cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High recovery of culturable bacteria from the surfaces of marine algae

The culturability of heterotrophic marine bacteria obtained from the surfaces of two species of marine algae (Lobophora variegata andHalimeda copiosa) was assessed by comparing total DAPI-stained cell counts to colony-forming bacterial counts on two agar media. The colony-forming bacterial counts on a low-nutrient medium (LN) consisting of seawater and agar were significantly greater for both algal species than counts obtained on a high-nutrient medium (HN) similar in composition to that typically used for the isolation of heterotrophic marine bacteria. On average, 14 and 58%, respectively, of the total bacteria fromL. variegata andH. copiosa were culturable on LN. These recovery rates far exceed those typically reported for marine bacteria. Of 119 LN strains obtained in pure culture, 55% failed to grow on HN. The yeast extract component of HN (1.5 gl-1) was responsible for the majority of the observed inhibition, suggesting that this nutrient can be highly toxic to marine bacteria. Eighty-nine percent of the strains inhibited by HN were capable of growth when the nutrients in this medium were diluted by a factor of 100 with seawater. Of 66 epiphytic strains, 30 (45%) initially inhibited by HN showed the ability to adapt to this medium after a period of laboratory handling. The initial inability of low-nutrient-adapted bacteria to grow on high-nutrient media may be due to nutrient shock. The results presented here indicate that the culturability of specific populations of marine bacteria can be dramatically improved by the use of low-nutrient media. Further, the importance of developing new medium formulations that eliminate traditional nutrients, some of which are clearly toxic to bacteria, is demonstrated.
Experimental Study on Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop of Recuperative Heat Exchangers Using Carbon Foam

This work focuses on the development of high-effectiveness recuperative heat exchangers using solid and corrugated carbon foam blocks. Characterization tests were conducted on heat transfer and pressure drop for a single carbon foam block with different sizes. Results show that carbon foam can be an effective medium for heat transfer enhancement, and a short length in the flow direction yields a high heat transfer coefficient. The corrugation can enhance heat transfer and reduce pressure drop at the same time. A recuperative heat exchanger with carbon foam, which consists of separate blocks of carbon foams packed between thin sheets of stainless steel, was designed. The hot and cold flow paths were arranged in counterflow in the recuperator. The heat exchanger was designed in a modular manner so that it can be scaled up for a larger heat transfer requirement or a higher overall effectiveness. The anisotropic property of carbon foam was exploited to achieve higher effectiveness for one pair of foam blocks. Experiments with,four pairs of carbon foams were conducted to evaluate the performance of carbon foam used in the recuperative heat exchanger. Measurements were made for both solid and corrugated foams for comparison. With four pairs of carbon foam blocks, an overall effectiveness e total greater than 80% was achieved. This paper demonstrates an approach to reach an effectiveness e total of 98% by placing many pairs of carbon foams in series.
Unlearning American Patriotism.

Immoral excesses of American foreign policy are so severe and so deep-rooted that American patriotism is now a moral burden. This love, which pulls toward amnesia, wishful thinking and inattention to urgent foreign interests, should be replaced by commitment to a global social movement that seeks to hem in the American empire. Teachers can advance this cause without abusing their positions. But to do so, they must violate distinctive social expectations at different levels of American education.
Bacterial meningitis as an etiology of perinatal cerebral infarction.

Abstract Despite significant improvement in mortality rate, survivors of neonatal bacterial meningitis experience a significant incidence of neurodevelopmental sequelae. Neuropathologic studies have demonstrated vasculitis, arachnoiditis, and ventriculitis with secondary edema and encephalomalacia. Areas of cerebral infarction, most commonly thought to be venous in origin, have been reported as well. We performed cranial computed tomographic scans on all eight neonates with bacterial meningitis admitted to our Newborn Special Care Unit within the past 36 months and demonstrated abnormalities in seven. Six of these infants were found to have large areas of infarction related primarily to major arterial vascular distributions. We suggest computed tomographic studies for all neonates with bacterial meningitis and subsequent scans at 4–6 months of age in those with abnormal neonatal scans in order to plan better for early intervention services.
A theory of plasticity for carbon nanotube reinforced composites

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess exceptional mechanical properties, and when introduced into a metal matrix, it could significantly improve the elastic stiffness and plastic strength of the nanocomposite. But current processing techniques often lead to an agglomerated state for the CNTs, and the pristine CNT surface may not be able to fully transfer the load at the interface. These two conditions could have a significant impact on its strengthening capability. In this article we develop a two-scale micromechanical model to analyze the effect of CNT agglomeration and interface condition on the plastic strength of CNT/metal composites. The large scale involves the CNT-free matrix and the clustered CNT/matrix inclusions, and the small scale addresses the property of these clustered inclusions, each containing the randomly oriented, transversely isotropic CNTs and the matrix. In this development the concept of secant moduli and a field fluctuation technique have been adopted. The outcome is an explicit set of formulae that allows one to calculate the overall stress–strain relations of the CNT nanocomposite. It is shown that CNTs are indeed a very effective strengthening agent, but CNT agglomeration and imperfect interface condition can seriously reduce the effective stiffness and elastoplastic strength. The developed theory has also been applied to examine the size (diameter) effect of CNTs on the elastic and elastoplastic response of the composites, and it was found that, with a perfect interface contact, decreasing the CNT radius would enhance the overall stiffness and plastic strength, but with an imperfect interface the size effect is reversed. A comparison of the theory with some experiments on the CNT/Cu nanocomposite serves to verify the applicability of the theory, and it also points to the urgent need of eliminating all CNT agglomeration and improving the interface condition if the full potential of CNT reinforcement is to be realized.
Revised simplex algorithm for finite Markov decision processes

