustrated with a drone altitude consensus protocol with switching communication topology.
Integrating Health And Human Services In California’s Whole Person Care Medicaid 1115 Waiver Demonstration

Policy makers are increasingly investing in programs focused on identifying and addressing the nonmedical needs of high-utilizing Medicaid beneficiaries, yet little is known about these programs’ i...
Predictors of pain-related functional impairment among people living with HIV on long-term opioid therapy.

People living with HIV (PLWH) have high levels of functional impairment due to pain, also called pain interference. Long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) is commonly prescribed for chronic pain among PLW...
Mechanical overstimulation causes acute injury followed by fast recovery in lateral-line neuromasts of larval zebrafish

Abstract Noise exposure damages sensory hair cells, resulting in loss of synaptic connections with auditory nerves and hair-cell death. The cellular mechanisms underlying noise-induced hair-cell damage and subsequent repair are not completely understood. Hair cells in neuromasts (NMs) of larval zebrafish are structurally and functionally comparable to mammalian hair cells but undergo robust regeneration following damage. We therefore developed a model for noise-induced hair-cell damage in this highly tractable system. Free swimming larvae exposed to strong water current for 2 hours displayed damage to NMs, including synapse loss, afferent neurite retraction, damaged hair bundles, and reduced mechanotransduction. Overstimulation also elicited an inflammatory response and macrophage recruitment. Remarkably, NM morphology and function appeared to fully recover within 2 days following exposure. Our results reveal morphological and functional changes in mechanically overstimulated lateral-line NMs that are analogous to changes observed in noise-exposed mammalian ear yet are rapidly and completely repaired.
Say something nice: A meta-analytic review of peer reporting interventions.

Abstract Peer reporting interventions (i.e., Positive Peer Reporting and tootling) are commonly used peer-mediated interventions in schools. These interventions involve training students to make reports about peers' prosocial behaviors, whether in oral or written form. Although peer reporting interventions have been included in meta-analyses of group contingencies, this study is the first meta-analytic review of single-case research focusing exclusively on peer reporting interventions. The literature search and application of inclusion criteria yielded 21 studies examining the impact of a peer reporting intervention on student behavior compared to baseline conditions. All studies used single-case experimental designs including at least three demonstrations of an effect and at least three data points per phase. Several aspects of studies, participants, and interventions were coded. Log response ratios and Tau were calculated as effect size estimates. Effect size estimates were synthesized in a multi-level meta-analysis with random effects for (a) studies and (b) cases within studies. Overall results indicated peer reporting interventions had a non-zero and positive impact on student outcomes. This was also true when data were subset by outcome (i.e., disruptive behavior, academically engaged behavior, and social behavior). Results were suggestive of more between- than within-study variability. Moderator analyses were conducted to identify aspects of studies, participants, or peer reporting interventions associated with differential effectiveness. Moderator analyses suggested published studies were associated with higher effect sizes than unpublished studies (i.e., theses/dissertations). This meta-analysis suggests peer reporting interventions are effective in improving student behavior compared to baseline conditions. Implications and directions for future investigation are discussed.
Team value and visual voice: Healthcare providers’ perspectives on the contributions and impact of Art Therapy in pediatric hematology/oncology clinics

Abstract Attending to the psychosocial needs of pediatric patients, families and health care providers (HCPs) is critical to the delivery of personalized medical care. Art therapy in this context has been found to be a source of holistic psychosocial support for pediatric hematology and oncology care. Interviews of 21 HCPs in the United States were conducted to assess the impact and contributions of art therapy in pediatric hematology/oncology. HCPs were unanimously supportive of art therapy, reporting it being impactful to the patients, caregivers and providers, and the hospital setting. They noted that it provides a visual voice to the patient experience and creates a unifying, child and family centered space of normalcy and connection. The art therapist is seen as a vital part of the medical team, through their insights and support across the spectrum of hem/onc care. The high demands on art therapists and limited understanding of the scope of clinical practice are challenges that were identified. Art therapy supports the psychological needs of pediatric patients, families, and HCPs and may be an invaluable part of pediatric medical teams for assessment and support. Further education, research and understanding of the contributions of ATs in medical settings could help advance their roles in these contexts.
Radar Imaging of Airborne Targets: A Primer for Applied Mathematicians and Physicists

