cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE ENIGMA OF FOOD CHAIN LENGTH: ABSENCE OF THEORETICAL EVIDENCE FOR DYNAMIC CONSTRAINTS

The question of what, if anything, limits the length of food chains has been problematic ever since Elton originally asked it decades ago. Here, we reexamine the major evidence for one of the chief hypotheses: dynamical constraints. Reportedly, food chain stability decreases as chain length increases. However, the separate roles of self-damping (where a species shows density dependence independent of the densities of other species in the food chain model) and chain length have not been adequately determined. We examined food webs of varying chain length while controlling for self-damping. In contrast to the prevailing hypothesis, we find a weak but significant increase in stability in longer chains when we hold constant the number of species and the number of self-damping terms. Thus, the conclusion that longer food chains are more dynamically fragile, thereby setting an upper limit to food chain length, has at best very limited theoretical support. Our results indicate that community stability should ten...
Preference-Based Surrogate Modeling in Engineering Design

Traditional techniques for validating and updating engineering models attempt to comprehensively improve model fidelity over the entire design space. Alternatively, this paper presents a preference-based strategic procedure for model building in simulation-based design optimization. It is based on the hypothesis that model validation over the entire design space will be time-consuming and may not be necessary, and a preferred approach is to validate them at potential optimal locations. On this basis, this paper introduces an integrated procedure that incorporates the statistics-based Kriging modeling method with an innovative preference-based approach to recursively build, validate, and update predictive surrogate models in the context of engineering design decisions. A distinguishing feature of this approach lies in its strategic investigation of model fidelity from the perspective of its relevance, usefulness, and completeness, thus maximizing its ability to find the most accurate results during design optimization while minimizing the computational cost involved in such model building. Two case studies, including a 21-bar truss design problem, are used as test-bed applications to illustrate the applicability of the preference-based modeling procedure, and the results are discussed from the perspectives of the efficiency of the overall design process and the accuracy of the resulting optimal design outcomes.
The images of computing: engaging undergraduates in the broad issues of computer science

In this paper we describe a new "research and action" based course designed to give undergraduate students the opportunity to think beyond the classroom, to reach out and examine some of the broader issues surrounding computing. "Understanding and Broadening the Images of Computing" researches the images, the realities and the (mis)perceptions of computing that influence public understanding and participation in the field. Along with research students are encouraged to see themselves as future professionals who can be actively involved in re-shaping and re-presenting the field. To this purpose, students build an action component working in teams to develop and implement a public presentation aimed at broadening understanding of computing.
Analyzing genre of organizational communication in clinical information systems

Proposes using the analytic concept of genre of organizational communication to study the organizational consequences of implementing clinical information systems and shifting from paper‐based to electronic patient records in clinical practices. By focusing research attention on interpersonal communication and social interaction issues not addressed in medical informatics research, this approach contributes to the understanding of organizational and institutional issues that implementing such systems may entail. The paper develops an example drawn from an in‐depth case study of a computerized order entry system to illustrate the insights this approach may provide.
Improved Fokker–Planck model for the joint scalar, scalar gradient PDF

The joint scalar, scalar gradient probability density function (PDF) of an inert nonpremixed scalar diffusing in a one‐dimensional system of random‐sized lamellas is investigated by numerical simulation. The form of the scalar PDF, at a given RMS value, is nearly identical to that predicted by direct numerical simulation (DNS) of scalar mixing in isotropic turbulence and the mapping closure, and the moments of both the scalar and the scalar gradient suggest that their limiting marginal PDF are Gaussian. The joint scalar, scalar gradient PDF is found to be restricted to a bounded region in the scalar–scalar gradient plane, whose form is independent of the initial mixing ratio. These results are incorporated into the Fokker–Planck (FP) model for the joint scalar, scalar gradient PDF, and the improved model shows good agreement with numerical simulation data. An extension of the FP model that includes random stretching of the scalar gradient in isotropic turbulence is formulated.
Measurements of average heat transfer coefficients for a mesh simulating porous parachute cloth

Abstract Experimental heat transfer studies have been performed on three screens simulating a porous parachute. The average Nusselt number was measured as a function of the sonic Reynolds number. The range of the sonic Reynolds number extended from 5 to about 1400. Three different porosities and two different pressure ratios were used. The relation N u ∗ (Re∗) 1 2 L+D L = 0·5 appears to be an acceptable representation of the average Nusselt number on the screen for sonic Reynolds number above 400. Below this sonic Reynolds number rarefaction effects influence the average Nusselt number. No effect of the porosity could be detected; while the influence of the ratio of the upstream pressure to the downstream static pressure was small for the two values tested.
Integrative Body-mind-spirit Social Work: An empirically based approach to assessment and treatment

Lee, M.Y., Ng, S., Leung, P.P.Y, & Chan C.L.W, New York, NY, Oxford University Press, 2009, 370 pp., $39.95. Integrative Body-mind-spirit Social Work is a book with a focus on the integration of sp...
The ultrasonic scan in the management of amebic hepatic abscess.

