cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of an increased air gap on the in vitro interaction of wireless phones with cardiac pacemakers.

Several clinical and laboratory studies have demonstrated electromagnetic interaction between implantable cardiac pacemakers and hand-held wireless phones operated in close proximity. Current FDA and HIMA labeling guidelines indicate that a minimum separation of 6 in (15 cm) should be maintained between a hand-held wireless phone and an implanted pacemaker. This separation requirement does not distinguish between lateral locations on the chest and a perpendicular air gap. Evidence is provided here for a substantially reduced separation threshold when measured across an air gap rather than near the saline conductive media of a simulated torso. Twenty pacemaker–phone combinations involving 6 pacemakers and 9 phones were evaluated in vitro under worst-case conditions with respect to phone output power and pacemaker sensitivity. The phones represented CDMA, TDMA-11 Hz, TDMA-22 Hz, TDMA-50 Hz, and TDMA-217 Hz digital wireless technologies. Small increases in the perpendicular air gap between the phone and the saline surface resulted in a dramatic reduction in interaction. Approximately half of the 208 test runs exhibiting interaction at an air gap of 1 cm no longer resulted in interaction when the gap was increased to 2 cm. At a gap of 7.4 cm, the percentage of runs with interaction decreased to 1.4%. The overall interaction rate, considering a total of 8296 test runs from an earlier study, was less than 0.07% at a total perpendicular distance of 8.6 cm from the saline surface to the phone antenna axis. The perpendicular distance threshold of 8.6 cm was significantly less than the horizontal plane projection threshold of 19 cm previously reported. This difference is a function of the electromagnetic field coupling to the saline bath rather than field strength changes along the axis of the phone antenna. The results have implications for those making recommendations to pacemaker patients who may be unaware of this distinction. Bioelectromagnetics 21:485–490, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Locking-free stabilized conforming nodal integration for meshfree Mindlin-Reissner plate formulation

Abstract The cause of shear locking in Mindlin–Reissner plate formulation is due to the inability of the numerical formulation in representing pure bending mode without producing parasitic shear deformation (lack of Kirchhoff mode). To resolve shear locking in meshfree formulation of Mindlin–Reissner plates, the following two issues are addressed: (1) construction of approximation functions capable of reproducing Kirchhoff modes, and (2) formulation of domain integration of Galerkin weak form capable of producing exact solution under pure bending condition. In this study, we first identify the Kirchhoff mode reproducing conditions (KMRC), and show that the employment of a second order monomial basis in the reproducing kernel or moving least-square approximation of translational and rotational degrees of freedom is an effective means to meet KMRC. Next, the integration constraints that fulfill bending exactness (BE) in the Galerkin meshfree discretization of Mindlin–Reissner plate are derived. A nodal integration with curvature smoothing stabilization that fulfills BE is then formulated for Mindlin–Reissner plate. The curvature smoothing stabilization is introduced in the nodally integrated Galerkin weak form. The resulting meshfree formulation is stable and free of shear locking in the limit of thin plate. Both computational efficiency and accuracy are achieved in the proposed meshfree Mindlin–Reissner plate formulation.
Dance, Sex, and Gender: Signs of Identity, Dominance, Defiance, and Desire

"Ambitious in its scope and interdisciplinary in its purview. . . . Without doubt future researchers will want to refer to Hanna's study, not simply for its rich bibliographical sources but also for suggestions as to how to proceed with their own work. "Dance, Sex, and Gender" will initiate a discussion that should propel a more methodologically informed study of dance and gender."-Randy Martin, "Journal of the History of Sexuality"
Developmental profile and trajectory of neuropsychological skills in a child with Kabuki syndrome: implications for assessment of syndromes associated with intellectual disability.

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic syndrome involving dysmorphic facial features, and reports of intellectual disability (ID). We examined the developmental trajectory of neuropsychological skills in a child with KS (seen at ages 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11). Examination of raw and age-corrected standard scores suggests that language-based skills developed appropriately, but visually based skills slowed and reached a plateau. Executive dysfunction and mood symptoms were also observed. While ID is described as a core feature of KS, some patients may not meet diagnostic criteria for ID, and may be better described as having specific deficits in nonverbal skills. Longitudinal neuropsychological assessment of children with KS and other syndromes associated with ID is warranted to understand the true prevalence of ID versus isolated cognitive impairments.
For Three Easy Payments: Scoring Peptides with Portable Performance Using Specmaster

In shotgun proteomics, matching peptides to tandem mass spectrometry data is a computationally expensive process that in some cases can take days using conventional software packages. Even though many existing search engines such as Sequest, Myrimatch, and X!Tandem now exploit multiple processors via threading libraries, they leave much on the table in terms of performance and don't exploit computational accelerators. In this paper, we present Spec master, a Myri-match implementation written in OpenCL with performance portability in mind. We demonstrate the same Spec master code base outperforming Myrimatch by several fold on 32-core AMD and Intel x86 machines and by nearly an order of magnitude on both an AMD Radeon 7970 and Nvidia GTX 480. We describe the rationale behind Specmaster's design, and how to gain portable performance on a plethora of architectures using OpenCL.
Exposing calculus students to advanced mathematics

