cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implicit Lower-Upper/Approximate-Factorization Schemes for Incompressible Flows

A lower-upper/approximate-factorization (LU/AF) scheme is developed for the incompressible Euler or Navier?Stokes equations. The LU/AF scheme contains an iteration parameter that can be adjusted to improve iterative convergence rate. The LU/AF scheme is to be used in conjunction with linearized implicit approximations and artificial compressibility to compute steady solutions, and within sub-iterations to compute unsteady solutions. Formulations based on time linearization with and without sub-iteration and on Newton linearization are developed using spatial difference operators. The spatial approximation used includes upwind differencing based on Roe's approximate Riemann solver and van Leer's MUSCL scheme, with numerically computed implicit flux linearizations. Simple one-dimensional diffusion and advection/diffusion problems are first studied analytically to provide insight for development of the Navier?Stokes algorithm. The optimal values of both time step and LU/AF parameter are determined for a test problem consisting of two-dimensional flow past a NACA 0012 airfoil, with a highly stretched grid. The optimal parameter provides a consistent improvement in convergence rate for four test cases having different grids and Reynolds numbers and, also, for an inviscid case. The scheme can be easily extended to three dimensions and adapted for compressible flows.
Novelty-associated locomotion: correlation with cortical and sub-cortical GABAA receptor binding

The present study was designed to determine whether variability in GABA (eta-aminobutyric acid)A receptor binding in cortical and subcortical brain regions was correlated with locomotor activity in a novel environment. Twenty four animals were rated for locomotor activity in a novel circular runway. Eight days later, locomotor activity was assessed following 1.5 mg/kg amphetamine sulfate (i.p.). After four to six days, animals were killed and samples were pooled in groups of four animals ranked according to novely locomotor score, and specific binding of the GABAA receptor antagonist [2-(3'-carboxy-2'-propyl)-3-amino-6-p-methoxy phenylpyridazinium bromide] ([3H]SR95531) was determined. Significant negative correlations were seen between specific ([3H]SR95531) binding and novelty induced locomotion in the cingulate and prefrontal cortices, and in the ventral pallidum. A near-significant negative correlation was seen in the striatum. Correlation coefficients between locomotion scores in the novel environment and specific [3H]SR95531 binding were: cingulate cortex, R = -0.91, P = 0.012; prefrontal cortex, R = -0.85, P = 0.032; ventral pallidum, R = -0.85, P = 0.030; striatum, R = -0.73, P = 0.097; and nucleus accumbens, R = -0.09, P = 0.85. The positive correlation between novelty- and amphetamine-induced locomotion was also quite high (R = 0.95, P = 0.004). These results are discussed in terms of their relevance to potential biochemical correlates of drug abuse vulnerability.
Injection locking properties of a photonic microwave oscillator based on a quantum dot mode locked laser

A quantum dot mode locked laser can generate microwave frequencies, functioning as a photonic microwave oscillator. The advantages of this microwave oscillator include the compact size of the laser device, the low phase noise, the tunability of the output power and frequency as well as the high optical to electrical conversion efficiency. Despite the advantages of this oscillator though, a maximum microwave output power in the order of -10 dBm has been reported so far, denoting a possible need for further amplification of the signal in certain applications. In this work, we propose the idea of power combining of the microwave outputs of multiple QDMLL devices, by using injection locking, as a method to amplify the generated signal. The injection locking properties of the QDMLL device are studied and presented.
Experimental testing of spanwise morphing trailing edge concept

Aircraft wings with smooth, hinge-less morphing ailerons exhibit increased chordwise aerodynamic efficiency over conventional hinged ailerons. Ideally, the wing would also use these morphing ailerons to smoothly vary its airfoil shape between spanwise stations to optimize the lift distribution and further increase aerodynamic efficiency. However, the mechanical complexity or added weight of achieving such a design has traditionally exceeded the potential aerodynamic gains. By expanding upon the previously developed cascading bimorph concept, this work uses embedded Macro-Fiber Composites and a flexure box mechanism, created using multi-material 3D printing, to achieve the Spanwise Morphing Trailing Edge (SMTE) concept. The morphing actuators are spaced spanwise along the wing with an elastomer spanning the gaps between them, which allows for optimization of the spanwise lift distribution while maintaining the continuity and efficiency of the morphing trailing edge. The concept is implemented in a representative section of a UAV wing with a 305 mm chord. A novel honeycomb skin is created from an elastomeric material using a 3D printer. The actuation capabilities of the concept are evaluated with and without spanning material on a test stand, free of aerodynamic loads. In addition, the actuation restrictions of the spanning elastomer, necessary in adapting the morphing concept from 2D to 3D, are characterized. Initial aerodynamic results from the 1’×1’ wind-tunnel also show the effects of aerodynamic loading on the actuation range of the SMTE concept for uniform morphing.
Ultraviolet emission from OH and ArD in microcavity plasma devices

