cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LONGITUDINAL ASSESSMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING FORECASTS

Transportation planning applications typically calibrate models for a base year and then make forecast year projections. However, modelers rarely evaluate the accuracy of their forecasts by using past data sets to predict present conditions. This is complicated by the fact that longitudinal data sets for a geographical area exhibit data incompatibility, shifts in planning emphasis, temporal changes in travel characteristics, and added modeling complexity. In addition, if new data elements are needed for model improvement, these will not be available with the historical data set. In an effort to test the feasibility of using older planning data to predict the present, a case study area for which transportation planning data were available was selected at three points in time over a 25-year period. This facilitated comparison of longitudinal data sets, development of base year models, and subsequent testing of their performance for a forecast year application. This paper discusses the experience of creating a longitudinal data set for such testing and illustrations how one can use longitudinal data to ascertain the sustainability of model structures over time. Some simple workable approaches are illustrated; although these are more aggregate than desired, they convey how one may devise models that can function both in the base year and then, later, in the forecast year, in spite of changes in transportation and land use activity.
The emotional adjustment of gifted adolescents: A view of global functioning

The purpose of the study was to determine if academically gifted adolescents differ from nongifted adolescents with regard to their perception of overall emotional adjustment as measured by a composite score (Emotional Symptoms Index or ESI) on the Self Report of Personality (SRP) of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Gifted adolescents (N= 115) from a resource support program in grades 9 through 12 were compared with nongifted peers (N = 97) from a suburban high school within the Atlanta metropolitan area. The comparison group was composed of volunteers from one regular education English class from each grade level (9–12) with a random, computer‐assigned enrollment. A 2×4 analysis of variance factorial design was used to analyze data obtained from the study in assessing whether the means of the eight groups differed significantly with regard to giftedness and/or grade on the composite measure (ESI) of emotional adjustment. Results revealed the overall emotional adjustment of both groups ...
Development of myelin mosaicism in the optic nerve of heterozygotes of the X-linked myelin-deficient (md) rat mutant

The oligodendrocyte population of the optic nerve has been suggested to arise either from a radial migration of neuroepithelial cells of the optic stalk or from the longitudinal migration of progenitor cells into the optic nerve from the brain, via the optic chiasm. Female heterozygotes of the X-linked myelin deficient (md) rat trait show a marked mosaic pattern of myelination of the optic nerves. This degree of mosaicism is not observed in other parts of the central nervous system. A total of 235 optic nerves from female rats of from 3 weeks to 24 months of age were examined by light microscopy. Nerves (104), from rats of all ages, showed defects in myelination consisting of distinct patches of non-myelination, often sharply demarcated from adjacent areas of normally myelinated axons. In some animals the abnormality was grossly apparent as areas of transparency within the intact optic nerves. In the majority of optic nerves showing mosaicism, defects in myelination were observed along the whole length of the nerve. However, a worsening of the defect toward the retinal end of the nerve was noted in 15 optic nerves, and an additional 11 nerves showed a defect in this region alone. It was also found that a number of rats had mosaicism in only one optic nerve. The preferential involvement of the retinal end of the optic nerves, and the asymmetrical involvement of the optic nerves within individual rats, is interpreted as indirect evidence in support of the proposed longitudinal migration of the oligodendrocyte precursor into the optic nerve.
Paroling Prisoners Sentenced to County Jail: An Analysis of 75 Years of Misdemeanor Parole Legislation

Abstract The development of misdemeanor parole in the United States has long been viewed by penal historians as one of the reforms of the enlightened Progressive Era of American history. This article dispels the notion that the advent of this correctional measure effected more humane treatment of petty offenders, rescuing deserving misdemeanants from the horrible conditions which existed in the jails of those times. The reality is that, in more than one instance, a bureaucratic apparatus emerged which resulted in misdemeanants being used as pawns in interagency power struggles. Historical analysis suggests that misdemeanor parole laws were motivated by political/bureaucratic expedience as well as the desire for reform.
Adduct formation and exchange reactions of DI (tertiary aminophosphine) with PF5. Preparation of F2P[B10H10C2]PF2 and the novel [Me2NP(B10H10C2)PNMe2] (PF6)2

Abstract Phosphorus pentafluoride reacts with the di(tertiary aminophosphines) of the type RR′P[B 10 H 10 C 2 ]PR″R‴[RR′C 6 H 5 or NMe 2 ,R″R‴NMe 2 : RR″NMe 2 , R′R‴F: RR′C 6 H 5 ,R″NMe 2 ,R‴F] to give adducts containing P(III)->P(V) bonds. Thermal decomposition of the adducts leads to products where an amino group is exchanged by fluorine. The adduct Me 2 N(F)P[B 10 H 10 C 2 ]P(F)NMe 2 .2PF 5 in CH 3 CN solution exists in the ionic form [Me 2 NP(B 10 H 10 C 2 )PNMe 2 ] (PF 6 ) 2 containing dicoordinate phosphorus. Thermal decomposition of this adduct gives the novel F 2 P [B 10 H 10 C 2 ] PF 2 .
Solution blow spun poly(lactic acid)/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose nanofibers with antimicrobial properties

