cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping of delay-sensitive virtual networks

Network virtualization is an approach to providing heterogeneous and customized networks on a shared physical networking infrastructure. Virtual network mapping is a critical step in network virtualization, which determines the assignment of logical nodes and links to physical resources. The prime objective in the mapping algorithm is to utilize bandwidth, processing capacity, etc. efficiently in the physical substrate. Delay between virtual nodes has not been considered by existing state-of-the-art virtual network mapping algorithms. The objective of our work is to make network virtualization useful for real-time and delay-sensitive applications. In this paper, we present a virtual network mapping algorithm that considers the tradeoffs between low application delay and efficient substrate utilization. We use a mixed integer programming formulation to solve mapping problems. Our simulation results show that our algorithm achieves mappings with lower end-to-end delay while efficiently utilizing the network substrate.
Putative Alleles for Increased Yield from Soybean Plant Introductions

Improving seed yield of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an important breeding goal. The objective of this study was to evaluate two soybean PIs as sources of alleles for the enhancement of seed yield in North American cultivars. A population of 167 F 5 -derived lines was developed from a cross between 'BSR 101' and the experimental line LG82-8379. BSR 101 has nine of 10 major ancestral lines contributing to the commercial gene pool of North America, while LG82-8379 was selected from a cross between PI 68508 and FC 04007B. The F 5 -derived lines, divided into three sets based on maturity, were evaluated for 145 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker loci and for seed yield and other agronomic traits in 12 environments. Fifteen quantitative trait loci (QTL) were significantly [P 2.5] associated with seed yield in at least one set with two significant across all sets. For nine of the yield QTL, the LG82-8379 alleles were associated with yield increases of 1.7 to 5.4% while the BSR 101 alleles increased yield 2.4 to 4.4% at six yield QTL. Four yield QTL were associated with significant changes in R8, eight with plant height, and three with seed protein concentration. Additional QTL were identified for R8, plant height, lodging, and seed protein and oil concentration. These results indicate that soybean PIs have the genetic potential for improving seed yield of U.S. soybean cultivars.
Cyclotron resonance in the paramagnetic and ferromagnetic phase of a two-dimensional electron gas with even-integer filling factors.

In a two-dimensional electron gas, the cyclotron frequency depends on ${B}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$, the component of magnetic field normal to the layer, while the spin splitting depends on the magnitude of B. When an integral number of Landau levels are filled, the system can undergo a paramagnetic-to-ferromagnetic transition. Cyclotron resonance, in the presence of a random impurity potential, displays effects associated with electron-electron interactions and can be used to probe the transition. In this work, cyclotron-resonance line shapes are studied as a function of frequency for both the paramagnetic and ferromagnetic phases.
Extracranial-intracranial bypass for symptomatic occlusive cerebrovascular disease not amenable to carotid endarterectomy.

Object. The role of cerebral revascularization remains unclear in symptomatic occlusive cerebrovascular disease refractory to medical therapy. Despite the disappointing findings of the Cooperative Study on Extracranial–Intracranial Bypass, a subpopulation of patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease and poor hemodynamic reserve may benefit from extracranial–intracranial (EC–IC) bypass. The authors reviewed the records of 65 patients who underwent 71 EC–IC bypass procedures at their institution over the past 6 years. Methods. All patients except one presented with repeated transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) that were referable to the involved vascular region. Eight patients underwent EC–IC bypass urgently for “crescendo” TIAs refractory to antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy. Indications for surgery included cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion in 28, supraclinoid ICA stenosis in two, middle cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion in 14, moyamoya disease in 18, and ICA dissection in three. Cerebral angiography demonstrated poor collateral flow to the involved region in each case. There were no postoperative strokes or deaths in this series. Following EC–IC bypass, the vast majority (95.4%) of patients experienced cessation of their ischemic events and stabilization of preexisting neurological dysfunction. Of the eight patients who underwent EC–IC bypass urgently for crescendo TIAs, two awoke with increased neurological deficits that improved rapidly within 24 hours of surgery. Conclusions. Although the Cooperative Study failed to show benefit from this treatment modality, the authors have continued to perform EC–IC bypass in certain cases. Carefully selected individuals with occlusive cerebrovascular disease and persistent ischemic symptoms refractory to maximal medical therapy appear to benefit from cerebral revascularization.
Pyramid-based image segmentation using multisensory data

Abstract A new approach is developed for segmenting scenes using multisensory data. The approach is based on the pyramid data structure. Image pyramids are built for each sensing modality. Information fusion between these pyramids is used to establish the scene segmentation. The application of this approach to thermal and the visual images of scenes is discussed. The advantages of this approach over previous techniques which use a single imaging modality are discussed. Experimental results using real multisensory data are presented to illustrate the performance of the new technique. The segmentation provided by this approach is shown to be suited for use by vision systems which classify objects (image regions) using multisensory data.
Plasticity of network dynamics as observed experimentally requires heterogeneity of the network connectivity pattern

