cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of layering and boundary conditions on fault-bend and fault-propagation folding

The influence of heterogeneous layering and boundary conditions on the structural development of fault-bend and fault-propagation folds has been investigated through petrographic study of nonscaled rock models. The models are deformed in a triaxial rock-deformation apparatus at room temperature and a 50-MPa confining pressure. The models consist of a single layer of sandstone containing a saw-cut ramp that is inclined 20° to the layering, and an overlying, intact, thinly layered unit that is composed of limestone interlayered with lead or mica. Analysis of the fold-thrust structures generated in sequentially shortened models with different loading conditions and layer types suggests that the mode of fold-thrust interaction activated upon shortening will depend on fault zone drag, bending and shearing resistance of the hanging wall, shear strength of layer interfaces, and loading conditions. For the models, these parameters may be expressed as a strength ratio describing the resistance to foreland translation relative to the resistance to internal deformation of the thrust system. Low strength ratios favor fault-bend folding. High strength ratios favor internal shortening of the sheet; isotropic and thick (relative to ramp height) units above a propagating thrust tip will shorten primarily by faulting, whereas thinly layered, anisotropic units will shorten by fault-propagation folding. During both modes of fold-thrust interaction, the dips of the fold limbs increase, interlimb angles decrease, and imbricate faults form in the hanging wall or footwall with shortening. In one model suite, the imbrication is associated with a transition from fault-bend folding to fault-propagation folding and produces a highly asymmetric ramp anticline similar to a second-mode fault-bend fold or to a transported fault-propagation fold. The model data suggest that fault-propagation folding in heterogeneously layered rock occurs by the discontinuous formation, growth, and linkage of faults below the growing fold. Amplification of the fault-propagation fold is affected by the amount of slip transferred out of the deforming region, imbrication, and buckling. The changes in the mode of fold-thrust interaction and modifications in the local geometry and strain distribution that occur during shortening result from slip hardening on faults, or from rotation- or strain-induced variations in the strength of the layers.
Cytoprotective Effect of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Produced in Transgenic Tobacco Plants

Asialo-erythropoietin, a desialylated form of human erythropoietin (EPO) lacking hematopoietic activity, is receiving increased attention because of its broader protective effects in preclinical models of tissue injury. However, attempts to translate its protective effects into clinical practice is hampered by unavailability of suitable expression system and its costly and limit production from expensive mammalian cell-made EPO (rhuEPOM) by enzymatic desialylation. In the current study, we took advantage of a plant-based expression system lacking sialylating capacity but possessing an ability to synthesize complex N-glycans to produce cytoprotective recombinant human asialo-rhuEPO. Transgenic tobacco plants expressing asialo-rhuEPO were generated by stably co-expressing human EPO and β1,4-galactosyltransferase (GalT) genes under the control of double CaMV 35S and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate gene (GapC) promoters, respectively. Plant-produced asialo-rhuEPO (asialo-rhuEPOP) was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography. Detailed N-glycan analysis using NSI-FTMS and MS/MS revealed that asialo-rhuEPOP bears paucimannosidic, high mannose-type and complex N-glycans. In vitro cytoprotection assays showed that the asialo-rhuEPOP (20 U/ml) provides 2-fold better cytoprotection (44%) to neuronal-like mouse neuroblastoma cells from staurosporine-induced cell death than rhuEPOM (21%). The cytoprotective effect of the asialo-rhuEPOP was found to be mediated by receptor-initiated phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and suppression of caspase 3 activation. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that plants are a suitable host for producing cytoprotective rhuEPO derivative. In addition, the general advantages of plant-based expression system can be exploited to address the cost and scalability issues related to its production.
Growth inhibition and apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells induced by hypericin, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C.

Abstract The effect of hypericin, an antiviral agent and inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), on cell proliferation and programmed death was investigated in the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. Hypericin induced significant growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner demonstrated by a microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay. DNA isolated from cells treated with hypericin at concentrations over 1 μM exhibited a ‘ladder’ pattern of oligonucleosome-sized fragments characteristic of apoptosis. Similarly, treatment of the cells with the PKC inhibitors staurosporine, tamoxifen or phorbol ester PMA for 72 h also resulted in apoptosis, suggesting that hypericin may be triggering an apoptotic signal in neuroblastoma cells, which at least in part may be mediated by the inhibition of PKC.
Nonlinear optimization reduces the sidelobes of Yagi antenna

The radiation pattern of the Yagi antenna is optimized by the conjugate-direction method. The actual solution of the integral equation for current distribution is used throughout the optimization. A study of several Yagi antennas optimized by Morris shows that, for fixed distances between elements, the directivity cannot be improved further, but the sidelobes can be reduced by as much as 10 dB.
The management of chronic asthma