Abstract Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanofibers containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and tetracycline hydrochloride (THC) were solution blow spun from two different solvents, chloroform/acetone (CA, 80:20 v/v) and 2,2,2-triflouroethanol (TFE). The diameter distribution, chemical, thermal, thermal stability, water sorption, and antimicrobial properties were examined for the fibers. Fibers spun from CA generally had larger fiber diameters and wider fiber diameter distributions than those spun from TFE. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated successful incorporation of HPMC and THC into the fibers. Also, phase separation occurred between PLA and HPMC in the fibers. Fibers containing higher HPMC concentrations showed greater water sorption values, due to HPMC being more hydrophilic than PLA. In addition, fibers containing HPMC had larger inhibitory zones against Escherichia Coli and Listeria monocytogenes than those without HPMC. This was due to THC having better miscibility with HPMC than PLA and HPMC being able to swell and release more THC when in contact with water. Fibers spun from TFE and CA had comparable inhibitory zones, indicating the solvents did not affect antimicrobial properties. All fibers remained effective against bacteria even after six days.
Axonal projections of medial preoptic and anterior hypothalamic neurons

Projections from medial preoptic area (mPOA) and medial anterior hypothalamic area (mAHA) neurons were investigated in albino rats with the use of tritiated amino acid autoradiography. Both the mPOA and the mAHA gave long-axon projections to structures in limbic forebrain and midbrain as well as short-axon projections to other hypothalamic regions. Differences between mPOA and mAHA neurons were observed in projections to the mid-septal region, ventromedial hypothalamus, premammillary region, and central gray. Further, while axons from the mPOA traveled within the medial forebrain bundle, those from the mAHA remained in a band ventromedial to the fornix. These anatomical differences may underlie functional differences between the mPOA and mAHA which have been demonstrated with other experimental techniques.
The Magic of Leadership: An Exploration of Harr y Potter and the Goblet of Fire:

The problem and the solution. One of the most popular movie series for all ages is Harry Potter, based on the books by J. K. Rowling.The fourth movie in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of F...
Integrating expert systems with a relational database in semiconductor manufacturing

The design and implementation of two expert systems for semiconductor manufacturing are described and compared. The first expert system is used for parametric test analysis in a CMOS wafer facility. It is designed as a user-interactive system, with all the expert's knowledge included in one knowledge base. This expert system tightly controls the flow of information between the knowledge base and the wafer data stored in a relational database. This expert system was implemented using the knowledge engineering environment shell with interface programs to INGRES. The second expert system is used for parametric test analysis in an analog wafer facility. This system is partitioned into several independent C programs running online and continuously communicating their results through the relational database. The interactive system is more flexible in representing expert knowledge and in explaining results, while the online system is faster, more open to new module integration, and better able to classify and diagnose large volumes of wafer data. >
Cytogenetics of Melanocytic Tumors

Chromosome studies of human melanocytic tumors have demonstrated non-random karyotypic abnormalities of chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 9, and 10. These visible genetic alterations may provide clues to the location of oncogenes and suppressor genes involved in the development of lesions from benign nevus to metastatic melanoma, and to the mechanisms by which the function of these genes is altered. To date, however, none of the specific growth regulatory genes important in this neoplastic progression has been identified, with the possible exception of the erbB oncogene in the later stages. Recent results in other human tumors do suggest, however, that the combined cytogenetic and molecular genetic approach will soon lead to the recognition of a number of important genes, both inherited and somatically altered, and that significant clinical applications will follow.
Relationship estimation by Markov-process models in a sib-pair linkage study.

Summary The results of sib-pair linkage studies may be compromised if a substantial number of putative sib pairs are not actually sib pairs. For classification of pairs in a sib-pair genome scan, I propose multipoint methods that are based on a Markov-process model of allele sharing along the chromosome. These methods can be implemented by standard algorithms that compute multipoint marker allele–sharing probabilities for sib pairs. When marker data from at least half the genome are used, misclassification rates are small. The methods will be implemented in an upcoming version of the computer software package S.A.G.E.
Factors determining the occurrence of the surge in thyroid activity in salmon during smoltification

Abstract Environmental cues: photoperiod, temperature, and the lunar cycle among others, acting through several endocrine systems including the thyroid, set the timing of smoltification. The thyroxine surge associated with smoltification is precisely timed to coincide with the new moon phase of the lunar cycle. The careful timing of the thyroxine surge suggests that a highly organized sequential pattern of hormone release and interaction leads directly to the orderly progression of smoltification-related developmental events. The elucidation of this pattern and its morphological, physiological, and behavioral consequences is essential to the complete understanding of parr—smolt transformation.
Thyroid surgery at Children's Hospital Boston: a 35-year single-institution experience