Recent in vivo experiments in rats [1,2] have shown that when visual stimulation is paired with a reward signal, neurons in the visual cortex (V1) can exhibit population responses that correlate well with the expected time of the reward. This indicates that V1 neurons have the ability to learn to report the expected times in the seconds range. Data from extracellular recordings suggest that there are at least three different types of responses: 1) a sustained increase (SI) in population firing rate that slowly decays to base level at the time of reward, 2) a sustained decrease (SD) in firing rate until the time of reward and 3) a population firing rate that initially decays and later peaks (P) at the time of reward [1,2]. In a previous computational approach [3,4] we proposed a model that accounts for the mechanism responsible for the SI type of response that allowed the synaptic weights of the lateral connectivity between neurons in an excitatory population to learn the correct values over several trials such that the population firing-rate decayed slowly (due to reverberations) until the time of reward. Here we present an expanded network model that can account for the three types of responses observed in the in vivo experiments (Figure ​(Figure1).1). The model consists of two populations of integrate-and-fire neurons, one excitatory and the other inhibitory. We use our previously proposed plasticity rule [4] to learn the excitatory efficacies in the model while keeping the inhibitory connections fixed. We also assume a sparse and heterogeneous connectivity pattern. Under these assumptions the three response types (SI, SD, P) emerge naturally from the learning rule applied to the synaptic weight. This model also exhibits heterogeneity within the different response types, as observed experimentally. The model also exhibits significant robustness to variations of static synaptic weights to and from the inhibitory population and to the presence of noise that generates realistic spike statistics. Figure 1 A. Responses of excitatory population in network model that can report the time of reward (cyan line): SI (black), P (red) and SD (green). The network is initially driven by 400 ms of simulated input from LGN corresponding to full-field stimulation (magenta ...
Discovery and SAR of 4-amino-2-biarylbutylurea MCH 1 receptor antagonists through solid-phase parallel synthesis.

Abstract -4-Amino-2-arylbutylbenzamides such as 1 were identified as micromolar MCH 1 receptor (MCH1R) antagonists via screening using a scintillation proximity assay based on [ 125 I]-MCH binding to recombinant, human MCH1R. Subsequent lead optimization efforts using solid-phase parallel synthesis resulted in the defined structure–activity relationships and the identification of 4-amino-2-biarylbutylureas, such as 11g , as potent single digit nanomolar MCH1R antagonists.
Savings and investment in Australia

It has become popular to advocate tax reduction on the basis of promoting savings, investment and ultimately economic growth. The linkage between the variables is argued by various neoclassical growth models and is further suggested by recent studies which highlight the close association between domestic saving and investment rates. The close association may allow for polices which alter domestic saving levels in order to alter domestic investment levels. This interpretation, however, presumes an endogenous investment response. Equally likely, theoretically, is that the close association is maintained by movements in national savings. The present paper explicitly examines the endogeneity of the Australian saving and investment rates. The results highlight the exogeneity of investment. The results further suggest an endogenous response on the part of Australia's saving rate. The results may limit the potential benefits of these tax changes.
Association of Recurrent Myocardial Infarction with Hemostatic Factors: A Prospective Study

In a perspective blind study of 147 survivors of myocardial infarction, the 13 patients who had definite recurrent infarction during 38.1 +/- 7.2 months (minimum, 34 months) of follow-up had higher plasma fibrinogen levels (334.4 +/- 13.1 mg/dl vs 291.5 +/- 4.7 mg/dl; P = 0.0055), and higher maximum rate of fibrin growth (generation of turbidity) when measuring prothrombin time (PT Vmax, 7.76 +/- 0.31 units vs 6.48 +/- 0.11 units; P = 0.0003), thrombin time (TT Vmax, 5.24 +/- 0.32 units vs 4.22 +/- 0.11 units; P = 0.0002), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT Vmax, 7.47 +/- 0.29 units vs 6.20 +/- 0.10 units; P = 0.0001) than patients who did not have reinfarction. Eleven of the 13 reinfarctions occurred among the quartile (37 patients) with the highest PT Vmax, while only two reinfarctions occurred among the remaining 110 patients (risk ratio, 16.5). The quartile with highest APTT Vmax included nine reinfarctions (risk ratio, 6.7), and the quartiles with the most fibrinogen and largest TT Vmax included eight of the 13 reinfarctions (risk ratio, 4.8). Significant associations (P = 0.018 to 0.005, risk ratios, 2.5 to 4.8) of reinfarction with the values of Vmax corrected for fibrinogen were also found. These findings support recent evidence that hemostatic function contributes to the pathogenesis of the complications of coronary artery disease.
Candidate Selection Procedures in Transitional Polities: A Research Note

