cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An experimental investigation of procedural issues in complex tort trials

An investigation of the impact of innovations in civil trial procedure manipulated trial structure (unitary vs. separated trial issues), order of decisions (liability or causation first), and number of decisions made (one to four) in a simulated toxic tort trial. Juries gave verdicts and damage awards. Recordings were made of the juries' deliberations. The results showed significantly more verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs in unitary trials (causation, liability, and damages heard together) as opposed to separated trials. However, average damage awards were higher in the separated than in the unitary trial conditions. Juries assigned more responsibility to the defendant in the unitary trial. Juries also used the totality of the evidence to decide all issues, especially general causation, which contained the most ambiguous testimony. The performance of these simulated juries in complex litigation was discussed in terms of group and individual cognitive factors.
On-column electrochemical detection for microchip capillary electrophoresis.

The development of a cellulose acetate decoupler for on-column electrochemical detection in microchip capillary electrophoresis is presented. The capillary based laser-etched decoupler is translated to the planar format to isolate the detector circuit from the separation circuit. The decoupler is constructed by aligning a series of 20 30-μm holes through the coverplate of the microchip with the separation channel and casting a thin film of cellulose acetate within the holes. The decoupler shows excellent isolation of the detection circuit for separation currents up to 60 μA, with noise levels at or below 1 pA at a carbon fiber electrode. Detection limits of 25 nM were achieved for dopamine. This decoupler design combines excellent mechanical stability, effective shunting of high separation currents, and ease of manufacture.
Universal solution for the utilization and yield of an O2(1delta) generator

A mathematical model for the production of singlet delta oxygen, O2(1(Delta) ) from the reaction of a gas containing chlorine (Cl2) with the hydroperoxy ion (HO2+) in liquid basic hydrogen peroxide (BHP) is reviewed. A solution for the generator's Cl2 utilization, O2(1(Delta) ) yield and efficiency is obtained, which is applicable for both long and short gas exposure times over a wide range of Cl2 pressures and HO2+ molarities. It is shown that generator performance is characterized by six parameters. The dependence of these parameters upon generator geometry, Cl2 pressure, diluent ratio, HO2+ molarity, the gas and liquid flow velocities, and the gas and material properties is discussed. The yield is similar in form to the well-known transport solution for the fraction of O2(1(Delta) ) exiting a duct except that an effective gas residence time replaces the gas transit time. When the surface concentration of HO2+ is constant, i.e., in the well-stirred limit, this solution reduces to that obtained previously and, in this case, generator performance can be characterized by a set of universal performance curves dependent upon only three parameters. The model is used to examine the behavior of a rotating disk O2(1(Delta) ) generator at high pressure and Cl2 flow rates.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Use and Value of Multiple-Period Forecasts in a Dynamic Model of the Cost-Loss Ratio Situation

Abstract On most forecasting occasions forecasts are made for several successive periods, but decision-making models have traditionally neglected the impact of the potentially useful information contained in forecasts for periods beyond the initial period. The use and value of multiple-period forecasts are investigated here in the context of a recently developed dynamic model of the basic cost-loss ratio situation. We also extend previous studies of this model by examining the impacts—on forecast use and value—of assuming (i) that weather events in successive periods are dependent and (ii) that the forecasts of interest are expressed in probabilistic terms. In this regard, expressions are derived for the expected expenses associated with the use of climatological, imperfect (categorical or probabilistic) and perfect multiple-period forecasts under conditions of dependence and independence between events. Numerical results are presented concerning expected expense and economic value, based on artificially ...
Parallelizing discrete dislocation dynamics simulations on multi-core systems

Abstract Materials science simulations are among the leading applications for scientific supercomputing. Discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD) is a numerical tool used to model the plastic behavior of crystalline materials using the elastic theory of dislocations. DDD simulations require very long running times to produce meaningful scientific results. This paper presents early experiences and results on improving the running time of Micromegas, an application code for three-dimensional DDD simulations. We used open source profiling and tracing tools to analyze the behavior and performance, as well as to identify the performance bottlenecks of Micromegas. The major performance bottleneck of Micromegas, amounts to ∼68% of the total sequential run time and is parallelized using OpenMP. Evaluation and validation tests conducted on a Nehalem quad-core processor show ∼50% improvement in the simulation time for 3-D DDD over 100,000 time steps. The correctness of the scientific data produced by the parallel Micromegas are successfully validated against those of the serial version.
Alleviation in the rat of a GABA-induced reduction in food intake and growth

