cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Thermal Mass of a Data Center Validated With Actual Data due to Chiller Failure

The task of minimizing the downtime of a data center is becoming increasingly important due to the necessity of availability and maintaining the integrity of the data being handled by the data center. Consequently, a model used to predict the thermal response of a data center would be useful information in designing mechanisms to minimize the downtime during a failure or to serve as an alternative analysis method other than CFD. This paper will focus on a thermodynamic approach of predicting the thermal response of the data center space with the use of lumped system analysis. The model will be developed and validated using actual data from a chiller failure event in the CEETHERM Data Center Laboratory. Events in sequence are: (i) Chiller failure, (ii) Data center shutdown due to critical temperatures and (iii) Chiller restored. To illustrate, the data center section of interest consists of 10 racks of servers (maximum capacity of 24kW for each rack) with a total of 3360 nodes and is chilled using chilled water from the building chiller, through which the cooling resources are distributed using a rear door heat exchanger and a cooling room air conditioning unit (CRAC). The relevant and important data that was recorded in this failure are the: (1) Server inlet temperatures, (2) CPU temperatures, (3) CRAC supply and return air temperatures, (4) Chiller supply and return water temperature, (5) Chiller flow rate, (6) Data center space temperature and humidity, (7) Server power draw and (8) CRAC fan speeds.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Adaptive query optimization in dynamic databases

Query optimization of database management systems is aimed at finding an optimal access path for a query to minimize the evaluation cost. This research addresses the problem of query optimization for databases in which objects frequently change their values. A greedy, adaptive query optimization algorithm is proposed to evaluate relational queries and queries containing complex objects. Rather than constructing a full plan for an access path and executing it, the algorithm constructs a partial plan, executes it, updates the statistics, and constructs a new partial plan. Since a partial plan is constructed based on the latest statistics, the algorithm is adaptive to data modifications and errors from the statistics. It is proved that the algorithm can produce an optimal solution for a class of queries. Furthermore, experiments show that the overhead associated with the algorithm is negligible and the algorithm is efficient for other cases. An adaptive query optimization algorithm for distributed environments is also proposed. The algorithm extends the SDD-1 algorithm to local area networks by considering local processing cost as well as communication cost. Whereas the SDD-1 algorithm only uses semi-joins to reduce communication cost, the algorithm reduces it with joins as well. It is proved that the adaptive algorithm is more efficient than the SDD-1 algorithm.
Tourette syndrome: a hereditary neuropsychiatric spectrum disorder.

The objective was to determine if the high frequency of behavioral problems in Tourette syndrome (TS) probands is the result of the pleiotrophic expression of the Gts genes or due to ascertainment bias. It was possible to distinguish between these two hypotheses by comparing the frequency of these behaviors in nonproband relatives with TS to relatives without TS. Twenty behavioral problems were prospectively assessed in a consecutive series of 361 TS probands, 113 nonproband TS relatives, 380 relatives without TS, and 68 controls, by the administration of a questionnaire based on the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and the DSM-III-R. Significance was set at a very conservative level of p < or = .001. Except for problems with smoking, reading and compulsive eating, all other behaviors were significantly more common in nonproband TS relatives than in relatives without TS. The relatives were also dichotomized on the basis of each of the behavioral problems. Regardless of the behavioral trait used, there was a higher frequency of all other behaviors in those who were positive versus those who were negative for that behavior. Ranking according to the number of behaviors that were significant indicated that mania, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and schizoid behaviors represented higher degrees of expression of the Gts genes than chronic tics. These results indicate that the Gts genes cause a spectrum of behavioral disorders in addition to chronic tics, indicate that TS is a behavioral spectrum disorder, and emphasize the role of genetic factors in a wide range of human behaviors.
Chronic in utero plasma hyperosmolality alters hypothalamic arginine vasopressin synthesis and pituitary arginine vasopressin content in newborn lambs.