This research note summarizes initial research from a wider project on the determinants of candidate selection procedures. It seeks to contribute to the growing literature on candidate selection by distinguishing transitional and institutionalized democracies. First, it provides a review of the existing literature, with particular emphasis placed on identifying the existing hypotheses on the determinants of candidate selection procedures. Second, it elucidates why transitional polities differently constrain the choice of legislative candidate selection procedures compared to institutionalized democracies. Third, several hypotheses derived from the literature indicate that the barriers to adopting inclusive legislative candidate selection procedures are higher in transitional than in institutionalized democracies.
Integrated modeling, finite-element analysis, and engineering design for thin-shell structures using subdivision

Many engineering design applications require geometric modeling and mechanical simulation of thin flexible structures, such as those found in the automotive and aerospace industries. Traditionally, geometric modeling, mechanical simulation, and engineering design are treated as separate modules requiring different methods and representations. Due to the incompatibility of the involved representations the transition from geometric modeling to mechanical simulation, as well as in the opposite direction, requires substantial effort. However, for engineering design purposes efficient transition between geometric modeling and mechanical simulation is essential. We propose the use of subdivision surfaces as a common foundation for modeling, simulation, and design in a unified framework. Subdivision surfaces provide a flexible and efficient tool for arbitrary topology free-form surface modeling, avoiding many of the problems inherent in traditional spline patch based approaches. The underlying basis functions are also ideally suited for a finite-element treatment of the so-called thin-shell equations, which describe the mechanical behavior of the modeled structures. The resulting solvers are highly scalable, providing an efficient computational foundation for design exploration and optimization. We demonstrate our claims with several design examples, showing the versatility and high accuracy of the proposed method.
Genomics: How to make a social insect

The profound biological changes that lofted the honeybee to an advanced state of social organization are reflected in its newly sequenced genome. The species can now be studied all the way from molecule to colony.
Cryoablation of Recurrent Sacrococcygeal Tumors

Abstract Purpose To review the safety and efficacy of cryoablation of recurrent sacrococcygeal tumors. Materials and Methods The radiology departmental ablation database was retrospectively searched for cases of cryoablation performed to treat recurrences of sacrococcygeal tumors between January 1, 2010, and August 1, 2011. Patient demographics, procedure technical parameters, and patient outcomes were reviewed. Results Five cases of recurrent chordoma and one recurrent myxopapillary ependymoma were treated with cryoablation in six patients whose ages ranged from 31 to 80 years. The tumors measured 14–39 mm in maximal dimension. Cryoablation was performed with the use of computed tomography guidance (n = 5) or a combination of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging guidance (n = 1). Sterile fluid was instilled to displace adjacent bowel and/or vagina in four cases, and electromyography monitoring was performed in two cases with adjacent nerve roots. Two patients with recurrent chordoma were treated for palliation of pain, with complete pain relief in one patient (pain recurred after 6 wk) and immediate reduction in pain from a score of six to a score of two on a 10-point scale in the other (pain recurred after 7 mo). Four tumors were treated for local control, with no evidence of recurrence on follow-up imaging at 3, 6, 12, and 15 months. No serious complication occurred. Conclusions Limited results suggest cryoablation to be a safe and relatively effective means of treating recurrent sacrococcygeal neoplasms for local control or palliation of pain in this small series with short-term follow-up.
Periodic Traveling Waves for Diffusion Equations with Time Delayed and Non-local Responding Reaction

We develop a singular perturbation technique to study the existence of periodic traveling wave solutions with large wave speed for a class of reaction-diffusion equations with time delay and non-local response. Unlike the classical singular perturbation method, our approach is based on a transformation of the differential equations to integral equations in a Banach space that reduces the singular perturbation problem to a regular perturbation problem. The periodic traveling wave solutions then are obtained by the use of Liapunov-Schmidt method and a generalized implicit function theorem. The general result obtained has been applied to a non-local reaction-diffusion equation derived from an age-structured population model with a logistic type of birth function.
Prevalence of depression among mothers of young children in Honduras.

Objective:Maternal depression is a substantial problem that has negative consequences on the health of both mother and child. Little research has been done on the prevalence of maternal depression ...
Laying eggs in a neighbor's nest : benefit and cost of colonial nesting in swallows.

Intraspecific brood parasitism (laying eggs in another's nest) occurs widely in colonial cliff swallows (Passeriformes: Hirundinidae: Hirundo pyrrhonota). In colonies consisting of more than ten nests, up to 24 percent of the nests were sometimes parasitized by colony members. Laying eggs in a conspecific's nest may be a benefit of coloniality for parasitic individuals and simultaneously may represent a cost to host individuals within the same colony.
Transfection of eastern oyster ( Crassotrea virginica) embryos

