cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing the historical limits method with regression models for weekly monitoring of national notifiable diseases reports

Display Omitted Used data from12 national notifiable diseases and simulated alerting signals.Compared 4 detection methods by background alert rate, sensitivity, and timeliness.Long-term trend adjustment improved detection performance.The modified Historical Limits Method (HLM) outperformed the traditional HLM.The Farrington-like method provided the best detection performance overall. To compare the performance of the standard Historical Limits Method (HLM), with a modified HLM (MHLM), the Farrington-like Method (FLM), and the Serfling-like Method (SLM) in detecting simulated outbreak signals. We used weekly time series data from 12 infectious diseases from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). Data from 2006 to 2010 were used as baseline and from 2011 to 2014 were used to test the four detection methods. MHLM outperformed HLM in terms of background alert rate, sensitivity, and alerting delay. On average, SLM and FLM had higher sensitivity than MHLM. Among the four methods, the FLM had the highest sensitivity and lowest background alert rate and alerting delay. Revising or replacing the standard HLM may improve the performance of aberration detection for NNDSS standard weekly reports.
Writing for Success

Poorly written documents are costly in time, effort, money, and even careers. Good medical and scientific writing is a learnable skill that can provide the competitive edge for proposals, grant applications, research publications, and meeting abstracts. Good medical and scientific writing is capable of convincing and persuading the reader. This chapter illustrates problems in written communications and outlines approaches the individual can take to improve writing skills. No English degree is needed to become a skilled scientific writer.
Addressing Conceptual Gaps in Big Data Research Ethics: An Application of Contextual Integrity:

The rise of big data has provided new avenues for researchers to explore, observe, and measure human opinions, activities, and interactions. While scholars, professional societies, and ethical revi...
Recreational use of the Washington State coast

Though it is only 300 km from Washington State’s southern to northern borders (from the Columbia River to Canada respectively), the marine coast of the State is 4,334 km in length. Combined with a temperate northwest-coast climate, this extensive coastline provides a recreational paradise for the 4.2 million people who live in the state.
Science Communication and the Role of Scientists in the Policy Discussion

Would it be more accurate to say that science informs policy or is it more often true that policy informs science? Like any causality dilemma, trying to determine what came first or which is more prevalent is something of an exercise in futility. Nevertheless, societies depend upon the ramifications behind this chicken-and-egg question particularly in the literal Earth-shifting context of our time. This chapter will consider the two-way influence of science and society, focusing on how science and scientists can contribute to today’s critical decisions and, just as importantly, to the decision-making process.
Identification of neural stem cells in the Drosophila larval brain

The balance between self-renewal and differentiation must be tightly regulated in somatic stem cells to ensure proper tissue generation and to prevent tumorlike overgrowth. A Drosophila larval brain lobe consists of the central brain and the optic lobe and possesses three well-defined neural stem cell lineages that generate differentiated cells in a highly reproducible pattern. Unambiguous identification of various cell types in these stem cell lineages is pivotal for studying the regulation of neural stem cells and progenitor cells at a single-cell resolution. This chapter will describe the methodology for collection and processing of larval brains for examination by fluorescence confocal microscopy.
Differentiating motives for nonmedical prescription stimulant use by personality characteristics.

Nonmedical prescription stimulant use (NPS) is increasing, particularly among college students. College students typically engage in NPS for cognitive enhancement, recreational, and appetite/weight-related purposes; however, little research has used these motives to identify specific risk for, or consequences of, NPS. Moreover, there may be unique risk factors for motive-specific NPS that have yet to be explored, such as relevant personality traits (i.e., distress tolerance, impulsivity, and perfectionism) that are associated with NPS in general. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether NPS users and nonusers could be differentiated via facets of impulsivity, perfectionism, and distress tolerance, and whether users could be further differentiated by reported motive for use based on these traits. Midwestern university undergraduate students (N = 668) who were enrolled in a psychology research pool completed an online survey assessing demographics, NPS and motives, and measures of distress tolerance, impulsivity, and perfectionism. Participants were primarily female (78%) and aged 18-54 (M = 20.10, SD = 3.19) years. Univariate and multivariate analysis of variance tests revealed associations between lifetime NPS and higher impulsivity, higher perfectionism, and lower distress tolerance. Further tests revealed NPS for appetite/weight-related purposes was associated with lower distress tolerance, while NPS for recreational purposes was associated with higher impulsivity. These findings contribute novel information regarding NPS motives and personality constructs. This information may aid in comprehensive identification of high-risk individuals for NPS and inform the development of specialized prevention and intervention efforts.
Exploratory study on the role of trauma-informed self-care on child welfare workers' mental health