PREFACE INTRODUCTION Brief History of Radar Contemporary Issues in Radar Imaging Overview RADAR FUNDAMENTALS Radar Signals Radiation Condition The Radar Equation Atmospheric Windows Radar Data The Ambiguity Function Radar Measurement Systems SCATTERING MODELS The Magnetic Field Integral Equation for a Perfect Conductor The Weak Scatterer and High-Frequency Limits Dielectric Scatterers The (Approximate) Radar Scattering Model ONE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGING Range Profiles Ill-Posed Problems and Regularization Resolution Improvement Methods Bayesian Methods Model-Based Resolution Improvement TWO-DIMENSIONAL IMAGING The Basic Imaging Equation Data Errors Resolution Improvement Signal Diversity Radar MODEL ERRORS AND THEIR EFFECTS Template-Based ATR Unresolved Scatterers and Scintillation Non-Weak and Dispersive Scatterers Corrective PSF Ducts and Cavities THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGING Angle Tracking, Scintillation and Glint Angle-of-Arrival Imaging High-Frequency Zeros Statistical Methods OTHER METHODS Resonant-Frequency Poles Polarization Target Structure-Induced Modulations Wide Band Radar Future Efforts APPENDIX: ILL-POSED PROBLEMS Compactness of a Set and Compact Operators Singular Value Decomposition Least-Squares Solutions and Ill-Posedness BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX Each chapter contains References.
Evaluate loss probabilities of packet-awareness coder into queuing networks

IP-based wireless/wired networks can suffer from packet loss due to network congestion and errors, or other transmission problems. The strict real-time multimedia delivery, for applications such as video over IP and Internet gaming, limits the use of error control schemes such as ARQ and Forward Error Correction (FEC) codes. We previously designed a low-delay packet-awareness coder that took the bursty nature of the Internet into account in design considerations. In this paper, we analyse the performance of the proposed packet-awareness coder in terms of its loss probability into a finite M/M/1 queue that represents the network. We also identify conditions under which adding redundancy results in a decrease in the probability of losing messages. The theoretical derivations and numerical results show that in both heavy and light traffic conditions, the packet-awareness coder results in better performance compared to conventional designs.
Factorial Experimental Design

Factorial experimental designs have the advantage of testing the impact of two or more different independent variables at one time. These designs allow researchers to explore mediator and moderator effects and, as such, are often chosen by social scientists interested in theory development and testing. Keywords: experimentation; ANOVA; MANOVA; moderator; mediator; interaction effects
The Quest for Self-Consistent Generation of Plate Tectonics in Mantle Convection Models

Plate tectonics and mantle convection are different aspects of the same, coupled system, yet mantle convection calculations do not exhibit plate tectonic behavior unless it is imposed by the modeler. This paper explores the quest for self-consistent incorporation of plate tectonics into mantle convection models, and presents new results and parameterizations. Simulations of convection with buoyant, deformable continents but no oceanic plates show that supercontinent cycling is a possible, though not required, aspect of the dynamics, and that the presence of even non-episodic continents has a profound effect on the spectrum of mantle heterogeneity. Ductile shear localization may be the key process for generating weak plate boundaries. Possible localization mechanisms can be described using time-dependent evolution equations, allowing evolving lithospheric strength heterogeneity with long-term memory. Steady-state versions of these rheologies are used to demonstrate the formation of weak transform boundaries in a 2-D model, and convergent, divergent and strike-slip boundaries in 3-D models. However, the present models are far from realistic; future directions and some philosophical issues are discussed.
Computer network operation: applicability of the vigilance paradigm to key tasks.

This paper examines the applicability of the vigilance paradigm to the task of monitoring data communication networks. Survey work and the results of usability evaluations of IBM network management products suggest that several key aspects of the vigilance paradigm do apply to this task. The task is prolonged but not necessarily continuous because of time sharing and social interaction. The signals are of the cognitive type and are many and varied. The simple ones are obvious; more difficult ones are not. The signals are infrequent and aperiodic. The frequency is probably lower than in most vigilance experiments, and the response does have an impact on future signal rate. Often the response to a detected problem is to begin problem recording and troubleshooting. A set of recommendations for modification of the paradigm and experimental parameter values is provided that will make the results of future vigilance experiments more applicable to this type of operational monitoring. A second set of recommendati...
Chinese Minority Income Disparity in Urumqi: An Analysis of Han-Uyghur Labour Market Outcomes in the Formal and Informal Economies

Participation in the informal economy has skyrocketed in China, coinciding with emerging labour markets that are segmented along lines of ethnicity, gender and migrant status. While a large body of literature examines migrant and female outcomes in the labour market, minority outcomes are much less understood in China. Information on minority employment in China’s informal economy is even more sparse. To help fill this “minority” gap in China, the author uses field survey data collected in Urumqi in July 2008 to reveal the extent of income disparity between the formal and informal sectors as well as within each sector, for ethnic, gender and migrant status subgroups. The statistical analysis generated three key results: (i) the accumulation of human capital positively influences income, but only in the formal sector; (ii) income disparity exists along the lines of ethnicity, gender and migrant status, and is most pronounced for Uyghur minorities in both the formal and informal sectors; and (iii) workers in the informal sector earn 22 per cent less than workers in the formal sector, and workers in the state-owned enterprises earn 15.3 per cent more than non-state workers. Findings are posited within a policy-relevant context and can be used to guide future development and ethnic policy in the region.
Frequency dependence of the vortex-state resistivity in YBa2Cu3O7-δ