There is a need for research in disease resistance and microbial elimination in the eastern oyster Crassosostrea virginica. Gene transfer may lead to advances in this area, and a means of selecting transfected larvae would be useful. We transfected 3-hour-postfertilization embryos with the bacterial gene aminoglycoside phosphotransferase II (neo(r)), which confers resistance to neomycin and related antibiotics such as G418. The antibiotic G418 was examined as a potential selective agent. A neutral red assay was used to determine survival after 48 hours of exposure to various concentrations of G418 (0-4 mg/ml). We examined the effects of electroporation and chemically mediated transfection of 3-hour-postfertilization embryos on survival to straight-hinge larvae. DNA alone was found to have no effect on survival (P >.05). For electroporation we found that increased voltage and pulse duration decreased survival (P <.05). Chemically mediated transfection did not significantly affect survival (P =.5172). Transgenic larvae were identified after electroporation and chemically mediated transfection. These larvae were reared for 24 hours and exposed to G418 at 0.3 mg/ml for 48 hours. Significant differences in survival between transfected and nontransfected larvae were detected for electroporation (P =.0147) and chemically mediated transfection (P =.037). Gene transfer was also confirmed with polymerase chain reaction and observation of expression of green fluorescent protein. This study documents the first successful insertion and expression of foreign DNA in eastern oyster larvae.
What matters about internationalization: a market-based assessment

Abstract This study examines the relationship between a firm's degree of internationalization (DOI) and market value. Our objectives are to provide future researchers with more confidence and empirical validation when selecting DOI constructs and to provide practitioners with more evidence of the value of internationalization. The results of the study indicate that the foreign assets percentage in both a linear and a quadratic valuation model is significantly correlated with the information set that investors utilize when determining market valuations.
Hydrocephalus in patients with closed neural tube defects

Hydrocephalus is common in patients with open neural tube defects (NTDs), but association with closed NTDs has rarely been reported. We describe three patients with untreated closed NTDs who required surgery for hydrocephalus. Case 1: A full-term newborn presented with a skin-covered midline lumbar spine lipoma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan demonstrated a lipomyelomeningocele. An ultrasound at birth showed mild ventriculomegaly but cerebrospinal fluid diversion was not offered because his fontanelle was soft. He was lost to follow-up and then presented at age 6 months with signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus. An endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus coagulation were performed, and the lipomyelomeningocele was subsequently repaired electively. Case 2: A full-term neonate presented with a skin-covered midline lumbar spine lesion consistent with a meningocele on MRI scan. He was additionally noted to have macrocephaly, a full fontanelle, and ventriculomegaly on MRI scan. At age 2 days, an endoscopic third ventriculostomy and choroid plexus coagulation were performed. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was required 1 month later. Three months after birth, an elective spinal cord untethering procedure was performed. Case 3: A neonate presented with a midline lumbar skin tag. An MRI scan demonstrated a lipomyelomeningocele, and surgery was planned electively. On preoperative evaluation at age 3 months, the patient had a tense fontanelle. The surgery was postponed, and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed after imaging studies revealed hydrocephalus. Patients with closed NTDs should be assessed for clinical signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus because of this rare but possible association.
Mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide generation and activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase following global ischemia

We used isolated,buffer-perfused rabbit hearts to evaluate whether global, normothermic ischemia altered mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation and mitochondrial activities of the major enzymes responsible for degrading H2O2 and superoxide anion (O2.−): glutathione peroxidase (GPD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), respectively. This preparation lacks exogenous neutrophils and endogenous xanthine oxidase, which are other potential sources of oxygen metabolites. Ischemia depressed mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation parameters, State 4 succinate-supported H2O2 generation rates, and the relative flux of State 4 oxygen consumption that was diverted to H2O2 formation. The production of H2O2 was not abolished. Ischemia and reperfusion significantly reduced the activities of SOD (by 43%) and GPD (by 39%) in the mitochondrial fraction. Cytosolic GPD activity was also depressed. The results suggest that the myocardial cell's ability to enzymatically degrade H2O2 and O2.− is compromised,particularly in the mitochondrion. Although mitochondrial H2O2 production is decreased, the mitochondria may persist as a source of this oxygen metabolite following ischemia. Collectively, the data may help explain why mitochondria are vulnerable targets of free radical-mediated damage due to ischemia.
An unusual follicular eruption in a young adult with new-onset type I diabetes mellitus.

A man in his late 20s with new-onset type I diabetes mellitus (DM) was admitted for treatment of a gluteal abscess; management of diabetic ketoacidosis; and evaluation of diffuse, violaceous, follicular, scaly papules on the extensor surfaces of the bilateral upper and lower extremities (Figure, A and B). Examination of the skin also revealed palmoplantar keratoderma, as well as fissuring of the oral commissures. The skin lesions had begun 2 months previously and were not associated with visual changes, gastrointestinal tract manifestations, illicit drug use, foreign travel, recent illness, or constitutional symptoms. The patient had no notable medical history and denied a family history of DM, celiac disease, or chronic skin diseases. Punch biopsies of the upper and lower extremities were performed, and the specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (Figure, C) and Verhoeff Van Gieson stain (Figure, D). What is your diagnosis?
Women's Perspectives on Retention in Higher Education in Jordan: Commute and Choice:

Jordan is viewed as a country of social, political, and economic and advancement. It currently leads the region in literacy rates and is well on its way to achieving gender equity. However, some re...
A Globally Stable Adaptive Algorithm for Discrete Time Systems with Fast Unmodeled Dynamics

In this report the Model Reference Adaptive algorithm of Monopoli [6] and Narendra [2] has been redesigned in order to guarantee stability in the presence of fast unmodeled dynamics of the plant. For the case of a step reference input it is shown that global stability can be guaranteed by a proper choice of the adaptive law, less sensitive to the error signal. The plant is assumed to be minimum phase, discrete time with known time delay.
Crime and Delinquency in the Roaring Twenties

This paper reports the existence of a wealth of data on crime and delinquency for the 1920s and earlier. It attempts to demonstrate the validity, and hence the value, of these old and forgotten data by "reverse" replication-by showing that these data yield results identical with a number of our recent studies based on contemporary data thought to be of good quality. This also provides us the opportunity to test and expand further our propositions about the nature of "moral communities" and their effect on crime and delinquency. In addition, we are able to test and clarify further our thesis that there are two fundamentally different forms of deviance, only one of which is pertinent to sociological theories. Finally, examination of rates of juveniles in detention at the turn of the century and in detention now permits reconsideration of the "child-saver" thesis.
Not All Oak Gall Wasps Gall Oaks: The Description of Dryocosmus rileypokei, A New, Apostate Species of Cynipini from California

Abstract Cynipini gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) are commonly known as oak gall wasps for their almost exclusive use of oak (Quercus spp.; Fagaceae) as their host plant. Previously, only three of the nearly 1,000 species of Cynipini have been recorded from hosts other than Quercus. These three are known from western chinquapin (Chrysolepis), chestnut (Castanea) and tan bark oak (Lithocarpus), all lineages of Fagaceae related to Quercus. Here we describe Dryocosmus rileypokei Morita & Buffington, new species, a second species of cynipine which attacks Chrysolepis. Unlike the previously known gall wasp D. castanopsidis, which produces a medium-sized spherical external gall near the base of the staminate (male) flowers of Chrysolepis sempervirens, D. rileypokei attacks the same host acting as a nut galler. Dryocosmus rileypokei creates a gall within the mesocarp wall of the nut and appears to draw nutrients away from the developing seed. Later instar larvae and teneral adults were found within these int...
A Component Factor Analysis of the Initiating Structure Scale of the Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire, Form XII:

Responses of 175 persons in a workforce to the Initiating Structure scale of the Leadership Behavior Description Questionnaire, Form XII, were factor analyzed. The correlation matrix was recomputed...
Relevance and alignment of Real-Client Real-Project courses via technology transfer

It is often claimed Real-Client Real-Project (RCRP) courses are important providers of industry relevant experience and skills to students. How do we know this is so? We cannot prove this or improve RCRP industry relevance without tangible evidence. Here we suggest that the degree an industry partner is willing to accept technology transfer for technologies used within an RCRP course is a strong indicator of relevance. There must be common challenges between RCRP and industry software development for which technology proven in the classroom will also be relevant in industry. We describe our experiences with using an RCRP parallel to the TAME technology transfer model to assess the degree of willingness for technology transfer facilitated by technology use in RCRP courses. We find benefits from realizing envisaged synergies between software engineering research, education, and technology transfer to industry. We further note how the willingness for technology transfer indicator is useful for aligning software engineering courses for industry relevance.
Sublingual immunotherapy for allergic respiratory diseases: An evaluation of meta-analyses

Background Five published meta-analyses (MAs) seem to prove the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy in allergic asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis. Objective We aimed to assess the consistency, magnitude, and robustness of the results of these MAs. Methods The data reported in the MAs were checked with the data reported in the original studies. Funnel plots were performed to test for potential publication bias, and the trim-and-fill method was used to assess and correct the estimate of the effects if asymmetry was present. Results The 5 MAs included 43 studies; 17 were used in more than one MA. There were discrepancies among the MAs in the data reported from the same original studies: the MAs reported different estimates for the same outcome or the same estimates for different outcomes in 16 of those 17 studies. The MAs evaluated 15 main outcomes, 10 of which showed benefits that reached statistical significance. Funnel plots showed asymmetry in 7 outcomes, and correction by using the trim-and-fill method led to a decrease in their effect estimates and even to a loss of statistical significance in 4 of the previously significant outcomes. There was inconsistency among the MAs in the benefits when considering age, disease, allergen, or symptoms and medication use. Conclusion Because of discrepancies, inconsistencies, and lack of robustness, the MAs on sublingual immunotherapy do not provide enough evidence to support its current routine management in patients with allergic asthma or rhinoconjunctivitis. Sensitivity to potential publication bias should be tested and reported in all MAs.
Effects of Uranium Mining and Milling on Ground Water in the Grants Mineral Belt, New Mexico

