cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The mycoflora of adult worker honeybees, Apis mellifera: Effects of 2,4,5-T and caging of bee colonies

Abstract The guts of 195 adult worker honeybees, Apis mellifera , from free-flying control colonies fed sucrose, from caged control colonies fed sucrose, from free-flying colonies fed 2,4,5-T, and from caged colonies fed 2,4,5-T were examined for yeasts and molds. Only 25% of the bee guts contained fungi. Torulopsis magnoliae, T. glabrata, Hansenula anomala, Penicillium cyclopium , and P. cyclopium var. echinulatum were the most frequent isolates. Molds were most prevalent in bees from free-flying control colonies fed sucrose, and yeasts were found most often in bees from caged colonies fed 2,4,5-T.
Unbiasedness of the Theil–Sen estimator

We consider the simple linear regression model. The Theil–Sen estimator is a point estimator of the slope parameter in the model and has many nice properties, most of which are established by Sen. Thus, it is introduced in several classical textbooks on non-parametric statistics. Sen also gave a proof that the Theil–Sen estimator is unbiased under the assumption that the error distribution is continuous. The statement is incorrect. We construct several counterexamples. Furthermore, we show that the continuity assumption on the error distribution is not important to unbiasedness. In particular, if the sample size n = 2 or 3, then the Theil–Sen estimator is unbiased. Moreover, if either the error distribution or the covariates have certain symmetry, then the Theil–Sen estimator is also unbiased.
Comparative determination of total isomeric truxillines in illicit, refined, South American cocaine hydrochloride using capillary gas chromatography-electron capture detection

Abstract The isomeric truxillines and their hydrolysis products are present as manufacturing impurities in most illicit, refined cocaine samples. Methodology is described for the comparative gas chromatographic determination of total isomeric truxilline manufacturing impurities/by-products, i.e., intact truxillines and their hydrolysis products, in illicit, refined cocaine samples seized in South America. These isomers, namely, alpha-, beta-, delta-, epsilon-, gamma-, omega-, zeta-, peri-+neo- and epi-truxilline, were all quantified relative to mu-truxillic acid, a structurally-related internal standard. In this method, the cocaine samples were first subjected to treatment with boron trifluoride-methanol, followed by lithium aluminum hydride reduction and then acylation with heptafluorobutyric anhydride. The resultant di-heptafluorobutyryl derivatives of the truxillyl and truxinyl diols exhibited excellent chromatography and low-picogram on-column detection when using a moderately polar fused-silica capillary column interfaced with an electron-capture detector. This methodology demonstrated good reproducibility, as determined by the repetitive analysis of a selected illicit cocaine exhibit. The analysis of 117 unadulterated, illicit, refined cocaine samples revealed that total truxilline levels ranged from 0.2–12.3% (w/w relative to cocaine), with the two most abundant truxillines being the alpha- and beta- isomers. Truxilline data for the total individual truxilline isomers in cocaine hydrochloride exhibits from five South American countries are presented.
Biosystematics of the genus Pinus, subsection contortae

Gene frequency data from 42 isoenzyme loci were used to assess the phylogeny of taxa in the genus Pinus, subsection Contortae. The classification inferred from a phenogram based on Nei's genetic distance measure (DN) was generally in good agreement with the current taxonomic treatment of the subsection. Pinus contorta appears to most closely resemble the ancestral taxon from which all other taxa in the subsection are derived. An alternative classification based upon Mahalonobis squared distances (DR) obtained from seed and cone measurements differed from the isoenzyme treatment by placing P. contorta subsp. murrayana in close association with P. virginiana.
Composition of the essential oil of white sage, Salvia apiana

The essential oil of white sage, Salvia apiana, was obtained by steam distillation and analysed by GC-MS. A total of 13 components were identified, accounting for >99.9% of the oil. The primary component was 1,8-cineole, accounting for 71.6% of the oil. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vocabulary overclaiming — A complete approach: Ability, personality, self-concept correlates, and gender differences

Abstract Extant measures that purport to assess overclaiming of an individual's knowledge provide checklists of real and bogus items, and typically assess overclaiming on the basis of the number of bogus items endorsed by the respondents. Such measures have two salient shortcomings. First, the procedure for selecting foils (e.g., that may sound familiar to respondents) may influence the likelihood of endorsement — such as the use of ‘attractive distractors.’ Second, real items endorsed by the respondents are not necessarily ‘true’ indicators of the individual's knowledge, but confound knowledge with self-enhancement, because there is no assessment of the individual's actual knowledge. We present a study of overclaiming of vocabulary knowledge that provides a signal detection theory assessment, including self-claimed knowledge and an objective test of knowledge. Ability, personality, self-concept and other predictors were assessed, along with gender. Self-claimed vocabulary knowledge was highly correlated with objectively assessed knowledge. In contrast to investigations without explicit checks on actual knowledge, current results indicated that higher ability individuals evidenced slightly greater overclaiming than lower ability individuals.
High Voltage Solid State Trigger Generators