Swept-frequency measurements (1-600 MHz) of the vortex resistivity in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 were performed in fields from 0.5 to 8 T. At all fields studied, both the real and imaginary parts of the resistivity display a power-law frequency dependence with exponents α 1 and α 2 that depend only on the reduced field h=H/H * (T). The scaling field H * (T) is identified with the critical field for the solid-to-liquid transition
American Psychological Association of Graduate Students

The American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) is a continuing committee within the American Psychological Association (APA) that advocates for the unique needs and concerns of graduate students. APAGS consists of approximately 40,000 student affiliate members and is one of the largest constituency groups within the APA. APAGS is the largest group of organized psychology graduate students in the world (APAGS, 2008).
Structural Computing Requirements for the Transformation of Structures and Behaviors

The field of structural computing is a new paradigm of computation based on structure as opposed to data. Initial work in this area has suggested the need for the transformation of structures, especially when considering the interpretation of a structure from domain A within domain B. This work examines the need for formal mechanisms to specify both structures and the legal ways in which structures can be transformed from one structure to another. We motivate this discussion with an example from the domain of programming languages. In addition, we briefly present an example from the domain of genetic algorithms that suggests the need to consider transformations on behaviors as well. We conclude by enumerating the benefits to structural computing if such formalisms are developed and suggest possible first avenues of exploration.
Indications and Contraindications for Portal Vein Embolization

Multiple factors are considered when determining whether or not a particular patient will benefit from portal vein embolization (PVE). First, an evaluation for underlying liver disease must be made to ascertain the necessary future liver remnant (sFLR) volume following resection – those patients with an otherwise healthy liver will not require as large an FLR mass as those with cirrhosis. Next, the patient’s body size must be taken into account. Then, the planned surgical intervention must be considered (i.e., the size and complexity of the surgical resection as well as the possibility of any other nonhepatic surgery to be performed concomitantly). These three factors are considered in the setting of the patient’s age and comorbidities (e.g., diabetes mellitus) that may affect hypertrophy and ultimately, the perioperative outcome. Thus, after all of these factors have been evaluated and the patient remains a surgical candidate, appropriate liver CT volumetry is performed so that the standardized FLR volume expressed as a percentage of the estimated total liver volume (TLV) can be used to determine the need for PVE. In addition, contraindications with regards to the use of PVE are also discussed.
Neonatal testing for sickle cell diseases--a historical and personal review.

Testing for sickle cell hemoglobinopathies in the newborn period has gone through several distinct eras that reflect the diagnostic tests available during each period, as well as a changing clinical perception of the necessity and value of such screening for what is essentially an incurable disease (Table 1). From 1930 to 1950, pioneer investigators such as Diggs et al and Scott et al performed classical sickle cell "preps" in groups of black newborns. In the 1960s, investigators, notably Schneider et al and Gilman et al performed hemoglobin electrophoresis for large groups of newborns. However, these were research programs that had little or no clinical coordination or follow-up. In the 1970s, Serjeant et al in Jamaica and myself in New Haven, CT, set up programs of neonatal diagnosis coupled with careful long-term comprehensive follow-up. We are now in an era when neonatal screening for hemoglobinopathies has been recommended or mandated by a number of states. The diagnosis of sickle cell disorders in the neonatal period is complicated because of the presence of large amounts of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) at birth. Normal adult hemoglobin (Hb A) has two pairs of chemically dissimilar polypeptide chains designated α and β and can be represented as α 2 β 2 . Hb S has a pair of chemically altered chains and is designated α 2 β 2 s . Fetal hemoglobin, which constitutes 70% to 80% of the hemoglobin of the fetus and newborn, contains γ- instead of β-chains and can be represented as α 2 α 2 . γ-Chains are not affected by the sickle cell mutation.
Quantifying fishing effort: a synthesis of current methods and their applications

The need to accurately quantify fishing effort has increased in recent years as fisheries have expanded around the world and many fish stocks and non-target species are threatened with collapse. Quantification methods vary greatly among fisheries, and to date there has not been a comprehensive review of these methods. Here we review existing approaches to quantify fishing effort in small-scale, recreational, industrial, and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fisheries. We present the strengths and limitations of existing methods, identifying the most robust methods and the critical knowledge gaps that must be addressed to improve our ability to quantify and map fishing effort. Although identifying the ‘best’ method ultimately depends on the intended application of the data, in general, quantification methods that are based on information on gear use and spatial distribution offer the best approaches to representing fishing effort on a broad scale. Integrating fisher’s knowledge and involving fishers in data collection and management decisions may be the most effective way to improve data quality and accessibility.
Piecing Together a Puzzling World

Memento . Christopher Nolan, Director. Newmarket Film Group, 2001. See: [www.otnemem.com][1] This film noir, with a protagonist whose injury prevents him from processing short-term memories, offers an intriguing perspective on the neurobiology of memory. [1]: http://www.otnemem.com/
Landscapes of Power, Landscapes of Conflict: State Formation in the South Scandinavian Iron Age.