Abstract The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the relationship of trauma-informed self-care (TISC) on burnout and secondary trauma and mental health functioning among child welfare workers. The sample consisted of 177 child welfare workers who completed surveys during staff meetings about TISC, burnout, secondary traumatic stress and mental health functioning. The TISC subscales (e.g., Organization Resources related to trainings on the effects of trauma, Organizational Practices related to supervision and support and Personal Self-Care activities that included personal self-care activities and attention to work-life balance) were used to examine the mediation effects of TISC on worker negative outcomes. Findings suggest that personal self-care activities mediated the relationships between burnout and secondary trauma and mental health functions. Organizational resources mediated the relationship between secondary trauma and mental health but not burnout. Self-care practices that include specific personal activities and attention to work-life balance are critical for workers' mental health. More research on the role of trauma-informed trainings and supervision and support to buffer negative outcomes among workers is needed.
GPNMB: expanding the code for liver-fat communication.

Interorgan communication is emerging as a critical contributor to nutrient and energy homeostasis. A new study has identified a secreted liver factor that stimulates lipid synthesis in white adipose tissue and exacerbates obesity and insulin resistance.
The Transition of Two Stranded DNA to Single Strands

The thermally induced transition of two stranded DNA to single strands has provided information and insight about the molecular interactions and conformations of these molecules. This phenomenon has been of interest as a possible example of a phase transition and as a means of gaining a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the cooperative interactions along DNA. The conformation change has been known by a number of names, among them are denaturation, helix-coil transition and melting.
C. elegans and its bacterial diet: An interspecies model to explore the effects of microbiota on drug response

Our body is inhabited by a large community of microorganisms referred to as our microbiota that influences almost all aspects of human physiology, including the response to thereapeutic drugs. Drugs can affect microbiota composition and the microbiota can modulate the drug response in the host. A major challenge is to determine which bacteria affect the response to which drugs, and to elucidate the mechanisms involved. Here, we discuss the emergence of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and its bacterial diet as an interspecies model system with which the effects of bacteria on the drug response in the host can be studied both at broad systems and at deep mechanistic levels. We will discuss the strengths and limitations of this system and will present future perspectives.
Reprioritization of biofilm metabolism is associated with nutrient adaptation and long-term survival of Haemophilus influenzae.

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI) is a human-restricted pathogen with an essential requirement for heme–iron acquisition. We previously demonstrated that microevolution of NTHI promotes stationary phase survival in response to transient heme–iron restriction. In this study, we examine the metabolic contributions to biofilm formation using this evolved NTHI strain, RM33. Quantitative analyses identified 29 proteins, 55 transcripts, and 31 metabolites that significantly changed within in vitro biofilms formed by RM33. The synthesis of all enzymes within the tryptophan and glycogen pathways was significantly increased in biofilms formed by RM33 compared with the parental strain. In addition, increases were observed in metabolite transport, adhesin production, and DNA metabolism. Furthermore, we observed pyruvate as a pivotal point in the metabolic pathways associated with changes in cAMP phosphodiesterase activity during biofilm formation. Taken together, changes in central metabolism combined with increased stores of nutrients may serve to counterbalance nutrient sequestration.
Gradual onset of myocardial ischemia results in reduced myocardial infarction. Association with reduced contractile function and metabolic downregulation

Background With moderate reductions in coronary blood flow, adjustments in myocardial metabolism can occur with a normalization of the imbalance between the decreased O2 delivery and tissue O2 demand. This state of “downregulated” metabolism is associated with reduced function and minimal irreversible injury and has been linked to myocardial hibernation. We hypothesized that (1) this process would occur when perfusion was reduced to severely ischemic levels, but only when flow declined at a slow rate rather than abruptly, and (2) this would result in blunted ischemia and reduced myocardial injury for a given period of low blood flow. Methods and Results The left anterior descending coronary artery in anesthetized open-chest pigs was cannulated and perfused with arterial blood by an extracorporeal perfusion pump. Regional function (percent segment shortening, %SS) was measured with sonomicrometry and a regional coronary vein cannulated for blood gas analysis and lactate measurements. Coronary blood flow (C...
Theoretical and Practical Approaches for Teaching Parallel Code Correctness

The introductory-level courses on parallel programming, typically, do not cover the topic of code correctness. Often, students learn about the logical errors in parallel programs and troubleshoot them through trial and error, and spend a significant amount of time and effort in the process. A systematic pedagogical approach to teaching parallel code correctness is therefore needed to enhance the productivity of students and instructors. In this paper, we describe some theoretical and practical approaches that can be adopted for assessing and teaching parallel code correctness. The theoretical approaches include using formal methods (e.g., Petri nets and Hoare Logic). We apply these approaches on the test cases discussed in this paper. The practical approach involves teaching code correctness through demonstrations. For enabling this, we have not only curated a repository of parallel programs with commonly made logical errors but have also added a high-level interface on top of the repository for quickly comparing fixed and incorrect versions of the sample code in the repository, seeing the explanation text on the errors, and searching the repository on the basis of the causes and symptoms of logical errors. The work presented in this paper can potentially motivate the instructors in including the content on code correctness in their parallel programming courses and trainings.
Motivations and Shopping Orientations for Engagement in Collaborative Consumption