Abstract Background/Purpose Thyroidectomy is the primary therapy for thyroid cancer and an established treatment of hyperthyroidism. Because of the relative rarity of these conditions in childhood, few single-institution series exist in the pediatric literature. Here we analyze our institution's experience to assess patient demographics, operative risks, and the role of preoperative testing. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of 175 consecutive patients not older than 18 years who underwent thyroid surgery at Children's Hospital Boston from 1970 to 2004. Results The most common indication for thyroidectomy was thyroid nodules (83%), followed by hyperthyroidism (7%) and goiter (7%). For children referred for nodules, we observed a peak incidence in adolescence and a female to male ratio of 3.7:1. Cancer was found in 36%, with papillary thyroid cancer the most common subtype (85%). Operative complications were rare, with permanent hypocalcemia in 2 (4.7%) of 43 patients who underwent bilateral resection for thyroid nodules (no cases of permanent hypocalcemia in other procedures). Permanent unilateral vocal cord paralysis was documented in 2 children after the resection of malignant nodules. Conclusions Pediatric thyroidectomy can be performed with low operative risk. Because permanent hypocalcemia remains an obligate risk of bilateral thyroidectomy, we recommend the routine use of preoperative fine-needle aspiration to guide the extent of initial surgical resection, reserving near-total thyroidectomy for those cases where cytology is positive for malignancy.
Spina bifida and other neural tube defects.

NTDs, resulting from failure of the neural tube to close during the fourth week of embryogenesis, are the most common severely disabling birth defects in the United States, with a frequency of approximately 1 of every 2000 births. Neural tube malformations involving the spinal cord and vertebral arches are referred to as spina bifida, with severe types of spina bifida involving protrusion of the spinal cord and/or meninges through a defect in the vertebral arch. Depending on the level of the lesion, interruption of the spinal cord at the site of the spina bifida defect causes paralysis of the legs, incontinence of urine and feces, anesthesia of the skin, and abnormalities of the hips, knees, and feet. Two additional abnormalities often seen in children with spina bifida include hydrocephalus and the Arnold-Chiari type II malformation. Despite the physical and particular learning disabilities children with spina bifida must cope with, participation in individualized educational programs can allow these children to develop skills necessary for autonomy in adulthood. Advances in research to uncover the molecular basis of NTDs is enhanced by knowledge of the link between both the environmental and genetic factors involved in the etiology of NTDs. The most recent development in NTD research for disease-causing genes is the discovery of a genetic link to the most well-known environmental cause of neural tube malformation, folate deficiency in pregnant women. Nearly a decade ago, periconceptional folic acid supplementation was proven to decrease both the recurrence and occurrence of NTDs. The study of folate and its association with NTDs is an ongoing endeavor that has led to numerous studies of different genes involved in the folate metabolism pathway, including the most commonly studied thermolabile mutation (C677T) in the MTHFR gene. An additional focus for NTD research involves mouse models that exhibit both naturally occurring NTDs, as well as those created by experimental design. We hope the search for genes involved in the risk and/or development of NTDs will lead to the development of strategies for prevention and treatment. The most recent achievement in treatment of NTDs involves the repair of meningomyelocele through advancements in fetal surgery. Convincing experimental evidence exists that in utero repair preserves neurologic function, as well as resolving the hydrocephalus and Arnold-Chiari malformation that often accompany meningomyelocele defects. However, follow-up is needed to completely evaluate long-term neurologic function and overall improved quality of life. And in the words of Olutoye and Adzick, "until the benefits of fetal [meningomyelocele] repair are carefully elucidated, weighed against maternal and fetal risks, and compared to conventional postnatal therapy, this procedure should be restricted to a few centers that are committed (clinically and experimentally) to investigating these issues."
Imaging below the diffraction limit: a statistical analysis

The present paper is concerned with the statistical analysis of the resolution limit in a so-called "diffraction-limited" imaging system. The canonical case study is that of incoherent imaging of two closely-spaced sources of possibly unequal brightness. The objective is to study how far beyond the classical Rayleigh limit of resolution one can reach at a given signal to noise ratio. The analysis uses tools from statistical detection and estimation theory. Specifically, we will derive explicit relationships between the minimum detectable distance between two closely-spaced point sources imaged incoherently at a given SNR. For completeness, asymptotic performance analysis for the estimation of the unknown parameters is carried out using the Crame/spl acute/r-Rao bound. To gain maximum intuition, the analysis is carried out in one dimension, but can be well extended to the two-dimensional case and to more practical models.
Diisocyanate-induced asthma in Switzerland: long-term course and patients’ self-assessment after a 12-year follow-up

