cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using integral equations and the immersed interface method to solve immersed boundary problems with stiff forces

We propose a fast, explicit numerical method for computing approximations for the immersed boundary problem in which the boundaries that separate the fluid into two regions are stiff. In the numerical computations of such problems, one frequently has to contend with numerical instability, as the stiff immersed boundaries exert large forces on the local fluid. When the boundary forces are treated explicitly, prohibitively small time-steps may be required to maintain numerical stability. On the other hand, when the boundary forces are treated implicitly, the restriction on the time-step size is reduced, but the solution of a large system of coupled non-linear equations may be required. In this work, we develop an efficient method that combines an integral equation approach with the immersed interface method. The present method treats the boundary forces explicitly. To reduce computational costs, the method uses an operator-splitting approach: large time-steps are used to update the non-stiff advection terms, and smaller substeps are used to advance the stiff boundary. At each substep, an integral equation is computed to yield fluid velocity local to the boundary; those velocity values are then used to update the boundary configuration. Fluid variables are computed over the entire domain, using the immersed interface method, only at the end of the large advection time-steps. Numerical results suggest that the present method compares favorably with an implementation of the immersed interface method that employs an explicit time-stepping and no fractional stepping.
Ecotherapy: Tribalism in the Mountains and Forest.

The paradigm of ecotherapy posits that personal health and healing are directly related to the health of the natural environment. Based on ideas in ecopsychology that involve the integration of psychology and ecology, ecotherapy is the application of ecopsychology to therapeutic practice. Described in this article are the paradigm of ecotherapy, the experiences of students taking a course in ecotherapy, and its implications for nature, healing, and therapeutic practice. This experience would not have been possible without the openness, trust, and cooperation of our amazing graduate students and our visiting elder. Many thanks to the following persons: Visiting Elder: Jack S. Weller, Founding Director of the Expressive Arts Therapy Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies Ecotherapy Graduate Students: Rachel Biron, Heather Cameron, Mike Diettrich-Chastain, Robin Falkner, Jennifer Froyd, Jennifer Johnson, Melia Kizer, Betsy Naylor, Lindsey Smith, Debbie Tallarico.
Prospective Evaluation of a Regression-determined Formula for Use in Triple Procedure Surgery

Abstract A surgeon-specific regression equation was applied prospectively to determine the intraocular lens (IOL) power for use in 52 consecutive patients undergoing triple procedure surgery. At their final refraction, 85% (44/52) of these patients could see 20/40 or better. Upon comparing the preoperatively determined refractive goal with that actually obtained, an “ideal” IOL power which would have resulted in the refractive goal was determined. The IOL power selected by the regression formula was within 2 diopters (D) of the ideal IOL power in 67% (35/52) of the cases. For comparison, the power which would have been selected if the San ders-Retzlaff-Kraff (SRK) or Binkhorst formula was used would have been within 2 D of the ideal IOL power in 62% (SRK, 32/52) and 58% (Binkhorst, 30/52) of the cases. Deviations from the ideal IOL power were predominantly in the undercorrected category for all three formulas evaluated. The authors conclude that even though a surgeon-specific regression formula relying on preoperative axial length performed fully as well as either the SRK or Binkhorst formulas, the choice of which formula to apply remains in the surgeon's hands.
Effect of split doses of X rays on neoplastic transformation of single cells

USING cloned hamster embryo cells in culture, we have found that if an X-ray dose is divided into two fractions, more neoplastic transformations occur than if the same dose is given in a single exposure. This could have important implications for radiation protection, where in general radiation is accumulated in a number of small fractions rather than in a single large exposure.
Substance P differentially modulates firing rate of solitary complex (SC) neurons from control and chronic hypoxia-adapted adult rats.

