cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Virtual access hydraulic experiment for system dynamics and controls education

A Virtual Access Laboratory (VAL) for undergraduates is currently being built at Georgia Tech. This laboratory will house a three-degree of freedom, hydraulically actuated device resembling a fork lift truck. Experiments with the hydraulic equipment can be run remotely via the Internet. Such an experimental apparatus will give students exposure to hydraulics, technology that is used expansively in industry, yet lightly treated in most US undergraduate engineering curricula. The software responsible for providing the user interface and controlling the manipulator is comprised of both client and server programs that communicate via the Internet. The client code is written in Java and features a Graphical User Interface to provide a user-friendly environment for students. Code for the server is written in C++ to run on Windows NT with Hyperkernel for deterministic real-time control. This code will offer the students the ability to run experiments such as system identification, PID control, and trajectory planning. A camera monitors the system and provides students with visual data.
Superdiffusive blow-up with advection

We examine the problem of a high-energy source localised within a superdiffusive medium with advection. This problem is modelled by a fractional diffusion equation with a nonlinear source term. Advection is introduced through a linear transport term that is proportional to the advection speed. In this paper we allow the medium to exhibit superdiffusive behaviour ranging from the classical (Gaussian) limit to the ballistic limit. We analyse the model to determine whether or not a thermal blow-up occurs. Specifically, it is shown that there exists a critical advection speed above which blow-up is avoided and below which blow-up is guaranteed. We also provide the asymptotic growth of the temperature near the time of blow-up.
Thermodynamics of multicomponent, elastic, crystalline solids

Abstract The thermodynamic behavior of multicomponent, elastic, crystalline solids is developed, including Euler's equation, the Gibbs equation, the Gibbs–Duhem equation, the conditions to be expected at equilibrium including a new description of stress-deformation behavior, and an extension of the Gibbs phase rule. The predictions of the phase rule are compared with two types of experimental observations including the ten triple points of water.
Phytoclimatic map of Calabria (Southern Italy)

This study updates Pavari's phytoclimatic map in a region of southern Italy, Calabria (between 37° 50′ and 40° 10′ N and 15° 30′ and 17° 20′ E). A set of homogeneous monthly precipitation and temperature series registered in Calabria and relative to the period 1916–2010 were used. First, temperature data from 28 thermometric stations, over a 30-year period, were homogenized and processed. A multiple regression analysis was carried out between temperature data (annual average temperature, average of minimum temperature and average temperature of the coldest month of the year) as dependent variables and some geographical variables (altitude of the station, continentality and solar radiation) as independent variables. Then, temperature maps of the region were calculated and, finally, temperature and rainfall maps were intersected to define Pavari's phytoclimatic map. The results obtained in this study allow the identification and the delineation of three phytoclimatic belts.
Analysis of the surface density and reactivity of perfluorophenylazide and the impact on ligand immobilization

Perfluorophenylazide (PFPA) chemistry is a novel method for tailoring the surface properties of solid surfaces and nanoparticles. It is general and versatile, and has proven to be an efficient way to immobilize graphene, proteins, carbohydrates, and synthetic polymers. The main thrust of this work is to provide a detailed investigation on the chemical composition and surface density of the PFPA tailored surface. Specifically, gold surfaces were treated with PFPA-derivatized (11-mercaptoundecyl)tetra(ethylene glycol) (PFPA-MUTEG) mixed with 2-[2-(2-mercaptoethoxy)ethoxy]ethanol (MDEG) at varying solution mole ratios. Complementary analytical techniques were employed to characterize the resulting films including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to detect fingerprints of the PFPA group, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ellipsometry to study the homogeneity and uniformity of the films, and near edge x-ray absorption fine structures to study the electronic and chemical structure of the PFPA groups. Results from these studies show that the films prepared from 90:10 and 80:20 PFPA-MUTEG/MDEG mixed solutions exhibited the highest surface density of PFPA and the most homogeneous coverage on the surface. A functional assay using surface plasmon resonance with carbohydrates covalently immobilized onto the PFPA-modified surfaces showed the highest binding affinity for lectin on the PFPA-MUTEG/MDEG film prepared from a 90:10 solution.
Task and user effects on reading patterns in information search

We report on an investigation into people’s behaviors on information search tasks, specifically the relation between eye movement patterns and task characteristics. We conducted two independent user studies (n = 32 and n = 40), one with journalism tasks and the other with genomics tasks. The tasks were constructed to represent information needs of these two different users groups and to vary in several dimensions according to a task classification scheme. For each participant we classified eye gaze data to construct models of their reading patterns. The reading models were analyzed with respect to the effect of task types and Web page types on reading eye movement patterns. We report on relationships between tasks and individual reading behaviors at the task and page level. Specifically we show that transitions between scanning and reading behavior in eye movement patterns and the amount of text processed may be an implicit indicator of the current task type facets. This may be useful in building user and task models that can be useful in personalization of information systems and so address design demands driven by increasingly complex user actions with information systems. One of the contributions of this research is a new methodology to model information search behavior and investigate information acquisition and cognitive processing in interactive information tasks.
RNAi pathway genes are resistant to small RNA mediated gene silencing in the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica.

