cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer-supported collaborative video analysis

Video can serve as a powerful medium for analyzing interactions involved in learning activities, for capturing records of teaching for uses in professional development, and for learners to construct or interact with videos expressively, but there have been many barriers to its collaborative uses. The DIVER Project is tackling core problems in advancing computer-supported collaborative video analysis. DIVER establishes a unique video platform for users to control a "virtual camera window" on a computer for guiding noticing to parts of a video of interest as the video is playing---then to text annotate these moments, and publish them on the web for further collaborative analysis. Every DIVER user---researcher, teacher, or learner---can thus express their visual and interpretive point of view on a video, providing an important and accessible tool for making a difference in our research and education. Ongoing studies of learning research and higher education applications using DIVER are discussed.
Capacity of frequency selective fading channels with side information

We derive a formula for the capacity of discrete time frequency selective fading channels, with channel impulse responses described by stationary ergodic processes. We express the information capacity as an integral with respect to the limiting distribution of the eigenvalues of a matrix that depends on the channel impulse response. Simulation results show that in a broad SNR range capacity is close to the capacity of a flat fading channel.
Iterative Detection Algorithms in Communications

This article motivates the use of algorithms that exchange and update soft decision information in order to improve the performance or reduce the complexity of digital communication receivers. A general and standard approach to the design of such algorithms is then described based on concepts from decision theory and conventional receiver design. A condition for the optimality of this approach is given and motivation for its effectiveness in the absence of this condition is provided. Specific applications of this general approach are summarized. Keywords: iterative decoding; iterative detection; message passing; turbo codes; equalization; interference mitigation
Dielectronic Recombination Calculations for Fe15

Dielectronic recombination (DR) of Na-like Fe forming Mg-like Fe via excitation of a 2l core electron has been investigated. We find that configuration interaction (CI) between DR resonances with different captured electron principal quantum numbers n can lead to a significant reduction in resonance strengths for n ≥ 5. Including this form of CI accounts for most of the discrepancy between previous theoretical and experimental results. Here we briefly present our results and discuss their implications for the modeling of cosmic plasmas.
Politics and Fed policymaking: The more things change the more they remain the same

Economist critiques of FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) policy choices typically treat the Federal Reserve System as a sovereign decision-maker, whose managers seek singlemindedly to promote the public interest at every turn. From this perspective, choosing strategy and tactics for monetary control becomes a straightforward exercise in applied welfare economics, albeit one with difficult stochastic complications (Wood, 1967; Poole, 1970; Waud, 1975; Andersen and Karnosky, 1977; Higgins, 1978; Lombra and Struble, 1978). With Fed bureaucracy and bureaucrats having no contending interests of their own, the central bank’s policy task becomes merely to maximize the expected value of a constrained social welfare function. This ‘utopian’ objective function is defined over a set of policy goals (ideal values for specific dimensions of national economic performance) and is represented as a decreasing function of squared (or absolute) deviations from these goals. Operative constraints consist of information describing both the developing state of the aggregate economy and the ways in which variables directly under the Fed’s control (policy instruments) link up with the goal variables (Wood, 1967; Friedlaender, 1973; Potts and Luckett, 1978). In this view, the Fed’s principal problems are informational: how to quantify its goals and restraints.
PRACTICE OF PEDIATRICS PARTICIPATION OF PARENTS IN THE HOSPITAL CARE OF FATALLY ILL CHILDREN

A program for the participation of parents in the hospital care of fatally ill children is described. Such a program is practical and, in fact, serves useful purposes for patients, parents and staff. The ill children are spared to a large extent from the great difficulty of separation from the parents. This has a maximally beneficial effect upon children less than 6 years of age. For the child 6 to 10 years of age, fear of procedures and of bodily harm seem to take precedence over separation fear, so that parent participation is less helpful. Parent participation is least helpful for the children over 10 years of age, where fear of death itself is the primary problem. There is apparently a maturation of death fear, whereby it evolves from separation fear and mutilation fear. Parents, particularly mothers, are enabled to cope with their own separation anxiety and guilt feelings by participating in the hospital care of the child. This is especially important initially in the course of the child9s illness, when the mother9s reactions are conspicuously characterized by denial, guilt and hysterical emotionality. Later, when the mother9s behavior becomes more rational, her desire to participate is balanced against her desire to support the rest of the family. There is apparently a phasic response in the mother, with an initial emotional and denying reaction and a later more rationally adaptive reaction. Staff personnel, particularly nurses, are largely relieved of the burden of assuming a role of psychologic parentage. An opportunity to identify with a research program is afforded, thus providing constructive purpose. Compensation is also provided by the gratitude of parents who have come to know the staff and to appreciate their efforts and by the satisfaction of aiding in the psychologic rehabilitation of parents.
Spectra and structure of phosphorus-boron compounds: VII. Vibrational analysis of solid phosphine-borane