Ground-water contamination from uranium mining and milling results from the infiltration of mine, mill, and ion-exchange plant effluents containing elevated concentrations of radium, selenium, and nitrate. Available data indicate that radium concentrations in the discharge waters of a producing mine tend to increase substantially as the ore body is developed. Whereas natural background radium concentrations are generally about several picocuries/liter (pCi/l), 100 to 150 pCi/l appear in the effluents of operating mines. The discharge of such highly contaminated mine effluents to streams and seepage from tailings ponds, creates a long-lived source of ground-water contamination. Seepage of mill tailings at two active mills ranges from 126,000 to 491,000 m3/yr and, to date, has contributed an estimated 2400 Curies of uranium, radium, and thorium to the ground-water reservoir. The shallow aquifer in use and downgradient from another mill has been grossly contaminated with selenium, attributable to excessive seepage from a nearby tailings pond. Radium, selenium, nitrate and, to a lesser extent, uranium, are of most value as indicators of ground-water contamination. Gross alpha results are not consistent indicators of radium or uranium in water, although uranium does appear to be the principal contributor of alpha activity. Accurate radium-s226 analyses yield the most information for radiological evaluation of drinking water. To date, no adverse impacts on municipal groundwater supplies have been observed. However, industry-sponsored environmental monitoring programs are inadequately designed and implemented, and may not define the full, long-term impact of mining and milling operations on the ground-water quality of the study area.
Friction and Wear Micromechanisms of Amorphous Carbon Thin Films

The friction and wear micromechanisms of amorphous hydrogenated carbon films were investigated experimentally using commercially available thin-film rigid disks with sputtered carbon overcoats and Al 2 O 3 -TiC magnetic recording heads. Continuous sliding tests demonstrated the existence of two distinct friction and wear regimes characterized by different dominant micromechanisms. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the evolution of friction in the first regime is due to changes of the surface microtopography and the film structure from amorphous carbon to polycrystalline graphite. Atomic force microscopy showed that the topography changes result from asperity nanofracture leading to the gradual removal of carbon material and the generation of ultrafine wear debris. The friction behavior in the second regime is due to various wear processes arising on the carbon film surface. High friction promotes surface micropitting and the formation of significantly deeper and wider texture marks. The erratic fluctuations of the friction force and microplowing of the carbon film at steady state are attributed to the relatively large wear particles generated by micropitting.
Q2 Symbolic Reasoning about Noisy Dynamic Systems

Symbolic reasoning about continuous dynamic systems requires consistent qualitative abstraction functions and a consistent symbolic model. Classically, symbolic reasoning systems have utilized a box partition of the system space to achieve qualitative abstraction, but boxes can not provide a consistent abstraction. Our Q2 methodology abstracts a provably consistent symbolic representation of noise-free general dynamic systems. However, the Q2 symbolic representation has not been previously evaluated for efficacy in the presence of noise. We evaluate the effects of noise on Q2 symbolic reasoning in the domain of maneuver detection. We demonstrate how the Q2 methodology derives a symbolic abstraction of a general dynamic system model used in evaluating maneuver detectors. Simulation results represented by ROC curves show that the Q2 based maneuver detector is superior to a box-based detector. While no method is consistent in the presence of noise, the Q2 methodology is superior to the classic box’s approach for deriving qualitative decisions about noisy dynamic systems.
Accuracy of reflectivity estimated from profiling radars

In this study, the accuracy of reflectivity measured using vertically pointing profiling radars is investigated. Interesting, while disdrometer observations are used to absolutely calibrate profiling radars, this study quantifies that disdrometers have significantly larger random measurement uncertainty than profiling radars. Using observations from a S-band profiling radar during the Tropical Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment (TWPICE), reflectivity uncertainties of rainfall were found to be about 0.25 dBZ for 9-second dwell times and about 0.1 dBZ for 60-second dwell times. It was also found that the reflectivity uncertainty was dependent on both the signal-to-noise ratio and the number of velocity channels in the Doppler velocity power spectrum above the noise threshold. This lead to the reflectivity uncertainty for snow which has narrower velocity spectra than rain to increase to 0.4 and 0.2 dBZ for 9- and 60-second dwell times, respectively.
Over-current testing of HTS tapes

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) transmission cables are subjected to short-circuit fault currents 10 to 30 times the normal operating current and lasting up to 15 cycles. These over-currents will drive the HTS conductor normal and generate heat during the fault. A concern is whether the fault current will either electromechanically or thermally damage the HTS conductor and degrade it or burn-out the tape altogether. Electromechanical and thermal limitations of over-current pulses were measured on BSCCO and YBCO tapes in a liquid nitrogen bath. With pulse lengths as short as 35 ms, it is found that single BSCCO and YBCO tapes can be pulsed to at least 1 to 1.2 kA without being damaged electromechanically. Longer pulses at moderate (450-750 A) over-currents indicated that HTS tapes can be heated transiently to over 400 K without suffering degradation. Thus, it is likely that other considerations of the cable rather than the HTS tape itself would set the limit for short-circuit fault protection.
Effects of Sodium and Potassium Chlorides on Silica Fouling

