cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a Rigid Ring Quarter-Vehicle Model With an Advanced Road Profile Algorithm for Durability and Ride Comfort Predictions

In this paper a new five-degree-of-freedom in-plane Rigid Ring Quarter-Vehicle Model (RRQVM) with a Force Dependent Effective Road Profile (FDERP) is derived and programmed in MATLAB/Simulink© . This novel fully integrated model uses the tire-road vertical contact force to update the effective road height and slope at each integration time step. The model is capable of simulating the response of a free rolling tire over arbitrarily uneven road surfaces to study vehicle ride comfort and durability with efficient, accurate results. The RRQVM is validated with tire spindle vertical acceleration data from virtual Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Quarter-Vehicle Model (QVM) tests. A baseline in-plane RRQVM with a Force Independent Effective Road Profile (FIERP) is also developed for comparison with the FDERP RRQVM. Results show that the FDERP RRQVM predicts the vertical tire spindle acceleration more accurately than the FIERP RRQVM when compared to the FEA RRQVM results, especially at speeds above 11 km/hr. Therefore, the advanced FDERP model provides the RRQVM with a more accurate effective road profile than a conventional FIERP model.© 2008 ASME
A multi-piecewise curvature-corrected technique for bandgap reference circuits

A systematic design methodology utilizing piecewise curvature correction technique for the purpose of improving the temperature coefficient of bandgap references (BGRs) is presented in this paper. It is shown that the temperature dependency of the drain current of a MOSFET transistor depends on the transistor's operating region. Using this property, a multi-piecewise compensation technique over wide temperature range is achieved by controlling the operating region of MOSFETs through their gate-source voltages. The technique offers several advantages including simplicity, and providing the designers with flexibility to employ a combination of piecewise currents to achieve maximum temperature stability over the desired temperature range. To demonstrate the capability of this approach, the technique is used to effectively reduce the temperature coefficient of a first-order BGR circuit.
Surgical treatment for epilepsy

Nearly one-third of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy will develop medically refractory seizure disorders. The initial response to antiepileptic drug therapy is highly predictive of long-term outcome. Patients with intractable epilepsy may have a progressive disorder that is medically, physically, and socially disabling. Surgical resection of the epileptogenic zone or lesional pathology, or both, may significantly reduce seizure tendency in selected patients. The present review supports the position that early and effective epilepsy surgery may not only render the patient with intractable partial epilepsy seizure-free, but also allow the individual to become a participating and productive member of society. Patients with surgically remediable epileptic syndromes should be identified early in the evaluation and treatment of their seizure disorders. Favorable candidates for focal cortical resection include individuals with medial temporal lobe epilepsy and partial seizures related to selected lesional pathology, e.g. primary brain tumor or vascular anomalies. In conclusion, surgical treatment of intractable partial epilepsy has been shown to compare favorably to antiepileptic drug therapy. Individuals rendered seizure-free may experience a significant improvement in quality of life. Patients who fail to respond to initial antiepileptic drug therapy should be "triaged" to a presurgical evaluation. Ictal semiology combined with structural magnetic resonance imaging and the electroclinical correlation may permit identification of candidates for early and effective surgical treatment.
On minimal covering of incompletely specified sequential networks

Abstract In this paper we describe a simple procedure using Grasselli and Luccio's concept to find a minimum-state cover. Their concept is then extended to include a new class of prime compatibles so that a minimal cover can be found. Finally a complete procedure is described to find both the minimum-state and the minimal covers.
Aspect-Oriented Refactoring of Legacy Applications: An Evaluation

The primary claimed benefits of aspect-oriented programming (AOP) are that it improves the understandability and maintainability of software applications by modularizing crosscutting concerns. Before there is widespread adoption of AOP, developers need further evidence of the actual benefits as well as costs. Applying AOP techniques to refactor legacy applications is one way to evaluate costs and benefits. We replace crosscutting concerns with aspects in three industrial applications to examine the effects on qualities that affect the maintainability of the applications. We study several revisions of each application, identifying crosscutting concerns in the initial revision and also crosscutting concerns that are added in later revisions. Aspect-oriented refactoring reduced code size and improved both change locality and concern diffusion. Costs include the effort required for application refactoring and aspect creation, as well as a decrease in performance.
Tunable coplanar patch antenna using varactor

The operating frequency of a coplanar patch antenna is tuned using a varactor mounted at one of the radiating edges. The coplanar patch antenna is tunable from 4.92 GHz at 0 V to 5.40 GHz at 19.5 V with a return loss better than 14 dB in this frequency range. The antenna provides a return loss better than 32 dB in the tunable frequency range of 5.16 to 5.40 GHz.
Policing Human Trafficking Cultural Blinders and Organizational Barriers