Abstract Objective: Arginine vasopressin is synthesized in the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland in response to plasma hypertonicity. Previous studies suggest that in utero and neonatal exposure of rat pups to prolonged alterations of plasma osmolality may permanently alter (imprint) arginine vasopressin synthesis and secretion, thus adult responses to osmotic challenges. Little is known, however, of the potential for imprinting of neuroendocrinologic systems in precocial species. In view of the frequent occurrence of altered maternal and fetal plasma tonicity (eg, maternal dehydration, hyperemesis), we sought to determine the effect of prolonged maternal hypertonicity on arginine vasopressin gene expression and pituitary gland content in neonatal sheep. Study Design: Pregnant ewes at 119 ± 3 days of gestation were water restricted to achieve and maintain plasma hypertonicity (10-20 mOsm/kg above baseline level) until normal term delivery. Newborns were provided maternal nursing ad libitum. Within 24 hours after birth, study neonatal lambs (n = 6) and age-matched control neonatal lambs (n = 5) were killed, and the pituitary gland and hypothalamus were removed and frozen immediately. Pituitary arginine vasopressin content was determined by radioimmunoassay, and hypothalamic arginine vasopressin gene expression was quantified with Northern blot. Differences in pituitary arginine vasopressin content and hypothalamic arginine vasopressin gene expression (arginine vasopressin/ β-actin ratio) between study and control newborn lambs were analyzed by unpaired t test. Results: In response to maternal water restriction, maternal plasma osmolality increased from 307 ± 0.9 mOsm/kg to 325 ± 1.3 mOsm/kg, and plasma sodium increased from 147 ± 1.3 mEq/L to 156 ± 1.2 mEq/L. The maternal plasma hyperosmolality and hypernatremia were maintained until normal term delivery. At the time of death, study (in utero dehydrated) lambs had higher plasma sodium (150 ± 0.4 mEq/L vs 146.5 ± 1.5 mEq/L; P P P P P Conclusion: Despite the presence of plasma hypernatremia, prolonged elevation of fetal plasma tonicity increases newborn pituitary arginine vasopressin content yet decreases hypothalamic arginine vasopressin gene expression. The present study suggests that prolonged prenatal exposure to plasma hypertonicity may imprint the hypothalamic-pituitary arginine vasopressin regulatory system. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:191-6.)
The reaction kinetics of cyclopentadiene dimerization using differential scanning calorimetry: Experiments and modelling

Abstract The reaction kinetics of cyclopentadiene (CPD) dimerization is studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Both dynamic and isothermal reactions are investigated. The experimental data were fit to a second order autocatalyzed reaction, taking into account the effect of elevated pressure on concentration which results from heating the easily volatilized reactant mixture in a sealed DSC pan. The rate constants and associated activation energies are obtained from the kinetic model, as well as from a model-free method. The results from the modeling with and without pressure effects are compared with one another and literature data.
A framework for defining the economic feasibility of cellulosic biofuel pathways.

This paper incorporates pathway-specific financial assumptions into techno-economic analyses of cellulosic biofuel pathways under price uncertainty. Five cellulosic biofuel pathway scenarios are developed in a discounted cash flow rate of return spreadsheet to determine pathway-specific costs of debt. The cost of equity for the scenarios is calculated based on the financial characteristics of the US biorenewable industrial sector. A 20-year net present value (NPV) and probability of default for each scenario are stochastically calculated. Mean NPVs vary from a low of –$774 million to a high of –$135 million. Probabilities of default range from a high of 100% to a low of 80.5%. Sensitivity analyses find that the use of pathway-neutral financial assumptions overestimates NPV and underestimates probability of default.
Impact of management information systems on decisions

Abstract The effectiveness of management information systems (MIS) depends upon their impact on the quality of managerial decision making. This paper explores this impact from a microeconomic production perspective, with MIS as an input to a management decision production function. Using inventory control decisions as an example, analytical and simulation evidence is provided that the production perspective is reasonable. In addition, benefits of this perspective in describing the effect of MIS on decision making and in providing guidance for appropriate MIS investment are illustrated.
Polyamidoimidonitride clusters of zirconium - A molecular orbital study

Molecular orbital calculations of the extended Huckel type on the polyamidoimidonitride clusters of zirconium indicate that there is little metal-metal bonding in the clusters; instead the clusters are held together by strong interactions with an interstitial nitride, and bridging and capping ligands. The centering nitride is shown to be important in stabilizing the cluster. The reactivity of these clusters is also examined, in particular, the possible activity of a lone pair on the interstitial nitride and the ability of the clusters to undergo reduction. Polyamidoimidonitrid-Cluster des Zirconiums – eine Molekularorbital-Untersuchung Extended-Huckel-MO-Rechnungen an Polyamidoimidonitrid-Clustern von Zirconium zeigen, das nur schwache Metall–Metall-Bindung in den Clustern vorliegt, die durch starke Wechselwirkungen mit dem interstitiellen Stickstoff und durch uberbruckende und bekappende Liganden zusammengehalten werden. Es wird gezeigt, das das zentrierende Stickstoff-Atom fur die Stabilitat des Clusters wesentlich ist. Die Reaktivitat dieser Cluster wird untersucht, insbesondere die Aktivitat eines einsamen Elektronenpaars des interstitiellen Stickstoff-Atoms sowie die Moglichkeit zur Reduktion des Clusters.
Patterns of deregulation of insulin growth factor signalling pathway in paediatric and adult gastrointestinal stromal tumours