Abstract The infrared (70–2700 cm − ) and Raman (25–2500 cm −1 ) spectra of H 3 PBH 3 , H 3 PBD 3 , D 3 PBH 3 and D 3 PBD 3 in the solid state at −196 °C have been recorded. The shift associated with the boron-10 and boron-11 isotopes was observed for the P-B stretching motion. A complete vibrational assignment is proposed and a normal coordinate calculation utilizing a valence force field model has been carried out. The force constant of 1.97 mdyn A −1 for the phosphorus-boron stretching mode is consistent with the relatively long phosphorus-boron bond; this constant is compared to the similar quantity for several other phosphorus-boron compounds. None of the E modes for the “free” molecule were found to be split. The number of observed lattice modes is not consistent with the crystal structure previously reported for this molecule. A possible explanation is discussed.
Bayesian data rectification of nonlinear systems with chains in cell space

Data rectification extracts state variables from data corrupted with errors. The Bayesian formulation for nonlinear dynamic systems with non-Gaussian state pdfs does not possess an analytical solution. It is typically simplified by linearization and Gaussian assumptions. This paper presents a novel approach to solve the true nonlinear, non-Gaussian problem. The evolution of state pdf is modeled with finite state Markov chains in discretized state space using Monte Carlo simulations. The approach is compared with grid filters and particle filters.
Femoral Involvement by Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), formerly called “eosinophilic granuloma,” is a benign bone neoplasm that is rare in adults. It is a cellular lesion with histiocytes, plasma cells, small lymphocytes, neutrophils, giant cells, foam cells, and eosinophilic leukocytes1. The disease typically presents during childhood, with >90% of cases occurring between the ages of five and fifteen years. LCH typically presents as a lytic medullary lesion with sharply defined margins, most commonly in the skull and in the diaphyses of long bones. The pelvis is affected in 5% to 17% of reported cases2,3. We report an unusual case of LCH presenting in the femur of a healthy young adult man following primary total hip arthroplasty for presumed idiopathic osteonecrosis. Inspection of the joint at the time of the initial surgery demonstrated no findings that were thought to warrant formal histological investigation of bone at the arthroplasty site. One year later, repeat radiographs demonstrated changes mimicking a periprosthetic infection. The prosthesis was removed, and histological examination of tissue curetted from the lytic lesions adjacent to the prosthetic femoral stem demonstrated findings consistent with a diagnosis of LCH. Cultures of curetted tissue from the same site revealed no bacterial, mycobacterial, or fungal growth. The patient, treated initially as if he had an infection at the site of the arthroplasty, underwent placement of an antibiotic cement spacer followed by revision total hip arthroplasty. At the most recent follow-up evaluation, there had been no recurrence of the LCH and the hip prosthesis was functioning well. In retrospect, LCH, which was present at revision, could have been present at the primary operation and could have been diagnosed if tissue specimens had been submitted for histological examination. This experience underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for unexpected diagnoses …
Single-molecule dynamics and mechanisms of metalloregulators and metallochaperones.

Understanding how cells regulate and transport metal ions is an important goal in the field of bioinorganic chemistry, a frontier research area that resides at the interface of chemistry and biology. This Current Topic reviews recent advances from the authors’ group in using single-molecule fluorescence imaging techniques to identify the mechanisms of metal homeostatic proteins, including metalloregulators and metallochaperones. It emphasizes the novel mechanistic insights into how dynamic protein–DNA and protein–protein interactions offer efficient pathways via which MerR-family metalloregulators and copper chaperones can fulfill their functions. This work also summarizes other related single-molecule studies of bioinorganic systems and provides an outlook toward single-molecule imaging of metalloprotein functions in living cells.
A Comparison of the Responses of Identical Cup AnemometersMounted on a Spar and a Toroid Buoy

Abstract In experiments with identical cup anemometers, one mounted on a spar buoy and one mounted on a toroidbuoy that were anchored close together, the anemometer mounted on the toroid indicated consistently higher10-min integrated averages of wind speed than the cup anemometer mounted on the spar buoy. The differ-ence was 7% of the mean wind speed and was linear over a range of mean wind speeds from 1½ to 9½ m s-1.
Validation of engineering design alternative selection methods

The decision sciences have emerged over the past 300 years with contributions from many highly recognized individuals. Yet, by and large, these results have not been incorporated into engineering design decision methods, nor have these methods been validated. The result is that design decision methods commonly exhibit undesirable behaviors that are clearly evident when one knows what to look for. Indications of bad behavior are presented, and a framework for validation of engineering design alternative selection methods is suggested.
Smart Wires — A distributed, low-cost solution for controlling power flows and monitoring transmission lines