Intense emission in the ultraviolet (250-400 nm) from OH (A 2 Σ + ) and the rare gas-deuteride excimer ArD has been observed from mixtures of H 2 O vapour or D 2 in Ar and excited in microcavity plasma devices. Peak wavelength-integrated intensities are measured for H 2 O and D 2 concentrations of ∼0.16% and 0.5-1%, respectively. Spectral simulations indicate the OH (A 2 Σ + , v' = 0) rotational temperature to be 440 ± 20 K for 600 Torr Ar/0.3 Torr H 2 O mixtures excited in a 45 nL microcavity.
Respiratory Distress in the Newborn

Respiratory distress presents as tachypnea, nasal flaring, retractions, and grunting and may progress to respiratory failure if not readily recognized and managed. Causes of respiratory distress vary and may not lie within the lung. A thorough history, physical examination, and radiographic and laboratory findings will aid in the differential diagnosis. Common causes include transient tachypnea of the newborn, neonatal pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Strong evidence reveals an inverse relationship between gestational age and respiratory morbidity. (1)(2)(9)(25)(26) Expert opinion recommends careful consideration about elective delivery without labor at less than 39 weeks’ gestation. Extensive evidence, including randomized control trials, cohort studies, and expert opinion, supports maternal group B streptococcus screening, intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, and appropriate followup of high-risk newborns according to guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (4)(29)(31)(32)(34) Following these best-practice strategies is effective in preventing neonatal pneumonia and its complications. (31)(32)(34). On the basis of strong evidence, including randomized control trials and Cochrane Reviews, administration of antenatal corticosteroids (5) and postnatal surfactant (6) decrease respiratory morbidity associated with RDS. Trends in perinatal management strategies to prevent MAS have changed. There is strong evidence that amnioinfusion, (49) oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal suctioning at the perineum, (45) or intubation and endotracheal suctioning of vigorous infants (46)(47) do not decrease MAS or its complications. Some research and expert opinion supports endotracheal suctioning of nonvigorous meconium-stained infants (8) and induction of labor at 41 weeks’ gestation (7) to prevent MAS.
Geographical and Meteorological Factors Associated with Isolation of Listeria Species in New York State Produce Production and Natural Environments

Listeria species have been isolated from diverse environments, often at considerable prevalence, and are known to persist in food processing facilities. The presence of Listeria spp. has been suggested to be a marker for Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Therefore, a study was conducted to (i) determine the prevalence and diversity of Listeria spp. in produce production and natural environments and (ii) identify geographical and/or meteorological factors that affect the isolation of Listeria spp. in these environments. These data were also used to evaluate Listeria spp. as index organisms for L. monocytogenes in produce production environments. Environmental samples collected from produce production (n = 588) and natural (n = 734) environments in New York State were microbiologically analyzed to detect and isolate Listeria spp. The prevalence of Listeria spp. was approximately 33 and 34% for samples obtained from natural environments and produce production, respectively. Co-isolation of L. monocytogenes and at least one other species of Listeria in a given sample was recorded for 3 and 9% of samples from natural environments and produce production, respectively. Soil moisture and proximity to water and pastures were highly associated with isolation of Listeria spp. in produce production environments, while elevation, study site, and proximity to pastures were highly associated with isolation of Listeria spp. in natural environments, as determined by randomForest models. These data show that Listeria spp. were prevalent in both agricultural and nonagricultural environments and that geographical and meteorological factors associated with isolation of Listeria spp. were considerably different between the two environments.
Systems considerations in designing and implementing a bit serial optical computer

The systems considerations in implementing a bit serial optical computer using lithium niobate directional couplers and optical fiber is described. The three main problems in constructing such a computer, computation of fiber lengths, estimation of and compensation for power losses, and details of the physical construction of the machine, are discussed.
Abstract 5324: Cathepsin E expression: A new potential target for pancreatic tumor imaging

