cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo disruption of tolerogenic cross-presentation mechanisms uncovers an effective T-cell activation by B-cell lymphomas leading to antitumor immunity

Bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells (APCs) play a central role in the induction of tolerance to tumor antigens expressed by B-cell lymphomas. Here we show that in vivo disruption of this APC-mediated tolerogenic mechanism unveils an intrinsic ability of malignant B cells to efficiently present tumor antigens to antigen-specific CD4+ T cells, resulting in a strong antitumor effect. This intrinsic antigen-presenting ability of malignant B cells is, however, overridden by tolerogenic bone marrow-derived APCs, leading instead to T-cell unresponsiveness and lack of antitumor effect. These results highlight the concept that therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing the antigen-presenting function of B-cell lymphomas might not succeed unless the tolerogenic mechanisms mediated by bone marrow-derived APCs are disrupted in the first place.
Simultaneous optimization of size and short-term operation for an RO plant

Abstract The single day operation and size of a seawater reverse osmosis (RO) plant subject to a half-hourly varying electricity price is optimized. The study herein is an extension of Ghobeity and Mitsos, 2010 Desalination. Their model is modified to have a variable plant size controlled by the number of modules. The operating and capital costs are calculated as a function of size and operation. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the total annualized cost of the plant. The number of modules and the half-hourly varying operating frequency constitute the decision variables. The operation and size are optimized for four different electricity price functions: constant, moderately fluctuating, highly fluctuating, and actual electricity prices from a given day in Spain. The results show that variable operation and oversizing can produce savings of up to 7% for a highly fluctuating electricity price. The plant has a higher operating frequency when electricity is cheap and shuts off during periods of high electricity price when oversized. The size and day-by-day operation are also optimized for one year subject to Spain's electricity price. Little savings via oversizing are obtainable for the day-by-day optimization due to low fluctuations in the electricity price during the year.
New origin of CP violation in SU(2) x U(1) gauge models

It is proposed that CP violation originates in a Yukawa interaction of a single, charged scalar meson, not a Higgs particle, with bilinear forms which contain a light quark and a heavy quark. These Yukawa couplings are the only source of CP violation and the only direct interaction between light quarks and heavy quarks. Detailed results are worked out for a local SU(2) x U(1) gauge model with spontaneous parity violation. It is required that ..delta..S = 2 CP-conserving processes are dominated by W exchange and ..delta..S = 2 CP-violating process are dominated by exchange of the charged scalar meson, called chi. The ..delta..S = 1 CP violations and electric dipole of moments of quarks are shown to be extremely small for any values of the CP-violating phases of the chi Yukawa coupling constants. Quasistable, heavy hadrons are a special feature of the model presented, and their properties are summarized. Distinctive features of such hadrons are long lifetimes (greater than 10/sup -9/ sec), absence of nonleptonic decay modes with only light hadrons, and the likelihood of large CP-violation effects as compared to those of the K-meson system.
Verifying design modularity, hierarchy, and interaction locality using data clustering techniques

Modularity, hierarchy, and interaction locality are general approaches to reducing the complexity of any large system. A widely used principle in achieving these goals in designing software systems is striving for high cohesion within a module and low coupling between modules. However, this principle has difficulties in practice. Because a hierarchical system structure often consists of several layers, it is difficult to decide at what layer an interaction should be considered as cohesion, and at what layer an interaction should be considered as coupling. In this paper, we do not differentiate cohesion and coupling, but use a general term interaction to represent the dependencies between software modules. We propose a method to verify the design modularity, hierarchy, and interaction locality of a software system. This approach is based on the component interactions gathered from certain design level artifacts, such as UML diagrams. Data clustering technique is then used to group software components according to the degree of interactions between them. To show how to use this approach, we apply it to Parna's KWIC object-oriented design example, in which sequence diagram is used to derive the degree of component interactions.
Reward-related processes in pediatric bipolar disorder: a pilot study.

Abstract Background Neuropsychological research on children with bipolar disorder (BPD) is scarce. Here, we examine reward-related behaviors in children with BPD using a Wheel of Fortune task in which subjects could win or lose money depending on their decisions. The intent of this work was to investigate performance differences between BPD and healthy children on a task that could be used in an fMRI environment to inform the neural substrates of reward processes in BPD. This study has no direct clinical implications. We hypothesized that relative to healthy children, children with BPD would select risky options more frequently, be less confident in a favorable outcome, and report stronger emotional responses to outcomes. Methods Forty-four children (22 BPD; 22 control) were compared on (i) decision-making with varying levels of risk, (ii) level of confidence in favorable outcomes, and (iii) responses to feedback. The task included a win–no win version and a lose–no lose version. Results Patterns of selection did not differ between groups. In the lose–no lose task, BPD patients were less confident than controls in favorable outcomes. BPD patients expressed greater dissatisfaction than controls at not winning in win–no win, and greater satisfaction than controls at not losing in lose–no lose. Limitations Limitations of this study included that the children with BPD were mostly in a depressed state, were medicated, and had co-morbid disorders. Conclusions This is the first experimental study to examine associations between pediatric BPD and reward-related behaviors. Although we failed to detect abnormalities in risky decision-making in children with BPD, we found significant differences between groups in both confidence ratings and response to feedback, consistent with our predictions. Our ultimate goal is to use this task in the fMRI environment to gain a better understanding of the neural correlates of reward-related processes in pediatric BPD.
The upper Jovian atmosphere aerosol content determined from a satellite eclipse observation