Smart Wires is a family of three Distributed FACTS (D-FACTS) technologies able to realize low-cost transmission line monitoring and power flow control in meshed networks. Smart Wires will allow utilities to increase power transfers in meshed networks by increasing average line utilization. The technology is projected to have significantly lower cost and lead time than alternatives, namely new line construction, reconductoring, or conventional FACTS technology. This paper overviews the work done to date to demonstrate the feasibility and impact of the technology, including prototype development and system simulations.
Distribution modeling and evaluation of product design problems

Abstract This paper proposes a framework for the modeling and evaluation of product design problems in a computer network-oriented design environment. The framework is intended to integrate designer-specified mathematical models for multidisciplinary and multiobjective design problems. The goal is to provide the ability to rapidly construct integrated design problem models to facilitate collaborative design work, improve product quality and reduce development time. Ultimately, it should allow specialized engineering applications and design problem models to operate under a common design environment. A product design problem is modeled in terms of interacting objects, called modules, each representing a specific aspect of the problem. Modules interact with one another through services that allow the exchange of information. Modules can encapsulate engineering models and data or software applications. The method is extended using a standard network communication protocol to create a distributed object-based modeling and evaluation framework for design problems.
Renaturation of formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase from urea and guanidinium chloride solutions.

Abstract Formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase from Clostridium cylindrosporum and Clostridium acidi-urici was denatured in 6 M urea and 4 M guanidinium chloride. Viscometric, fluorimetric and ultracentrifugal measurements were used to determine that the protein is completely unfolded under these conditions. The polypeptide chains refold upon dilution of the denaturant-protein solutions to give final concentrations of 0.5 M urea or 0.1 M guanidinium chloride. In the presence of NH4+, but not in its absence, the refolded proteins associate to produce the catalytically active tetramer. Refolding and reassociation were followed by measuring changes in protein fiuorescence and by determination of sedimentation constants. Under most conditions 80% of the enzymic activity is recovered.
Diel movements of out-migrating Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) smolts in the Sacramento/San Joaquin watershed

We used ultrasonic telemetry to describe the movement patterns of late-fall run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead trout (O. mykiss) smolts during their entire emigration down California’s Sacramento River, through the San Francisco Bay Estuary and into the Pacific Ocean. Yearling hatchery smolts were tagged via intracoelomic surgical implantation with coded ultrasonic tags. They were then released at four upriver locations in the Sacramento River during the winters of 2007 through 2010. Late-fall run Chinook salmon smolts exhibited a nocturnal pattern of migration after release in the upper river. This is likely because individuals remain within a confined area during the day, while they become active at night and migrate downstream. The ratio between night and day detections of Chinook salmon smolts decreased with distance traveled downriver. There was a significant preference for nocturnal migration in every reach of the river except the Estuary. In contrast, steelhead smolts, which reside upriver longer following release, exhibited a less pronounced diel pattern during their entire migration. In the middle river, Delta, and Estuary, steelhead exhibited a significant preference for daytime travel. In the ocean Chinook salmon preferred to travel at night, yet steelhead were detected on the monitors equally during the night and day. These data show that closely related Oncorhynchus species, with the same ontogenetic pattern of out-migrating as yearlings, vary in migration tactic.
National Trends in Ambulatory Asthma Treatment, 1997–2009

BACKGROUND Despite reductions in morbidity and mortality and changes in guidelines, little is known regarding changes in asthma treatment patterns.
Multiple-Scattering Effects in High-Energy Electron-Molecule Collisions. I. Diatomic Molecules

The multiple-scattering theory of Glauber is used to investigate the importance of double scattering in the collisions of fast electrons with diatomic molecules. By representing the atomic potentials as a sum of Yukawa terms, comparisons of scattering amplitudes calculated by the partial-wave analysis and the high-energy approximation (Moliere) are made over a wide range for several atoms. At 40 keV the amplitudes are found to be numerically equivalent to within a few percent, with the agreement worsening with decreasing energy. Calculations for ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ at 0.5 and 40 keV and for ${\mathrm{I}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{U}}_{2}$ for 40-keV incident electron energies are presented; these results can be regarded as quantitative estimates of the importance of double scattering for a system of two atoms as a function of atomic number. Our ${\mathrm{U}}_{2}$ calculation is compared with a similar calculation by Hoerni. In contrast to his findings, the double-scattering contribution to the differential cross section is seen to be negative in the small-angle region. In any event, for all cases considered, the multiple-scattering correction is quite small, amounting to no more than \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2% of the differential cross section for any angle of scattering.
Potentiation of immune responses in mice by a new inosine derivative--methyl inosine monophosphate (MIMP).