Isocyanates are among the most common causes of occupational asthma (OA) in Switzerland. Patients with OA have been shown to have unfavourable medical, socioeconomic and psychological outcomes. We investigated long-term asthma and the socio-economic outcomes of diisocyanate-induced asthma (DIA) in Switzerland. We conducted an observational study on 49 patients with DIA and followed 35 of these patients over a mean exposure-free interval of 12 ± 0.5 (range 11.0-13.0) years. At the initial and follow-up examinations, we recorded data on respiratory symptoms and asthma medication; measured the lung function; and tested for bronchial hyperreactivity. We allowed the patients to assess their state of health and overall satisfaction using a visual analogue scale (VAS) at these visits. The 35 patients whom we could follow had a median symptomatic exposure time of 12 months, interquartile range (IQR) 26 months and a median overall exposure time of 51 (IQR 104) months. Their subjective symptoms (p < 0.001) and the use of asthma medication (p = 0.002), particularly the use of inhaled corticosteroids (p < 0.001), decreased by nearly 50%. At the same time, the self-assessment of the patients’ state of health and overall satisfaction increased considerably according to both symptomatology and income. In contrast, slight reductions in terms of FVC% predicted from 102% to 96% (p = 0.04), of FEV1% predicted from 91% to 87% (p = 0.06) and of the FEV1/FVC ratio of 3%; (p = 0.01) were observed while NSBHR positivity did not change significantly. In univariate as well as multivariate logistic analyses we showed significant associations between age, duration of exposure and FEV1/FVC ratio with persistent asthma symptoms and NSBHR. We found that the patients’ symptoms, the extent of their therapy and the decrease in their lung volumes during the follow-up period were similar to the findings in the literature. The same hold true for some prognostic factors, whereas the patients’ self-assessment of their state of health and overall satisfaction improved considerably.
Qualitative Methods in Health Services and Management Research: Pockets of Excellence and Progress, but Still a Long Way to Go:

The 10-year systematic review of published health services and management research by Weiner et al. (2011) chronicles the contributions of qualitative methods, highlights areas of substantial progress, and identifies areas in need of more progress. This article (Devers, 2011) discusses possible reasons for lack of progress in some areas— related to the under-supply of well-trained qualitative researchers and more tangible demand for their research—and mechanisms for future improvement. To ensure a robust health services research toolbox, the field must take additional steps to provide stronger education and training in qualitative methods and more funding and publication opportunities. Given the rapidly changing health care system post the passage of national health reform and the chalresearch issues associated with it, the health services research and management field will not meet its future challenges with quantitative methods alone or with a half-empty toolbox.
Handshake time and transmission rate of 802.11g measurement in vehicular networks

Wireless network access from moving vehicles can be challenged by many factors such as connection opportunities, mobility, handshake phase, and data sizes, etc. The handshake time and transmission rate can be influenced differently in vehicle-to-roadside networks than a static wireless LAN access. The radio signal strength changes and Doppler shift occur when the vehicle is moving. Switching among APs could cause significant connection stale, which could have a major impact on the handshake phase and transmission rate. The purpose of our paper is to enhance the understanding of these influential factors and study the feasibility of mobile vehicle access for a hybrid environment that contains sparse and dense access point deployments. Experiment data was collected in a moving vehicle, which traveled around the campus of the university. In the data analyze part, the above factors are analyzed for packet inter-arrival time, response time and transmission rate; Our main results are focused in security enabled protocols such as HTTPS and SSH, as well as TCP file transmission. Our data shows that IEEE 802.11g is still weak in supporting mobile vehicle access to the Wireless LAN. We expect that IEEE 802.11p, designed specifically for vehicle networks, can provide better mobile services.
The fabrication and initial testing of the SNS RFQ

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is designing and building the 2.5 MeV front end injector for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). This injector comprises an H/sup -/ ion source, a low energy beam transport line (LEBT), a radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) and a beam transport line designed to provide fast chopping of the beam. The RFQ is designed to accelerate the Hbeam from the energy of 65 keV to 2.5 MeV, while bunching it at 402.5 MHz. This high duty factor (6%) structure is made of a combination of Glidcop and OFE copper and is fully brazed. The RFQ is built in 4 modules, each approximately one meter long. This paper covers the mechanical fabrication details of the modules, three of which have been completed. While the modules are coming out of production, they are conditioned and tested to full power. This paper will also describe the results of the beam tests on the first module, including capture efficiency and transmission.
Striped Bass, Morone saxatilis, Egg Incubation in Large Volume Jars

The standard McDonald jar was compared with a large volume jar for striped bass, Morone saxatilis, egg incubation. The McDonald jar measured 16 cm in diameter by 45 cm in height and had a volume of 6 L. The experimental jar measured 0.4 m in diameter by 1.3 m in height and had a volume of 200 L. The hypothesis is that there is no difference in percent survival of fry hatched in experimental jars compared with McDonald jars. Striped bass brood fish were collected from the Coosa River and spawned using the dry spawn method of fertilization. Four McDonald jars were stocked with approximately 150 g of eggs each. Post-hatch survival was estimated at 48, 96, and 144 h. Stocking rates resulted in an average egg loading rate (±1 SE) in McDonald jars of 21.9 ± 0.03 eggs/mL and in experimental jars of 10.9 ± 0.57 eggs/mL. The major finding of this study was that average fry survival was 37.3 ± 4.49% for McDonald jars and 34.2 ± 3.80% for experimental jars. Although survival in experimental jars was slightly less than in McDonald jars, the effect of container volume on survival to 48 h (F = 6.57; df = 1,5; P > 0.05), 96 h (F = 0.02; df = 1, 4; P > 0.89), and 144 h (F = 3.50; df = 1, 4; P > 0.13) was not statistically significant. Mean survival between replicates ranged from 14.7 to 60.1% in McDonald jars and from 10.1 to 54.4% in experimental jars. No effect of initial stocking rate on survival (t = 0.06; df = 10; P > 0.95) was detected. Experimental jars allowed for incubation of a greater number of eggs in less than half the floor space of McDonald jars. As hatchery production is often limited by space or water supply, experimental jars offer an alternative to extending spawning activities, thereby reducing labor and operations cost. As survival was similar to McDonald jars, the experimental jar is suitable for striped bass egg incubation.
Mechanisms of enveloped RNA virus budding