An eclipse of Ganymede observed in 30 colors with a multichannel spectrometer and the 5-m Hale telescope is analyzed to determine the aerosol content of the upper Jovian atmosphere. Contemporary radiative-equilibrium atmospheric models are used, and less restrictive a priori assumptions about the aerosol distribution are made than in previous studies. Preliminary processing of the raw data to correct for telescope aperture change and to remove scattered light is described, eclipse light-curve theory is reviewed, and light-curve features are examined. The primary 'cloudy' atmospheric model employed is outlined along with the computational method, and results are presented on aerosol profiles, the upper limit of the aerosol region, the aerosol structure, the sensitivity of the aerosol profiles to various parameters, and the stratospheric aerosol distribution. The aerosol profiles are found to indicate a very dilute stratospheric haze overlying a tenuous tropopause cloud or cloud top.
Litter Decomposition, and Associated Invertebrate Communities, in Wetland Ponds of the Copper River Delta, Alaska (USA)

High-latitude wetlands provide vital ecological functions, many of which rely on the decomposition of plant litter, but little understanding exists of how decomposition rates vary across space, and among common plant species. We investigated the litter decomposition of seven plant species in six wetland ponds on the Copper River Delta (Alaska, USA), and the litter-associated invertebrates. The ponds exist on common geomorphic surfaces of the delta: surfaces created by glacial retreat and outwash, and those resulting from uplifted intertidal area following a powerful 1964 earthquake. An eight-fold range in decomposition rates existed across litter species and correlated with phosphorus (r = 0.63), but not nitrogen and carbon content of the litter. Macroinvertebrate abundance also differed among leaf species. Litter-decay rates did not differ between pond types when expressed on a percent-mass-loss per-day basis; however, on a per-degree-day basis, decomposition in outwash ponds was more rapid. Litter in outwash ponds also had greater invertebrate abundance than uplift ponds, a pattern driven by collector-gatherer chironomids. Invertebrate activity was deemed a minor source of litter-mass loss relative to microbial decomposition. Results suggest that litter-associated invertebrate communities differ between pond types, but that differences in plant-litter decomposition are subtle.
ORANGE PEEL COLOR EXTRACT: ITS USE AND STABILITY IN CITRUS PRODUCTS

SUMMARY— Storage stability of the color was tested alone and in various citrus products using an extraction process which had been developed for obtaining a highly colored concentrated extract from orange peel. When concentrated color extract was added to single-strength orange juice in tin-lined or enamel-lined cans or clear glass bottles, color stability was good during storage at 35° F; except for some fading in glass-packed samples, no notable changes in color were observed after 10 wk. However, at 70° F and 85° F color changes occurred, mainly from darkening due to browning. These storage changes were more predominant in glass-packed juice and enamellined cans. Color in frozen concentrated orange juice remained stable more than 10 wk, showing no notable change in color during storage at −5° F. Stored in the concentrated form the color extract required protection from light and heat. Color was stable for more than 6 months when stored at −5° F in the dark.
Response of Tall Fescue to Saline Water as Influenced by Leaching Fractions and Irrigation Uniformity Distributions

The use of poor quality water for irrigation purposes in the urban landscape has the potential to save significant quantities of good quality water for higher priority uses. Research was conducted to determine the impact leaching fractions (LF = drainage volume/irrigation volume) and irrigation-uniformity distributions have on the spatial distribution of water and salts and plant response when irrigating with saline water. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. Monarch') was grown in IX plots, each with a centrally located lysimeter that enabled estimates of evapotranspiration and irrigation requirements. Imposed treatments included setting LF at 0.05, 0.15, or 0.25 and manipulating plot irrigation systems such that the Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CUC) was set at 0.65, 0.75, or 0.85, Saline irrigation water (2.5 dS m -1 ) was applied for an 18-mo period. Significant LF × CUC interactions were observed for depth-weighted soil salinity, yield, evapotranspiration (ET), tissue moisture content, and canopy temperatures. Although the coefficient of variation increased with each measured parameter as the CUC decreased, only the depth-weighted electrical conductivity (EC e ) showed a coefficient of variation >20%, A 14% savings in irrigation water was obtained when the high CUC, low LF treatment was compared with the high LF, low CUC treatment. Ninety-one percent of the variability in the average plot EC e could be accounted for if the actual LF, lysimeter ET, and average plot canopy temperatures at the end of the experiment were taken into consideration. Under the conditions of this experiment, irrigating tall fescue with 2.5 dS m 1 water would be an acceptable practice even at LFs as low as 0.05 if the CUC is optimized.
A note on the Yamabe constant of an outermost minimal hypersurface