Cold exposure and diet dilution which stimulate food intake of normal rats lessened depressions of food intake and growth induced by dietary GABA. During a 3-day adaptation to the cold, rats fed a diet containing 4.5% GABA lost weight; thereafter, food intake and growth rate differed little from those of cold control rats and were usually greater than those of normal rats fed GABA. Hepatic GABA-aminotransferase activity of cold-exposed rats fed the GABA diet increased to about twice that of normal control rats. Rats fed a control diet diluted by half with cellulose ate 50% more of this diet than of the undiluted diet but gained only 20% less weight. Rats ate twice as much of a diluted, 9% GABA diet as of an undiluted, 4.5% GABA diet (thus doubling their GABA intake) and gained three times as much weight. A novel food (condensed milk) barely lessened the adverse responses to GABA. These results show that conditions requiring rats to increase their food intake in order to maintain body weight can also increase their acceptance of a diet high in GABA.
Evaluation of Pavement Bearing Characteristics Using Florida Limerock Bearing Ratio Test

A laboratory study performed to evaluate pavement bearing characteristics by the Florida limerock bearing ratio (LBR) test is presented. The LBR is a modification of the California bearing ratio test and has been widely used in Florida for the design of pavement structures. The LBR evaluation is part of a larger research project studying existing pavement conditions in Florida. A field experimental program was recently conducted on 20 selected pavement sites across the state of Florida. The LBR test was performed on pavement soils obtained from the field test sites. The LBR test results were analyzed and compared with the field test results. The AASHO Road Test layer coefficient values (a2) and soil support values (SSVs), which have become classic reference values over more than two decades, were evaluated by using the LBR and field test results. It was concluded that the LBR values could be used to estimate the SSVs for the design of flexible pavements in Florida. The correlation relationships between th...
STUDIES ON OXIDATION AND REDUCTION BY PNEUMOCOCCUS : V. THE DESTRUCTION OF OXYHEMOGLOBIN BY STERILE EXTRACTS OF PNEUMOCOCCUS.

1. Sterile broth extracts of unwashed pneumococci actively destroy hemoglobin to methemoglobin and lower degradation products. 2. Sterile saline extracts of washed pneumococci do not by themselves form methemoglobin; extracts of this type may be completed or activated by the addition of certain complementary substances such as meat infusion and yeast extract. 3. The hemoglobin-destroying activity of pneumococcus extract is lost by exposure to 65°C. for 10 minutes. 4. The properties of an extract upon which these blood changes depend are related to other known oxidation-reduction functions of the same extract. 5. Oxyhemoglobin is converted to methemoglobin only by cell extracts in the reduced form; completely oxidized extracts are inactive in the presence of blood. The action of hydrogen peroxide and the influence of blood catalase on these reactions are discussed. 6. During the reaction between oxyhemoglobin and pneumococcus extract oxygen is consumed. 7. The mechanism of methemoglobin formation by pneumococcus is interpreted as an oxidation process in which deoxygenation of oxyhemoglobin and peroxide formation occur as intermediary reactions. The active agent of the oxidation of hemoglobin is considered to be a peroxide of bacterial origin.
Standard enthalpies of formation of anhydrous and aqueous magnesium chloride at 298.15 K

Abstract Enthalpies of solution of MgCl2(c) in hydrochloric acid solution of composition, 77.2HCl + 4190H2O, and in pure water have been measured. The measurements for acid solution have been combined with additional data from the literature to establish a new value for the enthalpy of formation of the crystal: ΔHfo(MgCl2, c, 298.15 K) = −(644.28 ± 0.69) kJ mol−1. From the measurements in pure water, the standard enthalpy of solution was evaluated, and this value was used with the new enthalpy of formation for MgCl2(c) to obtain ΔHfo(MgCl2, aq, 298.15 K) = −(800.12 ± 0.89) kJ mol−1. Combination of this with ΔHfo(Cl−, aq, 298.15 K) leads to ΔHfo(Mg2+, aq, 298.15 K) = −(465.96 ± 1.07) kJ mol−1.
Multidisciplinary design optimization of a strut-braced wing transonic transport

Recent transonic airliner designs have generally converged upon a common cantilever low-wing configuration. It is unlikely that further large strides in performance are possible without a significant departure from the present design paradigm. One such alternative configuration is the strut-braced wing, which uses a strut for wing bending load alleviation, allowing increased aspect ratio and reduced wing thickness to increase the lift to drag ratio. The thinner wing has less transonic wave drag, permitting the wing to unsweep for increased areas of natural laminar flow and further structural weight savings. High aerodynamic efficiency translates into smaller, quieter, less expensive engines with lower noise pollution. A Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) approach is essential to understand the full potential of this synergistic configuration due to the strong interdependency of structures, aerodynamics and propulsion. NASA defined a need for a 325-passenger transport capable of flying 7500 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 for a 2010 service entry date. Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems (LMAS), as Virginia Tech’s industry partner, placed great emphasis on realistic constraints, projected technology levels, manufacturing and certification issues. Numerous design challenges specific to the strut-braced wing became apparent through the interactions with LMAS. *Student Member AIAA 7 Research Associate $ Fred D. Durham Chair, Fellow AIAA 5 Professor, Associate Fellow AIAA ¶ Professor and Dept. Head, Associate Fellow AIAA # Professor of Aerospace Engineering, Mechanics and Engineering Science, Fellow AIAA Copyright
Because She Wanted To