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Purpose: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) shows unique high expression of Cathepsin E (CTSE). Here we assessed the usefulness of detecting CTSE activity in vivo as a prognostic biomarker for PDAC using mouse xenografts and transgenic models of PDAC. Procedures: CTSE expression in human and mouse pancreases with/without cancer were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Transgenic animal models of PDAC and xenografts of primary human PDAC tumors or establish pancreatic cancer cell lines in nude mice were injected with the CTSE selective fluorescent probe via tail vein. CTSE expressions in transgenic pancreatic tumors and xenografts were imaged using IVIS-100 optical imaging system. Negative control tumors were imaged in parallel. Tumors, organs and tissues of interest were imaged ex vivo for their associated Cath E expression. Data: Results confirmed the over expression of CTSE in pancreatic cancer patients and transgenic mouse models of pancreatic cancer. Images illustrate the capability of detecting CTSE expression within pancreatic tumors in both transgenic and xenograft mice models. In vivo and ex vivo images of PDAC were possible by targeting CTSE expression. Conclusions: Results represent the usefulness of CTSE as a potential molecular target for pancreatic cancer imaging. The elevated CTSE expression in pancreatic tumors allows in vivo detection of human PDAC xenografts and ex vivo imaging of transgenic PDAC tumors in mice. The study demonstrates CTSE as a promising target for tumor imaging. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5324. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-5324
Packet size optimization in peer-to-peer IPTV networking schemes

Peer-to-peer IP television (IPTV) system aims at delivering high quality digital video data over an IP based network; ultimately providing the customer with high-speed, accessible, personalized media content. However, the transmission of multimedia over an IP network poses several challenges and suitable Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms need to be employed in order to ensure the success of this technology. One way to address these challenges is to ensure that the payload size used for media transmission over IP networks is optimal. This project simulates IPTV packets using RTP/UDP protocols over different network scenarios, analyzes the impact of varying UDP payload size on network parameters such as End-to-End Delay, Network Throughput and output Video Quality metrics and proposes an optimal range for UDP payload sizes that maybe used over an IPTV system. Analysis is conducted on architectures over which Unicast Transmissions, Background traffic, Multicast Transmissions (using DVMRP & PIM-DM protocols) and Multistreaming sessions from Server(s) to Client(s) are implemented.
Developmental scenario analysis of Smalltalk programming

In order to understand long-term learning and the acquisition of expertise, human-computer interaction needs to take a developmental turn. Adopting a developmental approach means using longitudinal research methods, building developmental sequence models of the acquisition of expertise, and analyzing tasks as scenarios specific to developmental levels. The psychology of programming seems particularly amenable to a developmental approach because of the length of time that it takes to become an expert. We propose a model of seven developmental levels for Smalltalk/V programming, and provide sample scenarios for each level. We conclude that developmentally ordered scenarios convey valuable design information that would be lost in the standard “average user” approach to scenarios.
Spinodal decomposition in polymer mixtures

We present the first numerical study of spinodal decomposition in polymer mixtures in three dimensions for the Flory--Huggins--de Gennes free energy, numerically integrating the time-evolution equations for the conserved order parameter. We study the time dependence of the domain size as well as the pair correlation function and structure factors for several quench temperatures. The results indicate that the growth law for the characteristic domain size is independent of the final quench temperature in contradiction with the recent experiments on model polymer systems. As well, it is shown that dynamical scaling is valid at sufficiently late times.
Academic Achievement and Depressive Symptoms in Low-Income Latino Youth

The Latino population in the United States is increasing rapidly, and Latino youth comprise a significant proportion of the overall school-age population. Latino youth, however, demonstrate lower levels of academic achievement. Research also indicates Latino youth consistently report higher levels of depressive symptoms. We examined the relation between academic achievement and depressive symptoms in Latino youth. We additionally investigated the potential mediating role of academic self-efficacy and goal-orientation as well as the moderating role of acculturative stress. Participants included 133 Latino students enrolled in fifth through seventh grade at an urban public elementary school. Students responded to items about their depressive symptoms, academic self-efficacy, academic orientation, and acculturative stress. Both indicators of academic performance were significantly correlated with depressive symptoms (report card grades r = −.26, p < .01; standardized test scores r = −.21, p < .05). As predicted, academic self-efficacy and a performance-avoidance orientation mediated this relationship. Although acculturative stress did not moderate the relationship between achievement and depression, hierarchical regression models revealed that this cultural/contextual variable combined with academic factors to account for 28–32% of the variance in depressive symptoms. We discuss the implications of these findings for clinical intervention and the education system within the US.
Comparison of anthropometric and body composition measures as predictors of components of the metabolic syndrome in a clinical setting

Summary Problem The use of body mass index (BMI) to assess obesity and health risks has been criticized in scientific and lay publications because of its failure to account for body shape and inability to distinguish fat mass from lean mass. We sought to determine whether other anthropometric measures (waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtH), percent body fat (%BF), fat mass index (FMI), or fat-free mass index (FFMI)) were consistently better predictors of components of the metabolic syndrome than BMI is. Methods Cross-sectional measurements of height, weight, waist circumference and percent body fat were obtained from 12,294 adults who took part in annual physical exams provided by EHE International, Inc. Blood pressure was measured during the exam and HDL, LDL, and fasting glucose were measured from blood samples. Pearson correlations, linear regression, and adjusted Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to relate each anthropometric measure to each metabolic risk factor. Results None of the measures was consistently the strongest predictor. BMI was the strongest predictor of blood pressure, measures related to central adiposity (WC and WtH) performed better at predicting fasting glucose, and all measures were roughly comparable at predicting cholesterol levels. In all, differences in areas under ROC curves were 0.03 or less for all measure/outcome pairs that performed better than BMI. Conclusion Body mass index is an adequate measure of adiposity for clinical purposes. In the context of lay press critiques of BMI and recommendations for alternative body-size measures, these data support clinicians making recommendations to patients based on BMI measurements.
Representation of Nonplanar Structures of Nickel(II) 5,15-Disubstituted Porphyrins in Terms of Displacements along the Lowest-Frequency Normal Coordinates of the Macrocycle