To spread infection, enveloped viruses must bud from infected host cells. Recent research indicates that HIV and other enveloped RNA viruses bud by appropriating the cellular machinery that is normally used to create vesicles that bud into late endosomal compartments called multivesicular bodies. This new model of virus budding has many potential implications for cell biology and viral pathogenesis.
Managing To Make It Afterthoughts

This article highlights some key ideas and findings presented in Managing to Make It, a study of how communities and neighborhoods affect the process of human development. Research using both exploratory fieldwork and quantitative surveys was conducted in inner-city Philadelphia over a decade. The study examined the residential contexts of children ages 11 to 15 and their resulting developmental outcomes. Residential choice, local institutions, and child-rearing decisions were all examined. Considerable variation in the functioning of families was found within neighborhoods, whereas the degree of variation across neighborhoods was less. There was little evidence that neighborhoods with greater social cohesion, better institutional resources, or even higher levels of problem behavior were significantly related to well-being outcomes for the family or individual. A strong association between family management and neighborhood properties was revealed. The future of neighborhoods lies in the ability of parent...
Acquire: an open-source comprehensive cancer biobanking system

Motivation: The probability of effective treatment of cancer with a targeted therapeutic can be improved for patients with defined genotypes containing actionable mutations. To this end, many human cancer biobanks are integrating more tightly with genomic sequencing facilities and with those creating and maintaining patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and cell lines to provide renewable resources for translational research. Results: To support the complex data management needs and workflows of several such biobanks, we developed Acquire. It is a robust, secure, web-based, database-backed open-source system that supports all major needs of a modern cancer biobank. Its modules allow for i) up-to-the-minute ‘scoreboard’ and graphical reporting of collections; ii) end user roles and permissions; iii) specimen inventory through caTissue Suite; iv) shipping forms for distribution of specimens to pathology, genomic analysis and PDX/cell line creation facilities; v) robust ad hoc querying; vi) molecular and cellular quality control metrics to track specimens’ progress and quality; vii) public researcher request; viii) resource allocation committee distribution request review and oversight and ix) linkage to available derivatives of specimen. Availability and Implementation: Acquire implements standard controlled vocabularies, ontologies and objects from the NCI, CDISC and others. Here we describe the functionality of the system, its technological stack and the processes it supports. A test version Acquire is available at https://tcrbacquire-stg.research.bcm.edu; software is available in https://github.com/BCM-DLDCC/Acquire; and UML models, data and workflow diagrams, behavioral specifications and other documents are available at https://github.com/BCM-DLDCC/Acquire/tree/master/supplementaryMaterials. Contact: ude.mcb@lenceb
Two-Step Conformational Changes in a Coronavirus Envelope Glycoprotein Mediated by Receptor Binding and Proteolysis

The coronaviruses mouse hepatitis virus type 2 (MHV-2) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) utilize proteases to enter host cells. Upon receptor binding, the spike (S) proteins of both viruses are activated for membrane fusion by proteases, such as trypsin, present in the environment, facilitating virus entry from the cell surface. In contrast, in the absence of extracellular proteases, these viruses can enter cells via an endosomal pathway and utilize endosomal cathepsins for S protein activation. We demonstrate that the MHV-2 S protein uses multistep conformational changes for membrane fusion. After interaction with a soluble form of the MHV receptor (CEACAM1a), the metastable form of S protein is converted to a stable trimer, as revealed by mildly denaturing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Liposome-binding assays indicate that the receptor-bound virions are associated with the target membrane through hydrophobic interactions. The exposure of receptor-bound S protein to trypsin or cathepsin L (CPL) induces the formation of six-helix bundles (6HB), the final conformation. This trypsin- or CPL-mediated conversion to 6HB can be blocked by a heptad repeat peptide known to block the formation of 6HB. Although trypsin treatment enabled receptor-bound MHV-2 to enter from the cell surface, CPL failed to do so. Interestingly, consecutive treatment with CPL and then chlorpromazine enabled a portion of the virus to enter from cell surface. These results suggest that trypsin suffices for the induction of membrane fusion of receptor-primed S protein, but an additional unidentified cellular factor is required to trigger membrane fusion by CPL.
The quantization noise spectrum of a sinusoid in colored noise

