cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatially adaptive stochastic numerical methods for intrinsic fluctuations in reaction-diffusion systems

Stochastic partial differential equations are introduced for the continuum concentration fields of reaction-diffusion systems. The stochastic partial differential equations account for fluctuations arising from the finite number of molecules which diffusively migrate and react. Spatially adaptive stochastic numerical methods are developed for approximation of the stochastic partial differential equations. The methods allow for adaptive meshes with multiple levels of resolution, Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions, and domains having geometries with curved boundaries. A key issue addressed by the methods is the formulation of consistent discretizations for the stochastic driving fields at coarse-refined interfaces of the mesh and at boundaries. Methods are also introduced for the efficient generation of the required stochastic driving fields on such meshes. As a demonstration of the methods, investigations are made of the role of fluctuations in a biological model for microorganism direction sensing based on concentration gradients. Also investigated, a mechanism for spatial pattern formation induced by fluctuations. The discretization approaches introduced for SPDEs have the potential to be widely applicable in the development of numerical methods for the study of spatially extended stochastic systems.
A randomized linear-time algorithm for finding minimum spanning trees

We present a randomized linear-time algorithm for finding a minimum spanning tree in a connected graph with edge weights. The algorithm is a modification of one proposed by Karger and uses random sampling in combination with a recently discovered linear-time algorithm for verifying a minimum spanning tree. Our computational model is a unit-cost random-access machine with the restriction that the only operations allowed on edge weights are binary comparisons.
Problems with the rotating-torsion-balance limit on the photon mass.

A Comment on the Letter by Jun Luo et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 081801 (2003). The authors of the Letter offer a Reply.
River flow mass exponents with fractal channel networks and rainfall

An important problem in hydrologic science is understanding how river flow is influenced by rainfall properties and drainage basin characteristics. In this paper we consider one approach, the use of mass exponents, in examining the relation of river flow to rainfall and the channel network, which provides the primary conduit for transport of water to the outlet in a large basin. Mass exponents, which characterize the power-law behavior of moments as a function of scale, are ideally suited for defining scaling behavior of processes that exhibit a high degree of variability or intermittency. The main result in this paper is an expression relating the mass exponent of flow resulting from an instantaneous burst of rainfall to the mass exponents of spatial rainfall and that of the network width function. Spatial rainfall is modeled as a random multiplicative cascade and the channel network as a recursive replacement tree; these fractal models reproduce certain types of self-similar behavior seen in actual rainfall and networks. It is shown that under these modeling assumptions the scaling behavior of flow mirrors that of rainfall if rainfall is highly variable in space, and on the other hand flow mirrors the structure of the network if rainfall is not so highly variable.
Geometric stiffness characteristics of a rotating elastic appendage

Previous work by Likins (1972 and 1973) on finite element appendage equations for hybrid coordinate dynamic analysis and on the dynamic analysis of a system of hinge-connected rigid bodies with nonrigid appendages is extended to the establishment of a basis for a generic digital computer program to be developed for the simulation of nonrigid spacecraft. A subtle but significant generalization of that previous work as well as a correction and elaboration accomplish this purpose.
Linking Perceived Discrimination to Longitudinal Changes in African American Mothers’ Parenting Practices

This longitudinal study was designed to test hypotheses, derived from a stress proliferation framework, regarding the association between perceived racial discrimination and changes in parenting among African American mothers in the rural South. A sample of 139 mothers and their children were interviewed 3 times at 1-year intervals. Mothers reported on perceived discrimination and two proliferated stressors: stress-related health problems and depressive symptoms. Both mothers and children reported on mothers’ competence-promoting parenting. Structural equation modeling revealed a chain-like sequence: Perceived discrimination forecast increases in mothers’ stress-related health problems, which in turn were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms constituted the proximal variable associated with decreases in mothers’ competence-promoting parenting. These results emerged independent of socioeconomic characteristics.
Neurocognitive and Behavioral Predictors of Math Performance in Children With and Without ADHD

Objective: This study examined neurocognitive and behavioral predictors of math performance in children with and without ADHD. Method: Neurocognitive and behavioral variables were examined as predi...
The processing of homicide cases with child victims: Systemic and situational contingencies

Homicide cases involving child victims evoke great public anger. This study examined the processing of such cases through the criminal justice system using interviews with officials of two Texas counties. Contingencies affect the process, even in this normatively serious crime, at two levels. Systemic issues include problems in classifying deaths due to varying forensic medical resources, the unexpected philosophical positioning of criminal justice officials, and the use of statutes other than homicide. The last is done in pursuit of more severe penalties where the evidence might sustain only manslaughter charges. Case-specific situational elements include victim-perpetrator relationship, gender of the perpetrator, the presence of mental or physical handicaps in the victim, media publicity, the use of discipline as a defense, and manner of death.
Video error concealment based on implicit motion models