The RNA interference pathway in the protist Entamoeba histolytica plays important roles in permanent gene silencing as well as in the regulation of virulence determinants. Recently, a novel RNA interference (RNAi)-based silencing technique was developed in this parasite that uses a gene endogenously silenced by small RNAs as a “trigger” to induce silencing of other genes that are fused to it. Fusion to a trigger gene induces the production of gene-specific antisense small RNAs, resulting in robust and permanent silencing of the cognate gene. This approach has silenced multiple genes including those involved in virulence and transcriptional regulation. We now demonstrate that all tested genes of the amebic RNAi pathway are unable to be silenced using the trigger approach, including Argonaute genes (Ago2-1, Ago2-2, and Ago2-3), RNaseIII, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). In all situations (except for RdRP), fusion to a trigger successfully induces production of gene-specific antisense small RNAs to the cognate gene. These small RNAs are capable of silencing a target gene in trans, indicating that they are functional; despite this, however, they cannot silence the RNAi pathway genes. Interestingly, when a trigger is fused to RdRP, small RNA induction to RdRP does not occur, a unique phenotype hinting that either RdRP is highly resistant to being a target of small RNAs or that small RNA generation may be controlled by RdRP. The inability of the small RNA pathway to silence RNAi genes in E. histolytica, despite the generation of functional small RNAs to these loci suggest that epigenetic factors may protect certain genomic loci and thus determine susceptibility to small RNA mediated silencing.
The aptitude-achievement test distinction: a study of unrelated children reared together.

Unrelated children reared together (N=156) in 71 different families included in the Texas Adoption Project were compared for similarities on intelligence and achievement tests. The purpose was to see if a distinction between the two types of tests based on their heritabilities could be sustained. Results indicated no substantial differences in correlations for the two types of tests, and hence little or no support for the notion of an aptitude-achievement distinction based on differential heritabilities.
Eigenvalue distributions of beta-Wishart matrices

We derive explicit expressions for the distributions of the extreme eigenvalues of the beta-Wishart random matrices in terms of the hypergeometric function of a matrix argument. These results generalize the classical results for the real (β = 1), complex (β = 2), and quaternion (β = 4) Wishart matrices to any β > 0.
Dph7 catalyzes a previously unknown demethylation step in diphthamide biosynthesis.

Present on archaeal and eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2, diphthamide represents one of the most intriguing post-translational modifications on proteins. The biosynthesis of diphthamide was proposed to occur in three steps requiring seven proteins, Dph1–7, in eukaryotes. The functional assignments of Dph1–5 in the first and second step have been well established. Recent studies suggest that Dph6 (yeast YLR143W or human ATPBD4) and Dph7 (yeast YBR246W or human WDR85) are involved in the last amidation step, with Dph6 being the actual diphthamide synthetase catalyzing the ATP-dependent amidation reaction. However, the exact molecular role of Dph7 is unclear. Here we demonstrate that Dph7 is an enzyme catalyzing a previously unknown step in the diphthamide biosynthesis pathway. This step is between the Dph5- and Dph6-catalyzed reactions. We demonstrate that the Dph5-catalyzed reaction generates methylated diphthine, a previously overlooked intermediate, and Dph7 is a methylesterase that hydrolyzes ...
The Andean Goblin Spiders of the New Genus Scaphidysderina (Araneae, Oonopidae), with Notes on Dysderina

ABSTRACT Dysderina Simon is one of the largest of the classical genera of goblin spiders, containing numerous species that have been associated only because they are heavily scutate gamasomorphines with long, paired spines on the ventral surface of the anterior tibiae and metatarsi. The Old World species that have been assigned to the genus are wildly misplaced, and the New World fauna constitutes a complex of over 225 species belonging to at least nine genera. The northern Andes house a highly diverse fauna, both of Dysderina itself and of closely related genera. The new genus Scaphidysderina is established for one of those related but distinct Andean groups, characterized by a crenulated sternum and by the reduction or loss of the dorsal abdominal scutum in females. Seventeen new species are described from Peru (S. manu, S. pagoreni, S. scutata, S. cajamarca), Ecuador (S. tayos, S. loja, S. molleturo, S. tapiai, S. pinocchio, S. palenque, S. tandapi, S. napo, S. baerti, S. cotopaxi, S. andersoni), and C...
Control methodologies for manufacturing applications

Abstract Motion control plays fundamental roles in manufacturing systems. The control objectives depend on the problem at hand. In precision motion control of products at nano/micro scales, rejection of vibrations due to external excitation is a significant issue. On the other hand, in assembly of automotive parts using robot manipulators, control of vibrations caused by the flexibility of a robot arm needs to be addressed. This paper reviews recent research on control methodologies that have significant impacts on today’s and tomorrow’s manufacturing systems. More specifically, applications of loop shaping for precision motion control and iterative learning control are reviewed.
Efficacy of ultraviolet B phototherapy for psoriasis in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