The power density spectrum (PDS) of analog-to-digital (A/D) quantization noise is obtained for an input signal consisting of sinusoid and colored noise. While this type of quantization noise is often assumed to be uncorrelated or white, it may not be when the input signal occupies a relatively small number of quantization levels. Equations describing the PDS are derived and presented for combinations of deterministic and random A/D converter inputs. >
The topology of $out(F_n)$

We will survey the work on the topology of Out(Fn) in the last 20 years or so. Much of the development is driven by the tantalizing analogy with mapping class groups. Unfortunately, Out(Fn) is more complicated and less well-behaved. Culler and Vogtmann constructed Outer Space Xn, the analog of Te­ ichmuller space, a contractible complex on which Out(Fn) acts with finite stabilizers. Paths in Xn can be generated using "foldings" of graphs, an oper­ ation introduced by Stallings to give alternative solutions for many algorithmic questions about free groups. The most conceptual proof of the contractibility of Xn involves folding. There is a normal form of an automorphism, analogous to Thurston's nor­ mal form for surface homeomorphisms. This normal form, called a "(relative) train track map", consists of a cellular map on a graph and has good prop­ erties with respect to iteration. One may think of building an automorphism in stages, adding to the previous stages a building block that either grows exponentially or polynomially. A complicating feature is that these blocks are not "disjoint" as in Thurston's theory, but interact as upper stages can map over the lower stages. Applications include the study of growth rates (a surprising feature of free group automorphisms is that the growth rate of / is generally different from the growth rate of / _1 ), of the fixed subgroup of a given automorphism, and the proof of the Tits alternative for Out(Fn). For the latter, in addition to train track methods, one needs to consider an appropriate version of "at­ tracting laminations" to understand the dynamics of exponentially growing automorphisms and run the "ping-pong" argument. The Tits alternative is thus reduced to groups consisting of polynomially growing automorphisms, and this is handled by the analog of Kolchin's theorem (this is one instance where Out(Fn) resembles GL„(Z) more than a mapping class group). Morse theory has made its appearance in the subject in several guises. The original proof of the contractibility of Xn used a kind of "combinatoria l" Morse function (adding contractible subcomplexes one at a time and studying the intersections). Hatcher-Vogtmann developed a "Cerf theory" for graphs. This is a parametrized version of Morse theory and it allows them to prove homological stability results. One can "bordify" Outer Space (by analogy with the Borei-Serre construction for arithmetic groups) to make the action
Crystallization of exotoxin A from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Exotoxin A from Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been crystallized in a form suitable for high resolution diffraction analysis. The crystals, grown in the presence of high concentrations of polyethylene glycol (20%, w/v) and of NaCl (1.5 m ), are monoclinic and contain one monomeric toxin molecule per asymmetric unit. The space group is P 2 1 , with a = 60.6 A , b = 100.2 A , c = 59.8 A , β = 98.6 ° .
Upper Miocene magnetic stratigraphy at ODP site 1092 (sub-Antarctic South Atlantic): recognition of 'cryptochrons' in C5n.2n

SUMMARY U-channel samples from ODP site 1092 in the sub-Antarctic South Atlantic Ocean provide an interpretable magnetic stratigraphy from 1.95 to ∼3.6 Ma and from ∼5.9 to 13.5 Ma. Although the interpretation is unclear within the Gilbert Chron (C3), the record represents one of the more complete Upper Miocene polarity stratigraphies from the South Atlantic. Eight polarity subchrons that are not included in the standard polarity timescale are identified. Polarity subchron C4r.2r contains a normal-polarity interval that has also been identified in sediments from ODP leg 138. Three short subchrons are recorded within C4n.2n, C5r.3r and C5AAr. The record of C5n.2n contains four short reverse-polarity subchrons of durations estimated to be 3–6 kyr.
Review: Advances in delta-subsidence research using satellite methods

Most of the world’s major river deltas are sinking relative to local sea level. The effects of subsidence can include aquifer salinization, infrastructure damage, increased vulnerability to flooding and storm surges, and permanent inundation of low-lying land. Consequently, determining the relative importance of natural vs. anthropogenic pressures in driving delta subsidence is a topic of ongoing research. This article presents a review of knowledge with respect to delta surface-elevation loss. The field is rapidly advancing due to applications of space-based techniques: InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar), GPS (global positioning system), and satellite ocean altimetry. These techniques have shed new light on a variety of subsidence processes, including tectonics, isostatic adjustment, and the spatial and temporal variability of sediment compaction. They also confirm that subsidence associated with fluid extraction can outpace sea-level rise by up to two orders of magnitude, resulting in effective sea-level rise that is one-hundred times faster than the global average rate. In coming years, space-based and airborne instruments will be critical in providing near-real-time monitoring to facilitate management decisions in sinking deltas. However, ground-based observations continue to be necessary for generating complete measurements of surface-elevation change. Numerical modeling should seek to simulate couplings between subsidence processes for greater predictive power.
Conversación con los difuntos: una perspectiva mexicana ante el debate sobre la historia cultural