THE ACQUISITION of skill and experience in the management of chronic asthma offers unique rewards in the pTfictice of pediatrics. Several aspects of asthma make its treatment a particularly appealing enterprise. High prevalence ensures that skills acquired will be regularly used, to the benefit of a large number of children. The good response to appropriate therapy and high degree of reversibility of most childhood asthma makes successful treatment a gratifying experience for physician and family. Advances in knowledge about the nature of asthma and the,mechanisms involved in the production of symptoms have given the physician a better conceptual model of the disease, enhancing its intellectual interest and providing him with a basis for rational discussion of the problem with parents and patients.* This more sophisticated understanding has been paralleled by the development of better tools for management, thus increasing the effectiveness of intervention and providing more flexibility of approach. This review provides a survey of the present state of the art in the management of chronic asthma. No attempt is made to give an exhaustive catalogue of details of treatment or to resolve the controversies which surround
The covalidation of dissimilarly structured strategic airlift models

A methodology is presented which allows comparison between models constructed under different modeling paradigms. Consider two models that exist to study different aspects of the same system, specifically Air Mobility Command's strategic airlift system. One model simulates a fleet of aircraft moving a given combination of cargo and passengers from an onload point to an offload point. The second model is a linear program that optimizes aircraft and route selection given cargo and passenger requirements in order to minimize late and nondeliveries. Further, the optimization model represents a more aggregated view of the airlift system than does the simulation. The two models do not have immediately comparable input or output structures, which complicates comparisons between the two models. We develop a methodology that structures this comparison and use it to compare the two large-scale models described above. Further, our technique has the fortunate byproduct of improving the fidelity of the models through a series of iterative refinements of the input to each model based on the output of the other. Models that compare favorably with regard to our methodology are deemed covalid models.
The Role of Clinical Pathways in Reducing the Economic Burden of Stroke

Clinical pathways are a potentially beneficial, but largely untested, management strategy for both improving healthcare efficiency and decreasing costs while also maintaining or improving quality of care. Although relatively few clinical pathways for stroke have been described in the medical literature and although the reported benefits have been mixed, more and more hospitals are adopting clinical pathways as a management strategy for patients with stroke. In published clinical pathways for acute stroke, the following benefits have been reported: (i) reduced use of expensive diagnostic studies; (ii) fewer complications (particularly the frequency of urinary tract infections and aspiration pneumonia); (iii) reduced duration of hospital stay; (iv) reduced patient charges; and (v) lower mortality. However, these reported benefits are not consistent across all studies and some outcomes are highly correlated. Despite potential benefits, many clinical pathway programmes fail because of inadequate planning and shortcomings of implementation. Effective implementation of clinical pathways requires strong administrative and medical staff leadership, active participation of all clinical disciplines involved in the care of patients on the pathway, provision of regular feedback to clinicians, sufficient resources, improved documentation, incorporation of the entire episode of care into the pathway, integration with ongoing quality and utilisation management programmes, and periodic evaluation and modification.
Oaths given by U.S. and Canadian medical schools, 1977: Profession of medical values

Ninety-four percent of U.S. and 63% of Canadian medical schools administered an oath to their graduating students in 1977. This making a 'profession' of the values of the medical profession has undergone a continuous and striking increase since at least 1928. The only factors which may be related to a U.S. school not giving an oath are its being located in a North Central State and its having a large number of basic science doctoral students (perhaps a reflection of the school's commitment to basic science research). It is argued that it may be legitimate to consider that those values which are more frequently noted in the oaths are those which are held to be more important than those which are less frequently mentioned. Based on this assumption, a comparison of the oaths given in 1958 with those given in 1977 suggests that there has been a decline in the importance that medical schools and/or graduating students hold certain values which have been traditionally ascribed to physicians-in-service-to-others (e.g. confidentiality, welfare of patient, and avoidance of injury) while at the same time there has been no change in the importance of values associated with physicians-in-relation-to-the-medical--profession (e.g. concern with the status of the physician and respect for teachers). This, then, raises the possibility of there existing the interesting paradox that, although at this level of the medical profession, the profession is talking more, they are promising less.
Free Radical Chemistry During Slow Pyrolysis of Solid Fuels

EPR studies of matrix-isolated tar molecules have shown the presence of four different free radicals in the original gaseous tars evolved from coal over the 300–600°C temperature range. The tars are isolated in a carbon dioxide matrix at 77 K. EPR spectra suggest strong similarities to peroxy-type or oxygen-centered radicals for three of the radicals with characteristic g values of g ‖ = 2.0375, 2.0318, and 2.0257, and g ⊥ = 2.0025. The fourth radical, which does not exhibit the large anisotropy of the other three, is tentatively assigned to a carbon-centered radical. Formation of these free radicals is quenched in the presence of coal char and remains unaffected in the presence of metal oxides such as CaO and SiO 2 . The free radical species react as the coal tar is warmed to room temperature.
Advancements in Electrospun Nanofiber Technology Reduce Gas Turbine Compressor Fouling