NK1 receptors, which bind substance P, are present in the majority of brainstem regions that contain CO2/H+-sensitive neurons that play a role in central chemosensitivity. However, the effect of substance P on the chemosensitive response of neurons from these regions has not been studied. Hypoxia increases substance P release from peripheral afferents that terminate in the caudal nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). Here we studied the effect of substance P on the chemosensitive responses of solitary complex (SC: NTS and dorsal motor nucleus) neurons from control and chronic hypoxia-adapted (CHx) adult rats. We simultaneously measured intracellular pH and electrical responses to hypercapnic acidosis in SC neurons from control and CHx adult rats using the blind whole cell patch clamp technique and fluorescence imaging microscopy. Substance P significantly increased the basal firing rate in SC neurons from control and CHx rats, although the increase was smaller in CHx rats. However, substance P did not affect the chemosensitive response of SC neurons from either group of rats. In conclusion, we found that substance P plays a role in modulating the basal firing rate of SC neurons but the magnitude of the effect is smaller for SC neurons from CHx adult rats, implying that NK1 receptors may be down regulated in CHx adult rats. Substance P does not appear to play a role in modulating the firing rate response to hypercapnic acidosis of SC neurons from either control or CHx adult rats.
Pregnancy outcomes after laminaria placement and second-trimester removal.

BACKGROUND:: Even after comprehensive counseling patients change their mind about the decision to terminate a pregnancy. There are few data about the effect of laminaria placement and removal on subsequent pregnancy outcome. CASE:: We describe four cases of laminaria removal at 12-17 weeks of gestation with varying outcomes. Two of the four cases developed cervical dilation and delivered early with documented acute chorioamnionitis. CONCLUSION:: Patients should be counseled that pregnancy termination begins with laminaria placement and that their removal could result in premature delivery.
Effects of variations in recharge on groundwater quality

Abstract The predominant regional effect of recharge on municipal groundwater quality in Kansas is the dilution of mineralized water in aquifers with relatively shallow water tables. The individual dissolved constituents contributing most to the water-quality variations are sulfate and chloride, and the calcium and sodium accompanying them, which are derived from the dissolution of evaporite minerals within the aquifer or from saline formation water in bedrock underlying the aquifer. The relationship between recharge and groundwater-quality variation can be quantified by associating certain climatic indices, especially the Palmer Drought Index, with quality observations. The response time of the maximum water-quality change relative to the occurrence of drought or substantial recharge ranges from a month to 3 years depending on the aquifer characteristics, and is generally proportional to the saturated thickness and specific yield. The response time is also affected by discharge to and recharge from nearby streams and by the well construction, particularly the placement of the screened interval, and pumping stress.
Magnetic properties of the (100) surface of Fe.

Hysteresis loops taken at a surface are often found to change even when the probing depth of the magnetic measurement varies by only a few lattice spacings. We report an interpretation of these changes in the framework of a simple model which assumes that only one sheet of thickness d at the surface is magnetically different from the bulk. The model reproduces the experimental hysteresis loops with a variety of materials. One obtains the magnetic anisotropy ${K}_{s}$ of the surface and the exchange stiffness ${A}_{1}$,2 along a path perpendicular to the surface. For Fe(100), ${K}_{s}$ and ${A}_{1}$,2 are found to be very small; furthermore, the average easy direction of the surface magnetization is at approximately 75\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to the one in the bulk.
Can Leaders and Subordinates be Friends? A Classroom Approach for Addressing an Important Managerial Dilemma

Although the norm of formal, impersonal leader-subordinate relationships often prevails in contemporary organizations, it is proposed that the leadership role may be enhanced by the development of closer, less formal relationships. Using the Leader-Subordinate Friendship Questionnaire (LSFQ), the managerial dilemma of balancing such relationships is addressed. The questionnaire provides a tool for integrating the concept of leader-subordinate friendship into organizational behavior theory and practice by developing a forum for classroom discussion that can be applied to all levels of instruction, including both academic and consulting environments.
Love and Power in the Nineteenth Century: The Marriage of Violet Blair

This fascinating biography of a Gilded Age marriage closely examines the dynamic flow of power, control, and love between Washington blue blood Violet Blair and New Orleans attorney Albert Janin. Based on their voluminous correspondence as well as Violet's extensive diaries, it offers a thoroughly intimate portrait of a fifty-four-year union which, in many ways, conformed to societal norms yet always redefined itself in order to fit the needs and willfulness of both husband and wife. With abundant documentary evidence to draw on, Laas ties this compelling story to broader themes of courtship behavior, domesticity, gender roles, extended family bonds, elitism, and societal stereotyping. Deeply researched and beautifully written, Love and Power in the Nineteenth Century has the dual virtue of making an important historical contribution while also appealing to a broad popular audience.
The control of bleeding