Since 2000, the federal government and all fifty states have passed laws that criminalize the trafficking of persons for labor and commercial sex. To date, relatively few human trafficking cases have been identified, investigated, and prosecuted by local criminal justice authorities. Using data from case records and qualitative interviews with police, prosecutors, and victim service providers in twelve counties, we discuss the challenges local police face in identifying cases of human trafficking. We find that the culture of local police agencies and the perceptions of police officials about human trafficking do not support the identification of a broad range of human trafficking cases. Since local definitions of human trafficking are still evolving, police focus on sex trafficking of minors, which they perceive to be the most serious problem facing their communities. Reluctance to differentiate between vice and sex trafficking minimizes the problem of human trafficking and makes labor trafficking seem la...
X-radiation spectra.

A computer program was developed whereby input of kilovoltage, current voltage wave form, and types and thicknesses of filters results in output that predicts the X-radiation spectra encountered in dental practice. The computed results agree with measured spectra.
When children eat what they watch: impact of television viewing on dietary intake in youth.

Objectives To test whether increased television viewing is associated with increased total energy intake and with increased consumption of foods commonly advertised on television, and to test whether increased consumption of these foods mediates the relationship between television viewing and total energy intake. Design Prospective observational study with baseline (fall 1995) and follow-up (spring 1997) measures of youth diet, physical activity, and television viewing. We used food advertising data to identify 6 food groups for study (sweet baked snacks, candy, fried potatoes, main courses commonly served as fast food, salty snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages). Setting and Participants Five public schools in 4 communities near Boston. The sample included 548 students (mean age at baseline, 11.70 years; 48.4% female; and 63.5% white). Main Outcome Measures Change in total energy intake and intake of foods commonly advertised on television from baseline to follow-up. Results After adjusting for baseline covariates, each hour increase in television viewing was associated with an additional 167 kcal/d (95% confidence interval, 136-198 kcal/d; P Conclusions Increases in television viewing are associated with increased calorie intake among youth. This association is mediated by increasing consumption of calorie-dense low-nutrient foods frequently advertised on television.
Delay analysis and optimality of scheduling policies for multihop wireless networks

We analyze the delay performance of a multihop wireless network with a fixed route between each source-destination pair. We develop a new queue grouping technique to handle the complex correlations of the service process resulting from the multihop nature of the flows. A general set-based interference model is assumed that imposes constraints on links that can be served simultaneously at any given time. These interference constraints are used to obtain a fundamental lower bound on the delay performance of any scheduling policy for the system. We present a systematic methodology to derive such lower bounds. For a special wireless system, namely the clique, we design a policy that is sample-path delay-optimal. For the tandem queue network, where the delay-optimal policy is known, the expected delay of the optimal policy numerically coincides with the lower bound. We conduct extensive numerical studies to suggest that the average delay of the back-pressure scheduling policy can be made close to the lower bound by using appropriate functions of queue length.
Catalytic Mechanism of Aromatic Prenylation by NphB

NphB is an aromatic prenyltransferase that catalyzes the attachment of a 10-carbon geranyl group to aromatic substrates. Importantly, NphB exhibits a rich substrate selectivity and product regioselectivity. A systematic computational study has been conducted in order to address several question associated with NphB-catalyzed geranylation. The reaction mechanism of the prenylation step has been characterized as a SN1 type dissociative mechanism with a weakly stable carbocation intermediate. A novel π-chamber composed of Tyr121, Tyr216, and 1,6-DHN is found to be important in stabilizing the carbocation. The observed difference in the rates of product formation from 5- and 2-prenylation arises from the differing orientations of the aromatic substrate in the resting state. 4-Prenylation shares the same resting state with 5-prenylation, but the lower free energy barrier for carbocation formation makes the latter reaction more facile. The high free energy barrier associated with 7-prenylation is caused by the ...
Spatial modulation instability in periodically patterned semiconductor optical amplifiers

We theoretically investigate the spatial modulation instability (MI) properties of an electrically pumped, periodically patterned semiconductor optical amplifier. The MI spatial period is found to be related to the widths of the stable solitons supported by this device. Specific conditions for the observation of MI in such dissipative structures are given in terms of relevant examples.
Prospective Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function and Functional Status 6 Months After Acute Submassive Pulmonary Embolism: Frequency of Persistent or Subsequent Elevation in Estimated Pulmonary Artery Pressure