Motion plays a fundamental role in coding and processing of video signals. Existing approaches of modeling video source are mostly based on explicitly estimating motion information from intensity values. Despite its conceptual simplicity, motion estimation (ME) is a long-standing open problem itself and accordingly the performance of a system operated on inaccurate motion information is unlikely to be optimal. In this paper, we present a novel approach of modeling video signals without explicit ME. Instead, motivated by a duality between edge contour of image and motion trajectory of video, we demonstrate that the spatio-temporal redundancy in video can be exploited by Least-Square(LS) based adaptive filtering techniques. We consider the application of such implicit motion models into the problem of error concealment or more generally known as video inpainting. Our experimental results have shown the excellent performance of the proposed LS-based error concealment techniques under a variety of information loss conditions.
Fermi-liquid theory for very dirty metals.

Landau's phenomenological Fermi-liquid theory is extended to the case of diffusing electrons.
Pancreas transplantation: assessing secondary complications and life quality

Two sequential studies of life quality among pancreas transplant recipients are reported. The first study (n=32) investigated symptoms of neuropathy, enteropathy and retinopathy, along with well-being post successful transplantation. Patients noted improvement in secondary complications, were satisfied with the procedure and expressed hope for the future. The second study compared physical and social function, burden of symptoms, emotional/mental state and sense of well-being in successful (n=31) and successful (n=13) pancreas transplant recipients. Patient satisfaction with pancreas transplantation was high. Successful transplant patients perceived their health to be good, believed it would continue to be good, with life quality becoming better over time. The failed group expected life quality to become worse.
Food allergies in children.

Abstract Ingested food represents the greatest foreign antigenic load that confronts the human immune system. In most individuals tolerance develops to food antigens that are continually gaining access to the body. When tolerance fails to develop, the immune system may react with a hypersensitivity reaction. Allergies to food affect up to 8% of children less than 3 years of age and 1% to 2% of the general population. Symptoms include the gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and respiratory symptoms, as well as systemic anaphylaxis with shock. Clinical investigations in the past have characterized the food hypersensitivity disorders, but our understanding of the basic immunopathologic mechanism remains incomplete. Current progress in allergen characterization and the rigorous scientific methods now being applied to this field by many investigators provide hope that new information regarding the pathogenesis of these disorders and new forms of therapy will soon become available. For now, practicing physicians must carefully diagnose specific food sensitivities and educate patients and their families in the elimination of the responsible food allergen.
Cognitive mediation of alcohol's effects on women's in-the-moment sexual decision making.

Women increasingly bear the burden of new HIV infections. From 1985 to 2004, the proportion of total female AIDS cases more than tripled, rising from 8% to 27%. Up to 80% of new HIV infections in women are attributable to heterosexual transmission (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007). Women’s physiology makes them more vulnerable than men to a number of sexually transmitted diseases. For instance, women are twice as likely as men to contract gonorrhea or herpes after just one exposure (Lande, 1993). Women clearly have a critical need to protect themselves sexually. However, present technology leaves women at a disadvantage because currently the most effective and widely used means of protection is the male condom. Although efforts have been made to promote the female condom, it is more expensive and seems not to be as acceptable as the male condom (O’Leary, 2000). In consensual sex, if a woman wants to protect herself with a male condom, she can negotiate and request that her male partner use one, or, if he doesn’t want to use one, refuse to have sex or acquiesce to his wishes. Directly and assertively requesting a condom is one component of condom negotiation that increases the likelihood of condom use (Lam, Mak, Lindsay, & Russell, 2004). Therefore, increased understanding of the determinants of direct, assertive condom request and the decision to have unprotected sex is essential. Although background attitudes and previous experiences influence these behaviors, women’s cognitive appraisals at the time of making sexual decisions may be an important influence that has received little attention. To this end, the purpose of the present study was to test a model of the cognitive appraisal processes underlying women’s condom negotiation and sexual decision making.
Efficacy of a partnership in enhancing veterans affairs cardiac transplantation activity