Within recent years, rectilinear scanning and the use of the scintillation camera have facilitated the diagnosis of amebic hepatic abscess. In 7 cases studied by the scintillation camera, the ultrasonic scan revealed essentially the same information, and in addition, made it possible to recognize the fluid-containing nature of the cavity in 5 of 7 cases. The ultrasonic scan was performed without the use of ionizing radiation and thus could be used at frequent intervals to follow the course of resolution.
Characterization of the exchange reactions of rat liver 6-phosphofructo 2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase.

The Fru-6-P/Fru-2,6-P2 exchange reaction of rat liver 6-phosphofructo 2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase was almost entirely dependent on the presence of Pi. This exchange was not due to a reversal of the bisphosphatase nor to trace amounts of adenine nucleotide in the enzyme. Exchange activity was maximal at pH 7, activated by ADP, and equal to 10–15 percent of the kinase Vmax. The ADPATP exchange reaction was more resistant to various protein modifying agents than the kinase. These studies confirm the existence of both exchange reactions but do not prove they are related to the kinase reaction.
A three-stage micropropagation system for a novel color morph of the wildflower, Porteranthus trifoliatus (L.) Britt

A three-stage micropropagation system was devised for Porteranthus trifoliatus ‘Pink Profusion’, a cultivar distinguished from the wild type by its pink flowers, purple stems and darker reddish leaves. Nodes of young shoots were used as explants, disinfested, and placed on several different Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) media formulations containing two levels of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and four levels of benzylaminopurine (BAP) in a factorial combination. An optimal number of commercially-usable shoots was achieved with BAP concentrations between 10 μM and 30 μM, while the addition of IBA made no significant difference in the number of shoots produced. Proliferated shoots could be rooted ex vitro without auxin treatment.
Fano resonance membrane reflector surface-emitters and filters on silicon

We report here recent progresses made in the area of Fano resonance based single layer air hole photonic crystal membrane structures for surface-normal photonic devices. Ultra-compact membrane reflector surface emitters have been demonstrated on silicon substrate, with optical and electrical pumping. High Q Fano resonance optical filters were also realized with single and multi-layer stacking of crystalline nanomembranes. These structures can further be integrated for 3D multi-functional integrated photonic systems.
The role of enzymes in food flavors part I: Dairy products

The role of enzymes in the development of dairy flavors is critically reviewed. The chemistry and mechanisms of flavor development are discussed in detail. An attempt has been made to provide an objective approach to both desirable and undesirable flavor problems associated with the action of milk and microbial enzymes on various milk constituents.
Networked sensor communications for the objective force

The US Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) and Objective Force will rely heavily on the use of unattended sensor networks to detect, locate and identify enemy targets in order to survive with less armor protection on the future battlefield. Successful implementation of these critical communication networks will require the collection of the sensor data, processing and collating it with available intelligence, then transporting it in a format conducive to make quick and accurate command decisions based on the latest tactical situational awareness. The networked communications must support both static deployed and mobile ground and air robotic sensors with secure, stealthy, and jam resistant links for sensor fusion and command and control. It is envisioned for broadest application that sensor networks can be deployed in a two-tiered architecture. The architecture includes a lower sensor sub-layer consisting of mixes of acoustic, magnetic and seismic detectors and an upper sub-layer consisting of infrared or visual imagers. The upper sub-layer can be cued by the lower sub-layer and provides a gateway link to the higher echelon tactical maneuver layer networks such as the Tactical Internet. The sensor deployments, networking constraints and reach back distances to Command and Control (C2) nodes will be mission scenario specific, however, the architecture will also apply to tactical unattended sensor, munition and robotic applications. Technologies from the Army Research Laboratory, Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and commercial will be leveraged for this effort.
EEG asymmetry and sleep mentation during REM and NREM

The hypothesis that dreaming is mediated by the right hemisphere was evaluated by monitoring EEG power asymmetry during REM and NREM sleep, and obtaining mentation reports when short-term temporal shifts in the EEG indicated relative left- or right-hemispheric dominance. Content analyses provided no support for the right-hemisphere hypothesis; indeed, some scales showed higher content during relative left-hemispheric dominance. In contrast to earlier reports, no difference between REM and NREM in EEG asymmetry was observed.
4'-O-[2-(2-fluoromalonyl)]-L-tyrosine : a phosphotyrosyl mimic for the preparation of signal transduction inhibitory peptides