The influence of substituents with increasing steric demands on the structure of nickel(II) 5,15-disubstituted porphyrins has been investigated with X-ray crystallography, UV−visible absorption spectroscopy, resonance Raman spectroscopy, molecular energy optimization calculations, and INDO/s molecular orbital calculations. Nickel 5,15-diphenylporphyrin is predicted by molecular mechanics calculations to be a mixture of planar and nonplanar conformers. All of the nickel dialkylporphyrins (where the alkyl group is propyl, isopropyl, and tert-butyl) are calculated to be in a predominantly gabled (gab) conformation resulting from an αα orientation of the substituents with respect to the macrocycle. This nonplanar gab distortion is made up of a linear combination of distortions along the lowest-frequency out-of-plane macrocycle normal coordinates of A2u (doming) and B1u (ruffling) symmetry types. A higher energy stable αβ conformer is also predicted for dialkylporphyrins, and its nonplanar structure can be rep...
NFAT signaling and the invention of vertebrates

The calcium/calcineurin-dependent NFATc family is thought to have arisen following the recombination of an ancient precursor with a Rel domain about 500 million years ago, producing a new group of signaling and transcription factors (the NFATc genes) found only in the genomes of vertebrates. Cell biological, genetic and biochemical evidence indicates that the circuitry of this pathway is well suited for intercalation with older pathways. We propose that this recombination enabled Ca2+ signals to be redirected to a new transcriptional program, which provided part of the groundwork for vertebrate morphogenesis and organogenesis. This notion predicts that calcineurin-NFAT signaling would be essential for much of vertebrate development. We review recent evidence supporting this prediction and propose a systematic approach to explore aspects of vertebrate morphogenesis.
ARMA Modeling using cumulant and autocorrelation statistics

One dimensional cumulant and auto-correlation output statistics are combined to form an overdetermined system of equations whose least-squares solution yields the coefficients of an ARMA model. The driving input noise is assumed to be non-Gaussian and white. The ARMA model is allowed to be non-minimum phase and even to contain all-pass factors. The special cases of AR and MA models are also included. The overdetermined nature of the method makes the solution practical for moderate output data lengths, when additive white Gaussian noise is considered. Simulations illustrate that our approach performs very well even at low signal-to-noise ratios.
Gelcasting: From laboratory development toward industrial production

Gelcasting, a ceramic forming process, was developed to overcome some of the limitations of other complex-shape forming techniques such as injection molding and slip casting. In gelcasting, a concentrated slurry of ceramic powder in a solution of organic monomers is poured into a mold and then polymerized in situ to form a green body in the shape of the mold cavity. Thus, it is a combination of polymer chemistry with slip processing and represents minimal departure from standard ceramic processing. The simplicity of the process has attracted industrial partners and by collaboration between them and the developers, the process is being advanced from the laboratory toward industrial production.
Mitra: A Scalable Continuous Media Server

Mitra is a scalable storage manager that supports the display of continuous media data types, e.g., audio and video clips. It is a software based system that employs off-the-shelf hardware components. Its present hardware platform is a cluster of multi-disk workstations, connected using an ATM switch. Mitra supports the display of a mix of media types. To reduce the cost of storage, it supports a hierarchical organization of storage devices and stages the frequently accessed objects on the magnetic disks. For the number of displays to scale as a function of additional disks, Mitra employs staggered striping. It implements three strategies to maximize the number of simultaneous displays supported by each disk. First, the EVEREST file system allows different files (corresponding to objects of different media types) to be retrieved at different block size granularities. Second, the FIXB algorithm recognizes the different zones of a disk and guarantees a continuous display while harnessing the average disk transfer rate. Third, Mitra implements the Grouped Sweeping Scheme (GSS) to minimize the impact of disk seeks on the available disk bandwidth. In addition to reporting on implementation details of Mitra, we present performance results that demonstrate the scalability characteristics of the system. We compare the obtained results with theoretical expectations based on the bandwidth of participating disks. Mitra attains between 65% to 100% of the theoretical expectations.
Inhibition of obliterative airway disease development following heterotopic murine tracheal transplantation by costimulatory molecule blockade using anti-CD40 ligand alone or in combination with donor bone marrow.

