cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pion-Nucleon Interaction and Two-Pion-Exchange Three-Nucleon Forces

We compare the πN scattering amplitudes that underlie 2π-exchange three-nucleon forces (TBFs) with the experimental πN amplitudes in the form of partial-wave phase shifts and subthreshold invariant amplitudes. The amplitudes of the Tucson-Melbourne and Brazil TBFs when taken on-pion-mass-shell predict scattering lengths at threshold and phase shifts (slightly) above threshold which are in good agreement with the experimental amplitudes, except for the S-waves. Partial wave amplitudes from separable potentials, recently employed in a 2π-TBF calculation, were continued below threshold, summed into invariant amplitudes, and compared with the experimental amplitudes in this kinematic region, which is most relevant to the kinematics of TBFs. The separable-potential invariant amplitudes, in contrast to those of TM and Brazil TBFs, do not compare well quantitatively with the experimental amplitudes in this region but have a similar qualitative behaviour. The very small TBF effect in the triton of the separable-potential amplitude appears to be due to the πNN vertex function rather than the πN amplitude itself.
Circulation and turbulent exchange characteristics during the thermal bar in Lake Ontario

We made observations from vertical moorings of thermistors and current meters in Lake Ontario to study the spring thermal bar circulation, its effect in inhibiting the horizontal mixing, and spatial and temporal variability of vertical mixing during this period. Thermal bar progression rates were compared with two analytical models; both produced overestimates during the early part of the thermal bar and underestimates during the late spring. In a zone between the shore and the thermal bar, currents were influenced by the local wind stress and flowed in a counterclockwise direction. The mean cross-shore flows in the nearshore zone were reduced during the thermal bar period. The alongshore horizontal exchange coefficients were higher than cross-shore exchange coefficients. During the thermal bar period, the magnitude of both alongshore and cross-shore exchange coefficients decreased when the bar was still within middepth (<40 m); when it was further offshore, the thermal bar did not have any significant effect on alongshore exchange coefficients, but cross-shore exchanges decreased marginally. The vertical exchange coefficients were high in the water column because of convective mixing during the thermal bar period. During the evolution of spring thermal bar, the vertical mixing decreased considerably in the nearshore regions under stable stratification, whereas the high vertical mixing levels continued in the offshore region for a longer period.
Theoretical Analysis of an Implantable Force Transducer for Tendon and Ligament Structures

A mathematical model was developed for an implantable force transducer to be inserted within the midsubstance of a ligament or tendon. The model was generated by performing both equilibrium and strain-displacement analyses on a metallic, curved beam structure placed within a parallel-fibered tissue. The analysis permitted the transverse pressure acting between the device and fibers to be calculated along with peak device strain and sensitivity (ratio of strain output to axial tissue force). Transducer pressure and transducer strain were expressed in terms of nondimensionalized design factors. A parametric analysis of the key design factors was then performed. The transverse pressure was shown to vary little for large changes in these factors whereas device strain changed markedly. The analysis was verified by a bench test on an example device. Such a model permits a proposed design to be evaluated without having to conduct costly experiments.
Phase boundary motion in an elastic bar of finite length

Using the continuum mechanical model of solid-solid phase transitions of Abeyaratne and Knowles, this paper examines the large time dynamical behavior of a phase boundary. The problem studied concerns a finite elastic bar initially in an equilibrium state that involves two material phases separated by a phase boundary at a given location. Interaction between the moving phase boundary and the elastic waves generated by an impact at the end of the bar and subsequent reflections is studied in detail by using a finite difference scheme. The numerical results show that the phase boundary in a finite bar returns to an equilibrium state after a disturbance of finite duration, whether the two-phase material is trilinear or not.
Irreversible, direct bonding of nanoporous polymer membranes to PDMS or glass microdevices

A method for integrating porous polymer membranes such as polycarbonate, polyethersulfone and polyethylene terephthalate to microfluidic devices is described. The use of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a chemical crosslinking agent was extended to integrate membranes with PDMS and glass microfluidic channels. A strong, irreversible bond between the membranes and microfluidic structure was achieved. The bonding strength in the APTES treated devices was significantly greater than in devices fabricated using either a PDMS “glue” or two-part epoxy bonding method. Evaluation of a filtering microdevice and the pore structure via SEM indicates the APTES conjugation does not significantly alter the membrane transport function and pore morphology.
Geoid undulation computations at laser tracking stations

The accuracy of numerical computations of gravimetric undulations using recently proposed modifications of the classical Stokes formula is investigated. The basic formulations of the methods are outlined, and results from trial computations are presented in tables and graphs and compared with actual gravity data and/or GEOS-3/Seasat sea-surface heights. Although all of the methods gave similar results, the method of Sjoberg (1986) is recommended because of its superior theoretical precision. The importance of including terrain-corrected free-air anomalies in the computations is indicated.
The ability of AIF-1 to activate human vascular smooth muscle cells is lost by mutations in the EF-hand calcium-binding region