We have previously developed a low-inductance, dual- thyristor, switch module capable of operation at up to 8 kV and 14 kA with current risetimes of >25 kA/mus [1]. By integrating this module with a high voltage DC-DC converter and a control circuit, we have created a compact high voltage solid state trigger generator. Optically isolated control functions allow the trigger generator to float to the anode or cathode potential as needed. These systems can have a maximum operating voltage of 1 kV to 8 kV using a supply voltage of 5 VDC to 48 VDC. This paper will describe a 5 kV trigger generator with a voltage rise time of 40 ns that is used to trigger spark gaps. This generator would be suitable for replacing Krytrons. The switch module, DC-DC converter, and control circuits, are packaged in a 4" times 7" times 2.5" enclosure.
Enhanced solid solution effects on the strength of nanocrystalline alloys

Abstract Solid solution strengthening in nanocrystalline alloys is studied using sputtered Ni–W as a model system. In the composition range of 0–20 at.% W, the sputtered alloys have a nanocrystalline structure with a grain size that is independent of composition. Nanoindentation of these alloys shows that solute addition increases strength to very high levels, almost in proportion to the solute content. This behavior is not expected based on traditional solid solution strengthening mechanistic models of local dislocation pinning at solute atoms, but can be explained by further considering a global effect of solute on the average properties of the Ni lattice. The new strengthening term arises by considering grain boundaries as pinning points for dislocation motion in nanocrystalline materials and incorporating the effect of solutes on such a mechanism. Our discussion surrounding Ni–W also provides insights into other solid solution nanocrystalline systems, a variety of which we show can be accurately described using the same concept. These developments also explain the origin of solid solution softening in some nanocrystalline alloys.
Maternal Stress, Preterm Birth, and DNA Methylation at Imprint Regulatory Sequences in Humans

In infants exposed to maternal stress in utero, phenotypic plasticity through epigenetic events may mechanistically explain increased risk of preterm birth (PTB), which confers increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancers in adulthood. We examined associations between prenatal maternal stress and PTB, evaluating the role of DNA methylation at imprint regulatory regions. We enrolled women from prenatal clinics in Durham, NC. Stress was measured in 537 women at 12 weeks of gestation using the Perceived Stress Scale. DNA methylation at differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with H19, IGF2, MEG3, MEST, SGCE/PEG10, PEG3, NNAT, and PLAGL1 was measured from peripheral and cord blood using bisulfite pyrosequencing in a sub-sample of 79 mother–infant pairs. We examined associations between PTB and stress and evaluated differences in DNA methylation at each DMR by stress. Maternal stress was not associated with PTB (OR = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.40–2.40; P = 0.96), after adjustment for maternal body mass index (BMI), income, and raised blood pressure. However, elevated stress was associated with higher infant DNA methylation at the MEST DMR (2.8% difference, P < 0.01) after adjusting for PTB. Maternal stress may be associated with epigenetic changes at MEST, a gene relevant to maternal care and obesity. Reduced prenatal stress may support the epigenomic profile of a healthy infant.
Tubulin increases with lactation in rat and guinea pig mammary alveolar cells. Fluorescence and EM immunogold localization.

Changes in mammary gland tubulin were studied immunocytochemically during transition from late pregnancy to lactation. Indirect immunofluorescence was used to localize tubulin in mammary glands from late pregnant, early lactating and peak lactating guinea pigs. Whole rabbit antiserum against guinea pig brain tubulin and affinity-purified antibody indicated increases in alveolar cell tubulin content from late pregnancy through peak lactation coincident with the development of lactation. Only alveolar cells displayed high, specific fluorescence or underwent a developmental increase. Tubulin was concentrated apically, in association with secretory structures. In a second study comparing mammary tissues from 18 days pregnant and 10 days lactating rats, EM immunogold was used with three commercial antitubulins ranging from a rabbit polyclonal antiserum against chick brain MTs to a monoclonal mouse anti-alpha tubulin. Gold particle counts indicated 2- to 5- fold tubulin increases in alveolar cells with lactation and development of an apicobasal (high apical) tubulin gradient. Variations among the three anti-tubulins is discussed. The results confirmed previous observations of whole gland tubulin increases based on colchicine binding assays and localized the site of the increase primarily in alveolar cells.
Musculotopic organization of the hypoglossal nucleus in the grass frog, Rana pipiens