We introduce a revised simplex algorithm for solving a typical type of dynamic programming equation arising from a class of finite Markov decision processes. The algorithm also applies to several types of optimal control problems with diffusion models after discretization. It is based on the regular simplex algorithm, the duality concept in linear programming, and certain special features of the dynamic programming equation itself. Convergence is established for the new algorithm. The algorithm has favorable potential applicability when the number of actions is very large or even infinite.
Stimulation of Glycolysis of KB Cell Cultures by 2,6-Diaminopurine.∗

Summary2,6-Diaminopurine (DAP) was shown to stimulate appreciably glucose utilization and lactic acid production of KB cell cultures. These effects, as well as cytotoxicity of DAP, were antagonized by adenine, adenosine, hypoxanthine, and inosine, but not by guanine and guanosine. DAP potentiated cytotoxicity of 2-deoxy-D-glucose and hadacidin as was observed previously for certain other compounds which stimulated glucose utilization and lactic acid production.
Enumeration and sizing of aquatic bacteria by use of a silicon-intensified target camera linked-image analysis system

Abstract Modern image analysis systems incoroporating video cameras and epifluorescence microscopy provide accurate cell counts and size measurements of natural populations of aquatic bacteria. This paper presents comparisons of counts and size measurements made manually and with an Image Technology Corporation Model 2000 image analysis system of bacteria from diverse aquatic environments of southwestern Florida, including the Alafia and Crystal Rivers, Tampa Bay, and the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. The modification of automated counting and sizing software and addition of a silicon-intensified target camera to the image-analysis system enabled collection of data statistically equivalent to manually derived data in all cases. Bacterial cells from 0.18 > 7.00 μm were measured at cell densities up to 1.14 × 107 cells·ml−1. Estimation of biomass based upon published values of g C·μm−3 and image analysis-derived cell abundances and volumes ranged between 2.79 × 10−8 g C·ml−1 for the oligotrophic Crystal River and 1.27 × 10−6g C·ml−1 for the eutrophic Alafia River.
Narrow‐band sound localization related to external ear acoustics

Human subjects localized brief 1/6‐oct bandpassed noise bursts that were centered at 6, 8, 10, and 12 kHz. All testing was done under binaural conditions. The horizontal component of subjects’ responses was accurate, comparable to that for broadband localization, but the vertical and front/back components exhibited systematic errors. Specifically, responses tended to cluster within restricted ranges that were specific for each center frequency. The directional transfer functions of the subjects’ external ears were measured for 360 horizontal and vertical locations. The spectra of the sounds that were present in the subjects’ ear canals, the ‘‘proximal stimulus’’ spectra, were computed by combining the spectra of the narrow‐band sound sources with the directional transfer functions for particular stimulus locations. Subjects consistently localized sounds to regions within which the associated directional transfer function correlated most closely with the proximal stimulus spectrum. A quantitative model was constructed that successfully predicted subjects’ responses based on interaural level difference and spectral cues. A test of the model, using techniques adapted from signal detection theory, indicated that subjects tend to use interaural level difference and spectral shape cues independently, limited only by a slight spatial correlation of the two cues. A testing procedure is described that provides a quantitative comparison of various predictive models of sound localization.
Evaluating and Improving TCP with Adaptive Transmission and Routing Protocols in Frequency-Hop Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Wireless ad hoc networks facilitate packet switched communication among untethered devices (nodes). The untethered devices are capable of forwarding packets, and are typically constrained in energy resources and transmit power. A set of adaptive protocols was previously proposed to achieve energy efficient and reliable communication in frequency-hop spread spectrum ad hoc networks. The protocols were shown to provide superb performance for a constant rate transport protocol in such a network. However, it is unclear how a transport protocol with reactive rate control, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), will perform with the adaptive protocols. Our research is to complete the picture by evaluating TCP with adaptive protocols, and propose enhancements to improve throughput. First, a series of simulation studies is done to assess TCP performance and the dominant factors. Results show that adaptive protocols remain energy efficient, but the TCP throughput is mostly degraded. Based on the findings and analysis, we propose using a histogram of successful transmissions in each power level to reduce failure-prone transmit power reductions, such that a power level with a lower success probability is less likely to be adopted in the next transmission. The results demonstrate that the histogram control can reduce packet failures caused by adoption of low transmit power. The throughput is thus improved without sacrificing much throughput efficiency.
Flow injection-renewable surface techniques

Minute amounts of polymer particles, such as those used in chromatography, are handled by a sequential injection system equipped with a jet ring cell, with the aim to form reactive and disposable surfaces. Advantages and application of this novel technique for chemical sensors and in instrumental analysis are discussed based on the background of experiments carried out on fluorescence-based immunoassay and reflectance-based solid state colorimetry.
Iron(II)-catalyzed intermolecular amino-oxygenation of olefins through the N-O bond cleavage of functionalized hydroxylamines.