Abstract Inosine 5′ - methyl monophosphate (MIMP) is a new immunomodulator designed to improve upon the activity of other thymomimetic purines. In Balb/c mice, MIMP was assessed for toxicity and activity on immune responses. The lethal dose for half the mice ( LD 50 ) exceeded 500 mg/kg of body weight by both the parenteral and oral routes. At doses of 1 – 100 mg/kg, the mice showed no visible untoward effects. The antibody response of splenocytes to sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) was measured by IgM plaque-forming cells (PFC) in soft agar under optimal conditions of immunization and challenge. MIMP (1 – 100 mg/kg) was given by both the intraperitoneal and oral routes (gavage) at the time of SRBC injection and 4 days thereafter. The PFC response was found to be significantly augmented. The maximum effect (approximately 2 ×) was observed at 50 and 100 mg/kg, via intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral routes, respectively. Increases (maximally 1.5 ×) in the responses of splenic lymphocytes to mitogen stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A) were observed under similar conditions of MIMP treatment. SRBC-induced delayed-hypersensitivity (DTH) was also measured under optimal conditions. By both i.p. and oral routes, enhancement of DTH response was produced by the lower doses of MIMP (0.01–1 mg/kg). Again, a second peak of optimum stimulation of DTH response was produced by 50 mg/kg of MIMP when administered by both routes. The effect was observed mainly on the sensitization rather than on the expression phase. MIMP qualifies as an effective immunopotentiator in normal mice.
Parental Dominance and Offspring Ethno-Centrism

(1959). Parental Dominance and Offspring Ethno-Centrism. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 49, No. 2, pp. 297-303.
An adaptive spectral/DG method for a reduced phase-space based level set approach to geometrical optics on curved elements

We present an adaptive spectral/discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method on curved elements to simulate high-frequency wavefronts within a reduced phase-space formulation of geometrical optics. Following recent work, the approach is based on the use of level sets defined by functions satisfying the Liouville equations in reduced phase-space and, in particular, it relies on the smoothness of these functions to represent them by rapidly convergent spectral expansions in the phase variables. The resulting (hyperbolic) system of equations for the coefficients in these expansions are then amenable to a high-order accurate treatment via DG approximations. In the present work, we significantly expand on the applicability and efficiency of the approach by incorporating mechanisms that allow for its use in scattering simulations and for a reduced overall computational cost. With regards to the former we demonstrate that the incorporation of curved elements is necessary to attain any kind of accuracy in calculations that involve scattering off non-flat interfaces. With regards to efficiency, on the other hand, we also show that the level-set formulation allows for a space p-adaptive scheme that under-resolves the level-set functions away from the wavefront without incurring in a loss of accuracy in the approximation of its location. As we show, these improvements enable simulations that are beyond the capabilities of previous implementations of these numerical procedures.
Comparison of the accuracies of chemical and sensory tests for detecting taint in pork

Abstract Chemical and sensory tests are widely used to detect boar taint in meat from entire male pigs. Chemical tests typically assess tissue levels of the compounds associated with taint, including 16-androstenes, like 5α-androstenone, and skatole. Sensory tests classify boar carcasses into either tainted or untainted categories according to test criteria assessed by human evaluators. The threshold levels of taint compounds are typically determined according to the results of chemical tests. This experiment was designed to compare chemical analyses and sensory tests by a trained panel for the determination of taint and to study their accuracies. Fat samples were taken in a slaughterhouse from 220 intact male pigs killed at 100.4 ± 0.4 kg body weight. Fat samples, frozen after collection at slaughter, were subsequently analyzed for levels of androstenone and skatole using a colorimetric method. Samples also were evaluated by a trained sensory panel for the presence of boar taint. Forty-nine percent of males had fat androstenone levels above 1.0 ppm, the cutoff level used to discriminate tainted from untainted pork. Only 2% of pigs had fat skatole levels above 0.25 ppm of cutoff level. Fifteen percent of boars were judged as tainted by the sensory panel. Based on the cutoff levels of 1.0 ppm of fat androstenone and 0.25 ppm of fat skatole, the sensitivities and specificities of the chemical analysis were, respectively, 100% and 54.1% for androstenone, and 8.0% and 99.0% for skatole. The sensitivity and specificity of pooled data (combined androstenone and skatole) were 84.8% and 57.2%, respectively; positive and negative predictive values were 25.9% and 95.5%, respectively. These results suggest that fat androstenone is more reliable than skatole for identifying taint. Furthermore, chemical analysis of tissue levels of androstenone and skatole does not identify all tainted carcasses, suggesting that other compounds may also contribute to taint.
Comparative analysis of closed loop AFR control during cold start

This paper examines the air-fuel ratio (AFR) control of the spark-ignited, internal combustion engine during cold start. It has been shown that a significant amount of emissions occur during cold start and idle before the AFR closed-loop control system goes into effect. Use of combustion pressure feedback, as measured from within the engine cylinder, is investigated for AFR control during cold start in an attempt to achieve better emissions. Specifically, the combustion pressure is used to calculate the equivalent heat release duration, which is then used for feedback control. Linear and nonlinear control techniques are applied to a Ford V8 engine in a laboratory setting, and the results are compared.
Comparison of conforming and nonconforming retrieved glenoid components.