Recent neural tracer studies in several mammalian species have demonstrated a similar musculotopic organization of the hypoglossal motoneurons which innervate individual tongue muscles. The distribution of this musculotopic organization in nonmammalian tetrapods, however, has not received detailed investigation. As part of an ongoing study on the comparative organization of the vertebrate hypoglossal nucleus, the musculotopic organization of the hypoglossal nucleus of Rana pipiens was studied by injection of lectin-conjugated horseradish peroxidase into four distinct tongue muscles and the geniohyoid muscle. Injections into the hyoglossus muscle label neurons in dorsal regions of the hypoglossal nucleus in middle and rostral nucleus levels. Injections into the genioglossus basalis muscle label neurons in ventral and lateral regions of the hypoglossal nucleus in caudal nucleus levels. Injections into the genioglossus medialis muscle label neurons in dorsal regions in caudal levels, throughout the nucleus in middle levels, and in ventral regions in more rostral levels. Injections into the geniohyoid muscle label neurons in the ventral tip of the hypoglossal nucleus and in the ventromedial corner of the medullary gray matter in middle and rostral nucleus levels. These results demonstrate that the organization of the hypoglossal nucleus in Rana pipiens is more complex than previous tracer studies indicated. Similarities in the musculotopic organization of the amphibian and mammalian hypoglossal nuclei suggest an evolutionary conservatism of the motor system controlling tongue movement.
Molecular simulation of the glass transition of polyphosphazenes

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulation (NPT ensemble) has been used to obtain specific volume as a function of temperature for four polyphosphazenes. From these results, the volumetric glass transition temperature has been determined as the temperature marking the discontinuity in slope of the V – T simulation data. The molecular mechanics force field used in this study was COMPASS (Condensed-phase Optimized Molecular Potentials for Atomistic Simulation Studies) which has been extensively parameterized and validated for phosphazenes in a previous communication. The polyphosphazenes include poly[bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] (PTFEP) and three isomers of poly(dibutoxyphosphazene)—poly[bis( n -butoxy)phosphazene] (PnBuP), poly[bis( iso -butoxy)phosphazene)] (PiBuP), and poly[bis( sec -butoxy)phosphazene] (PsBuP). In all cases, there was reasonable agreement between experimental results and values of density and T g obtained from the simulations. In the case of PnBuP, two different methods for amorphous cell building are compared to explore the relationship between the state of equilibration and the T g obtained from simulation.
Immunotherapy: 1999-2004.

Allergen immunotherapy continues to be used worldwide in the management of allergic rhinitis and asthma. We continue to refine our knowledge of the indications for immunotherapy, the allergens that can be used successfully, and the requirements for dosage and route of administration. Several additional allergens have been shown to be effective in controlled studies. The sublingual route of administration is safe and can be effective if the dose is large enough. Since reviews in 1998, further studies of immunologic changes after immunotherapy have confirmed that T H 2 lymphocyte–mediated responses are suppressed, and T H 1 responses are stimulated. Eosinophil and basophil inflammatory responses to allergen exposure are downregulated through one or both of these mechanisms. Research continues to seek improvements through allergen vaccine modifications suggested by recent immunologic discoveries. None of these is available in practice.
Nonlinear Filter for Ionosphere Divergence Error Reduction in LAAS

The Hatch filter, the industry-standard method for smoothing GPS code measurements with carrier data in the local area augmented system (LAAS), is susceptible to divergence errors during severe ionospheric storms. The work presented here develops an alternate single-frequency filter called a nonlinear divergence elimination (NLDE) filter that mitigates divergence errors without increasing measurement noise. Application of the filter to GPS data indicates that the nonlinear filter not only zeroes steady-state divergence but also reduces maximum transient errors by 0-24% relative to the Hatch filter.
SURVIVAL ADVANTAGE OF THE HEMOCHROMATOSIS C282Y MUTATION

The hemochromatosis C282Y mutation is present in up to 12.5% of people in populations of northern and central European origin. The prevalence of this mutation suggests that it may confer some type of epidemiologic advantage. One hypothesis has proposed that female heterozygotes have enhanced dietary iron absorption during their reproductive years, but evidence in support of this concept is not available. A second hypothesis is based on the observation that macrophages in iron-loaded C282Y homozygotes are very low in iron. These persons would be predicted to have increased resistance to pathogens that require iron for growth in macrophages. Notable examples of such pathogens are S. typhi and M. tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause typhoid fever and tuberculosis. Several cellular models that provide evidence for the low-iron macrophage hypothesis have recently been described.
Dimethyl Ether Autoignition in a Rapid Compression Machine: Experiments and Chemical Kinetic Modeling

Abstract Dimethyl ether (DME) autoignition at elevated pressures and relatively low temperatures is experimentally investigated using a rapid compression machine (RCM). DME/O2/N2 homogeneous mixtures are studied over an equivalence ratio range of 0.43–1.5 and at compressed pressures ranging from 10 to 20 bar and compressed temperatures from 615 to 735 K. At these conditions RCM results show the well-known two-stage ignition characteristics of DME and the negative temperature coefficient (NTC) region is noted to become more prominent at lower pressures and for oxygen lean mixtures. Furthermore, the first-stage ignition delay is found to be insensitive to changes in pressure and equivalence ratio. To help interpret the experimental results, chemical kinetic simulations of the ignition process are carried out using available detailed kinetic models and, in general, good agreement is obtained when using the model of Zhao et al. [Int. J. Chem. Kinet. 40, 2008, 1–18]. Sensitivity analyses are carried out to help identify important reactions. Lastly, while it is implicitly assumed in many rapid compression studies that chemical changes from the initial charge conditions that might occur during compression are negligible, it is herein shown with the help of Computational Singular Perturbation (CSP) analyses that chemical species formed during compression with little evolved exothermicity can considerably affect autoignition observations. Therefore, it is essential to simulate both compression and post-compression processes occurring in the RCM experiment, in order to properly interpret RCM ignition delay results.
TRANSIENT POOL BOILING OF WATER ON A VERTICAL SURFACE WITH A STEP IN HEAT GENERATION