Collaborative Consumption (CC) represents a range of business models that deviate from the concept of traditional ownership such as renting, lending, bartering of products and services. CC systems are becoming prevalent within the fashion industry. In this paper, a framework of consumer motivations and shopping orientations for engagement in CC within the fashion context is developed and tested with a quantitative study using a partial least squares structural equation modeling technique. A self-administered online survey research design was used to collect data from a sample of college students (N=163). The results revealed that the engagement in CC for fashion products is positively impacted by Enjoyment and Brand Consciousness.
Investing in Our First Line of Defense: Environmental Services Workers.

Environmental services personnel are a critical first line of defense against the spread of COVID-19. This commentary discusses the importance of environmental cleaning during the pandemic and the ...
In vitro and in vivo responses of Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells to an AKT inhibitor.

4067 Objectives: We have demonstrated Akt activation in poorly differentiated endometrial cancer suggesting that Akt may be a promising target for biologic intervention. The current investigation tests the effect of Akt Inhibitor VII (AKTI) with and without carboplatin on Ishikawa endometrial cancer cell growth in vitro and on Ishikawa xenografts in athymic nude mice. Methods: Ishikawa cells were incubated with 0.01nM-10uM Akt Inhibitor VII (AKTI) for 48 hours. Apoptosis was measured using a Cell Death Detection ELISA kit. To test the effect of AKTI in vivo, 39 female mice (NCI, athymic NCr nu/nu, homozy) were each injected subcutaneously with 1x107 Ishikawa cells in 50% matrigel 14 days after oophorectomy. Tumors were grown to 0.25cm3 size over 6 days. Mice were then randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: 1. AKTI (100uM daily intra-tumoral injection, n=10), 2. carboplatin (50mg/kg IP every 4 days, n=9), 3. AKTI + carboplatin (n=10), and 4. vehicle only IP and intra-tumoral injections (n=10). Tumor volume was measured on days 7 and 14 of drug treatment. Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis and significance set at p Results: AKTI induced dose dependent Ishikawa cell apoptosis in vitro (EC50 = 3.4 x 10-10 M). AKTI also inhibited Ishikawa tumor growth in vivo. On day 14, AKTI treated mice had smaller tumor volume than controls (0.70cm3 ± 0.12cm3 vs. 0.97cm3 ± 0.13cm3 p = 0.06). Tumor growth was also significantly suppressed in the carboplatin group compared to controls (0.31cm3 ± 0.04cm3 vs. 0.97cm3 ± 0.13cm3 p Conclusions: The combination of carboplatin and Akt Inhibitor acts synergistically to decrease tumor volume in this mouse model of endometrial cancer. This novel combination warrants further pre-clinical investigation to assess feasibility for clinical trials.
Task and Resource Bottlenecks: How Organization Design Informs the Microfoundations of RBT

We investigate the microfoundations of resource-based theory to better understand how resources are managed and used within organizations to influence their performance. To accomplish this, we draw...
Leadership: Strategic Thinking, Decision Making, Communication & Relationship Building: by Ann M. Martin and Kathleen Riopelle Roberts, Chicago, IL, ALA Editions, 2019, 164 pp., US$54.99 (soft cover), ISBN 978-0-8389-1907-1 (AASL school librarians)

This book on leadership follows the publication of the American Association of School Libraries (AASL) National School Libraries Standards. Since these standards were launched in in 2018 ALA Editio...
A Report of Tamoxifen and Parkinson's Disease in a US Population and a Review of the Literature

Background Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has been shown to variably affect Parkinson's disease (PD) risk. Objective The aim of this study was to review epidemiological literature and evaluate the rate of PD in women with breast cancer with tamoxifen exposure in a US population. Methods A literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis using the Nurses' Health Study Version One to report descriptive statistics. Results Most studies suggest there may be a time-dependent effect of tamoxifen on PD risk, with the risk increasing with time from exposure. However, rates of PD in persons exposed to tamoxifen overall appear to be low. In our cohort, PD was evident in 6.2 per 1,000 of those with tamoxifen use and 3.6 per 1,000 of those without tamoxifen use. Time from breast cancer to PD diagnosis was 9.7 years among women with tamoxifen exposure and 11.7 among women without. Conclusions Tamoxifen may be associated with an increased risk for PD. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of estrogen and selective estrogen antagonism in PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Leading the Way: A National Task Force on Connected Vehicles