It is well established that sub-micron ambient aerosol contamination of the intake air can produce fouling of the gas turbine compressor and result in a reduction of power output. Application of electrospun nanofibers of 0.25 micron diameter to a conventional filter media substrate has been demonstrated to improve the efficiency of gas turbine intake filters to remove sub-micron contaminate. The benefits of nanofiber filtration have been proven through use in gas turbine intake air filtration and other industrial and defense filtration applications for over twenty years. Recent advancements in electrospun nanofiber media technology have increased the filtering efficiency of gas turbine intake filters, with minimal differences in filter element pressure loss. These advances have also improved the durability of nanofibers in high temperature and high humidity applications. This paper discusses the laboratory testing that demonstrates these performance and durability improvements. A comparative field test program demonstrates the capability of nanofiber filtration to significantly reduce the fouling of gas turbine compressors.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The Iowa Interactive Digital-Human Virtual Environment

Proper assessment of human reach posture is one of the essential functions for workspace design and evaluation in a CAD system with a built-in human model. Most existing models have used heuristic methods, which provide only the range of feasible human reaching postures, which may or may not include naturalistic reach posture. We present a multi-objective-optimization (MOO)-based approach for predicting realistic reach postures of digital humans, one based on our belief that humans assume different reach postures depending on different cost functions, i.e., multi-objective functions. In this work, the number of degrees of freedom (DOF) associated with the model is unlimited, and ranges of motion of joints are considered. The problem is formulated as MOO and single-objective optimization (SOO) algorithms where one or all cost functions (joint displacement, energy, effort, etc.) are considered as objective functions that drive the model to a solution set. A real-time simulation of the digital human’s motion is applied in the IOWA digital-human virtual environment.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Solving Equations and the Inverse of Mathematical Operations

Many of the simpler equation-solving problems in science and mathematics can be approached in a nontraditional way that de-emphasizes skills with algebra and calculus. This alternative procedure emphasizes an examination of the steps or operations necessary to perform a calculation, followed by the inversion of those steps. Specifically, each step is replaced by its inverse, and the steps are performed in reverse order. The approach is especially attractive to students with limited mathematical skills.
Biology and the Problem of Levels of Reality

This paper is intended to sort out some problems in the philosophical foundations of biology. For the reader’s convenience, the questions referred to in the text are listed here: (1) Is a one-level ontology adequate to account for the major areas of human experience, both in and out of science? (2) If not, how can we formulate adequately a many-levelled ontology ? (3) Is biology reducible to physics and chemistry? (4) Is biology a molecular science ? (5) Are all biological explanations mechanical or are some irreducibly teleological? (6) Did life in its present form originate from non-life and by what means ? (7) Is all biology molecular science? i. e., is every biological discipline in principle molecular? (8) Is some biology molecular? Or is every biological discipline in principle non-molecular? (9) Meta-question: Are questions seven and eight philosophical or empirical? (10) Are physics and chemistry molecular sciences? (11) Is the distinction between the living and the non-living primarily morphological or functional?
Revision of the sauropod dinosaurs of the Lower Cretaceous Trinity Group, southern USA, with the description of a new genus

Early Cretaceous sauropods were among the first dinosaurs discovered in North America, but several aspects of their taxonomy and evolution remain poorly understood. Much of this ambiguity stems fro...
Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system

Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system (CNS) consist of a spectrum ranging from well-differentiated melanocytoma to its overtly malignant counterpart, melanoma. Diagnostically difficult intermediate lesions lie between these extremes. Clinicopathologic features of 33 cases were
Rate change transients in Bridgman-Stockbarger growth of MnBi-Bi eutectic

Abstract A Peltier interface demarcation technique was used to determine the freezing rate versus time after a sudden increase of mechanical drive rate. The freezing rate exponentially approached the new drive rate in correspondence with theoretical predictions.
CT dose and risk estimates in children

Pediatric CT radiation dose and risk assessment are important but challenging, especially given inherent uncertainties. It is still necessary for those involved in medical imaging of children to have an understanding of the extent of existing knowledge for dose assessment and risk, as well as ongoing work at improvements.
Survival of patients removed from the heart transplant waiting list

Abstract Objective End-stage heart failure has been associated with high mortality in the absence of transplantation. We evaluated the outcome of patients receiving optimal medical therapy who were removed from the cardiac transplant waiting list to determine survival and predictors of mortality. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 27 patients removed from the cardiac transplant waiting list from 1999 to 2001 at our institution. Results Mean age was 53 ± 11 years; 16 of the patients were male. Status was IB in 3 cases and II in 24. Median time on the list was 32 months, and median follow-up was 2.9 years. Patients were removed from the transplant list because of either clinical improvement (group A, n=18) or deterioration (group B, n=9). In group A, 13 patients had improved functional status and 10 were in New York Heart Association class 1 or 2; 16 had improved echocardiographic left ventricular function. Survivals at 3 years were 100% in group A and 44% in group B ( P Conclusion Patients with end-stage heart failure who have clinical response to medical therapy have excellent 3-year survival. These data suggest the necessity of close evaluation of patients waiting for transplantation, with a low threshold for inactivation if persistent clinical improvement is observed.
Effects of urea, tetramethyl urea, and trimethylamine N-oxide on aqueous solution structure and solvation of protein backbones: a molecular dynamics simulation study.