Introduction Obliterative airway disease (OAD) development in heterotopic murine tracheal allografts, a model of obliterative bronchiolitis after lung transplantation, is immunologically mediated. Whether tolerance induction by the administration of anti-CD40 ligand monoclonal anti-body (MR-1) alone or in conjunction with donor-derived bone marrow cells (BMCs) can prevent the development of OAD was tested in this study. Methods BALB/c tracheal allografts were heterotopically transplanted into C57BL/6 recipients. Group 1 received no treatment. Group 2 received multiple infusions of donor BMCs intravenously. Group 3 was administered MR-1 intraperitoneally. Group 4 received donor BMCs and MR-1. Allografts were harvested at several time points post-transplantation and examined for the development of OAD. Results Group 1 developed cellular infiltration and epithelial damage by Day 15 post-transplant and OAD by Day 28, evidenced by complete obliteration of the tracheal lumen. Group 2 developed OAD with similar kinetics to Group 1. Group 3 had no evidence of OAD at 28 days. At Days 45 to 90, moderate cellular infiltration, epithelial metaplasia, and a minimal narrowing of the tracheal lumen were evident. OAD developed by Day 120. Group 4 mice had patent tracheal lumens even at 120 days post-transplantation, with only mild epithelial metaplasia and luminal narrowing noted. Conclusions The administration of MR-1 alone in combination with infusions of donor bone marrow cells significantly attenuated the development of OAD. Tolerance-inducing regimens such as this deserve further investigation in the prevention of post-lung transplant obliterative bronchiolitis following human lung transplantation.
Initialization for Dynamic Simulation of Stressed Power Systems Considering Induction Motor Components of Loads

Power flow solution is used for the initialization of power system dynamic simulation. Available production grade software packages (PSS/E in case of this paper) assume PQ-model for induction motor components of the loads during initialization process but consider accurate dynamic model for the dynamic simulation phase. Since the reactive power consumed by the motor is not known prior to power flow solution, a fictitious shunt reactance is added to the system bus to account for the difference between the assumed and the actual reactive power consumption of the motor. With the added fictitious reactance to different buses, the simulation system no longer represents the actual power system. The objective of this paper is to show that, although the existing method of initialization used by available software packages (PSS/E in case of this paper) produces satisfactory results for lightly loaded systems, it gives erroneous results in the case of stressed systems. The IEEE 14-bus test system is used to prove this claim. The system is simulated for stressed and unstressed situations applying commonly used initialization method and other method that considers the actual induction motor model during the initialization process which does not require the fictitious added reactance. It was seen that the commonly used initialization method could result in inaccurate assessment for power system stability in case of stressed system. Also in this paper, an iterative procedure is proposed that shows how to obtain the correct initial values using PSS/E without the need for the fictitious added reactance that causes erroneous simulation results.
The chronic ventilator-dependent unit: a lower-cost alternative to intensive care.

Objective To evaluate the fixed costs and patient outcomes of a specialty hospital unit for medically stable ventilator-dependent patients. The chronic ventilator-dependent unit (CVDU) was established to facilitate early dismissal from costly intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization for patients requiring continued specialized care. Patients and Methods We carried out a cost analysis of the various ICUs that transferred patients to the CVDU by year from 1993 through 1998. In addition, direct and indirect costs for the CVDU were established by year for the same period. We then calculated the cost effect of transferring these patients for care from each high-cost ICU to the lower-cost CVDU. Ventilator weaning and mortality rates were also determined. Results During the 6 years of this study, $4,832,551 in patient care costs were saved by transferring care for 964 patients from ICUs to the CVDU. Ventilator weaning was successful in 64% of 549 patients, and mortality was 7% in the same patient group. Conclusions Care in the CVDU yielded lower fixed costs per patient-day, and CVDU care was comparable to ICU hospitalization.
Cross-cultural psychopharmacology: a review

Cross-cultural psychopharmacology seeks to determine whether there are differences in responses to psychopharmacologic agents among various ethnic groups and the reason for such variations. During the past four decades numerous clinical reports have addressed potential differences in therapeutic dosages and side effects of psychotropic medications between various ethnic groups. In addition, several rigorously designed studies have focused on ethnic differences in pharmacokinetics (including absorption, metabolism, distribution and excretion) and pharmacodynamics (including receptor-coupling activity). These ethnic variations are mainly influenced by genetic predisposition but are also influenced by other factors such as culture, environment, psychosocial supports, and attitudes towards pharmacology. This presentation will provide a critical review of the existing information in regard to psychotropic medications including neuroleptics, antidepressants, lithium, and benzodiazepines among various ethnic groups. Also included will be data on neuroleptic-induced movement disorders, the clinical implications of genetic polymorphism of cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes, recommendations on how to better design a pharmacological approach in the treatment of psychiatric disorders among different ethnic groups, as well as recent advances and future directions regarding cross-cultural issues of psychopharmacology.
From intensive to primary care: bridging the gap for better medicine.