By bringing wireless communications technology to cars and trucks, we could prevent hundreds of thousands of car crashes every year, saving many lives. We could also reduce commute times, fuel consumption, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and the cost of mobile Internet access. In the longer term, deployment of connected vehicle technology can lay groundwork for better autonomous (self-driving) vehicles. Nevertheless, after two decades of trying, there has been little progress on connected vehicle deployment. Those benefits of “connected vehicles” can only be achieved through a coherent strategy, meaningful leadership, and collective action. In the U.S., too many decision-makers are pushing in opposite directions, or at best, waiting for someone else to lead. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) strongly and openly disagree with each other on direction, and often appear to have different objectives. The majority of state and local transportation agencies would oppose both of these federal agencies. Major companies are on opposite sides of contentious debates. Yet, for connected vehicles to succeed, all of these public and private sector actors must work in concert, sometimes making large investments that will only pay off if others follow as expected. This is not going to happen without a new approach to advancing connected vehicle policies. While U.S. decision-makers fail to work together, and government agencies fail to lead, other nations such as China move ahead, undermining U.S. competitiveness. In 2021, the federal government should establish a task force to develop a coherent vision through an open and inclusive process, and provide leadership to achieve that vision. This task force would work across federal agencies. It would coordinate with representatives of state and local governments, since state and local agencies are responsible for deploying much of the infrastructure. This task force would actively engage with the automobile industry, the telecommunications industry, public interest groups that are concerned with consumer safety and privacy, and experts from academia. Using this inclusive process, the task force would identify important applications that must be supported, agree on a technical standard, launch a new proceeding at the FCC to produce spectrum rules that suit the applications and standard, encourage consistent deployment by local governments by developing a set of guidelines and best practices, and create a grants program to put the technology in vehicles for which safety is especially important, such as school buses, fire trucks, police cars and ambulances.
Adventitial cystic disease of the common femoral vein: an unusual cause of lower extremity swelling and review of the literature.

Abstract We report the case of a 61-year-old man who had presented with acute unilateral limb swelling. Computed tomography venography and duplex ultrasound demonstrated compression of the right common femoral vein by a common femoral vein adventitial cyst. Before intervention, the patient had developed an acute deep vein thrombosis of the right common femoral vein and great saphenous vein. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated concern for synovial connection. After 6 months of anticoagulation therapy, the patient underwent adventitial cyst excision with ligation of the hip joint articular connection. At 4 months postoperatively, the patient was symptom free without cyst recurrence. The findings from the present case support the synovial theory for adventitial cystic disease.
The Asymmetric Electoral Consequences of the ‘China Shock’ in Brazil

How did the “China trade shock” affect Brazilian politics? We exploit the exogenous components of increased trade with China into both import-competing and commodity-exporting sectors to study the impacts of trade on the 2018 Brazilian presidential election. While the labor market effects of export exposure are much larger than import exposure, we find the opposite for electoral outcomes: import competition lowered wages and contributed to right-wing Jair Bolsonaro’s victory, while export demand increased wages without any significant electoral effect. Our results suggest that positive results of trade translate into electoral outcomes at a much slower rate than negative results.
Thiazole antibiotics that inhibit FoxM1 are potential anticancer drugs

2663 The oncogenic transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) is overexpressed in a number of different carcinomas, whereas its expression is turned off in terminally differentiated cells. For this reason, FoxM1 is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment. As a first step toward realizing this goal, in this study, using a high-throughput, cell based assay system, we screened for and isolated the antibiotic thiazole compound Siomycin A as an inhibitor of FoxM1 transcriptional activity. Interestingly, we observed that Siomycin A was able to down-regulate the transcriptional activity as well as the protein and mRNA levels of FoxM1. Consequently, we found that the downstream target genes of FoxM1, such as Cdc25B, Survivin, and CENPB, were also repressed. However, thiazole antibiotics did not affect transcriptional activity of p53, TCF/Lef or GLI suggesting that they specifically target FoxM1. Furthermore, we found that thiazole antibiotics were able inhibit the growth of human cancer cells of different origin with IC50 between 0.5 and 5 I¼M. Siomycin A induced apoptosis selectively in transformed, but not in normal human fibroblasts. Treatment of human cancer cell lines of different origin with 1-5 I¼M of thiazole antibiotics led to predominant down-regulation of FoxM1 and apoptosis. Taken together, our data suggest that thiazole antibiotics that inhibit FoxM1 could represent a useful starting point for the development of anticancer therapeutics against human neoplasia.
Sports are Color-blind