Abstract Background Data regarding the patterns and the mechanisms of deregulation of the insulin growth factor (IGF) pathway in adult and paediatric gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are limited. Methods We investigated the expression profiling of the genes encoding the main components of the IGF signalling pathway in 131 GISTs (106 adults, 21 paediatric and four young adults) and 25 other soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) using an Affymetrix U133A platform. IGF2 was investigated for loss of imprinting (LOI) whereas IGF1R was analysed for copy number aberration and mutation. Results IGF2 was the most highly overexpressed gene of the IGF pathway in GIST. IGF2 expression was also significantly higher than in other STS. IGF2 expression was correlated to the age onset and mutational status of GIST. Indeed, IGF2 expression was significantly higher in the ‘adult' group than in the ‘paediatric' and ‘young adult' groups. Among adult GIST, IGF2 expression was higher in tumours lacking Homo sapiens v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KIT) or alpha-type platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFRA) mutations in comparison with mutated cases. A trend for a higher expression of IGF2 in resistant GIST in comparison to responsive GIST was also found. Overexpression of IGF2 was not related to LOI. Conversely, the expression of the IGF1R gene was significantly higher in the paediatric group than in the adult group. No copy number gains or mutations of IGF1R were observed. Conclusion The IGF pathway is deregulated in GIST with distinct patterns according to age onset and mutational status. The IGF pathway may represent a therapeutic target in patients with primary or secondary resistance to imatinib.
Considerations for the use of commercial video games in controlled experiments

While commercial, off-the-shelf video games have been used often to observe cognitive and social phenomena, few studies have taken advantage of such games as research tools for conducting controlled experiments. Providing evidence that unmodified, commercial video games can be used to conduct gaming evaluations with high levels of both experimental control and ecological validity, we designed and conducted an experiment that utilized Mario Kart Wii to evaluate the effects of natural interaction on player performance. Based on our experience from that experiment, we present several concerns that require attention when using commercial video games as research tools. Providing examples of design decisions and outcomes from our experiment, we identify some of the benefits, drawbacks, and challenges of using such tools.
Energy spacing in charging a quantum dot: the effect of the electron - electron interactions

Recent experiments on quantum dots have shown that by adding one electron at a time to a quantum dot the energy spacings `are rather uniform and decrease slightly' as the number of electrons increases (Ashoori et al 1993 Phys. Rev. Lett. 71 613). By applying the scaled Kohn - Sham equations to a cylindrical quantum dot system, we show that this is due to the effect of the electron - electron interactions. The interactions, especially the Coulomb interaction, cause a significant redistribution of the electronic charge density which is determined by the effect of the boundary condition of the quantum dot in minimizing the total energy of the system. To ensure that the effect of the electron - electron interactions is independent of the specific potential used in defining the quantum dot, two model potentials (a constant potential and a potential that is harmonic in the radial part) are considered.
Race, Ethnicity, and the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is not one disease, and eliminating the disparities in outcomes requires improved understanding of biology and implementation of systemwide clinical innovation to deliver high-quality care to all women, one woman at a time. Representing 14.0% of all new cancer diagnoses, an estimated 232 670 new cases of breast cancer will occur in 2014, and an estimated 40 000 women will die of the disease.1,2 Despite significant gains in the treatment of the disease, leading to an overall reduction in breast cancer mortality, black women continue to die disproportionately from aggressive forms of breast cancer. There has been no fundamental shift in the approach to treatment for early-stage breast cancer based on biology.
RECONSTRUCTING THE PALEOECOLOGY OF TAUNG, SOUTH AFRICA FROM LOW MAGNIFICATION OF DENTAL MICROWEAR FEATURES IN FOSSIL PRIMATES

Taung, South Africa yielded the first Pliocene Hominini fossil, Australopithecus africanus, recovered from a lime quarry in 1924. To identify whether the habitat of the site differed from present-day conditions, dietary preferences of fossil papionins from Taung, including Parapapio antiquus (n 5 8), Papio izodi (n 5 12), and indeterminate specimens (n 5 10) were examined under low magnification to discern patterns of dental microwear. The comparative fossil sample from Sterkfontein Member 4 includes Parapapio broomi (n 5 10) and Parapapio jonesi (n 5 5). Extant Papio ursinus (n 5 20), a savannadwelling baboon from South Africa, provides a modern analogue. Six dental use-wear scars on the paracone of the second molar (M2) were recorded and the data analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey’s test to detect whether group differences were present for each feature; linear regression identified significant covariation of microwear features. Principal components analysis and discriminant function analysis were utilized to identify species-specific dietary signals. Extant Papio ursinus is separated from the extinct taxa solely by a relatively greater number of fine scratches with respect to the other microwear features. Papio izodi overlaps primarily with extant Papio and secondarily with Parapapio, which forms a more discrete grouping that includes Parapapio antiquus from Taung. A wetter, more closed environment is suggested for Taung and Sterkfontein Member 4 compared to the habitat of present-day central South Africa.
Modeling the scatter response function in inhomogeneous scattering media for SPECT