Bleeding is the result of extravascular, vascular and intravascular defects. Most commonly, bleeding is the result of a defect in the vessel wall. Hemorrhage can be controlled by local and systemic measures. Local measures include: local pressure; rest; coagulation-promoting agents; thermocautery; application of ice; local vasoconstrictors; chemical escharotics agents; antimicrobial agents and sutures. Systemic measures include: rest; whole blood, serum and plasma; plasma fractions; platelets; ACTH and cortisone; estrogens; ascorbic acid; flavones; vitamin K; toluidine blue and protamine; the adrenochromes; antimicrobial agents, and splenectomy. The diagnosis of a bleeding disorder requires a history, clinical examination and laboratory studies.
Spool-packaging of shape memory alloy actuators: Performance model and experimental validation:

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators in the wire form are attractive because of their simplistic architecture and electrical operation, and their manufacturability at high yields and low cost. While ...
Munchausen syndrome by proxy: Covert child abuse

Munchausen syndrome by proxy has received considerable attention in the medical literature. These reports, however, usually focus on descriptions of the medical aspects of the often bizarre patterns of parent-child behaviors which characterize this syndrome. Despite the destructiveness of these behaviors, few attempts have been made to examine the syndrome from the perspective of a variant form of child maltreatment. In light of this, the authors will: (1) define and briefly summarize the history of the syndrome; (2) review the literature focusing particular attention on the definition of the syndrome, pinpointing its relationship to child abuse; (3) provide case studies of the syndrome to illuminate the interplay of medical and psychosocial aspects of the problem; and (4) suggest methods of intervention.
Pion-Pair Production in a Nuclear Emulsion

A positive and a negative $\ensuremath{\pi}$-meson pair of tracks with energies of 17.94 and 18.65 Mev, respectively, are observed to originate in an emulsion without any other associated ionizing particles. It is shown that the event probably did not originate from a nuclear collision. Among the mechanisms considered are materialization from a photon, the decay of a theta-meson, and decay of a (previously postulated) zeta meson. The $Q$-value of the event, computed as a 2-body decay is 27.9 Mev. If it is a two-body decay the mass of the parent particle is about 600 ${m}_{e}$. This event is also consistent with the decay of a neutral tau meson into a neutral pion and two charged pions for which the total kinetic energy of the charged mesons could vary between 0 and about 80 Mev.
Optomechanical manipulation of chemical reactions on the nanoscale with optofluidic nanotweezers

Chemical reactions are often described as a progression along a reaction coordinate. Waveguide evanescent fields generate an electromagnetic force that spans tens of nanometers and have been used previously to trap protein molecules. Applying this force along a reaction coordinate could radically alter the chemical reaction by modifying the activation energy or biasing the reaction towards a specific pathway. Here, we show that the adsorption of proteins onto carbon nanotubes can be controlled with opto-mechanical forces. An analytic model for the reaction was developed, the predictions of which were explored by probing the energy barrier under various experimental conditions.
Platinum supported on CeO2 effectively scavenges free radicals within the electrolyte of an operating fuel cell

CeO2, Pt/CeO2 and MnO2 additives were found to lower the rate of free radical induced polymer electrolyte membrane degradation in an operating fuel cell by over one order of magnitude.
Racial disparities in the management of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and complications of portal hypertension: a national study.

Having complications of portal hypertension is a harbinger of decompensated cirrhosis and warrants consideration for liver transplantation (LT). Racial disparities in LT have been reported. We sought to characterize disparities in the performing of surgical and endoscopic procedures among hospitalized patients with complications of portal hypertension. We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2003 to identify patients with cirrhosis and complications of portal hypertension. Logistic regression controlling for confounders was used to evaluate race as a predictor of undergoing a portosystemic shunt and LT and of dying in the hospital. Compared to whites, the adjusted odds ratios of receiving a portosystemic shunt were 0.37 (95% CI: 0.27-0.51) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.54-0.88) for African Americans (AAs) and Hispanics, respectively. AAs with variceal bleeding were more likely to have endoscopic variceal hemostasis delayed more than 24 hours after admission than were whites (OR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.1). The adjusted odds ratios of undergoing LT were 0.32 (95% CI:0.20-0.52) and 0.46 (95% CI: 0.25-0.83) for AAs and Hispanics, respectively. Compared to whites, AAs experienced higher in-hospital mortality (OR 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01-1.24), whereas Hispanics had a lower risk of death (OR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.75-0.92). Among variceal bleeders, the odds ratio of death for AAs was 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2-2.4) compared to whites. Conclusion: AAs and Hispanics hospitalized for complications of portal hypertension were less likely to undergo a palliative shunt or LT than whites, which may contribute to the higher in-hospital mortality of AAs. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of these exploratory findings. (HEPATOLOGY 2007;45:1282–1289.)
Cricket predation by the northern grasshopper mouse