To evaluate the efficacy of ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy for the treatment of psoriasis in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the response of 14 patients was compared to that of matched seronegative control individuals. All patients were evaluated prior to treatment (baseline) and after 21 treatments for the extent of total body surface area (TBSA) involvement and the quantification of scale, erythema, and thickness of plaques using a scale of 0 (absent) to 4 (severe). The only concomitant medication allowed was salicylic acid in petrolatum. The cumulative score for scale, erythema, and thickness improved 1.9 +/- 0.5 [mean +/- standard error of mean (SEM)] in the HIV group and 2.4 +/- 0.3 in controls. There was 40.9 +/- 7.3% reduction of TBSA involvement in the former and 38.4 +/- 7.6% reduction in the latter group. None of the differences was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in the response to therapy among various stages of immunosuppression in the HIV group. There was also no deterioration of immune status in this group. UVB phototherapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis in patients infected with HIV. The response is identical to that of matched control individuals.
More on moral hazard in organizations: Reply*

The paper by Thomas Hammond and Gary Miller is an insightful comment on the relevance of budget-breaking incentive schemes to real world organizations. They have made a valuable contribution in considering this line of research within a broader context. Nonetheless, they have not established the invalidity of my theoretical arguments. Therefore, my basic point still holds: that is, theoretically it is possible to show that a bonus-penalty incentive scheme of the sort proposed by Holmstrom is feasible, despite the principal's incentive to cheat. Regardless, all of this debate may beg the question, since compensation arrangements observed in the real world are rarely of the bonus-penalty type. Linear incentives are far more common, and many compensation schemes do not appear to incorporate optimal incentives. At this point we need more empirical research on the determinants of incentives in organizations. In order to make further advances in this area, a better understanding of the incentive mechanisms actually used in organizations is required.
A laboratory manual for human blood analysis

By M.K. Bhasin and S.M.S. Chahal. Delhi: Kamla-Raj Enterprises. 1996. 327 pp. ISBN 81-85264-09-X. $70.00 (cloth). © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Serum sickness following rabbit antithymocyte-globulin induction in a liver transplant recipient : Case report and literature review

Thymoglobulin® (Genzyme, Cambridge, MA) is an antithymocyte globulin preparation used for induction immunosuppression therapy in solid organ transplantation. It is being utilized with increasing frequency in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in an effort to minimize or delay the use of calcineurin inhibitors due to their inherent nephrotoxicity. Experience with thymoglobulin in OLT remains limited. We report a case of serum sickness in a patient who received thymoglobulin following OLT. The patient experienced intermittent fevers, polyarthralgia, and acute renal failure 9 days after completion of thymoglobulin administration. The patient's symptoms resolved rapidly and completely with a course of intravenous steroids. We review a set of diagnostic criteria for serum sickness and emphasize the importance of early recognition of the process. Early treatment of serum sickness with steroids or plasmapheresis is highly effective and can reduce unnecessary morbidity from this unusual sequela of induction immunosuppression with antithymocyte globulin. Liver Transpl 13:647-650, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Conformational Flexibility of Phosphate, Phosphonate, and Phosphorothioate Methyl Esters in Aqueous Solution

The intrinsic rotational barriers of the α and ζ coordinates of the native and modified DNA linkages were examined using neutral and ionic methyl phosphates, phosphorothioates, and phosphonates as model systems. Free energy profiles of the pathways from the right- (g-g-) to the left-handed (gg) conformers of dimethyl phosphate anion (CH3OP(O2)OCH3-), dimethyl phosphorothioate anion (CH3OP(O)(S)OCH3-), dimethyl methylphosphonate (CH3OP(O)(CH3)OCH3), and methyl ethylphosphonate anion (CH3CH2P(O2)OCH3) were evaluated using ab initio MP2/6-31G+G**//HF/6-31G* quantum mechanical calculations coupled with the Langevin dipoles and polarized continuum solvation models. Differences in the gas-phase conformational properties of the studied molecules were found to diminish in aqueous solution. In solution, the gg (g-g-) conformations are the most stable for dimethyl phosphate anion and the neutral phosphonate, whereas the gt conformation was predicted to prevail for dimethyl phosphorothioate anion. For methyl ethylph...
Global sensitivity analysis using sparse grid interpolation and polynomial chaos