Background. Despite a nationwide surplus of cardiac transplantation programs, the number of United States armed forces veterans who receive heart transplants has declined over the past several years. This study reviews the efficacy of a partnership between a Veterans Affairs hospital and a university hospital in maximizing the access of veterans to the limited donor heart supply. Methods. As part of a contract-based sharing agreement between the University of Wisconsin Hospital and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital, 25 veterans underwent orthotopic heart transplantation between October 1993 and April 1995. Care of the patients was provided at the Veterans Affairs Hospital. The transplantation operations were performed at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, and all patients were transferred back to the Veterans Affairs Hospital 5 to 7 days afterward. All patients were men (mean age, 52.1 ± 2.1 years) and were referred from Veterans Affairs hospitals in nine different states. Results. During the 19-month period, the average length of hospital stay for pretransplantation evaluation was 7.0 ± 0.7 days (range, 2 to 15 days). Average status I waiting time was 26.9 ± 3.3 days (range, 5 to 54 days); the average waiting time for status II was 115.1 ± 16 days (range, 15 to 242 days). Posttransplantation length of stay at the Veterans Affairs Hospital was 22 ± 1.8 days (range, 11 to 41 days). Only 1 patient (4%) experienced a lethal postoperative complication. Ten patients (40%) exhibited graft rejection within the first month after transplantation, requiring treatment with augmented immunosuppressive therapy (steroids, orally in 2 patients and intravenously in 8). The overall 30-day mortality rate was 4% (1 patient). The cause of death was acute grade 4 graft rejection 3 weeks after transplantation. Overall patient survival was 96%. Conclusions. A partnership between a Veterans Affairs hospital and a university hospital committed to transplantation can increase Veterans Affairs cardiac transplantation activity, with excellent 30-day mortality and early survival results.
Bovine muscle n-3 fatty acid content is increased with flaxseed feeding

We examined the ability of n−3 FA in flaxseed-supplemented rations to increase the n−3 FA content of bovine muscle. Two groups of animals were used in each of two separate trials: (i) Hereford steers supplemented (or not) with ground flaxseed (907 g/d) for 71 d, and (ii) Angus steers supplemented (or not) with ground flaxseed (454 g/d for 3 d followed by 907 g/d for 110 d). For the Hereford group, flaxseed-supplemented rations increased 18∶3n−3 (4.0-fold), 20∶5n−3 (1.4-fold), and 22∶5n−3 (1.3-fold) mass as compared with the control, and increased total n−3 mass about 1.7-fold. When these data were expressed as mol%, the increase in 18∶3n−3 was 3.3-fold and in 20∶5n−3 was 1.3-fold in the phospholipid fraction, and 18∶3n−3 was increased 4-fold in the neutral lipid fraction. For the Angus group, flaxseed ingestion increased masses and composition of n−3 FA similarly to that for the Herefords and doubled the total n−3 FA mass. The effect of cooking to a common degree of doneness on FA composition was determined using steaks from a third group of cattle, which were Angus steers. We demonstrated no adverse effects on FA composition by grilling steaks to an internal temperature of 64°C. Because n−3 FA may affect gene expression, we used quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to quantify the effect of feeding flaxseed on heart-FA binding protein, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and α (PPARα) gene expression in the muscle tissue. PPARγ mRNA level was increased 2.7-fold in the flaxseed-fed Angus steers compared with the control. Thus, we demonstrate a significant increase in n−3 FA levels in bovine muscle from cattle fed rations supplemented with flaxseed and increased expression of genes that regulate lipid metabolism.
Improving Cell Loading Efficiency Into Microfluidic Devices Using LCATs

Due to the nature of the interfaces used by microfluidic devices — syringes, syringe pumps, and tubing, delivering cells into microfluidic devices faces some practical challenges. Specifically, the unwanted settling and adhesion of cells onto various surfaces can significantly impact the effective transport of cells into the device.[1] One particular challenge is the cell settling that occurs inside devices and especially at the inlet connection port. As most tubing connections are vertical, the cell suspension moves downwards into the device before making a 90° turn into the fluidic channels. This orientation causes cells to settle, clump and adhere to surfaces around the inlet port and eventually causes clogging that prevent more cells from entering the microfluidic channels.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Orthogonal wideband (DC-10 GHz) microstrip-to-microstrip transition using flexible LCP interconnects

This paper presents an orthogonal, broadband microstrip-to-microstrip RF transition at the board level. The transition was achieved by bonding a single metal trace fabricated on Rogers Ultralam 3850 Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) substrate to microstrip lines made on RO3003 substrates. 3D FEM simulations in Ansoft HFSS and measured data show that S 21 for this transition is less than 1 dB over a wide range of frequencies from DC-9.5 GHz. The insertion loss per unit length remains below 0.5 dB/cm below approximately 10 GHz.
A study of convection velocities in a zero pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer

Time-resolved DPIV measurements performed in wall parallel planes at several wall normal locations in a turbulent boundary layer (TBL) are used to illuminate the distribution of wall parallel velocities in a three-dimensional energy spectrum over streamwise, spanwise, and temporal wavelengths. To our knowledge, this is the first time this type of spectral distribution has been reported. Slices of the 3D spectrum can give insight into the propagation of different scales in the ow as well as the streamwise and spanwise extent of dominant scales. Measurements were performed at three wall normal locations, y^+ = 34; 108; and 278, in a zero pressure gradient TBL at Re_τ = 470 . Two high speed cameras placed side-by-side in the streamwise direction give a 10δ streamwise field of view with a time step of Δt^+ = 0:5 between consecutive fields. Far from the wall the convection velocities of all scales are very close to the local mean velocity in agreement with the work of Dennis and Nickels, while at y^+ = 34 it was found that all measured scales in the flow convect faster than the local mean in agreement with Krogstad et. al. The variation of the convection velocity with scale and distance from the wall will be discussed.
Inhibition of ciliated cell differentiation by fluid submersion