Claire* was a female patient in her early twenties with long-standing, poorly controlled diabetes and a rare inherited disorder who had just been transferred to our general pediatric inpatient service. Initially, Claire was admitted to the floor of this pediatric hospital after presentation to the emergency department with a skin abscess that required intravenous antibiotic therapy after incision and drainage. Unfortunately, due to delay in presentation and her underlying medical vulnerabilities, the infection evolved into systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and Claire required admission to the ICU. After a week of noninvasive respiratory support, she was being transferred back to the general medical unit. Her acute clinical course had resolved, and now our team, composed of a hospitalist, consulting endocrinologist, residents, and medical students, was expected to send her home. At the time of transfer from the ICU, her discharge plan was all but signed. She would complete an oral antibiotic regimen and, at least according to the paperwork, follow-up with her endocrinologist, neurologist, and primary care physicians after discharge. Even before returning to the floor, her hospital discharge summary was written, medications pre-prescribed, and a list of follow-up appointments created. After all, her acute illness was resolved; she could go home. By most accounts, this patient was receiving high-tech, organized, and therefore sophisticated care. But after evaluating Claire as a team, it became clear that a few pieces of paper with instructions before discharge home would not suffice. Although Claire was a person with great humor and spirit, her life had been consumed by illness and personal struggle. Initially raised by an older relative because her parents were either deceased or uninvolved, she became a victim of abuse and subsequently spent her adolescence in foster care. Although she had finished high school and was an avid artist, she became …
Evaluation of real-time search algorithms in dynamic worlds (summary of results)

A classification of different dynamic worlds is presented. A detailed model of a dynamic world where changes occur in edge costs around a zero mean is provided. A formal analysis of the model suggests that the static rank ordering of solution paths is preserved in the model. Two real-time search algorithms, DYNORAII and RTA*, for the real-time path planning problem are analyzed. Results on the path planning problem using the proposed dynamic model of graphs are given. The ability of DYNORAII and RTA* to minimize response times in dynamic environments has been evaluated experimentally. It is found that DYNORAII outperforms RTA* in minimizing response times. >
Electromagnetic properties of tissue in the optical region

To properly assess skin damage caused by photonic exposure, the mechanisms of photon attenuation and subsequent heat production are investigated. Currently, voids exist in frequency specific electromagnetic properties such as the complex dielectric permittivity and conductivity necessary to define refractive index and attenuation values. We investigate these properties in several tissues such as blood, bone, skin, vitreous humor, cornea, retina and many others. Inside these tissues, exponential decrease in photon energy occurs due to attenuation. Because photon energy absorbed in tissue is expressed as heat in many instances, it follows that the dielectric properties of the material will also change as a function of the heating patterns as well as with frequency or wavelength. Conversely, changes in tissue thermal properties should change photon behavior as dispersion properties change. In our case we are concerned with existing data and theoretically determining dispersion properties over a large range of frequencies or wavelengths.
INFLUENZA-LIKE BACILLI ISOLATED FROM CATS

Six strains of Gram-negative non-motile bacilli from cats have been described. They do not grow on ordinary media. They do grow, however, on a medium to which an autoclave-labile substance alone has been added as an accessory growth factor. These bacilli are similar to Bacillus parainfluenzaaeisolated from man. One strain of a Gram-negative non-motile bacillus more exacting than Bacillus influenzae in its food requirements was found and for convenience has been placed for the present in the parainfluenza group.
Trust Is in the Eye of the Beholder

We carefully investigate humanity's intuitive understanding of trust and extract from it fundamental properties that succinctly synthesize how trust works. From this detailed characterization we propose a formal, complete and intuitive definition of trust.Using our new definition, we prove simple possibility and impossibility theorems that dispel common misconceptions, expose unexplored areas in the design of reputation systems and shed new light on the shortcomings of previous impossibility results.
Creating multifunctional landscapes: how can the field of ecology inform the design of the landscape?