Abstract Allograft Inflammatory Factor-1 (AIF-1) is a cytoplasmic calcium-binding protein expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in response to injury or cytokine stimulation. AIF-1 contains a partially conserved EF-hand calcium-binding domain, and participates in VSMC activation by activation of Rac1 and induction of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) expression; however, the mechanism whereby AIF-1 mediates these effects is presently uncharacterized. To determine if calcium binding plays a functional role in AIF-1 activity, a single site-specific mutation was made in the EF-hand calcium-binding domain to abrogate binding of calcium (AIF-1ΔA), which was confirmed by calcium overlay. Functionally, similar to wild-type AIF-1, AIF-1ΔA was able to polymerize F-actin in vitro. However, in contrast to wild-type AIF-1, over-expression of AIF-1ΔA was unable to increase migration or proliferation of primary human VSMC. Further, it was unable to activate Rac1, or induce G-CSF expression to the degree as wild-type AIF-1. Taken together, modification of the wild-type EF-hand domain and native calcium-binding activity results in a loss of AIF-1 function. We conclude that appropriate calcium-binding potential is critical in AIF-1-mediated effects on VSMC pathophysiology, and that AIF-1 activity is mediated by Rac1 activation and G-CSF expression.
Oxidation Kinetics of Hexagonal-Shaped Single-Crystal Silicon Whiskers

The oxidation kinetics of hexagonal-shaped Si whiskers at high temperature were studied. Si whiskers were oxidized at 1000°C under a partial oxygen pressure of 0.14 atm. Oxide thickness was measured using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A unique model was developed to describe the oxidation kinetics of hexagonal-shaped fibers. The model takes into account the inward diffusion of oxygen, oxidation reaction at the oxide/Si interface, and the fiber diameter change caused by the molar volume difference between SiO2 and Si. Comparison of the model with experimental data shows good agreement.
Theoretical study of% MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX!% MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaaeaart1ev0aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbbjxAHX% garmWu51MyVXgatuuDJXwAK1uy0HwmaeHbfv3ySLgzG0uy0Hgip5wz% aebbnrfifHhDYfgasaacH8qrps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaq% Fr0xc9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qq% Q8frFve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeWaeaaakeaaie% aacaWFbbGaa8xsaiaa-HeadaqhaaWcbaGaa8NBaaqaaiaa-jdacaWF% RaaaaOGaaGPaVpaabmaabaGaamOBaiabg2da9iaaigdacqGHsislca% aI3aaacaGLOaGaayzkaaaaaa!43E9!$$AIH^{{2 + }}_{n} \,{\left( {n = 1 - 7} \right)}$$ dications

The structures and stability of % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbbjxAHX % garmWu51MyVXgatuuDJXwAK1uy0HwmaeHbfv3ySLgzG0uy0Hgip5wz % aebbnrfifHhDYfgasaacH8qrps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaq % Fr0xc9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qq % Q8frFve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeWaeaaakeaaca % qGbbGaaeiBaiaabIeadaqhaaWcbaGaamOBaaqaaiaaikdacqGHRaWk % aaGcdaqadaqaaiaad6gacqGH9aqpcaaIXaGaeyOeI0IaaG4naaGaay % jkaiaawMcaaaaa!42C1! $${\text{AlH}}^{{2 + }}_{n} {\left( {n = 1 - 7} \right)}$$ 1–7 dications were calculated at the ab initio MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. The dications AlH2+ 1 and % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbbjxAHX % garmWu51MyVXgatuuDJXwAK1uy0HwmaeHbfv3ySLgzG0uy0Hgip5wz % aebbnrfifHhDYfgasaacH8qrps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaq % Fr0xc9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qq % Q8frFve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeWaeaaakeaaca % qGbbGaaeiBaiaabIeadaqhaaWcbaGaaGOmaaqaaiaaikdacqGHRaWk % aaaaaa!3C95! $${\text{AlH}}^{{2 + }}_{2}$$ 2 were characterized to be unstable thermodynamically. However, these and the stable dications, % MathType!Translator!2!1!AMS LaTeX.tdl!TeX -- AMS-LaTeX! % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaaeaart1ev0aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbbjxAHX % garmWu51MyVXgatuuDJXwAK1uy0HwmaeHbfv3ySLgzG0uy0Hgip5wz % aebbnrfifHhDYfgasaacH8qrps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaq % Fr0xc9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qq % Q8frFve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeWaeaaakeaaca % qGbbGaaeiBaiaabIeadaqhaaWcbaGaamOBaaqaaiaaikdacqGHRaWk % aaGcdaqadaqaaiaad6gacqGH9aqpcaaIZaGaeyOeI0IaaG4naaGaay % jkaiaawMcaaaaa!42C3! $${\text{AlH}}^{{2 + }}_{n} {\left( {n = 3 - 7} \right)}$$ 3–7 have considerable kinetic barriers for deprotonation. Each of the structures 3–7 contains one or more two-electron three-center (2e–3c) bonds. Aluminum atoms of these dications carry most of the positive charges, as indicated by NBO charge calculations.
Improvements in Undergraduate Science Education Using Web-Based Instructional Modules: The Natural Science Pages