Development of phosphotyrosyl (pTyr) mimetics which are stable to protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), yet can retain biological potency when incorporated into peptides, is an active area of drug development. Since a majority of pTyr mimetics derive their "phosphofunctionality" from phosphorus-containing moieties, such as phosphonates, evolution of new inhibitors and modes of prodrug derivatization have been restricted to chemistries appropriate for phosphorus-containing moieties. A new, nonphosphorus-containing pTyr mimetic has recently been reported, L-O-(2-malonyl)tyrosine (OMT,5), which can be incorporated into peptides that exhibit good PTP and Src homology 2 (SH2) domain inhibitory potency. For phosphonate-based pTyr mimetics such as phosphonomethyl phenylalanine (Pmp,2) introduction of fluorines alpha to the phosphorus has provided higher affinity pTyr mimetics. This strategy has now been applied to OMT, and herein is reported 4'-O-[2-(2-fluoromalonyl)]-L-tyrosine (FOMT,6) a new fluorine-containing nonphosphorus pTyr mimetic. Incorporation of FOMT into appropriate peptides results in good inhibition of both PTP and SH2 domains. In an assay measuring the inhibition of PTP 1B-mediated dephosphorylation of phosphorylated insulin receptor, the peptide Ac-D-A-D-E-X-L-amide exhibited a 10-fold enhancement in inhibitory potency for X = FOMT (19) (IC(50) = 10 microM) relative to the unfluorinated peptide, X = OMT (18) (IC(50) = 10 microM. Molecular modeling indicated that this increased affinity may be attributable to new hydrogen-bonding interactions between the fluorine and the enzyme catalytic site, and not due to lowering of pKa values. In a competition binding assay using the p85 PI 3-kinase C-terminal SH2 domain GST fusion construct, the inhibitory peptide, Ac-D-X-V-P-M-L-amide, showed no enhancement of inhibitory potency for X = FOMT (22) (IC(50) = 18 microM) relative to the unfluorinated peptide, X = OMT (21) (IC(50) = 14 microM). The use of FOMT would therefore appear to have particular potential for the development of PTP inhibitors.
Infrared spectroscopic study of the thermal decomposition of dolomite in vacuum

Abstract The thermal decomposition in vacuum of three different dolomite specimens was monitored by recording infrared spectra of the samples at various stages of decomposition. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the dolomite decomposition in vacuum could occur near 500°C. The complex spectra, which showed the bands due to the internal modes of the carbonate ion as well as combinations of the internal modes with lattice vibrations, indicated that at 500–600°C the dolomites decomposed in one step to form oxides; near 700°C, an oxide mixture containing a small amount of calcite was formed. Spectra were also recorded after calcined specimens had been exposed to water at 25°C. The results suggest that if a sample was decomposed in vacuum at relatively low temperature, the initial product of the decomposition was a mixed (Ca, Mg)O which would then break up to form CaO and MgO microcrystals.
Can social influence drive energy savings? Detecting the impact of social influence on the energy consumption behavior of networked users exposed to normative eco-feedback

Abstract Eco-feedback systems provide a significant opportunity to reduce energy consumption. Previous studies have demonstrated a link between providing users with socially contextualized feedback on their energy consumption and reductions in energy use. Yet, the question—can social influence drive energy savings—remains unanswered. In this paper, we develop an algorithmic approach based on stochastic and social network test procedures to assess whether social influence impacts energy consumption behavior and apply the approach to an empirical data set of users exposed to unit-level socially contextualized feedback. We conducted a 47-day empirical experiment in a New York City midrise residential building occupied by students to capture energy consumption and user interaction data for participants in self-identified social networks. Social influence effects on peer network energy consumption were successfully characterized and isolated using adapted social network tests. These results indicate that future research should focus on how social influence and social networks can be leveraged to maximize savings in energy conservation programs.
AUTOMATED TRAINING AND RECORDING OF A LIGHT-TRACKING RESPONSE IN FISH.

was vacuum-formed from one piece of clear tenite (Lus-Trus Corporation, Ypsilanti, Michigan). The trough is 5 cm wide, 10 cm deep, and filled with water to a depth of 5 cm. The trough is rotated 2 rpm on a turntable in a darkened chamber. The alternative of rotating the stimulus light, photoconductors, and electrodes around the stationary trough seemed less convenient. The stimulus light is a divergent, horizontal beam given by a photo-
The effects of social support and education on health care costs after three years.

Objective. To determine whether experimentally developed social support, education about appropriate use of the health care system, and their combination are effective in reducing health care costs for people with osteoarthritis at a 3-year followup assessment. Method. Three hundred sixty-three health maintenance organization members with osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 intervention groups or to a control group. Two hundred fifty-six participants completed the 3-year assessment. Health status and health care use were assessed upon entering the study, and after 1, 2, and 3 years. Results. Health care costs in the combined experimental groups were lower than those in the control group by $1,279/participant/year in year 3. There were no significant changes in health status between participants' entry into the study and the year 3 assessment. The 3 interventions had nearly equal effects on health status and health care costs. Implementation costs were least for the social support intervention, but the group that combined education and social support had less attrition and greater persistence. Conclusion. Interventions that target appropriate use of the health care system can be highly costeffective without adversely affecting health status.
Design of a Fiber-Optic Sensing Mosquito Trap