Carl Ginet has advanced an account of action explanation on which actions can be entirely uncaused and action explanations need not cite causal factors. Several objections have been raised against this view, and Ginet has recently defended the account. Here it is argued that Ginet’s defense fails to come to grips with the chief problems faced by his view.
Metabolic Reprogramming of Macrophages GLUCOSE TRANSPORTER 1 (GLUT1)-MEDIATED GLUCOSE METABOLISM DRIVES A PROINFLAMMATORY PHENOTYPE

Glucose is a critical component in the proinflammatory response of macrophages (MΦs). However, the contribution of glucose transporters (GLUTs) and the mechanisms regulating subsequent glucose metabolism in the inflammatory response are not well understood. Because MΦs contribute to obesity-induced inflammation, it is important to understand how substrate metabolism may alter inflammatory function. We report that GLUT1 (SLC2A1) is the primary rate-limiting glucose transporter on proinflammatory-polarized MΦs. Furthermore, in high fat diet-fed rodents, MΦs in crown-like structures and inflammatory loci in adipose and liver, respectively, stain positively for GLUT1. We hypothesized that metabolic reprogramming via increased glucose availability could modulate the MΦ inflammatory response. To increase glucose uptake, we stably overexpressed the GLUT1 transporter in RAW264.7 MΦs (GLUT1-OE MΦs). Cellular bioenergetics analysis, metabolomics, and radiotracer studies demonstrated that GLUT1 overexpression resulted in elevated glucose uptake and metabolism, increased pentose phosphate pathway intermediates, with a complimentary reduction in cellular oxygen consumption rates. Gene expression and proteome profiling analysis revealed that GLUT1-OE MΦs demonstrated a hyperinflammatory state characterized by elevated secretion of inflammatory mediators and that this effect could be blunted by pharmacologic inhibition of glycolysis. Finally, reactive oxygen species production and evidence of oxidative stress were significantly enhanced in GLUT1-OE MΦs; antioxidant treatment blunted the expression of inflammatory mediators such as PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor 1), suggesting that glucose-mediated oxidative stress was driving the proinflammatory response. Our results indicate that increased utilization of glucose induced a ROS-driven proinflammatory phenotype in MΦs, which may play an integral role in the promotion of obesity-associated insulin resistance.
Human Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ Binding Motif (TAZ) Is Downregulated During Decidualization

Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) is known to bind to a variety of transcription factors to control cell differentiation and organ development. However, its role in uterine physiology has not yet been described. To study its regulation during the unique process of differentiation of fibroblasts into decidual cells (decidualization), we utilized the human uterine fibroblast (HuF) in vitro cell model. Immunocytochemistry data demonstrated that the majority of the TAZ protein is localized in the nucleus. Treatment of HuF cells with the embryonic stimulus cytokine interleukin 1 beta in the presence of steroid hormones (estradiol-17 beta and medroxyprogesterone acetate) for 13 days did not cause any apparent TAZ mRNA changes but resulted in a significant TAZ protein decline (approximately 62%) in total cell lysates. Analysis of cytosolic and nuclear extracts revealed that the decline of total TAZ was caused primarily by a drop of TAZ protein levels in the nucleus. TAZ was localized on the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor response element site (located at position −1200 bp relative to the transcription start site) of the genomic region of decidualization marker insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) in HuF cells as detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation. TAZ is also present in human endometrium tissue as confirmed by immunohistochemistry. During the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, specific TAZ staining particularly diminishes in the stroma, suggesting its participation during the decidualization process, as well as implantation. During early baboon pregnancy, TAZ protein expression remains minimal in the endometrium close to the implantation site. In summary, the presented evidence shows for the first time to date TAZ protein in the human uterine tract, its downregulation during in vitro decidualization, and its localization on the IGFBP1 promoter region, all of which indicate its presence in the uterine differentiation program during pregnancy.
Thermal expansion behavior and microstructure in bulk nanocrystalline selenium by thermomechanical analysis

Abstract Thermal expansion behavior of bulk nanocrystalline (NC) Se samples with a grain size range of 16–46 nm was studied by thermomechanical analysis (TMA) in the temperature range 290–373 K. Bulk NC Se samples were prepared by isothermally crystallizing the as-quenched bulk amorphous solid at 373–478 K. The glass transition and crystallization of the remaining amorphous Se in the partially crystallized samples were studied by TMA, and compared with the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The glass transition temperature, as determined from the thermal expansion behavior, was 308 K, 11 K lower than the value by DSC analysis. A structural densification phenomenon was observed in a grain growth process of an as-crystallized NC Se sample by TMA. It was found that the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the bulk NC Se sample increased with a reduction of grain size, from which the deduced thermal expansion coefficient of the interface decreased with the refinement of the grain size.
Influence of Stance Width on Frontal Plane Postural Dynamics and Coordination in Human Balance Control