Rat tracheal epithelial (RTE) cells, plated at low density on collagen gel-coated membranes, differentiate into a mucociliary epithelium when cultured at an air—liquid interface (ALI). However, when RTE cells are cultured submerged in media, ciliated cell differentiation is drastically reduced. This study examined possible mechanisms for the inhibition of ciliated cell differentiation by submersion. Ciliated cell differentiation was measured using a monoclonal antibody specific for rat ciliated cells. Removing growth stimulatory compounds from both the basal and apical media increased ciliated cell differentiation in submerged cultures, indicating that submersion inhibits, but does not prevent, ciliogenesis. However, the effect of submersion was independent of the composition of the apical media. The depth of apical fluid was important, with depths ≥1 mm causing almost complete inhibition of ciliated cell differentiation, while a depth of 0.5 mm allowed significant ciliogenesis. Submersion appeared to blo...
Real-time interlaced ultrasound and photoacoustic system for in vivo ovarian tissue imaging

In this paper, we report an ultrafast co-registered ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging system based on FPGA parallel processing. The system features 128-channel parallel acquisition and digitization, along with FPGA-based reconfigurable processing for real-time co-registered imaging of up to 15 frames per second that is only limited by the laser pulse repetition frequency of 15 Hz. We demonstrated the imaging capability of the system by live imaging of a mouse tumor model in vivo , and imaging of human ovaries ex vivo . A compact transvaginal probe that includes the PAT illumination using a fiber-optic assembly was used for this purpose. The system has the potential ability to assist a clinician to perform transvaginal ultrasound scanning and to localize the ovarian mass, while simultaneously mapping the light absorption of the ultrasound detected mass to reveal its vasculature using the co-registered PAT.
Touch Memories and the Influence of Gender

ABSTRACTThe way we perceive and experience touch is a first step in understanding how touch influences design and designers. Early memories of touch were explored among male and female design students taking classes at a large US metropolitan university. Male and female students were compared in terms of recall of what was touched and how it felt. Response categories of what was touched were similar between males and females, although contexts and exposures differed. Specific sensations were analyzed and categorized. Results pointed to the influence of a gender discourse within a culture that takes place in defining touch experiences more than differences arising from being male or female. Experiences of touch need to be expanded, made explicit, and understood in terms of design and creativity.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Biology, mechanisms of virulence, epidemiology

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative pathogen, versatile and opportunistic in terms of its genetics, metabolic potential, and mechanisms of virulence. This versatility enables it to respond to variable and frequently adverse environmental conditions. Considered by many to be an aerobic organism, it is capable of growing anaerobically if certain substrates are available, for example, nitrates or arginine. Diversity of mechanisms of genetic exchange, including transformation, transduction, and conjugation, help P. aeruginosa adapt to changing conditions by acquiring new genetic information. Genetic manipulations have been exploited in recent years to study the basic biology of this bacterial species and the roles of its numerous virulence factors. Recently, transposon mutagenesis techniques and recombinant DNA methods (cloning) have been used to study some of the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa. The pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa infections is multifactorial, as manifested by the numerous toxins, or virulence factors, it produces and the variety of diseases it causes. P. aeruginosa is invasive and toxigenic. Infections appear to occur in stages: bacterial adherence, colonization, invasion and dissemination, and systemic or toxemic disease. Virulence factors can contribute to one or several stages of pathogenesis. Surface factors, including pili, lipopolysaccharide, and polysaccharide slime (alginate), probably contribute to the first two stages. Polysaccharide slime and lipopolysaccharide may also contribute to other processes later in the course of infection. Toxins, including exotoxin A and phospholipase C (hemolysin), and proteases of P. aeruginosa may contribute to tissue damage and dissemination. They may also aid in the procurement of nutrients required by the bacteria in the early stages of infection. The significance of the different virulence factors probably depends on the infection. Alginate production and phospholipase C are likely to have special significance in respiratory infections, particularly in cystic fibrosis.
Separation and Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Solid Phase Microextraction/Cyclodextrin-Modified Capillary Electrophoresis

A sensitive method for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by solid phase microextraction coupled with cyclodextrin (CD)-modified capillary electrophoresis (CE) using UV detection has been developed. A glass fiber was prepared and used for absorbing 16 EPA priority PAHs from diluted samples until equilibrium was reached. After the glass fiber was connected to a separation capillary via an adapter, the absorbed analytes were directly released into the CE buffer stream, and electrophoretic separation was effected using a 50 mM borate, pH 9.2, buffer containing 35 mM sulfobutyloxy-β-CD, 10 mM methyl-β-CD, and 4 mM α-CD. Separation was effected since neutral PAHs differentially partitioned between the neutral and charged CD phases. Under 30 kV applied potential, separation was achieved in less than 15 min with high resolution and number of theoretical plates. Pyrene as low as 8 ppb was detected, while the highest limit of detection was 75 ppb for acenaphthene. Very satisfactory reprod...
Preparing students for programming-in-the-large