This paper is based on the PhD thesis investigation by H. Lurie [1] on the transient heat transfer from a vertical submerged metallic ribbon undergoing a step in Joule heating leading to boiling on its surface. The tests were made in deaerated distilled water at atmospheric pressure with pool temperatures at saturation and 112 deg F subcooled, and with heat generation rates per unit of ribbon surface area from nonboiling to 1.6 × 106 Btu/ft2 hr. Although the heat capacity of the ribbon is low, the surface temperature overshoot compared to the steady-state temperature is minor with values of less than 10 deg F. The time required to reach this overshoot, or the time required to reach steady state, is very short and decreases with increasing heat flux. These values are short compared to Goldstein and Eckert [2] and Siegel’s [3] estimates of the time required to develop the hydro-dynamic and thermal boundary layers in natural convection, and indicate that nucleate boiling heat transfer is probably a weak function of the fluid circulation. Some further support for this is evidenced by calculated transient temperatures based on steady nucleate boiling heat transfer which are in reasonable agreement with the measured performance.
Spectral Phase Based Medical Image Processing1

Rationale and Objectives To exploit the spectral phase characteristics of digital or digitized mammograms for early detection of microcalcifications, shape, and sizes of suspected lesions and to demonstrate its use for training radiologists to discriminate signal features in different spatially varying backgrounds. Materials and Methods We propose two algorithms: in the phase-only image (POI) reconstruction algorithm the spectral phase of the digital mammogram is extracted from its Fourier spectrum. This is coupled with unit magnitude and inverse Fourier transformed to reconstruct the POI thus enhancing the features of interest such as microcalcifications, shape, and sizes of suspected lesions. In the algorithm for image reconstruction from a priori phase-only information, spectral phase is used to extract signal features of the digital mammogram and then this is combined with spectral magnitude that is extracted and averaged over an ensemble of unrelated digital mammograms. Results The results for several digital phantoms and mammograms show that POI reconstructs only high spatial frequencies related to the features such as microcalcifications, shape, and size of masses like cysts and tumors. The results on image reconstruction from a priori phase-only information demonstrate the changes in the visibility of signal features when buried in a wide variety of real world mammogram backgrounds with different densities. Conclusion The POI can aid radiologists in early detection of microcalcifications, lesions, and other masses of interest in digital mammograms. This reconstruction method is self-adaptive to changes in the background. The image reconstruction from a priori phase-only information can help the radiologist as a training tool in his decision-making process. Preliminary experiments indicate the potential of the techniques for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Clinical studies on these algorithm procedures are in progress for application as a diagnostic CAD tool in digital mammography. These methods can in general be applied to other medical images such as CT and MRI images.
Formation of the Pyridazine Natural Product Azamerone by Biosynthetic Rearrangement of an Aryl Diazoketone

Compounds containing N–N bonds have been made synthetically for over a hundred years. However, it wasn’t until 1951 that the first naturally occurring compound containing dinitrogen, the azoxy containing toxin macrozamin, was reported.[1] Since that time, natural products containing hydrazine, nitrosamine, azoxy, diazo and other N–N bonded functional groups have been identified. The enzymes responsible for N–N bond formation could make valuable biocatalysts, but unfortunately, the biosynthesis of this rare structural unit is poorly understood.
A collocation-Galerkin finite element model of cardiac action potential propagation

