cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer, and HPV vaccine in the United States—Do we need a broader vaccine policy?

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) of global importance; it is the most prevalent STI in the United States, with strains causally linked to oropharyngeal and other cancers. Efforts to prevent HPV have been made to varying degrees by policies implemented by different state governments; however, HPV and associated oropharyngeal cancer continue to show increasing incidence rates in the US. Design A narrative review based on search on SciVerse, PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and EMBASE databases, as well as literature/documents from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Cancer Society, National Conference of State legislatures, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services relevant to HPV and HPV vaccine policy in the US. Results Vaccination has proved to be a successful policy in the US, and an extant recommendation aimed at preventing HPV and associated cervical and other anogenital cancers is the routine use of HPV vaccines for males and females. However, HPV vaccines are presently not recommended for preventing oropharyngeal cancer, although they have been shown to be highly effective against the HPV strains that are most commonly found in the oropharynx. And while there is a history of successful vaccine mandate in the US with resulting decrease in occurrence of infectious diseases, implementing HPV vaccine mandate has proved to be very unpopular. Conclusions With emerging evidence of the efficacy of the use of the HPV vaccine in preventing oral-HPV, more focus should be put on extending HPV vaccine to present oral HPV infection and oropharyngeal cancer. Also, implementing a broader HPV vaccine policy that include mandating HPV vaccines as a school-entry requirement for both sexes may increase vaccine use in the US for the greater good of the public.
On the SPR Condition in Output Error Estimation Schemes

In this paper we will analyze the SPR condition in output error adaptive estimation schemes. An idea of Tomizuka is used to reduce the restrictive nature of the SPR condition, and is strengthened by exploiting certain a priori information on the uncertainty structure of the underlying plant, which is represented by an interval plant description. New results for the analysis of these types of systems are obtained, and are subsequently incorporated in the analysis of the adaptive system
Religion, Stress, and Suicide Acceptability in South Korea

Using the 2009 Korean General Social Survey ( N = 1,422), we examine (1) if religious variables affect suicide acceptability—attitudes and norms regarding the acceptability of suicide; and (2) whether religious variables dampen the otherwise strong effects of stress on suicide acceptability. We find that Protestantism, religious attendance, and religious salience are associated with lower levels of suicide acceptability. Yet, the negative impact of Protestantism is entirely mediated by religious attendance and salience. Moreover, the effects of stress on suicide acceptability are attenuated for those who have higher levels of religious attendance and salience. These results have important implications for understanding suicide acceptability and suicide, especially the Protestant-Catholic differences first recognized by Emile Durkheim.
Optimal Control of Fixed-Wing UAVs Along Real-Time Trajectories

This paper focuses on designing control systems for the regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) along real-time trajectories. The reference trajectories will be generated in real-time from a library of pre-specified motion primitives. Two control approaches will be studied. The first is a hybrid control approach, in which we account for all possible connections between compatible library primitives by adding corresponding coupling conditions into the control synthesis program. The switching between primitives in this case takes place with stability and performance guarantees, but at the expense of added computational complexity. The second approach is a decoupled control approach, where the plant associated with each primitive is regarded as a system with an uncertain initial state. This approach is less computationally intensive than the hybrid approach, but comes with no theoretically established stability guarantees across switching boundaries. The two approaches are applied to regulate a nonlinear mathematical model of a 6 foot Telemaster fixed-wing UAV along a real-time trajectory in the presence of model uncertainties and atmospheric disturbances.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Aldhelm's Enigmata and Isidorian etymology

In failing to abide by the chief rule of their genre, the Enigmata of Aldhelm have themselves become something of a riddle: for why should their author give, in the form of a title word or phrase, the solution to each of the one hundred riddles? By violating from the start the essential quality of any riddle – a seeming impossibility of solution – Aldhelm would seem to neglect the point made in this Swedish riddle about riddles: ‘When one does not know what it is, then it is something; but when one does know what it is, then it is nothing.’ Certainly the work of Symphosius provided Aldhelm with a precedent for including solutions to his riddles; but this fact in itself does not explain very much about Aldhelm's practice, for it ignores the pleasure he took in exploring the possibilities of the riddle as a genre. Since his work as a whole demonstrates a taste for the difficult and esoteric, it is not surprising that his Enigmata should pose this riddle of their own. His practice in this regard is all the more intriguing because very few of the enigmata are difficult to solve, even without their titles. They differ quite markedly from the riddles of the Exeter Book, many of which are insoluble. In the paradoxical fashion so beloved of riddlers, the mystery of the enigma is also the important clue. That is, the title word or phrase offers in the obvious sense a solution; but in a more esoteric, linguistic sense it may also present a riddle of its own.
Mathematics skill and male–female wages