Background No published data have systematically documented pulmonary artery pressure over an intermediate time period after submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim of this work was to document the rate of pulmonary hypertension, as assessed noninvasively by estimated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) of ≥ 40 mm Hg 6 months after the diagnosis of submassive PE. Methods We enrolled 200 normotensive patients with CT angiography-proven PE and a baseline echocardiogram to estimate RVSP. All patients received therapy with unfractionated heparin initially, but 21 patients later received alteplase in response to circulatory shock or respiratory failure. Patients returned at 6 months for repeat RVSP measurement, and assessments of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) score and 6-min walk distance (6MWD). Results Six months after receiving a diagnosis, 162 of 180 survivors (90%) returned for follow-up, including 144 patients who had been treated with heparin (heparin-only group) and 18 patients who had been treated with heparin plus alteplase (heparin-plus-alteplase group). Among the heparin-only patients, the RVSP at diagnosis was ≥ 40 mm Hg in 50 of 144 patients (35%; 95% CI, 27% to 43%), compared with 10 of 144 patients at follow-up (7%; 95% CI, 3% to 12%). However, the RVSP at follow-up was higher than the baseline RVSP in 39 of 144 patients (27%; 95% CI, 9% to 35%), and 18 of these 39 patients had a NYHA score of ≥ 3 or exercise intolerance (6MWD, Conclusions Six months after experiencing submassive PE, a significant proportion of patients had echocardiographic and functional evidence of pulmonary hypertension.
Representation and Reality in the Study of Culture

The contemporary debate over the scientific status of ethnographic inquiry is best regarded as a dispute between realist and antirealist treatments of truth and representation. Drawing on some of the work of philosopher Donald Davidson, this essay argues that both treatments are flawed. It concludes that the controversy about cross-cultural truth claims is misconceived and unproductive when carried out in epistemological terms. In fact, the disagreements are largely moral and political and would be more productively discussed in precisely those terms.
Adaptive border marching algorithm: Automatic lung segmentation on chest CT images

Segmentation of the lungs in chest-computed tomography (CT) is often performed as a preprocessing step in lung imaging. This task is complicated especially in presence of disease. This paper presents a lung segmentation algorithm called adaptive border marching (ABM). Its novelty lies in the fact that it smoothes the lung border in a geometric way and can be used to reliably include juxtapleural nodules while minimizing oversegmentation of adjacent regions such as the abdomen and mediastinum. Our experiments using 20 datasets demonstrate that this computational geometry algorithm can re-include all juxtapleural nodules and achieve an average oversegmentation ratio of 0.43% and an average under-segmentation ratio of 1.63% relative to an expert determined reference standard. The segmentation time of a typical case is under 1min on a typical PC. As compared to other available methods, ABM is more robust, more efficient and more straightforward to implement, and once the chest CT images are input, there is no further interaction needed from users. The clinical impact of this method is in potentially avoiding false negative CAD findings due to juxtapleural nodules and improving volumetry and doubling time accuracy.
Development of Novel, Exon-Primed Intron-Crossing (EPIC) Markers from EST Databases and Evaluation of their Phylogenetic Utility in Commiphora (Burseraceae)

This material is based in part upon work supported by a dissertation research fellowship to M.R.G. from the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at George Mason University and by the National Science Foundation under grant number 0919179 to A.W. Foundation. Publication of this article was funded in part by the George Mason University Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund.
Trapping Social Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) with Acetic Acid and Saturated Short Chain Alcohols

Abstract Nineteen compounds were evaluated in combination with a solution ofacetic acid as baits for trapping the German yellowjacket,Vespula germanica (F.), the western yellowjacketVespula pensylvanica (Saussure), and the golden paper waspPolistes aurifer Saussure. Compounds with three to sixcarbon chains or branched chains and with a hydroxy functional groupwere selected for testing based on their similarity to isobutanol. Theywere compared with isobutanol with acetic acid, which is a known waspattractant. None of the compounds tested were superior to isobutanolwhen presented with acetic acid as a lure for these species of wasps.However, traps baited with either the S-(−)- or the racemic mixture of2-methyl-1-butanol in combination with acetic acid captured similarnumbers of both species of yellowjackets, compared with isobutanol withacetic acid. Polistes aurifer responded strongly to theS-(−)-enantiomer and to the racemic mixture of 2-methyl-1-butanol withacetic acid and not to the R-(+)-enantiomer with...
Interpretive Interactionism: Denzin's Potential Contribution to Intervention and Outcomes Research

Norman Denzin's interpretive interactionism research method is presented and its value as an addition to the researcher's tool kit for studying interventions and outcomes is discussed. Examining a narrative example from a recent study, the richness of this method for evaluation research is demonstrated. Crucial links between personal experiences, structures, and public policies can be made through the examination of experiences that are elicited as "thick description, " analyzed through "thick interpretation," and made meaningful by enfolding relevant contextual material.
Exosome-mediated recognition and degradation of mRNAs lacking a termination codon