A new computational method was developed for modeling the effects of the geometric complexity, nonuniform muscle fiber orientation, and material inhomogeneity of the ventricular wall on cardiac impulse propagation. The method was used to solve a modification to the FitzHugh-Nagumo system of equations. The geometry, local muscle fiber orientation, and material parameters of the domain were defined using linear Lagrange or cubic Hermite finite element interpolation. Spatial variations of time-dependent excitation and recovery variables were approximated using cubic Hermite finite element interpolation, and the governing finite element equations were assembled using the collocation method. To overcome the deficiencies of conventional collocation methods on irregular domains, Galerkin equations for the no-flux boundary conditions were used instead of collocation equations for the boundary degrees-of-freedom. The resulting system was evolved using an adaptive Runge-Kutta method. Converged two-dimensional simulations of normal propagation showed that this method requires less CPU time than a traditional finite difference discretization. The model also reproduced several other physiologic phenomena known to be important in arrhythmogenesis including: Wenckebach periodicity, slowed propagation and unidirectional block due to wavefront curvature, reentry around a fixed obstacle, and spiral wave reentry. In a new result, the authors observed wavespeed variations and block due to nonuniform muscle fiber orientation. The findings suggest that the finite element method is suitable for studying normal and pathological cardiac activation and has significant advantages over existing techniques. >
Biochemical profile of stone-forming patients with diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Objectives To test the hypothesis that stone-forming patients with type II diabetes (DM-II) have a high prevalence of uric acid (UA) stones and present with some of the biochemical features of gouty diathesis (GD). Methods The demographic and initial biochemical data from 59 stone-forming patients with DM-II (serum glucose greater than 126 mg/dL, no insulin therapy, older than 35 years of age) from Dallas, Texas and Durham, North Carolina were retrieved and compared with data from 58 patients with GD and 116 with hyperuricosuric calcium oxalate urolithiasis (HUCU) without DM. Results UA stones were detected in 33.9% of patients with DM-II compared with 6.2% of stone-forming patients without DM ( P Conclusions Stone-forming patients with DM-II have a high prevalence of UA stones. Diabetic patients with UA stones share a key feature of those with GD, namely the passage of unusually acid urine, but not the low fractional excretion of urate.
Supporting multiple domains in a single reuse repository

Domain analysis typically results in the construction of a domain-specific repository. Such a repository imposes artificial boundaries on the sharing of similar assets between related domains. A lattice-based approach to repository modeling can preserve a reuser's domain specific view of the repository, while avoiding replication of commonly used assets and supporting a more general perspective on domain interrelationships. >
Effects of a Particle Film on Biology and Behavior of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and Its Infestations in Citrus

Studies were conducted to investigate the effects of a kaolin-based hydrophilic particle film, Surround WP, on the biology and behavior of the psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and to assess population densities of D. citri in citrus subjected to monthly applications of Surround WP. Laboratory investigations indicated a 3% (wt:vol) suspension of Surround WP in water applied directly was not acutely toxic to eggs, older nymphs or adults. Presence of the dried particle film on leaves interfered with the ability of adults to grasp and walk on citrus leaves. During a 30-s period, adults spent an average of 5 s moving on leaves with particle film compared with 16 s on leaves without particle film. When leaves were inverted, a significantly higher percentage of adults fell or flew from treated leaves (53%) than untreated leaves (16%). In a 12-mo study investigating infestations of D. citri on citrus treated monthly with Surround WP, cumulative reductions of 78% in adult numbers on mature leaves and of 60% in adult numbers on flush shoots (immature leaves) were observed in treated trees compared with untreated trees. Numbers of eggs and nymphs per flush shoot were reduced by 85 and 78%, respectively, in trees treated with particle film. Reductions in infestation levels of D. citri in treated trees were attributed to the negative effects of the particle film on the ability of adults to grasp, move, and oviposit. The suppressive effects of a Surround treatment against adult psyllids were degraded by rain.
Circumventing multiple testing: a multilocus Monte Carlo approach to testing for association.

Advances in marker technology have made a dense marker map a reality. If each marker is considered separately, and separate tests for association with a disease gene are performed, then multiple testing becomes an issue. A common solution uses a Bonferroni correction to account for multiple tests performed. However, with dense marker maps, neighboring markers are tightly linked and may have associated alleles; thus tests at nearby marker loci may not be independent. When alleles at different marker loci are associated, the Bonferroni correction may lead to a conservative test, and hence a power loss. As an alternative, for tests of association that use family data, we propose a Monte Carlo procedure that provides a global assessment of significance. We examine the case of tightly linked markers with varying amounts of association between them. Using computer simulations, we study a family-based test for association (the transmission/disequilibrium test), and compare its power when either the Bonferroni or Monte Carlo procedure is used to determine significance. Our results show that when the alleles at different marker loci are not associated, using either procedure results in tests with similar power. However, when alleles at linked markers are associated, the test using the Monte Carlo procedure is more powerful than the test using the Bonferroni procedure. This proposed Monte Carlo procedure can be applied whenever it is suspected that markers examined have high amounts of association, or as a general approach to ensure appropriate significance levels and optimal power.
USPIO-enhanced dynamic MRI: evaluation of normal and transplanted rat kidneys.