The purpose of this study was to compare differences in wear performance of conforming and nonconforming glenoid designs, using clinical, radiographic, and retrieved polyethylene glenoid component outcome Sixty-three glenoids met the study criteria, and each glenoid was assigned to the conforming group (if the radii of curvature of the humeral and glenoid components were identical) or the nonconforming group (if a mismatch existed between the radii of curvature). The mean length of implantation was 5.6 ± 5.5 years in the conforming group and 3.1 ± 3.1 years for the nonconforming group ( P P (P .01), while the conforming group had greater abrasion and delamination scores ( P
AlAs-in-AlSb digital alloy superlattice morphology versus growth temperature

Abstract We report a systematic study of how growth temperature affects the quality of AlAs-in-AlSb digital alloy superlattices grown by molecular beam epitaxy for barrier layers in type-II W-structure infrared lasers. Using cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy to characterize the atomic-scale structure of the material, we find substantial differences in the superlattice morphology for growth temperatures between 435 and 540 °C. At lower growth temperatures, the AlAs forms three-dimensional clusters, with continuous structures threading through multiple periods of the superlattice. With increasing temperature, the morphology of the digitally doped AlAs layers consistently improves, with nearly perfect delta doping observed at the highest temperatures studied. The changes in the superlattice structure can be attributed primarily to the known temperature dependence of the AlSb growth front morphology, with secondary effects associated with anion-exchange at the interfaces and the different surface reconstructions on the two growth surfaces.
Genetic selection reveals the role of a buried, conserved polar residue

The burial of nonpolar surface area is known to enhance markedly the conformational stability of proteins. The contribution from the burial of polar surface area is less clear. Here, we report on the tolerance to substitution of Ser75 of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase A), a residue that has the unusual attributes of being buried, conserved, and polar. To identify variants that retain biological function, we used a genetic selection based on the intrinsic cytotoxicity of ribonucleolytic activity. Cell growth at 30°C, 37°C, and 44°C correlated with residue size, indicating that the primary attribute of Ser75 is its small size. The side-chain hydroxyl group of Ser75 forms a hydrogen bond with a main-chain nitrogen. The conformational stability of the S75A variant, which lacks this hydrogen bond, was diminished by ΔΔG = 2.5 kcal/mol. Threonine, which can reinstate this hydrogen bond, provided a catalytically active RNase A variant at higher temperatures than did some smaller residues (including aspartate), indicating that a secondary attribute of Ser75 is the ability of its uncharged side chain to accept a hydrogen bond. These results provide insight on the imperatives for the conservation of a buried polar residue.
The interaction of sex and route of drug administration in cocaine-induced conditioned taste aversions

Abstract Although taste aversion learning has been reported to be a function of a variety of factors, one that has received considerable attention is the subject's sex, wherein males generally display stronger taste aversions than females. An exception to these findings is with cocaine for which females have been shown to display greater aversions than males. Although suggestive of a Sex × Drug interaction, cocaine was administered subcutaneously (SC) in this report while others administered drug intraperitoneally (IP). Thus, there may be a Sex × Route interaction. To address the contributions of sex and route in cocaine aversions, the present study examined aversions in male and female Sprague–Dawley rats administered a range of doses of cocaine either SC or IP. At the two higher doses of cocaine tested (20 and 32 mg/kg), aversions were a function of route with animals injected SC with cocaine displaying greater aversions than those injected IP. Although there was no main effect of sex at either dose there was an interaction between sex and route at the 20 mg/kg dose. Specifically, SC-injected males displayed stronger aversions than IP-injected males. There were no differences between the two routes for females. Further, males displayed stronger aversions than females when injected SC. There was no sex difference when both groups were injected IP. This interaction was no longer evident at the highest does of cocaine (32 mg/kg). These data indicate that sex differences in aversion learning with cocaine are a function of the route of cocaine administration (and are dose specific).
Immunohistochemical study of the hippocampus in parkinsonism-dementia complex on Guam.