One role of messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation is to maintain the fidelity of gene expression by degrading aberrant transcripts. Recent results show that mRNAs without translation termination codons are unstable in eukaryotic cells. We used yeast mutants to demonstrate that these “nonstop” mRNAs are degraded by the exosome in a 3′-to-5′ direction. The degradation of nonstop transcripts requires the exosome-associated protein Ski7p. Ski7p is closely related to the translation elongation factor EF1A and the translation termination factor eRF3. This suggests that the recognition of nonstop mRNAs involves the binding of Ski7p to an empty aminoacyl-(RNA-binding) site (A site) on the ribosome, thereby bringing the exosome to a mRNA with a ribosome stalled near the 3′ end. This system efficiently degrades mRNAs that are prematurely polyadenylated within the coding region and prevents their expression.
Thunderclap headache and normal computed tomographic results: value of cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

OBJECTIVE To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) xanthochromia for detection of ruptured cerebral aneurysms in patients with thunderclap headache (sudden and severe headache with maximal intensity at onset). PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified patients who presented to our emergency department with symptoms of thunderclap headache between January 1, 1998, and January 1, 2008. Those with normal results on computed tomography (CT) of the head were selected for inclusion in the study. All consenting adult patients had undergone a lumbar puncture procedure for CSF analysis. Xanthochromia was assessed by visual inspection. All patients with a normal CT result were further evaluated by conventional 4-vessel catheter angiography. If no aneurysms were detected in the initial study, the procedure was performed again within 7 to 14 days. All patients were followed up clinically for a mean period of approximately 29 months. RESULTS A total of 152 patients were identified (mean ± SD age, 44.7±15.8 years; 53 men). Cerebrospinal fluid xanthochromia was present in 18 patients (12%), 13 (72%) of whom were ultimately diagnosed as having aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A single patient who tested negative for xanthochromia and had a normal CT result was subsequently found to have a ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CSF xanthochromia for detection of cerebral aneurysms were 93%, 95%, 72%, and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSION Although not perfect, visual inspection of CSF in patients with a history suggestive of subarachnoid hemorrhage remains a highly valuable and simple test to detect a recently ruptured aneurysm.
A 90–240 MHz Hysteretic Controlled DC-DC Buck Converter With Digital Phase Locked Loop Synchronization

This paper reports a digital phase locked loop (D-PLL) based frequency locking technique for high frequency hysteretic controlled dc-dc buck converters. The proposed converter achieves constant operating frequency over a wide output voltage range, eliminating the dependence of switching frequency on duty cycle or voltage conversion range. The D-PLL is programmable over a wide range of parameters and can be synchronized to a clock reference to ensure proper frequency lock and switching operation outside undesirable power supply resonance bands. The stability and loop dynamics of the proposed converter is analyzed using an analog equivalent PLL behavioral model which describes the dc-dc converter as a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). We demonstrate a 90-240 MHz single phase converter with fast hysteretic control and output conversion range of 33%-80%. The converter achieves an efficiency of 80% at 180 MHz, a load response of 40 ns for a 120 mA current step and a peak-to-peak ripple less than 25 mV. The circuit was implemented in 130 nm digital CMOS process.
Technological challenges presented by filmless radiology

The technological challenges presented by filmless radiology and the benefits to be accrued through its use are discussed. The author finds that the principal technological challenges posed by digital medical images that need to be addressed by digital imaging network systems (DINS) are the large amount of data to be processed and transmitted (i.e., system response), and the need to ensure acceptable diagnostic quality of the images. An advantages of DINS technology is that it has the potential to improve health care delivery while, at the same time, reducing the cost of radiological exams. >
Changes in Living Arrangements during the Late 1990s: Do Welfare Policies Matter?.

Using data from the 1997 and 1999 National Surveys of America's Families, the authors examine the consequences of state welfare policies and practices on the living arrangements of low-income families with children. Results from a multivariate difference-in-difference-in-differences model suggest that more effective collection of child support and family cap policies are correlated with declines in single parenting and increases in dual parenting. Other policies such as sanctions and special restrictions that apply to two-parent families have no clear, consistent association with living arrangements. © 2004 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Networks of the dead or alive in cyberspace: public intellectuals in the mass and internet media

This article addresses whether dead public intellectuals differ from living public intellectuals in terms of their social network properties in the mass and internet media. Explicated at the theoretical level is the macro-level asynchrony of the web, moving beyond micro-level conceptualizations. Networks for 662 actors which Posner defined as public intellectuals are analyzed based on data from Nexis for magazines, newspapers and broadcast media, and on the web through Google and Google Groups. The differences between the media profiles of dead and living public intellectuals are assessed. As hypothesized, there are no significant differences between living and dead public intellectuals in hits for webpages and for Google Groups threadedness. Also, mass media hits show a significantly higher frequency for the living. Findings show that dead public intellectuals have a social `afterlife', a sociomorphic quality that continues in cyberspace and not in other media.
Development of Bulk Optical Negative Index Fishnet Metamaterials: Achieving a Low-Loss and Broadband Response Through Coupling