An iron-catalyzed diastereoselective intermolecular olefin amino-oxygenation reaction is reported, which proceeds via an iron-nitrenoid generated by the N–O bond cleavage of a functionalized hydroxylamine. In this reaction, a bench-stable hydroxylamine derivative is used as the amination reagent and oxidant. This method tolerates a range of synthetically valuable substrates that have been all incompatible with existing amino-oxygenation methods. It can also provide amino alcohol derivatives with regio- and stereochemical arrays complementary to known amino-oxygenation methods.
Quality in Pediatric Emergency Medicine: A Learning Curve and a Curveball

Health care systems are increasingly incorporating quality improvement (QI) methods that were traditionally being used in the manufacturing industry to reduce errors, costs, and variation in care and to improve access, safety, and finally value (quality/cost) of medical care. Many pediatric emergency medicine providers who are directly responsible for improving quality at the institutional level are not formally trained in QI methodology. For QI methods to be relevant, one needs to present the application of these methods in the context of care that is provided on a day-to-day basis. This article attempts to provide a glossary of commonly used quality frameworks, terms, and tools (the “learning curve”) followed by a couple of examples of clinical issues that are being addressed by formal/informal QI techniques (the “curveball”).
A comprehensive series of Group 14 derivatives of the plenary mixed-metal polyoxometalate [PNbW11O40]4−

Abstract The Group 14 derivatized polyoxometalate series [LNbOEMe3]3− (L=α-{PW11O39}7−; E=Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) can be prepared from the n-Bu4N+ salt of the niobium substituted Keggin ion [LNbO]4− and Me3EOTf (OTf=O3SCF3) (53–76% yield). The t-butyl species [LNbOCMe3]3− was obtained by ligand exchange between [LNbOSiMe3]3− and excess t-butanol. Multinuclear NMR spectroscopic data of the series and a crystallographic study of [LNbOGeMe3]3− indicate that the {Me3E}+ group binds selectively to the terminal ONb oxygen atom. The carbon and silicon derivatives are susceptible to hydrolysis, however, the germanium, tin and lead species are hydrolytically stable. Facile cleavage of the NbO–E bond with acetate or halide (F, Cl, Br, I) restores [LNbO]4−.
The effectiveness of copper oxide wire particles as an anthelmintic in pregnant ewes and safety to offspring

The objective of the experiment was to determine the effectiveness of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) in pregnant ewes and safety to lambs. COWP have been used recently as an anthelmintic in small ruminants to overcome problems associated with nematode resistance to chemical dewormers. Doses of COWP (4 g) have been used in lambs without clinical signs of copper toxicity. Use in pregnant ewes has not been examined. Mature Katahdin ewes were administered 0 (n = 14), 2 (n = 15), or 4 (n = 15) g of COWP 33 1.6 days before lambing in late March 2004. Fecal egg counts (FEC) and blood packed cell volume (PCV) were determined between Days 0 (day of COWP administration) and 35. Lambs were weighed within 24 h after birth, at 30 and 60 days of age, and in mid-September (120 days of age). Blood was collected from lambs within 24 h after birth and at 30 days of age for determination of the activity of the liver enzyme, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in plasma. Within 7 days after COWP administration, FEC decreased by 1308 and 511 eggs/g (epg) in the 2 and 4 g groups, respectively, compared with an increase of 996 epg in the control group (P < 0.02). PCV was similar among groups between Days 0 and 35. Lamb plasma AST activity at birth increased with increasing dose of COWP in dams (P < 0.001). Plasma AST activity at 30 days of age was similar for lambs from ewes treated with 0 and 2 g COWP, but was slightly greater in lambs from ewes treated with 4 g COWP (P < 0.02). Birth weights decreased with increasing COWP (P < 0.003). By 30 (COWP birth type, P < 0.02) and 60 (COWP birth type, P < 0.02) days of age, weight of multiple-born lambs decreased with increasing COWP, while weight of single-born lambs was similar among treatments. In mid-September (120 days of age) weights of multiple-born lambs from ewes treated with 4 g COWP tended to be lightest compared with lambs from ewes treated with 0 or 2 g COWP or single-born lambs (P < 0.09). Lamb survival to 30, 60, or 120 days of age was not affected by COWP treatment to ewes. Administration of 4 g COWP to late pregnant ewes may negatively impact multiple-born offspring, but the 2 g appears to be safe for production. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Juror Reactions to DNA Evidence: Errors and Expectancies