(1957). Sports are Color-blind. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 28, No. 9, pp. 21-22.
Fundamentals of Cancer Genomics and Proteomics

The foundation of modern surgery has long been based on a clear understanding of anatomy and physiology. This structural and functional paradigm has produced tremendous progress in the comprehension and treatment of human disease. The advent of molecular biology and the completion of the Human Genome Project, however, have brought forth a new scientific basis for surgical investigation and practice. In the era of genomic medicine, molecular structures and gene functions are the foundation for the conceptualization of surgical diseases. Because genetic mutation is the basis for the abnormal phenotypic presentation in tumors, surgical oncology is an excellent field in which to translate the discoveries of genomic research into novel therapeutic approaches. The aim of this chapter is to provide a primer for oncologists and surgeons to understand the relevance and applications of genomics and proteomics in surgical oncology.
Characterization of CdTe/CdS solar cells

Current-voltage and spectral response measurements have been made on high-efficiency CdTe/CdS thin film solar cells prepared by vacuum evaporation (n=9.6%). Analysis of the measurements indicate that these solar cells operate as p-n heterojunctions and the current transport in the junction region is dominated by Shockley-Read-Hall recombination in the CdTe. The analysis also indicates that the light-generated current varies with the applied voltage. >
A Bitangential Interpolation Problem on the Closed Unit Ball for Multipliers of the Arveson Space

We solve a bitangential interpolation problem for contractive multipliers on the Arveson space with an arbitrary interpolating set in the closed unit ball \( \mathbb{B}^{d}\, of\, \mathbb{C}^{d} \). The solvability criterion is established in terms of positive kernels. The set of all solutions is parametrized by a Redheffer transform.
Development of a patient information packet for veterans with cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Abstract Background. Patient education is an important part of caring for cancer patients. Providing educational materials suitable to the particular patient population is crucial. Veterans with cancer represent a population that requires special educational materials. Methods. A patient information packet (PIP) was developed for veteran cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The PIP contains information about chemotherapy side effects, when to call for help, available resources, and information about support groups. Results. The PIP was distributed by the oncology pharmacist to 96 newly diagnosed cancer patients. One‐month evaluation of 85 patients revealed that 83 had utilized the materials. Thirty‐four patients had read the PIP once; 32, twice; ten, three times; and six, four or more times. The PIP had helped 13 patients decide to call the VA Hospital and had helped 16 patients decide whom to call. Conclusion. The PIP, developed to meet the specific needs of this patient population, was well received ...
Maternal malignant melanoma metastatic to the products of conception: Report of a case

Abstract While the occurrence of malignancy in the pregnant female is not uncommon, invasion of the products of conception is apparently rare, having been previously reported only 24 times. We report a 25th case, one of malignant melanoma metastatic to the placenta.
Minimalist Proof Assistants: Interactions of Technology and Methodology in Formal System Level Verification (abstract)

The complexity of systems implemented in hardware continues to grow, and with it the need for formal, automated, system level verification. Unfortunately, though automatic formal verification technologies continue to improve incrementally in terms of the size and complexity of systems they can handle, there is a widening gap between real designs and designs that can be verified automatically.I will argue that proofs and proof assistants in some form, in combination with automated methods, are necessary to close this gap. However, the considerations that drive the disign of a proof assistant for hardware verification and not necessarily those that have shaped existing general-purpose proof assistants. In particular, for a hardware proff assistant, the requirements in terms of logical expressiveness and the power of its deductive machinerey are minimal. For example, the ability to reason about higher-order objects like sets and functions is probably superfluous in the hardware domain.Rather, the primary consideration in constructing proofs of complex systems is that proofs be concise and maintainable. This means that a proof system must take maximum advantage of the strengths of model checking and automated decision procedures in order to minimize the need for manual decomposition of proofs. It is thus important to concider how inference rules and dicision procedures (e.g., model checking) interact to allow concise proof decompositions in a particular domain of application. As an example, I will show how model checking combined with a few simple but domain-tailored inference rules allows surprisingly concise proofs about out-of-order instruction processors. This is chiefly because basing the proof on model checking eliminates the need to state and prove global invariants.Along the way, I will also discuss some practical considerations for the design of large, formally verified, hardware systems. In particular, the most concise proof decompositions for hardware systems are often nonhierarchical. Rather, profs often decompose most naturally according to the paths followed by data and control through the system under various conditions, rather than according to structural hierarchy. Further, design for compositional verification differs strongly from the paradigm of design-by-debugging that is currently prevalent. The debugging approach leads to complex (and often unknown) interactions between design componets, whereas the formal approach favors the disign of "bulletproof" components, that implement a given abstract model without any assumptions about environment behavior.
Conceptual Encounter: The Experience of Anger