To evaluate first-pass renal perfusion with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles by MRI, 40 normal rats (20 Dark Agouti (DA) rats and 20 Brown Norway (BN) rats) and 16 transplanted rats (12 allografts and four isografts) were studied on day 4 post-transplantation with different USPIO doses (3.0 ‐18.1 mg Fe/kg/body weight). All animals underwent 128 consecutive snapshot fast low-angle shot (FLASH) coronal dynamic studies in 43 s. In the normal rats, a larger maximum signal decrease (MSD) in the cortex and the outer medulla is observed with an increasing dose of USPIO particles (P < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between the right and left kidneys at all doses studied. Higher MSD, time of occurrence of MSD (tMSD), and wash-in slope appear with higher doses of USPIO particles. The dynamic curves for DA rats show similar shapes when compared to those for BN rats. In the transplanted rats, allograft kidneys show lower MSD, longer tMSD, and lower wash-in slope compared to those in the normal kidneys. Isograft kidneys show perfusion patterns similar to those of normal kidneys in the cortex and the outer medulla. Histopathology indicates acute vascular rejection in all allografts and normal kidney architecture in all isografts. The results clearly show good agreement between the renal graft perfusion measurements and histopathological changes associated with rejection. This work also introduces a new signal analysis methodology for the automatic detection of transplanted organ rejection. This method compares the dynamics of the intrarenal signal intensities for native and transplanted kidneys. A quantitative measurement to detect significant differences between these signals was developed, and showed that this technique exhibits good performance in identifying renal rejection. Magn Reson Med 46:1152‐1163, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
All optically controlled steering of light

We propose a scheme that provides all optically controlled steering of light beam. The system is based on steep dispersion of coherently driven medium. Using eikonal equation, we study the steering angle, the spread of optical beam, and the limits set by residual absorption of medium under conditions of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). Implementation of another scheme for ultra-short pulses is also discussed.
Comparative activation of aflatoxin B1 by mammalian pulmonary tissues.

Abstract Occupational exposures to respirable dusts contaminated with the mycotoxin aflatoxin b 1 (AFB 1 ) have been associated with an increased incidence of upper airway tumors. To investigate this possible etiology we compared the abilities of tracheal and lung S9 from rabbit, hamster and rat to activate AFB 1 to mutagens in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98. The activation of AFB 1 was compared to that of benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[a] P), a known respiratory carcinogen. These species differ in airway morphology with respect to numbers of metabolically-active non-ciliated tracheal epithelial cells. Tracheas from hamster and rabbit and lung from rabbit were active in converting AFB 1 to bacterial mutagens. Trachea from hamster was more efficient in activating AFB 1 to mutagens than lung, while rabbit lung was over 4 times more active in converting AFB 1 to mutagens than that from trachea. In all cases, AFB 1 was more mutagenic than B[a] P. The relative capabilities of trachea to activate AFB 1 were in agreement with the ability of cultured tracheas from these species to form to AFB 1 -DNA adducts. These results demonstrate that AFB 1 is activated more efficiently than B[a] P in the lung, and that the metabolic capabilities of airway epithelium to activate AFB 1 are not predictable by airway morphology.
Characterizing the TLB Behavior of Emerging Parallel Workloads on Chip Multiprocessors

Translation Lookaside Buffers (TLBs) are a staple in modern computer systems and have a significant impact on overall system performance. Numerous prior studies have addressed TLB designs to lower access times and miss rates; these, however, have been targeted towards uniprocessor architectures. As the computer industry embraces chip multiprocessor (CMP) architectures, it is important to study the TLB behavior of emerging parallel workloads. This work presents the first full-system characterization of the TLB behavior of emerging parallel applications on real-system CMPs. Using the PARSEC benchmarks, representative of emerging RMS workloads, we show that TLB misses can hinder system performance significantly. We also evaluate TLB miss stream patterns and show that multiple threads of a parallel execution experience a large number of redundant and predictable misses. For our evaluated benchmarks, 30% to 95% of the total misses fall under this category. Our results point to the need for novel TLB designs encouraging inter-core cooperation, either through hierarchically shared TLBs or through inter-core TLB prediction mechanisms.
Hormone replacement therapy, reproductive factors, and age-related macular degeneration: the Salisbury Eye Evaluation Project.

Purpose :T oevaluate a potential relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT), reproductive factors and age-related macular de- generation (AMD). Methods: 1,458 female participants (age 65-84) from the Salisbury Eye Evaluation study were available for this cross-sectional analysis. AMD outcomes were identified by reading center assessment of fundus pho- tographs. Results :W omen who currently used HRT had a lower adjusted odds of large drusen (>125 µm) (OR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-1.0). Use of HRT was not sta- tistically significantly associated with the prevalence of early AMD or advanced AMD, although the odds ratios were all much less than 1. Women who had had an increased number of births had a greater prevalence of large drusen (test of linear trend, p = 0.03). Conclusions :C urrent use of HRT was associated with a lower odds of large drusen, which may be predictive of advanced AMD. No statistically significant correlations were found between HRT or reproductive factors and early or advanced AMD.
A Survivin-Associated Adaptive Response in Radiation Therapy