Abstract Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY; 1993), this paper analyzes the extent of wage differentials between men and women and the impact of mathematics and verbal skills on the wages of men and women across different levels of education and occupations. The results show that mathematics skills lead to significant wage premiums across all groups of workers. Separate analyses by gender show that women with superior mathematics skill experience wage gains that are comparable to or higher than the wage premiums enjoyed by men. Although women earn significantly lower wages than men do across all levels of education and occupational categories, the gender wage gap is not significant among professional men and women with above-average mathematics skills. One way of reducing the gender wage gap would be to encourage girls to invest more in high school mathematics courses in order to improve their quantitative skills.
The Depletion of Aqueous Nitrous Acid in Packed Towers

Abstract The depletion of aqueous nitrous acid was studied at 298 K and at slightly greater than atmospheric, pressure. Solutions containing nitrous and nitric acids were contacted with nitrogen in towers packed with 6- and 13-mm Intalox saddles. The results indicate the existence of two depletion mechanisms for the conditions studied—liquid-phase decomposition and direct desorption of nitrous acid. Models based on mass-transfer and chemical-kinetic information are presented to explain the experimental results.
Magnetic properties of one-dimensional parallel arrays of Josephson junctions

A superconducting quantum interference grating (SQUIG), consisting of many Josephson junctions in parallel, exhibits quantum interference analogous to the optical interference pattern produced by a diffraction grating, just as the dc SQUID is the magnetic analog of the double slit in optics. The field- dependent critical current of a SQUIG with sufficiently low inductance exhibits a series of sharp peaks, similar to the position-dependent intensity of a multiple-slit interference pattern. Such a device has the potential for improved sensitivity as a magnetic sensor because of its enhanced flux-to-voltage transfer coefficient. The behavior is quite different, however, when the inductance is large. In this limit, the field-dependent critical current becomes extremely hysteretic and exhibits self- organized phase coherence, in which a peak in the critical current (indicating coherence of the junction phases) is observed after each reversal of the field sweep. We have observed this phenomenon in large inductance arrays with up to ten YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO) bi-crystal grain boundary junctions in parallel. We have modeled the behavior using a Frenkel-Kontorova model generalized to include global interactions due to mutual inductance. According to our model calculations, self-organized phase coherence occurs when the system relaxes from its critical state, causing the phases to simultaneously relax to minima in the periodic potential representing the Josephson coupling energy, and thus to become coherent modulo 2(pi) .© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Th17 cells at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity against infectious diseases at the mucosa

T helper type 17 (Th17) cells are a distinct lineage of T cells that produce the effector molecules IL-17, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22. Although the role of Th17 cells in autoimmunity is well documented, there is growing evidence that the Th17 lineage and other interleukin (IL)-17-producing cells are critical for host defense against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections at mucosal surfaces. Here we summarize recent progress in our understanding of the function of IL-17-producing cells as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity against infectious diseases at the mucosa.
Nonequilibrium Phonons And Carrier Cooling In Polar Semiconductors

We present a theoretical study of optical phonon build-up associated with the ultrafast cooling of highly photo-excited electron-hole plasmas in polar semiconductors. Confining ourselves to the study of high carrier concentrations and subpicosecond laser excitation of bulk GaAs and GaAlAs-GaAs single quantum well structures, we find that rather long optical phonon lifetimes are primarily responsible for the experimental observation of reduced carrier cooling rates. The importance of the carrier-carrier interaction, screening, carrier confinement, and slab modes is discussed.
State estimation for cox processes on general spaces

Abstract Let N be an observable Cox process on a locally compact space E directed by an unobservable random measure M. Techniques are presented for estimation of M, using the observations of N to calculate conditional expectations of the form E [M]| F A], where F A is the σ–algebra generated by the restriction of N to A. We introduce a random measure whose distribution depends on NA, from which we obtain both exact estimates and a recursive method for updating them as further observations become available. Application is made to the specific cases of estimation of an unknown, random scalar multiplier of a known measure, of a symmetrically distributed directing measure M and of a Markov–directed Cox process on R . By means of a Poisson cluster representation, the results are extended to treat the situation where N is conditionally additive and infinitely divisible given M.
The product-limit estimator and the bootstrap: Some asymptotic representations

The product-limit estimator and its quantile process are represented as i.i.d. mean processes, with a remainder of ordern−3/4(logn)3/4 a.s. Corresponding bootstrap versions of these representations are given, which can help one visualize how the bootstrap procedure operates in this set up.
Relevance of VEGF and Nephrin Expression in Glomerular Diseases

The glomerular filtration barrier is affected in a large number of acquired and inherited diseases resulting in extensive leakage of plasma albumin and larger proteins, leading to nephrotic syndrome and end-stage renal disease. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms governing the development of the nephrotic syndrome remain poorly understood. Here, I give an overview of recent investigations that have focused on characterizing the interrelationships between the slit diaphragm components and podocytes-secreted VEGF, which have a significant role for maintaining the normal podocyte structure and the integrity of the filtering barrier.
Face polynomials and inversion formula