In a series of three experiments the development of predation and the relationship of predation to feeding were explored using the grasshopper mouse-house cricket predator-prey system. In Experiment One eight male mice were observed throughout a period of increasing experience with live prey, i.e., crickets. This group of mice was subsequently compared with a group of eight mice receiving no prior experience with crickets. All mice killed the first cricket they were given and 13 of the 16 mice tested consumed that cricket. Experience with prey resulted in more efficient killing reflected in briefer attack times. In Experiment Two the relationship of predation to feeding and the potential effects of experience on this relationship were investigated. Eight mice experienced with cricket prey and eight mice without such experience, all with ad lib access to their standard diet, were observed while preying on crickets presented successively. All mice initially killed and ate crickets and then continued to kill crickets which they did not consume. Results supported the view that the regulation of killing is at least partially independent of the mechanisms regulating feeding. Arguments that killing by satiated predators is a result of the “irritating” presence of prey were addressed in Experiment Three. Mice were required to leave a familiar home area to hunt in an adjoining foraging area where crickets were placed in containers and were not visible to mice. Killing without subsequent feeding was again observed providing further support for a view of killing not entirely regulated by feeding mechanisms.
One-parameter sea water light scattering phase function in the form of Legendre polynomial series

A new type of one-parameter seawater light scattering phase function that satisfies three most important properties of experimental phase functions is proposed.
Some properties of the ribonucleotide reductase from Rhizobium meliloti.

Abstract Ribonucleotide reductase from Rhizobium meliloti has been partially purified and characterized. The enzymic reduction of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides is dependent upon B12 coenzyme 1 and reduced lipoic acid. Preliminary evidence indicated that extracts of R. Meliloti contain thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase which may function as a natural electron donor system for ribonucleotide reduction. Certain guanosine, adenosine, and cytidine phosphates were effective substrates, but the uridine phosphates were reduced very slowly. There was a striking difference in the optimum concentration of the various ribonucleotides for enzyme activity. In general, the optimum substrate concentrations of the ribonucleoside diphosphates were considerably less than those of the ribonucleoside tri- or monophosphates. The properties of the ribonucleotide reductase from Rhizobium meliloti are similar in many respects to those that have been described for the enzyme from Lactobacillus leichmannii.
A new kind of mutualism between fungi and insects

Female flies ( Phorbia phrenione ) cross fertilize Epichloe typhina via a specific behaviour in which they transfer spores among self-incompatible fungi. Flies ingest spores while visiting fungi for egg laying. Only 11% of stromata lacking P. phrenione eggs produced perithecia and these perithecia covered an average of only 8% of the stromatal surfaces. In contrast, 71% of stromata that possessed fly eggs produced perithecia, covering 54% of the stromatal surfaces. Immediately following oviposition, flies stereotypically drag their abdomen across the fungus in a spiral pattern while excreting faeces. Transfer of fly faeces to unfertilized stromata resulted in cross fertilization. We observed spiralling patterns of perithecial development on fungal surfaces, signifying the behaviour of the fly results in cross fertilization of the fungus. This is the first documentation of active fertilization in an insect-fungus mutualism.
Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Perspectives of Vietnamese Americans

The purpose of this study was to explore diabetes self-management strategies and underpinnings of behaviors among Vietnamese with type 2 diabetes. Using Leventhal’s illness representation model, semistructured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 23 participants, 14 women and 9 men. NVivo 8 software was used for content analysis. Data revealed that participants constructed implicit theories of the identity, causes, consequences, timeline, and controllability of diabetes, which were inconsistent with the biomedical literature. Participants labeled diabetes by their symptoms of hypo-/hyperglycemia, and they focused on the relief of these symptoms. However, the participants’ focus on symptomatology undermined their use of blood glucose monitoring to manage diabetes as a majority of the participants had diabetes-related complications. Participants integrated the continuum of Eastern and Western treatment belief systems to achieve a balance to create harmony between the two systems.
Silicon neurons that compute