The effects of urea, tetramethyl urea (TMU), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) on the structure and dynamics of aqueous solutions are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that urea has little effects on the water−water hydrogen-bond length and angle distributions except that it induces a slight collapse of the second shell in the hydrogen-bonding network. TMU and TMAO both strengthen the individual hydrogen bonds and significantly slow the orientational relaxation of water, but have opposite effects on the second shell structure of the hydrogen-bonding network: TMU distorts while TMAO enhances the tetrahedral water structure. Furthermore, TMAO significantly weakens the interactions between the amide carbonyl group and the water molecules, while TMU and urea both strengthen these interactions, with the effect of urea being much less significant than that of TMU. These conclusions are supported by molecular dynamics simulations of three different systems: a model amide compound CH3−NH−...
Identification of the amino acid bound to the labile adduct formed during inactivation of monoamine oxidase by 1-phenylcyclopropylamine

Abstract Three reactions are carried out on the reversible adduct formed when 1-phenylcyclopropylamine (1-PCPA) inactivates monoamine oxidase (MAO) in order to determine the identity of the amino acid involved in reversible adduct formation. Raney nickel treatment yields trans -β-methyl[ 14 C]styrene , the compound that would result from carbon-sulfur bond reduction of a (3-hydroxy-3-phenylpropyl)cysteine adduct. A 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) assay for cysteine residues indicates that upon reversible inactivation of MAO by 1-PCPA, one cysteine is lost. The third reaction involves sodium periodate and hydrogen peroxide oxidation, but no definitive result is obtained. The first two reactions provide evidence that the amino acid residue involved in reversible adduct formation is a cysteine.
Frailty across the spectrum of ankle-brachial index.

We investigated the burden of frailty across the spectrum of ankle-brachial index (ABI 50 years. Criteria used to identify frailty status included weight loss, slow walking speed, weakness, exhaustion, and low physical activity. Participants meeting 1 to 2 criteria were classified as prefrail, and those meeting ≥3 criteria were classified as frail. Prevalence of frailty in respondents with ABI < 0.9 (17.5%) and 0.9 ≤ ABI < 1.1 (6.7%) was higher than in participants with normal ABI-1.1 ≤ ABI < 1.4 (4.7%). In multivariable multinomial logistic regression models, ABI < 0.9 predicted frailty (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-4.94) and prefrailty (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 0.90-2.07). Higher prevalence of frailty was seen in participants with ABI ≥ 1.4 (7.3%), P = .39. Frailty predicted general and cardiovascular mortality in participants with ABI < 0.9. Frailty mediates increased morbidity and mortality seen in peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
903. Re-Administration of Recombinant AAV2 and AAV5 in the Brain

Adeno-associated virus has been extensively examined as a vector for gene delivery. Unlike adenovirus or herpes virus administration, there is little immune response systemically, and within the central nervous system the immune response is negligible. rAAV2 has been the prototype vector and is the most common vector studied. It has proven to be an efficient and reliable vector, however as much as 80% of the human population has antibodies to this serotype, with many having neutralizing antibodies. The AAV2 vector uncoats slowly and the presence of the capsid may lead to an immune response. Previous research has examined administration of rAAV2 after exposure to wild-type AAV2 or rAAV2. These studies revealed that re-administration of rAAV2 results in a decrease (or abolition) of transduced neurons by rAAV2. Many new serotypes of AAV have been discovered and examined in the past few years. It has been shown that AAV5 uncoats faster than AAV2 and this may make it possible for the vector to escape a prolonged exposure to the immune system, making it less likely that the immune system will be primed. Alternately, GFP is also immunogenic and re-administration of rAAV2 carrying GDNF does not result in decreased transduction, revealing that immune response may depend on the gene product being produced. Therefore it is important to determine whether the capsid is triggering an immune response or is GFP the immunogen. This study was designed to examine the number of striatal neurons transduced after administration of rAAV2-GFP or rAAV5-GFP and re-administration of either vector. Preliminary results indicate that re-administration of the rAAV5 vector does not lead to loss of transduction and may be a viable option when re-administration is necessary. Preliminary results indicate that the immune response is directed at the capsid, and not the GFP.
Farmers' Attitudes Regarding Agrolandscape Ecology: A Regional Comparison