Despite the rush to place educational material online, little quantitative data exists on the value of Web-based course content. In 1998, I created a content-rich Web site (The Natural Science Pages) to enhance science pedagogy in a required, interdisciplinary, non-major science course at John Jay College. Prior to the launch of this site, the large class size (>150) and diverse student body had presented challenges in science instruction. Since launch, the site has proved overwhelmingly successful at enhancing science comprehension. Student performance on standard exams was significantly higher in two semesters after launch than in the semester before launch. The percentage of students receiving a grade of C or better in the course increased from 68% before launch to approximately 78% after launch, and course failures decreased from 8.5% before launch to <5% in two semesters after launch. Over 90% of students responding to a classroom survey felt that the Web site helped them understand the subject matte...
A Facility for Simulating Multiprocessors

Simulation models are better than analytical ones for understanding systems that behave unpredictably. But no such models have been available for asynchronous parallel systems?a situation the Euclid simulator corrects.
Notional all-electric ship systems integration thermal simulation and visualization

This work presents a simplified mathematical model for fast visualization and thermal simulation of complex and integrated energy systems that is capable of providing quick responses during system design. The tool allows for the determination of the resulting whole system temperature and relative humidity distribution. For that, the simplified physical model combines principles of classical thermodynamics and heat transfer, resulting in a system of three-dimensional (3D) differential equations that are discretized in space using a 3D cell-centered finite volume scheme. As an example of a complex and integrated system analysis, 3D simulations are performed in order to determine the temperature and relative humidity distributions inside an all-electric ship for a baseline medium voltage direct current power system architecture, under different operating conditions. A relatively coarse mesh was used (9410 volume elements) to obtain converged results for a large computational domain (185mA24mA34m) containing diverse equipment. The largest computational time required for obtaining results was 560 s, that is, less than 10 min. Therefore, after experimental validation for a particular system, it is reasonable to state that the model could be used as an efficient tool for complex and integrated systems thermal design, control and optimization.
Rapid Response Thermopiles

A technique has been developed for the evaporation of bismuth and of antimony upon thin cellulose nitrate so that the metals have comparatively low electrical resistivities and comparatively high thermal e.m.f.’s. A procedure has been developed for making bismuth-antimony radiation thermopiles in which units of 50 thermal junctions have a receiving area of ~0.11 cm2 and a resistance of ~70 ohms. These units are called “folded thermopiles.” The response of several folded thermopiles of different design operated at atmospheric pressure has been studied over a range of frequencies. The “folded” thermopiles are faster than any thermopiles reported heretofore, yet the response is greater for all frequencies above 5 cycles per second than for evaporated thermocouples operated in a vacuum. The thermopiles are rugged, relatively free of microphonics, and show very little noise in addition to “Johnson noise.”
Effects of the experimental fungicide RH 886 on Mucor piriformis

No registered fungicide controls Mucor piriformis, a cause of severe postharvest storage rot in pears, but the experimental fungicide RH 886 (active ingredients: 77% 5-chloro-2-methylisothiazol-3-(2H)-one and 23% 2-methylisothiazol-3-(2H)-one) has an ED50 of 23.1 μg ml−1 in 5 min exposure for germination of sporangiospores of M. piriformis and an ED50 of 9.9 μg ml−1 for mycelial growth. Mixing RH 886 into infested, amended soil at 8 mg g−1 soil or mixing copper sulfate into soil at 1 mg g−1 soil prevented sporulation of M. piriformis. Application of RH 886 to pear fruits prior to inoculation, or immersion of fruits in solutions of RH 886 containing sporangiospores of M. piriformis significantly reduced fruit infection.
Datasets, a Shift in the Currency of Scholarly Communication: Implications for Library Collections and Acquisitions

As the market of scholarly communication continues to evolve, a number of indicators suggest that the unit of information currency is shifting from a primary focus on journal articles to a broader emphasis on key elements of scholarly communication, namely data sets. This article examines and summarizes recent developments that have contributed to this shift in emphasis. The authors will also consider how this shift may affect some of the core functions of the collections and acquisitions processes.
Diphenhydramine: Kinetics and psychomotor effects in elderly women

Kinetics and sedative and psychomotor effects of diphenhydramine were investigated in elderly Caucasian women (greater than 64 yr. old). In a double-blind trial, each of 12 healthy subjects received on one of three occasions 50 mg/70 kg IV or oral diphenhydramine HCl or oral placebo. Plasma levels of diphenhydramine were measured in six subjects and tests of sedation and psychomotor performance were performed hourly for 8 hr in all subjects. Kinetic analysis showed that the volume of distribution (295 +/- 50 [SEM] l/70 kg), clearance (42 +/- 5 l/70 kg/hr), and plasma t1/2 (4.9 +/- 0.7 hr) were of the same order as in young adults. As in young adults, there was minimal psychomotor impairment after oral and after intravenous diphenhydramine. In contrast to young adults, however, elderly women did not report significant sedation after diphenhydramine. These results suggest that diphenhydramine may not be an effective sedative/hypnotic in elderly women.
Alkyne coupling reactions mediated by organolanthanides. Probing the mechanism by metal and alkyne variation