The authors have previously developed a method for accurately and rapidly modeling the scatter response function in uniform media. Here they studied the extension of this method to nonuniform attenuators. Their approach was to use the water-equivalent source depth, i.e., the integral of the attenuation coefficient through the nonuniform object from the source to the surface divided by the attenuation coefficient of water. The authors have investigated the accuracy of 3 different methods based on this approximation using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation methods. Line sources were placed at the same water equivalent depth in slabs composed of water, bone, and lung. The authors observed that, for perfect collimation, the scatter response functions (SRFs) obtained for these slabs are comparable. To determine whether attenuation coefficients alone are sufficient to estimate the SRF or whether one must know the elemental composition, the authors simulated SRFs for sources in bone and lung as well as bone- and lung-equivalent materials. The bone- and lung-equivalent materials have the same attenuation coefficient as bone and lung, respectively, but the same elemental composition as water. For the lung-equivalent material, the SRFs were essentially equivalent to those from lung; for the bone-equivalent material, the SRFs were closer to those from water. The authors have also placed voids of various sizes in slab phantoms while keeping the same water-equivalent source depth. For these simple geometries 2 of the methods based on the effective depth were adequate for predicting the SRF. Finally, the authors have simulated the SRF for a line source in a realistic thorax phantom using several methods based on geometric and water-equivalent distances. The results indicate that one of the methods gives reasonably good agreement with direct MC simulations in terms of predicting the magnitude and shape of the SRFs and projection data for a complex distribution simulating the heart. This method was not the same as the one that gave good agreement in the case of the simpler phantoms. >
Reciprocal relations in nonlinear vibrations

Abstract General reciprocal relations between the response of a nonlinear system and the exciting force are derived. A variational principle for the amplitude characteristics of the response is formulated.
Dry-jet wet spinning of aromatic polyamic acid fiber using chemical imidization

Abstract A solution of about 15% polyamic acid (PAA) prepared from 4,4′-oxydianiline and pyromellitic dianhyride in N , N -dimethyl acetamide (DMAc) was used for fiber spinning. To obtain a high draw ratio of the PAA fiber during spinning, acetic anhydride or acetic anhydride and pyridine were added to the PAA solution to make it slightly gelled; such gelling contributed to high drawing of the PAA fibers during spinning. Before spinning the properties of the solution after acetic anhydride or acetic anhydride and pyridine were added, and the diffusion property of DMAc into various coagulants were examined. Even though acetic anhydride was only added to the spinning solution, the diffusion rate became slower and the solution viscosity increased, because PAA was converted to the corresponding polyimide (PI). Pyridine affected the rate dramatically. The mechanical properties of the PAA fibers obtained in this system were examined. Solid PI fibers were also obtained by annealing of the PAA fibers. The ultimate stress and initial modulus of the PAA fiber were around 268 MPa and 4.1 GPa, respectively. After the fiber was annealed at 350°C without tension for 30 min under nitrogen, these values increased to around 399 MPa and 5.2 GPa, respectively.
The tropical Polyporus tricholoma (Polyporaceae) — Taxonomy, phylogeny, and the development of methods to detect cryptic species

The stipitate pore-bearing fungus Polyporus tricholoma (Polyporus infrageneric group Polyporellus) is commonly reported from Mesoamerica and more rarely from the palaeotropics. Collections from Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Costa Rica did not differ morphologically, but their monokaryotic cultures revealed the existence of three interINcompatibility groups. These putative cryptic species exist sympatrically in Costa Rica. Sequencing, restriction enzyme digestion, and specific primers targeting the ITS region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS 1-5.8S-ITS2) could only partly be used for detecting intercompatibility groups. Heterogeneity within the rDNA repeat was observed. Molecular evidence supports the existence of a close relative in Australia.
Generating a canonical prefix encoding

Computer programs for generating a minimum-redundancy exhaustive prefix encoding are described. One program generates a Huffman frequency tree, another determines the structure functions of an encoding, and a third program assigns codes.
When experiences of failure promote expectations of success: The impact of attribution failure to ineffective strategies1

This experiment examined the effects of attributing initial failure to ineffective strategies on performance expectancies. Subjects were induced to attribute performance at a persuasion task to either their strategies (a controllable factor) or abilities (an uncontrollable factor). Subjects then failed at their initial persuasion attempt. Following failure, strategy subjects expected more successes in future attempts than did ability subjects. Strategy subjects also expected to improve with practice, while ability subjects did not. Comparisons to control subjects, who received no attribution manipulation prior to success or failure, clarify these results. Findings suggest that subjects attributing task outcomes to strategies monitored the effectiveness of their strategies and concluded that by modifying their strategies they would become more successful. In contrast, subjects attributing task outcome to abilities failed to attend to strategic features and concluded that they could not improve. Implications of this overlooked factor for attribution theory and learned helplessness are discussed.
The fracture and fatigue of composite structures