ABSTRACT A farmer survey was conducted in three different agroecosystem types in the midwestern and southeastern United States. We selected Saline County, Kansas; Knox County, Indiana; and Coffee County, Georgia, representative of former prairie grassland, Midwestern deciduous forest, and Southeastern deciduous forest biome types. A twenty-question, multiple-choice survey was mailed to 300 farmers in each county during summer months of 2002 and 2003. Data were collected in four categories: demographic information, problems related to conventional agriculture, sustainable agriculture approaches, and attitudes toward sustainable agriculture. Survey responses were examined and discussed within the context of the social and ecological consequences of industrial agriculture, the alternatives presented by agroecologists, and the communication network between agroecologists and farmers. One suggestion for achieving sustainability is building stronger connections between university agroecologists and farmers. For...
Hiding and Healing: Resolving the Suicide of a Parent or Sibling

The purpose of this study was to describe the long-term effects of suicide of a parent or sibling during childhood or young adulthood. A grounded theory approach was used to discover the respondents' perceptions of the meaning of the event and the effects that it had on them. The themes that emerged from the data were experiencing the pain, hiding the pain, and healing the pain. The need to hide the pain often interfered with the process of healing the pain. Findings indicate that many survivors of suicide during childhood experience painful, unresolved grief that affects their well-being in adulthood.
Regulation of Pituitary Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptors by Gonadal Hormones

The regulatory role of pituitary gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) receptors in the control of gonadotropin secretion was investigated in male and female rats after castration and sex steroid hormone replacement. GnRH receptors were measured in homogenates of individual pituitaries by equilibration with 125I-labeled [D-Ser(tBu)6]des-Gly10-GnRH Nethylamide, and compared with serum and pituitary LH concentrations. The equilibrium association constants (Ka) were 6.1 and 5.1 × 109 M-1 for intact and castrate male rat pituitaries, respectively. After orchidectomy, pituitary GnRH receptor concentration increased by 75% at 24 h, from 150 fmol to 250 fmol/gland, while serum LH levels increased 10-fold (30 to 300 ng/ml). There was a further slight increase in the GnRH receptor concentration (to 370 fmol/gland) and serum LH (to 500 ng/ml) over the ensuing 10 days, and at 15 and 20 days GnRH receptors were 304 and 306 fmol/gland, respectively. There was a highly significant (P < 0.001) positive correlation betwee...
Patient perception of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery as a technique for cholecystectomy.

Background Although the concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) as a minimally invasive surgical technique is gaining increasing popularity, patient perception toward NOTES is unclear. Because cholecystectomy is the most common laparoscopic procedure, the concept of NOTES was examined in this context. Aim To evaluate patient perception of NOTES as a potential technique for a cholecystectomy. Patients Those patients with an intact gallbladder who were undergoing an EUS or an ERCP for evaluation of abdominal pain, pancreatitis, or suspected choledocholithiasis. Setting Tertiary-referral center. Design Cross-sectional survey. Methods One hundred patients were given a questionnaire that described the technique, the complication rates, and benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). The concept of NOTES was then described in detail, with possible orifices being the mouth, the rectum, and the vagina. Patients were queried about their preference for a cholecystectomy technique (LC vs NOTES), choice of orifice, and the risks that they were willing to undergo for NOTES. Results Of the 100 patients, 78% preferred NOTES, and 22% preferred LC. The mean age of the patients was 45 years; 36% of patients were men, 70% were white, and 83% had undergone a prior endoscopy; no significant differences were observed between the NOTES and LC groups for these characteristics. In multivariable modeling, those with age ≤ 50 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.3, P = .61), female sex (OR 2.1, P = .14), and prior endoscopy experience (OR 2.2, P = .19) were more likely to prefer NOTES than an LC. There was no difference in preference for NOTES between whites and nonwhites (OR 1.0, P = .98). The most common reasons for NOTES preference were lack of external pain (99%) and scarring (89%). Among the patients who preferred NOTES, for both men (23/25 [92%]) and women (43/53 [81%]), the oral route was the preferred orifice. A decreasing trend of patient preference for NOTES was observed with increased procedural complications: patient preference was 100% if complications were Limitations A selective cohort of patients was evaluated. Conclusions Patients preferred NOTES to laparoscopy as the technique for cholecystectomy as long as the complication rates were comparable with current standards of LC. The oral orifice appeared to be the preferred approach for most patients. Given this favorable perception, further innovations in NOTES-related technology and refinements in procedural technique are justified.
Dependence of splat remelt and stress evolution on surface roughness length scales in plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings

Abstract Analysis of real surfaces in plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings showed roughness features at different length scales. It was found that the basic physics of the underlying splat remelt process can be characterized using a single non-dimensional temperature. Significantly different levels of remelt were calculated for the different surface roughness wavelengths, highlighting the importance of multiple length scales. A fully coupled thermo-mechanical finite element model was used to study the buildup of stresses during splat solidification. It was found that only roughness features on the scale of splat thickness are important in providing locations of maximum stress concentrations. It was found that the surface roughness features in real coatings are not sinusoidal. Instead, a more realistic ‘ideal’ surface roughness geometry is proposed, with periodic regions of stress concentration defined as small concave arcs with large curvatures surrounded by large convex arcs of smaller curvature on either side.
Peer-to-peer architecture for content-based music retrieval on acoustic data

In traditional peer-to-peer search networks, operations focus on properly labeled files such as music or video, and the actual search is often limited to text tags. The explosive growth of available multimedia documents in recent years calls for more flexible search capabilities, namely search by content. Most content-based search algorithms are computationally intensive, making them inappropriate for a peer-to-peer environment. In this paper, we discuss a content-based music retrieval algorithm that can be decomposed and parallelized efficiently. We present a peer-to-peer architecture for such a system that makes use of spare resources among subscribers, with protocols that dynamically redistribute load in order to maximize throughput and minimize inconvenience to subscribers. Our framework can be extended beyond the music retrieval domain and adapted to other scenarios where resource pooling is desired, as long as the underlying algorithm satisfies certain conditions.
Sensitivity analysis using mass flux and concentration

Sensitivity analysis for hydrochemical models requires consideration of the multivariate nature of watershed response. A robust multiobjective generalized sensitivity analysis (MOGSA) procedure, recently developed at the University of Arizona, was used to fully investigate the single objective parameter sensitivity of the Alpine Hydrochemical Model (AHM). A total of 20000 simulations for a two-year period were conducted for the Emerald Lake watershed in Sequoia National Park, California. For each simulation 21 objective functions were evaluated: they were discharge and both concentration and mass flux for ten chemical species. The MOGSA procedure revealed that only 2000 simulations were necessary to establish the parameters sensitive to mass flux or concentration. We found significant differences in parameter sensitivity for concentration versus mass flux objective functions. For example, a snowpack elution parameter and a number of hydrologic parameters were sensitive for Cl - concentration, while only the snowpack elution parameter was sensitive for Cl- mass flux. By using mass flux instead of concentration fewer mineral weathering parameters and more soil exchange parameters were sensitive. Mass flux calculations emphasize the spring snowmelt and peak discharge events of the early summer. Our results indicate that using mass instead of concentration permits better identification of the model parameters that most affect stream conditions during peak springtime flows and that some combination of mass flux and concentration objectives should be used in evaluating model performance.
Intrinsic Curvature in the VP1 Gene of SV40: Comparison of Solution and Gel Results

DNA restriction fragments that are stably curved are usually identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis because curved fragments migrate more slowly than normal fragments containing the same number of basepairs. In free solution, curved DNA molecules can be identified by transient electric birefringence (TEB) because they exhibit rotational relaxation times that are faster than those of normal fragments of the same size. In this article, the results observed in free solution and in polyacrylamide gels are compared for a highly curved 199-basepair (bp) restriction fragment taken from the VP1 gene in Simian Virus 40 (SV40) and various sequence mutants and insertion derivatives. The TEB method of overlapping fragments was used to show that the 199-bp fragment has an apparent bend angle of 46 +/- 2 degrees centered at sequence position 1922 +/- 2 bp. Four unphased A- and T-tracts and a mixed A3T4-tract occur within a span of approximately 60 bp surrounding the apparent bend center; for brevity, this 60-bp sequence element is called a curvature module. Modifying any of the A- or T-tracts in the curvature module by site-directed mutagenesis decreases the curvature of the fragment; replacing all five A- and T-tracts by random-sequence DNA causes the 199-bp mutant to adopt a normal conformation, with normal electrophoretic mobilities and birefringence relaxation times. Hence, stable curvature in this region of the VP1 gene is due to the five unphased A- and T- tracts surrounding the apparent bend center. Discordant solution and gel results are observed when long inverted repeats are inserted within the curvature module. These insertion derivatives migrate anomalously slowly in polyacrylamide gels but have normal, highly flexible conformations in free solution. Discordant solution and gel results are not observed if the insert does not contain a long inverted repeat or if the long inverted repeat is added to the 199-bp fragment outside the curvature module. The results suggest that long inverted repeats can form hairpins or cruciforms when they are located within a region of the helix backbone that is intrinsically curved, leading to large mobility anomalies in polyacrylamide gels. Hairpin/cruciform formation is not observed in free solution, presumably because of rapid conformational exchange. Hence, DNA restriction fragments that migrate anomalously slowly in polyacrylamide gels are not necessarily stably curved in free solution.
The role of cholesterol and statins in stroke