Using an elementary argument we find an upper bound on the Yamabe constant of the outermost minimal hypersurface of an asymptotically flat manifold with nonnegative scalar curvature that satisfies the Riemannian Penrose Inequality. Provided the manifold satisfies the Riemannian Penrose Inequality with rigidity, we show that equality holds in the inequality if and only if the manifold is the Riemannian Schwarzschild manifold.
Emotion, working memory task demands and individual differences predict behavior, cognitive effort and negative affect

We examined whether positive and negative affect motivates verbal and spatial working memory processes, respectively, which have implications for the expenditure of mental effort. We argue that when emotion promotes cognitive tendencies that are goal incompatible with task demands, greater cognitive effort is required to perform well. We sought to investigate whether this increase in cognitive effort impairs behavioural control over a broad domain of self-control tasks. Moreover, we predicted that individuals with higher behavioural inhibition system (BIS) sensitivities would report more negative affect within the goal incompatible conditions because such individuals report higher negative affect during cognitive challenge. Positive or negative affective states were induced followed by completing a verbal or spatial 2-back working memory task. All participants then completed one of three self-control tasks. Overall, we observed that conditions of emotion and working memory incompatibility (positive/spatial and negative/verbal) performed worse on the self-control tasks, and within the incompatible conditions individuals with higher BIS sensitivities reported more negative affect at the end of the study. The combination of findings suggests that emotion and working memory compatibility reduces cognitive effort and impairs behavioural control.
The Role of Parenting in Drug Use Among Black, Latino and White Adolescents

This study investigates the role of parenting in adolescent drug use for black, white and Latino adolescents. Parenting has been consistently identified as a crucial factor in drug use by adolescents. This study uses data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Results show that parenting has a significant effect on drug use for these adolescents. The relationship between parenting and drug use is more strongly negative for the Latino adolescents, than for black and white adolescents. This indicates that greater parental warmth and family acceptance exert a stronger impact in reducing drug use for Latino adolescents than is the case for the black and white adolescents.
Sorption kinetics and equilibria in annealed glassy polyblends

The sorption kinetics and equilibria of n-hexane in glassy polyblends of polystyrene and poly(2,6 dimethyl-1,4 phenylene oxide) were studied as a function of annealing conditions. Cast film samples were annealed 20°C above their respective glass transition temperatures for two hours and twenty-four hours. The rate of relaxation-controlled (Case II) sorption of n-hexane in these films was reduced markedly consequent to annealing. The effect of annealing on the sorption kinetics and the independently determined film densities was more pronounced for the poly(phenylene oxide)-rich samples. Although sorption rates were reduced by as much as a factor of 100, the sorption equilibrium was insignificantly affected by annealing. Super Case II transport was observed for the slow absorbing annealed samples whereas the more rapid sorption in the unannealed samples followed ideal Case II kinetics. The more pronounced effects of annealing for the poly(phenylene oxide)-rich samples on sorption rates and film densities were explained by considering the increasing difference between the film Tg and the drying temperature used in the original film preparation for the poly(phenylene oxide)-rich samples. These results suggest that glassy polymers, cast and dried well below their glass transition temperatures, will be subject to large long-term reductions in absorption rates and specific volume. Moreover, residual, excess free volume significantly affects relaxation-controlled absorption of vapors in partially annealed glassy polymers.
HIV-1 Nef Blocks Transport of MHC Class I Molecules to the Cell Surface Via a PI 3-Kinase-Dependent Pathway

HIV causes a chronic infection by evading immune eradication. A key element of HIV immune escape is the HIV-1 Nef protein. Nef causes a reduction in the level of cell surface major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) protein expression, thus protecting HIV-infected cells from anti-HIV cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) recognition and killing. Nef also reduces cell surface levels of the HIV receptor, CD4, by accelerating endocytosis. We show here that endocytosis is not required for Nef-mediated downmodulation of MHC-I molecules. The main effect of Nef is to block transport of MHC-I molecules to the cell surface, leading to accumulation in intracellular organelles. Furthermore, the effect of Nef on MHC-I molecules (but not on CD4) requires phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) activity. We propose that Nef diverts MHC-1 proteins into a PI 3-kinase-dependent transport pathway that prevents expression on the cell surface.
Optimal state-contingent capital taxation: when is there an indeterminacy?