Abstract Based on the concept of the minimal polynomial in the polynomial ring C [x1,...,x] over the complex number field C , we give a new proof that a C -automorphism of the ring C [x1,...,xn] is completely determined by its face polynomials. As a consequence, a generalization of McKay and Wang's two-variable inversion formula to the multi-variable case is given.
National action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance in Taiwan

Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms continue to emerge and spread. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the three major challenges in patient safety. In 2011, the World Health Organization designated “Combat antimicrobial resistance” as the theme for World Health Day, stating “no action today, no cure tomorrow.” We need to actively confront the issue of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is both a threat and a challenge to the treatment of infectious diseases in Taiwan. Based on the national database on antimicrobial resistance from the Taiwan Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System during the period 2003e2012, the proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in intensive care units in medical centers and regional hospitals decreased from 89.2% to 69.9%; the proportion of vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections increased from 2.9% to 23.2%; the proportion of Enterobacteriaceae isolates resistant to carbapenems increased from 1.4% to 8.1%; and the proportion of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates resistant to imipenem or meropenem increased from 17.2% to 72.8%. In response to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens encountered in hospitals and, more recently, in the community, the Centers for Disease
Evaluation of electrode polarity on defibrillation efficacy

Abstract The effect of electrode polarity on defibrillation thresholds in humans is unknown. This prospective, randomized evaluation of electrode polarity on defibrillation thresholds was performed in 21 survivors of ventricular fibrillation (VF) undergoing cardiac surgery. Defibrillation was always performed with 2 identical large rectangular, wire mesh electrodes positioned over the anterior wall of the right ventricle and the posterolateral wall of the left ventricle. The initial electrode polarity for the left ventricular (LV) electrode was chosen randomly for determination of the defibrillation threshold. Subsequently, electrode polarity was reversed. The defibrillation threshold was defined as the lowest pulse amplitude that would effectively terminate VF with a single discharge delivered 10 seconds after initiation of an episode of VF with alternating current. For each defibrillation pulse, voltage, current, resistance and delivered energy were recorded. Of the 21 patients, 15 (71%) had a lower defibrillation threshold when the LV electrode was positive, 2 patients (10%) had a lower defibrillation threshold when the LV electrode was negative and 4 patients (19%) had equal defibrillation thresholds (within 0.5 J) regardless of polarity. The mean leading edge defibrillation threshold voltage was 370 ± 88 volts when the LV electrode was negative and 320 ± 109 volts (14% less) when the LV electrode was positive (p = 0.014). Mean leading edge defibrillation threshold current was 9.3 ± 3.1 amps when the LV electrode was negative compared to 7.7 ± 3.1 amps (17% less) when the LV electrode was positive (p = 0.0033). There were no differences in resistance with the 2 configurations. The delivered energy defibrillation threshold was 10.1 ± 4.5 J when the LV electrode was negative and 7.8 ± 4.8 J (23% less) when the LV electrode was positive (p = 0.016). Thus, in most patients, the defibrillation threshold is lower when the LV electrode is positive.
Biventricular and novel pacing mechanisms in heart failure

Biventricular pacing, often referred to as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), improves subjective and objective measures and promotes reverse ventricular remodeling in patients with chronic New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV heart failure despite optimal medical therapy, QRS duration of more than 130 ms, and left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 35%. However, there are many nonresponders and other patients who do not meet criteria for CRT, limiting the efficacy of therapy. Recent investigations (eg, the REVERSE trial) have shown that patients with minimal symptoms (NYHA class I-II) can benefit from the mechanical and functional effects of CRT, specifically reverse remodeling. Ongoing investigations include the possibility of earlier intervention in the postinfarct period with CRT. Additionally, a novel pacing mechanism known as cardiac contractility modulation has also shown promise in improving remodeling of the failing heart. In this article, we review CRT’s effects on reverse remodeling in an expanding patient population and as a novel pacing mechanism, its cardiac contractility modulation, and its benefits in patients with heart failure.
The Next Generation of Therapies for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Therapy with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) represents the current standard first-line therapy for the management of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Although most patients respond satisfactorily to imatinib, a subset of patients develops resistance mainly because of the acquisition of mutations within the kinase domain of BCR-ABL1 that impair the ability of TKIs to block the activity of the enzyme. Moreover, BCR-ABL1 transcripts can be detected in most patients by molecular techniques, underscoring the limitations of imatinib to eradicate minimal residual disease. Although the resistance conferred by most BCR-ABL1 mutations can be overcome with the use of second-generation TKIs such as nilotinib, dasastinib, bosutinib, or bafetinib, the T315I mutation, which represents a common resistance pathway in CML, remains unassailable to TKI therapy. We herein discuss current research efforts in 2 areas of vital importance in CML research, the management of patients with imatinib-resistant mutations, with particular emphasis on those carrying T315I, and the eradication of residual disease.
The gravitational fields of the major planets

The constraints placed on models of the interiors of the major planets by the non-spherical components of their gravitational fields are explained, and several methods of determining these non-spherical components are described and evaluated.
Use of lambda-mu-sigma-derived Z score for evaluating respiratory impairment in middle-aged persons.