Abstract Sparse grid interpolation is widely used to provide good approximations to smooth functions in high dimensions based on relatively few function evaluations. By using an efficient conversion from the interpolating polynomial provided by evaluations on a sparse grid to a representation in terms of orthogonal polynomials (gPC representation), we show how to use these relatively few function evaluations to estimate several types of sensitivity coefficients and to provide estimates on local minima and maxima. First, we provide a good estimate of the variance-based sensitivity coefficients of Sobol' (1990) [1] and then use the gradient of the gPC representation to give good approximations to the derivative-based sensitivity coefficients described by Kucherenko and Sobol' (2009) [2] . Finally, we use the package HOM4PS-2.0 given in Lee et al. (2008) [3] to determine the critical points of the interpolating polynomial and use these to determine the local minima and maxima of this polynomial.
Classification of masses in digitized mammograms with features in the wavelet transform domain

One of the primary visual properties used by radiologists in classifying masses is the sharpness of the edge of the mass. Wavelet transforms can be thought of as multiscale edge detectors. We report using the edge detection and classification properties of wavelet transforms to help classify masses on mammograms. We digitized six masses from mammograms: three benign and three malignant. Our preliminary results indicate that edge properties of masses in mammograms can be obtained from features in the wavelet transform domain. These edge properties can be used to help classify masses prior to biopsy. In particular, the change in the direction of the edge gradient at intermediate scales is indicative of malignancy. This work must be extended to a much larger sample size. The larger sample size will allow other measures to be used. More importantly the interaction between measures can then be observed. Undoubtedly a combination of measures will be required to classify masses accurately.
Impact of worsening renal function during the treatment of decompensated heart failure on changes in renal function during subsequent hospitalization.

Background Worsening renal function (WRF) commonly complicates the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure. Despite considerable investigation in this area, it remains unclear to what degree WRF is a reflection of treatment- versus patient-related factors. We hypothesized that if WRF is significantly influenced by factors intrinsic to the patient, then WRF during an index hospitalization should predict WRF during subsequent hospitalization. Methods Consecutive admissions to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with a discharge diagnosis of congestive heart failure were reviewed. Patients with >1 hospitalization were retained for analysis. Results In total, 181 hospitalization pairs met the inclusion criteria. Baseline patient characteristics demonstrated significant correlation between hospitalizations ( P ≤ .002 for all) but minimal association with WRF. In contrast, variables related to the aggressiveness of diuresis were weakly correlated between hospitalizations but significantly associated with WRF ( P ≤ .024 for all). Consistent with the primary hypothesis, WRF during the index hospitalization was strongly associated with WRF during subsequent hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, P = .003). This association was minimally altered after controlling for traditional baseline characteristics (OR 2.5, P = .006) and in-hospital treatment–related parameters (OR 2.8, P = .005). Conclusions A prior history of WRF is strongly associated with subsequent episodes of WRF, independent of in-hospital treatment received. These results suggest that baseline factors intrinsic to the patient's cardiorenal pathophysiology have substantial influence on the subsequent development of WRF.
TYPE I ERROR CONTROL OF TWO-GROUP MULTIVARIATE TESTS ON MEANS UNDER CONDITIONS OF HETEROGENEOUS CORRELATION STRUCTURE AND VARIED MULTIVARIATE DISTRIBUTIONS

ABSTRACT A Monte Carlo study was conducted to evaluate the performance of two-group multivariate tests on means under conditions of homogeneous and heterogeneous correlation structure and multivariate normality and nonnormality. The test statistics under study included those based on the work of Hotelling and alternative procedures proposed by James, Yao, Johansen, Nel and van der Merwe, and Kim. Results indicated that the F statistic based on Hotelling's T 2 was outperformed by the alternative procedures which showed good Type I error control under moderate to large sample sizes. Under small sample sizes, the alternative procedures tended to have unacceptable Type I error control. The F statistic based on Hotelling's T 2 is recommended for use when the sample size in each group is small (e.g., n = p + 1) and correlation heterogeneity is mild (<.3), or when groups are approximately equal in size. Though simulated conditions of multivariate nonnormality had some impact on the Type I error rates on some of ...
Preparation and characterization of transition metal complexes of several 5-substituted tetrazolis

Abstract In this investigation, cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zinc(II) and chromium(III) ions were caused to react in aqueous solutions with the sodium salts of 5- o -chlorobenzyltetrazole, and 5-phenyltetrazole, 5- p -methoxyphenyltetrazole, 5- p -chlorobenzyltetrazole, and 5-phenyltetrazole. No complexes were obtained with iron(II), iron(III), or manganese(II). The complexes were insoluble in most solvents. However, a few were soluble in donor solvents. I.R. spectra indicate that the 1-nitrogen on the tetrazole ring is not protonated in the complexes. By using positions of bands in the electronic absorption spectra, the ligands could usually be listed in the order of increasing ligand strength towards a given metal ion. The electronic absorption spectra of the solid nickel(II), cobalt(II), and chromium(III) complexes indicate octahedral symmetry. The spectra of the copper(II) complexes indicate tetragonal distortion. The magnetic moments of the nickel(II), chromium(III), and cobalt(II) complexes suggest high-spin. However, a few of the copper(II) complexes have low magnetic moments. The ESR spectra of the copper(II) complexes also indicate tetragonal distortion; the chromium(III) spectra indicate octahedral symmetry. The ESR spectra of the nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes were generally complex and poorly resolved.
Quantitative Assessment of Autism Symptom-related Traits in Probands and Parents: Broader Phenotype Autism Symptom Scale