In this paper we examine evidence for two potential descriptions of juror reactions to probabilistic DNA evidence. The error-based description posits that jurors commit systematic logical or mathematical errors when they are called upon to evaluate quantitative evidence. The expectancy-based description posits that jurors use their background knowledge and beliefs in evaluating results from scientific tests. Consistent with the error-based description, participants in our study incorrectly aggregated separately presented probabilities and afforded probabilistic evidence less weight than would be expected by applying Bayesian norms. Consistent with the expectancy-based description, participants' background beliefs about the possibility of laboratory errors and intentional tampering affected the weight participants afforded a DNA match report. We discuss potential implications of these findings for the legal system and suggest directions for future research.
I-seismograph: Observing and measuring Internet earthquakes

Disruptive events such as large-scale power outages, undersea cable cuts, or Internet worms could cause the Internet to deviate from its normal state of operation. This deviation from normalcy is what we refer to as the “impact” on the Internet, or an “Internet earthquake.” As the Internet is a large, complex moving target, to date there has been little successful research on how to observe and quantify the impact on the Internet, whether it is during specific event periods or in real time. In this paper, we devise an Internet seismograph, or I-seismograph, to provide a “Richter scale” for the Internet. Since routing is the most basic function of the Internet and the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the de facto standard inter-domain routing protocol, we focus on BGP. After defining what “impact” means with respect to BGP, we describe how I-seismograph measures the impact, exemplify its usage with several disruptive events, and further validate its accuracy and consistency. We show that we can evaluate the impact on BGP during an arbitrary period, including doing so in real time.
ESTIMATION OF TITER OF VENEZUELAN EQUINE ENCEPHALOMYELITIS VIRUS PREPARATIONS FROM A SINGLE-DILUTION ASSAY.

Riley, Jean M. (U.S. Army Biological Laboratories, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md.), William C. Patrick, III, and William E. Campbell, Jr. Estimation of titer of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus preparations from a single-dilution assay. J. Bacteriol. 85:1256–1260. 1963.—When suspensions of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus were injected intracerebrally into groups of mice, a nearly linear relationship was observed between the concentration of the virus injected and the mean reciprocal time-to-death of the mice. A total of 91 VEE preparations were assayed in duplicate, and, by plotting the relationship between the reciprocal time-to-death for mice given the 10−6 dilution of virus and the micld50 (mouse intracerebral challenge, ld50 response) values for the virus preparations, a reference curve was established. Using this reference curve, it was possible to estimate directly the ld50 values of virus suspensions of unknown concentration from the mean reciprocal time-to-death of a group of mice injected with a single dilution. In this work, the number of mice used was reduced by 62.5%, the titrations were complete in 3 to 5 days compared with the usual 10 to 14 days, three to four times as many assays could be done in a day, and no assays had to be repeated since end points were not missed. The precision of the single-dilution assay compared favorably with that of the ld50 titration.
Visualizing the origins of life: molecular animation for scientific research and education

How did life evolve on Earth, and what form did it take? Biochemists are attempting to address these questions using molecular clues found in our own cells. All life on the planet, from bacteria to humans, share a system of storing genetic information in the form of DNA and/or RNA molecules. Very early in Earth's history, the first living cell is likely to have evolved this system from simple chemical compounds found in the early terrestrial environment. This project seeks to use scientifically accurate molecular animations to illustrate the leading theories on how cellular life arose on the early Earth, and the experiments that are currently being done in biochemistry laboratories to test these theories. Molecular visualizations of the origins of life, created in close collaboration with researchers and science educators, will be used to communicate cutting-edge science research to the public and will also be used for presentations within the scientific community.
Aseptic meningitis with retinal ischemia due to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

The authors present the first case report of an aseptic meningitis associated with a uniquely documented retinal ischemia due to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.A 20-year-old woman suffered an aseptic meningitis with retinal ischemia OU, due to ingestion of Bactrim. This case highlights the potential for neuro-ophthalmic side effects of the preparation. Review of the literature and their experience suggest that prompt recognition of the syndrome and withdrawal of the drug is necessary to prevent serious neurologic complications and visual loss.
EFFECTS OF HIGH LABOUR TURNOVER IN A SERIAL ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT

This paper presents an examination of the effects of high labour turnover in a serial assembly environment. The effect of personnel turnover on the throughput of a serial assembly line is investigated along with the active rules at management's disposal to ameliorate this effect. The development and the results of the simulation models used to investigate the problem are presented. Results show that the impact of high turnover on throughput is significant and that some of the active rules introduced in this paper have a significant effect on its reduction.
The utility of focused abdominal ultrasound in blunt abdominal trauma: a reappraisal