Abstract Several recent papers on dynamically optimal taxation have derived indeterminacy results regarding state-contingent capital taxation in stochastic equilibrium models with state-contingent government debt. I show that these results rely crucially on the assumption that there is a single, aggregate decision about private capital investment. In a model with many technologies and many capital goods, the need to preserve individual investment incentives imposes as many constraints on government policy as they are intertemporal investment decisions. The structure of capital tax rates and the structure of government debt are both restricted in many dimensions.
Fabrication and characteristics of CuInSe 2 /CuIn(Se x S 1−x ) 2 structure by the sulfurization of CuInSe 2 thin film

CuInSe 2 /CuIn(Se x S 1−x ) 2 structures have been fabricated on Mo/Glass substrate using Cu-poor or Cu-rich CuInSe 2 thin film by RTP sulfurization at high temperature. The surface morphologies of CuInSe 2 thin films could be changed with varied S amounts or ratio of Se/S during sulfurization. In our experimental results, the CuInSe 2 /CuIn(Se x S 1−x ) 2 structure was easy formed based on Cu-rich CuInSe 2 thin film and the Cu x Se phase was helpful to produce CuIn(Se x S 1−x ) 2 film onto CISe film. But, the second phase (CuxSe) must be etching in KCN solution after sulfurization of CuInSe 2 /CuIn(Se x S 1−x ) 2 structures. The high quality and high open circuit voltage of chalcopyrite absorber had been made by co-evaporation and RTP sulfurization in this study.
Viscous streaming from an oscillating spherical bubble

Asymmetric patterns of streaming around a single sonoluminescent bubble have been observed by Lepoint-Mullie and co-workers. The present paper considers theoretically the viscous streaming from a spherical bubble undergoing small radial and lateral oscillations simultaneously, using an extension of the method of Davidson & Riley so as to include radial oscillations. On the assumption that the radial and lateral oscillations are of comparable magnitude, it is shown that the presence of the radial oscillations greatly enhances the streaming. The streaming is greatest when the phase difference between the oscillations is ±90°, and reverses in direction when the phase difference passes through zero or 180°.
Option pricing: simulation in financial engineering

This paper presents an overview of the use of simulation algorithms in the field of financial engineering, assuming on the part of the reader no familiarity with finance and a modest familiarity with simulation methodology, but not its specialist research literature. The focus is on the challenges specific to financial simulations and the approaches that researchers have developed to handle them, although the paper does not constitute a comprehensive survey of the research literature. It offers to simulation researchers, professionals, and students an introduction to an application of increasing significance both within the simulation research community and among financial engineering practitioners.
Opportunistic behaviour of invertebrate marine tracemakers during the Early Triassic aftermath of the end-Permian mass extinction

A regional field study of ichnocoenoses in the Griesbachian Dinwoody Formation and the Smithian Sinbad Limestone Member revealed that benthic invertebrate tracemaking populations exhibited aspects of opportunistic behaviour following the end-Permian mass extinction. This study represents the first documentation of population strategies of ichnocoenoses following a mass extinction event. These trace fossil assemblages are characterised by low-to-moderate ichnodiversity, low-to-moderate bioturbation, small burrow widths, non-specialised behaviour and shallow tiering. Our data combined with other published studies indicate that various ecological characteristics of ichnocoenoses differed by environment, paleolatitude and stage through the Early Triassic. The pattern of opportunistic behaviour is likely attributed to repeated intervals of deleterious environmental conditions similar to those that caused the end-Permian mass extinction.
Hardness Measurement of Bulk Wheat by Single-Kernel Visible and Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Reflectance spectra (400 to 1700 nm) of single wheat kernels collected using the Single Kernel Characterization System (SKCS) 4170 were analyzed for wheat grain hardness using partial least squares (PLS) regression. The wavelengths (650 to 700, 1100, 1200, 1380, 1450, and 1670 nm) that contributed most to the ability of the model to predict hardness were related to protein, starch, and color differences. Slightly better prediction results were observed when the 550–1690 nm region was used compared with 950–1690 nm region across all sample sizes. For the 30-kernel mass-averaged model, the hardness prediction for 550–1690 nm spectra resulted in a coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.91, standard error of cross validation (SECV) = 7.70, and relative predictive determinant (RPD) = 3.3, while the 950–1690 nm had R2 = 0.88, SECV = 8.67, and RPD = 2.9. Average hardness of hard and soft wheat validation samples based on mass-averaged spectra of 30 kernels was predicted and compared with the SKCS 4100 re...
Assessment of menstruation in the vervet (Cercopithecus aethiops)

Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) are Old World nonhumans that display attenuated menstruation that requires detection by vaginal swab. The physiology underlying attenuated menstruation in this species has not been previously studied. To fill this gap, we evaluated endometrial cell proliferation, steroid receptor localization and expression of menstruation-associated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes in vervets during natural and artificial menstrual cycles. The artificial cycles were induced by sequentially treating ovariectomized animals with estradiol (E(2)) and progesterone (P). Because menstrual flow is exceptionally light in this species, menses was detected by vaginal swab. We found that both natural and artificially cycled animals menstruated 3-5 days after the decline of P at the end of the cycle. As in other primates, P withdrawal at the end of artificial cycles triggered endometrial expression of MMPs, including MMP-1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 11, 13 and 26 transcripts. In both the natural and artificial menstrual cycle, menstrual sloughing was restricted to the upper one-fourth of the endometrium, and MMP-1 and 2 were strongly expressed by the stroma of the sloughing zone. MMP-7 was localized in the endometrial glands during late menses. As in macaques, epithelial cell proliferation was localized to the functionalis zone during the estrogen-dominated proliferative phase and to the basalis zone glands during the P-dominated secretory phase. Regulation of estrogen and progestin (or estradiol and progesterone) receptors was similar to that reported for macaques. Because strong similarities exist between the endometrium of vervets, macaques and women, we conclude that vervets can provide a useful animal model for studies on hormone regulation of menstruation.
Precise nucleotide sequence modifications with bidirectionally cleaving class-IIS excision linkers.

Abstract Bidirectionally cleaving blunt-ended DNA linkers have been constructed to generate defined nucleotide sequence modifications. The oligodeoxynucleotides (termed ‘excision linkers’), contain two back-to-back recognition sites for class-IIS restriction endonucleases and provide a new instrument for modifying DNA primary structure. Following insertion of these linkers into host DNA, digestion with the cognate class-IIS enzyme results in a cleavage upstream and downstream from the adjoining enzyme recognition sites. Bidirectional cleavage efficiency can be improved by including spacer nucleotides between the two recognition sites. The number of nucleotides removed from or added to the host DNA depends upon the cleavage shift characteristic of the class-IIS enzyme, the design of the linker (including lateral spacer nucleotides to set the cleavage position), and the method used to make blunt ends from staggered ends following excision of the linker. Bsp MI linkers constructed in this study have been used to generate defined deletions in the Ap R and Tc R genes of pBR322. Bsm I excision linkers are also described.
The importance of physician knowledge of autism spectrum disorder: results of a parent survey

Early diagnosis and referral to treatment prior to age 3–5 years improves the prognosis of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, ASD is often not diagnosed until age 3–4 years, and medical providers may lack training to offer caregivers evidence-based treatment recommendations. This study tested hypotheses that 1) children with ASD would be diagnosed between ages 3–4 years (replicating prior work), 2) caregivers would receive little information beyond the diagnosis from their medical providers, and 3) caregivers would turn to other sources, outside of their local health care professionals, to learn more about ASD. 146 ASD caregivers responded to an online survey that consisted of questions about demographics, the diagnostic process, sources of information/support, and the need and availability of local services for ASDs. Hypotheses were tested using descriptives, regression analyses, analyses of variance, and chi-squared. The average age of diagnosis was 4 years, 10 months and the mode was 3 years. While approximately 40% of professionals gave additional information about ASD after diagnosis and 15–34% gave advice on medical/educational programs, only 6% referred to an autism specialist and 18% gave no further information. The diagnosis of Autism was made at earlier ages than Asperger's Disorder or PDD-NOS. Developmental pediatricians (relative to psychiatrists/primary care physicians, neurologists, and psychologists) were associated with the lowest age of diagnosis and were most likely to distribute additional information. Caregivers most often reported turning to the media (i.e., internet, books, videos), conferences, and other parents to learn more about ASD. The average age of ASD diagnosis (4 years, 10 months) was later than optimal if children are to receive the most benefit from early intervention. Most professionals gave caregivers further information about ASDs, especially developmental pediatricians, but a sizeable minority did not. This may reflect a lack of training in the wide range of behaviors that occur across the autism spectrum. Parents turned to outside sources to learn more about ASD. We recommend that all physicians receive specialized training about ASDs to improve upon early screening and diagnosis, and then advise caregivers about empirically-supported services.
Pecan weevil sex attractant: Bioassay and chemical studies☆

Abstract When the distillable oil from adult pecan weevils, Curculio caryae , of both sexes was investigated separately with an integrated gas chromatographymass spectrometry system, evidence was obtained for a number of di- and trisubstituted aromatic hydrocarbons, seven phenolic and carbonyl aromatic compounds, and at least three alcohols. The major compounds were a series of alkanes and alkenes, four esters and four heterocyclic compounds. Among these, eleven compounds were unique to males and four were unique to females. The volatiles were also bioassayed in the field and each attracted the opposite sex. This investigation was part of a study made to identify the possible role of these compounds as a pheromone produced by the pecan weevil.
Quantitative Methods in Language Acquisition Research