Landscapes of Power, Landscapes of Conflict: State Formation in the South Scandinavian Iron Age. Tina L. Thurston. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 2001. 340 pp.
Alteration of endothelial function markers in women with gestational diabetes and their fetuses

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their fetuses would demonstrate alterations in markers of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction and these changes would correlate with the levels of hyperglycemia through a pilot observational case-control study of women with GDM and their fetuses.Methods: Levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), nitric oxide (NO), eNOS, p22-phox, and SOD gene expression, and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) counts in both maternal and cord blood were measured at the time of delivery in women with and without GDM.Results: We demonstrated the presence of decreased maternal circulating EPC counts, increased soluble adhesion molecules in maternal blood, decreased SOD expression in both maternal and cord blood and increased eNOS expression in both maternal and cord blood in ...
Improved enrichment of insect gap junctions by filtration and sonication of NaOH-extracted subcellular fractions.

Abstract The purification of gap junctions from insects has been hampered by low yields when starting with dissected tissues or by contamination with non-junctional structures when starting with intact insects. A method is described here involving filtration and sonication of NaOH-extracted crude membrane fractions from larvae of the lepidopteran Heliothis virescens which yields fractions containing ∼50% gap junctions and ∼7 μg total protein per g of larvae and represents an estimated 10–100 fold increase in gap junction enrichment compared with a previously described procedure (Cell Tissue Res. 274: 393–403, 1993). The remaining structures in the fractions consist of non-junctional membrane, septate junctions, lamellate bodies and amorphous material.
Eliminating respiratory intensive care unit stay after gastric bypass surgery

Background The bariatric patient is among the most complex in general surgery. Morbid obesity and associated comorbidities create a higher likelihood for intensive care unit (ICU) services. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often unrecognized and may contribute to increased respiratory events and ICU admissions. Identifying and treating occult OSA may decrease the need for ICU utilization. This retrospective review attempts to evaluate this hypothesis. Patients and Methods From 1998 to 2005, 890 bariatric procedures were performed at our center: 858 primary gastric bypasses and 32 revisions. Before 2004, patients were evaluated selectively for OSA; after 2004, all patients have had a sleep study. Results A postoperative ICU stay was required in 43 patients (5%). From 1998 to 2003, when OSA evaluation was not mandatory, a respiratory-related ICU stay was necessary in 11 of 572 patients. When OSA evaluation was mandated in all patients (2004-2005), there was one respiratory related ICU stay (1/318). Conclusion Multiple variables lead to a decrease in ICU stay. Our study suggests that recognizing and treating occult sleep apnea may further improve this quality metric. In our center, mandatory OSA screening and aggressive preoperative treatment have eliminated the need for respiratory-related ICU stays after bariatric surgery.
Depression and panic in patients with borderline personality disorder

The borderline personality concept has evolved from a term used to describe a neurotic- psychotic borderland (Knight 1963), or an al- most but-not-quite schizophrenic process (Hock and Polatin 1949), to a more precise and op- erationally defined syndrome (American Psy- chiatric Association, 1980; Gunderson 1982). Affective changes are a major and consistent clinical feature in most descriptions of border- line personality disorders (BPD). Major de- pressive disorder (MDD) or other DSM-III Axis I diagnoses, including panic disorder, may be present in a significant number of BPD patients, perhaps in the majority (Carroll et
Supplemental choline during the periweaning period protects against trace conditioning impairments attributable to post-training ethanol exposure in adolescent rats.