We use neuromorphic chips to perform arbitrary mathematical computations for the first time. Static and dynamic computations are realized with heterogeneous spiking silicon neurons by programming their weighted connections. Using 4K neurons with 16M feed-forward or recurrent synaptic connections, formed by 256K local arbors, we communicate a scalar stimulus, quadratically transform its value, and compute its time integral. Our approach provides a promising alternative for extremely power-constrained embedded controllers, such as fully implantable neuroprosthetic decoders.
Prediction using numerical simulations, a Bayesian framework for uncertainty quantification and its statistical challenge

Uncertainty quantification is essential in using numerical models for prediction. While many works focused on how the uncertainty of the inputs propagate to the outputs, the modeling errors of the numerical model were often overlooked. In our Bayesian framework, modeling errors play an essential role and were assessed through studying numerical solution errors. The main ideas and key concepts will be illustrated through an oil reservoir case study. In this study, inference on the input has to be made from the output. Bayesian analysis is adopted to handle this inverse problem, then combine it with the forward simulation for prediction. The solution error models were established based on the scale-up solutions and fine-grid solutions. As the central piece of our framework, the robustness of these error models is fundamental. In addition to the oil reservoir computer codes, we will also discuss the modelling of solution error of shock wave physics. Although the framework itself is simple, there is many statistical challenges which include optimal dimension of the error model, trade-off between sample size and the solution accuracy. These challenges are also discussed
Pumping and probing: Vibrational relaxation in time domain spectroscopy

Various aspects of experiments on vibrational relaxation of molecules adsorbed on metals are considered. The necessity for time-domain pump-probe configurations is established. Since existing experiments to date have been carried out on small metal clusters, special attention here is given to the role of quantum size effects and the resulting role of the discrete electron-hole pair excitation spectrum on the observed energy/vibrational relaxation times.
Subglacial topography and geothermal heat flux: Potential interactions with drainage of the Greenland ice sheet

[1] Many of the outlet glaciers in Greenland overlie deep and narrow trenches cut into the bedrock. It is well known that pronounced topography intensifies the geothermal heat flux in deep valleys and attenuates this flux on mountains. Here we investigate the magnitude of this effect for two subglacial trenches in Greenland. Heat flux variations are estimated for idealized geometries using solutions for plane slopes derived by Lachenbruch (1968). It is found that for channels such as the one under Jakobshavn Isbrae, topographic effects may increase the local geothermal heat flux by as much as 100%.
Controlling intrusion detection systems by generating false positives: squealing proof-of-concept

We introduce a new class of attack against a network signature-based intrusion detection system (IDS) which we have tested using SNORT and we call "squealing". This vulnerability has significant implications since it can be generalized to any IDS. While signature-based IDSs have implementation problems with high false positive rates that require tuning, we show a more serious general vulnerability in that packets can be crafted to match attack signatures such that alarms can be selectively triggered allowing a target IDS to be externally controlled by a malicious attacker.
Computer-aided detection of polyps in CT colonography: Performance evaluation in comparison with human readers based on large multicenter clinical trial cases

CT colonography (CTC), also known as virtual colonoscopy, is a promising alternative technique for providing mass screening for colorectal carcinoma. In this study, we developed a high-performance CAD scheme that automatically detects suspicious polyps in CTC data, and retrospectively compared its performance with that of prospective unaided human CTC reading in the detection of clinically significant adenomas/carcinomas by use of CTC database consisting of cases from two large multicenter clinical trials.
A generalized brightness change model for computing optical flow

The authors propose an image motion constraint equation based on a model which allows the brightness of a scene point to vary with time, unlike the case in the brightness constancy model. Using this model, they describe a method for the computation of optical flow and investigate its performance in a variety of conditions involving brightness variations of scene points, due to illumination nonuniformity, light source motion, specular reflection, and/or interreflection. It is shown that in the application of this method, care must be taken in the estimation of image derivatives using finite difference methods to prevent biases in the solution. A simple modification is suggested to overcome the problem. A comparison is made with two other models, including the classical brightness constancy model, through results from experiments with real images. >
Aspirin Hydrolysis in Plasma Is a Variable Function of Butyrylcholinesterase and Platelet-activating Factor Acetylhydrolase 1b2 (PAFAH1b2)