Mosquito traps offer researchers and health officials a reasonable estimate of mosquito abundances to assess the spatial and temporal occurrences of mosquito-transmitted pathogens. Existing traps, however, have issued efficient design to detect mosquito and energy consumption of the device. We designed a novel mosquito collection device that sensitively detects the presence of a mosquito via a fiber-optic sensor. In this prototype, a pushing capture mechanism selectively powers and efficiently captures live mosquitoes without destroying identifying morphological features of the specimens. Because the trap sensor selectively powers the capture mechanism, it allows for greatly reduced power consumption when compared with existing continuously operated devices. With appropriate programming, the fans ON and OFF based on the triggering of a fiber-optic sensor detected and counted each mosquito that entered the trap. This trapping platform can be used with a variety of power sources including renewable sources (e.g., solar, wind, or hydroelectric power) in remote settings. The experimental results show a high success ratio 93%-100% for detection of live mosquitoes.
Should I think carefully or sleep on it?: Investigating the moderating role of attribute learning

Abstract An emerging debate in the judgment and decision making literature has focused on whether unconscious thought can improve complex decision making beyond conscious thought. However, a previously overlooked factor in this debate is the role of attribute learning prior to deliberation. The effect of information specificity in prior learning is examined here. When attribute information is less specific (i.e. presented in valence), unconscious thought improves decision making beyond conscious thought. However, when attribute information is more specific (i.e. presented in absolute values), conscious thought with attribute information improves choice similarly to unconscious thought. These findings help bridge previous inconsistencies by suggesting that initial attribute learning exerts an important influence on the effectiveness of conscious and unconscious thought in complex decision making.
Bis(cyclopentadienylthallium)methane: A versatile intermediate for the synthesis of dinuclear cyclopentadienylmetal carbonyl complexes

Abstract Bis(cyclopentadienylthallium)methane has been prepared from dicyclopentadienyl-methane and was shown to be a versatile starting material for the synthesis of a series of new dinuclear carbonylmetal complexes. Reactions of CH 2 (Cp-Tl) 2 with carbonylhalometal complexes yielded CH 2 [CpMn(CO) 3 ] 2 , CH 2 [CpFe(CO)Br] 2 , CH 2 [CpRu(CO) 2 Cl] 2 , CH 2 [CpRu(CO) 2 ] 2 , CH 2 [CpRh(CO) 2 ] 2 , CH 2 [CpRh(CO)] 2 -μ-CO, and CH 2 [CpIr(CO) 2 ] 2 . Reduction of the iron and ruthenium halide derivatives was found to give the metalmetal bonded complexes, or the corresponding dianions depending on the time of reaction and the stoichiometry. The reaction of these dianions with methyl iodide to give the methyl derivatives is described. The facile decarbonylation of CH 2 [CpRh(CO) 2 ] 2 and carbonylation of CH 2 [CpRh(CO)] 2 -μ-CO appears to be a consequence of the proximity of the two metal atoms. In contrast, CH 2 [CpIr(CO) 2 ] 2 does not appear to form an analogous bridging compound under the reaction conditions. Complete spectral and physical data for the compounds are presented.
Comorbidity of Reading and Mathematics Disabilities: Genetic and Environmental Etiologies

Although children with learning disabilities frequently manifest comorbid reading and mathematics deficits, the cause of this comorbidity is unknown. To assess the extent to which comorbidity between reading and mathematics deficits is due to genetic and environmental influences, we conducted a twin study of reading and mathematics performance. Data from 148 identical and 111 fraternal twin pairs in which at least one member of the pair had a reading disability were subjected to a cross-concordance analysis and also fitted to a bivariate extension of the basic multiple regression model for the analysis of selected twin data. Results of these analyses suggest that genetic and shared-environmental influences both contribute to the observed covariance between reading and mathematics deficits.
Superconductivity in dilute alloys of TaS/sub 2/ with Fe

Single crystals of iron-doped Ta${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ grown from sintered powders of composition ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{0.05}$-Ta${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ show a rise in critical temperature to above 3 K and an enhanced anisotropy of ${H}_{c2}$ which is comparable to that observed in $2H$-Ta${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$${(\mathrm{pyridine})}_{\mathrm{\textonehalf{}}}$. Single crystals grown from ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{0.05}$${\mathrm{T}}_{0.95}$${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ powders are stabilized in the $1T$ phase and are semiconducting at all temperatures below room temperature with no resistive anomaly at 200 K.
Evolutionary dissociation of allotypes and other antigenic determinants of immunoglobulins in non-human primates.