To ensure the competitiveness of the USA in the global economy, and its role as a leader in science and engineering, it is important to cultivate the next generation of home grown mathematicians. However, while universities across the USA offer calculus classes to thousands of undergraduate students each year, very few of them go on to major in mathematics. This paper posits that one of the main reasons is that the mathematical community does not expose calculus students to the beauty and complexity of upper-level mathematics, and that by doing so before they fully commit to their programme of study, the number of students with a qualification in mathematics can be increased. The results show a significant increase in the number of students planning to add a minor in mathematics, and an increased likelihood among freshmen and sophomores to change their major.
Magnetic Raman scattering in cuprate antiferromagnetic insulators and doped superconductors

We present results of low-temperature two-magnon resonance Raman excitation profile measurements for single layer Sr2CuO2Cl2 and bilayer YBa2Cu3O6.1 antiferromagnets over the excitation region from 1.65 to 3.05 eV. These data reveal composite structure of the two-magnon line shape with peaks at approximately 2.8 and approximately 4 J and strong nonmonotic dependence of the scattering intensity on excitation energy. We analyze these data using the triple resonance theory of Chubukov and Frenkel [Phys. Rev. Lett., 74, 3057 (1995)] and deduce information about magnetic interaction and electronic band parameters in these antiferromagnetic insulators. We study the evolution of the magnetic excitation with hole doping in CuO2 planes of YBa2Cu3O6+(delta ) and YBa2Cu408 single crystals. We find that the spin excitations at energy approximately equal to 3 J, similar to the two-magnon excitations in the insulators, persist with doping and are evidence that antiferromagnetic fluctuations with spatial extent of at least three lattice constants are not overdamped in the underdoped superconductors. The two-magnon resonance study shows the existence of the charge-transfer gap in the underdoped cuprates and provides information about evolution of electronic band parameters with doping. We report a magnetic Raman scattering study of YBa2Cu408 superconductor with substitution of Zn on the Cu(2) site. Two and five-tenths percent of substitution softens the two-magnon excitation frequency from 2900 to 2300 cm-1. This softening is attributed to the absence of a defined spin projection on at least one of eight Cu(2)/Zn sites involved in the superexchange, and it signifies that the Zn- introduced magnetic distortion extends to at lest four Cu sites neighboring a Zn site. The electronic Raman continuum intensity weakens with increasing Zn doping, manifesting a relationship between the Raman continuum and the spin fluctuations.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Synthesis and Characterization of {Re(CO)3}4-n{PtMe3}n(OH)4, (n = 1−3). A Set of Heterobimetallic Hydroxy Cubane Complexes

The heterobimetallic hydroxy cubanes {Re(CO)3}4-n{PtMe3}n(OH)4 (n = 1−3) have been synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic data. The structures of Re3Pt and RePt3 have been determined by X-ray crystallography.
Synaptosomal GABA uptake and receptor binding: Effects of a convulsion

Abstract Synaptosomes derived from several rat brain regions showed decreased GABA uptake by 60 min, or more after a single convulsion. This effect was no longer evident by 3 hr post convulsion. At the same time that decreased post-seizure GABA uptake was altered, synaptosomal membrane receptors specific for GABA were increased; these changes were most apparent for nerve endings from the diencephalon and cerebellar cortex. The data indicate that the synaptic disposition of GABA is regionally altered by the effects of a single convulsion.
A feedforward/feedback adaptive controller for commercial cross-flow grain driers

An adaptive controller, based on a continuously updated linear control, was developed for continuous-flow grain drier control. The system consists of a linear model, a control algorithm, an on-line moisture meter, a tachometer and a microcomputer. The control system was tested during two drying seasons on two commercial cross-flow maize driers. The average outlet moisture content was controlled to within ±0.3% of the set-point during two drying seasons.
Geography and USGS

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) should take a leadership role in several important areas of geography, according to a new report by the U.S. National Research Council. The report calls for the survey to expand its Geography Discipline beyond the current function of largely producing maps and images. Instead, it should be “an engine for research;” using tools such as GIS and remote sensing to produce spatial data bases and other scientific products that will improve the capacity to solve problems involving society's interactions with “the Earth's surface and near-surface environments.” To facilitate achieving this goal, the report—titled “Research Opportunities in Geography at the U.S. Geological Survey”—also recommends that USGS geography personnel strengthen their connections to the academic and other useful communities.
Thoracic trauma in children: an indicator of increased mortality