BACKGROUND: The lambda-mu-sigma (LMS) method calculates the lower limit of normal for spirometric values as the 5th percentile of the distribution of Z scores. Conceptually, LMS-derived Z scores account for normal age-related changes in pulmonary function, including variability and skewness in reference data. Evidence is limited, however, on whether the LMS method is valid for evaluating respiratory impairment in middle-aged persons. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of LMS-defined respiratory impairment (airflow limitation and restrictive pattern) with mortality and respiratory symptoms. METHODS: We analyzed spirometric data from white participants ages 45–64 years in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, n 1,569) and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (ARIC, n 8,163). RESULTS: LMS-defined airflow limitation was significantly associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratios: NHANES III 1.90, 95% CI 1.32–2.72, ARIC 1.28, 95% CI 1.06–1.57), and respiratory symptoms (adjusted odds ratios: NHANES III 2.48, 95% CI 1.75–3.51, ARIC 2.27, 95% CI 1.98–2.62). LMS-defined restrictive-pattern was also significantly associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratios: NHANES III 1.98, 95% CI 1.08–3.65, ARIC 1.38, 95% CI 1.03–1.85), and respiratory symptoms (adjusted odds ratios: NHANES III 2.34, 95% CI 1.44–3.80, ARIC 1.89, 95% CI 1.46–2.45). CONCLUSIONS: In white middle-age persons, LMS-defined airflow limitation and restrictive-pattern were significantly associated with mortality and respiratory symptoms. Consequently, an approach that reports spirometric values based on LMS-derived Z scores might provide an age-appropriate and clinically valid strategy for evaluating respiratory impairment. Key words: spirometry; airflow limitation; restrictive-pattern; mortality; respiratory symptoms. [Respir Care 2011;56(11):1771–1777. © 2011 Daedalus Enterprises]
ENHANCEMENT OF INSECT ANTIFREEZE PROTEIN ACTIVITY BY SOLUTES OF LOW MOLECULAR MASS

Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) lower the non-equilibrium freezing point of water (in the presence of ice) below the melting point, thereby producing a difference between the freezing and melting points that has been termed thermal hysteresis. In general, the magnitude of the thermal hysteresis depends upon the specific activity and concentration of the AFP. This study describes several low-molecular-mass solutes that enhance the thermal hysteresis activity of an AFP from overwintering larvae of the beetle Dendroides canadensis. The most active of these is citrate, which increases the thermal hysteresis nearly sixfold from 1.2 degrees C in its absence to 6.8 degrees C. Solutes which increase activity approximately fourfold are succinate, malate, aspartate, glutamate and ammonium sulfate. Glycerol, sorbitol, alanine and ammonium bicarbonate increased thermal hysteresis approximately threefold. Interestingly, 0.5 mol l-1 sodium sulfate eliminated activity. Solute concentrations between 0.25 and 1 mol l-1 were generally required to elicit optimal thermal hysteresis activity. Glycerol is the only one of these enhancing solutes that is known to be present at these concentrations in overwintering D. canadensis, and therefore the physiological significance of most of these enhancers is unknown. The mechanism(s) of this enhancement is also unknown. The AFP used in this study (DAFP-4) is nearly identical to previously described D. canadensis AFPs. The mature protein consists of 71 amino acid residues arranged in six 12- or 13-mer repeats with a consensus sequence consisting of Cys-Thr-X3-Ser-X5-X6-Cys-X8-X9-Ala-X11-Thr-X1 3, where X3 and X11 tend to be charged residues, X5 tends to be Thr or Ser, X6 to be Asn or Asp, X9 to be Asn or Lys and X13 to be Ala in the 13-mers. DAFP-4 is shorter by one repeat than previously described D. canadensis AFPs.
A double-exposure technique to macroscopically control submicrometer linewidths in positive resist images

A double-exposure, end-point detection technique (DEEP-DET) enables precise development of lines below 1 µm. A small test area first receives a precalibrated blanket exposure. During the masking operation, features of several micrometers are printed on it. When the resist in the test area, observed by eye or under a low-power microscope, is completely cleared, the water is accurately developed. An efficient method of precalibration is described. The capability of a 0.01-µm accuracy is estimated analytically. An experimental demonstration of the accuracy and a scheme for automatic detection are given.
Real Space Multiple Scattering Description of Alloy Phase Stability