Background: Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) has become commonplace in the management of blunt abdominal trauma. However, newer computed tomography (CT) scanners have decreased imaging time for trauma patients and provide more detailed examination of abdominal contents. It was the aim of the current study to evaluate practice patterns of FAST and abdominal CT in blunt trauma victims. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all blunt trauma patients (N 299) who received at least 1 FAST examination in the emergency department by surgeons and were admitted. Patients were tracked for subsequent CT scanning, disposition from the emergency department, any operative findings, and survival. Results: Twenty-one of 299 patients (7%) had a positive FAST. There were 7 deaths and 14 patients were taken directly to the operating room (OR) for control of abdominal bleeding. Thirty-one of 299 (10%) had equivocal FAST. There were 4 deaths and 8 patients were taken to the OR for control of abdominal bleeding. A total of 247 of the 299 patients had a negative FAST. CT scans were performed in 193: 15 showed a visceral injury. There were 13 deaths and 29 patients were taken to the OR (4 for bleeding). Patients with a positive FAST had a higher mortality than FAST-negative patients (P .001) and greater likelihood for operation (P .001). Those with equivocal FAST had a greater likelihood for operation than FAST-negative patients (P .05). Conclusions: FAST examinations can identify patients at risk for hemorrhage and in whom operation may be needed and, therefore, can guide mobilization of hospital resources. FAST-negative patients can be managed expectantly, using more specific imaging techniques. © 2007 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserved.
Real-Time In Situ Tracking of Gas-Phase Carbon-to-Silicon Ratio During Hot-Wall CVD Growth of SiC

The carbon-to-silicon ratio influences the background doping level of silicon carbide grown by hot-wall chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD). A quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to measure the process composition in the exhaust stream of a HWCVD reactor. The 26 amu mass-to-charge acetylene peak showed the strongest dynamic response to intentional changes in the precursor partial pressure at growth temperature. Methane peaks showed a similar but weaker dynamic response. The acetylene peaks have a direct linear correlation to variations in the propane and silane precursors, and thus can be tracked to give real-time in situ measurement of changes in the C/Si ratio.
Ion cyclotron wave growth calculated from satellite observations of the proton ring current during storm recovery

Using Explorer 45 observations of pitch angle distributions of ring current protons as a function of radial distance and energy during the recovery phase of a large geomagnetic storm, we have calculated wave, growth rates and the total wave energy gain of ion cyclotron waves propagating parallel to the geomagnetic field from high latitude toward the equator. We conclude that the observed proton fluxes and pitch angle anisotropies are sufficient to cause significant growth. In addition, we show that the observed patterns of proton pitch angle distributions as a function of energy, radial distance, and time (Williams and Lyons, 1974a, b) are a natural consequence of the spectrum of waves which can grow and propagate under the existing conditions of storm recovery.
Pseudotendon formation after flexor tendon injury

The biologic reconstitution of a divided flexor tendon by scar tissue forming a "pseudotendon" is described in three cases. With close inspection, one is able to differentiate a pseudotendon from a normal tendon intraoperatively by its relatively light gray color and the lack of a glistening surface. A pseudotendon lacks the tensile strength of a normal tendon and should be replaced by tendon grafting or transfer if function is to be restored.
Metabolic cost of generating horizontal forces during human running

Previous studies have suggested that generating vertical force on the ground to support body weight (BWt) is the major determinant of the metabolic cost of running. Because horizontal forces exerte...
Coupled physical modeling of power cables supplying non-linear loads using finite element method

This paper presents a physical model of power cables connected to nonlinear loads in naval shipboard power systems. Two models were developed, finite element (FE) and abc phase variable model. The terminal behavior of the cable was investigated by coupling the finite element cable's model and external eclectic circuit simulations. The approach uses time domain techniques and the finite element method. Such a model would allow an efficient representation of the cable under different operating conditions. The abc form of the cable's model is also built. The inductances are calculated by the energy/current (E/C) perturbation method. Simulations for both a full FE model and representative phase variable model were developed. The terminal behavior comparison of FE model and abc inductance model under nonlinear load condition is performed. The significance of this physical abc model is that it would enable fast dynamic simulations while preserving accuracy.
Fast recursive adaptation for nonlinear filters

A new recursive procedure is presented for developing fast algorithms for nonlinear adaptive filters. Fast recursive adaptation is achieved at a computational cost comparable to simple stochastic gradient algorithms. Successive linearization is shown to be an adequate approximation procedure for developing a general class of nonlinear adaptive filters. >
Traffic grooming in WDM SONET UPSR rings with multiple line speeds

We consider the traffic grooming problem in WDM/SONET UPSR rings with multiple line speeds. This is motivated by the fact that when traffic demands are non-uniform and are spread over a relatively wide range, a ring using multiple line speeds would lead to a lower cost, owing to the economy of scale seen in devices, in particular, electronic ADMs, running at higher speeds. We give a novel integer linear programming (ILP) formulation for the problem. We also propose two techniques to exploit the symmetric problem structure resulting from the equivalency in the line speed assignments and the color assignments for wavelengths. The techniques reduce computation time, thus, allow many problem instances to be solved exactly. For large size problems, we propose efficient heuristic algorithms that achieve a similar cost using a fraction of the computation time. We show that, by allowing WDM/SONET rings to run at different line speeds, we can greatly reduce the ADM cost. We also show that allowing nodes to switch traffic can help to reduce the cost further.
A non-Bayesian segmenting tracker for highly maneuvering targets