The opportunity exists to improve intensively managed landscapes (urban and agricultural areas dominated by human activities) through greater engagement of ecologists in the process of ecological landscape design. This approach encourages exploration of multifunctional solutions to meet the needs of growing populations in many areas around the world, while minimizing the negative impacts of human activities on the environment. This is achieved by incorporating theoretical and applied principles from the fields of landscape ecology, agroecology, and ecological design. Multifunctional landscapes can be designed to provide a range of environmental, social, and economic functions, while considering the interests of landowners and users. Here, we propose a process for designing multifunctional landscapes, guided by ecological principles in the following steps: (1) defining the project site and landscape context, (2) analyzing landscape structure and function, (3) master planning using an ecosystem approach, (4...
Lorentz contracted geometrical model

The model assumes that when two high energy particles collide each behaves as a geometrical object which has a Gaussian density and is spherically symmetric except for the Lorentz-contraction in the incident direction. Folding the two spatial distribution together we obtain the slope (b) of the elastic diffraction peak in terms of the c.m. velocities (~i and ~j) and the sizes (A i and A/) of the two incident particles. These sizes are assumed to have the experimental s-dependence of o,^. ,~ nA 2 for each reaction. The combiged s-deoendence of the o.^.'s and the rut | o 2 ~ 2 " ;~ rut #'s gives the s-dependence of the elastic slope b#-(s) = ~(A~# i +Af#] ) a~ot(S)/O~ot(~*). This formula agrees with the experimental slope for p-p, p-p, K+-p, K--p and n ~-- p elastic scattering from 3 to 1500 GeV/c, with only 3 parameters: A~ = 6.1, A~( = 3.3 andA~ = 10.5 (GeV/c) -z.
The Melanoma Epidemic: Res Ipsa Loquitur

Many have debated whether or not we are in the midst of a melanoma epidemic. Some facts are clear and helpful to this debate, while others are less clear. The incidence and mortality of melanoma have increased over the last several decades, but the incidence has risen faster than the mortality. The incidence has risen 3%7% on average over several decades and even more rapidly among Caucasian men and the elderly. In the U.S., the incidence in men is higher than in women after the age of 40, and the difference between men and women increases from age 40 until the end of life. The incidence in the U.S. has risen most rapidly among in situ and localized lesions, but distant and regional disease have increased as well. Among localized disease, in the U.S. from 1988-1997, all stages increased by comparable amounts. This strongly argues against the idea that the increase in incidence of melanoma is only due to early detection of thin lesions or biologically benign lesions, at least during the time period studied. On the
Coronary smooth muscle adaptation to exercise: does it play a role in cardioprotection?

Substantial evidence exists supporting the role of chronic exercise in reducing the incidence and severity of coronary vascular disease. Physical inactivity is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease suggesting that the cardioprotective effect of exercise is due, in part, to an intrinsic adaptation within the coronary vasculature. Surprisingly, a paucity of information exists regarding the intrinsic cellular changes within the coronary vasculature associated with exercise training and even less is known regarding the effect of physical activity on long-term phenotypic modulation of coronary smooth muscle (CSM). The purpose of this symposium is to provide a concise update on the current knowledge regarding CSM adaptation to exercise training and the potential for these adaptations to contribute to exercise-induced cardioprotection. The potential role of CSM in exercise-induced cardioprotection will be approached from two perspectives. First, endurance exercise training effects on the regulation of coronary vasomotor tone via changes in CSM calcium regulation will be reviewed, i.e. short-term functional adaptation. Secondly, we will discuss potential long-term consequences of this altered calcium regulation, i.e. exercise-induced phenotypic modulation of CSM. We propose that exercise training alters CSM intracellular calcium regulation to reduce Ca2+-dependent activation of the contractile apparatus and Ca2+-dependent gene transcription and increase activation of sarcolemmal potassium channels. The overall effect is to increase the gain of the vasomotor system and maintain a stable, contractile CSM phenotype.
Characterization of Potential Drug Targets Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase and Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase in Schistosoma mansoni

ABSTRACT Schistosomiasis affects over 200 million people worldwide, with over 200,000 deaths annually. Currently, praziquantel is the only drug available against schistosomiasis. We report here that Schistosoma mansoni farnesyl diphosphate synthase ( Sm FPPS) and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase ( Sm GGPPS) are potential drug targets for the treatment of schistosomiasis. We expressed active, recombinant Sm FPPS and Sm GGPPS for subsequent kinetic characterization and testing against a variety of bisphosphonate inhibitors. Recombinant Sm FPPS was found to be a soluble 44.2-kDa protein, while Sm GGPPS was a soluble 38.3-kDa protein. Characterization of the substrate utilization of the two enzymes indicates that they have overlapping substrate specificities. Against Sm FPPS, several bisphosphonates had 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 s) in the low micromolar to nanomolar range; these inhibitors had significantly less activity against Sm GGPPS. Several lipophilic bisphosphonates were active against ex vivo adult worms, with worm death occurring over 4 to 6 days. These results indicate that FPPS and GGPPS could be of interest in the context of the emerging resistance to praziquantel in schistosomiasis therapy.
A Coupled Air and Sea Model for the Tropical Pacific