Abstract Successful design of laminated composite structures is critically dependent upon knowledge of the structural failure mechanisms. An experimental program has been executed to determine the fracture and lifetime characteristics of the material and attachment concepts. The lifetime characteristics have been determined by using a digital computer to stimulate a random load history and closed loop control of the test equipment. Both the fracture and lifetime characteristics observed indicate a need for a change in rational for the design of composite structures. These physical characteristics and their relationship to the design of composite structures will be discussed.
The responses of wild‐type and ABA mutant Arabidopsis thaliana plants to phosphorus starvation

The growth patterns of plants subjected to phosphorus starvation resemble those caused by treatment with ABA, suggesting that ABA could mediate the response of the plant to phosphorus starvation. We examined the role of ABA in phosphorus stress by comparing growth and biochemical responses of Arabidopsis thaliana ABA mutants aba-1 and abi2-1 to those of wild-type plants. We first characterized acid phosphatase production of wild-type Arabidopsis in response to phosphorus starvation. We found that several acid phosphatase isozymes are present in roots and shoots, but only a subset of these isozymes are induced by phosphorus stress, and they are induced in both organs. Production of acid phosphatase in response to phosphorus stress was not affected by the aba-1 or abi2-1 mutations. Low phosphorus also resulted in decreased growth of both wild-type and ABA mutant plants, and the root-to-shoot ratio was increased in both wild type and mutants. Anthocyanins accumulated in response to phosphorus stress in both wild-type and mutant plants, but the increase was reduced in the aba-1 mutant. Thus, two different ABA mutants responded normally in most respects to phosphorus stress. Our data do not support a major role for ABA in coordinating the phosphorus-stress response.
ARRIVE: An AIDS Education/Relapse Prevention Model for High-Risk Parolees

An AIDS prevention training program for parolees recently released from prison with histories of drug injection was developed and evaluated. Key program elements included: a social learning approach to prevention which emphasized resistance skills training; a self-help orientation stressing individual responsibility; therapeutic community principles such as credible role models and community building; and job readiness training for the AIDS prevention/outreach field. A total of 394 eligible parolees (81% male, 19% female) were recruited, of whom 241 attended the program, including 164 completers. One year follow-up results showed that ARRIVE participation significantly decreased certain sexual and drug-related risk behaviors and improved parolees’ community adjustment.
A simple ray-sector signal strength model for indoor 802.11 networks

In this paper we present a simple ray-sector model of signal strength for indoor 802.11 networks. Signal strength is an important parameter for a variety of important wireless networking tasks, such as localization and topology control. A sufficiently accurate, yet generic, method of generating signal strength maps is needed in order to accurately simulate, design and evaluate these systems. Our ray-sector model constructs signal maps by adding signal bias with sectors defined by rings and randomized rays, using a traditional log-linear decay model as a baseline. We show our model generates distortions similar to measured radio maps by quantitatively comparing the behavior of micro-benchmarks using maps from two buildings and those generated by our model. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of our model for higher-level applications by showing it accurately predicts the performance for two dissimilar localization algorithms
Critical role of toll-like receptors and nucleotide oligomerisation domain in the regulation of health and disease

Pathogens are sensed by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which are germ line-encoded receptors, including transmembrane Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytosolic nucleotide oligomerisation domain (NOD) proteins, containing leucine-rich repeats (NLRs). Activation of PRRs by specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) results in genomic responses in host cells involving activation transcription factors and the induction of genes. There are now at least 10 TLRs in humans and 13 in mice, and 2 NLRs (NOD1 and NOD2). TLR signalling is via interactions with adaptor proteins including MyD88 and toll-receptor associated activator of interferon (TRIF). NOD signalling is via the inflammasome and involves activation of Rip-like interactive clarp kinase (RICK). Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria is the best-studied PAMP and is activated by or 'sensed' by TLR4. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Gram-positive bacteria is sensed by TLR2. TLR4 and TLR2 have different signalling cascades, although activation of either results in symptoms of sepsis and shock. This review describes the rapidly expanding field of pathogen-sensing receptors and uses LPS and LTA as examples of how these pathways parallel and diverge from each other. The role of pathogen-sensing pathways in disease is also discussed.
Performance profiling with EndoScope, an acquisitional software monitoring framework