We present a brief overview of the advanced methodology which has been recently developed to study phase stability properties of substitutional alloys, including order-disorder phenomena and structural transformations. The approach is based on the real space version of the Generalized Perturbation Method, first introduced by Ducastelle and Gautier, within the Korringa-Kohn- Rostoker multiple scattering formulation of the Coherent Potential Approximation. Temperature effects are taken into account with a generalized meanfield approach, namely the Cluster Variation Method. The viability and the predictive power of such a scheme will be illustrated by a few examples, among them: (1) the ground state properties of alloys, in particular the ordering tendencies for a series of equiatomic bcc-based alloys, (2) the computation of alloy phase diagrams with the case of fcc and bcc-based Ni-Al alloys, (3) the calculation of antiphase boundary energies and interfacial energies, and (4) the stability of artificial ordered superlattices.
The performance of high-temperature superconductors in space radiation environments

Space applications of high-temperature superconductors hold great promise for increasing the performance of a variety of platforms and components. One major concern for the operation of superconductors in space is their response to the specific radiation environments. These environments can be low-Earth orbits, deep space, or even radiation from on-board reactors. The influences from high-energy electrons, protons, and neutrons, as well as heavy-ion recoils, must all be considered. There exists from previous studies an extensive collection of data regarding the response of various types of superconductors to many different particles and energies. This work is a review of these data assessing changes in superconductor properties or other life-limiting factors for superconducting components in various mission profiles.
Consistent group membership in ad hoc networks

The design of ad hoc mobile applications often requires the availability of a consistent view of the application state among the participating hosts. Such views are important because they simplify both the programming and verification tasks. Essential to constructing a consistent view is the ability to know what hosts are within proximity of each other, i.e., form a group in support of the particular application. In this paper we propose an algorithm that allows hosts within communication range to maintain a consistent view of the group membership despite movement and frequent disconnections. The novel features of this algorithm are its reliance on location information and a conservative notion of logical connectivity that creates the illusion of announced disconnection. Movement patterns and delays are factored in the policy that determines which physical connections are susceptible to disconnection.
Divergence from the growth–survival trade-off and extreme high growth rates drive patterns of exotic tree invasions in closed-canopy forests

Summary 1. The study of invasiveness typically emphasizes early successional life-history traits in exotic plants, which enable the capture of high resources in disturbed environments and rapid growth. A key issue in invasion dynamics is whether such behaviours come at the expense of traits such as low-light survivorship, which allow species to become more dominant later in succession. 2. We used maximum-likelihood analysis to compare the growth and survivorship of two exotic trees, Ailanthus altissima and Acer platanoides, with nine dominant native tree species in closed-canopy forests in Connecticut, USA. Growth was modelled as a function of light and survivorship as a function of recent growth; combining models yielded estimates of light-dependent mortality. 3. The exotic species had strikingly high growth rates, exceeding all native species at light levels ‡ 10% full sun, and growing 2.6 times faster than the fastest-growing native species at 80% full sun. At low-light levels (< 3% full sun), however, growth rates of five native species exceeded both exotics. Exotic species survivorship (as a function of light-driven growth) was strongly dependent on the degree of shading: at 1% full sun, the annual mortality rate of A. platanoides was 10% and A. altissima was 17%; only two native species had higher mortalities. However, at 5% full sun, A. platanoides’ mortality was < 1%, superior to all but three native species. Mortality of all species dropped to < 1% by 10% full sun, except A. altissima whose mortality remained high at c .1 0%. 4. A life-history trade-off analysis (based on radial growth, height allometry and low-light survivorship) shows a nearly linear trade-off for most species. The native species and Ailanthus follow the common life-history trade-off of low-light survivorship vs. high-light growth. However, A. platanoides diverges from this trade-off pattern by combining very high growth rates with moderately high shade tolerance. 5. Simulations with SORTIE-ND (a forest dynamics model) indicate that poor survivorship of A. altissima will limit it to disturbed sites, whereas A. platanoides’ unusual combination of traits makes it invasive in both disturbed and undisturbed forests. Overall, native shade-tolerant trees and slow stand dynamics make undisturbed forests highly resistant to invasion by exotic trees that are intolerant of shade. 6. Synthesis. This study showcases the importance of rapid growth in invasive plants, holding even for exotic tree species known to invade established forests. For A. altissima, high growth rates were accompanied by poor low-light survivorship. A. platanoides departs from the general trade-off pattern that exists among native species and A. altissima, and consequently it can be highly invasive in closed-canopy forests.
Automatic load balanced paritioning strategies for PDE computations