The effects of NaCl and KCl salts in aqueous solutions on silica fouling of heat exchangers under turbulent flow conditions were examined experimentally over a range of pH, velocity, and salt concentration levels. The fundamental attachment process of silica fouling from those aqueous solutions was described. The silica fouling rate in NaCl solutions was found to be greater than that in KCl solutions. In all cases, the fouling rate increased with the salt concentration. When both salts were present simultaneously, the fouling rate found to be closer to that of the KCl system than that of the NaCl system. Effects of salinity on equilibrium solubility of silica at 165° C were also reported. Finally, the plausible theory of polymerization and the fundamental ion-cloud theory were used to describe the silica scale attachment process and the possible causes of salt effects on silica fouling of heat transfer surfaces.
Bacterial flora-typing with targeted, chip-based Pyrosequencing

Background The metagenomic analysis of microbial communities holds the potential to improve our understanding of the role of microbes in clinical conditions. Recent, dramatic improvements in DNA sequencing throughput and cost will enable such analyses on individuals. However, such advances in throughput generally come at the cost of shorter read-lengths, limiting the discriminatory power of each read. In particular, classifying the microbial content of samples by sequencing the < 1,600 bp 16S rRNA gene will be affected by such limitations.
Sociology and Studies of Gender, Caregiving, and Inequality

This review focuses on scholarship that illuminates the ties between gendered care and persistent gender inequality. After an overview of work on gender and care across the disciplines, it examines sociologies of care and suggests how sociology might further enrich research and theory in this area. I explore the areas of work–family intersection, state care policy, and the organization of paid care work. I argue that the sociology of caregiving needs to better understand institutional effects on care and the interactions that transmit and resist them, organizational influences on paid care work, and how care policies relate to gender equality.
Do Adolescents Who Live or Go to School Near Fast-Food Restaurants Eat More Frequently from Fast-Food Restaurants?

This population-based study examined whether residential or school neighborhood access to fast food restaurants is related to adolescents' eating frequency of fast food. A classroom-based survey of racially/ethnically diverse adolescents (n=2724) in 20 secondary schools in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota was used to assess eating frequency at five types of fast food restaurants. Black, Hispanic, and Native American adolescents lived near more fast food restaurants than white and Asian adolescents and also ate at fast food restaurants more often. After controlling for individual-level socio-demographics, adolescent males living near high numbers fast food restaurants ate more frequently from these venues compared to their peers.
Contribution to the taxonomy of Eastern North American Epeorus Eaton (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae)

The larva of Epeorus punctatus (McDunnough) is described for the first time based on reared specimens from West Virginia. Larvae are differentiated from those of other E. vitreus species group species by the bluntly pointed femoral projections, subrectangular head capsule, and short posterolateral abdominal projections. Epeorus rubidus (Traver) is considered to be a junior subjective synonym of E. vitreus (Walker). A key for the known larvae of the eastern North American species of the E. vitreus species group [E. dispar (Traver), E. punctatus, E. subpallidus (Traver), E. vitreus] is provided.
On Roots and Connections

To reflect on roots and the trees they support is to contemplate our own origins. What are your roots? How have they grown? Recently I’ve been thinking about life paths and why I chose (or was encouraged to choose) a particular route. You might want to do the same. Who influenced your decisions? I would urge you to identify those influential people and talk to them about how they affected your life. Do it now while you have a chance to say those words in person. And to carry the roots metaphor a bit further, let’s examine trees more closely. In my home in semi-arid West Texas, trees are a precious commodity. There are relatively few trees on the prairie, and the ones we have must be strong and resilient. Every tree is valued and carefully tended. These trees are hardy, gnarled, and must have deep root systems. In fact, according to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the mesquite tree, quite common in this area, can have taproots as deep as 160 feet, although the tree itself is relatively short, growing 10 to 50 feet tall. Yet frequently various kinds of trees in my area are uprooted during intense winds. On the other hand, the sequoia trees that thrive along the tree-filled West Coast are seldom uprooted despite their extreme height. How can this be? A 2013 NBC news report of the sequoia measurement project as reported in National Geographic Magazine (December 2012) provides some insight into the sequoia. The report concludes that the sequoia is one of largest trees (by mass) on earth. The particular one being measured is 27 feet in diameter, 247 feet tall, and has 2 billion leaves. Despite a remarkably shallow root system (16–20 feet), this particular tree is 3200 years old. For a sense of the remarkable size of this tree, the NBC video is well worth watching because, as always, pictures carry more information than text (http://usnews.nbcnews .com/_news/2012/12/01/15600980-giant-sequoia-takes-over-as-worlds-secondbiggest-tree?lite). So now we come to the point of this entire discussion about trees and their roots. How have trees that are 200+ feet tall survived for more than 3000 years without a
Maintenance of elbow equilibrium through co-contraction