Autism susceptibility genes likely have effects on continuously distributed autism-related traits, yet few measures of such traits exist. The Broader Phenotype Autism Symptom Scale (BPASS), developed for use with affected children and family members, measures social motivation, social expressiveness, conversational skills, and flexibility. Based on 201 multiplex families, psychometric data on the BPASS are reported. Adequate inter-rater reliability and internal consistency were found. Parents had lower BPASS scores than affected children, after controlling for IQ. Parents and affected children showed overlapping distributions suggesting the BPASS captured variability in traits across groups. BPASS scores were not correlated with ethnicity or parent education; however, some domains were correlated with IQ. The BPASS holds promise as a quantitative phenotypic assessment for genetic studies.
Gravity-induced sedimentation during melting and liquid phase sintering of Pb–Sn alloys

Abstract Gravity-induced phase separation during melting of Pb–Sn alloys results in a macroscopic concentration gradient that must be eliminated before phase equilibrium is established. When Pb–Sn alloys are heat treated in solid-plus-liquid regions (akin to liquid phase sintering), recession of the mushy (solid-plus-liquid) region accompanies elimination of the concentration gradient. Sedimentation apparently ceases as phase equilibrium is approached. Some solid-plus-liquid alloys do not sediment. These have a solid volume fraction sufficient to sterically hinder the gravity-induced phase separation. This critical volume fraction is about 0.50 for hypoeutectic (Pb-rich) alloys and about 0.75 for hypereutectic (Sn-rich) alloys.
Increasing the board's involvement in strategy

For a long time, boards of directors have been considered weak, incapable of contributing to the financial success of their companies. This article proposes a way to revitalize boards by involving them in mapping corporate strategic directions. Building on recent changes in boardroom practices, it outlines eight conditions for an effective strategic contribution by boards and specifies areas of potential for an effective strategic contribution by boards and specifies areas of potential interest to directors. Taken together, these suggestions are expected to ensure continuous and disciplined contribution by boards to strategy and, ultimately, to effective corporate performance.
Intensity fluctuation spectroscopy monitors contractile activation in "resting" cardiac muscle

Intensity fluctuations in a laser beam scattered by nonbeating isolated rat cardiac muscle varied directly with the calcium concentrations in the bathing fluid. The steady-state level of these fluctuations varied directly with calcium-dependent force suggesting that the intensity fluctuations reflect an interaction of calcium ions with the myofilaments. The demonstration that both a portion of resting force and the frequency of intensity fluctuations vary directly with calcium even in quiescent conditions indicates that some contractile activation is present in the resting muscle.
Microcomputer Automated System for Measuring Systolic Time Intervals in Response to Exercise and a Psychophysiological Task

A microcomputer automated system for measuring systolic time intervals is described. Electrocardiogram, phonocardiogram, and carotid pulse tracings were measured in 38 healthy male subjects during baseline conditions and during either exercise on a bicycle ergometer or a video-game task. These measurements were recorded on both a traditional 3-channel ECG recorder and the computerized system. Both methods of recording systolic time intervals were independently scored by two different experimenters. In this way, interrater reliability of hand-scoring, intermethod reliability between hand-scoring versus computer-scoring, and interrater reliability of computer-scoring could be assessed. The interrater reliabilities of hand-scored systolic time intervals were generally above .90, ranging from .73 for left ventricular ejection time to .99 for R-R intervals of the ECG, with a mean of .92. The intermethod reliability of the computer versus hand-scored systolic time intervals also proved to be generally above .90, ranging from .76 for S1-S2 components of the phonocardiogram to .99 for R-R, with a mean of .94. The interrater reliabilities of the computer-scored systolic time intervals were all above .90, ranging from .93 for S1-S2 to .99 for R-R, with a mean of .98. These data indicate that the computerized method of scoring systolic time intervals is at least as reliable as the more traditional scoring of paper tracing.
Active Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by MOG35-55 Peptide Immunization is Associated with Differential Responses in Separate Compartments of the Choroid Plexus

Background There is increasing awareness that, aside from producing cerebrospinal fluid, the choroid plexus (CP) might be a key regulator of immune activity in the central nervous system (CNS) during neuroinflammation. Specifically, the CP has recently been posited to control entry of sentinel T cells into the uninflamed CNS during the early stages of neuroinflammatory diseases, like multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). As the CP is compartmentalized into a stromal core containing fenestrated capillaries devoid of typical blood–brain barrier properties, surrounded by a tight junction-expressing choroidal epithelium, each of these compartments might mount unique responses that instigate the neuroinflammatory process.
Statistical shaping of interference to maximize capacity in cognitive random wireless networks