Supplemental choline during early stages of development can result in long-lasting improvements to memory function. In addition, pre- or postnatal choline has been shown to be protective against some of the adverse effects of early alcohol exposure. The present experiment examined whether supplemental choline given to rats would protect against the effects of post-training alcohol administration on trace fear conditioning. Post-training alcohol exposure in adolescent rats results in poor performance in this hippocampus-dependent task, although delay conditioning is unaffected. Here, rats were given an s.c. injection of either saline or choline chloride daily on postnatal days (PD) 15-26. On PD 30 subjects were trained in a trace fear conditioning procedure. For the next three days animals were administered 2.5 g/kg ethanol or water control, and CS-elicited freezing was measured on PD 34. Results indicated that post-training alcohol disrupted the expression of trace conditioning and that supplemental choline on PD 15-26 was protective against this effect. That is, choline-treated animals subsequently given post-training ethanol performed as well as animals not given ethanol. These results indicate that supplemental choline given during the periweaning period protects against ethanol-induced impairments in a hippocampus-dependent learning task. Findings contribute to the growing literature showing improvements in learning and memory in subjects given extra dietary choline during critical periods of brain development.
Kurt Lewin Address: Influence, Power, Religion, and the Mechanisms of Social Control

A power/interaction model of interpersonal influence is applied to the analysis of religions as mechanisms of social control. The original six bases of power presented by French and Raven (1959)—coercion, reward, legitimate position, expert, referent, and informational—are expanded to include variants of these bases: personal reward and coercion and legitimacy of equity, reciprocity, and responsibility (Raven, 1992). Over centuries, certain sages, seers, and chieftains, feeling that they knew what was best for their people individually and collectively, have attempted to utilize these power resources (e.g., to counter tendencies toward murder, theft, adultery, mayhem, or harmful dietary practices). To implement power strategies, various preparatory devices were developed, which include the establishment of a Deity, whose ultimate reward and coercive power is enhanced by omnipotence; whose omnipresence establishes necessary continual surveillance; and whose ultimate expertise follows from omniscience. Much of what has been developed in holy works, and in supportive art and literature, can then be seen as further preparing the bases of power for social control. Tensions result when a populace that is educated to expect informational power is faced with a religion that emphasizes extreme coercion, reward, ultimate legitimate and expert power.
Adhesion and lignin peroxidase production by the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium in a rotating biological contactor

This paper describes the adhesion and growth of Phanerochaete chrysosporium mycelium and subsequent lignin peroxidase activity obtained on polymer discs in a rotating biological contactor (RBC). The effect of support surface texture and polymer composition on biofilm adhesion was observed. Adhesion was enhanced on roughened surfaces compared to smooth surfaces. Discs made of nylon and polypropylene resulted in the greatest adhesion. Optimal culture conditions for fungal growth and enzyme expression in our RBC are described. A comparison of seven different media buffers showed that succinate and phthalate buffers resulted in greater lignin peroxidase activity than the more commonly used 2,2-dimethylsuccinate buffer. The addition of Tween 80 to cultures was shown to increase lignin peroxidase activity compared to cultures without Tween 80. A strain comparison in the RBC showed that the wild-type BKM-F-1767 strain adhered better to the support and produced higher enzyme activity than a mutant strain, SC26.
Intracellular devastation in heart failure

End-stage heart failure is characterized by a number of abnormalities at the cellular level, which include changes in excitation-contraction coupling, alterations in contractile proteins and activation/deactivation of signaling pathways. Even though many of these changes are adaptive to the high workload and stress in heart failure, a significant number of these alterations are deeply deleterious to the cardiac cell. In this article, we will review the changes in calcium cycling that occur in myopathic hearts and how they can be effectively targeted. We will also focus on protein misfolding in the setting of cardiac dysfunction.
Bobby Baker: Redeeming Features of Daily Life

Bobby Baker: Redeeming Features of Daily Life edited by Michele Barrett and Bobby Baker London and New York: Routledge, 2007, 276 pp, ISBN 978 0 415 44411 8 (paperback) Bobby Baker's career as a vi...
The specificity of a radioimmunoassay for relaxin.

An attempt has been made to develop a biologically specific radioimmunoassay for relaxin in unextracted plasma without recourse in the first instance to the bioassay or to purified relaxin (1). This paper describes how the radioimmunoassay has then been used to examine its own specificity in terms of ovarian and uterine relaxins, their metabolism and heterogeneity in plasma and tissue extracts.
Identification of a Heritable Model of Testicular Germ Cell Tumor in the Zebrafish

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) affect infants, children, and adults and are the most common cancer type in young men. Progress in understanding the molecular basis of GCTs has been hampered by a lack of suitable animal models. Here we report the identification of a zebrafish model of highly penetrant, heritable testicular GCT isolated as part of a forward genetic screen for cancer susceptibility genes. The mutant line develops spontaneous testicular tumors at a median age of 7 months, and pedigree analysis indicates dominant inheritance of the GCT susceptibility trait. The zebrafish model exhibits disruption of testicular tissue architecture and the accumulation of primitive, spermatogonial-like cells with loss of spermatocytic differentiation. Radiation treatment leads to apoptosis of the tumor cells and tumor regression. The GCT-susceptible line can serve as a model for understanding the mechanisms regulating germ cells in normal development and disease and as a platform investigating new therapeutic approaches for GCTs.
Ultrastructure of spermatogenesis in the hawaiian red lobster, Enoplometopus occidentalis (randall).