This study was undertaken to assess the significance of thoracic trauma as a marker of morbidity and mortality in children. During a 34-month period, 2,086 children younger than 15 years old were consecutively admitted to a Level I pediatric trauma center with blunt or penetrating trauma. For each child we prospectively recorded Trauma Score (TS), Injury Severity Score, (ISS), medical, and etiologic data. One hundred four children (4.4%) presented with thoracic trauma. The most common mechanisms of injury were pedestrian injury (36%), motor vehicle crashes (32%), and armed assault (12%). The most common injuries were pulmonary contusion (48%), pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pneumohemothorax (39%), and rib fractures (32%). Multisystem injury was present in 82% of the children. The mean TS and ISS were 11 and 27, respectively, significantly worse than scores for children without thoracic injury (15 and 7; P less than .0001). Seventy-one percent of the children were admitted to the intensive care unit, where they stayed an average of 6 days; 20% required surgery. The mortality rate was 26%. Injuries to the heart or great vessels had the highest mortality rate (75%), followed by hemothorax (53%), lung laceration (43%), and rib fracture (42%). Mortality for children with isolated chest injury was 5%, compared with rates of 20% for abdominal and chest trauma, 35% for head and chest trauma, and 39% for trauma to the head, chest, and abdomen. Less than 5% of the admissions to a pediatric trauma center incurred thoracic injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Coevolutionary Chase in Exploiter–Victim Systems with Polygenic Characters

Abstract I study the dynamics of a simple quantitative genetic model describing coevolution of two antagonistic species of the victim–exploiter type. In this model, individuals are different with respect to an additive polygenic character that is under direct stabilizing selection and which also determines the strength of within and between species interactions. The model assumes that between species interactions are most intense when the victim's and exploiter's phenotypes match. I show that a cyclic coevolutionary chase is possible under a broad range of conditions. In most cases, the system cycles if the “victim” has a stronger incentive to win and/or a larger genetic variance, and is under stronger stabilizing selection than the “exploiter”. The results presented here provide counter-examples to recent studies that (1) question the applicability of “Red Queen” and “arms race” metaphors for continuously varying traits; (2) argue for the existence of crucial differences between major and minor loci dynamics; and (3) attribute a stabilizing role to coevolution.
Acute changes in vasoactive lipid mediators in experimental hyaline membrane disease

Abstract Endothelial release of the arachidonate derivative PGI 2 may be increased in response to cyclic lung stretching. We therefore sought to determine if the stable metabolite of PGI 2 , 6-keto-PGF 1α , would be found in increased quantities in primates ventilated with conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) compared to treatment with high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). We also sought to determine if other membrane-derived vasoactive substances such as LTC 4 , PAF and TXB 2 would be elevated in plasma and lung tissue of animals developing hyaline membrane disease (HMD) and if the levels would correlate with the severity of the respiratory distress. Twenty prematurely delivered monkeys were treated with either CMV or HFOV from the first breath after Cesarean delivery until sacrifice at 6 h of age. We found a significant increase from birth to 5 min and from 5 min to 5 h in 6-keto-PGF 1α , and a significant increase from 5 min to 5 h in TXB 2 . We found a significant decline from cord blood to 5 min of LTC 4 , without further change by 5 h. PAF was present in all plasma samples but showed no upward or downward trend. There was no difference in the 5-h plasma level or in the lung homogenate level of any of the lipid mediators between the two types of assisted ventilation. There was no correlation between any lipid mediator level and severity of the HMD, as measured by gas exchange, radiographic or histologic criteria, when assessed by each ventilator group alone or with both groups combined. We conclude that the immediate postnatal increases in TXB 2 and PGI 2 and decrease in LTC 4 are not altered substantially by use of HFOV.
The effect of sphingosine and phorbol ester on the signal transduction enzymes and fibronectin release in cell culture.

Abstract In testing the hypothesis that the stimulation of the release of fibronectin (FN) by 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) from human lung fibroblasts in culture is the result of activation of protein kinase C (PKC), we found that the PKC inhibitor sphingosine strongly inhibited FN release in presence and even in absence of TPA. However, a different PKC inhibitor, calphostin C, despite almost complete inhibition of PKC, had no effect on FN release. We concluded that sphingosine is a potent inhibitor of FN release from the cell surface, independent of its inhibition of PKC; and that TPA stimulates release of FN by a pathway other than activation of PKC. We found that the activation of PKC by TPA was accompanied by inhibition of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). When PKA was inhibited by an antagonist (H8, a cAMP analogue) at a concentration specific for PKA inhibition, the release of FN was stimulated similar to the stimulation with TPA. Activation of PKA with forskolin resulted in decreased FN release. In conclusion, we have shown that: (1) sphingostine had a robust effect inhibiting the release of FN from fibroblasts, independent of its action on PKC; (2) TPA treatment of these cells resulted in inhibition of PKA; (3) inhibition of PKA stimulated FN release whereas its activation decreased this release. It is possible that PKA, by phosphorylating a protein, may function, directly or indirectly, in keeping FN attached to the cell surface of fibroblasts.
From if to iff: Conditional perfection as pragmatic strengthening