This article attempts to clarify and define quantitative research as it is applied in the study of language acquisition. Trends in the use of quantitative and nonquantitative methods in applied linguistics are reported, and suggestions are made concerning useful paradigms and procedures for further research in language acquisition. In recent years considerable concern has arisen over the misapplication or avoidance of appropriate quantitative methods in language acquisition research. Brown (1986) expressed concern that established conventions in quantitative research methodology were not consistently adhered to by quantitative researchers in applied linguistics. His primary data source was articles appearing in the major professional journals of applied linguistics, such as the TESOL Quarterly and Language Learning. Similarly, Ediger, Lazaraton, and Riggenbach (1986) noted that there is a paucity of formal statistical preparation on the part of the majority of educators responsible for guiding graduate research in applied linguistics in general. Their survey of a large cross section of university graduate thesis and dissertation advisers in applied linguistics revealed that respondents had completed, on an average, fewer than two formal courses in research design or statistics and that the majority reported no formal preparation at all. Henning (1985) reported on common problems in quantitative language acquisition research, including unreliability and invalidity of data-elicitation techniques, failure of experimental studies to state a formal hypothesis for testing, failure to report frequencies with percentages or standard deviations with means, and insufficient use of appropriate inferential statistics. In light of these concerns, this article has three purposes: (a) to provide a definition of quantitative research, as opposed to qualitative or anecdotal research; (b) to report on trends in
Utility of the Follow‐Up CT Scan in Pediatric Deep Neck Infections

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review from March 2000 to April 2010 on pediatric patients who were diagnosed with a deep neck infection. Inclusion criteria were those patients who were diagnosed with using a computed tomography (CT) scan on admission and who had a repeat CT for failure to improve clinically. Clinical, operative and radiologic data were recorded. CT scans were compared for maximal measurements and enhancement characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed for significance of clinical and radiologic criteria compared to operative findings and clinical outcome.
Improving Tropical Cyclone Intensity Guidance in the Eastern North Pacific

Abstract The primary objective of this research is the development of a statistical model that will provide tropical cyclone (TC) intensity guidance for the eastern North Pacific (ENP) superior to that provided by climatology and persistence models. Toward this goal, the authors investigate the use of shear and thermal variables in statistical forecasts of TC intensity change. European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) global analyses are used to develop an Eastern Pacific Intensity Change (EPIC) model, forecasting tropical cyclone intensity changes at 12-h intervals, out to 72 h. The dataset consists of ENP tropical cyclones during the years 1989–96 along with ECMWF analyses for those years. The synoptic predictors examined in this study consist of shear and thermal variables, including zonal and meridional components of shear between 200 and 850 mb, the difference in temperature between 200 and 850 mb, and equivalent potential temperature at 700 mb. The time tendency of these variables i...
Study of the reaction of hydroxyl radical with methane by quantitative ESR

The reaction of the OH radical with CH4 at room temperature has been studied in a fast-flow system at pressures of the order of 1mm. The very fast reaction of H atoms with NO2 was used to generate OH radicals, whose decay along the flow tube was measured by electron spin resonance techniques, using NO gas as a calibration standard. The major reaction products, as determined by mass spectroscopy, were H2, H2O, and CO, with traces of C2H6, H2CO, CH3OH, and CO2. A reaction scheme consistent with the results is proposed. The rate constant k6 for the initial reaction CH4+OH→CH3+H2O at 300°K was found to be k6=6.5±1.5×109 cm3 mole−1 sec−1. Using the latest kinetic data, rate-constant ratios at higher temperatures were combined with the measured value at 300°K to give k6=6.5±1.5×109 exp {[(5000±600)/R](1/300−T−1)}, or in simple Arrhenius form k6=2.9×1013 exp (−5000/RT). A few preliminary measurements of OH with C2-hydrocarbons are also reported.
Effect of Cycle-Length Alteration upon the Configuration of the Canine Ventricular Action Potential

Action potentials recorded from canine ventricular fibers displayed characteristic alterations in configuration upon abrupt change in the cycle length. After a relative prolongation of the diastolic interval, abbreviation of phase 2 and slowing of phase 3 were consistently observed, while a relative shortening of diastole was terminated by an action potential displaying prolongation of phase 2 and a steeper phase 3. Neither circumstance was attended by a consistent alteration in action potential duration. The more conventional view, directly relating duration of phase 2 to the length of the preceding diastole, clearly does not obtain immediately following an abrupt alteration of cycle length. This cycle-length-dependent phenomenon may account, in part, for the post-extrasystolic T-wave alterations observed in the human electrocardiogram. It is also consistent with the clinical observation that such T-wave changes may occur without premature contractions, requiring only a relative prolongation of the R-R interval. Evidence is also presented which relates electrical alter-nans of the T wave to this interval-dependent phenomenon. This characteristic change in action potential configuration occurs under the same temporal circumstances that others have associated with potentiation of contractility. It is therefore suggested that these inotropic phenomena and changes in action potential configuration may relate to alterations in membrane permeability.
Software monitoring with controllable overhead