In this paper we study the partitioning and allocation of computations associated with the numerical solution of partial differential equations (PDEs). Strategies for the mapping of such computations to parallel MIMD architectures can be applied to different levels of the solution process. We introduce and study heuristic approaches defined on the associated geometric data structures (meshes). Specifically, we study methods for decomposing finite element and finite difference meshes into balanced, nonoverlapping subdomains which guarantee minimum communication and synchronization among the underlying associated subcomputations. Two types of algorithms are considered: clustering techniques based on sequential orderings of the discrete geometric data and optimization based techniques involving geometric or graphical metric criteria. These algorithms support the automatic mode of a geometry decomposition tool developed in the parallel ELLPACK environment which is implemented under X11-window systems. A brief description of this tool is presented.
Normoxic resuscitation after cardiac arrest protects against hippocampal oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and neuronal death

Resuscitation and prolonged ventilation using 100% oxygen after cardiac arrest is standard clinical practice despite evidence from animal models indicating that neurologic outcome is improved using normoxic compared with hyperoxic resuscitation. This study tested the hypothesis that normoxic ventilation during the first hour after cardiac arrest in dogs protects against prelethal oxidative stress to proteins, loss of the critical metabolic enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC), and minimizes subsequent neuronal death in the hippocampus. Anesthetized beagles underwent 10 mins ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest, followed by defibrillation and ventilation with either 21% or 100% O2. At 1 h after resuscitation, the ventilator was adjusted to maintain normal blood gas levels in both groups. Brains were perfusion-fixed at 2 h reperfusion and used for immunohistochemical measurements of hippocampal nitrotyrosine, a product of protein oxidation, and the E1a subunit of PDHC. In hyperoxic dogs, PDHC immunostaining diminished by approximately 90% compared with sham-operated dogs, while staining in normoxic animals was not significantly different from nonischemic dogs. Protein nitration in the hippocampal neurons of hyperoxic animals was 2–3 times greater than either sham-operated or normoxic resuscitated animals at 2 h reperfusion. Stereologic quantification of neuronal death at 24 h reperfusion showed a 40% reduction using normoxic compared with hyperoxic resuscitation. These results indicate that postischemic hyperoxic ventilation promotes oxidative stress that exacerbates prelethal loss of pyruvate dehydrogenase and delayed hippocampal neuronal cell death. Moreover, these findings indicate the need for clinical trials comparing the effects of different ventilatory oxygen levels on neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest.
Instrumented anvil-on-rod tests for constitutive model validation and determination of strain-rate sensitivity of ultrafine-grained copper

Abstract Anvil-on-rod impact tests were performed on as-received (cold-rolled) OFHC copper rods and copper processed by 2- or 8-passes of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The average grain size ranged from ∼30 μm for the as-received sample to ∼440 nm for the 8-pass sample. The dynamic deformation states of the samples were captured by high-speed digital photography and velocity interferometry was used to record the sample back (free) surface velocity. Computer simulations utilizing AUTODYN-2D hydrocode with the Johnson–Cook constitutive model were used to generate free surface velocity traces and transient deformation profiles for comparison with the experimental data. The comparison of experimental results with AUTODYN simulations provided a means for extracting the strain-rate sensitivity of copper as a function of grain size. Strain-rate sensitivity was found to increase as grain size decreased.
Making Sense of the Diverse Ligand Recognition by NKG2D

NKG2D recognizes multiple diverse ligands. Despite recent efforts in determining the crystal structures of NKG2D-ligand complexes, the principle governing this receptor-ligand recognition and hence the criteria for identifying unknown ligands of NKG2D remain central issues to be resolved. Here we compared the molecular recognition between NKG2D and three of the known ligands, UL16 binding protein (ULBP), MHC class I-like molecule, and retinoic acid early inducible gene as observed in the ligand-complexed crystal structures. The comparison shows that while the receptor uses a common interface region to bind the three diverse ligands, each ligand forms a distinct, but overlapping, set of hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and salt bridges, illustrating the underlying principle of NKG2D-ligand recognition being the conservation in overall shape complementarity and binding energy while permitting variation in ligand sequence through induced fit recognition. To further test this hypothesis and to distinguish between diverse recognition and promiscuous ligand binding, four ULBP3 interface mutations, H21A, E76A, R82M, and D169A, were generated to each disrupt a single hydrogen bond or salt bridge. All mutant ULBP3 displayed reduced receptor binding, suggesting a specific, rather than promiscuous, receptor-ligand recognition. Mutants with severe loss of binding affect the receptor interactions that are mostly buried. Finally, a receptor-ligand recognition algorithm was developed to assist the identification of diverse NKG2D ligands based on evaluating the potential hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and salt bridges at the receptor-ligand interface.
Collaboration design patterns: conceptual tools for planning for the wireless classroom