Adaptive responses can be induced in cells by very low doses of ionizing radiation resulting in an enhanced resistance to much larger exposures. The inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein, survivin, has been implicated in many adaptive responses to cellular stress. Computerized axial tomography (CAT) used in image guided radiotherapy to position and monitor tumor response utilizes very low radiation doses ranging from 0.5 to 100 mGy. We investigated the ability of these very low radiation doses administered along with two 2 Gy doses separated by 24 h, a standard conventional radiotherapy dosing schedule, to initiate adaptive responses resulting in the elevation of radiation resistance in exposed cells. Human colon carcinoma (RKO36), mouse sarcoma (SA-NH), along with transformed mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF), wild type (WT) or cells lacking functional tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 (TNFR1-R2-) were used to assess their relative ability to express an adaptive response when grown either to confluence in vitro or as tumors in the flank of C57BL/6 mice. The survival of each of these cells was elevated from 5 to 20% (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to cells not receiving a 100 mGy or lesser dose. Additionally, the cells exposed to 100 mGy exhibited elevations in survivin levels, reductions in apoptosis frequencies, and loss of an adaptive response if transfected with survivin siRNA. This survivin-mediated adaptive response has the potential for affecting outcomes if regularly induced throughout a course of image guided radiation therapy.
Applications of a simple regression model to acid rain data

This paper addresses two vital and seemingly simple questions concerning wet deposition of sulfates, a major contributor to acid rain. The first is to estimate the annual wet deposition of sulfate at a monitoring site under emissions that existed during the 1980s. This problem is complicated by missing data. The second is to estimate accurately the effect of a change in pollution emissions on concentrations of sulfate in precipitation. This problem is made difficult by the substantial natural variations in sulfate concentrations due to weather variations between years. As a tool for addressing both of these problems, we develop a regression model for the sulfate concentration of precipitation on a particular day as a function of amount of precipitation and time of the year. The model is used as a basis for imputing missing sulfate concentrations to handle the missing-data problem. It is also used to explain some of the variability in annual sulfate concentrations due to meteorology and hence provide more accurate estimates of the effect of changes in emissions. Cet article aborde deux questions vitales et apparemment simples concernant les depǒts de sulfates, composante majeure des pluies acides. La premiere question est l'estimation du depǒt annuel de sulfates en un lieu de contrǒle soumis aux emissions existant durant les annees quatre-vingt. Des donnees manquantes compliquent ce probleme. La seconde question concerne l'estimation avec precision de l'effet d'un changement des emissions polluantes sur les concentrations en sulfates des precipitations. Ce probleme est d'autant plus difficile que des variations naturelles considerables dans les concentrations de sulfates sont produites par les variations meteorologiques d'annee en annee. Afin de repondre aux deux questions precedentes, nous developpons un modele de regression pour la concentration en sulfates des precipitations en un jour donne, en fonction de la quantite de precipitations et de la periode de l'annee. Ce modele est utilise pour l'imputation des concentrations en sulfates manquantes, afin de gerer le probleme des donnees manquantes. Le modele est egalement utilise pour expliquer une partie de la variabilite dans les concentrations annuelles de sulfates causee par les conditions meteorologiques, et produit done des estimateurs plus precis de l'effet de changements en emissions.
Factors Associated with the Prevalence and Incidence of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection among African American Women in New York City Who Use Drugs

Background Trichomoniasis vaginalis, the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted infection, is associated with negative reproductive outcomes and increased HIV transmission and may be overrepresented among African Americans. Methods A total of 135 African American women who used drugs were screened for Trichomonas vaginalis on > or =2 occasions between March 2003 and August 2005. Women were administered a structured questionnaire in a community-based research center, underwent serological testing for human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus type 2, and were screened for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Results Fifty-one women (38%) screened positive for T. vaginalis at baseline. Twenty-nine (31%) of 95 women with negative results of baseline tests became infected, for an incidence of 35.1 cases per 100 person-years at risk (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.5-49.0). Prevalent infection was associated with drug use in the past 30 days, and incident infection was associated with sexual behavior in the past 30 days, namely having >1 male sex partner. Women who reported having >1 partner were 4 times as likely as women with fewer partners to acquire T. vaginalis (hazard ratio, 4.3; 95% CI, 2.0-9.4). Conclusion T. vaginalis may be endemic in this community of African American women. A control strategy that includes T. vaginalis screening in nonclinical settings and rapid point-of-care testing could contribute to the disruption of transmission of this pathogen.
Automated Support for Development, Maintenance, and Testing in the Presence of Implicit Control Flow

Although object-oriented languages can improve programmingpractices, their characteristics may introducenew problems for software engineers. One important problemis the presence of implicit control flow caused byexception handling and polymorphism. Implicit controlflow causes complex interactions, and can thus complicatesoftware-engineering tasks. To address this problem, wepresent a systematic and structured approach, for supportingthese tasks, based on the static and dynamic analyses ofconstructs that cause implicit control flow. Our approachprovides software engineers with information for supportingand guiding development and maintenance tasks. Wealso present empirical results to illustrate the potential usefulnessof our approach. Our studies show that, for thesubjects considered, complex implicit control flow is alwayspresent and is generally not adequately exercised.
Martian ionospheric responses to dynamic pressure enhancements in the solar wind