A variety of applications to improve the use of software tools are described with emphasis placed on using tools as software engineering projects. Tool use incorporates quantitative and qualitative benefits, while better preparing students to meet the increasing demands of programming-in-the-large. Improved university-industry cooperation and resource-sharing are other advantages. Some inexpensive approaches to major problems are suggested together with future directions.
Ionization of Coulomb Systems in {mathbb{R}^3} by Time Periodic Forcings of Arbitrary Size

We analyze the long time behavior of solutions of the Schrodinger equation $${i\psi_t=(-\Delta-b/r+V(t,x))\psi}$$ , $${x\in\mathbb{R}^3}$$ , r = |x|, describing a Coulomb system subjected to a spatially compactly supported time periodic potential V(t, x) = V(t + 2π/ω, x) with zero time average. We show that, for any V(t, x) of the form $${2\Omega(r) \sin (\omega t-\theta)}$$ , with Ω(r) nonzero on its support, Floquet bound states do not exist. This implies that the system ionizes, i.e. $${P(t, K) = \int_K|\psi(t,x)|^2dx\to 0}$$ as t → ∞ for any compact set $${K\subset\mathbb{R}^3}$$ . Furthermore, if the initial state is compactly supported and has only finitely many spherical harmonic modes, then P(t, K) decays like $${t^{-5/3}}$$ as t → ∞. To prove these statements, we develop a rigorous WKB theory for infinite systems of ordinary differential equations.
Thermal instability with radiation by the method of energy

Abstract Energy-stability theory is applied to the case of radiation heat transfer in an optically thin, quiescent fluid layer heated from below and bounded by rigid, black, perfectly conducting planes. The radiation term in the energy equation destroys the quadratic character of the energy identity. It is shown, however, that the right-hand side of the energy identity can be bounded by a suitable quadratic term for all physically allowable disturbances. The result is a conditional stability limit dependent upon disturbance amplitude. Results are computed for a variety of cases; these are compared to existing linear and energy stability results.
Bacteriology of the Maxillary Sinuses in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

The maxillary sinuses of 20 patients (median age, 15 years) with cystic fibrosis were examined with ultrasound, radiography, and transantral sinus aspiration (14 bilateral and six unilateral for a total of 34 aspirates). The sinus aspirations were performed with careful sterile techniques, and the material that was recovered was cultured quantitatively for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Nineteen (95%) of the 20 patients had at least one positive (>104 colony-forming units/ml) culture of sinus aspirate. The organisms most commonly recovered from the sinus aspirates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13), Haemophilus influenzae (10), streptococci (five), and anaerobes (five). There was no association between the bacterial species recovered from the sinus and the predominant bacterial species in the nasopharyngeal, throat, or sputum culture. Although most patients had been chronically receiving therapeutic oral doses of antimicrobial agents, bacteria sensitive to the antimicrobial agents that the patient had been taking (excluding P. aeruginosa) were recovered from the sinuses of nine of these 10 patients.
Construction of illness: deconstructing the social.

This paper relates the discursive practices of teaching the concept of illness to some of the underlying metaphysical assumptions that secure an unproblematic sense of the subjective meaning of illness as a course of action. The paper explicates the normative character of the structures that form the subjectivity of theorist and patient by theorizing these statuses as qualitative relations to language.
A Multi-Entity Field Approximation to determine the source location of multiple atmospheric contaminant releases

Abstract In the event of an accidental or intentional contaminant release, it is imperative to locate the source of the contaminant for use in hazard prediction models. In some situations more than a single contaminant release will be present, which becomes a complicating factor when contaminants from these releases significantly overlap. Here we present a Lagrangian approach to determine the source locations of multiple contaminant releases. For this approach, we assume that the concentration field is approximated by a superposition of contaminant entities, where an entity is a discrete object; namely a puff for an instantaneous release and a plume for a continuous release. The state of each entity is inferred from surface observations of the contaminant, and extrapolation of each entity's state provides an estimate of the contaminant source locations. We call this method a Multi-Entity Field Approximation (MEFA) because together the entities' concentration fields sum to approximate the observed concentration field. In this work, we outline the MEFA process for both instantaneous and continuous contaminant releases using data from two FUSION Field Trial 2007 (FFT07) Trials where contaminant fields from multiple contaminant releases overlap close to the source location.
Analysis of fixed bed data for the extraction of a rate mechanism for the reaction of hematite with methane