The segmenting track identifier (STI) is introduced as a new methodology for tracking highly maneuvering targets. This nonBayesian approach dynamically partitions a target track into a sequence of track segments, making hard estimates of when the target's maneuvering mode transitions occur, and then estimates the parameters of the target model for each segment. STI is compared with two variable structures interacting multiple model (VS-IMM) algorithms through simulations, where it is shown to have a three fold performance advantage in median absolute turn rate estimation errors, as well as better position estimation for very highly maneuvering targets. STI is also shown to outperform a Rauch-Tung-Striebel (RTS) fixed-interval smoother when estimates are retrospectively derived, and STI accurately characterize the temporal pattern of maneuvers.
National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Designation and 30-day Mortality for Hospitalized, Immunocompromised Cancer Patients

Purpose: To examine 30-day mortality and National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation for cancer patients who are immunocompromised and hospitalized. Method: Secondary analysis of 1998 and 1999 hospital claims, cancer registry, and vital statistics (n = 10,370) linked to survey and administrative data from 160 Pennsylvania hospitals. Logistic regression models estimated the effects of NCI designation on the likelihood of 30-day mortality. Results: NCIdesignated centers were associated with a 33% reduction in the likelihood of death, after adjusting for patient, hospital, and nursing characteristics. Conclusions: Immunocompromised cancer patients have lower mortality in NCI-designated hospitals. Identification and adoption of care processes from these institutions may improve mortality.
Complexities of Fall Prevention in Clinical Settings: A Commentary

Falls and associated injury and mortality are of increasing concern among aging Americans. Effective fall risk management is a complicated process requiring involvement by both health care professionals and older adults for three related actions: (a) early screening to detect risk factors; (b) prescription of tailored interventions; and (c) implementation of, adherence to, and compliance with the intervention by the older adult. Early detection of fall risk can prevent future falls; however, uptake of evidence-based screening and assessment protocols in the clinical setting has been limited. A variety of practice guidelines and financial incentives are available to health care professionals to facilitate adoption. Yet, there remains a gap between recommended practices and current clinical activities. This commentary addresses the complexities of fall prevention practices and offers solutions that can facilitate adoption by clinical practices. Toward this end, this commentary will present two models (i.e., a clinical approach and a financial incentive approach) to summarize current clinical recommendations and practice guidelines for fall risk management in clinical settings. The various drivers to encourage adoption of evidence-based fall risk management strategies will be described. In this context, we will discuss how understanding the different system wide practice improvement initiatives and factors that drive action in physician groups, can facilitate adoption and implementation of fall risk management behaviors by clinicians. Additional efforts are needed to explore and assess similar initiatives to adopt and implement fall risk management practices at different entry points into the system (e.g., community settings, patients, caregivers).
Concept of Tuning and Constructing Mass-Customized Generative Surfaces

Advances in the digital arena have provided additional tools for the exploration of architectural designs and testing of architectural ideas. New tools based on parametric modeling allow architects and engineers to investigate designs of generative forms and surfaces of previously unseen complexity. The latest developments in rapid prototyping and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) techniques offer new means of studying the tectonics and spatial qualities of structures with complex geometry, yet these "free-form" geometries, if they are ever to be realized, must respect the constraints of structural and constructional realities. This paper presents a user-friendly approach to the adjustment of digitally generated forms at the conceptual stage of architectural design. Adjustment is performed with the aim of improving structural performance, constructional efficiency, and feasibility of fabrication without radically changing the architectural intent. Structural performance is enhanced by fine-tuning the geome...
What Is Patient-Centered Care Really? Voices of Hispanic Prenatal Patients

Variations in patient-centered care (PCC) models and approaches contribute to ambiguity in how PCC is understood and defined, especially with regard to meeting the needs of diverse patient populations. One of the biggest challenges of putting PCC into practice is knowing what elements are the most important to patients. This qualitative study privileges patients’ voices and adds a cultural dimension to existing health communication research on PCC through an empirical investigation of 48 Hispanic prenatal care patients’ understandings and expectations of PCC. Semistructured interviews with 48 patients revealed five key themes in order of frequency: (a) una relacion amable (a friendly relationship), (b) la atencion medica efectiva (effective medical care), (c) Espanol hablado (the Spanish language spoken), (d) comprension de la informacion (understanding of information), and (e) eliminacion del racismo (elimination of racism). The themes reflected several different assumptions and expectations with regard ...
Characterizing the Hematologic and Plasma Chemistry Profiles of Captive Crested Geckos (Rhacodactylus ciliatus)