It is known that in a cognitive random wireless network, the aggregate interference from secondary network is not Gaussian. Using Shannon's bound for the capacity of general additive channels, Gaussian interference/noise is the worst case due to its maximum entropy property which leads to minimum capacity. Therefore, it is favorable to have the distribution of interference as far from Gaussian as possible. In this paper, we seek to deviate the statistics of secondary interference from Gaussianity by maximizing its kurtosis while a regulatory constraint is satisfied to keep the interference power below a threshold. For this purpose, we use power control for statistical shaping of interference. Considering a Gaussian and a non-Gaussian interference zone around primary receiver and assigning a fixed power level for the interfering nodes inside each zone, we show that optimum power levels are found by solving a constrained nonlinear optimization problem. The results show that using optimum power levels, the kurtosis increases significantly compared to the no power control case. Moreover, considering a generalized Gaussian model for interference, we show that the capacity of primary link improves dramatically by using the optimum power levels.
Invasive cancers detected after breast cancer screening yielded a negative result: relationship of mammographic density to tumor prognostic factors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate common breast tumor prognostic characteristics, including estrogen receptor (ER) status, grade, size, and method of detection, in relationship to mammographic density. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 121 women who had negative results at both screening mammography and breast physical examination within 17 months before a diagnosis of breast cancer. Mammographic density was classified according to Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System patterns 1 through 4 (where 1 indicates a fatty breast and 4 indicates a dense breast). Axillary nodal status and tumor histologic ER status, histologic grade, size, stage, and method of detection (mammography alone, palpation alone, or both palpation and mammography) were analyzed by density category and tested for statistically significant differences across categories by using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (P < .05) by density category were found for the following variables: ER positivity (15 of 15 tu...
Retinal mosaicism in a girl with an X-Y translocation.

To the Editor X-linked ocular albinism is a common disorder of melanosome biogenesis.1 In affected male subjects, it manifests in the form of reduced visual acuity, infantile nystagmus and ocular hypopigmentation.1 Carrier female subjects are minimally affected but may show iris translumination and coarse pattern of blotchy hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium due to lyonisation.2 ,3 X-linked ocular albinism is caused by mutations in the G protein-coupled receptor 143 (GPR143) gene, also known as the ocular albinism 1 gene located at Xp22.32.1 About 48% of reported mutations in the GPR143 gene are intragenic …
Metabolic investigation of host/pathogen interaction using MS2-infected Escherichia coli

Background RNA viruses are responsible for a variety of illnesses among people, including but not limited to the common cold, the flu, HIV, and ebola. Developing new drugs and new strategies for treating diseases caused by these viruses can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Mathematical modeling may be used to elucidate host-pathogen interactions and highlight potential targets for drug development, as well providing the basis for optimizing patient treatment strategies. The purpose of this work was to determine whether a genome-scale modeling approach could be used to understand how metabolism is impacted by the host-pathogen interaction during a viral infection. Escherichia coli/MS2 was used as the host-pathogen model system as MS2 is easy to work with, harmless to humans, but shares many features with eukaryotic viruses. In addition, the genome-scale metabolic model of E. coli is the most comprehensive model at this time.
On the Structural Characterization of a Series of Novel Ni-Nb-Sn Refractory Alloy Glasses

Recently refractory alloy glasses of varying Ni, Nb and Sn concentrations were prepared and studied via several characterization methods, including x-ray diffraction via standard lab and synchrotron radiation sources, SEM, and other complementary techniques. A comparison between x-ray diffraction results obtained from synchrotron sources vs. standard lab sources shows the necessity of a low-divergence source in order to distinguish nanoscale crystallites present within an amorphous matrix. The divergence of both sources was determined by comparing the diffraction patterns of a LaB6 standard and noting the deviation from ideal or theoretical Bragg peaks. The crystallites in these glasses comprised between 0 and 7.5 percent by volume, depending upon the specific composition. The results presented here also show a very good sample-to-sample consistency for any given alloy composition. While x-ray diffraction results give information about the average structure, SEM was also performed to understand aspects of individual crystallite size and distribution. By studying results of varying alloy concentrations, it is seen that a very small composition range exists for near-perfect glass formers (as defined by a near zero percentage crystallinity). Radial distribution analysis was also performed for each composition and compared to hard sphere models for each alloy composition. This analysis indicated the presence of intermediate range order beyond the first nearest neighbors as indicated by the divergence of the experimental reduced radial distribution functions from that predicted by the accompanying hard sphere models.
On the Utility of Inference Mechanisms