Abstract Chemical looping combustion is a promising technology for the capture of CO2 involving redox materials as oxygen carriers. The effects of reduction conditions, namely, temperature and fuel partial pressure on the conversion products are investigated. The experiments were conducted in a laboratory fixed-bed reactor that was operated cyclically with alternating reduction and oxidation periods. Reactions are assumed to occur in the shell surrounding the particle grains with diffusion of oxygen to the surface from the grain core. Activation energies for the shell and core reactions range from 9 to 209 kJ/mol depending on the reaction step.
The eastern korinthia archaeological survey integrated methods for a dynamic landscape

From 1997 to 2003, the Eastern Korinthia Archaeological Survey (EKAS) investigated a 350-km 2 region east of the ancient city of Corinth, focusing primarily on the northern Corinthian plain. EKAS developed an interdisciplinary methodology that emphasizes novel applications of geological science, computer-based knowledge systems, and strategies for fieldwork and collaboration among experts. In this article, the research philosophies and methods are presented and their application illustrated with results from the survey. The historical development of one settlement, Kromna in the northern Corinthian plain, is examined in detail to demonstrate the interpretive potential of data collected by these methods.
D-optimal (0,1)-weighing designs for 10 objects

Let M m,n (0, 1) be the set of m × n (0, 1)-matrices and G(m, n) = max{det W T W| W ∈ M m,n (0, 1)}. A matrix W ∈ M m,n (0, 1) with det W T W = G(m, n) is called D-optimal. Here we determine G(m, 10) for m large. Furthermore, we show that D-optimal examples are unique up to the action of a group.
Are Middle Schools Harmful? The Role of Transition Timing, Classroom Quality and School Characteristics.

Are middle schools ill-suited for early adolescents, or can school characteristics account for any differences in student functioning? Achievement, school engagement, and perceived competence of children starting middle schools in 5th and 6th grades were compared to those of their same-grade peers in elementary schools in a national, longitudinal sample (NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development, n = 855; 52% Female, 82% White). Classroom quality (observed and teacher-reported) and school characteristics (composition and size) were considered as explanations for any relationships between school-level and student functioning. Fifth grade middle school students did not differ from those in elementary school, but students entering middle school in 6th grade, compared to those in elementary school, experienced lower classroom quality, which in turn predicted slightly lower achievement. They also had lower school engagement, explained by larger school size. Classroom quality and school characteristics predicted youth functioning regardless of school type. We suggest reshaping the research and policy debate with renewed focus on classroom quality and school size instead of grade organization.
Using thymus anatomy to dissect T cell repertoire selection

The thymic development of CD4(+) T cells incorporates the opposing processes of positive and negative selection to produce mature lymphocytes which respond to foreign peptides in the context of self-major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. Here, we present a model in which these events occur in two temporally and anatomically distinct steps. We propose that an initial positive selection step is mediated exclusively by thymic cortical epithelium. Subsequently, all those thymocytes which have been positively selected will interact with medullary epithelium and bone marrow-derived cells. Those thymocytes reacting with excess affinity or avidity to these antigen presenting cells will be negatively selected. Although acknowledging the importance of differential signalling to the developing thymocyte, we will emphasize the centrality of the phenotype of the tissues which comprise the thymus.
Bone mineral density screening: assessment of influence on prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effect of bone mineral density (BMD) screening on the decision to initiate preventive or therapeutic measures for osteoporosis. Methods We offered low-cost BMD screening by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine and proximal femur in conjunction with National Osteoporosis Week. In an effort to assess whether the availability of the BMD measurements resulted in any medical action by the participants of the screening, we conducted a retrospective telephone survey 9 to 12 months after the screening. Results In response to a newspaper promotion, 350 subjects underwent BMD screening during a 3- to 4-month period. Of these 332 female and 18 male participants, 83% were Caucasian, 10% were Asian, 5% were Hispanic, and 2% were African American. The mean age was 60 ± 11 years (range, 29 to 93). Osteoporosis (T-score ≥ -2.5) was present in 24% and osteopenia (T-score of -1 to -2.49) in 47% of the subjects. A report was sent to the participant and, if requested, also to a specified physician. Of the 350 participants, 249 (238 women and 11 men) responded to the telephone survey. Of these respondents, 63% had sought medical consultation after the BMD screening. Results of the BMD study led to an increase in calcium intake in 32% of female respondents (48% of those with osteoporosis). After BMD measurement, use of osteoporosis therapy approved by the US Food and Drug Administration increased from 38% to 78% of those with osteoporosis. Conclusion These results suggest that low-cost BMD screening is highly effective in increasing awareness of osteoporosis, prompting medical consultation, and initiating measures for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. (Endocr Pract. 2002;8:199-201)
Acute kidney injury in sepsis: questions answered, but others remain