Abstract Several sets of model equations are presented which represent coupled processes in the tropical atmosphere and ocean. The distribution of ocean surface temperature generates large-scale convective motions in the atmosphere. These winds in turn drive ocean currents which advect ocean temperatures. Under most parametric circumstances, the model solutions have the character of moderately damped oscillations of several year period. This period is characteristic of either ocean particle advection across the zonal extent of the basin or potential energy release associated with the ocean temperature distribution. Less stable model solutions can also occur—limit cycle oscillations, alternative mean climatic balances for fixed parameters—but these are not typical of the parameters selected for application to the tropical Pacific. Simulations of possible El Nino sequences are discussed; in general the responses seem weaker than observed.
User assessment of search task difficulty: Relationships between reasons and ratings

Abstract There is an increasing research interest in search task difficulty. A recent study developed a user-perceived task difficulty reason scheme including 21 reasons (two of which arise prior to searching). Interesting questions arose as to whether the many difficulty reasons in the scheme were correlated or whether the difficulty reasons were related to task difficulty levels. Using a dataset collected from 48 participants searching on four tasks, this study examined these questions while also validating the task difficulty reason scheme. Results suggest that the 19 difficulty reasons elicited after a search task are rarely correlated, and are, instead, independent. Several difficulty reasons, such as “task requirements too specific” and “low topic knowledge,” contribute significantly to difficulty levels. The large discrepancy in the frequency of some reasons' appearance in high, mid, and low difficulty rating groups may be explained by task type features. These findings help develop an in-depth explanation of search task difficulty and contribute to task-related information retrieval research and system design.
Generation of Sequence Signatures from DNA Amplification Fingerprints with Mini-Hairpin and Microsatellite Primers

DNA amplification fingerprinting (DAF) with mini-hairpins harboring arbitrary “core” sequences at their 3′ termini were used to fingerprint a variety of templates, including PCR products and whole ...
An Alternative Approach to Celebrity Spokesperson Selection

Celebrities are commonly used as spokespersons, with perhaps as many as one in five television commercials using them. Recently published research has suggested that the "matching", or congruence, of the advertised brand and the celebrity is important for generating a favorable attitude toward the advertised product. This paper presents an alternate approach based on the availability-valence hypothesis, and the findings from a pilot study supporting this approach.
Artificial electron acceptors decouple archaeal methane oxidation from sulfate reduction

The oxidation of methane with sulfate is an important microbial metabolism in the global carbon cycle. In marine methane seeps, this process is mediated by consortia of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) that live in syntrophy with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). The underlying interdependencies within this uncultured symbiotic partnership are poorly understood. We used a combination of rate measurements and single-cell stable isotope probing to demonstrate that ANME in deep-sea sediments can be catabolically and anabolically decoupled from their syntrophic SRB partners using soluble artificial oxidants. The ANME still sustain high rates of methane oxidation in the absence of sulfate as the terminal oxidant, lending support to the hypothesis that interspecies extracellular electron transfer is the syntrophic mechanism for the anaerobic oxidation of methane.
An Examination of Layers of Quizzing in Two Computer Systems Courses

This paper investigates the impact of layers of quizzing on student performance on subsequent tests and the final exam. The first layer of quizzes are on-line "pre-quizzes" designed to prepare students for follow-on classroom discussions. The second layer quizzes are short "post-quizzes" that are given during class time after discussing questions about the material covered by pre-quizzes. A study involving fifteen semesters of data and 348 students indicated that students performed better on tests and the final exam with this quizzing strategy compared to a more traditional homework based approach. These results agree with the body of research that indicates that testing enhances learning. Significantly, we found an 8 point pass rate increase on the Computer Systems I final exam and a 10 point pass rate increase on the Systems II final.
Neural control of pineal function in mammals and birds.

Pineal function in mammals is regulated by a system with four major neural components. The first is a retinohypothalamic projection from the ganglion cells of the retina to the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. The suprachiasmatic nucleus appears to function as a circadian oscillating system projecting into the hypothalamus and this represents the second component. The third component is constituted of a brainstem pathway from the lateral hypothalamus to the intermediolateral cell column of the upper thoracic spinal cord. The fourth component is the preganglionic and postganglionic sympathetic system arising from the upper thoracic cord to innervate the superior cervical ganglion which, in turn, innervates the pineal gland. No direct neural control of the pineal gland has been demonstrated in birds.
Are Economists Successful Communicators of Their Disciplinary Knowledge

Most economists believe that their discipline is not well understood by the general public, or by most of their undergraduate students. Some may believe that graduate students with quantitative skills have a better understanding of economics. To test whether such beliefs are justified, evidence is collated from various studies, including studies in behavioral economics, with some surprising results.