The influence of stance width on frontal plane postural dynamics and coordination in human bipedal stance was studied. We tested the hypothesis that when subjects adopt a narrow stance width, they will rely heavily on nonlinear control strategies and coordinated counter-phase upper and lower body motion to limit center-of-mass (CoM) deviations from upright; as stance increases, the use of these strategies will diminish. Freestanding frontal plane body sway was evoked through continuous pseudorandom rotations of the support surface on which subjects stood with various stimulus amplitudes. Subjects were either eyes open (EO) or closed (EC) and adopted various stance widths. Upper body, lower body, and CoM kinematics were summarized using root-mean-square and peak-to-peak measures, and dynamic behavior was characterized using frequency-response and impulse-response functions. In narrow stance, CoM frequency-response function gains were reduced with increasing stimulus amplitude and in EO compared with EC; in wide stance, gain reductions were much less pronounced. Results show that the narrow stance postural system is nonlinear across stimulus amplitude in both EO and EC conditions, whereas the wide stance postural system is more linear. The nonlinearity in narrow stance is likely caused by an amplitude-dependent sensory reweighting mechanism. Finally, lower body and upper body sway were approximately in-phase at low frequencies ( 1 Hz) across all stance widths, and results were therefore inconsistent with the hypothesis that subjects made greater use of coordinated counter-phase upper and lower body motion in narrow compared with wide stance conditions.
The creation of an in vitro adipose tissue that contains a vascular–adipocyte complex

An increased demand for soft-tissue substitutes has impelled the development of an in vitro adipose tissue. Ideally, such a tissue should contain a vascular network that can deliver blood throughout the construct following its engraftment. This study describes the in vitro fabrication of a pre-vascularized adipose tissue entirely using a self-assembly approach. Adult human adipose stromal cells (ASCs) provided the foundation for this construct. These cells were cultured at high density in the presence of elevated levels of ascorbate prior to adipocytic induction. Vascular support cells consisting of dermal fibroblasts, mixtures of adipose stromal cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were introduced to sustain an extensive vascular network formed by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). MSCs were introduced to serve as perivascular cells. The resulting construct contained a vascular-adipose tissue continuum that was held together by basement membrane molecules. This construct contains multiple cell types that are typically found in adipose tissue: adipocytes, pre-adipocytes, stem cells, fibroblasts, vascular cells, and perivascular support cells. As such, these constructs can be employed both for in vitro studies to assay cellular interactions between vasculature and other components of adipose tissue. Further, they can also be engrafted into athymic hosts to study vascular and adipocyte stability.
Flexible and waterproof micro-sensors to uncover zebrafish circadian rhythms: The next generation of cardiac monitoring for drug screening

Flexible electronics are the next generation of sensors for mobile health and implantation. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an emergent strategy for pre-clinical drug development and toxicity testing. To address the confounding effects from sedation of fish and removal from the aquatic habitat for micro-electrocardiogram (µECG) measurements, we developed waterproof and wearable sensors to uncover the circadian variation in heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) ( Massin et al., 2000). The parylene-C based ECG sensor consisted of an ultra-soft silicone integrated jacket designed to wrap around the fish during swimming. The Young’s modulus of this silicone jacket matched with the fish surface, and an extended parylene cable connected the underwater chest electrodes with the out-of water electronics. In addition, embedded micro-glass spheres in the silicone effectively reduced the effective density of the jacket to ~1 g cm^(−3). These innovations enabled physiological ECG telemetry in the fish’s natural habitat without the need for sedation. Furthermore, a set of non-linear signal processing techniques filtered out the breathing and electromagnetic artifacts from the recorded signals. We observed a reduction in mean HR and an increase in HRV over 24 h at 10 dpa, accompanied by QT prolongation as well as diurnal variations, followed by normalization in mean HR and QT intervals at 26 days post ventricular amputation (dpa). We revealed Amiodarone-mediated QTc prolongation, HR reduction and HRV increase otherwise masked by sedation. The novel features of the flexible silicon jacket for µECG telemetry unraveled the biological clock and normalization of QT intervals at 26 dpa, providing the first evidence of new physiological phenomena during cardiac injury and repair as well as cardiac drug-mediated aberrant rhythms. Thus, the light weight and waterproof design holds promise to advance the next generation of mobile health and drug discovery.
Synthesis, evaluation, and crystallographic analysis of L-371,912: A potent and selective active-site thrombin inhibitor.