We propose EndoScope, a software monitoring framework that allows users to pose declarative queries that monitor the state and performance of running programs. Unlike most existing monitoring tools, EndoScope is acquisitional, meaning that it only instruments the portions of the program that need to be monitored to answer queries. The use of a high level declarative language allows EndoScope to search for efficient physical instantiations of queries by applying a suite of optimizations, including control flow graph analysis, and traditional database query optimization techniques, such as predicate pushdown and join optimization, to minimize the number of program instrumentation points and overhead to the monitored program. Furthermore, a flexible, high level language and the ability to attach to running programs enable developers to build various program analysis and monitoring applications beyond traditional software profilers with EndoScope. We describe a prototype implementation of the EndoScope framework and a simple profiler for Java programs implemented with EndoScope. We show results from using our profiler on a collection of real-world programs, including a TPC-C implementation using the Derby database and the petstore application running on top of Tomcat application server. Our results show the benefit of our optimization framework and demonstrate that our declarative, acquisitional approach can yield program instrumentation overheads that are dramatically lower than conventional profiling tools (for example, when profiling the Derby Database running TPC-C, our system's overhead ranges from 1% to about 25%, whereas the fastest existing profiler we measured imposes a minimum overhead of about 30%.)
Ultrasonographic assessment of fetal well-being during late gestation: development of an equine biophysical profile.

Mares with complicated pregnancies (illness, problems at parturition or delivery of an abnormal foal, n = 30) were scanned transabdominally from 298 days gestation to term in order to measure fetal size, evaluate fetal well-being and characterise the intrauterine environment. The results of the last scan obtained prior to parturition were compared to normal data obtained from fetuses of comparable gestational age to develop a biophysical profile specific for the equine fetus. Twelve mares produced a normal foal (positive outcome) and 18 mares delivered 19 abnormal foals (negative outcome). Both fetuses that were inactive throughout the entire scan and 4 of 5 fetuses with heart rate abnormalities were abnormal at birth. Three of 4 fetuses surrounded by decreased allantoic fluid quantities had a negative outcome. All mares with large anechoic spaces between the uterus and placenta (n = 3) and/or thickened uteroplacental units (n = 5) delivered abnormal foals. There was a significant correlation between fetal aortic diameter and neonatal foal weight in these complicated pregnancies (P<0.0001, r = 0.85). Fetal aortic diameters were predicted from maternal weight and 6 fetuses had smaller than predicted aortic diameters, all with negative outcomes. A biophysical profile of the equine fetus from 298 days gestational age to term was developed that included 6 factors related to pregnancy outcome: fetal heart rate, fetal aortic diameter, maximal fetal fluid depths, uteroplacental contact, uteroplacental thickness and fetal activity. The profile proved informative about fetal well-being, perinatal morbidity and perinatal mortality. A low score was a definite indication of an impending negative outcome; however, a high score was not assurance of a positive outcome. The utility of such a biophysical profile and future directions for research are discussed.
Hospital costs for elective endovascular and surgical repairs of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To determine and compare the average in-hospital costs of elective open surgical and endovascular repairs of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total actual cost data for patients undergoing elective endovascular (n = 181) or open surgical (n = 273) repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms between 1997 and 1999 were retrieved. The mean total hospital cost (including stent-graft costs and excluding attending physician fees) and mean postoperative length of stay were calculated for each treatment group. Costs were expressed in 1999 U.S. dollars. RESULTS: Endovascular repair yielded a shorter postoperative length of stay than did open surgery (mean stay, 3.4 vs 8.0 days; P < .001) and a lower proportion of patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit for 1 full day or longer (2.8% vs 36.3%; P < .001). The mean total hospital cost was significantly higher for endovascular repair than for open surgery ($20,716 vs $18,484; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Hospital costs were highe...
ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY, MONETARY UNCERTAINTY AND THE DEMAND FOR MONEY IN AUSTRALIA

The demand for money and its stability in Australia has received a great deal of attention in the past and has resulted in its own literature. Depending upon estimation method and period of analysis, previous research has provided mixed findings. By including a measure of economic uncertainty and a measure of monetary uncertainty (both GARCH-based) in the long-run money demand for M3, and by using the bounds testing approach under which variables could be stationary or non-stationary, we provide strong evidence that the M3 money demand in Australia is stable. Both uncertainty measures do have short-run as well as long-run effects on the demand for M3 in Australia, factors that previous research did not consider.
Metal-Binding Abilities of Radioprotective Aminoalkyl Disulfides and Thiosulfates

Metal-binding stability constants for several heterocyclic aminoalkyl disulfides and thiosulfates with Ni(II) and Al(III) were determined. The data obtained indicated that both classes of compounds were acting as bidentate chelating agents and that the heterocyclic rings apparently prevented tridentate behavior of the disulfides because of steric hindrance. The magnitude of the constants indicated that metal complexes of these compounds could exist in a cellular environment, but no correlation with radiation-protective activity was apparent.
A Generation Reallocation and Load Shedding Algorithm