Aspirin is rapidly hydrolyzed within erythrocytes by a heterodimer of PAFAH1b2/PAFAH1b3 but also in plasma by an unidentified activity. Hydrolysis in both compartments was variable, with a 12-fold variation in plasma among 2226 Cleveland Clinic GeneBank patients. Platelet inhibition by aspirin was suppressed in plasma that rapidly hydrolyzed aspirin. Plasma aspirin hydrolysis was significantly higher in patients with coronary artery disease compared with control subjects (16.5 ± 4.4 versus 15.1 ± 3.7 nmol/ml/min; p = 3.4 × 10−8). A genome-wide association study of 2054 GeneBank subjects identified a single locus immediately adjacent to the BCHE (butyrylcholinesterase) gene associated with plasma aspirin hydrolytic activity (lead SNP, rs6445035; p = 9.1 × 10−17). However, its penetrance was low, and plasma from an individual with an inactivating mutation in BCHE still effectively hydrolyzed aspirin. A second aspirin hydrolase was identified in plasma, the purification of which showed it to be homomeric PAFAH1b2. This is distinct from the erythrocyte PAFAH1b2/PAFAH1b3 heterodimer. Inhibitors showed that both butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and PAFAH1b2 contribute to aspirin hydrolysis in plasma, with variation primarily reflecting non-genetic variation of BChE activity. Therefore, aspirin is hydrolyzed in plasma by two enzymes, BChE and a new extracellular form of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase, PAFAH1b2. Hydrolytic effectiveness varies widely primarily from non-genetic variation of BChE activity that affects aspirin bioavailability in blood and the ability of aspirin to inhibit platelet aggregation.
Intraslab seismicity and thermal stress in the subducted Cocos plate beneath central Mexico

We present a model of the subducting Cocos slab beneath Central Mexico, that provides an explanation for stresses causing the occurrence of the majority of the intraslab earthquakes which are concentrated in a long flat segment. Based on the recently developed thermal models for the Central Mexico subduction zone, the thermal stresses due to non-uniform temperature contrast in the subducting slab are calculated using a finite element approach. The slab is considered purely elastic but due to high temperature at its bottom the behavior is considered as ductile creep. The calculation results show a ∼ 20 km slab core characterized by a tensional state of stress with stresses up to 70 MPa. On the other hand, the top of the slab experiences high compressive thermal stresses up to 110 MPa, depending on the elastic constants used and location along the flat part of the subducting plate. These compressive stresses at the top of the slab are not consistent with the exclusive normal fault intraslab earthquakes, and two different sources of stress are proposed. The trenchward migration of the Mexican volcanic arc for the last 7 Ma indicates an increase of the slab dip through time. This observation suggests that the gravity torque might exceed the suction torque. Considering the flat slab as an embedded plate subject to an applied clockwise net torque of 0.5 × 10^(16)–1.5 × 10^(16) N m, the upper half would exhibit tensional stresses of 40–110 MPa that can actually balance the compressive thermally induced stresses. An alternative stress source might come from the slab pull force caused by the slab positive density anomaly. Based on our density anomaly estimations (75 ± 20 kg/m^3), a 350 km slab length, dipping at 20° into the asthenosphere, induces a slab pull force of 1.7 × 10^(12)–4.6 × 10^(12) N m. This force produces a tensional stress of 41–114 MPa, sufficient to balance the compressive thermal stresses at the top of the flat slab. The linear superposition of the thermally and torque or slab pull induced stresses shows tensile stresses up to 60–180 MPa inside the flat slab core. Also, our results suggest that the majority of the intraslab earthquakes inside the flat slab are situated where the resultant stresses are larger than 40–80 MPa. This study provides a reasonable explanation for the existence of exclusively normal fault intraslab earthquakes in the flat slab beneath Central Mexico, and also it shows that thermal stresses due to non-uniform reheating of subducting slabs play a considerable role in the total stress field.
Pituitary gonadotrophins in the ewe at different stages of the estrous cycle.