Publisher Summary Conceptual encounter begins with actual instances of a phenomenon and seeks to develop a way of describing how the phenomenon is organized. It purposely moves quickly from the instances to developing abstract concepts that are continuously checked against further instances and against other authors' conceptualizations. In the case of his continuing study of anger, Dr. de Rivera presents instances of his own anger, and then describes how he worked with a series of research partners. Unlike many single-study research reports, this report on anger continues an engagement of scholarship from many disciplines and from across areas of scholarship. Rather than presenting a condensation of the current structure of anger, Dr. de Rivera provides a picture of his journey of encounters, showing the way he revised his conceptualizations as he encountered new instances of anger and other conceptualizations.
A simple and fast technique to characterize the group delay properties of fiber Bragg gratings

A novel method that uses a simple and fast iterative algorithm to recover the group delay of any fiber Bragg grating from its measured transmission spectrum is described. Its benefits over leading techniques in this field are much greater speed, simplicity, and high accuracy even in the presence of significant experimental noise.
Wavelengths of Fe ii lines for studies of time variation of the fine-structure constant

Ritz wavelengths of 27 spectral lines of Fe ii have been obtained from energy levels derived from Fourier transform spectra. The lines selected are observable in absorption spectra from quasi-stellar objects and are important for astronomical tests of the invariance of the fine-structure constant on a cosmological time-scale. By comparing the wavelength calibration in this paper with that of previously published measurements, wavelengths for 21 lines of Mg i, Mg ii, Cr ii, Ti ii, Mn ii, Ni ii and Zn ii have been placed on a scale consistent with the Fe ii Ritz values.
Ultra-reliable digital avionics

In the future, tactical fighters will be required to operate from austere bases in third world mission scenarios, away from CONUS and alternate basing. Thus, these aircraft must be able to perform multi-role missions with limited sparing capabilities and very fast turn-around time for maintenance. Since an aircraft's engines and airframe are fixed, modular avionics is the most affordable and flexible method of enhancing the functionality of the aircraft for these multi-role missions. To support avionics operating under these conditions, an ultrareliable, flexible and scalable digital processing capability is required. >
Perceptual Set Induction in Young Children Cross-Cultural Support for the Role of Active Classification

Abstract Perceptual set induction was studied among Indian children from Mysore, ages 4 and 5 years. The method of perceptual-set induction involved a procedure of contrastive classification that had been attempted only once before with an American sample of subjects. Findings of the present study were positive, demonstrating the formation of perceptual sets in preschool age children. Taken together with data from the American sample, the results provide a firmer basis for conceptualization, and for explaining the failure of other studies to find evidence for susceptibility to perceptual sets among young children. The findings are also considered in connection with contemporary ideas about symbolic mediation and production deficiencies in children's memory and thinking.
Project scheduling with work packages

Abstract The use of work breakdown structures and work packages as a method of disaggregation is a standard approach in many project management procedures. In this study we propose a mathematical programming framework for scheduling project activities with variable durations in a work package environment. The modeling approach has the flexibility to consider budgetary and other operational constraints, is useful in the planning/proposal stage of a project, and provides a systematic method for analyzing the impact of project and work package due dates on cost and budget performance. Post-optimality analysis information available in most mathematical programming software packages can be used to fine tune both bids and operational schedules. We provide several illustrative examples of the modeling approach and conclude with suggestions for future research.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Simulations of the Dynamic Response of a Fingertip to Vibration

Although excessive dynamic deformation of the soft tissues in the fingertip under vibration loading is thought to induce hand-arm vibration syndrome, the in vivo distributions of the dynamic stress/ strain of the tissues in the fingertip under vibration conditions have not been studied because they cannot be measured experimentally. In the present study, we analyzed the dynamic responses of a fingertip to vibrations by extending our previously proposed three-dimensional finite element (FE) model. The FE model of the fingertip contains the essential anatomical structures of a finger, such as skin layers (dermis and epidermis), subcutaneous tissue, bone, and nail. Our analysis indicated that the fingertip has a major local resonance around 100 Hz and that the vibration displacement in the soft tissues under the nail bed is less than 10% of those in the finger pad for all precompression levels and vibration range. The resonant frequency of the fingertip was found to increase from 88 Hz to 125 Hz with the static precompression increasing from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm. These results suggest that structural and functional changes in vascular function will likely initiate from the fingerpad, the location that undergoes the greatest deformation during vibration exposure. The current predictions are qualitatively consistent with the physiological data collected from workers with vibration white finger. DOI: 10.1115/1.2947199
High estradiol levels and high oocyte yield are not detrimental to in vitro fertilization outcome.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of elevated peak E 2 levels and a high number of retrieved oocytes on implantation in patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: University-based IVF program. Patient(s): One hundred six patients undergoing 106 IVF cycles. High responders were defined as those who had peak E 2 levels of >3,000 pg/mL on the day of hCG administration (n = 38) or >15 retrieved oocytes (n = 48). Their IVF outcomes were compared with those of patients whose peak E 2 levels were ≤3,000 pg/mL (n = 68) or who had ≤15 retrieved oocytes (n = 58). Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Implantation and pregnancy rates. Result(s): There were no statistically significant differences in age, basal FSH level, basal E 2 level, number of ampules of gonadotropins required, fertilization rate, number of ETs, implantation rate, or pregnancy rate between normal and high responders or between women who did and did not become pregnant. In addition, no differences were detected when outcome was analyzed according to the stimulation regimen used. Conclusion(s): Elevated peak E 2 levels and high oocyte yield are not detrimental to IVF outcome. More studies are needed to characterize the threshold E 2 levels above which implantation rates are reduced.
IL-1-induced NFκB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation diverge at IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)