This contribution addresses, using the non-redox-active ion La3+, the constraints under which lanthanide M-C=CR functionalities undergo facile coupling to yield binuclear M2(mu-RC4R) complexes. The reaction of Cp'2LaCHTMS2 (Cp' = eta5-Me5C5) with PhCCH at room temperature yields the coupled product (CP'2La)2(g-PhC4Ph) (monoclinic space group C2/m, a = 15.600(2) angstrom, b = 14.318(2) angstrom, c = 15.368(2) angstrom, beta = 114.17(1)-degrees, Z = 2, R = 0.050, R(w) = 0.063) plus CH2TMS2. Reaction of CP'2LaCHTMS2 with t-BuCCH at 0-degrees-C, yields the uncoupled dimer (CP'2LaC2-t-Bu2) (plus CH2TMS2), which, in toluene solution at 50 and 60-degrees-C, undergoes clean unimolecular conversion to the coupled dimer (CP'2La)2(mu-t-BuC4-t-Bu) (monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, a = 11.232(2) angstrom, b = 14.199(3) angstrom, c = 15.309(4) angstrom, beta = 103.35(2)-degrees, Z = 2, R = 0.027, R(w) = 0.034). These results argue that excursions in formal metal oxidation state (+3 half arrow right over half arrow left +2) are not important along the reaction coordinate, that acetylene aryl substituents are not necessary for the coupling process to occur, and that the immediate kinetic precursor to the coupled product is an uncoupled dimer.
Alpha-substituted gamma-butyrolactones: new class of anticonvulsant drugs

Alkyl-Substituted gamma-butyrolactones were synthesized and tested for their convulsant and anticonvulsant actions in mice and guinea pigs. The alpha-substituted compounds, alpha, alpha-dimethyl-, and alpha-ethyl-alpha-methyl-gamma-butyrolactone were anticonvulsant compounds with a spectrum of activity similar to that of ethosuximide. In contrast, beta-substituted compounds were convulsant agents similar to picrotoxinin. The alpha-substituted-gama-butyrolactones represent a new class of anticonvulsant drug with experimental and clinical potential.
The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a primary care disease.

Excerpt A crisis is looming for patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): The small number of subspecialists and other interested physicians now caring for most patients with AID...
Analysis of a 1-Mb BAC contig overlapping the mouse Nkrp1 cluster of genes : cloning of three new Nkrp1 members, Nkrp1d, Nkrp1e, and Nkrp1f

The murine Nkrp1 gene family encodes three previously identified activation and inhibitory receptors expressed on natural killer (NK) cells. This family includes the gene for NKR-P1C (NK1.1), the most specific serologic marker on C57BL/6-derived NK cells and is localized in a gene cluster in the NK gene complex (NKC). To further analyze the Nkrp1 family, we constructed and analyzed a bacterial artificial chromosome contig. A genomic organization of the Nkrp1 family was obtained and three new Nkrp1 genes were isolated from interleukin-2-activated NK cells. Thus, the Nkrp1 family adds to the repertoire of receptors expressed by NK cells.
Illinois Project for Democratic Accountability

Education is experiencing a case of misplaced accountability, where an exclusive reliance on high stakes tests overlooks the more subtle judgments of teachers and professional educators and, because of its simplicity, passes as democratic. This article investigates the theoretical underpinnings of current accountability initiatives and draws upon extensive teacher interviews to reveal the practical aspects of accountability pressures in schools today. We provide a discussion of local teacher knowledge that exposes teachers' commitments to a deeper sense of successful education that is eclipsed by testing and that offers a richer resource for improving classrooms and educational outcomes. We provide a discussion of educational foundations and policy that rethinks democratic goals and encourages educationists to shift the current debate in order to make accountability truly democratic. This article suggests that the contemporary climate of accountability may be misplaced in its intentions.
Elevated extracellular calcium levels induce smooth muscle cell matrix mineralization in vitro.

Elevated extracellular calcium levels induce smooth muscle cell matrix mineralization in vitro. Background Hyperphosphatemia, elevated calcium × phosphorus product (Ca × P), and calcium burden, major causes of vascular calcification, are correlated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Methods To address the underlying mechanisms responsible for these findings, we have utilized an in vitro human smooth muscle cell (HSMC) model of vascular calcification. Previous studies using this system demonstrated enhanced calcification of HSMC cultures treated with phosphorus levels in the hyperphosphatemic range, and implicated a sodium-dependent phosphate cotransport-dependent mechanism in this effect. In the present study, we examine the effect of increasing calcium concentrations on HSMC calcification in vitro. Results Increasing calcium to levels observed in hypercalcemic individuals increased mineralization of HSMC cultures under normal phosphorus conditions. Importantly, at these total calcium concentrations, ionized calcium levels increased from 1.2 mmol/L to 1.7 mmol/L, consistent with levels observed physiologically in normocalcemic and hypercalcemic individuals, respectively. Furthermore, increasing both calcium and phosphorus levels led to accelerated and increased mineralization in the cultures. Calcium-induced mineralization was dependent on the function of a sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter, since it was inhibited by phosphonoformic acid (PFA). While elevated calcium did not affect short-term phosphorus transport kinetics, long-term elevated calcium treatment of HSMCs induced expression of the sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter, Pit-1. Conclusion These studies suggest that elevated calcium may stimulate HSMC mineralization by elevating Ca x P product and enhancing the sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporter-dependent mineralization pathway previously observed in HSMCs.
Treadmill exercise training fails to reverse defects in glucose, insulin and muscle GLUT4 content in the db/db mouse model of diabetes