Abstract Removal of the β-ketoamide functionality from L-370,518 (Ki = 0.09 nM) provided a 5 nM Ki inhibitor of thrombin: L-371,912. Comparison of the enzyme-inhibitor crystal structures suggests a possible explanation for the relatively small change in affinity for thrombin. L-371,912 is selective for thrombin over related serine proteases and is efficacious in an animal model of arterial thrombosis.
Characterization of an arachidonic acid-selective acyl-CoA synthetase from murine T lymphocytes

Abstract Evidence is presented that the murine thymoma EL4 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte clones possess two distinct long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase activities. One enzyme shows activity toward a broad spectrum of fatty acid substrates, similar to the long-chain fatty acyl-CoA synthetase from rat liver. The other enzyme is selective for arachidonic acid and related fatty acids. Fatty acid competetion studies using EL4 microsomes demonstrate that [14C]palmitoyl-CoA synthesis (Km = 13 ± 1 μM, Vmax = 7 ± 1 nmol/mg per min) is inhibited by unlabeled palmitate, oleate, linoleate or linolenate (Ki = 15–25 μM) and weakly by arachidonate (Ki > 100 μM). Similar inhibition is observed for the activation of [14C]oleate (Km = 31 ± 3 μM, Vmax = 6 ± 2 nmol/mg per min). On the other hand, [14C]arachidonyl-CoA synthetase (Km = 15 ± 3 μM, Vmax = 13 ± 2 nmol/mg per min) is inhibited by unlabeled arachidonic acid (ki = 20 μM) but not by unlabeled palmitate, oleate, linoleate and linolenate. The description of arachidonoyl-CoA synthetase in cytotoxic T lymphocyte clones represents the first example of a cell with little or no capacity to synthesize arachidonic acid metabolites, yet which possesses a selective esterification mechanism for the fatty acid. Studies on the specificity of the arachidonic acid-selective acyl-CoA synthetase utilized arachidonic acid metabolites and structurally related fatty acids and yielded two points of interest: (1) metabolism of arachidonic acid to monohydroxy fatty acids (HETEs) resulted in compounds with significantly decreased ability to be activated by the arachidonate-selective acyl-CoA synthetase; (2) arachidonate was a much better substrate than was 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid (Km = 41 μM), the fatty acid which accumulates during essential fatty acid deficiency. The possible role of an arachidonic acid-selective acyl-CoA synthetase in lymphocyte activation and as a homeostatic mechanism during essential fatty acid deficiency is discussed.
Clusters and filling-curve-based storage assignment in a circuit board assembly kitting area

Kitting is the process that gathers all of the components necessary to assemble a batch of circuit boards on production machines. An objective in kitting storage design is to minimize the travel involved in collecting the components in the storage area so as to decrease labor costs. From outward appearances, the kitting process is similar to order picking in a warehouse. Closer observation, however, reveals that its unique characteristics favor a cluster-based allocation over the storage strategies usually adopted in warehouses. We present a clustering and cluster assignment method. In the clustering method we develop a new objective function and incorporate it into a genetic algorithm. In the cluster assignment method we first develop a new index for cluster assignment priorities. We then prove optimum assignments of clusters under restrictive conditions and extend the result to realistic storage configurations using filling curves. We analyze the properties affecting the quality of filling curves and de...
Empty handed? A material availability study and transaction log analysis verification

Abstract This article reports results of a material availability study in which library users were surveyed to determine their success in obtaining materials. Both OPAC users and CD-ROM journal index users were studied and transaction logs verified their self reports. Recommendations for reducing search failures are discussed.
9-Cis-retinoic acid suppresses inflammatory responses of microglia and astrocytes.

Retinoic acid (RA) regulates a wide range of biologic process, including inflammation. Previously, RA was shown to inhibit the clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). The current study investigated the effects of 9-cis-RA on primary mouse microglia and astrocytes, two cell types implicated in the pathology of MS and EAE. The studies demonstrated that 9-cis-RA inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-12 p40 by LPS-stimulated microglia. However, this retinoid had no effect on IL-6 secretion and increased MCP-1 production by LPS-stimulated microglia. In LPS-stimulated astrocytes, 9-cis-RA inhibited NO and TNF-α production but had not effect on IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 secretion. These results suggest that RA modulates EAE, at least in part, by suppressing the production of NO and specific inflammatory cytokines from activated glia and suggests that RA might be effective in the treatment of MS.
First-principles calculations of mobilities in ultrathin double-gate MOSFETs

For several decades, electron and hole mobilities have been adequately modeled using a semiclassical approximation of the Boltzamnn equation, using either an effective-mass expression or the bulk energy bands of Si to describe the carriers’ kinetic energy. The Si-SiO2 interface is modeled by an infinite potential wall. Scattering mechanisms are described using phenomenological models. In recent years, with the advent of new materials and device structures (strained Si, alternate dielectrics, double-gate MOSFETs), the existing methods lack the necessary predictive power. Here we give an overview of a recently developed method to calculate mobilities from ‘first principles’ using atomic-scale models of the interface and employing state-of-the-art density functional theory to construct scattering potentials and to compute mobilities without any adjustable parameters. Several examples are used to illustrate the method.
Dominant narratives, social violence and the practice of Bolivian archaeology