Abstract A comparative study of IgG3 molecules indicates that the IgG3 class of immunoglobulins is highly heterogeneous among different species in the Hominoidea. Gibbons either lack the IgG3 antigen, or have a drastically altered form which cannot be detected with the antisera employed. Thus, the factors Gm(s), (b0) and (c5), widely distributed in the Hominoidea and on IgG3 molecules in the case of man, are either associated with only some of the IgG3 antigens or have evolved independently of the IgG3 antigens. The heavy chains of Gm (a+,z+) IgGs of men and apes are compared with those of Gm (a−,z−) IgG of rhesus monkeys and with the Gm (a−,z+) IgG of baboons by peptide mapping. The Gm (a) peptide, which was present in the Gm(a+,z+) IgG molecules, was absent in the Gm (a−,z+) molecules. This demonstrates that the ‘a’ peptide is related to the Gm (a) antigen where it occurs in higher primates, and unrelated to the Gm (z) antigen.
Bayesian structural equation modeling method for hierarchical model validation

A building block approach to model validation may proceed through various levels, such as material to component to subsystem to system, comparing model predictions with experimental observations at each level. Usually, experimental data becomes scarce as one proceeds from lower to higher levels. This paper presents a structural equation modeling approach to make use of the lower-level data for higher-level model validation under uncertainty, integrating several components: lower-level data, higher-level data, computational model, and latent variables. The method proposed in this paper uses latent variables to model two sets of relationships, namely, the computational model to system-level data, and lower-level data to system-level data. A Bayesian network with Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation is applied to represent the two relationships and to estimate the influencing factors between them. Bayesian hypothesis testing is employed to quantify the confidence in the predictive model at the system level, and the role of lower-level data in the model validation assessment at the system level. The proposed methodology is implemented for hierarchical assessment of three validation problems, using discrete observations and time-series data.
Shaped Charge Jet Characterization and Initiation Test Configuration for IM Threat Testing

Abstract Rocket propelled grenade (RPG) shaped charge attack threats are of particular concern for Insensitive Munitions (IM) development. In response to these threats, the U.S. Project Engineering Office for Ammunition (PEO Ammo) have worked with the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) Energetics and Warheads Division (EWD) to develop a highly reproducible and well characterized standardized 81 mm shaped charge jet initiation test configuration. This 81 mm shaped charge and jet attack configuration is used to determine whether an acceptable explosion or lower level response is observed. The test is completed as per STANAG 4526. The 81 mm shaped charge is comprised of a high precision forged and machined liner made from C101 Oxygen Free Copper (OFE, UNS C10100) and a bare billet LX-14 pressed billet configuration that is machined to final dimensions. This warhead choice overcomes the issue of testing variability observed if actual production RPGs are used for Insensitive Munitions (IM) threat testing. The test configuration includes an aluminum buffer plate that is used to condition the jet for desired jet characteristics, as well as a representation for RPG probe position. Modeling and simulation was used to develop the shaped charge and test configuration. The resulting configuration has been experimentally characterized using flash radiography for short and long stand-off in order to provide quantified jet characterization including velocity profiles, accumulated length, accumulated mass, jet diameter and v2d profiles. The result is a simple reproducible test configuration that represents an RPG attack geometry. The test configuration has been adopted by the U.S. DoD for RPG IM threat testing and has been used on a large variety of munition test articles.
Optimization of Flatback Airfoils for Wind-Turbine Blades Using a Genetic Algorithm

In recent years, the airfoil sections with blunt trailing edges (called flatback airfoils) have been proposed for the inboard regions of largewind-turbine blades because they provide several structural and aerodynamic performance advantages. In this paper, a genetic algorithm is used for shape optimization of flatback airfoils for generating maximum lift-to-drag ratio. The computational efficiency of a genetic algorithm can be significantly enhanced with an artificial neural network. The commercially available software FLUENT is used for calculation of the flowfield using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations in conjunction with a turbulence model. It is shown that the genetic algorithm optimization technique is capable of accurately and efficiently finding globally optimal flatback airfoils.
Application of Recent Definitions of the Metabolic Syndrome to Survey Data From the National Cholesterol Education Program Evaluation Project Utilizing Novel E-Technology (NEPTUNE II)

This was a post hoc analysis of data collected in the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Evaluation Project Utilizing Novel E-Technology II (NEPTUNE II) survey conducted in 2003. Among 4885 dyslipidemic patients receiving lipid management in the United States, estimates of the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome according to the 2001 NCEP Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III), the 2005 American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Scientific Statement, and the 2005 International Diabetes Federation definitions were 55%, 62%, and 63%, respectively. Metabolic syndrome prevalence among patients with coronary heart disease and risk equivalents was 69%, 74%, and 74%, according to these respective definitions. Notably, in the coronary heart disease and risk equivalents category, the prevalence was similar to that of the multiple risk factor category when patients with diabetes mellitus were excluded from the analysis (46% by ATP III). The metabolic syndrome is common in patients receiving lipid-lowering therapy in an office-based setting. Three recent definitions resulted in similar estimates of its prevalence.
Assessing integrity of the gas-lift valves by analyzing annular-pressure-transient response