Abstract Objective Regular exercise is recommended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes because of the benefits on body weight and glycemic control. The present study was designed to compare the impact of voluntary wheel and forced treadmill running on the metabolic state in the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Our hypothesis is that voluntary exercise training reduces body weight, blood glucose and insulin levels and restores GLUT4 levels in skeletal muscle, whereas forced exercise training produces a greater effect. Study design Male diabetic db/db mice were assigned to sedentary (DS), voluntary wheel running (DV), and forced treadmill running (DT) groups for 12 weeks. Nondiabetic heterozygote littermates served as control (CN). Results Over the 12-week period, DV and DT mice ran a total of 4.24±0.18km and 11.8km, respectively. At week 12, fasting plasma glucose was decreased in DV mice compared to DS mice and occurred in the absence weight loss. In DT mice, body weight and fasting plasma glucose were not improved with exercise when compared to DS mice and were actually higher compared to DV mice. After training, fasting plasma insulin was increased in DS mice compared to CN mice and training failed to normalize plasma insulin levels. Gastrocnemius GLUT4 content was reduced in DS mice compared to CN mice and training had no effect in preventing this depression from occurring. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that while voluntary exercise improved only blood glucose, forced treadmill exercise training failed to restore body weight, blood glucose and insulin, and muscle GLUT4 content.
Scalable video coding with robust mode selection

We propose to improve the packet loss resilience of scalable video coding. An algorithm for optimal coding mode selection for the base and enhancement layers is developed, which limits error propagation due to packet loss, while retaining compression efficiency. We first derive a method to estimate the overall decoder distortion, which includes the effects of quantization, packet loss and error concealment employed at the decoder. The estimate accounts for temporal and spatial error propagation due to motion compensated prediction, and computes the expected distortion precisely per pixel. The distortion estimate is incorporated within a rate-distortion framework to optimally select the coding mode as well as quantization step size for the macroblocks in each layer. Simulation results show substantial performance gains for both base and enhancement layers.
Email notification combined with off site signing substantially reduces resident approval to faculty verification time.

Rationale and Objectives Attending radiologist signature time (AST) is a variable and modifiable component of overall report turnaround time. Delays in finalized reports have potential to undermine radiologists’ value as consultants and adversely affect patient care. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of notebook computer distribution and daily automated e-mail notification on reducing AST. Materials and Methods Two simultaneous interventions were initiated in the authors’ radiology department in February 2010. These included the distribution of a notebook computer with preloaded software for each attending radiologist to sign radiology reports and daily automated e-mail notifications for unsigned reports. The digital dictation system archive and the radiology information system were queried for all radiology reports produced from January 2009 through August 2010. The time between resident approval and attending radiologist signature before and after the intervention was analyzed. Potential unintended “side effects” of the intervention were also studied. Results Resident-authored reports were signed, on average, 2.53 hours sooner after the intervention. This represented a highly significant (P = .003) decrease in AST with all else held equal. Postintervention reports were authored by residents at the same rate (about 70%). An unintended “side effect” was that attending radiologists were less likely to make changes to resident-authored reports after the intervention. Conclusions E-mail notification combined with offsite signing can reduce AST substantially. Notebook computers with preloaded software streamline the process of accessing, editing, and signing reports. The observed decrease in AST reflects a positive change in the timeliness of report signature.
Towards Uniform Implementation of Architectural Diversity

Multi-representational architectures exploit diversity to yield the breadth of capabilities required for intelligent behavior in the world, but in so doing can sacrifice too much of the complementary benefits of architectural uniformity. The proposal here is to couple the benefits of diversity and uniformity through establishment of a uniform graph-based implementation level for diverse architectures. Architectures for human level intelligence (HLI) seek to provide a coherent integration of capabilities sufficient for intelligent behavior in the world, whether as part of a detailed model of human cognition or a system more loosely tied to the specifics of human behavior. They require the integration of a wide range of cognitive capabilities for, among other things: memory and reasoning, problem solving and planning, reactivity, learning, reflection, interaction (including perception and motor control, use of language, etc), and the social aspects of cognition (such as emotion, collaboration, etc.). A key issue with such architectures is what can be called the diversity dilemma: they need to be both diverse and simple. Diversity of capability is required to support intelligent behavior in a complex and uncertain world. Simplicity is critical for architectural elegance, integrability, extensibility, and maintainability. In Rosenbloom (2009a), a resolution to this dilemma was proposed based on analogy to Deering’s (1998) Internet Hourglass and Domingos’s (In press) call for an interface layer for AI. The idea is to seek a simple, uniform, mesoscale level in the cognitive hierarchy (Newell 1990) that can support increasing diversity above (for supporting intelligent behaviors) and below (for grounding in biological and computational technologies). To be more specific, the proposal is to search beneath the architecture for a uniform implementation level based on graphical models (Jordan 2004). Traditionally, architectural implementation has been considered mere “implementation details”, of pragmatic importance for efficiency and robustness, but of little theoretical interest. The one notable exception has been when a symbolic architecture is implemented via neural networks, as in Neuro-Soar (Cho et al. 1991) and SAL (Jilk et al. 2008). Neural networks are graphical models of a sort, but they are far from the only such models. Bayesian networks [Pearl, 1988] are directed graphical models over random variables that have revolutionized probabilistic reasoning. Markov networks are undirected analogues of Bayesian networks. Factor graphs (Kschischang et al. 2001) are undirected, like Markov networks, but represent general multivariate functions, and add factor nodes in the graph
MAINTENANCE OF MYELINATED FIBRE g RATIO IN ACUTE EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS

The spectra of myelin sheath thickness and g ratio (axon diameter/fibre diameter) of guinea pig optic nerves for 8 animals with acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) were compared with those for 6 normal animals. The mean myelin sheath thickness of 0.12 microns for the animals with EAE was significantly lower than the value of 0.16 microns for the normal animals. Since fibre diameter comprises axon diameter plus the thickness of its surrounding myelin sheath, a reduction in mean fibre diameter from 1.52 microns in normals to 1.20 microns in EAE was expected, but it was surprising to find that a mean g ratio of 0.85 obtained for normal nerves was not substantially different from a value of 0.86 for demyelinated optic nerves. A decrease in the mean axon diameter of 1.24 microns for normal animals to 0.94 microns for those with EAE tended to offset the decrease in mean myelin sheath thickness and contributed to the relative stability of the g ratio with acute demyelination. Our results showing reduction in axonal calibre and myelin sheath thickness may offer an explanation for apparent discrepancies between electrophysiological delays in conduction characteristics of experimental and, if not the result of a maturational effect on myelination, human primary demyelinating disorders associated with the scant histopathological demyelination of initial attacks of EAE and the visually asymptomatic patients with multiple sclerosis.
Force Effects on Biochemical Kinetics

Force is an important component in the proper functioning of tissues and cells. In processes ranging from the contraction of muscles to the alignment of chromosomes at the metaphase plate, forces must be adjusted to the proper levels by cells. At the molecular level, it is clear that the motor molecules and other enzymes must respond to changes in mechanical forces by altering enzymatic function. Recent technical advances, primarily the atomic force microscope and laser tweezers, enable us to measure forces at the single molecule level to test how force is transduced into a change in enzyme activity. A priori, four basic mechanisms of coupling enzyme rate and force are considered. The mechanisms extend from the cellular to the molecular level. For example, polymer assembly rates and cytoskeletal matrix concentration are potentially modified by force in ways that feed back on critical enzyme rates. In studies of the known mechanosensitive enzymes, myosin and other motors, the bacterial flagellar rotor, and the F0F1 ATPase, the molecular mechanisms used to transduce force changes into activity changes have not been clearly defined, although it is reasonable to speculate about the nature of these mechanisms from the atomic structures and nanometer measurements of movement.
A CMOS power amplifier with a novel output structure

A two-stage op-amp with a novel output driver achieves 5.8-MHz GBW, 68 degrees phase margin, and delivers 2.6 V/sub pp/ with a THD of 0.14% and 3.2 V/sub pp/ with a THD of 0.38% into 100 Omega at 20 kHz for a +or-2.5-V supply. The output driver enables a very simple circuit measuring only 0.11 mm/sup 2/. >
Knowledge-based economic analysis of manufacturing systems

Abstract A knowledge-based expert system is proposed for aiding analysts in selecting and replacing manufacturing facilities. This approach combines the heuristic decision-making of human expert economic analysts with quantitative models where beneficial and appropriate. Requirements of such a system and a general methodology for implementation are presented with specific examples of logic given for two decision-making tasks; namely, assembly system technology selection and replacement analysis.
Representing and recognizing complete set of geons using extended superquadrics

In this paper, we take advantage of extended superquadrics to represent and recognize the entire set of 36 geons. Extended superquadrics are novel volumetric shape models that include superquadrics as a special case. An extended superquadric model can be deformed in any direction because it extends the exponents of the superquadric model from constants to functions of the latitude and longitude angles in the spherical coordinate system. Thirteen features derived from the extended superquadric parameters are recovered in order to distinguish between all 36 geon classes. Classification error rates are estimated for the nearest neighbor classifier and backpropagation neural network. Both simulated data (at different noise levels) and real geon models are tested in our experiments. The results are very encouraging and have significant benefits for an object recognition system.
The subjective-objective mismatch in sleep perception among those with insomnia and sleep apnea