Abstract Blood samples were collected from 18 female and 20 male adult crested geckos from 1 captive population in Massachusetts, USA. The geckos were given a thorough examination, and a blood sample was collected for a complete blood count (CBC) and plasma biochemistry analysis. Whole blood was stored in lithium heparin for analysis. The median weight of the geckos was 43.4 g (10–90%: 38.0–55.3; min–max: 32.0–69.0). The range of the packed cell volume (PCV) for the geckos was 23.0–45.0%. The lymphocyte was the most common leukocyte found on the CBC. The following parameters were found to be significantly different by sex: calcium (P = 0.0001), phosphorus (P = 0.0001), total protein (P = 0.03), albumin (P = 0.03), and PCV (P = 0.001). Overall, the geckos in this study were clinically healthy, and the ranges established from this population may be used as a basis for comparison in clinical cases.
Global stability for monotone tridiagonal systems with negative feedback

This paper studies monotone tridiagonal systems with negative feedback. These systems possess the Poincare-Bendixson property, which implies that, if orbits are bounded, if there is a unique steady state and this unique equilibrium is asymptotically stable, and if one can rule out periodic orbits, then the steady state is globally asymptotically stable. Different approaches are discussed to rule out period orbits. One is based on direct linearization, while the other uses the theory of second additive compound matrices. Among the examples that will illustrate our main theoretical results is the classical Goldbeter model of the circadian rhythm.
The processing, properties, and prospects of Tl-1223

This overview briefly describes the process technology adaptable to TlBa2Ca2Cu3O9 superconductor fabrication. A pivotal feature is the high volatility of thallium oxide, which basically separates the field into open and closed approaches. The latter includes the powder-in-tube, which yields no granular alignment and weak-linked transport characteristics. In contrast, open-system processing yields a unique microstructure that results in high critical current and good performance in magnetic fields.
Risk Assessment and Neurotoxicology

Risk assessment refers to the use of toxicological data to define the relationship between the exposure to an agent and an adverse health outcome. This unit describes the factors involved in the study and evaluation of neurotoxicants to assess the risks associated with exposure.
CEREBELLUM-DEPENDENT LEARNING: The Role of Multiple Plasticity Mechanisms

The cerebellum is an evolutionarily conserved structure critical for motor learning in vertebrates. The model that has influenced much of the work in the field for the past 30 years suggests that motor learning is mediated by a single plasticity mechanism in the cerebellum: long-term depression (LTD) of parallel fiber synapses onto Purkinje cells. However, recent studies of simple behaviors such as the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) indicate that multiple plasticity mechanisms contribute to cerebellum-dependent learning. Multiple plasticity mechanisms may provide the flexibility required to store memories over different timescales, regulate the dynamics of movement, and allow bidirectional changes in movement amplitude. These plasticity mechanisms must act in combination with appropriate information-coding strategies to equip motor-learning systems with the ability to express learning in correct contexts. Studies of the patterns of generalization of motor learning in the VOR provide insight about the coding of information in neurons at sites of plasticity. These principles emerging from studies of the VOR are consistent with results concerning more complex behaviors and thus may reflect general principles of cerebellar function.
On energy efficiency of relay transmissions

Relay links are expected to play a critical role in the design of wireless networks. In this paper, we investigate the energy efficiency of relay communications under two different scenarios: when the relay has unlimited and when it has limited power supply. Relative merits of these relay schemes in comparison with direct transmissions are discussed.
Activity-Based Costing System Required For Successful Customer Relationship Management

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of Activity-Based Costing to successful Customer Relationship Management. The value a customer adds to a company through customer loyalty, using Customer Profitability Analysis.
Influence of tyrosine and phenylalanine limitation on cytotoxicity of chimeric TGF‐α toxins on B16Bl6 murine melanoma in vitro

Abstract Previous research in animals supports the use of tyrosine and phenylalanine (Tyr‐Phe) restriction as an adjuvant to the treatment of cancer. In this regard, dietary restriction of Tyr‐Phe specifically inhibits the growth of B16BL6 melanoma tumors, dramatically suppresses spontaneous hematogenous metastasis, and modulates the sensitivity of these tumor cells to growth factors. Two chimeric toxins, HB‐TGFα‐PE4EKDEL and TGFα‐PE4EKDEL, were examined for their toxicity against the B16BL6 melanoma cell line, and the ability of Tyr‐Phe limitation to modulate the potential of these toxins was examined. Tyr‐Phe limitation significantly enhanced the cytotoxic effects of HB‐TGFα‐PE4EKDEL approximately 10‐fold toward B16BL6 melanoma, and free heparin diminished the cytotoxicity of HB‐TGFα‐PE4EKDEL Although TGFa‐PE4EKDEL is cytotoxic to this cell line, Tyr‐Phe limitation did not affect the cytotoxicity of this toxin. Tyr‐Phe limitation inhibited the synthesis and secretion of heparin‐binding proteins but did ...
Structuring Assumptions in Decision Making