In this paper, we discuss the development of a bulk negative refractive index metamaterial made of cascaded “fishnet” structures, with a negative index existing over a broad spectral range. We describe in detail the design of bulk metamaterials, their fabrication and characterization, as well as the mechanism of how coupling of the unit cells can reduce loss in the material through an optical transmission-line approach. Due to the lowered loss, the metamaterial is able to achieve the highest figure of merit to date for an optical negative index metamaterial (NIM) in the absence of gain media. The increased thickness of the metamaterial also allows a direct observation of negative refraction by illuminating a prism made of the material. Such an observation results in an unambiguous demonstration of negative phase evolution of the wave propagating inside the metamaterial. Furthermore, the metamaterial can be readily accessed from free space, making it functional for optical devices. As such, bulk optical metamaterials should open up new prospects for studies of the unique optical effects associated with negative and zero index materials such as the superlens, reversed Doppler effect, backward Cerenkov radiation, optical tunneling devices, compact resonators, and highly directional sources.
An undergraduate course in software maintenance and enhancement

This paper presents the experience a small college computer science program has had with a course on software maintenance and enhancement. Given the current high demand for maintenance, an even greater demand is seen in the future. The first part is a general description of how the course was given, as well as the lecture topics chosen. A pathological application system is then described that provided many of the exercises and assignments in the course. Considerable detail on the assignments and the course project are given, as well. A list of needed extensions follows. Some general conclusions, including student suggestions for more program reading and writing earlier in the curriculum, are at the end.
Regulation and Specificity of MHC2TA Promoter Usage in Human Primary T Lymphocytes and Cell Line

Although activated human T cells express MHC class II antigens, the regulation of these antigens in T cells is poorly understood. This study focuses on the control of the MHC2TA gene in these cells. MHC2TA encodes the transcriptional master regulator of MHC class II, the class II trans-activator (CIITA). It has at least three distinct promoters (PI, PIII, and PIV), each active in an overlapping subset of cell types and directing a slightly different product. This report used highly purified blood T cells prepared by negative immunoselection to analyze CIITA. Real-time PCR analysis indicates that resting T cells do not express detectable CIITA transcript, while activated T cells express the PIII CIITA form. Transient transfection of activated blood T cells using wild-type and mutant PIII promoter-reporter constructs shows that two promoter elements, activation response element-1 (ARE-1) and ARE-2, are important for PIII function. cAMP response element binding protein, a known activator of gene expression in activated T cells, activates PIII in primary T cells. However, an intact ARE-2 site is not required for this activation, indicating that cAMP response element binding protein does not activate via this site. EMSAs indicate that an activating transcription factor/cAMP response element binding protein/cAMP response element modulator family member, but not phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein-1, binds to ARE-2. ARE-2 also forms a complex with an unidentified protein. The ARE-2 binding protein is constitutively expressed in a DR+ T cell line, reflecting differences between the DR+ cell line and primary blood lymphocytes. These results show that MHC2TA PIII is induced in activated T lymphocytes, and that the induced binding of ARE-2 is a crucial step in this process.
Oscillation monitoring from ambient PMU measurements by Frequency Domain Decomposition

This paper extends the method of frequency domain decomposition (FDD) towards real-time analysis of ambient PMU measurements in power systems for the purpose of oscillation monitoring. The main idea of FDD is to apply singular value decomposition (SVD) to the power density spectrum matrix. The resulting singular values correspond to individual modes under specific conditions. The damping ratio, modal frequency and the mode shape of poorly damped (with less than 5% damping ratios) oscillatory modes can be directly determined from ambient PMU measurements. The theoretical background is presented in the paper. The technique is tested on small linear systems to show its effectiveness and weaknesses. Finally, the application of FDD in power system is shown.
Melting of the light actinides

In this paper, we apply the Lindemann melting rule to the analysis of Debye-Waller factor data obtained by neutron powder diffraction for several light actinide phases. The anomalous melting points of the light actinides can be understood in terms of the temperature dependences of their elastic properties. We have extended the Lindemann rule to include temperature-induced elastic softening.
Coated-Platelet Levels Increase with Number of Injuries in Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract Coated-platelets are procoagulant platelets that are elevated in stroke and are associated with stroke recurrence. In a previous study, prompted by data showing an increased risk for stroke following traumatic brain injury (TBI), we found that coated-platelet levels are elevated in patients with combat-related mild TBI (mTBI) several years after the injury, compared with controls. We now investigate in an expanded patient population whether parameters commonly recorded in mTBI are related to increased coated-platelet potential. Coated-platelet levels were assayed in 120 mTBI patients at intervals ranging from 6 months to 10 years from the last injury. Correlations were calculated between coated-platelet levels and age, gender, race/ethnicity, loss of consciousness, alteration in consciousness, post-traumatic amnesia, number of injuries, mechanism of injury, time since first and last injury, smoking, medications that may influence coated-platelet levels, and pertinent comorbid conditions. Signific...
Intact hemispheric specialization for spatial and shape working memory in schizophrenia