Electron microscopy of spermatogenesis in the Hawaiian red lobster, Enoplometopus occidentalis (Randall), has revealed unusual activity within membranous organelles. Mitochondria-like bodies (MLB-1) seen first in spermatogonia appear in primary spermatocytes to swell and fuse as the cytoplasm develops annulate lamellae and other membrane complexes. In early spermatids, annulate lamellae derived from the nuclear envelope contribute to development of an extensive lamellar membrane complex within the cytoplasm, the forerunner of the lamellar region. Other mitochondria-like bodies (MLB-2) originate from this membrane complex and contribute to formation of the acrosomal vesicle, which assumes a semicrystalline organization composed of bundles of tubular components slightly larger in diameter than microtubules. An amorphous subacrosomal material may be equivalent to the acrosomal tubule of other decapod spermatozoa. Centrioles at the base of the acrosome produce microtubules that extend between the membranes of the lamellar region distally through the uncondensed nucleus as the cores of the three radial arms of this aflagellate spermatozoon. Nuclear material and electron-dense lamellar region membranes project into the bases of these radial arms. Nuclear and plasma membranes are fused except where the acrosome lies between them. Of the mitochondria-like bodies, the MLB-1 do not persist into spermiogenesis, and the MLB-2 are derived from the lamellar region. This is in contrast with other reported studies of lobster spermatozoon ultrastructure.
Sensitivity of charge transfer reactions to hydrocarbon ion structures

Charge transfer reactivities of hydrocarbon ions have been measured with time-of-flight techniques, and results correlated with theoretical structures computed by self-consistent field molecular orbital methods. Recombination energies, ion structures, heats of formation, reaction energetics and relative charge transfer cross-sections are presented for molecular and fragment ions produced by electron bombardment ionization of CH4, C2H4, C2H6, C3H8 and C4H10 molecules. Even-electron bridged cations have low ion recombination energies and relatively low charge transfer cross-sections as compared with odd-electron hydrocarbon cations.
Social and family characteristics of Hispanics with epilepsy.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine how acculturation, social support, family emotional involvement, perceived family criticism and stigma are associated with epilepsy self-efficacy and depression. A principal components analysis (PCA) was used to describe the salience of these characteristics within a sample of Hispanics with epilepsy. A total of 50 Hispanic adults of Mexican descent identified in our Epilepsy Clinic participated in this study. The PCA identified four distinct types, two were relatively culture-free, and two were distinctly culturally oriented. The first non-culture affiliated type described a well-adjusted group of individuals that tended to be males with moderate self-efficacy, who received social support, and who were unlikely to have depression or feel stigmatized. The second non-culture affiliated type described a dimension in which family emotional involvement tended to co-occur with perceived criticism. The Anglo-oriented group had a family environment that did not appear to criticize the individual with epilepsy and had good self-efficacy. The Mexican-oriented group had high self-efficacy and was unlikely to have depression. Results suggest that acculturation variables must be taken into consideration among ethnic groups because social, psychological and acculturation variables interact in complex ways. Additionally, it is clear that a diagnosis of epilepsy does not automatically lead to poor quality of life, stigma, or depression.
Susceptibility of sixteen species of Diptera to the fungal pathogenEntomophthora muscae (Zygomycetes: Entomophthoraceae)

Sixteen species of Diptera from eight families were inoculated with conidia ofEntomophthora muscae (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales). The following species were susceptible and became infected at the rates indicated:Musca domestica (100%),Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis (86%),Phaenicia sericata (44%),Scatophaga stercoraria (30%),Drosophila melanogaster (11%),Aedes aegypti (3%), andStomoxys calcitrans (2%). The following species were not susceptible under the conditions of this study:Phormia regina, Calliphora vicina, Rhagoletis pomonella, Eristalis arbustorum, Eristalis tenax, Toxomerus geminatus, Sphaerophoria scripta, Syrphus sp. andAllograpta oblique. Differences in susceptibility were not related to the taxonomic affinities of the taxa tested; however, susceptibility may be related to interspecific morphological differences of hosts, such as, scales and hairs on the host or the degree of sclerotization of host integument.
Approximation of the discontinuities of a function by its classical orthogonal polynomial Fourier coefficients