This article discusses the debate around the cultural history of Mexico that took place in several academic forums in the United States and in The Hispanic American Historical Review in 1999. In order to understand the reasons why that debate has not had similar repercussions in Mexico, the article looks at the cultural history practiced by Edmundo O’Gorman during the second half of the twentieth century. From the influence of historicism in Mexico there is an emergence of several specific notions about the meaning of culture and identity, which need to be reviewed with the goal of establishing a common vocabulary and a productive dialogue between the historiographies produced in both countries.
6,7‐Dihydro‐2‐phenyl‐5‐(phenylmethyl)‐5H‐pyrrolo[2,1‐c]‐1,2,4‐triazolium Chloride

[640737-16-2] C18H18ClN3 (MW 311.8086) InChI = 1S/C18H18N3.ClH/c1-3-7-15(8-4-1)13-17-11-12-18-19-21(14-20(17)18)16-9-5-2-6-10-16;/h1-10,14,17H,11-13H2;1H/q+1;/p-1 InChIKey = JOMVXOWRDSZYJW-UHFFFAOYSA-M (catalyst used in a variety of transformations, mostly involving umpolung reactivity) Physical Data: mp 198.4–199.6 (BF4 salt). Solubility: common organic solvents—low solubility in hexanes, benzene, and toluene. Form Supplied in: anhydrous solid. Analysis of Reagent Purity: NMR, MS. Purification: precipitation from chlorobenzene followed by recrystallization from MeOH (BF4 catalyst). Handling, Storage, and Precautions: stored at ambient temperature with no special precautions.
Evaluating the Detection of Aberrant Responses in Automated Essay Scoring

As automated essay scoring grows in popularity, the measurement issues associated with it take on greater importance. One such issue is the detection of aberrant responses. In this study, we considered aberrant responses as those that were not suitable for machine scoring because the responses have characteristics that the scoring system cannot process. Since no such system can yet understand language in a way that a human rater does, the detection of aberrant responses is important for all automated essay scoring systems. Successful identification of aberrant responses can happen before and after machine scoring is attempted (i.e., pre-screening and post-hoc screening). Such identification is essential if the technology is to be used as the primary scoring method. In this study, we investigated the functioning of a set of pre-screening advisory flags that have been used in different automated essay scoring systems. In addition, we evaluated whether the size of the human–machine discrepancy could be predicted as a precursor to developing a general post-hoc screening method. These analyses were conducted using one scoring system as a case example. Empirical results suggested that some pre-screening advisories were operating more effectively than others were. With respect to post-hoc screening, relatively little scoring difficulty was found overall, thereby reducing the ability to predict human–machine discrepancy for those responses that passed through pre-screening. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future studies are also provided.
Impacts of Vehicle Weight Reduction via Material Substitution on Life-Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

This study examines the vehicle-cycle and vehicle total life-cycle impacts of substituting lightweight materials into vehicles. We determine part-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emission ratios by collecting material substitution data and evaluating that alongside known mass-based GHG ratios (using and updating Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model) associated with material pair substitutions. Several vehicle parts are lightweighted via material substitution, using substitution ratios from a U.S. Department of Energy report, to determine GHG emissions. We then examine fuel-cycle GHG reductions from lightweighting. The fuel reduction value methodology is applied using FRV estimates of 0.15–0.25, and 0.25–0.5 L/(100km·100 kg), with and without powertrain adjustments, respectively. GHG breakeven values are derived for both driving distance and material substitution ratio. While material substitution can reduce vehicle weight, it often increases vehicle-cycle GHGs. It is likely that replacing steel (the domina...
Genotype and age at Parkinson disease diagnosis

Parkinson disease (PD) is a degenerative movement disorder that results from the destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain substantia nigra. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to PD risk, and likely to age at diagnosis. Among 258 newly diagnosed non-Hispanic Caucasian cases from Group Health Cooperative in western Washington State, we assessed whether diagnosis age was associated with 1,327 single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes related to central nervous system function, oxidative stress, inflammation or metal transport. We conducted linear regression to assess the age difference per variant allele while adjusting for sex and smoking. Of the polymorphisms associated with PD diagnosis age (ptrend 2-year differences in diagnosis age. These results await confirmation in other series of incident cases, but suggest that selected genes and environmental exposures may influence PD diagnosis age.
The Political Economy of State-Society Relations in Hungary and Poland: History and Theory in Practice