We introduce the technique of software monitoring with controllable overhead (SMCO), which is based on a novel combination of supervisory control theory of discrete event systems and PID-control theory of discrete time systems. SMCO controls monitoring overhead by temporarily disabling monitoring of selected events for as short a time as possible under the constraint of a user-supplied target overhead o t. This strategy is optimal in the sense that it allows SMCO to monitor as many events as possible, within the confines of o t. SMCO is a general monitoring technique that can be applied to any system interface or API. We have applied SMCO to a variety of monitoring problems, including two highlighted in this paper: integer range analysis, which determines upper and lower bounds on integer variable values; and non-accessed period detection, which detects stale or underutilized memory allocations. We benchmarked SMCO extensively, using both CPU- and I/O-intensive workloads, which often exhibited highly bursty behavior. We demonstrate that SMCO successfully controls overhead across a wide range of target overhead levels; its accuracy monotonically increases with the target overhead; and it can be configured to distribute monitoring overhead fairly across multiple instrumentation points.
Metabolic syndrome in fifth grade children with acanthosis nigricans: results from the CARDIAC project.

Background A number of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors have been linked to obesity and associated negative health outcomes in children. However, no consistent definition of metabolic syndrome exists for children. In addition, research is needed to systematically examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in high-risk children, including those with insulin resistance. This study explores several definitions of metabolic syndrome and determines the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a large sample of children with acanthosis nigricans (AN).
Continuum mechanics characterization of plastic deformation-induced oxide film rupture

Abstract The film rupture behaviour of dynamically strained metastable Ti-15wt% Mo-3wt% Nb-3wt% Al in the solution-treated and aged (STA) (β + α) condition that is prone to coplanar slip was examined. Film rupture was detected by rapid data acquisition (10 000 Hz, 40 nA resolution) of repassivation current transients on fatigue precracked, circumferentially notched, and smooth tensile specimens. Finite element modelling of notch stress and strain fields was conducted to correlate the onset of film rupture with continuum mechanics analysis of notch stress and strain fields. Discrete film rupture repassivation transients were only observed in notched and smooth specimens when local notch stresses exceeded the uniaxial tensile yield strength of the STA alloy over a depth of about four grain diameters, and upon necking, respectively. Such extensive plastic deformation was a necessary but not sufficient criterion for observation of discrete current transients. Local plastic strain rates exceeding 1.4 × 10−5s−1...
X-ray Photoelectron Spectra of Poly(2-vinylpyridine) and its Adduct with Boron Trifluoride

Abstract The sources of interactions at an interface and in solution have been subjects which have occupied both experimentalists and theorists for some time. Several types of interactions, e.g. donor-acceptor,1–6 have been suggested to explain deviations in adhesion and solution data from that predicted from London dispersion forces. The experimentalist has employed both infrared spectroscopy and calorimetry to measure donor-acceptor interactions. It is the purpose of this note to show that X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can be used also to detect donor-acceptor interactions in polymeric systems.
The interactive join: recognizing gestures for database queries

Direct, ad-hoc interaction with databases has typically been performed over console-oriented conversational interfaces using query languages such as SQL. With the rise in popularity of gestural user interfaces and computing devices that use gestures as their exclusive mode of interaction, database query interfaces require a fundamental rethinking to work without keyboards. Unlike domain-specific applications, the scope of possible actions is significantly larger if not infinite. Thus, the recognition of gestures and their consequent queries is a challenge. We present a novel gesture recognition system that uses both the interaction and the state of the database to classify gestural input into relational database queries. Preliminary results show that using this approach allows for fast, efficient and interactive gesture-based querying over relational databases.
The role of two-year colleges in educating the cyber-security workforce

This poster presentation showcases a current project of the Two-Year College Education Committee, a standing committee of the ACM Education Board.
LASERS: Pyogenic Granuloma in Children: Treatment with the Flashlamp‐Pumped Pulsed Dye Laser

Pyogenic granuloma, a rapidly developing, benign vascular nodule often arising in children at sites of trauma in the skin or mucous membrane, was treated successfully with flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser in three pediatric patients. Excellent cosmetic results were obtained. The authors suggest that the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser be considered as yet another effective modality in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma.
Antifibrinolytic Activity During Administration of Epsilon-Aminocaproic Acid

Utilizing an in vitro method for activated and nonactivated whole blood clotlysis determinations, the antifibrinolytic effect of epsilon-aminocaproic acid therapy was evaluated. Initially, the induced antifibrinolytic activity diminished within two hours after the previous dose. Continuing therapy for three to six days resulted in sustained fibrinolytic inhibition.
Plasmonic low-profile nanoantenna reflectors

We describe here the possibility to realize ultralow profile nanoantenna reflectors, which may manipulate optical radiation and emission due to their plasmonic interaction with light. Classic concepts at microwave frequencies, such as reflectarray and holographic antennas are applied here to plasmonic materials, with the goal to achieve a large degree of flexibility and tunability for low-profile reflectors, with potential applications in nano-photonics and optical communications.
Do smokers with alcohol problems have more difficulty quitting