In the present paper, we generalize the method suggested in an earlier paper by the author and overcome its main deficiency. First, we modify the well-known Prony method, which subsequently will be utilized for recovering exactly the locations of jump discontinuities and the associated jumps of a piecewise constant function by means of its Fourier coefficients with respect to any system of the classical orthogonal polynomials. Next, we will show that the method is applicable to a wider class of functions, namely, to the class of piecewise smooth functions—for functions which piecewise belong to C 2 [―1, 1], the locations of discontinuities are approximated to within O(1/n) by means of their Fourier-Jacobi coefficients. Unlike the previous one, the generalized method is robust, since its success is independent of whether or not a location of the discontinuity coincides with a root of a classical orthogonal polynomial. In addition, the error estimate is uniform for any [c,d] C (-1, 1). To the end, we discuss the accuracy, stability, and complexity of the method and present numerical examples.
Optimal precompensation for nonlinearities in longitudinal magnetic recording using dynamic programming

We propose a dynamic programming approach to compute optimal precompensation that minimises the Mean Squared Error (MSE) between a nonlinear read-back signal and a linear one. This is done by assuming that the nonlinear read-back signal can be represented by a known finite state machine model. We show how to use finite and infinite horizon dynamic programming techniques to minimise the MSE cost function. Suboptimal techniques are studied, and performance comparisons are performed using computer simulations.
An electrical analogue of a variable compliance

An electrical circuit which simulates a variable compliance is introduced and analysed. The circuit is simple, accurate and inexpensive. It can be used to demonstrate or study the physics of a nonlinear or time-variable compliance. Total arterial compliance is used as an example. Because of its simple structure, the circuit is also ideally suited to be implemented as a building block in a larger electrical model of the cardiovascular system.
American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) in central American immigrants

A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan etiologic agent of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease), among Nicaraguan and Salvadoran immigrants living in the Washington, D.C., area. The serum samples of study subjects were tested for reactivity with T. cruzi antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and also tested for antibody specific for the 72 and 90 kilodalton (kDa) surface glycoproteins of the parasite in an immunoprecipitation and electrophoresis procedure. Xenodiagnosis using reduviid bugs to detect parasites, and clinical evaluations for cardiac and gastrointestinal disease were performed in patients in whom results of both serologic tests were positive. Of 205 subjects studied, 4.9 percent were infected with T. cruzi, and parasites were isolated from 50 percent of those in whom xenodiagnosis was attempted. No significant cardiac or gastrointestinal abnormalities were detected in the six infected patients who were evaluated clinically. These findings suggest that a sizable proportion of persons in this immigrant group are infected with this organism. Thus, routine serologic testing for antibody to T. cruzi may be warranted in immigrants from these countries, especially in view of the potentially serious consequences of infection with this parasite, and also because of the risk of transmission of T. cruzi by blood transfusion.
Achieving decoherence suppression in open quantum systems by utilizing the model of environmental interactions

In this paper, we study the problem of suppressing Decoherence in open finite-dimensional quantum systems by effectively making use of the geometric and structural properties of the open quantum system and the model of the environmental interaction. It is shown that both the geometric properties of the system as well as the structure of decohering environmental interaction play a vital role in successful decoherence suppression. We re-formulate the problem of decoherence suppression as a disturbance rejection scheme, in which the environmental interaction is treated as the quantum disturbance. The conditions for “decouplability” is given along with a detailed constructive algorithm to synthesize the decoupling control of with the help of a scalable ancillary quantum system. This decoherence suppression strategy is demonstrated for a simple 2-qubit system wherein the effects of decoherence are completely eliminated. The theory provides conditions to be imposed on the controller to ensure perfect decoupling.
A normotriglyceridemic, low HDL-cholesterol phenotype is characterised by elevated oxidative stress and HDL particles with attenuated antioxidative activity

Abstract Objective: Low levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) are highly prevalent in subjects presenting premature atherosclerosis. It is indeterminate as to whether high cardiovascular risk in low HDL-C subjects occurs concomitantly with elevated oxidative stress and/or with biologically dysfunctional HDL particles. Methods and results: Systemic oxidative stress (as plasma 8-isoprostanes) was 2.3-fold elevated ( p n =8) as compared to normolipidemic controls ( n =15). HDL subfractions (HDL2b, 2a, 3a, 3b and 3c) isolated by density gradient ultracentrifugation from low HDL-C subjects displayed significantly lower (−21 to −43%, p Conclusions: Low HDL-C subjects display elevated oxidative stress and possess HDL particle subspecies with attenuated intrinsic antioxidative activity which is intimately related to their altered chemical composition.
Provider-staff discrepancies in reported immunization knowledge and practices.