Mutant I1A cells, lacking IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) mRNA and protein, have been used to study the involvement of IRAK in NFκB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. A series of IRAK deletion constructs were expressed in I1A cells, which were then tested for their ability to respond to IL-1. Both the N-terminal death domain and the C-terminal region of IRAK are required for IL-1-induced NFκB and JNK activation, whereas the N-proximal undetermined domain is required for the activation of NFκB but not JNK. The phosphorylation and ubiquitination of IRAK deletion mutants correlate tightly with their ability to activate NFκB in response to IL-1, but IRAK can mediate IL-1-induced JNK activation without being phosphorylated. These studies reveal that the IL-1-induced signaling pathways leading to NFκB and JNK activation diverge either at IRAK or at a point nearer to the receptor.
Galerkin method and optimal error algorithms in hilbert spaces

We consider operator equations of the formLu=f, whereL belongs to the class ? of linear, bounded (by a constantM) and coercive (with a constantm) operators from a Hilbert spaceV onto its dualV * andf belongs to a Hilbert spaceW?V *. We study optimality of the Galerkin methodP n * Lu n =P n * f, whereu n ?V n ,V n is subspace ofV, P n is the orthogonal projector ontoV n andP n * is dual toP n . We show that the Galerkin method is quasi optimal independently of the choice of the subspaceV n and the spaceW ifM>m. In the caseM=m, optimality of the method depends strongly on the choice ofV n andW. Therefore we define a new algorithm which is always optimal (independently of the choice ofV n andW and relations betweenM andm).
Movements of spawning rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax, in a massachusetts estuary

Movements of spawning rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax, were followed in the Parker River estuary, Massachusetts during 1974 and 1975. Fish marked with vinyl subcutaneous tags (n=1,492) or fin clips (n=577) were recaptured on three separate spawning sites in three different tributaries; the distribution patterns of marked fish indicated a homogeneous spawning stock. Interstream movement may have been facilitated by tidal transport since smelt ascended to the spawning sites on flood tides and moved downstream as tides ebbed.
Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Nitrovasodilation: Important and Complex Interactions

Endothelial dysfunction in IDDM patients could contribute to their higher rates of macrovascular disease. The study of endothelial function in IDDM has yielded conflicting results,1 2 3 4 which is not surprising given the complexity of the IDDM state. First, endothelium-dependent vasodilation is modulated by insulin,5 6 and insulin levels fluctuate greatly in these subjects. Second, increased glucose levels, a hallmark of IDDM, have been shown to impair endothelium-dependent vasodilation in vitro7 8 and may contribute to endothelial dysfunction in vivo. Third, long-standing hyperglycemia with advanced glycosylated end-product formation causes dysregulation of the endothelium-derived NO system9 ; and fourth, autonomic nervous system function that regulates vascular tone and reactivity is often impaired early in the course of IDDM even in subjects who do not have clinically evident neuropathy.10 11 12 13 The article by Ma¨kimattila and colleagues14 in this issue sheds some light on this complex problem. The authors assessed changes in forearm blood flow to the endothelium-dependent vasodilator ACh, the endothelium-independent vasodilator SNP, and the inhibitor of NO synthase L-NMMA in controls and in IDDM subjects. IDDM …
Site‐Specific thermodynamics of ising networks: A theorem for linearly connected subsystems