A number of network path delay, loss, or bandwidth inference mechanisms have been proposed over the past decade. Concurrently, several network measurement services have been deployed over the Internet and intranets. We consider inference mechanisms that use O(n) end-to-end measurements to predict the O(n^2) end-to-end pairwise measurements among n nodes, and investigate when it is beneficial to use them in measurement services. In particular, we address the following questions: (1) For which measurement request patterns would using an inference mechanism be advantageous? (2) How does a measurement service determine the set of hosts that should utilize inference mechanisms, as opposed to those that are better served using direct end-to-end measurements? (3) How can the answer to question 2 be efficiently computed as measurement requests arrive and terminate? Our solution is able to identify groups of hosts which are likely to benefit from inference, by utilizing a probabilistically generated spanning forest on the measurement request graph. We compare our solution to a simple heuristic that uses the number of measurements a host participates in. Results with synthetic datasets as well as datasets from a popular peer-to-peer system demonstrate that our technique identifies host subsets that benefit from inference quite accurately, and in significantly less time than an algorithm that identifies optimal subsets. The measurement savings are large when measurement request patterns exhibit small-world characteristics, which is often the case for peer-to-peer and other popular distributed systems.
Comparison of BRDF models with a fuzzy inference system for correction of bidirectional effects

With the advances in computing and imaging technology, the field of precision agriculture is rapidly becoming a practical means for farm management. An important step in the delivery of highly accurate images for farm managers is the within-image correction for viewing geometry effects. Reflected light on an imaging sensor is influenced by properties of view zenith angle, solar zenith angle, and relative azimuth. There are a number of models that describe this effect termed the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) or more generically ‘‘viewing geometry effects.’’ In this paper, we compared three BRDF models (Roujean, Shibayama–Wiegand, and Dymond–Qi) with a fuzzy inference system (FIS) for three data sets for correction of geometric effects. One data set consisted of ground data collected at different viewing angles of a cotton crop. Another data set included six aircraft images of a corn plot in a different part of each image. The final data set was an aerial image of a planting density experiment of cotton. All the models performed reasonably well, but the FIS was the most consistent predictor of BRDF for all three data sets. For the ground data set, R 2 statistics for predicting the reflectance based on the
Impaired Cholera Toxin Relaxation With Age in Rat Aorta

Beta-adrenergic-mediated vasorelaxation declines with maturation and aging. Available data suggest that impaired stimulatory G-protein function could explain this deficit. We have previously found a loss of cholera toxin (CT)-stimulated adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribosylation with age in rat aortic membrane preparations, without evidence for loss of the stimulatory alpha subunit of G protein (Gsalpha) by immunoblotting. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if cholera toxin-mediated vasorelaxation was also impaired with age. Aortic ring segments from 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months old male F-344 rats were used. Contraction to KCl and phenylephrine was assessed along with relaxation to cholera toxin (azide-free), isoproterenol and forskolin. There were no age-related changes to KCl or phenylephrine contraction. There was a significant decrease with age in relaxation to isoproterenol. This loss with age was significantly greater with KCl-preconstricted vessels than phenylephrine-preconstricted vessels. There were no age-related changes in the relaxation to forskolin. There was a significant decrease with age in the maximal relaxation to cholera toxin as well as a rightward shift in the dose-response curve. Cholera toxin-stimulated adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic phosphate (cAMP) levels were measured and there was no increase in cAMP levels surrounding the time period associated with relaxation induced by cholera toxin. These data suggest that different preconstricting agents markedly affect the age-related changes in beta-adrenergic-mediated vasorelaxation. Furthermore, they suggest that the mechanism of cholera toxin-mediated vasorelaxation may not be mediated through increases in cAMP concentration.
Pyroclastic current dynamic pressure from aerodynamics of tree or pole blow-down

Abstract The common occurrence of tree and pole blow-down from pyroclastic currents provides an opportunity to estimate properties of the currents. Blow-down may occur by uprooting (root zone rupture), or flexure or shear at some point on the object. If trees are delimbed before blow-down, each tree or pole can be simulated by a cylinder perpendicular to the current. The force acting on a cylinder is a function of flow dynamic pressure, cylinder geometry, and drag coefficient. Treated as a cantilever of circular cross-section, the strength for the appropriate failure mode (rupture, uprooting or flexure) can then be used to estimate the minimum necessary current dynamic pressure. In some cases, larger or stronger standing objects can provide upper bounds on the dynamic pressure. This analysis was treated in two ways: (1) assuming that the current properties are vertically constant; and (2) allowing current velocity and density to vary vertically according to established models for turbulent boundary layers and stratified flow. The two methods produced similar results for dynamic pressure. The second, along with a method to approximate average whole-current density, offers a means to estimate average velocity and density over the height of the failed objects. The method is applied to several example cases, including Unzen, Mount St. Helens, Lamington, and Merapi volcanoes. Our results compare reasonably well with independent estimates. For several cases, we found that it is possible to use the dynamic pressure equations developed for vertically uniform flow, along with the average cloud density multiplied by a factor of 2–5, to determine average velocity over the height of the failed object.
Biogenic VOC oxidation and organic aerosol formation in an urban nocturnal boundary layer: aircraft vertical profiles in Houston, TX