Wireless and mobile devices are beginning to offer stunning new technical capabilities for collaborative learning. Yet, researchers in this field must recognize the importance of complementing these technical advances with improved understanding of the patterns of classroom activity that most need support. Our approach is to create conceptual tools that help us think and talk about technology-supported collaborative learning. A particularly powerful tool, we have found, is collaborative design patterns, which capture common learning situations and tradeoffs in written form.
Modeling the protective system for power system dynamic analysis

Mathematical models for power system dynamic analysis including the dynamics of the protective system are presented. The formulation of the equations is based on establishing explicit relations between the protection system and the rest of system dynamic elements through the node admittance matrix Y/sub BUS/. This relationship is achieved by representing the circuit breakers of interest as part of the transmission network elements. The protective relays, reclosing relays and circuit breakers are modeled as dynamic devices for tracking the dependence of these devices on the voltage and current inputs using the phasor state variables. A simple example illustrates the concepts. As a direct consequence of the analytical model, the concept of a protection success region is introduced and the implications for stability analysis, relay coordination, adaptive relaying and cascade tripping are discussed. >
PowerMarker: an integrated analysis environment for genetic marker analysis

Summary: PowerMarker delivers a data-driven, integrated analysis environment (IAE) for genetic data. The IAE integrates data management, analysis and visualization in a user-friendly graphical user interface. It accelerates the analysis lifecycle and enables users to maintain data integrity throughout the process. An ever-growing list of more than 50 different statistical analyses for genetic markers has been implemented in PowerMarker. Availability: www.powermarker.net Contact: powermarker@hotmail.com
MicroMeasure: a new computer program for the collection and analysis of cytogenetic data.

The ability to identify individual chromosomes in cytological preparations is an essential component of many investigations. While several computer software applications have been used to facilitate such quantitative karyotype analysis, most of these programs are limited by design for specific types of analyses, or can be used only with specific hardware configurations. MicroMeasure is a new image analysis application that may be used to collect data for a wide variety of chromosomal parameters from electronically captured or scanned images. Unlike similar applications, MicroMeasure may be individually configured by the end user to suit a wide variety of research needs. This program can be used with most common personal computers, and requires no unusual or specific hardware. MicroMeasure is made available to the research community without cost by the Department of Biology at Colorado State University via the World Wide Web at http://www.biology.colostate.edu/MicroMeasure.
The Performance Technologist's Library-PIQ's Book Review Column

Job Challenge Profile: Learning From Work Experience. Cynthia D. McCauley, Patricia J. Ohlott, & Marian N. Ruderman, Center for Creative Leadership, 1999. Learning Tactics Inventory. Maxine Dalton. Center for Creative Leadership, 1999.
Philanthropy and Enterprise: Harnessing the Power of Business and Social Entrepreneurship for Development

More than two hundred years after Adam Smith penned these words, his wisdom on this matter is being challenged by social entrepreneurs and enterprising philanthropists who are deliberately using business ventures to serve the public good. George Soros candidly describes his own change of heart on this matter: “Where I have modified my stance is with regard to social entrepreneurship. I used to be negative toward it because of my innate aversion to mixing business with philanthropy. Experience has taught me that I was wrong. As a philanthropist, I saw a number of successful social enterprises, and I became engaged in some of them.” The idea of using business in strategic ways to promote social improvements is not new. Many philanthropists have made grants and program-related investments to business enterprises that serve their philanthropic missions, including investments in organizations that take the legal form of a for-profit venture. Without this philanthropic support, microfinance, for instance, would not have grown nearly as
Arthroscopic and Endoscopic Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine

The success of arthroscopic and endoscopic spinal surgery hinges by and large on clear visualization and identification of various anatomical structures. During intracanalicular surgery, venous bleeding may obstruct the surgeon’s visual field. This must be controlled with topical anticoagulants, radiofrequency probes, cold irrigation fluid, and a simple increase in its inflow.
Heterogeneous computing for vision

Identifies the computational requirements of tasks in vision. Vision tasks usually require three levels of processing/spl minus/low, intermediate and high/spl minus/each having distinctly different characteristics thus pointing to the need for heterogeneous computing. An example from the domain of photo-interpretation is used to illustrate some of the specifics of the processing levels. Finally, we discuss the pros and cons of using special-purpose and commercially available parallel computers for vision tasks. >
Microwave velocity and impedance tuning of traveling-wave modulator using ion implantation for monolithic integrated photonic systems

We present performance improvement in InP traveling-wave modulators (TWMs) using a periodic ion implantation on coplanar waveguide. Fabricated TWMs show the successful velocity and impedance tuning with return loss of lower than −12dB and reduced effective microwave refractive index of approximately 4 across the measured frequency range up to 50GHz. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 2151–2155, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23607
A dynamic snowpack model for radiobrightness calculations driven by land-atmosphere energy and moisture fluxes