By now it is obvious that even though the blueprint of classical state socialism aimed for uniformity across countries and within societies, a variety of national hybrids actually developed in the state-socialist world. The most casual observers intuit, for instance, that Romania was not Poland, and specialists are keenly aware of the myriad ways in which the developmental paths of Czechoslovakia and Hungary diverged from one another, or from those of the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, and the German Democratic Republic. Some have also explored the similarities and differences amongst the Chinese, Hungarian, and Yugoslav “reform” variants, while a smaller group has focused on the East Asian or Latin American experiences with the state-socialist blueprint. Even analysts sensitive to such differences, however, have generally grouped Hungary and Poland together as very similar pre-1989 “reformers.” This categorization, to be sure, makes a certain amount of sense. After all, Hungary, Poland, and Yugoslavia appeared avant garde beside the Soviet Union and other more “conservative” countries. (Outside the region, only China could be considered a serious economic reformer.) But closer inspection of the prolonged internal transformations of Hungary and Poland suggests that in many ways it is precisely these two countries that represented opposing variants of state socialism. One came to resemble a laboratory for controlled economic experimentation, the other held out the ironic image of a workers' state buffeted by overt labor-state conflict.
Synthesis of Some N1-Methyl-2-substituted Inosines and Their 5'-Phosphates

Some isopropylidene derivatives of N1-methyl-2-substituted inosines were synthesized from 2', 3'-O-isopropylidene-N1-methyl-2-methylthioinosine (VII). Phosphorylation of the isopropylidene derivatives (VIII and X) of N1-methylinosine and N1-methylguanosine followed by acidic treatment afforded N1-methylinosine 5'-phosphate (XVIII) and N1-methylguanosine 5'-phosphate (XIX), respectively, the flavoring activities of which were qualitatively investigated.
Abstract A33: Identification of potential immunologic targets in mice and man that are overexpressed in colon adenomas and colorectal cancer

Multiple recent studies have demonstrated that colorectal cancer (CRC) is immunogenic and that host adaptive immunity (especially by CD4 + T cells) may play a role in inhibiting disease relapse or progression. We have shown that overexpressed tumor associated proteins, those abundant in the cancer state but expressed at basal levels in normal cells, can be immunogenic. The purpose of this study was to identify genes overexpressed in colorectal adenoma that maintain upregulation in CRC using publicly available microarray datasets in the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Such genes may encode proteins that could be suitable as immunologic targets for a CRC vaccine. We identified 7 high quality datasets from 5 experiments (GSE 867, 4183, 1095, 5206, 15960) where human pre-malignant or cancerous tissue (3 adenoma and 4 CRC) was directly compared to normal colon. Inclusion criteria for the datasets included: commercial microarray platforms (Illumina or Affymetrix), primary tissue, normal colon expression included, data generated after 2005, and access to microarray raw data. We identified 100 genes that were at least 2-fold upregulated in both adenomas and CRC, relative to normal colon. We further characterized and ranked these genes by assigning numerical values to the following criteria: 1) strong expression in CRC as compared to normal colon at both the RNA and protein level, 2) evidence that the gene is biologically important in CRC initiation or progression, 3) limited gene expression in normal tissues, and 4) proven immunogenicity of the encoded protein. These analyses identified 83 candidate targets. We hypothesized that genes highly conserved across species would potentially have greater biologic relevance, so we analyzed relevant microarray studies in mouse CRC models (GSE 422, 784). We identified 226 murine genes upregulated in adenoma and CRC. Comparison of the human and rodent data sets revealed an overlap of 10 genes. We conclude that there are a limited number of genes upregulated in adenoma and CRC and conserved across disease in mouse and man. If these proteins are immunogenic, they may serve as novel immunologic targets to prevent the progression from normal colonic epithelium to adenoma or carcinoma. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):A33.
Redox-activated manganese-based MR contrast agent.

Here we report a simple Mn coordination complex with utility as a redox-sensitive MR probe. The HBET ligand stabilizes both the Mn2+ and Mn3+ oxidation states. In the presence of glutathione (GSH), low relaxivity MnIII-HBET is converted to high relaxivity MnII-HBET with a 3-fold increase in relaxivity, and concomitant increase in MR signal. Alternately, hydrogen peroxide can convert MnII-HBET to MnIII-HBET with a reduction in MR signal.
Effects of sevin on small-mammal populations in agricultural and old-field ecosystems

The objective of this investigation was to quantify effects of an insecticide (Sevin) on the population dynamics of meadow voles ( Microtus pennsylvanicus ) and feral house mice ( Mus musculus ) contained within agricultural and old-held communities. The study area consisted of eight 0.1-ha plots enclosed by sheets of 20-gauge galvanized steel. Agricultural plots were planted to oats ( Avena sativa ) then permitted to proceed into secondary succession the following year. Densities of Mus populations in agricultural plots were 50–75% higher in the sprayed plots following treatment as compared to control plots. Conversely, densities of Microtus populations in agricultural plots were significantly lower in sprayed plots following treatment as compared to control values. This difference was attributed to the effect of the insecticide on pregnant female voles which exhibited a delay of 5–6 weeks in an increase in the reproductive rate following treatment. No differences in population densities of Mus or Microtus related to treatment were found in the old-field community at any time. Trapping efficiencies did not differ significantly between treatments for either community type, although Mus was recaptured nearly twice as frequently as Microtus within both community types. Trapping efficiency for both Mus and Microtus was significantly higher in the old-field community than the agricultural community. The agricultural community exhibited higher rates of plant productivity, higher small-mammal reproductive rates, and higher small-mammal carrying capacities, but lower total community stability, than the old-field community.