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of sepsis in the intensive care setting, with associated increases in the likelihood of death, prolonged hospital stay, and increased costs of care. Increased risk of developing AKI has now been recognized for patients admitted with sepsis and community-acquired pneumonia. Chronic kidney disease appears to increase the risk of developing AKI, while short- and long-term mortality risks were associated with the absolute increase in serum creatinine during hospitalization.
Anticancer activity and possible mode of action of 4-O-podophyllotoxinyl 12-hydroxyl-octadec-Z-9-enoate

4-O-Podophyllotoxinyl 12-hydroxyl-octadec-Z-9-enoate (PHEFE) is a structurally novel FA analog of podophyllotoxin. In the present study, in vitro effects of PHEFE on a panel of 60 human tumor cell lines and its potential modes of anticancer action were investigated. FHEFE exhibited strong growth-inhibitory action in a number of solid tumor cells in vitro. It did not inhibit tubulin polymerization as podophyllotoxin does; rather, it inhibited the catalytic activity of topoisomerase II. Flow cytometry and staining assay with 4,6-diamidine-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride showed that PHEFE blocked the cell cycle at the G2/M phase and induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells. These analyses suggest that PHEFE has promising anticancer characteristics that differ from podophyllotoxin and etoposide.
The Bobbit worm dilemma: a case for DNA (Reply to Salazar-Vallejo et al. 2011. Giant Eunicid Polychaetes (Annelida) in shallow tropical and temperate seas. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59-4: 1463-1474)

Whoever came up with the name ?Bobbit worm?? It must be a fairly recent idea, given that the ?regretful incident? in the Bobbit family only happened in 1993. Unfortunately, it is not clear who coined the name or when it was first used. The name does not do the worms justice and is misleading. For example, one of the explanations for the name that comes up when googling ?Bobbit worm? is that the female bites off the male?s penis after copulation (seriously? Since when do they have penises?!). Neither are there any reports of eunicids attacking body parts of unsuspecting humans in their vicinity. The jaws resemble scissors, which is another possible explanation for the name, although actually, the ?Bobbit incident? was committed with a carving knife.
Modeling of asymmetric and offset gaps in shielded microstrips and slotlines

A generalized model for characterizing the frequency-dependent properties of general symmetric, asymmetric, and offset gaps in microstrips and slotlines on a single-layer or multilayer dielectric medium is presented. The transverse resonance technique is applied in the spectral domain to extract the equivalent circuit model parameters of the discontinuities. This technique incorporates the end effect of the discontinuity by a compatible choice of basis functions. >
Recommended for you: The Netflix Prize and the production of algorithmic culture:

How does algorithmic information processing affect the meaning of the word culture, and, by extension, cultural practice? We address this question by focusing on the Netflix Prize (2006–2009), a contest offering US$1m to the first individual or team to boost the accuracy of the company’s existing movie recommendation system by 10%. Although billed as a technical challenge intended for engineers, we argue that the Netflix Prize was equally an effort to reinterpret the meaning of culture in ways that overlapped with, but also diverged in important respects from, the three dominant senses of the term assayed by Raymond Williams. Thus, this essay explores the conceptual and semantic work required to render algorithmic information processing systems legible as forms of cultural decision making. It also then represents an effort to add depth and dimension to the concept of “algorithmic culture.”
The impact of the microphysical properties of aerosol on the atmospheric correction of hyperspectral data in coastal waters

Abstract. Hyperspectral imaging provides quantitative remote sensing of ocean colour by the high spectral resolution of the water features. The HICO™ (Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean) is suitable for coastal studies and monitoring. The accurate retrieval of hyperspectral water-leaving reflectance from HICO™ data is still a challenge. The aim of this work is to retrieve the water-leaving reflectance from HICO™ data with a physically based algorithm, using the local microphysical properties of the aerosol in order to overcome the limitations of the standard aerosol types commonly used in atmospheric correction processing. The water-leaving reflectance was obtained using the HICO@CRI (HICO ATmospherically Corrected Reflectance Imagery) atmospheric correction algorithm by adapting the vector version of the Second Simulation of a Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum (6SV) radiative transfer code. The HICO@CRI algorithm was applied on to six HICO™ images acquired in the northern Mediterranean basin, using the microphysical properties measured by the Acqua Alta Oceanographic Tower (AAOT) AERONET site. The HICO@CRI results obtained with AERONET products were validated with in situ measurements showing an accuracy expressed by r2 = 0.98. Additional runs of HICO@CRI on the six images were performed using maritime, continental and urban standard aerosol types to perform the accuracy assessment when standard aerosol types implemented in 6SV are used. The results highlight that the microphysical properties of the aerosol improve the accuracy of the atmospheric correction compared to standard aerosol types. The normalized root mean square (NRMSE) and the similar spectral value (SSV) of the water-leaving reflectance show reduced accuracy in atmospheric correction results when there is an increase in aerosol loading. This is mainly when the standard aerosol type used is characterized with different optical properties compared to the local aerosol. The results suggest that if a water quality analysis is needed the microphysical properties of the aerosol need to be taken into consideration in the atmospheric correction of hyperspectral data over coastal environments, because aerosols influence the accuracy of the retrieved water-leaving reflectance.
Effect of yellow loess on clearance rate in seven species of benthic, filter‐feeding invertebrates