Experiments were conducted in which postures of the elbow and forearm were quasistatically maintained through deliberate cocontraction of the biceps and triceps, the principal flexor and extensor muscles acting about the elbow. The object of these experiments was to record the levels of muscular activation for the biceps and triceps as various postures of the elbow and forearm were maintained for a full range of cocontraction. Trials were conducted over a range of elbow angle from near fully flexed to near fully extended. Preliminary results from these experiments are presented. These show that for forearm postures away from the midrange of the elbow, cocontraction leads to antagonist muscle activation levels that, are significantly larger than the corresponding level of agonist activation i.e., the muscle supporting the limb against gravity is not working as hard as its antagonist counterpart. An explanation of these counterintuitive results is presented, based on assumed length-dependence of the muscle efficiency relating neural input to muscle force. >
Characterization of “spectroscopically quiet” metals in biology

Abstract The use of X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to characterize the local environment of “spectroscopically quiet” metals in metalloproteins is reviewed, with an emphasis on studies of Cu(I) and Zn(II). Both the advantages and the weaknesses of X-ray absorption are discussed, with examples taken from the recent literature.
Fully automated radiosynthesis of [11C]OMAR ([11C]JHU75528), a CB1 radioligand for clinical investigation of brain disorders

132 Objectives Cerebral cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 (CB1) is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system, and involved in a variety of brain functions and disorders such as schizophrenia and depression, obesity, drug addiction and alcoholism, and traumatic brain injury. [11C]OMAR ([11C]JHU75528) is a promising radioligand for PET imaging of CB1 receptors, originally developed and characterized at the John Hopkins University. Wishing to study this compound in our PET center, we decided to make our own material by following the literature methods, and we also investigated a fully automated radiosynthesis of [11C]OMAR. Methods OMAR and desmethyl-OMAR were synthesized from 2,4-dichloroaniline in 4 and 5 steps, respectively. [11C]OMAR was prepared by O-[11C]methylation of desmethyl-OMAR with [11C]CH3OTf in CH3CN at 80 oC under basic conditions, in a home-built automated 11C-radiosynthesis module, allowing measurement of specific activity during synthesis, and purified by HPLC combined with SPE method. Results The published method for the synthesis of OMAR and desmethyl-OMAR gave poor yields. Therefore, alternate approaches and modifications were investigated. We used Et3N/t-BuOH instead of EtONa/EtOH in cycloaddition reaction to improve the yield from 19% to 63%. We used oxalyl chloride/DMF/CH2Cl2 instead of SOCl2/toluene in coupling reaction to raise up the yield from 37% to 60%. Direct demethylation of OMAR to desmethyl-OMAR was failed and a multiple-step synthesis of desmethyl-OMAR was employed in the literature. We succeeded in one-step direct demethylation by using LiBr/DMF at reflux with 91% yield. The overall chemical yields for OMAR and desmethyl-OMAR were 33% and 30%, respectively. The decay corrected radiochemical yield for [11C]OMAR was 60-70%. The specific activity at EOB for [11C]OMAR was 370-740 GBq/μmol. Conclusions A high-yield synthetic route to OMAR and desmethyl-OMAR has been described, and an improved synthesis of [11C]OMAR has been developed, which were superior to previous works. Research Support Indiana Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Fund (ISDH EDS-A70-2-079612)
Rehabilitation of Combat-Related Injuries in the Veterans Administration A Web of Support

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides acute, subacute, and continuing rehabilitation for veterans using a hub-and-spoke system of hospitals and outpatient facilities. Using traumatic brain injury as an example, this commentary illustrates how this system provides interdisciplinary rehabilitative care to veterans throughout North Carolina.
On the Detoxication of Phenylacetic Acid by Glucuronic Acid in Humans

ConclusionDealing first with normal (control) urines, the amount of glucuronic acid in 24-hour samples varied from 350-650 nig, with an occasional lower or higher figure. These results agree well with those obtained by Maughan, Evelyn, and Browne5 and by Roe and Hall.7 Next, with regard to the effect of ingesting 5 g of phenylacetic acid, we find that this results in an average increase of 535 mg, an amount which corresponds to a detoxication by glucuronic acid of 7.5% of the phenylacetic acid ingested.
Evidence-based medicine and the Cochrane Collaboration on trial.

The Cochrane Collaboration was founded in 1993 and was named for the British epidemiologist Archie Cochrane, MD (1908-1988). At the initiation of the National Health Service in the 1940s in the United Kingdom, Dr. Cochrane suggested that the free care in the National Health Service should be limited to interventions supported by evidence of their effectiveness. This was a very innovative thought in the 1940s. Dr. Ian Chalmers, the driving force behind the Cochrane Collaboration, was strongly influenced by the writings of Archie Cochrane.