The problem of rescheduling generators and shedding loads in an emergency state is formulated as a nonlinear optimization problem. The desired solution is a set of control actions which, when applied, removes all the constraint violations such as abnormal voltages and line overloads with a minimum of rescheduling and load shedding.
An Information Economic Perspective on Experimental Research in Accounting

In this paper, we examine the role experimental research plays in developing accounting knowledge. We use as a framework for this examination an information economic perspective, positing that the general goal of accounting research is legitimate, consequential belief revision. We then evaluate how the characteristics of experimental research provide advantages and disadvantages in creating legitimate, consequential belief revision within the context of accounting issues. Throughout the paper, we provide guidance on how to design and implement experiments with the greatest potential to influence thought.
Lianas as structural parasites: the Bursera simaruba example

The Fecundity of female Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. (Burseraceae) trees was found to be negatively correlated with their degree of coverage by lianas in the deciduous forests of Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica. Experimental reduction of the liana of heavily overgrown trees resulted in an increase in fruit production. The finding that lianas are detrimental to the fecundity of their hosts, coupled with the fact that lianas require physical contact with trees as a consequence of their growth form, suggests that lianas should be viewed as structural parasites of the trees that support them. See full-text article at JSTOR
Fine‐scale belowground species associations in temperate grassland

Evaluating how belowground processes contribute to plant community dynamics is hampered by limited information on the spatial structure of root communities at the scale that plants interact belowground. In this study, roots were mapped to the nearest one mm and molecularly identified by species on vertical (0-15 cm deep) surfaces of soil blocks excavated from dry and mesic grasslands in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) to examine the spatial relationships among species at the scale that roots interact. Our results indicated that average interspecific root - root distances for the majority of species were within a distance (3 mm) that roots have been shown to compete for resources. Most species placed their roots at random, although low root numbers for many species probably led to overestimating the occurrence of random patterns. According to theory, we expected that most of the remaining species would segregate their root systems to avoid competition. Instead we found that more species aggregated than segregated from others. Based on previous investigations, we hypothesize that species aggregate to increase uptake of water, nitrogen and/or phosphorus made available by neighbouring roots, or as a consequence of a reduction in the pathogenicity of soil biota growing in multispecies mixtures. Our results indicate that YNP grassland root communities are organized as closely interdigitating networks of species that potentially can support strong interactions among many species combinations. Future root research should address the prevalence and functional consequences of species aggregation across plant communities.
Haploinsufficiency for p190B RhoGAP inhibits MMTV-Neu tumor progression.

Introduction Rho signaling regulates key cellular processes including proliferation, survival, and migration, and it has been implicated in the development of many types of cancer including breast cancer. P190B Rho GTPase activating protein (RhoGAP) functions as a major inhibitor of the Rho GTPases. P190B is required for mammary gland morphogenesis, and overexpression of p190B in the mammary gland induces hyperplastic lesions. Hence, we hypothesized that p190B may play a pivotal role in mammary tumorigenesis.
Mexican‐Origin Couples in the Early Years of Parenthood: Marital Well‐Being in Ecological Context

In this article, we draw from Huston's (2000) 3-level model of marriage to provide an informed and integrative template for organizing current knowledge and guiding future inquiry into the study of marital well-being among a rapidly growing segment of the United States' population: low-income, Mexican-origin couples in the early years of parenthood. More specifically, we advocate for a dyadic approach that attends to elements of the macroenvironment, such as cultural background, and how those elements interact directly and indirectly with spouses' individual characteristics and marital behavior. In so doing, we demonstrate the value of an ecological approach for understanding current research and for informing future work studying marriage among new parents of Mexican origin.
Effects of local ionospheric anomalies on navigation performance and integrity using WAAS

Ionospheric delay is probably the most serious error source for the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). Recent research demonstrates that under normal conditions, user ionosphere ranging errors are acceptable. However, local anomalies within the coarse surface fit provided by the WAAS ionospheric grid may pose a significant threat to user integrity. To study this problem, covariance simulation is used along with a search for the parameters of bubbles that give the "worst-case" ionospheric correction error for particular WAAS networks. These results indicate which classes of local ionospheric anomalies would provide the greatest threat to WAAS user integrity. Ionosphere observations collected by the Stanford WAAS network are being used to search for the presence of local anomalies behavior along these lines. As more data is collected, a better model of anomaly characteristics and probabilities can be constructed. These results will help determine the magnitude of this threat to user navigation and also evaluate risk-mitigation effects.
Induction of virus-specific effector immune cell response limits virus replication and severe disease in mice infected with non-lethal West Nile virus Eg101 strain