Flawed observational studies find weak associations between high cholesterol and ischemic stroke, and low cholesterol and hemorrhagic stroke. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides each appear to have individual effects on stroke risk and type. Statins decrease the risk of cerebral infarction in patients with coronary disease, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. They also significantly decrease the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with recent cerebrovascular disease, while potentially increasing the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Lower achieved cholesterol values are associated with greater reductions in stroke risk. Besides their cholesterol-lowering properties, statins are also pleiotropic agents with various neuroprotective mechanisms. Neurologic disability and infarct size are decreased in patients administered statins during stroke. Mortality and neurologic deterioration are higher in patients with statin cessation during acute ischemic stroke. Cholesterol is a modifiable risk factor for stroke, and statins are excellent agents for prophylaxis and acute therapy.
Tunable two-photon absorption in graphene

We develop a theoretical model of degenerate two-photon absorption rates in externally gated bilayer graphene. In particular, our analysis reveals that the resultant Fermi-level tunability can preserve two-photon absorption while precluding single-photon absorption.
On the gauge invariance of transition probabilities

Abstract It is emphasized that if one specifies the experimental arrangement in physical terms then there can be no gauge ambiguity of the corresponding exact theoretical predictions.
Nonequilibrium evolution of strong-field anisotropic ionized electrons towards a delayed plasma-state

Rigorous quantum calculations of the femtosecond ionization of hydrogen atoms in air lead to highly anisotropic electron and ion angular (momentum) distributions. A quantum Monte-Carlo analysis of the subsequent many-body dynamics reveals two distinct relaxation steps, first to a nearly isotropic hot nonequilibrium and then to a quasi-equilibrium configuration. The collective isotropic plasma state is reached on a picosecond timescale well after the ultrashort ionizing pulse has passed.
Automated Foucault test for focus sensing

A chopper wheel, a bicell photodetector, and an electronic phase detector are used in a mechanization of the Foucault optical test to obtain a linear focus error voltage for an isolated point image. Geometrical and diffraction analyses of the technique are included which show the sensitivity of the technique to aberrations of higher order than focus.
Family Matters: The Influence of Applied Linguistics and Composition Studies on Second Language Writing Studies¿Past, Present, and Future

This intellectual history of the disciplinary roots of second language (L2) writing research and pedagogy in English examines the influences of its feeder disciplines, composition studies and applied linguistics, and their parent disciplines, rhetoric and linguistics. After a brief history of L2 writing's two grandparent disciplines (rhetoric and linguistics) and its two parent disciplines (composition studies and applied linguistics), the article focuses on the effect of the two parent disciplines' conflicting identities. Whereas L2 writing benefits from its invigorating position at the confluence of these two intellectual streams, it has also been pulled in different incompatible directions resulting from differences, and even similarities, between applied linguistics' and composition studies' inquiry paradigms and traditions, their intellectual identities, and the material disciplinary manifestations of their organizations, conferences, and publications. A brief history of L2 writing pedagogy and research demonstrates the push and pull of the conflicting influences of its feeder disciplines.
Corticosteroids in jugular plasma of young dairy calves by a double isotopic dilution derivative method.

Abstract Jugular blood samples were taken from four dairy calves on the day of birth and every 5 days thereafter to 21 days of age. Plasma cortisol and corticosterone, determined by a double isotopic dilution derivative assay, were found on the day of birth in mean ratio of 13.0:1. From birth to Day 16, cortisol decreased while corticosterone increased to reduce the ratio to 1.9:1. The finding of both corticosteroids at birth in calves was in contrast to an earlier study in which only cortisol was found before calves were 10 days of age.
Using Supportive Communication to Foster the Pharmacy Director-Clinical Pharmacist Relationship

The quality of the pharmacy director-clinical pharmacist relationship is critical not only to the professional development success of the clinical pharmacist and the intrinsic satisfaction of the pharmacy director but also to the likelihood of the clinical pharmacist’s staying at the institution. This article advocates the incorporation of supportive communication principles into a regularly scheduled personal management interview program between pharmacy directors and their clinical pharmacists. A detailed discussion of how pharmacy directors might implement a personal management interview program that incorporates 8 principles of supportive communication is provided.
The application of ionization vacuum gauges to measurements in vacuum chambers provided with cryo-pumping surfaces

For the three arrangements of ionization vacuum gauges: immersed measuring tubes (nude gauges), externally attached measuring tubes and converters, there is considered the important questions for many cases in the measurement of vacuum: what is the dependence in the isobaric container at any temperature of the container wall (T 1 ) of the comparatively small cryosurface temperature (T 2 ) and of the converter temperature (T c ) of the magnitudes of the pumping pressure p the ultimate pressure p e (T 1 T 2 ), the magnitudes of the vapour pressure of the condensate,p s (T 2 ), the pumping speed S and the particle stream density I together with the values p* i shown by the vacuum gauges ? The equations obtained hitherto for this are valid with regard to the temperature dependencies only for the case that vacuum gauges are used which have a filament form of ion collector. These equations are valid, neglecting the expressions for p e and p s , also for the case where, in place of the cryo-pump, some other high vacuum pump is used. The expressions obtained for the converter are also applicable in the case of chambers with large surface cryo-pumps.
Enzyme Reactors Consisting of Matrix-Bound or Entrapped Red Cell Ghosts