Abstract Geis and Zwicky's squib on “conditional perfection” (1971) released a hornet's nest of rebuttal and counter-rebuttal into the pragmatic atmosphere, with many scholars in the area playing alternately the roles of stinger and stingee. Geis and Zwicky's goal was to explain the notorious tendency among introductory logic students and ordinary speakers to ‘perfect’ an if-then conditional of the form of If you mow the lawn, I'll give you five dollars into the corresponding iff biconditional of the form if and only if you mow the lawn, I'll give you five dollars. In an overlapping pair of studies, van der Auwera (1997a,b) has recently contributed a comprehensive survey of the literature on conditional perfection before and since Geis and Zwicky as a microcosm of the development of post-Gricean pragmatic theory. While agreeing with van der Auwera on the centrality of the if → iff move for contemporary pragmatics, I will critique his treatment and offer my own perspective on the data and their ramifications, along with an expanded history that touches on the manifestations of conditional perfection and related inferential fallacies addressed in philosophical treatises, empirical psycholinguistic studies, and self-help primers. By extending the data base to include counterfactuals and other non-predictive conditionals, I will also present problems for Dancygier and Sweetser's (1997) alternative recent account of the CP phenomenon within the mental-spaces framework. The overall focus will be on the implications for the theory of conversational implicature, and in particular of R-based pragmatic strengthening, that can be drawn from the conditions on - and motivation for - conditional perfection.
GABAA Receptors in Normal Development and Seizures: Friends or Foes?

GABAA receptors have an age-adapted function in the brain. During early development, they mediate excitatory effects resulting in activation of calcium sensitive signaling processes that are important for the differentiation of the brain. In more mature stages of development and in adults, GABAA receptors transmit inhibitory signals. The maturation of GABAA signaling follows sex-specific patterns, which appear to also be important for the sexual differentiation of the brain. The inhibitory effects of GABAA receptor activation have been widely exploited in the treatment of conditions where neuronal silencing is necessary. For instance, drugs that target GABAA receptors are the mainstay of treatment of seizures. Recent evidence suggests however that the physiology and function of GABAA receptors changes in the brain of a subject that has epilepsy or status epilepticus. This review will summarize the physiology of and the developmental factors regulating the signaling and function of GABAA receptors; how these may change in the brain that has experienced prior seizures; what are the implications for the age and sex specific treatment of seizures and status epilepticus. Finally, the implications of these changes for the treatment of certain forms of medically refractory epilepsies and status epilepticus will be discussed.
The Biomechanical Effect of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL) With Riboflavin and UV-A is Oxygen Dependent

Purpose: In an attempt to reduce treatment time in corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A (UV-A), recent protocol modifications include shorter irradiation times at higher fluence, while maintaining constant total applied energy (Bunsen-Roscoe law of reciprocity). While such parameter changes might produce similar biological results within a certain range, the limits of reciprocity are unknown. Limitations in the corneal oxygen diffusion capacity and its potential impact on the efficacy of CXL, raise concerns regarding the efficiency of high-fluence CXL, and also of transepithelial CXL. Methods: Porcine corneas were treated with an epithelium-off CXL at a fluence of 9 mW/cm 2 under two different atmospheres: one with a regular oxygen content (21%) and another in a helium-supplemented, low-oxygen environment (,0.1%). Untreated corneas served as controls (n ¼ 20 each). Five-millimeter corneal stripes were prepared and biomechanical stiffness was measured using an extensometer. Results: Corneas cross-linked under normal oxygen levels showed a significant increase in biomechanical stability (14.36 MPa 6 2.69 SD), whereas corneas treated similarly, but in a low-oxygen atmosphere showed a Young’s modulus similar to untreated controls (11.72 MPa 6 2.77 SD). Conclusions: The biomechanical effect of CXL seems to be oxygen dependent. This dependency will be of particular importance in high-fluence and transepithelial CXL and will most likely require major protocol modifications to maintain the efficiency of the method. Translational Relevance: The oxygen dependency of CXL shown here raises concerns about the effectiveness of high-fluence and transepithelial CXL. Both methods were introduced to clinical ophthalmology without thorough validation.
Length and temperature dependent 1/f noise in vertical single-walled carbon nanotube arrays

We report measurements of temperature- and length-dependent 1/f noise in vertical single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) arrays. Carbon nanotubes are synthesized in a porous anodic alumina template with sub-micrometer channel lengths ranging from 100 to 700 nm. A significant difference is observed in the 1/f noise magnitude of quasi-ballistic and diffusive SWCNT devices, with quasi-ballistic devices exhibiting 1/f noise levels that are one to two orders of magnitude less than diffusively conducting devices. Furthermore, 1/f noise was measured from 90 to 400 K, and the noise prefactor decreased significantly at temperatures below 250 K.
Properties of Different Room-Temperature Photoluminescence Bands in 4H-SiC Substrates Investigated by Mapping Techniques