Abstract Objective Using functional MRI, we investigated whether, like healthy subjects, patients with schizophrenia show a relative hemispheric specialization in ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) for spatial and shape working memory (WM). We hypothesized that reduced specialization in schizophrenia would reflect a failure to adopt optimal domain-specific strategies and would contribute to WM deficits. Methods Twelve healthy subjects and 16 schizophrenia patients performed spatial and shape WM tasks and a non-WM control task. Direct comparisons of the spatial and shape WM tasks assessed specialization. Results Despite deficient WM performance, both patients and controls showed a relative hemispheric specialization in ventrolateral PFC for spatial (right) and shape (left) WM and did not differ in this regard. Conclusions The finding of intact hemispheric specialization in ventrolateral PFC suggests that patients employ the same domain-specific strategies as healthy subjects during spatial and shape WM. Rather than reflecting a failure to adopt the optimal strategy, we hypothesize that WM deficits in schizophrenia reflect impairments of executive processes that are required for WM performance regardless of domain. These processes are associated with activity in the dorsolateral PFC, a region that has been repeatedly implicated in studies of WM.
Selective adenosine A3 receptor stimulation reduces ischemic myocardial injury in the rabbit heart.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether selective activation of the adenosine A3 receptor reduces infarct size in a Langendorff model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods: Buffer-perfused rabbit hearts were exposed to 30 min regional ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion. Infarct size was measured by tetrazolium staining and normalized for area-at-risk (IA/AAR). Results: Preconditioning by 5 min global ischemia and 10 min reperfusion reduced infarct size (IA/AAR) to 19±4% (controls: 67±5%). Replacing global ischemia with 5 min perfusion of the rabbit A3-selective agonist, IB-MECA (A3 Ki : 2 nM; A1 Ki : 30 nM) elicited a concentration-dependent reduction in infarct size; 50 nM IB-MECA reduced IA/AAR to 24±4%. The A1-selective agonist, R-PIA (25 nM) reduced IA/AAR to a similar extent (21±6%). However, while the cardioprotective effect of R-PIA was significantly inhibited (54±7% IA/AAR) by the rabbit A1-selective antagonist, BWA1433 (50 nM), the IB-MECA-dependent cardioprotection was unaffected (28±6% IA/AAR). A non-selective (A1 vs. A3) concentration of BWA1433 (5 μ M) significantly attenuated the IB-MECA-dependent cardioprotection (61±7% IA/AAR). Conclusions: These data clearly demonstrate that selective A3 receptor activation provides cardioprotection from ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rabbit heart. Furthermore, the degree of A3-dependent cardioprotection is similar to that provided by A1 receptor stimulation or ischemic preconditioning.
The value of a one semester exposure to the institutional review board process

Genuinely considering the user experience is an important element of developing usable and acceptable hardware and software. When working outside of a simple classroom project, however, an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval must be obtained before conducting user studies with human subjects. Obtaining IRB approval is often viewed as a bureaucratic procedure to be endured rather than an opportunity to teach the value and process of conducting user studies. Here, we present our experience educating students on Human Protections Training, seeking IRB exempt approval, and conducting user studies all in a one semester experience. By going through the IRB and user study process, our students learn about the ethical treatment of participants and also experience firsthand the issues and insights involved in critiquing a design that would not have been discovered without usability studies. This best practice is completely in line with curriculum guidelines for computer science from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and IEEE Computer Society requiring coverage of HCI and ethics.
Variation within and among Populations of the Short-Tailed Shrew in Connecticut

Analyses of craniometric variance within a population of short-tailed shrews, Blarina brevicauda , in Connecticut revealed almost no secondary sexual variation or variation resulting from age and only moderate individual variation. Analyses of geographic variation demonstrated significant differences in cranial size between samples from the western and eastern extremes of Connecticut, but only a slight step in the cline was found in intervening areas. The possibility that the step denotes a zone of secondary intergradation was considered, but available data were judged inconclusive.
Free radical-mediated diseases in pediatrics.