Recent social violence in Bolivia is examined in the context of that country's dominant historical narratives. The practice of archaeology in Bolivia is intimately tied to the development of nationalism and a history of colonialism. While the history of Bolivian archaeology has seen multiple interpretations of the past, the dominant voices have consistently emphasized understandings of the past that legitimize and bolster Bolivian nationalism and contemporary social politics. In particular, theAltiplano site ofTiwanaku has been formulated as a locus of Bolivian national patrimony, while other regions have been marginalized as ‘peripheries’ or ‘frontiers’. This understanding of history is not simply a matter of debate for archaeologists, but has very real consequences in present-day geopolitics and the lives of individuals.
A framework for supporting user-centric collaborative information seeking

Collaboration is often required or encouraged for activities that are too complex or difficult to deal with for an individual. Many situations involving information seeking also call for people working together. Despite its natural appeal and situational necessity, collaboration in information seeking is an understudied domain. The nature of the available information and its role in our lives have changed significantly, but the methods and tools that are used to access and share that information in collaboration have remained largely unaltered. This dissertation is an attempt to develop a new framework for collaborative information seeking (CIS) with a focus on user-centric system designs. To develop this framework, existing practices for doing collaboration, along with motivations and methods, are studied. This initial investigation and a review of literature are followed by a series of carefully created design studies, helping us develop a prototype CIS system, Coagmento. This system is then used for a large-scale laboratory experiment with a focus on studying the role and the impact of awareness in CIS projects. Through this study, it is shown that appropriate support for group awareness can help collaborators be more productive, engaged, and aware in collaboration without burdening them with additional load. Using the lessons derived from the literature as well as the set of studies presented in this dissertation, a novel framework for CIS is proposed. Such a framework could help us develop, study, and evaluate CIS systems with a more comprehensive understanding of various CIS processes, and the users of these systems.Dissertation available online at: http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/~chirags/papers/Shah_Dissertation.pdf.
Characterization of Melatonin Receptors in the Rat Suprachiasmatic Nuclei: Modulation of Affinity with Cations and Guanine Nucleotides

We have characterized melatonin (MT) receptors in the rat suprachiasmatic nuclei by using quantitative autoradiography in vitro at equilibrium conditions for a picomolar affinity site. Binding of the MT agonist 2-[125I]iodomelatonin (30 pM to 6 nM) was saturable, of high affinity (Kd, 52.8 pM), of high specificity, and to a single class of sites (binding capacity, 16.5 fmol/mg protein). However, by shortening the washing time for bound and free ligand, we were able to demonstrate an additional low affinity form of this receptor (Kd, 761 pM; binding capacity, 72.2 fmol/mg protein). Micromolar concentrations of guanine nucleotides and millimolar concentrations of monovalent cations (Na+ and Li+) dosedependently and specifically inhibited agonist binding at 22 C. Saturation studies revealed that this was due to a decrease in receptor affinity in both cases. Ca+2 promoted high affinity agonist binding, as omission of this cation decreased the affinity of the suprachiasmatic MT receptor. These results suggest ...
EXCRETION OF SOME ORGANIC COMPOUNDS BY MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON1

The excretion of photoassimilated carbon was determined for 22 species of unicellular marine algae in culture during periods of log-phase growth and for some natural marine phytoplankton populations from Vineyard Sound and the Gulf of Maine. Carbon 14 tracers gave some information about the composition of the excreted material. Most of the algae excreted 3-6s of their photoassimilated carbon during logarithmic growth. A few species excreted as much as 10-25s under the same conditions. Algae subjected to two different light intensities, 3,000 lux and 25,000 Iux, varied less than 30% in their relative rates of excretion. However, algae exposed to direct sunlight (lOO,OOO120,000 lux) had very high excretion rates, possibly resulting from damage to the cells by photooxidation. Glycolic acid formed 938% of the total carbon excretion in Olisthodiscus sp., Chaetoceros pelagicus, Chlorococcum sp. and Skeletonema costatum. Lower relative amounts were excreted by most of the species studied. Skeletonema costatum excreted considerably more glycolic acid at light intensities below 15,000 lux than above. This is contrary to the findings of other investigators using the freshwater alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The amount of carbon excreted as protein ranged from 0.2 to 5.9%, and that excreted as chloroform-soluble material ranged from 2.8 to 10.3% of the total. After electrodialysis, 12-340/O of the compounds were recovered in the anion fraction. Considerable quantities of amino acids and peptides were also detected as excretory products of many of the algae. A few species excreted a single substance almost exclusively. Thus, Chlorella sp. excreted mainly proline, Dunaliellu tertiolectu mainly glycerol, and Olisthodiscus sp. mainly mannitol. Apparently healthy populations of natural phytoplankton excreted 4-16s of their photoassimilated carbon. However, 17-38s was excreted by a sample taken at the end of a diatom bloom, when a large number of empty frustules was present.
Distractibility and reactivity under different response conditions following hippocampal lesions in rats.