The room-temperature photoluminescence (RTPL) was investigated in commercial nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC substrates. In a typical RTPL spectrum of n-type 4H-SiC substrate, the ‘band-edge’ emission was similar to PL signatures that are typically attributed to free-exciton recombination in high-quality thick epitaxial layers. The origin of the deep-defect ‘red’ emission and its influence on recombination properties of SiC remain unclear. In most of the substrates in which the ‘red’ RTPL band was strong, clear reverse correlation between the ‘red’ and ‘band-edge’ RTPL intensities was observed. In contrast, direct correlation was observed between the ‘bandedge’ PL map and distribution of the net free electron concentration. There is a possibility that incorporation of nitrogen donors is influenced by (or influences) incorporation of lifetime-limiting deep defects.
Genetic selection for social dominance ability in chickens

Abstract Five generations of bidirectional selection of mature male chickens for social dominance scores in initial pair contests produced large strain differences within each of two breeds. Apparently symmetrical responses, continued individual intra-strain variability and absence of clear trends in yearly heritability estimates all suggest a polygenic mode of inheritance, intermediate gene frequencies in the foundation stocks and a large reservoir of additive genetic variation for agonistic behaviour. Selected strains became differentiated for frequency of contests with aggressive behaviour, ability to win decisions and physical severity of interactions. Responses were neither age nor sex specific. Peck-order status of selected strain females in intermingled flocks differed significantly, but differences appeared to be of reduced magnitude as compared with those based on initial pair contests. Comparisons of frequency and severity of social interaction of selected strain females in intra-strain flocks failed to indicate strain differences although these were clearly present in intra-strain initial pair encounters between males. It is hypothesized that genotypes responsible for differences in agonistic behaviour under conditions of selection may not be equally effective in a different environment.
Multiple spacecraft observations of energetic ions during a high solar wind pressure event

[1] On 28 June 1999 the Wind spacecraft (near the forward libration point) observed a large solar wind pressure spike from 0445 UT to 0600 UT. The Polar satellite at 7 hours magnetic local time detected an energetic particle event in the high-altitude region associated with turbulent diamagnetic cavities from 0512 UT to 0627 UT. The particles and cavities are very similar to those that were previously found in the high-altitude dayside cusp region. They are independent of both the solar wind velocity and the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) vectors. The enhancements of the magnetic field fluctuations in the ultra-low frequency range measured by the Wind were also observed by the Polar. Most of the time, during the event period, the IMF had a duskward component, suggesting that cusp diamagnetic cavities also existed in the postnoon sector in the Northern Hemisphere. Energetic ions of both ionospheric origin and solar wind origin were observed by the Polar spacecraft during this event period. The He++/H+ ratio in the diamagnetic cavities was a factor of four higher than in the quasi-trapping region before the event onset, while the He+/He++ ratio in the cavities was more than one order of the magnitude lower. In this event, the measured cusp ions had energies up to 4 MeV. No clear relationship between the cusp energetic ion flux and the IMF cone angle was found. The Interball 1 spacecraft located just upstream of the bow shock in the prenoon sector measured an upstream ion event from about 0516 UT to 0600 UT. The onset of the energetic ions observed by Interball 1 in the upstream event was the same for different energies; the ion energy spectra were independent of the solar wind velocity and their intensities were independent of the bow shock geometry and the solar wind density. The energetic ion event onset was first detected in the cusp by Polar at 0512 UT, then near the bow shock in the prenoon by Interball 1 at 0516 UT, and then in the far upstream by Wind at 0523 UT. The measured energetic ion intensity decreased with increasing distance from the cusp diamagnetic cavities. These observational facts together with the IMF directions suggest that (1) this large solar wind pressure event produced an extremely large diamagnetic cavity (>10 RE) within the magnetosphere, (2) the bow shock was not the main source of both the cusp and upstream energetic ions, and (3) the upstream energetic ions most likely came from the cusp.
Améliorer l'environnement du magasin : Les signaux olfactifs affectent-ils les évaluations et les comportements ?:

La presse populaire a recemment rapporte que les dirigeants des points de vente diffusent des parfums dans leurs magasins pour creer des environnements plus positifs et developper un avantage concu...
Frank Cole Spencer, MD