Summary The diagnosis and management of insomnia relies primarily on clinical history. However, patient self-report of sleep–wake times may not agree with objective measurements. We hypothesized that those with shallow or fragmented sleep would under-report sleep quantity, and that this might account for some of the mismatch. We compared objective and subjective sleep–wake times for 277 patients who underwent diagnostic polysomnography. The group included those with insomnia symptoms (n = 92), obstructive sleep apnea (n = 66) or both (n = 119). Mismatch of wake duration was context dependent: all three groups overestimated sleep latency but underestimated wakefulness after sleep onset. The insomnia group underestimated total sleep time by a median of 81 min. However, contrary to our hypothesis, measures of fragmentation (N1, arousal index, sleep efficiency, etc.) did not correlate with the subjective sleep duration estimates. To unmask a potential relationship between sleep architecture and subjective duration, we tested three hypotheses: N1 is perceived as wake; sleep bouts under 10 min are perceived as wake; or N1 and N2 are perceived in a weighted fashion. None of these hypotheses exposed a match between subjective and objective sleep duration. We show only modest performance of a Naive Bayes Classifier algorithm for predicting mismatch using clinical and polysomnographic variables. Subjective–objective mismatch is common in patients reporting insomnia symptoms. We conclude that mismatch was not attributable to commonly measured polysomnographic measures of fragmentation. Further insight is needed into the complex relationships between subjective perception of sleep and conventional, objective measurements.
Rembrandt's Portraits: Approach or Avoid?

In 74% of Rembrandt’s female portraits, the subject’s left cheek faces the viewer. However, this occurs in only 26% of his male portraits. This asymmetry is consistent with viewers’ assessment of Rembrandt’s left-cheeked male portraits as preferably avoided, which may indicate that aggressive dominance is governed by the contralateral right hemisphere of the brain, while the rating of left-cheeked female faces as preferably approached may indicate sexual attractiveness. Rembrandt’s exposed-cheek gender difference suggests that both sexual selection and dominance are governed by the more emotionally oriented right cerebral hemisphere. ARTSCIENCE: THE ESSENTIAL CONNECTION a. b.
SOPHISTICATION, ORGANIZATION, AND AUTHORITY-SUB JECT CONFLICT: REDISCOVERING AND UNRAVELING TURK'S THEORY OF NORM RESISTANCE*

While it has been more than a quarter of a century since Austin Turk proposed his non-partisan conflict theory in Criminality and Legal Order, little effort has been made to assess this work empirically. This study applies Turk's theory to police-citizen encounters at domestic disputes in a southern city. Five hypotheses are advanced and analyzed. The findings indicate that after controlling for race, sex, and area of the city, overt conflict between the police and citizens is related to the organization and sophistication of the participants involved.
Performance analysis of optimum combining with multiple interferers in flat Rayleigh fading

This paper is a performance analysis of optimum combining in the presence of multiple equal power interferers and noise when the number of interferers is less than the number of antenna elements. Desired signal and interferers are subject to flat Rayleigh fading, and the propagation channels are independent. An approximate expression of the probability density function of the output signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) is derived analytically. It is then applied to obtain the cumulative distribution function of the SINR, and the bit-error rate (BER) of some binary modulations, including coherent binary phase-shift keying. In the case of a single interferer, an exact analysis is performed to prove the validity of the approximation. In the case of multiple interferers, the accuracy of the approximation is assessed through simulations. Although limited to equipower interferers, this analysis is a convenient way of assessing the performance of optimum combining in some typical situations and comparing it with that of maximal-ratio combining. The final results are remarkably simple and provide a useful complement to previous analyzes, especially in the region of reasonably high BERs which are of practical interest.
CELP speech coder using novel LPC interpolation and fast codebook search method

An LPC (linear predictive coder) interpolation technique is presented which is based on interpolating the impulse response of the LPC synthesis filter. After reviewing the basic concept of the CELP (code-excited linear predictive) speech coder, the complexity associated with the excitation codebook search is discussed. The author then describes the method of interpolating the impulse response of the LPC synthesis filter. The fast codebook search algorithm for the CELP coder based on the new interpolation method is described, and experimental results with this coder are presented. It is noted that this method offers a significant complexity reduction for the codebook search over other typical interpolation schemes. Furthermore, it outperforms other interpolation methods at low bit-rates. >
In vitro model of sepsis-induced renal epithelial reactive nitrogen species generation

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex disease characterized by generation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-derived reactive nitrogen species (RNS) by the renal tubular epithelium. While most in vitro models of sepsis use combinations of lipopolysaccharide and cytokines to simulate exposure to inflammatory mediators thought to play a role in sepsis, the relevance of these models is limited. To address the need for a model that more closely mimics the tubular microenvironment during sepsis, we developed an in vitro model where mIMCD-3 (murine tubular epithelial) cells are treated with media containing 5% serum collected from mice at 4 h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham surgery (no sepsis). After exposure to CLP serum, induction of iNOS messenger RNA occurred and NO generation was significantly increased compared to sham. This increase was accompanied by increased RNS as measured by oxidation of 5-(and-6)-carboxy-2,7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (carboxy-H(2)DCF-DA) and 2-(3,6-diamino-9H-xanthen-9-yl)-benzoic acid, methyl ester (dihydrorhodamine 123) and moderate cytotoxicity in cells treated with CLP serum, similar to what is observed in mice subjected to CLP. Since iNOS has been shown to play an important role in sepsis-induced AKI, the iNOS inhibitor L-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl)-lysine (L-NIL) was tested in this in vitro model. L-NIL completely blocked NO generation, RNS generation, and cytotoxicity, similar to its effects in vivo. Therefore, this new in vitro model exhibits many of the characteristics observed in vivo, suggesting that it is a relevant model for studying the mechanism of sepsis-induced renal epithelial RNS generation and injury.
Disentangling Adolescent Substance Use and Problem Use within a Clinical Sample.