As a weakly magnetized planet, Mars ionosphere/atmosphere interacts directly with the shocked solar wind plasma flow. Even though many numerical studies have been successful in reproducing numerous features of the interaction process, these earlier studies focused mainly on interaction under steady solar wind conditions. Recent observations suggest that plasma escape fluxes are significantly enhanced in response to solar wind dynamic pressure pulses. In this study, we focus on the response of the ionosphere to pressure enhancements in the solar wind. Through modeling of two idealized events using a magnetohydrodynamics model, we find that the upper ionosphere of Mars responds almost instantaneously to solar wind pressure enhancements, while the collision dominated lower ionosphere (below ~150 km) does not have noticeable changes in density. We also find that ionospheric perturbations in density, magnetic field, and velocity can last more than an hour after the solar wind returns to the quiet conditions. The topside ionosphere forms complicated transient shapes in response, which may explain unexpected ionospheric behaviors in recent observations. We also find that ionospheric escape fluxes do not correlate directly with simultaneous solar wind dynamic pressure. Rather, their intensities also depend on the earlier solar wind conditions. It takes a few hours for the ionospheric/atmospheric system to reach a new quasi-equilibrium state.
Estimation and representation of long-term (>40 year) trends of Northern-Hemisphere-gridded surface temperature: A note of caution

[1] Several quantitative estimates of surface instrumental temperature trends in the late 20th century are compared by using published results and our independent analyses. These estimates highlight a significant sensitivity to the method of analysis, the treatment of data, and the choice of data presentation (i.e., size of the smoothing filter window). Providing an accurate description of both quantitative uncertainties and sensitivity to the treatment of data is recommended as well as avoiding subjective data-padding procedures. INDEX TERMS: 1620 Global Change: Climate dynamics (3309); 3299 Mathematical Geophysics: General or miscellaneous; 1699 Global Change: General or miscellaneous; 6620 Public Issues: Science policy. Citation: Soon, W. W.-H., D. R. Legates, and S. L. Baliunas (2004), Estimation and representation of long-term (>40 year) trends of NorthernHemisphere-gridded surface temperature: A note of caution, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L03209, doi:10.1029/2003GL019141.
Clinical practice parameters for hemodynamic support of pediatric and neonatal septic shock: 2007 update from the American College of Critical Care Medicine*

Background:The Institute of Medicine calls for the use of clinical guidelines and practice parameters to promote “best practices” and to improve patient outcomes.Objective:2007 update of the 2002 American College of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Guidelines for Hemodynamic Support of Neonates and C
Parametrization of compactly supported orthonormal wavelets

The parametrization of two-channel reconstruction quadrature mirror filter banks is extended to obtain a single characterization of discrete orthonormal wavelets. In particular, it is shown that discrete orthonormal wavelets of support less than 2N-1, where N is an even integer, are parametrized by N-1 real parameters, each taking values in (0, 2 pi ). A parametrization of discrete orthonormal wavelets with a number of vanishing moments greater than one is also given. >
Measuring the capacity of a streaming media server in a Utility Data Center environment

Abstract In order to design a "utility-aware" streaming media service which automatically requests the necessary resources from Utility Data Center infrastructure, several classic performance questions should be answered: how to measure the basic capacity of a streaming media server? what is the set of basic benchmarks exposing the performance limits and main bottlenecks of a media server? In this paper, we propose a set of benchmarks for measuring the basic capacities of streaming media systems for different expected workloads, and demonstrate the results using an experimental testbed.
Virtual workspaces for scientific applications.

Scientists often face the need for more computing power than is available locally, but are constrained by the fact that even if the required resources were available remotely, their complex software stack would not be easy to port to those resources. Many applications are dependency-rich and complex, making it hard to run them on anything but a dedicated platform. Worse, even if the applications do run on another system, the results they produce may not be consistent across different runs. As part of the Center for Enabling Distributed Petascale Science (CEDPS) project we have been developing the workspace service which allows authorized clients to dynamically provision execution environments, using virtual machine technology, on remote computers. Virtual machines provide an excellent implementation of a portable environment as they allow users to configure an environment and then deploy it on a variety of platforms. This paper describes a proof-of-concept of this strategy developed for the High-Energy and Nuclear Physics (HENP) applications such as STAR's. We are currently building on this work to enable production STAR runs in virtual machines.
Revisiting dogwood anthracnose in Illinois

Abstract Dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva) was first discovered in Illinois in 1995 at Dean Hills Nature Preserve, Fayette County. In the original study, individuals of flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) showed a 97% increase in infection by dogwood anthracnose between July 1995 and August 1996. As all size classes of flowering dogwood were infected, it was predicted that the disease would probably cause the extirpation of this species at the site. Though not extirpated, flowering dogwood has not recovered from the initial infection (1995), when 3475 healthy stems/ha were encountered. Since that initial study, total flowering dogwood stems recorded for the site ranged from a low of 110 stems/ha in 1996, to 540 stems/ha in 2002, and 345 stems/ha in 2004.