The American Association of Thoracic Surgery bestows a lifetime Achievement Award from time to time on a member whose contributions to our specialty are outstanding and have left an indelible mark for future generations. The nominating committee, including the past 5 presidents, bestowed this highest degree of recognition to Dr Frank Cole Spencer. Great talent and seminal contributions often spring from motivated individuals whose humble beginnings, extraordinary drive, and exquisite commitment to the pursuit of excellence lead to a career of the highest achievement. Malcolm Gladwell, author of Outliers: The Story of Success, has written about these individuals. Clearly, Frank Cole Spencer would be considered an outlier. His life and career illustrate the principles Gladwell has taught us. Dr Spencer is quoted as saying, ‘‘I thank the good Lord for giving me a good brain, access to good education, and teachers who truly wanted me to succeed.’’ He was born on a farm in rural Haskell County in West Texas. His role model was his paternal grandfather, a physician. The chances that this boy, educated by dedicated parents and schooled in a 2-room schoolhouse, would even go to college were against the odds. The determination of his parents to provide him with education and opportunity coupled with a high school science teacher who fueled his curiosity helped make his dreams a reality. Dr Spencer entered North Texas State College as a freshman at the age of 15 years. Again, a great teacher and mentor, Dr James L. Carrico, chair of the department of chemistry, seeing great potential, chose ‘‘Frank’’ as his laboratory assistant. Spencer remembers, ‘‘His instilling the students with the excitement of learning and a warm paternalism, virtually adopting them as foster children.’’ The combination of his teacher mentor and an innate desire for excellence, together with a farming background, made him ‘‘an incurable workaholic.’’ Dr Spencer entered Vanderbilt School of Medicine at the age of 17 years. Surgery beckoned him. He graduated (Alpha Omega Alpha) at the top of his class. The element of luck, a common component in great careers, was being in the right place at the right time. Clearly, becoming an
System size dependence of Φ-meson production at RHIC

We report the preliminary results of momentum distributions of Φ-meson, measured by the STAR Experiment at RHIC, from 200 GeV and 62.4 GeV Cu+Cu collisions. We find (i) the number of participant normalized ratios of the yields from heavy-ion collisions over that of p+p collisions, r SE (Φ) > 1 in both Cu+Cu and Au+Au collisions at RHIC; (ii) the ratio is proportional to the colliding energy, i.e. r 200 SE (Φ) >r 62.4 SE (Φ). These results reveal that 0-meson production in nucleus-nucleus production is not a consequence of a simple lifting of canonical suppression from p+p to AA collisions.
Satellite-based PM concentrations and their application to COPD in Cleveland, OH.

A hybrid approach is proposed to estimate exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at a given location and time. This approach builds on satellite-based aerosol optical depth (AOD), air pollution data from sparsely distributed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sites and local time–space Kriging, an optimal interpolation technique. Given the daily global coverage of AOD data, we can develop daily estimate of air quality at any given location and time. This can assure unprecedented spatial coverage, needed for air quality surveillance and management and epidemiological studies. In this paper, we developed an empirical relationship between the 2 km AOD and PM2.5 data from EPA sites. Extrapolating this relationship to the study domain resulted in 2.3 million predictions of PM2.5 between 2000 and 2009 in Cleveland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). We have developed local time–space Kriging to compute exposure at a given location and time using the predicted PM2.5. Daily estimates of PM2.5 were developed for Cleveland MSA between 2000 and 2009 at 2.5 km spatial resolution; 1.7 million (∼79.8%) of 2.13 million predictions required for multiyear and geographic domain were robust. In the epidemiological application of the hybrid approach, admissions for an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) was examined with respect to time–space lagged PM2.5 exposure. Our analysis suggests that the risk of AECOPD increases 2.3% with a unit increase in PM2.5 exposure within 9 days and 0.05° (∼5 km) distance lags. In the aggregated analysis, the exposed groups (who experienced exposure to PM2.5 >15.4 μg/m3) were 54% more likely to be admitted for AECOPD than the reference group. The hybrid approach offers greater spatiotemporal coverage and reliable characterization of ambient concentration than conventional in situ monitoring-based approaches. Thus, this approach can potentially reduce exposure misclassification errors in the conventional air pollution epidemiology studies.
Mushy Zones Evolution Under Microgravity Conditions

High-purity pivalic acid (PVA) dendrites were observed under convection-free conditions on STS-87 as part of the United States Microgravity Payload Mission (USMP4) flown on NASA’s space shuttle Columbia in 1997. Our telemetry video data show that PVA dendrites melt without relative motion with respect to the quiescent melt phase. With a small fixed superheat above the melting point, ∆T ≡ Tm − T∞, designated in the theory by a Stefan number, dendritic fragments melt and shrink steadily. Fragmentation of the dendrites is observed at higher initial supercoolings. Individual fragments follow a squareroot time-dependence as predicted using a quasi-static conduction-limited approach [1]. Agreement between the analytic theory and experiments was found when the melting process occurs under shape-preserving conditions, where needle-like crystal fragments may be approximated as prolate spheroids with a constant C/A ratio. In microgravity experiments where C/A ratio is not constant, because of interactions in the mushy zone, a “sectorizing” approach was employed that divides the melting process into a series of steps, each approximated b ya constant average value of the C/A ratio. Sectorization allows prediction of melting kinetics using quasistatic theory. Theoretical Stefan numbers were calculated for each sector of melting independently using the initial and final axial lengths for that interval.
Difference and accumulative difference pictures in dynamic scene analysis

Abstract Recognition of objects in a computer vision system requires extraction of the images of all objects. If the object and camera are moving then the task may be to extract images of only the moving objects. We discuss methods for combining information obtained from the positive, negative and absolute difference and accumulative difference pictures. We present an approach for the segmentation of dynamic scenes using information available in the difference and accumulative difference picture. In addition to the efficacy of the approach, a very attractive feature is the possibility of implementing it in real time using a special hardware.
N15/N14 Ratios of Ground-Water Nitrate, Long Island, New Yorka