Abstract. Organic compounds are a large component of aerosol mass, but organic aerosol (OA) sources remain poorly characterized. Recent model studies have suggested nighttime oxidation of biogenic hydrocarbons as a potentially large OA source, but analysis of field measurements to test these predictions is sparse. We present nighttime vertical profiles of nitrogen oxides, ozone, VOCs and aerosol composition measured during low approaches of the NOAA P-3 aircraft to airfields in Houston, TX. This region has large emissions of both biogenic hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. The latter category serves as a source of the nitrate radical, NO 3 , a key nighttime oxidant. Biogenic VOCs (BVOC) and urban pollutants were concentrated within the nocturnal boundary layer (NBL), which varied in depth from 100–400 m. Despite concentrated NO x at low altitude, ozone was never titrated to zero, resulting in rapid NO 3 radical production rates of 0.2–2.7 ppbv h −1 within the NBL. Monoterpenes and isoprene were frequently present within the NBL and underwent rapid oxidation (up to 1 ppbv h −1 ), mainly by NO 3 and to a lesser extent O 3 . Concurrent enhancement in organic and nitrate aerosol on several profiles was consistent with primary emissions and with secondary production from nighttime BVOC oxidation, with the latter equivalent to or slightly larger than the former. Some profiles may have been influenced by biomass burning sources as well, making quantitative attribution of organic aerosol sources difficult. Ratios of organic aerosol to CO within the NBL ranged from 14 to 38 μg m −3 OA/ppmv CO. A box model simulation incorporating monoterpene emissions, oxidant formation rates and monoterpene SOA yields suggested overnight OA production of 0.5 to 9 μg m −3 .
Ultrastructure of spontaneous and transplanted pituitary tumors in laboratory animals

The present review examines ultrastructural studies of pituitary tumors in laboratory animals. Such studies have been facilitated by the development of newer techniques such as immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. Using these methods it has been possible to correlate morphological features with function by characterizing specific pituitary hormones in secretory granules and analyzing the messenger ribonucleic acids produced by specific cell types. Analyses of spontaneous and experimentally induced tumors have provided a great deal of insight into the function and ultrastructure of these neoplasms. The description of tumor cells producing more than one hormone has been facilitated by immunocytochemical analyses. Studies of transgenic models of pituitary hyperplasia and tumor development are expanding our knowledge about the ultrastructure and about other aspects of pituitary tumors in a more controlled experimental setting. The production of various hormones by the same pituitary tumors and even the same tumor cells indicates that complex regulatory mechanisms must be analyzed by a combination of ultrastructural and other techniques to learn more about growth and hormone secretion in pituitary neoplasms.
Rhizobium radiobacter bacteremia and its detection in the clinical laboratory

Abstract Rhizobium radiobacter is an aerobic, gram-negative bacterium closely related to several species of plant pathogens that occur in soils worldwide. It has been associated with human systemic diseases, including peritonitis, urinary tract infection, cellulitis, and myositis. Only eight isolates of R. radiobacter have been encountered in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center between 1995 and 2000, four of which were detected in blood cultures of immunosuppressed and/or debilitated patients. Both the RapID NF Plus and the BBL Crystal bacterial identification systems readily identified the organisms. Antimicrobial susceptibilities for R. radiobacter varied and should be tested in each case to guide therapy. Drugs such as ciprofloxacin, piperacillin-tazobactam, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ceftriaxone, imipenem, gentamicin, and amikacin were reasonable therapeutic choices for the organisms we encountered.
Nanoscale Study of the Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Surface

A scanning tunneling microscope has been used to study the topology of the surface of device-quality, hydrogenated Amorphous silicon deposited by rf discharge from silane or “hot wire” CVD. The substrates were oxide-free single-crystal silicon or GaAs. Films studied were either grown in our laboratory and observed with no air exposure, or grown at other laboratories producing device-quality photovoltaic cells and viewed after air exposures of less than 30 Minutes. Thin films (10 nm) representing early growth stages appear significantly smoother than the thicker films. The topology of thick films (> 50 nm) has large variations over individual samples. While many regions can be characterized as “rolling hills”, atomically flat areas are sometimes observed nearby in our films. In most regions the observed slopes were 10% or less from the horizontal, but some steep-sided valleys, indicating incipient voids, are seen. Overall surface roughness measured on sub-Micron areas of our films is very inhomogeneous. Uniformity of the films grown off site was much better, although no atomically flat regions were observed, surface roughness can be estimated.
SMOKING AND PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY HEALTH

In the United States, 43% of children 2 months to 11 years of age live in a home with at least one smoker. This may represent underreporting, given that 91% of children 4 years of age and older have detectable levels of cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, commonly used as a marker of smoke exposure. 50 There is increasing evidence that this exposure to cigarette smoke has substantial adverse effects on the respiratory health of children. This article addresses the effects of prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke on the developing lungs as well as the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure on children's respiratory health. The respiratory effects of active smoking among children are not discussed.