This investigation concerns the expression of paired helical filaments, tau protein, ubiquitin, β-amyloid protein, and syn aptophysin in the hippocampus of patients with parkinsonism-dementia complex on Guam (PDC) and Alzheimer's dis ease. Alzheimer's neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) were identified in all cases of PDC and Alzheimer's disease by the modified Bielschowsky method, with which they were readily detected, and by immunohistochemical procedures using antibodies to paired helical filaments, tau protein, and ubiquitin. Observations regarding the different morphological stages indicated that NFTs were similar in PDC and Alzheimer's disease. The same markers were also useful for detecting neuropil threads, abundant in the CA1 field and the subiculum in both diseases. In the CA4 region of some PDC cases, prominent threads were noted. No senile plaques or amyloid angiopathies were seen in the hippocampus of the PDC cases examined. There was a significant decrease in synaptophysin immunoreactivity, most ...
Selective attention and brainstem frequency-following responses

In the auditory system, cortical event-related potential amplitudes are enhanced during selective attention within the auditory channel. In the case of brainstem responses, however, the results are less clear since only a few studies have reported attention effects. Nearly all of these studies have used click stimuli to elicit the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER). In the present study, pure tones (200 and 400 Hz) elicited the brainstem frequency-following response (FFR) in a task that maximized channel separation by presenting different frequencies to each ear. Twelve male and 12 female subjects participated. Perceptual sensitivity (d') showed an overall right ear advantage (REA) that did not depend on gender or stimulus frequency. FFR averages were enhanced by digital filtering, the 25 ms response was partitioned in half, and quantified by fast-Fourier analysis. Results of the statistical analysis showed a significant Attention x Frequency x Half interaction. Thus, whether or not component amplitudes were larger during attention depended on the particular stimulus and temporal location within the FFR. These results are more complex and time variant than would be predicted by the hypothesis that attention only enhances evoked response amplitudes. Nevertheless, these results suggest that some form of attention-related modulation may be occurring at the level of the brainstem. The present results provide additional support for a peripheral gating mechanism in humans, which has been claimed in a minority of BAER studies. The FFR may provide additional useful information since it presumably depends on phase-locking neural elements, rather than on-units activated by acoustic transients.
Surfing a genetic association interaction network to identify modulators of antibody response to smallpox vaccine.

The variation in antibody response to vaccination likely involves small contributions of numerous genetic variants, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which interact in gene networks and pathways. To accumulate the bits of genetic information relevant to the phenotype that are distributed throughout the interaction network, we develop a network eigenvector centrality algorithm (SNPrank) that is sensitive to the weak main effects, gene–gene interactions and small higher-order interactions through hub effects. Analogous to Google PageRank, we interpret the algorithm as the simulation of a random SNP surfer (RSS) that accumulates bits of information in the network through a dynamic probabilistic Markov chain. The transition matrix for the RSS is based on a data-driven genetic association interaction network (GAIN), the nodes of which are SNPs weighted by the main-effect strength and edges weighted by the gene–gene interaction strength. We apply SNPrank to a GAIN analysis of a candidate-gene association study on human immune response to smallpox vaccine. SNPrank implicates a SNP in the retinoid X receptor α (RXRA) gene through a network interaction effect on antibody response. This vitamin A- and D-signaling mediator has been previously implicated in human immune responses, although it would be neglected in a standard analysis because its significance is unremarkable outside the context of its network centrality. This work suggests SNPrank to be a powerful method for identifying network effects in genetic association data and reveals a potential vitamin regulation network association with antibody response.
Observation of a Novel Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in Germanium Containing Dislocations

The first observation of EPR of electrons at dislocations in Ge is reported. Under optical excitation two sets of lines are detected: four lines about the $〈111〉$ axes with ${g}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}=0.34$ and ${g}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=1.94, \mathrm{and} 24$ lines with ${g}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}=0.73$ and ${g}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=1.89$ about $〈111〉$ axes with a sixfold 1.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} distortion. The lines persist for hours after excitation and are inverted in sign.
Survivable design of reconfigurable MPLS VPN networks

MPLS has become an increasingly common technology for guaranteed transport services for carrying customer traffic. We consider the survivable design problem from the perspective of an MPLS VPN network provider where the data rate required is dynamically configurable based on customers' traffic demands. Network optimization formulations for global design and end-to-end fast reroute design are presented. For the global design model, we present two variations: global sequential redesign and selective sequential redesign. Through computational work, we observe that as networks get larger, the relative cost of making that network survivable goes down. Furthermore, as a network of a given number of nodes increases its connectivity, the cost of survivability goes down. Finally, the global sequential redesign and selective sequential redesign methods produce survivable design costs that are comparable, while they are approximately 28% less expensive than the end-to-end fast reroute design approach for survivability.
A method of short range system analysis for nuclear utilities