An Ising network consists of a set of N units existing in two possible states, 0 and 1. If two units contact each other in the network, there is a nearest neighbor interaction that depends only on the states of the units. If an Ising network can be split into two independent subsystems by deleting the contact between two units, then these units specify each other's site-specific properties and the state of either unit uniquely specifies the state of the other. This theorem holds regardless of (a) the dimensional embedding of the network as a whole, (b) the precise interaction geometry among the units within either subsystem, and (c) the intrinsic energy for the 0 1 switching of any given unit. Either subsystem in the network can be considered as a probe for the state of the unit in the other subsystem to which the probe is connected. Application of the theorem to the analysis of the site-specific properties of the biologically relevant case of a linear network, or heteropolymer, yields a rather counterintuitive result. Knowledge of the state of the end unit in the network, as a function of the change in the thermodynamic driving force for the 0 1 transition, is sufficient to completely resolve the energetics of the network. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
HEMOGLOBIN S-J-BANGKOK DISEASE: A NEWLY IDENTIFIED SICKLING DISORDER

Top of pageAbstract Several members of a Negro family from Southern Illinois were found to be heterozygous for Hb J-Bangkok (α2Aβ256 glyasp), a rare hemoglobin abnormality previously reported only in individuals of Thai or Chinese ancestry. In 2 children (ages 3 and 8) Hb J-Bangkok was present in combination with sickle hemoglobin. Both children exhibited mild hypochromic, microcytic anemia, apparently due to iron deficiency. Neither child demonstrated hemolytic disease, enlargement of the liver or spleen, or symptomatic sickle crises. Hb J comprised 54-59% of the total Hb in all family members having this Hb, in common with previous reports of this variant. Hb A2 and alkali-resistant Hb were present in normal concentrations. The interaction between sickle Hb and the Hb J in the doubly heterozygous subjects was evaluated by measurement of minimum gelling concentrations of deoxygenated mixtures of the two Hbs. Mixtures containing 40% sickle hemoglobin gelled at 32.5-33.7 gm./dl., values similar to those obtained with a 40:60 mixture of Hbs S and A. The pathologic potential of the combination of Hbs S and J-Bangkok therefore appears to be comparable to sickle cell trait.
Phermone response in yeast

In response to peptide pheromones, yeast cells prepare themselves for mating; changes include arrest of the cell cycle and induction of transcription. Proteins involved in this signal transduction pathway include the pheromone receptors, subunits of a G protein, protein kinases and DNA-binding proteins. Understanding of this pathway has been facilitated by yeast genetics, which has allowed the genes encoding all of these proteins to be identified and characterized.
Heuristics in an Air Pollution Control Cost Model: The AIRCOST Model of the Electric Utility Industry

A number of uncertainties associated with national air pollution policy are currently being analyzed by the United States Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency EPA, and the Department of Energy DOE with the aid of a large-scale model of electric utility plant emissions under the 1983 Clean Air Act Amendments called AIRCOST. The AIRCOST methodology combines a "supply side" economics approach with detailed plant by plant models that result in substantial spatial and technological resolution. In fact, the resulting emissions projections are being used as input to separate air pollution transport models for the evaluation of "acid rain" impacts. This paper documents and partially validates this methodology with which a critical segment of U.S. air pollution policy has been and is continuing to be analyzed.
Mutagenicity of coal fly ash: a new bioassay for mutagenic potential in a particle feeding ciliate

The use of the established mutagenesis assay in Paramecium as a prescreen for hazardous environmental particles is described. Since these protozoans ingest particles of the size respired by animals and man, the biological effects of the respirable fraction of fly ash particles were monitored in particle-feeding eukaryotic cells. Fly ash from coal combustion was utilized for these studies and was found to be mutagenic. The effects of physical and chemical treatment of the particle mutagenicity provided evidence for both heat-stable, heat-labile and acid extractable mutagenic agents.
Application of a statistical trajectory model to the simulation of sulfur pollution over northeastern United States

Abstract A regional-scale model of atmospheric sulfur pollution is developed for the northeastern United States. The model approximates the long-term average plume from each pollutant source by a series of puffs in which the horizontal distribution of pollutant concentration is assumed to be Gaussian. To construct the puffs, a simulated tracer particle is released twice a day and its location is computed for every 3-h interval by use of observed wind velocities. The location of the center of each puff at certain times after the release is computed by averaging the coordinates of all the particles at the same time after the release and the standard deviations of the coordinates of these particles with respect to the puff center are used to define the size of the puff. The vertical distribution of material in each puff is computed from a numerical integration of a system of two equations which describe the budgets of sulfur dioxide and sulfate, with consideration of inversion height, surface deposition, effective stack height and chemical transformation. These four factors are varied in a series of sensitivity tests for the model. The final concentrations of sulfur dioxide and sulfate at a point of interest are obtained by summing the contributions of all the puffs to that point. In the present simulation, pollutant sources of sulfur dioxide originated from 53 major power plants in the north-eastern United States are considered and maps of predicted sulfur dioxide and sulfate concentrations at 2 m height and of the dry deposition of sulfur have been presented.