Abstract Gas-lift valves (GLV) by definition are designed to allow influx of the annular gas into the tubing and prevent any backflow even when a pressure differential exists toward the annulus. However, elements, such as erosion, corrosion, scale, fatigue, vibration, and temperature and pressure effects may cause the GLV to leak, thereby posing a serious safety issue. Because of the well-integrity concern, suspected GLVs are often retrieved with a wireline from the side-pocket mandrel for inspection. Proactive testing is a way to minimize such costly intervention. This paper details a methodology for determining a GLV’s integrity that avoids retrieving the valve and relies on examining the annular transient-pressure response. Based on the models developed, we propose a robust, nonintrusive test procedure saving time and expense. The proposed method is validated with field data from three offshore wells. We also present a forward model that helps design test methodology.
Changing teachers' practice: curriculum materials and science education reform in the USA

(2002). Changing teachers' practice: curriculum materials and science education reform in the USA. Studies in Science Education: Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 107-135.
Shape fluctuations of droplets in emulsions.

We give a statistical theory of shape fluctuations of droplets in emulsions. We have calculated the normalized mean-square displacement \ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\sigma} of shape fluctuations analytically in both two and three dimensions to first order in volume fraction \ensuremath{\varphi}. We also performed computer simulations to study fluctuations in two dimensions up to high area fractions. The results at low ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}_{\mathit{A}}$ are in excellent agreement with the analytical prediction. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Hyperlucent lung. Pathophysiology and surgical management.

Abstract Thirteen patients with a diagnosis of "hyperlucent lung", 9 women and 4 men ranging in age from 19 to 68, are reviewed. Four patients had congenital absence of the pulmonary artery, and 9 had what we believe should be termed acquired hypoperfusion of a lung. In patients with acquired hypoperfusion, the pathophysiology is determined by recurrent pulmonary infection with resultant decrease in lung volume and function, decreased pulmonary artery flow, and increased bronchial circulation. Recurrent infection may lead to severe hemoptysis. Pulmonary resection was carried out in 1 of those with congenital absence of the pulmonary artery and in 5 with acquired lesions.
Ecological problems of the southeastern United States coastal plain

Geographically the southeastern United States coastal plain may arbitrarily be delimited by southern Virginia and the Mississippi River. In width it varies from 115 miles on the Virginia-North Carolina line to nearly 600 miles in the Mississippi basin. It involves the southern part of the geographers' (17a) Embayed Section of the plain, extending to Cape Lookout; the Sea Island Section, extending to the Florida (peninsula) Section; and the East Gulf Section extending to the bottom land of the Mississippi, which is separated into an Alluvial Plain Section. Physiographically it may be divided into sea terraces of which the following six are commonly recognized, beginning at the piedmont border: the LaFayette, Coharie, Sunderland, Wicomico, Chowan (Talbot) and Pamlico. These terraces record the Pleistocene changes of sea level believed to have been due to volume changes in polar ice masses associated with glacial and interglacial periods. The upper coastal plain may, however, be largely fluvial in origin rather than marine (18). The older or upper three terraces have been eroded into an uneven topography with enough relief to drain the uplands, while the lower three are largely in a flat condition of low relief with emphasis on lack of drainage. Variation in rate of water movement of the earlier ocean and sounds has resulted in local variation in sand textures, a basic factor of the utmost importance in later determination of upland vegetation. Climatically the area is characterized by a uniformity unusual for a region extending nearly 900 miles in a north and south direction. Most of the coastal plain has mean annual temperatures between 60? and 70? F. Only the lower half of Florida goes above this. Other significant temperature data (37a) follow: The average normal daily temperatures for the coldest 14 days of the year range from 400 southward to 60?. The absolute minimal temperatures range from slightly below 0? F. southward to 14? F. in middle Florida. The number of days of the average frostless season ranges from 220 southward to 320 in middle Florida. The
Local structure as a probe of stripes and its relation to T

Abstract We describe atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis measurements of the local structure from a range of HTS materials. These are analyzed to search for the presence of, and characterize the nature of, fluctuating stripe phases in the bulk of superconducting HTS samples. We find evidence for the presence of local stripe phases in La 2− x Sr x CuO 4 and YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6+ σ . At least in the 214 system of cuprates, we have evidence of a correlation between local charge inhomogeneities and T * , the pseudo-gap closing temperature.
Onward and Upward: Some Reflections on the Past and the Future of Interpersonal Communication

In an excavation in London in the late 1600s, workers preparing the site for the new St. Paul's Cathedral came upon a Roman burial ground and, in particular, a votive offering containing the word “...
Optical competitive learning with VLSI/liquid-crystal winner-take-all modulators