Abstract An optimization procedure has been formulated and tested that is capable of solving for the optimal generation schedule of several nuclear power reactors in an electric power utility system, under short-range, resource-limited, conditions. The optimization procedure utilizes a new concept called the Opportunity Cost of Nuclear Power (OCNP) to optimally assign the resource-limited nuclear energy to the different weeks and hours in the short-range planning horizon. OCNP is defined as the cost of displaced energy when optimally distributed nuclear energy is marginally increased. Under resource-limited conditions, the short-range “value” of nuclear power to a utility system is not its actual generation cost, but the cost of the next best alternative supply of energy, the OCNP. OCNP is a function of a week's system reserve capacity, the system's economic loading order, the customer demand function, and the nature of the available utility system generating units. The optimized OCNP value of the short-range planning period represents the utility's short-range energy replacement cost incurred when selling nuclear energy to a neighbouring utility.
Pitfalls in point-spread-function measurement of computed tomographic system by microphantom reconstruction

Intuitively, the point spread function (PSF) of a computed tomographic (CT) system can be determined by the reconstruction of a microphantom (diam 1 mm). In conclusion, the CT PSF can be efficiently determined by an edge-based technique, such as the iterative edge-blurring algorithm.
Method for gantry angle repositioning on rotational teletherapy equipment

Repositioning errors for given angles have been found to be as large as ±0.5°. Errors of this magnitude are undesirable and unnecessary. To overcome this difficulty, a small laser was mounted to the counterweight of our accelerator with its light beam projected at 90° to the axis of the x‐ray beam. The light beam is used as a lever arm to indicate large distances (0.125 in.) for small changes in gantry angle (0.1°). Gantry angles can easily be repositioned within 0.1°. Routine use of the laser beam indicator has reduced the time taken to reposition the gantry.
Establishment of the Ash Whitefly Parasitoid Encarsia inaron (Walker) and Its Economic Benefit to Ornamental Street Trees in California

The ash whitefly,Siphoninus phillyreae(Haliday) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), invaded and rapidly spread throughout California beginning sometime before August 18, 1988 when it was first detected. The ash whitefly's previous distribution was limited to Europe, the Middle East, and north Africa, where it feeds primarily on trees and woody shrubs. In 1989, outbreak populations of the ash whitefly occurred in several major urban centers in California, defoliating ornamental trees commonly planted by local governments and homeowners. Outdoor activities by homeowners also were curtailed by the high number of adult whiteflies in the air that posed a respiratory health threat. Within 3 years of the whitefly's invasion of California,Encarsia inaron(Walker) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), was imported, mass reared, and released in 43 of 46 affected counties. The summer infestation density of the ash whitefly before releases ofE. inaronaveraged 8 to 21 individuals/cm2leaf. Within 2 years ofE. inaronreleases, the infestation density of the ash whitefly averaged 0.32 to 2.18 individuals/cm2leaf. The decrease in the ash whitefly density resulted from the rapid spread and establishment ofE. inaron.Parasitized ash whitefly, 1 year afterE. inaronreleases, averaged between 63 and 97% throughout the summer. Based on the economic value of preserving healthy ornamental/evergreen pear and ash trees, the ash whitefly biocontrol effort provided $219,822,823 and $298,803,970 in esthetic benefits to California in wholesale and retail replacement values, respectively. For every dollar spent by the State Biological Control Program and the University of California, approximately $181 in wholesale and $245 in retail esthetic value for the primary hosts of the ash whitefly were preserved.
Current Research on Cities and its contribution to urban studies

Abstract This paper discusses the potential of bibliometrics—the analysis of digital information transfer—especially as it is relevant to an understanding of urban studies. It provides some examples and illustrates how the journal Current Research on Cities operates to provide meta-analysis of the field.
Enternal arginine supplementation stimulates DNA synthesis in skin donor wound

Summary Background & aims Arginine infusion has been demonstrated to increase wound protein deposition; however, the effects of its enteral supplementation on wound cell proliferation have not been studied. Methods Skin donor wound was created on the back of rabbits. The rabbits were randomly assigned to receive a control enteral diet, or the control enteral diet with supplemental arginine. On day 5 l -[ring-13C6]phenylalanine and d -[U-13C6]glucose were infused to measure the fractional synthetic rates of DNA (reflecting cell proliferation) and protein in the wound. Results In the arginine group (n = 6) plasma arginine concentration was increased to 2.8 fold that in the control group (n = 8), which was a less increase than that of 6.4 fold for ornithine. Wound DNA fractional synthetic rate was 5.37 ± 0.21%/day in the arginine group, greater (p Conclusions Enternal arginine supplementation increased wound DNA synthesis, which is anticipated to promote cell proliferation for wound healing. The failure of enteral arginine to stimulate protein synthesis is explained by limited increase in plasma arginine. Decreased availability of essential amino acids, especially branched chain amino acids, may also contribute to the failure to stimulate protein synthesis.
Interaction of myogenic factors and the retinoblastoma protein mediates muscle cell commitment and differentiation