In order to evaluate appropriate measures for distractibility and reactivity, rats with dorsal hippocampal lesions were compared with sham operated controls on measures of responsiveness to a distracting stimulus that was presented under three conditions of ongoing operant or consummatory activity. The distractor was a compound auditory-visual stimulus delivered twice in each of three daily sessions, in each instance following (a) the second response of a fixed-ratio sequence; (b) the sixth response of a fixed-ratio sequence; or (c) 5 min of licking for sucrose solution. The duration of distraction was lower among lesioned subjects than among controls under all three response conditions and lower for both groups of subjects under the latter two conditions than under the first. The lesion effect was more pronounced as a reduction in exploration following distraction than as a reduction in orienting activity. In a subsequent test, tentative evidence was obtained for a lesion-induced decrement in dishabituation.
Smooth bootstrap-based confidence intervals for one binomial proportion and difference of two proportions.

Constructing confidence intervals (CIs) for a binomial proportion and the difference between two binomial proportions is a fundamental and well-studied problem with respect to the analysis of binary data. In this note, we propose a new bootstrap procedure to estimate the CIs by resampling from a newly developed smooth quantile function in [11] for discrete data. We perform a variety of simulation studies in order to illustrate the strong performance of our approach. The coverage probabilities of our CIs in the one-sample setting are superior than or comparable to other well-known approaches. The true utility of our new and novel approach is in the two-sample setting. For the difference of two proportions, our smooth bootstrap CIs provide better coverage probabilities almost uniformly over the interval (−1, 1), particularly in the tail region as compared than other published methods included in our simulation. We illustrate our methodology via an application to several different binary data sets.
Complex biliary stones: treatment with removable self-expandable metal stents: a new approach (with videos)

Background Complex biliary stones often require temporary stent placement before a repeat attempt at extraction. To date, covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMSs) have not been formally investigated for this indication. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CSEMSs in patients with retained complex biliary stones. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Large quaternary-care center. Patients Thirty-six patients (24 women) with complex biliary stones with incomplete stone clearance after endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) with biliary sphincterotomy. Interventions Patients with incomplete stone clearance after ERC with biliary sphincterotomy underwent temporary placement of CSEMSs, with subsequent removal before repeat stone extraction. Main Outcome Measurements Success achieving immediate biliary drainage and eventual complete duct clearance. Procedure-related complications were also assessed. Results CSEMS placement was successful in establishing immediate biliary drainage in all 36 patients. Complete duct clearance at repeat ERC was achieved in 29 of 35 patients after a mean duration of 6.4 weeks. Four of the remaining 6 patients underwent sequential CSEMS placement, with eventual duct clearance after multiple ERCPs. There were no complications related to biliary obstruction. One patient died of a nonbiliary cause. Of the total 42 CSEMSs placed, there were 4 cases (9.5%) of clinically insignificant stent migration. Limitations Single-center experience, retrospective design. Conclusions CSEMSs permit management of complex biliary stones, but require multiple sessions. The cost-effectiveness of this technique needs further investigation.
The relationship between tracheal width and left bronchial width: Implications for left-sided double-lumen tube selection

Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between tracheal width (TW) and left bronchial width (LBW). Design: Three-dimensional chest computed tomography (CT) scans were used to reconstruct major airways for measurement of TW and LBW. Setting: Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California. Participants: Thirty-one adult patients undergoing chest CT scans. Interventions: Cursors were used to directly measure internal diameter from coronal images of the trachea at midclavicular level and the left main bronchus at a level 1 cm below the carina. Measurements and Main Results: TW and LBW, but not the LBW-to-TW ratio, were significantly larger in men than in women. The LBW-to-TW ratio was consistent for men (0.75 ± 0.09) and women (0.77 ± 0.10). Conclusions: LBW is proportional to TW. If LBW cannot be measured directly but TW can, the ratio of LBW to TW can be used to predict LBW. An appropriate-sized left double-lumen tube can then be selected for the patient. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Tos: a text organizing system.

Abstract This paper reports research undertaken to conceptualize, design and implement a system for automatic indexing, classification and repositing of text items, which may be any aggregate of information in English language on a computer-readable media, in a standard format. The ultimate goal of the research reported here is to devise all automatic processes which would read text items, and then index, classify and reposit them for subsequent search and retrieval. Only portions of the path to this goal have been made fully automatic. These portions consist of all automatic processes as follows: 1. (1) Analyzing the text items and assigning candidate index terms to the items; 2. (2) Generating and assigning candidate index phrases to the items; 3. (3) Discriminating and rejecting candidate index terms determined to be ineffective in forming a classification automatically; and 4. (4) Generating a classification system and repositing the text items in accordance with this system. To complete the process, some degree of user involvement, on an interactive basis, is incorporated in the system, particularly for discriminating the index terms which do not contribute to a satisfactory classification. Based on various reports derived automatically, the user can guide the system to systematically search for terms which are not helpful for and even hamper the subsequent classification and information retrieval, until the performance of the system is judged to be adequate. The specific achievements of the reported research are stated below: 1. (1) System interactiveness; 2. (2) Automatic index phrase recognition; 3. (3) Summary report, informing the user of the impact of user elected decisions to delete terms on a mass basis and advising him of percentages of reduction in index term vocabulary size or average number of index terms per item resulting from such mass term deletions; 4. (4) Affinity dictionary, giving the user the ability to locate synonymous or near synonymous index terms; 5. (5) Use of classification processes in discriminating unsuitable index terms; 6. (6) An integrated automatic indexing and classification system; and 7. (7) Successful automatic indexing and classification of a textual data-base. The system has been adequately documented (including a user guide) and tested for its reliability and dependability. The research was conducted in the Moore School of Electrical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania and utilized the UNIVAC Spectra 70/46 computer, operating with the Univac VMOS and DMS. The system has been implemented in Univac version of FORTRAN IV.
Understanding basic concepts and strategies for obtaining pharmaceutical reimbursement