Presents a Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere Transfer (SVAT) model for snow and soil designed to make the link between microwave radiometric emission from a snow covered terrain and the fluxes of energy and moisture across the land-atmosphere boundary. Flux measurements from the authors' first Radiobrightness Energy Balance Experiment (REBEX-1) drive the simulation of accumulation, melting, ablation, and the snow/soil temperature regime. The model simulates metamorphic state-including grain size-in each layer of a horizontally stratified snowpack. They compare the modeled snowpack to REBEX-1 observations and discuss the implications for radiobrightness calculations.
Topic modeling for named entity queries

Named entities are observed in a large portion of web search queries (named entity queries), where each entity can be associated with many different query terms that refer to various aspects of this entity. Organizing these query terms into topics helps understand major search intents about entities and the discovered topics are useful for applications such as query suggestion. Furthermore, we notice that named entities can often be organized into categories and those from the same category share many generic topics. Therefore, working on a category of named entities instead of individual ones helps avoid the problems caused by the sparsity and noise in the data. In this paper, Named Entity Topic Model (NETM) is proposed to discover generic topics for a category of named entities, where the quality of the generic topics is improved through the model design and the parameter initialization. Experiments based on query log data show that NETM discovers high-quality topics and outperforms the state-of-the-art techniques by 12.8% based on F1 measure.
Accountability in Service-Oriented Architecture: Computing with Reasoning and Reputation

Accountability benefits the Service-Oriented Computing (SOC) with trust and error reasoning. In this research, we study an accountability model with 3-D approach: Detect, Diagnose, and Defuse, to discover and eliminate the root cause of problems when violations of SLA (Service Level Agreement) occur in business processes. Our basic approaches are: (1) leveraging Bayesian Network to diagnose the root cause of problems when uncertainty exists in business processes; (2) a continuous knowledge learning process to deal with the dynamic nature of SOC: the feedbacks about problematic web services are counted into services? reputation, and will impact future service selections and Bayesian Network parameters learning. The performance study shows that our accountability model can rule out the root cause of problems in the whole business process effectively and efficiently with acceptable cost.
Recent advances in understanding synaptic abnormalities in Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome is an extremely disabling X-linked nervous system disorder that mainly affects girls in early childhood and causes autism-like behavior, severe intellectual disability, seizures, sleep disturbances, autonomic instability, and other disorders due to mutations in the MeCP2 (methyl CpG-binding protein 2) transcription factor. The disorder targets synapses and synaptic plasticity and has been shown to disrupt the balance between glutamate excitatory synapses and GABAergic inhibitory synapses. In fact, it can be argued that Rett syndrome is primarily a disorder of synaptic plasticity and that agents that can correct this imbalance may have beneficial effects on brain development. This review briefly summarizes the link between disrupted synaptic plasticity mechanisms and Rett syndrome and early clinical trials that aim to target these abnormalities to improve the outcome for these severely disabled children.
Communication: Fragment-based Hamiltonian model of electronic charge-excitation gaps and gap closure

Capturing key electronic properties such as charge excitation gaps within models at or above the atomic scale presents an ongoing challenge to understanding molecular, nanoscale, and condensed phase systems. One strategy is to describe the system in terms of properties of interacting material fragments, but it is unclear how to accomplish this for charge-excitation and charge-transfer phenomena. Hamiltonian models such as the Hubbard model provide formal frameworks for analyzing gap properties but are couched purely in terms of states of electrons, rather than the states of the fragments at the scale of interest. The recently introduced Fragment Hamiltonian (FH) model uses fragments in different charge states as its building blocks, enabling a uniform, quantum-mechanical treatment that captures the charge-excitation gap. These gaps are preserved in terms of inter-fragment charge-transfer hopping integrals T and on-fragment parameters U((FH)). The FH model generalizes the standard Hubbard model (a single intra-band hopping integral t and on-site repulsion U) from quantum states for electrons to quantum states for fragments. We demonstrate that even for simple two-fragment and multi-fragment systems, gap closure is enabled once T exceeds the threshold set by U((FH)), thus providing new insight into the nature of metal-insulator transitions. This result is in contrast to the standard Hubbard model for 1d rings, for which Lieb and Wu proved that gap closure was impossible, regardless of the choices for t and U.
Nonlinear Theory Modeling Electron Beam Constriction in a Pulsed Power Discharge

A simple nonlinear theory is developed to examine the process of electron channeling and constriction for an energetic electron beam passing through a cool thermalized plasma discharge. A number of different perturbations characterize and categorize the physical process of the three-fluid system. In this model, the electron species is separated into two different species of the same type but with very different initial particle states. A normalized set of curves parameterize the conditions most probable leading to electron channeling and pinch (beam constriction) in a pulsed power glow discharge. The theory suggests that energetic secondary electron emission at the cathode is responsible for glow discharge constriction in a pulsed power discharge.