A new approach to self-aligning unsupervised optical learning based on the competitive learning algorithm and adaptive holographic interconnections is introduced. A volume hologram is used to diffract the light from an input spatial light modulator so that it focuses upon a custom winner-take-all very-large-scale-integrated circuit liquid-crystal spatial light modulator. The units that receive the most light switch to a reflective state, and the light reflected from the winning pixels interferes in the volume of the dynamic hologram with the phase conjugate of the input pattern in order to add an outer-product perturbation to the current holographic interconnection. As a set of input patterns is cycled through many times, the system learns to diffract the light from a particular input class upon a self-organized set of detectors that recognize similar input patterns without the aid of a teacher or any required alignment. Beam-propagation simulations are used to show that the holographic optical learning network faithfully reproduces the behavior of the ideal competitive learning algorithm. A winner-takeall detector/modulator device containing a total of 576 optical neurons grouped into 31 separate competitive patches in the required sparse-grid topology has been successfully fabricated, and experimental results are presented.
A hybrid FEC-ARQ protocol for low-delay lossless sequential data streaming

Interactive Internet Applications that rely on sequential streams for lossless data exchange often use retransmission protocols (e.g. TCP) for reliability and the guarantee of sequential data ordering. More so than for bulk file transfer or media delivery, lossless sequential streaming poses an even greater challenge for the common problem cases of retransmission protocols, such as lossy links or long network paths, manifesting as significant latency in the interactive user experience. We propose a hybrid FEC-ARQ protocol built on a packet streaming code that reduces to a simple strategy over sending or resending original data packets or check packets combining undecoded packets, based on actual network conditions. Experimental results show that our proposed protocol can significantly improve the total delay over retransmission and other schemes that use FEC, under a range of bandwidth and loss scenarios.
Lack of community saturation at the beginning of the Paleozoic plateau: The dominance of regional over local processes

Long-term diversity equilibria, ecological incumbency, and widespread recurrent fossil assemblages have each been cited as evidence that local processes, such as competition, played an important role in structuring communities over geologic time. We analyze the relationship between local and regional diversity in tropical marine communities spanning approximately 13 Myr of the Late Ordovician to test for the role of local processes in structuring local communities. We find a significant and strong positive relationship between local and regional diversity, indicating that local communities were not saturated with species and that local processes did not exert a dominant influence on local diversity. Rather, local diversity was influenced more by regional oceanographic processes that governed the size of the regional species pool. This evidence for unsaturated communities is consistent with the Walker and Valentine hierarchically structured niche model of global diversification. These results come at the beginning of the 200-Myr Paleozoic plateau in both local and global diversity and therefore raise the question whether local communities were ever saturated with species during the Paleozoic. Similar studies need to be conducted during other times in the Paleozoic to determine if this is indeed the case.
TOWARD A PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATIC POLITICS OF RACE

The two books that have occasioned this symposium represent efforts to research thoroughly, think rigorously, and argue honestly about complex and significant issues of race and ethnicity in America. There is much to be learned from them on many topics. I read them chiefly for insights about whether and how a defensibly democratic politics of egalitarian change can be achieved by, for, and with racial minorities in a country whose majorities, like most majorities, have long been reluctant to pursue policies that did not predominantly benefit themselves. I raise some challenges to the perspectives offered in these books, but only as an effort, kindred in aim if not achievement, to carry forward the work they have thus far so nobly advanced.
Unsupervised Detection of Video Sub-scenes

The analysis of videos taken by active operators recording human interactions and activities in the field presents a new set of challenges. For brevity in this paper we will call such subject centric field grade videos ad hoc videos of events. Human test subjects readily segment ad hoc videos of events into scene-like segments. These segmentations can not be replicated by the state of the art automatic video segmentation algorithms. We propose and evaluate a method to segment ad hoc videos of events into atomic semantics units. Motivated by [Bel74] we call these units sub-scenes. Our experiments show that the segments detected by human subjects are sequences of sub-scenes. Thus the sub-scenes appear to be a semantic version of the video shots that are used to piece together scenes by state of the art video segmentation algorithms.
Altered cAMP-mediated signalling and its role in the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy

Alterations in the level and function of proteins involved in cAMP-mediated signalling are important in the pathophysiology and treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy. What is unclear is the extent to which these alterations, which attenuate receptor-stimulated cAMP generation, contribute to the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy and the extent to which they constitute a beneficial compensatory response. Studies in animals involving overexpression and ablation of proteins or peptides involved in cAMP-mediated signalling have yielded disparate results that are difficult to reconcile with a simple hypothesis. Our ability to understand these differences is limited by the lack of information on how these different genetic manipulations affect the phosphorylation of individual substrates of protein kinase A (PK-A) through which cAMP signals are transduced. This is important in view of evidence that the phosphorylation of individual PK-A substrates can be regulated selectively in different intracellular compartments, and that the phosphorylation of some PK-A substrates is increased in dilated cardiomyopathy while the phosphorylation of others is reduced. Approaches that quantify changes in the phosphorylation of individual PK-A substrates in models of dilated cardiomyopathy will provide information that may allow a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the syndrome and a more rational approach to its treatment.
De Novo Expression of Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptors and Signaling Proteins Regulates the Cytotoxic Function of CD4 T Cells in Acute Coronary Syndromes