This review compares nicotine dependence and the ability to stop smoking in smokers with no alcohol problems to smokers with current, past or lifetime (i.e., either current or past) alcohol problems. We searched computerized databases, meeting abstracts and made requests to listserves and grantees for comparisons of the above categories. We could not use meta-analyses and, thus, used consistency across studies to make conclusions. We located 17 articles on nicotine dependence, 12 on the ability to quit on a given attempt, 7 on lifetime quitting and 2 on quit attempts. Smokers with current and past alcohol problems were more nicotine dependent than smokers with no alcohol problems. Surprisingly, smokers with past problems were as able to quit on a given attempt as smokers with no problems. We hypothesize this may be because such smokers learned skills in resolving their alcohol problems that neutralized their increased nicotine dependence. Smokers with current or past alcohol problems appear to be less likely to quit in their lifetime. Given their equal ability to quit on a given attempt, this could be due to fewer quit attempts; however, whether this is actually so is unclear. Our results that smokers with past alcohol problems can quit as easily as those without alcohol problems suggest that smokers with past alcohol problems may respond to minimal treatments for smoking cessation.
Patterning of the Adult Mandibulate Mouthparts in the Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Specialized insect mouthparts, such as those of Drosophila, are derived from an ancestral mandibulate state, but little is known about the developmental genetics of mandibulate mouthparts. Here, we study the metamorphic patterning of mandibulate mouthparts of the beetle Tribolium castaneum, using RNA interference to deplete the expression of 13 genes involved in mouthpart patterning. These data were used to test three hypotheses related to mouthpart development and evolution. First, we tested the prediction that maxillary and labial palps are patterned using conserved components of the leg-patterning network. This hypothesis was strongly supported: depletion of Distal-less and dachshund led to distal and intermediate deletions of these structures while depletion of homothorax led to homeotic transformation of the proximal maxilla and labium, joint formation required the action of Notch signaling components and odd-skipped paralogs, and distal growth and patterning required epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling. Additionally, depletion of abrupt or pdm/nubbin caused fusions of palp segments. Second, we tested hypotheses for how adult endites, the inner branches of the maxillary and labial appendages, are formed at metamorphosis. Our data reveal that Distal-less, Notch signaling components, and odd-skipped paralogs, but not dachshund, are required for metamorphosis of the maxillary endites. Endite development thus requires components of the limb proximal-distal axis patterning and joint segmentation networks. Finally, adult mandible development is considered in light of the gnathobasic hypothesis. Interestingly, while EGF activity is required for distal, but not proximal, patterning of other appendages, it is required for normal metamorphic growth of the mandibles.
Ultrasonic techniques for measurement of coal slurry viscosity

The authors present a technical evaluation of ultrasonic methods as applied to the measurement of slurry viscosity. The four ultrasonic techniques examined were measurement of attenuation, acoustic impedance, relaxation, and acoustic streaming and cavitation. Acoustic impedance measurements are more sensitive to slurry viscosity than to any other fluid parameter. The three other techniques measure acoustic attenuation, but in different frequency ranges. The direct attenuation measurement technique suffers from the difficulty of extracting the viscous contribution from other effects, especially the thermal effect. The relaxation method requires an operating frequency near 10/sup 9/ Hz, which is difficult to achieve at present. Finally, the streaming and cavitation method has not been carefully examined because the technique is based on nonlinear acoustic effects which are not well understood. Results from this study indicate that it is feasible to develop an online ultrasonic viscometer based on the measurement of either acoustic impedance or acoustic streaming and cavitation. The authors describe the design and performance of an ultrasonic shear-wave wedge for acoustic impedance measurement. >
Beyond fasting plasma glucose: The association between coronary heart disease risk and postprandial glucose, postprandial insulin and insulin resistance in healthy, nondiabetic adults

Abstract Objective Prediabetes is defined by elevations of plasma glucose concentration, and is aimed at identifying individuals at increased risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD). However, since these individuals are also insulin resistant and hyperinsulinemic, we evaluated the association between several facets of carbohydrate metabolism and CHD risk profile in apparently healthy, nondiabetic individuals. Methods Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured before and at hourly intervals for eight hours after two test meals in 281 nondiabetic individuals. Insulin action was quantified by determining the steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during the insulin suppression test. CHD risk was assessed by measurements of blood pressure and fasting lipoprotein profile. Results For purposes of analysis, the population was divided into tertiles, and the results demonstrated that the greater the 1) fasting plasma glucose (FPG) concentration, 2) incremental plasma insulin response to meals, and 3) SSPG concentration, the more adverse the CHD risk profile (p Conclusions In nondiabetic individuals, higher FPG concentrations, accentuated daylong incremental insulin responses to meals, and greater degrees of insulin resistance are each associated with worse CHD risk profile (higher blood pressures, higher triglycerides, and lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations). Interventional efforts aimed at decreasing CHD in such individuals should take these abnormalities into consideration.