Purpose. The rules that govern pharmaceutical reimbursement and strategies for obtaining reimbursement for hospital inpatients and outpatients and patients treated at physician-owned clinics are discussed. Summary. The use of certain claim forms and provision of information about the patient location, drug, Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code, status indicator, billing unit, revenue code, and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) code are required to obtain reimbursement for pharmaceuticals from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Requirements for hospital inpatients and outpatients differ. Claims for patients treated at physician-owned clinics are handled differently from claims for those treated at hospital outpatient clinics, but pharmaceutical reimbursement rates are the same in the two settings. Conclusion. Frequent changes in the rules for obtaining pharmaceutical reimbursement present a challenge. A knowledge of the rules and requirements for different patient treatment settings is needed to obtain reimbursement.
Variable Frequency Diverter Actuation for Flow Control

The design and development of an actively controlled fluidic actuator for flow control applications is explored. The basic device, with one input and two output channels, takes advantage of the Coanda effect to force a fluid jet to adhere to one of two axi-symmetric surfaces. The resultant flow is bi-stable, producing a constant flow from one output channel, until a disturbance force applied at the control point causes the flow to switch to the alternate output channel. By properly applying active control the output flows can be manipulated to provide a high degree of modulation over a wide and variable range of frequency and duty cycle. In this study the momentary operative force is applied by small, high speed isolation valves of which several different types are examined. The active fluidic diverter actuator is shown to work in several configurations including that in which the operator valves are referenced to atmosphere as well as to a source common with the power stream.
Analysis of the Effect of Bulk at N2-Alkylguanine DNA Adducts on Catalytic Efficiency and Fidelity of the Processive DNA Polymerases Bacteriophage T7 Exonuclease- and HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase

Abstract The N-2 atom of guanine (G) is susceptible to modification by various carcinogens. Oligonucleotides with increasing bulk at this position were analyzed for fidelity and catalytic efficiency with the processive DNA polymerases human immunodeficiency virus, type 1, reverse transcriptase (RT), and bacteriophage T7 exonuclease- (T7-). RT and T7- effectively bypassed N2-methyl(Me)G and readily extended primers but were strongly blocked by N2-ethyl(Et)G, N2-isobutylG, N2-benzylG, and N2-methyl(9-anthracenyl)G. Steady-state kinetics of single nucleotide incorporation by RT and T7- showed a decrease of 103 in kcat/Km for dCTP incorporation opposite N2-MeG and a further large decrease opposite N2-EtG. Misincorporation frequency was increased 102-103-fold by a Me group and another ∼103-fold by an Et group. dATP was preferentially incorporated opposite bulky N2-alkylG molecules. N2-MeG attenuated the pre-steady-state kinetic bursts with RT and T7-, and N2-EtG eliminated the bursts. Large elemental effects with thio-dCTP(αS) were observed with N2-EtG (6- and 72-fold decreases) but were much less with N2-MeG, indicating that the N2-Et group may affect the rate of the chemistry step (phosphodiester bond formation). Similar values of Kd(dCTP) and Kd(DNA) and koff rates of DNA substrates from RT and T7- indicate that ground-state binding and dissociation rates are not considerably affected by the bulk. We conclude that even a Me group at the guanine N-2 atom can cause a profound interfering effect on the fidelity and efficiency; an Et or larger group causes preferential misincorporation and strong blockage of replicative polymerases, probably at and before the chemistry step, demonstrating the role of bulk in DNA lesions.
Aqueous-Phase Deactivation and Intramolecular [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Oxanorbornadiene Esters

Both inter- and intramolecular degradation pathways were identified for the aqueous phase deactivation of oxanorbornadiene (OND) electrophiles, and propargylic OND esters were found to undergo facile intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] homo-Diels−Alder cycloaddition in polar media.
Ruling Out or Ruling In Disease with the Most sensitiue or Specific Diagnostic Test: Short Cut or Wrong Turn ?

Previous publications have advocated that clinicians choose the most sensitive diagnostic test to rule out disease and the most specific diagnostic test to rule in disease. This paper critically ex...