Studies have sought to disentangle predictors of adolescent substance use versus problem use, yet research has not examined this question in a clinical sample and usually does not control for the effects of consumption level. The authors tested whether psychosocial variables showed direct relations to substance use, and direct, indrect, and interactive relations to use-related negative consequences within a clinical sample of youth. Psychopathology, temperamental disturbances, use motives, expectancies, and socialization influences showed indirect relations to problem use because they were associated with heavy consumption. Psychopathology, expectancies, and socialization influences also related directly to problem use, controlling for consumption level. Psychopathology, temperamental disturbances, use motives, and socialization influences moderated the relation between consumption and problems. Results support the assertion that psychosocial variables are related to problem use above and beyond the simpl...
Suction-based propulsion as a basis for efficient animal swimming

A central and long-standing tenet in the conceptualization of animal swimming is the idea that propulsive thrust is generated by pushing the surrounding water rearward. Inherent in this perspective is the assumption that locomotion involves the generation of locally elevated pressures in the fluid to achieve the expected downstream push of the surrounding water mass. Here we show that rather than pushing against the surrounding fluid, efficient swimming animals primarily pull themselves through the water via suction. This distinction is manifested in dominant low-pressure regions generated in the fluid surrounding the animal body, which are observed by using particle image velocimetry and a pressure calculation algorithm applied to freely swimming lampreys and jellyfish. These results suggest a rethinking of the evolutionary adaptations observed in swimming animals as well as the mechanistic basis for bio-inspired and biomimetic engineered vehicles.
Myocardial Expression Levels of Micro-Ribonucleic Acids in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices: Signature of Myocardial Recovery, Signature of Reverse Remodeling, or Signature With No Name?

Clinical studies have shown that medical and device therapies that reduce heart failure morbidity and mortality also lead to a decreased left ventricular (LV) volume and mass and restore a more normal elliptical shape to the ventricle. These changes are due to the changes in myocyte size, structure
Inverse Agonist Activity at the α2A-Adrenergic Receptor

Constitutive activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is now well recognized and many classical GPCR antagonists have been found to be inverse agonists. For the alpha(2A)-adrenergic receptor (AR) we determine the relative inverse efficacies of a series of antagonists and utilize the extended ternary complex model to estimate the fraction of constitutively active mutant (CAM) receptors in the active state. Stable Chinese hamster ovary cell lines expressing the porcine alpha(2A)-AR in its wild-type (WT) and constitutively activated (CAM-T373K) form were isolated. Activation of both G(i) and G(s) was enhanced for CAM receptors. cAMP production was suppressed in cells with the CAM alpha(2A)-AR and this suppression was reversed by alpha(2)-adrenergic antagonists with an order of inverse efficacy of rauwolscine > yohimbine > RX821002 > MK912, whereas phentolamine and idazoxan were essentially neutral antagonists. This striking difference in inverse efficacy between idazoxan and RX821002 may account for in vivo pharmacological differences between these two alpha(2)-adrenergic antagonists. Agonist binding affinity to the non-G protein-coupled CAM receptor was 3- to 9-fold higher than to WT, whereas binding of the most efficacious inverse agonists, yohimbine and rauwolscine, was 1.7- and 2.1-fold weaker. Analysis of this difference by the extended ternary complex model indicates that approximately 50% of the CAM alpha(2A)-AR is in the active (R*) state although there is no detectable constitutive activity of the WT receptor in the absence of agonist.
Effects of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin on plasma prolactin levels in ovariectomized, pituitary-grafted rats.

SummaryChronically ovariectomized rats with intact pituitary glands were implanted with anterior pituitary homografts under the kidney capsule. Rats which received a transplanted anterior pituitary exhibited significantly higher basal plasma prolactin levels than rats receiving no transplants. Rats received systemic infusions of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Only dopamine was capable of significantly suppressing prolactin secretion from the pituitary homograft. Norepinephrine and serotonin had no effect on plasma prolactin levels. These results demonstrate the direct effect of dopamine on prolactin release by the anterior pituitary and are consistent with the view that dopamine may be PIF.
Interaction between antimicrobial agents and prostatic tissue extract and fluid

While investigating the antibacterial properties of canine and human prostatic fluid, it was discovered that prostatic fluid and tissue of dogs and humans contain a factor which markedly inhibits the antibacterial effect of trimethoprim onEscherichia coli strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infection. Whereas the minimum bacteriostatic concentrations of trimethoprim in Mueller-Hinton broth averaged 0.35 µg/ml, these concentrations markedly increased (in some cases to over 50 µg/ml) in canine and human prostatic fluid and extracts of canine and human prostatic tissue. The trimethoprim-inhibiting factor was heat-stabile and at least partially dialyzable. Addition of sulfamethoxazole to the trimethoprim in ratios of 5:1 and 1:5 demonstrated marked synergism, eliminating, in most cases, the described inhibition of trimethoprim. These in vitro findings may be of importance in the treatment of prostatic bacterial infections with trimethoprim alone or with a combination of sulfa drugs or other antibacterial compounds.