The experiments reported here document that the tumor suppressor retinoblastoma protein (pRB) plays an important role in the production and maintenance of the terminally differentiated phenotype of muscle cells. We show that pRB inactivation, through either phosphorylation, binding to T antigen, or genetic alteration, inhibits myogenesis. Moreover, inactivation of pRB in terminally differentiated cells allows them to reenter the cell cycle. In addition to its involvement in the myogenic activities of MyoD, pRB is also required for the cell growth-inhibitory activity of this myogenic factor. We also show that pRB and MyoD directly bind to each other, both in vivo and in vitro, through a region that involves the pocket and the basic-helix-loop-helix domains, respectively. All the results obtained are consistent with the proposal that the effects of MyoD on the cell cycle and of pRB on the myogenic pathway result from the direct binding of the two molecules.
LIQUID-LIQUID IMMISCIBILITY IN LIPID MONOLAYERS

Abstract Some binary lipid mixtures form coexisting liquid phases when spread at the air/water interface. This work describes the pressure–composition phase diagrams of binary mixtures of four unsaturated phosphatidylcholines with dihydrocholesterol. These four binary mixtures have critical compositions of approximately fifty mole percent, and average critical exponents of 0.25±0.07. The data can also be approximated by a regular solution thermodynamic model, yielding parameters for the non-ideality of these mixtures.
Localization of the murine cholecystokinin A and B receptor genes

We have determined the chromosomal locations of the two cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor genes in the mouse. Genetic localization utilized an interspecific backcross panel formed from the cross (C57BL/6J x Mus spretus) F1 x Mus spretus. Genomic DNAs from 94 individuals in the backcross were analyzed by Southern hybridization with rat CCKA and CCKB receptor cDNA probes. Unique map positions were determined by haplotype analysis with 650 previously mapped loci in the mouse backcross. The CCKA receptor gene (Cckar) mapped to mouse Chromosome (Chr) 5, in tight linkage with the DNA marker D5Bir8. The CCKB receptor gene (Cckbr) mapped to mouse Chr 7, tightly linked to the β-hemoglobin locus (Hbb). This localization places Cckbr in the same region as the mouse obesity mutation tubby (tub), which also maps near Hbb (2.4±1.4 cM). Since CCK can function as a satiety factor when administered to rodents, localization of Cckbr near the tub mutation identifies this receptor as a possible candidate gene for this obesity mutation.
Line profile reconstruction : validation and comparison of reconstruction methods

Abstract Currently, open path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectrometers have been applied in some fenceline monitoring, but their use has been limited because path-integrated concentration measurements typically only provide an estimate of the average concentration. We present a series of experiments that further explore the use of path-integrated measurements to reconstruct various pollutant distributions along a linear path. Our experiments were conducted in a ventilation chamber using an OP-FTIR instrument to monitor a tracer-gas release over a fenceline configuration. These experiments validate a line profile method (1-D reconstruction). Additionally, we expand current reconstruction techniques by applying the Bootstrap to our measurements. We compared our reconstruction results to our point samplers using the concordance correlation factor (CCF). Of the four different release types, three were successfully reconstructed with CCFs greater than 0.9. The difficult reconstruction involved a narrow release where the pollutant was limited to one segment of the segmented beampath. In general, of the three reconstruction methods employed, the average of the bootstrapped reconstructions was found to have the highest CCFs when compared to the point samplers. Furthermore, the bootstrap method was the most flexible and allowed a determination of the uncertainty surrounding our reconstructions.
Structural analysis of DNA bending induced by tethered triple helix forming oligonucleotides.

In order to monitor DNA flexibility, we have recently reported the design of an artificial DNA bending system consisting of two triple helix forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) connected by a flexible linker [Akiyama, T., & Hogan, M. E. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 93, 12122-12127], which spans a single turn of DNA helix. Those data suggested that up to 60 degrees of bending deformation could be induced with an expenditure of energy which is much smaller than predicted from bulk flexibility parameters. In this report, the detailed structure of the bend has been investigated by three different methods: circular permutation analysis, phasing analysis, and ring closure. Circular permutation and phasing analysis suggest that the magnitude of the bend is dependent on linker length. The apparent location of the bend was estimated from circular permutation analysis to be at the duplex region intervening the two sites of triple helix formation. The electrophoretic mobility of the bent complex appears to vary with the sequence of the intervening duplex region of the binding site complex, in the order of AT-rich > random > or = GC-rich sequence. Detailed fitting of the phasing data has shown that bending is not accompanied by significant twisting deformation. Ring closure analysis with T4 DNA ligase has confirmed the general magnitude of the TFO-induced bend and has additionally suggested that formation of the simple linear antiparallel triple helix does not enhance DNA flexibility.
Unanswered questions in the management of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: an overview from the medical oncologist's perspective.

Patients with gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma have multiple treatment options; however, are victims of lack of consensus and wide variation in treatment, sometimes within the same ho...