Nitrogen-isotope values (δN15) of ground-water nitrate on Long Island, New York, correlate with δN15 ranges of nitrate sources which contribute to the ground-water systems. The δN15 of nitrate in water from the upper glacial aquifer, the water-table aquifer on Long Island, shows a shift from lighter values in the eastern part of the island where land is used predominantly for agriculture, to heavier values toward New York City where land is used for suburban residences with septic systems or sewers. δN15 values for inorganic fertilizer, unfertilized cultivated fields, and animal wastes show a similar shift from low to high values: −3 ‰ to +2 ‰+ 2 ‰ to + 8 ‰ and +10 ‰ to +20 ‰, respectively. Nitrogen-isotope ratios of nitrate in water from the deeper Magothy aquifer indicate a mixed source of nitrate.
An integrated data collection and analysis framework for remote monitoring and planning of construction operations

Recent advances in data collection and operations analysis techniques have facilitated the process of designing, analyzing, planning, and controlling of engineering processes. Mathematical tools such as graphical models, scheduling techniques, operations research, and simulation have enabled engineers to create models that represent activities, resources, and the environment under which a project is taking place. Traditionally, most simulation paradigms use static or historical data to create computer interpretable representations of real engineering systems. The suitability of this approach for modeling construction operations, however, has always been a challenge since most construction projects are unique in nature as every project is different in design, specifications, methods, and standards. Due to the dynamic nature and complexity of most construction operations, there is a significant need for a methodology that combines the capabilities of traditional modeling of engineering systems and real time field data collection. This paper presents the requirements and applicability of a data-driven modeling framework capable of collecting and manipulating real time field data from construction equipment, creating dynamic 3D visualizations of ongoing engineering activities, and updating the contents of a discrete event simulation model representing the real engineering system. The developed framework can be adopted for use by project decision-makers for short-term project planning and control since the resulting simulation and visualization are completely based on the latest status of project entities.
miRNA-205 suppresses melanoma cell proliferation and induces senescence via regulation of E2F1 protein.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression by repressing translation or directing sequence-specific degradation of complementary mRNA. Here, we report that expression of miR-205 is significantly suppressed in melanoma specimens when compared with nevi and is correlated inversely with melanoma progression. miRNA target databases predicted E2F1 and E2F5 as putative targets. The expression levels of E2F1 and E2F5 were correlated inversely with that of miR-205 in melanoma cell lines. miR-205 significantly suppressed the luciferase activity of reporter plasmids containing the 3′-UTR sequences complementary to either E2F1 or E2F5. Overexpression of miR-205 in melanoma cells reduced E2F1 and E2F5 protein levels. The proliferative capacity of melanoma cells was suppressed by miR-205 and mediated by E2F-regulated AKT phosphorylation. miR-205 overexpression resulted in induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by increased cleaved caspase-3, poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and cytochrome c release. Stable overexpression of miR-205 suppressed melanoma cell proliferation, colony formation, and tumor cell growth in vivo and induced a senescence phenotype accompanied by elevated expression of p16INK4A and other markers for senescence. E2F1 overexpression in miR-205-expressing cells partially reversed the effects on melanoma cell growth and senescence. These results demonstrate a novel role for miR-205 as a tumor suppressor in melanoma.
GFAP expression as an indicator of disease severity in mouse models of Alexander disease

AxD (Alexander disease) is a rare disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) resulting in accumulation of the GFAP protein and elevation of Gfap mRNA. To test whether GFAP itself can serve as a biomarker of disease status or progression, we investigated two independent measures of GFAP expression in AxD mouse models, one using a genetic reporter of promoter activity and the other quantifying GFAP protein directly in a manner that could also be employed in human studies. Using a transgenic reporter line that expresses firefly luciferase under the control of the murine Gfap promoter (Gfap-luc), we found that luciferase activity reflected the regional CNS (central nervous system) variability of Gfap mRNA in Gfap(+/+) mice, and increased in mice containing a point mutation in Gfap that mimics a common human mutation in AxD (R239H in the human sequence, and R236H in the murine sequence). In a second set of studies, we quantified GFAP protein in CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) taken from three different AxD mouse models and littermate controls. GFAP levels in CSF were increased in all three AxD models, in a manner corresponding to the concentrations of GFAP in brain. These studies demonstrate that transactivation of the Gfap promoter is an early and sustained indicator of the disease process in the mouse. Furthermore, GFAP in CSF serves as a potential biomarker that is comparable between mouse models and human patients.
Respecting Freedom in the Health Professions: Need for and Impact of Focused Instruction on Restraints