F ree radical reactions are part of many biological processes. The catalytic action of many cellular enzymes and energy producing electron transport processes involve one-electron transfers that produce free radical intermediates. Molecular oxygen, present in all aerobic organisms, readily accepts electrons, resulting in the formation of oxygen-free radicals. Oxygen-free radicals are implicated as pathologic mediators in many disease processes’** including several encountered in the pediatric population. Pediatric diseases that have been linked to free radicalmediated pathology include pulmonary oxygen injury, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), as well as ischemia/reperfusion injury manifested as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), post-asphyxial central nervous system injury, and acute tubular necrosis (ATN). In this article, we will discuss the mechanisms of free radical-mediated injury in disease processes, paying particular attention to the unique developmental aspects of the neonate that affect sensitivity to free radical-mediated diseases.
Lifetime Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death in the Community.

Background Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of death in the United States and often occurs without previous cardiac symptoms. Lifetime risk for SCD and the influence of established risk factors on lifetime risks for SCD have not been estimated previously. Methods and Results We followed Framingham Heart Study participants who were free of cardiovascular disease before their earliest examination. SCD was defined as death attributed to coronary heart disease within 1 hour of symptom onset without another probable cause of death, as adjudicated by a panel of 3 physicians. Lifetime risk for SCD was estimated to 85 years of age for men and women, with death attributed to other causes as the competing risk, and stratified by risk factor levels. We followed 2294 men and 2785 women for 160 396 person‐years; 375 experienced SCD. At 45 years of age, lifetime risks were 10.9% (95% CI, 9.4–12.5) for men and 2.8% (95% CI, 2.1–3.5) for women. Greater aggregate burden of established risk factors was associated with a higher lifetime risk for SCD. Categorizing men and women solely by blood pressure levels resulted in a clear stratification of lifetime risk curves. Conclusions We present the first lifetime risk estimates for SCD. Greater aggregate risk factor burden, or blood pressure level alone, is associated with higher lifetime risks for SCD. This high risk of premature death attributed to SCD (approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 30 women) should serve as a motivator of public health efforts in preventing and responding to SCD.
“Solid with Yearning”: Lowelling and Laureling in Day by Day

Robert Lowell’s last book of poems, Day by Day, parallels the anamorphism of Sidney Nolan’s cover portrait for the July 2, 1967, issue of Time magazine. Around Lowell’s disembodied head in that portrait is a zig-zagging laurel wreath that looks at any moment as if it might turn into a gauntlet of snakes. At first glance, Lowell appears to be wearing the crown of the American poet laureate. But, from another angle, the disembodied snaky head seems to be that of the Gorgon. It’s the look that’s disturbing. The portrait bears little resemblance to the kindly, benign Lowell we see in the photographs accompanying the cover story. Inside the magazine, he appears quizzically tenuous, puzzled by all the fuss about him or philosophically gentle, wondering about the nature of existence. The cover uncovers a poet barely suppressing his rage, not just dreamily out of things but potentially a subway bomber, as if he were waiting merely to lift his eyes and turn a nation of Time readers to stone. Eyed awry, Nolan’s image of Time’s anointed Petrarch conflates the poet with Medusa.2
Modeling the Flow of Fragmented, Brittle Material

In prior papers [1,2], we presented a granulated material model called FRAGBED for use in finite element “hydrocodes” applied to penetration of ceramic armors. It is a nonlocal, multiplane plasticity model (see, for example, Batdorf and Budianski [3], Curran et al [4], Bazant et al [5,6]). FRAGBED proved to be useful in computational simulations and associated interpretations of penetration experiments in which ceramic armors were attacked by long rod penetrators [2].
Virion Assembly and Release

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) particles exhibit several unusual properties that are not found in other enveloped RNA viruses, most notably their low buoyant density and interaction with serum lipoproteins. With the advent of systems to grow HCV in cell culture, the molecular basis of HCV particle assembly and release can now be addressed. The process of virus assembly involves protein–protein interactions between viral structural and nonstructural proteins and the coordinated action of host factors. This chapter reviews our current understanding of these interactions and factors.
Systemic Manifestations of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is known to be associated with other allergic diseases, which often develop later in life in a serial fashion. This progression is termed the “atopic march” and is considered the classical presentation of atopic disease. However, recent evidence suggests that this paradigm may not hold true for a significant portion of patients with these conditions. Not only is the timing of development likely more complex than previously believed, the comorbidities associated with AD are possibly more numerous and varied. Methods: This two-step systematic review involved a targeted search of PubMed and EMBASE with an additional hand search of key journals. The terms “atopic dermatitis” and “atopic eczema” were searched in conjunction with multiple keywords representing the concept of systemic nature of disease. All titles and abstracts were subsequently screened for relevance to the research question. Results: This review’s evidence supports an association between AD and other atopic diseases. However, it also suggests that the classical paradigm of the “atopic march” does not apply to all patients with atopic dermatitis. There appears to be a significant association between AD and multiple neuro-psychiatric comorbidities, particularly ASD and ADHD. Additional themes supported by lower-level evidence are increased risk of cardiovascular disease, decreased risk of type I diabetes, and increased risk of multiple malignancies in patients with AD. Conclusion: There is likely a diversity of phenotypes for patterns of allergic disease. Both positive and negative associations identified in this systematic review suggest that AD is condition with varied systemic manifestations.
Optimizing VR for all users through adaptive focus displays