The inflammatory infiltrate in atherosclerotic plaque is composed of T cells and macrophages. CD4+ T cells with a unique phenotype, CD4+CD28null, are preferentially recruited into culprit lesions. These T cells are distinct from classic CD4+CD28+ T cells in gene expression and function, including their ability to mediate cytolysis. In this study, we have investigated the regulation of CD4+CD28null T-cell cytolytic function. In patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), CD4+CD28null T cells express killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). KIRs encompass a polymorphic family of receptors that recognize HLA class I molecules and have been implicated in self-tolerance. CD4+CD28null T-cell clones from patients with ACS and age-matched controls were compared for their KIR-expression profile. T-cell clones derived from the patients expressed a broader spectrum of KIRs (P<0.001) with preference for the stimulatory variant, CD158j. Additionally, CD4+ T-cell clones from patients but not those from controls acquired de novo expression of the DAP12 molecule, an adapter chain that transmits CD158j-derived signals. Cumulative expression of CD158j and DAP12 endowed cytolytic competence on CD4+CD28null T cells, allowing them to kill in the absence of T-cell receptor triggering. Our data demonstrate that CD4+CD28null T cells in ACS are characterized by a unique gene expression profile. Consequently, these T cells acquire cytolytic capability that can bypass the need for T-cell receptor triggering and, thus, impose a threat to self-tolerance.
A neuro-fuzzy approach to short-term load forecasting in a price-sensitive environment

This paper presents a new approach to short-term load forecasting in a deregulated and price-sensitive environment. A real-time pricing type scenario is envisioned where energy prices could change on an hourly basis with the consumer having the ability to react to the price signal through shifting his electricity usage from expensive hours to other times when possible. The load profile under this scenario would have different characteristics compared to that of the regulated, fixed-price era. Consequently, short-term load forecasting models customized on price-insensitive (PIS) historical data of regulated era would no longer be able to perform well. In this work, a price-sensitive (PS) load forecaster is developed. This forecaster consists of two stages, an artificial neural network based PIS load forecaster followed by a fuzzy logic (FL) system that transforms the PIS load forecasts of the first stage into PS forecasts. The first stage forecaster is a widely used forecaster in industry known as ANNSTLF. For the FL system of the second stage, a genetic algorithm based approach is developed to automatically optimize the number of rules and the number and parameters of the fuzzy membership functions. Another FL system is developed to simulate PS load data from the PIS historical data of a utility. This new forecaster termed NFSTLF is tested on three PS database and it is shown that it produces superior results to the PIS ANNSTLF.
Integrated PET-CT Imaging: Implications for Evaluation of Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma

The evaluation of patients with known or suspected recurrent colorectal carcinoma is now an accepted indication for positron emission tomography using 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) imaging. PET and CT are complimentary and therefore, integrated PET/CT imaging should be performed where available. FDG-PET/CT is indicated as the initial test for diagnosis and staging of recurrence and for preoperative staging (N and M) of known recurrence that is considered to be resectable. FDG-PET imaging is valuable for the differentiation of post-treatment changes from recurrent tumor, differentiation of benign from malignant lesions (indeterminate lymph nodes, hepatic and pulmonary lesions), and the evaluation of patients with rising tumor markers in the absence of a known source. The addition of FDG-PET/CT to the evaluation of these patients reduces overall treatment costs by accurately identifying patients who will and will not benefit from surgical procedures. This new powerful technology provides more accurate interpretation of both CT and FDG-PET images and therefore more optimal patient care. PET/CT fusion images affect the clinical management by guiding further procedures (biopsy, surgery, radiation therapy), excluding the need for additional procedures, and changing both inter- and intramodality therapy.
Non-angiogenic functions of VEGF in breast cancer

This review advances the hypothesis that the function of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in breast cancer is not limited to angiogenesis, and that VEGF signaling in breast carcinoma cells is important for the ability of these cells to evade apoptosis and progress towards invasive and metastatic disease. In other terms, VEGF signaling provides a selective advantage for the survival and dissemination of breast carcinoma cells that may be independent of angiogenesis. The key component of this hypothesis is that breast carcinoma cells express specific VEGF receptors and that these receptors respond to autocrine VEGF, resulting in the activation of signaling pathways that impede apoptosis and promote cell migration. A related hypothesis, which is developed in this review, is that the α6β4 integrin, which has been implicated in the survival and motility of breast cancer cells, can stimulate the translation of VEGF mRNA and, consequently, autocrine VEGF signaling. These findings imply that VEGF and VEGF receptor-based therapeutics, in addition to targeting angiogenesis, may also target tumor cells directly.