This note describes how one would structure assumptions using influence diagrams and decision trees. It discusses modeling under certainty and under uncertainty. Contrast and comparison between influence diagram and decision trees are provided.
Comparative Uptake of Sulfobromophthalein by Isolated Kupffer and Parenchymal Cells

SummaryThe relative role of specific liver cells in the uptake of sulfobromophthalein (BSP) was ascertained by utilizing enzymatically isolated rat hepatic Kupffer and parenchymal cells. Kupffer cells demonstrated the ability neither to remove BSP from the incubation medium nor to form a BSP-glutathione conjugate. In contrast, parenchymal cells removed BSP from the medium and formed a BSP-glutathione conjugate. The rate and maximum uptake of BSP by the parenchymal cells were inversely related to the concentration of serum or albumin in the incubation medium. In an effort to evaluate the influence of ethanol on BSP uptake, parenchymal cells were incubated in the presence of varying concentrations of ethanol. No alteration in BSP uptake was induced by the prior addition of ethanol to the incubation medium. The uptake and conjugation of BSP are exclusive functional expressions of the hepatic parenchymal cell population.
Overwintering of Filth Fly Parasites (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) in Open Silage in Eastern Nebraska

Laboratory populations of three age classes of immature Muscidifurax zaraptor Kogan & Legner, a parasite of pupal house flies and stable flies, were placed at three depths (0–3, 6–9, and 12–15 cm) in open silage during October in Nebraska. Parasites overwintered successfully only at the 0- to 3-cm depth. Similar observations were recorded for a natural population of M. zaraptor. Survival was higher for second/third instars and early pupae. Spalangia cameroni Perkins and Urolepis rufipes Ashmead placed 0–3 cm deep in silage in November in the second/third-instar age class survived the winter at subfreezing temperatures. Failure of parasites to survive at greater depths was probably a result of high temperatures and anaerobic conditions. For each species, the proper combination of depth of habitat, stage of development, and temperature were necessary to assure successful overwintering in open silage in Nebraska.
Acquired acrodermatitis enteropathica as a presenting sign of celiac disease.

Cutaneous manifestations can occur in association with various gastrointestinal diseases.1 When dermatitides present in the setting of unintentional weight loss before a gastrointestinal disease is diagnosed, early recognition can aid in the diagnosis of nutritional deficiency secondary to malabsorption.2 A case of acquired acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE) is reported in the setting of zinc deficiency as a presenting sign of celiac disease (CD).
Image interpolation algorithm based on spline function

In this paper a new image interpolation algorithm based on bicubic spline is proposed.We interpolate image by using bicubic spline function,then detect the interpolated image's edge with Robort algorithm.Finally,we get the last interpolated image by adding the edge image and interpolated image based on spline function.We resolve the smoothing results of spline function and hold the edge property.The numerical experiments show that the results of the interpolated image are better and the edge properties are held.
Numerical analysis of heat transfer intensity from twin slot vertical jet impingement on strip surface after hot rolling

The flow field and heat transfer of the strip surface due to the twin slot vertical jet impingement were investigated using the ANSYS FLUENT. The RNG k-ɛ model was carried out in the turbulent calculation. Systematic parametric research was conducted by varying the jet velocity of nozzle exit (V=5 m/s, 7.5 m/s, 10 m/s), the temperature of cooling water (Tw=280 K, 300 K), the normalized spacing from the nozzle to the strip surface (H=10, 15, 20, 33), and the normalized spacing from the nozzle to nozzle centerline (W=0, 15, 30). The velocity streamline of the flow domain and the general trend of the distribution of the local Nusselt number on the impingement surface of strip were obtained. The result indicate that, the average Nusselt number increases by about 70% (90%) as the jet velocity is increased from 5 m/s to 7.5 m/s (from 7.5 m/s to 10 m/s), and Tw, H and W have minimal effect on it. While the valley Nusselt number decreases by about 10%–43% with the increase of H and W. The functional relationship between the average Nusselt number and the systematic parameters is derived by the least square regression method.
The Politics of Informal Workers: Everyday Politics and Contentious Collective Action in Turkey and Argentina

One of the corollaries of neoliberal globalization is an expanding population of informal workers in the globalizing metropolises of the South. The informal workers have frequently been studied as objects of social policy and political economy but their political practices in the forms of community activism, clientelism, and contentious collective action have most often been overlooked. This paper aims to interrogate the dynamics of interaction and transition between different types of political action that the urban poor carry out within the context of 2001 economic crises in Turkey and Argentina. It asks why and how did the Argentine informal and unemployed workers become the agents of contentious collective action by building the Movement of the Unemployed Workers, whereas in Turkey the much feared urban poor stayed mostly acquiescent. Through a comparative-historical study of the changing configurations of community networks and political subjectivities in the informal settlements of Buenos Aires and Istanbul over two decades, the paper suggests that the answer resides in the degree of cohesion constituted by the layered interplay between state's urban restructuring policies, the patterns of squatter contention and the level of settlement commercialization; which in return determines the capacity of informal workers for mobilization.