Potent enzyme reactor systems could be synthesized using red cell ghost membranes containing urease and coval-ently binding these “semi-artificial” cells to polydextran gels (Sephadex) or entrapping them in agarose gel. In vitro studies as well as in vivo studies in sheep indicate excellent physicochemical stability of the system. Limitations of the method include insufficient diffusion of certain substrates through the cell membrane, or a tight binding of the substrate to carrier proteins.
IMPACT OF HOSPITAL AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON DRUG-ELUTING STENT USE IN THE 2011-2012 MEDICARE COHORT: CHOICES, CHANCES, CHANGES

Prior studies have shown that insurance status plays a major role in the disparities observed in drug eluting stent (DES) use. We sought to assess impact of hospital & socio-demographic factors in patients with Medicare coverage. We linked data from 2011-2012 Medicare Inpatient Discharges, Medicare
Some predaceous mites [ Phytoseiidae ] on citrus in the mediterranean region

Seven species of phytoseiid mites were collected from citrus trees in the Mediterranean region during a survey in 1971.Amblyseius stipulatusAthias-Henriot was the most abundant and widespread species in all countries surveyed (Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain).A. californicus (McGregor) was collected only in Spain;A. potentillae (Garman) andPhytoseiulus persimilis. A.-H. only in Italy.Typhlodromus talbii A.-H. was collected in Greece and Spain,T. athiasaePorath & Swirski in Greece and Turkey, andIphiseius degenerans (Berl.) in Greece and Italy. Living material of all species exceptT. talbii was successfully shipped to California and insectary cultures established. Biologies were studied in the laboratory under 2 food regimes:Tetranychus pacificusMcGregor eggs and larvae, and pollen ofMalephora crocea (Jacq.). Pollen was not a satisfactory food forp. persimilis, A. californicus andT. athiasae. Pollen was slightly less satisfactory than tetranychid mites fora. potentillae, but was equally or more favorable than mites forA. stipulatus andI. degenerans. A. stipulatus has become established in southern California.
Role of observation of live cases done by Japanese experts in the acquisition of ESD skills by a western endoscopist.

Role of observation of live cases done by Japanese experts in the acquisition of ESD skills by a western endoscopist
THE INFLUENCE OF PROLONGED, INTENSIVE PLASMAPHERESIS UPON THE ABILITY OF THE ORGANISM TO REGENERATE SERUM PROTEIN.

1. When the dog is subjected to quantitative plasmapheresis and fed appropriate "synthetic" artificial rations, it is possible to evaluate the ability of the organism to regenerate serum protein from both exogenous and endogenous sources. Approximately 44 per cent of the protein, casein, fed in excess of the minimal amount needed normally to meet the general nitrogen requirements, is utilized for the formation of new serum protein. Under our experimental conditions the dog can regenerate each week solely from endogenous sources approximately 0.6 gm. of this blood protein per kilo of optimal body weight. This is equivalent to about 21 per cent of the total amount of serum protein normally present in the plasma. 2. When the dog is fed an adequate protein diet and is subjected to a regime of prolonged intensive plasmapheresis (period of 16 consecutive weeks), no impairment in the ability of the organism to regenerate serum protein from either exogenous or endogenous sources occurs. Under our conditions of experimentation the dog appears to be able to form each week an amount of the blood protein approximately equal to that normally present in the plasma. Because of this remarkable ability of the normal organism to regenerate rapidly serum protein over a relatively long period of time, it seems that loss of protein alone in conditions of Bright's disease cannot be the etiologic agent responsible for the persistence of the hypoproteinemia. An additional factor, the "specific" ability of such individuals to regenerate serum protein, must be taken into consideration.
Determination of the sinking and terminating points of action unit on humanoid skull through GFEAD

This study describes modeling and computational analysis technique for design of humanoid head that can generate human-like facial expression. Current humanoid prototypes utilize either traditional servo motors or other form of bulky actuators such as air muscles to deform soft elastomeric skin that in turn creates facial expression. However, these prior methods have inherent drawbacks and do not resemble human musculature. In this paper, we report the advances made in design of humanoid head using shape memory alloy actuators. These muscle-like actuators are often in discrete form and finite in number. This brings up the fundamental question regarding their arrangement and location of terminating and sinking points for each action unit. We address this question by developing a Graphical Facial Expression Analysis and Design (GFEAD) technique that can be used to optimize the space, analyze the deformation behavior, and determine the effect of actuator properties. GFEAD will be described through generic mathematical models and analytical geometry confining the discussion to two-dimensional planes. The implementation of the graphical method will be presented by considering different practical cases.