West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurotropic flavivirus that has emerged globally as a significant cause of viral encephalitis in humans. Herein, we investigated the immunological responses induced by two phylogenetically related WNV strains of lineage 1, WNV NY99, and WNV Eg101. Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with WNV NY99 or WNV Eg101 and mortality, virus burden in the periphery and brain, type 1 interferon response, WNV-specific antibodies, leukocyte infiltration, and inflammatory responses were analyzed. As expected, WNV NY99 infected mice demonstrated high morbidity and mortality, whereas no morbidity and mortality was observed in WNV Eg101 infected mice. Virus titers were comparable in the serum of both WNV NY99 and WNV Eg101 infected mice at day 3 after inoculation; however, at day 6, the virus was cleared from WNV Eg101 infected mice but the virus titer remained high in the WNV NY99 infected mice. Virus was detected in the brains of both WNV NY99 and Eg101 infected mice, albeit significantly higher in the brains of WNV NY99 infected mice. Surprisingly, levels of type 1 interferon and WNV-specific antibodies were significantly higher in the serum and brains of WNV NY99 infected mice. Similarly, protein levels of multiple cytokines and chemokines were significantly higher in the serum and brains of WNV NY99 infected mice. In contrast, we observed significantly higher numbers of innate and adaptive immune cells in the spleens and brains of WNV Eg101 infected mice. Moreover, total number and percentage of IFN-γ and TNF-α producing WNV-specific CD8+ T cells were also significantly high in WNV Eg101 infected mice. Our data demonstrate that induction of virus-specific effector immune cell response limits virus replication and severe WNV disease in Eg101 infected mice. Our data also demonstrate an inverse correlation between leukocyte accumulation and production of pro-inflammatory mediators in WNV-infected mice. Moreover, increased production of pro-inflammatory mediators was associated with high-virus titers and increased mortality in WNV NY99 infected mice.
Principal stratification in causal inference.

Summary. Many scientific problems require that treatment comparisons be adjusted for posttreatment variables, but the estimands underlying standard methods are not causal effects. To address this deficiency, we propose a general framework for comparing treatments adjusting for posttreatment variables that yields principal effects based on principal stratification. Principal stratification with respect to a posttreatment variable is a cross-classification of subjects defined by the joint potential values of that posttreatment variable under each of the treatments being compared. Principal effects are causal effects within a principal stratum. The key property of principal strata is that they are not affected by treatment assignment and therefore can be used just as any pretreatment covariate, such as age category. As a result, the central property of our principal effects is that they are always causal effects and do not suffer from the complications of standard posttreatment-adjusted estimands. We discuss briefly that such principal causal effects are the link between three recent applications with adjustment for posttreatment variables: (i) treatment noncompliance, (ii) missing outcomes (dropout) following treatment noncompliance, and (iii) censoring by death. We then attack the problem of surrogate or biomarker endpoints, where we show, using principal causal effects, that all current definitions of surrogacy, even when perfectly true, do not generally have the desired interpretation as causal effects of treatment on outcome. We go on to formulate estimands based on principal stratification and principal causal effects and show their superiority.
Emotional style, nasal cytokines, and illness expression after experimental rhinovirus exposure

Psychosocial factors moderate the expression of illness during upper respiratory virus infections but past attempts to define mediational pathways were not successful. Here, we used a model of experimental rhinovirus infection in humans to evaluate three proinflammatory cytokines for their potential role in mediating the previously documented association between positive emotional style and illness. After assessing emotional style in 327 healthy adults, each was exposed to one of two strains of rhinovirus and followed for 5 days in quarantine. Symptoms/signs, nasal lavage IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 protein, and viral shedding were assessed at baseline and on each of the 5 days after exposure. Virus-specific antibody was assessed at baseline and 28 days after challenge. An analysis of the data for 234 subjects with documented infection showed that nasal IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 protein levels were all associated with greater illness expression but IL-6 was by far the best predictor of nasal signs and symptoms. Lower positive emotional style was associated with greater objective and subjective markers of illness and these associations were decreased substantially by controlling for IL-6 but not for IL-1β or IL-8. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that IL-6 acts as a biological mediator in linking positive emotional style to illness expression during rhinovirus infection.
Characterization of Next Generation Thin Low-K and Low-Loss Organic Dielectrics From 1 to 110 GHz

This paper presents, for the first time, characterization results of next generation dielectric core and build up material called RXP, which has low dielectric constant (2.93-3.48) and low loss tangent (0.0037-0.006) up to 110 GHz. Unlike LCP, this material can be made ultra-thin with low processing temperature and is ideally suited for mobile applications. Causal models suitable for high frequency applications have been extracted by measuring the response of cavity resonators using vector network analyzer and surface profiler.