Background. The purpose of the study was to compare immunization-relevant knowledge, certainty about knowledge, self-efficacy, vested interest, and reported practices of providers and clinical staff in the same clinics. Methods. A valid and reliable instrument measuring the aforementioned issues was developed and administered to a sample of 50 providers and 60 members of the clinical staff. Results. Providers were significantly more knowledgeable than staff (P < 0.001); however, they were not more certain about their knowledge (P = 0.52) nor were they more confident in their capability to properly immunize all children in their practice (P = 0.10). Providers reported lower vested interest in immunizations than clinical staff (P < 0.05). Both groups were equally likely to immunize a child with a cold. Providers were less likely to defer needed immunizations for a 15-month-old child, and they were more likely to administer multiple injections to an 18-month-old (both P < 0.05). Providers were more likely than staff to immunize during acute and chronic illness visits (both P < 0.001), and both groups were equally likely to immunize during preventive visits. Conclusions. Discrepancies in reported immunization practices between providers and staff may be a barrier to full immunization.
Partial trisomy for the short arm of chromosome 2 due to familial balanced translocation

A partial trisomy for the short arm of chromosome 2 (p21→pter) was observed in a severely retarded infant with facial, skeletal, genital, renal, and CNS anomalies. The phenotypically normal mother and older brother had a balanced translocation between the short arm of chromosome 2 and the long arm of chromosome 14: 46,XX-XY,t(2;14)(p21;q32).
On sampled data systems with cyclically varying rates

Abstract This paper is concerned with a multiple sampler system with cyclically varying sampling rates. The problem of measuring a desired quantity using several instruments and the problem of transmitting telemetering data over parallel channels are special cases of the system considered. The cyclically varying sampling rates would arise when a certain equipment, such as a digital computer, is used by all channels on a time shared basis. Optimum linear time-varying smoothing filters are determined when the instruments are assumed to be linear time invariant. Optimum linear periodic presampling filters are determined when the smoothing filters are linear and time invariant. Both physically realizable and unrealizable cases are considered. The generalization to systems where the given operations are periodically time-varying is also presented.
Modified Genetic Algorithm in state space pruning for power system reliability evaluation and its parameter determination

Genetic Algorithm (GA) is emerging as a popular tool in the optimization problems of power systems. In reliability indices calculation and adequacy assessment, methods have been previously developed to use GA as the sampling tool. One of the techniques developed is to use GA as the state space pruning tool in order to truncate the state space before calculating the reliability indices. This means to generate a pruned state space, in which the density of failure states is much higher than the original state space, and then Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is used as the final tool to assess the state space and have the reliability indices calculated. GA is used as the state space pruning tool to remove as many success states as possible, with overall computational efficiency in the residual space better than only using Monte Carlo simulation over the entire. The GA has selection, crossover, and mutation operations, with associated parameters controlling every step. The decision of the parameters and the stopping criterion does not have obvious rules. This paper presents a modified GA as the state space pruning tool, with higher efficiency and controllable stopping criterion as well as parameter selection. The modified GA has better efficiency than previous methods, and it is easier to have its parameters selected. This method is tested using the IEEE Reliability Test System (RTS 79 and MRTS), and is compared with original GA-MCS method.
Particle Diffusion from Developing Flows in Rough-Walled Tubes

ABSTRACT A closed-form solution has been derived which quantitatively describes convective mass transfer in a conduit including wall irregularities and entrance effects. It permits the respective roles of the major diffusional parameters upon deposition to be formulated and examined directly. For testing, the model can be reduced to a limiting case; namely, the particle diffusion problem of Ingham (1991) for idealized (i.e., smooth-walled) short tubes. The mathematical model was used to study inhaled aerosols in the upper airways of the human tracheobronchial tree. We focused on the influences of core flow acceleration (in the lumen of an airway) and various cartilaginous ring structures (embedded in the surface of an airway). The effects of core flow acceleration on particle diffusion calculations were quite small for in vivo conditions. However, particle diffusion due to cartilaginous rings can be increased up to 32% relative to idealized tubes. The enhancement can be written in terms of the airway surf...
A HISTOMORPHOLOGIC STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF PERIODONTAL INFLAMMATION ON THE MAXILLARY SINUS MUCOSA

Twenty blocks of human jaws obtained at autopsy and containing maxillary molar teeth with the contiguous maxillary sinus intact were prepared utilizing conventional histopathologic techniques and were studied by light microscopy. The purpose of this investigation was to confirm earlier clinical reports suggesting a close association between human Periodontitis and maxillary sinus thickening and to morphologically document the nature of the sinus changes. Seventeen of 20 jaw specimens demonstrated moderate to advanced periodontal destruction with pervasive extension of the inflammatory infiltrate through the alveolar process beyond the apices of the teeth and extending to the region of the antrum. Of the 20 histologic specimens, 10 showed extensive thickening of the sinus membrane, 9 had moderate hyperplastic changes, and only 1 specimen demonstrated a normal appearing sinus. Pathologic changes in the sinus membrane included inflammatory cell infiltration, edema, fibrosis of the tunica propria, mucous-sero...