A lack of education about patients’ right to be free from restraint compromises our professional ethic. Our needs assessment revealed that one-third of participating health professionals reported knowledge gaps. Following case-based instruction, participants showed increased knowledge and confidence, including anticipated interprofessional communication about restraints and restraint alternatives.
The singular value decomposition: computation and applications to robotics

The singular value decomposition has been extensively used for the analysis of the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of robotic manipulators. Due to a reputation for being nu merically expensive to compute, however, it has not been used for real-time applications. This work illustrates a for mulation for the singular value decomposition that takes advantage of the nature of robotics matrix calculations to ob tain a computationally feasible algorithm. Several applica tions, including the control of redundant manipulators and the optimization of dexterity, are discussed. A detailed illus tration of the use of the singular value decomposition to deal with the general problem of singularities is also presented.
Plasmid Localization and Organization of Melamine Degradation Genes in Rhodococcus sp. Strain Mel

Rhodococcus sp. strain Mel was isolated from soil by enrichment and grew in minimal medium with melamine as the sole N source with a doubling time of 3.5 h. Stoichiometry studies showed that all six nitrogen atoms of melamine were assimilated. The genome was sequenced by Roche 454 pyrosequencing to 13× coverage, and a 22.3-kb DNA region was found to contain a homolog to the melamine deaminase gene trzA. Mutagenesis studies showed that the cyanuric acid hydrolase and biuret hydrolase genes were clustered together on a different 17.9-kb contig. Curing and gene transfer studies indicated that 4 of 6 genes required for the complete degradation of melamine were located on an ∼265-kb self-transmissible linear plasmid (pMel2), but this plasmid was not required for ammeline deamination. The Rhodococcus sp. strain Mel melamine metabolic pathway genes were located in at least three noncontiguous regions of the genome, and the plasmid-borne genes encoding enzymes for melamine metabolism were likely recently acquired.
The implications of mixed-material plasma-facing surfaces in ITER

In all plasma-confinement devices, material eroded from plasma-facing surfaces will be transported and redeposited at other, sometimes remote, locations. If the plasma-facing material in a device consists of more than a single element there is a high probability that the composition of the plasma-facing surfaces will evolve over time and may exhibit plasma-interaction properties much different from the originally installed material. These plasma-created materials, or mixed materials, are the subjects of this review paper which focuses on the ITER relevant mix of materials, namely carbon, tungsten and beryllium. Knowledge concerning the formation conditions, erosion behavior and hydrogen isotope retention properties of each binary combination of materials is described. Where available information concerning tertiary combinations of materials is discussed.
Virtual Northern analysis of the human genome.

Background. We applied the Virtual Northern technique to human brain mRNA to systematically measure human mRNA transcript lengths on a genome-wide scale. Methodology/Principal Findings. We used separation by gel electrophoresis followed by hybridization to cDNA microarrays to measure 8,774 mRNA transcript lengths representing at least 6,238 genes at high (.90%) confidence. By comparing these transcript lengths to the Refseq and H-Invitational full-length cDNA databases, we found that nearly half of our measurements appeared to represent novel transcript variants. Comparison of length measurements determined by hybridization to different cDNAs derived from the same gene identified clones that potentially correspond to alternative transcript variants. We observed a close linear relationship between ORF and mRNA lengths in human mRNAs, identical in form to the relationship we had previously identified in yeast. Some functional classes of protein are encoded by mRNAs whose untranslated regions (UTRs) tend to be longer or shorter than average; these functional classes were similar in both human and yeast. Conclusions/Significance. Human transcript diversity is extensive and largely unannotated. Our length dataset can be used as a new criterion for judging the completeness of cDNAs and annotating mRNA sequences. Similar relationships between the lengths of the UTRs in human and yeast mRNAs and the functions of the proteins they encode suggest that UTR sequences serve an important regulatory role among eukaryotes.
Aperture Limits Due to the Presence of Higher Magnetic Field Multipoles

Superconducting magnets tend to produce magnetic fields which have larger higher systematic multipoles and larger random multipoles than conventional magnets. The current carrying coils in superconducting magnets are usually not shielded by the iron yoke, and thus the magnetic field shape is determined by the current distribution rather than the shape of an iron surface. Higher systematic magnetic field multipoles are then generated by necessary deviations of the current distribution from the ideal desired distribution; random multipoles are generated by errors in the location of the current carrying conductors. The presence of these undesired field multipoles will limit the good field aperture of the accelerator. One effect of these multipoles is that they will distort the working line, the dependencies of the ?-values, ?X ?y, on the momentum ?p/p. Another effect of these multipoles is to produce linear and non-linear stop bands. This paper is concerned primarily with aperture limits due to the distortion of the working line. Distortion of the working line produced by the lower field multipoles is usually corrected with a correction coil system provided for that purpose. The working line distortion that remains is that due to higher field multipoles that cannot be corrected with the correction coil system. The magnetic field due to the higher multipoles vary like some high power of r, the radial distance from the magnet center, like at least r6 in the case of the CBA (Colliding Beam Accelerator at BNL).