Personal computing devices have evolved steadily, from desktops to mobile devices, and now to emerging trends in wearable computing. Wearables are expected to be integral to consumer electronics, with the primary mode of interaction often being a near-eye display. However, current-generation near-eye displays are unable to provide fully natural focus cues for all users, which often leads to discomfort. This core limitation is due to the optics of the systems themselves, with current displays being unable to change focus as required by natural vision. Furthermore, the form factor often makes it difficult for users to wear corrective eyewear. With two prototype near-eye displays, we address these issues using display modes that adapt to the user via computational optics. These prototypes make use of focus-tunable lenses, mechanically actuated displays, and gaze tracking technology to correct common refractive errors per user, and provide natural focus cues by dynamically updating scene depth based on where a user looks. Recent advances in computational optics hint at a future in which some users experience better vision in the virtual world than in the real one.
Light rare earth element depletion during Deepwater Horizon blowout methanotrophy

Rare earth elements have generally not been thought to have a biological role. However, recent work has demonstrated that the light REEs (LREEs: La, Ce, Pr, and Nd) are essential for at least some methanotrophs, being co-factors in the XoxF type of methanol dehydrogenase (MDH). We show here that dissolved LREEs were significantly removed in a submerged plume of methane-rich water during the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) well blowout. Furthermore, incubation experiments conducted with naturally methane-enriched waters from hydrocarbon seeps in the vicinity of the DWH wellhead also showed LREE removal concurrent with methane consumption. Metagenomic sequencing of incubation samples revealed that LREE-containing MDHs were present. Our field and laboratory observations provide further insight into the biochemical pathways of methanotrophy during the DWH blowout. Additionally, our results are the first observations of direct biological alteration of REE distributions in oceanic systems. In view of the ubiquity of LREE-containing MDHs in oceanic systems, our results suggest that biological uptake of LREEs is an overlooked aspect of the oceanic geochemistry of this group of elements previously thought to be biologically inactive and an unresolved factor in the flux of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from the ocean.
Influence of Particle Size on the Combustion of CL‐20/HTPB Propellants

The effect of nitramine particle size on the combustion behavior of inert binder based propellants has been extensively studied for RDX and HMX, but not CL-20. Although materials such as RDX and HMX are useful for particular combustion applications, CL-20 has a greater potential to improve the oxygen balance and energy density of a propellant. The current work investigates the effect of CL-20 particle size on the combustion of CL-20/HTPB propellants down to submicrometer sizes. An influence of particle size on the burning rate and combustion mechanism is reported. The 30 micrometer formulation burning rate data showed evidence of convective burning specifically at higher pressures, but the pressure dependence was comparable to neat CL-20 at pressures below 8 MPa. A change in the combustion mechanism of the submicrometer formulation as a function of pressure was determined to be a result of the interaction of the propellant flame and the combustion residue. Data suggested that at low pressures diffusion in terms of active cooling was dominant for the submicrometer formulation. Higher pressure data for both the submicrometer and 3 micrometer formulations suggest the degree of active cooling is decreased as the burning rate pressure exponent is near 0.5 for both propellants. The indirect evidence for the presence of a melt layer for CL-20 propellants is discussed.
TURBULENT MHD RELAXATION: DRIVEN, STEADY STATES

It is suggested that the appropriate direction for magnetohydrodynamic turbulence theory to move is away from the concerns of classical homogeneous turbulence theory. As an example of an application in the direction of increasing realism, a recent computational and analytical approach to turbulent relaxation in the reversed-field pinch is reviewed. The analytical calculation is based upon a minimum-energy-dissipation-rate variational principle, appropriate to driven systems. An application involving constant rate of supply and dissipation of cross helicity is also remarked upon.
Mediating the tension between plot and interaction

When building a story-intensive game, there is always the question of how much freedom to give the player. Give the player too little, and he may feel constrained and disconnected from the character he is controlling. Give him too much freedom, and the progression of the story may lag or stop altogether. This paper focuses on our attempt to find a balance between offering the player a high degree of interaction and providing a story-based experience where the player is a key character. Our approach is embedded in our Interactive Drama Architecture (IDA), which includes an omniscient story director agent who manages the player’s narrative experience. The director agent uses a declarative description of the plot to track the player’s progress, detect deviations from the plot, and make directions to supporting characters in the game. Our director is embedded within a game we have developed, called Haunt 2, which is an extension to the Unreal Tournament engine.