Attempts have been made, especially in Asia, to displace harmful algal blooms (HABs) by spraying ‘china clay’ and ‘loess’ over affected coastal waters. The impact of this technique on benthic communities and processes is not known. We examined the effects of yellow loess on clearance rates of the benthic, filter-feeding invertebrates, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin 1791), C. gigas (Thunberg 1793), Mytilus edulis (Linnaeus 1758), M. trossulus (Gould 1850), Argopecten irradians (Lamarck 1819), and Crepidula fornicata (Linnaeus 1758). An Obelia species of hydroid was also studied and the percent time open was analysed. Depletion rates were measured using a range of loess concentrations suspended in culture with unicellular algae (Rhodomonas lens) in 0.45 μm filtered seawater. The effects of loess on clearance rates and behaviour were species-specific. C. virginica was not impacted until clay concentrations reached 1.0 g L−1, while A. irradians showed a significant decrease at 0.01 g L−1. M. edulis showed a significant decrease in clearance rates at the 1 and 10 g L−1 concentrations. For hydroids, the percent time open was significantly lower than the control at 0.01, 0.1, and 10 g L−1. We clearly demonstrate that loess has a significant negative impact on filter-feeding invertebrates. The use of clay as a strategy for mitigation of HABs should be approached with extreme caution. While the control of active blooms may eventually be possible, it may not necessarily be an environmentally advisable or responsible approach to dealing with HABs.
Numerical analysis of a laterally loaded shaft constructed within an MSE wall

Abstract Drilled shafts have been widely used to support lateral loads from superstructures. For typical applications, design methods are available to generate lateral load versus displacement curves and to estimate ultimate lateral capacity and displacement of the drilled shaft under a certain lateral load. However, occasionally drilled shafts have to be constructed within the reinforced zones of MSE walls, for instance drilled shafts supporting sound walls, traffic signs, billboards, and other superstructures. Under these circumstances, existing design methods are not applicable because of: (1) the limited horizontal extent of the soil mass; (2) the resistance from reinforcement; and (3) the influence of MSE wall facing. In this regard, a full-scale field study was conducted to investigate the behavior of shafts within the MSE wall, subjected to lateral loads. The test wall was 43 m long and 6 m high and constructed with layers of uniaxial geogrid and selected backfill. Three-dimensional numerical analyses were performed prior to the construction of this test wall (i.e., Class-A prediction) to guide its design and after the field test using the actual material properties (i.e., Class-C prediction). The selected test shaft for the analyses in this study was located at 1.8 m behind the wall facing. The numerical results from the Class-A and Class-C predictions are compared with the field data. The study showed that the Class-A prediction provided useful information for the design of the test wall and development of field test details. The Class-C prediction improved the overall accuracy of the calculations and could serve as a reference for future study.
Transformation of two-pyroxene hornblende granulite to garnet granulite involving simultaneous melting and fracturing of the lower crust, Fiordland, New Zealand

Granulite facies gabbroic and dioritic gneisses in the Pembroke Valley, Milford Sound, New Zealand, are cut by vertical and planar garnet reaction zones in rectilinear patterns. In gabbroic gneiss, narrow dykes of anorthositic leucosome are surrounded by fine-grained garnet granulite that replaced the host two- pyroxene hornblende granulite at conditions of 750 uC and 14 kbar. Major and trace element whole-rock geochemical data indicate that recrystallization was mostly isochemical. The anorthositic veins cut contacts between gabbroic gneiss and dioritic gneiss, but change in morphology at the contacts, from the anorthositic vein surrounded by a garnet granulite reaction zone in the gabbroic gneiss, to zones with a septum of coarse-grained garnet surrounded by anorthositic leucosome in the dioritic gneiss. The dioritic gneiss also contains isolated garnet grains enclosed by leucosome, and short planar trains of garnet grains linked by leucosome. Partial melting of the dioritic gneiss, mostly controlled by hornblende breakdown at water-undersaturated conditions, is inferred to have generated the leucosomes. The form of the leucosomes is consistent with melt segregation and transport aided by fracture propagation; limited retrogression suggests considerable melt escape. Dyking and melt escape from the dioritic gneiss are inferred to have propagated fractures into the gabbroic gneiss. The migrating melt scavenged water from the surrounding gabbroic gneiss and induced the limited replacement by garnet granulite.
Conditional connectivity measures for large multiprocessor systems

Introduces a new measure of conditional connectivity for large regular graphs by requiring each vertex to have at least g good neighbors in the graph. Based on this requirement, the vertex connectivity for the n-dimensional cube is obtained, and the minimal sets of faulty nodes that disconnect the cube are characterized. >