The content, of FSH, LH, and LTH in ewe pituitaries has been determined at the following stages of the estrous cycle: 4 hours, 35 hours, 10 days, and 15 days after first acceptance of the ram. Pituitary FSH and LH decreased significantly between 4 hours and 35 hours after first acceptance, and then returned to proestrus levels by the fifteenth day of the cycle. Pituitary LTH content did not vary significantly during the estrous cycle with the assay techniques employed. It is suggested that FSH plays an active role in the induction of ovulation in the ewe and that the assumption of a specific release of LH may not be valid for this species.
Neutralization Resistance of Virological Synapse-Mediated HIV-1 Infection Is Regulated by the gp41 Cytoplasmic Tail

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection can spread efficiently from infected to uninfected T cells through adhesive contacts called virological synapses (VSs). In this process, cell-surface envelope glycoprotein (Env) initiates adhesion and viral transfer into an uninfected recipient cell. Previous studies have found some HIV-1-neutralizing patient sera to be less effective at blocking VS-mediated infection than infection with cell-free virus. Here we employ sensitive flow cytometry-based infection assays to measure the inhibitory potency of HIV-1-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAb) and HIV-1-neutralizing patient sera against cell-free and VS-mediated infection. To various degrees, anti-Env MAbs exhibited significantly higher 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)s) against VS-mediated infection than cell-free infection. Notably, the MAb 17b, which binds a CD4-induced (CD4i) epitope on gp120, displayed a 72-fold reduced efficacy against VS-mediated inocula compared to cell-free inocula. A mutant with truncation mutation in the gp41 cytoplasmic tail (CT) which is unable to modulate Env fusogenicity in response to virus particle maturation but which can still engage in cell-to-cell infection was tested for the ability to resist neutralizing antibodies. The ΔCT mutation increased cell surface staining by neutralizing antibodies, significantly enhanced neutralization of VS-mediated infection, and had reduced or no effect on cell-free infection, depending upon the antibody. Our results suggest that the gp41 CT regulates the exposure of key neutralizing epitopes during cell-to-cell infection and plays an important role in immune evasion. Vaccine strategies should consider immunogens that reflect Env conformations exposed on the infected cell surface to enhance protection against VS-mediated HIV-1 spread.
Optimal real-time DB management

A different processor paradigm for real-time command and control problems is presented, using the air traffic control problem as an example. Current ATC approaches use "dynamic" scheduling algorithms that seem to guarantee unpredictable performance. The current problems with ATC were pointed out, since 1963, by theoretical results in real-time scheduling. M. Klein et al, state, "an efficient real-time multiprocessor scheduling algorithm is not expected" [2]. J. Stankovic et al, write "complexity results show that most real-time multiprocessing scheduling is NP-hard. "[3]. Note that each author is discussing multiprocessing. The associative processor (AP), a poorly understood set processing Harvard architecture, offers a feasible, predictable and economical approach to real-time database management problems and avoids the problems that are inherent in present day multiprocessor algorithms. We further consider the rationale for this performance by presenting a new time complexity function that considers set processing in the real-time database environment. Following Garey and Johnson in their renowned book "Computers and Intractability: a Guide to the Theory of NP-completeness" [4], we develop the rationale for a time complexity function 0(1) for n operands. Because of the Harvard architecture, only a single instruction can exist at any time. When the summation of algorithm times is less than the allowed update time the schedule is optimal.
Covalently tethered transforming growth factor beta in PEG hydrogels promotes chondrogenic differentiation of encapsulated human mesenchymal stem cells

Methods to precisely control growth factor presentation in a local and sustained fashion are of increasing interest for a number of complex tissue engineering applications. The cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) plays a key role in promoting the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Traditional chondrogenic approaches utilize soluble delivery, an approach with limited application for clinical translation. In this work, we introduce a reactive thiol onto TGFβ and covalently tether the growth factor into poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels using a photoinitiated thiol-acrylate polymerization mechanism. We demonstrate the bioactivity of thiolated TGFβ, before and after polymerization, using a SMAD2 reporter cell line. hMSCs were encapsulated in PEG hydrogels with and without tethered TGFβ, and subsequently assayed for glycosaminoglycan and collagen II production as indicators of chondrogenesis. Over a 21-day time course, tethered TGFβ promoted chondrogenesis at levels similar to a positive control using solubly dosed growth factor. These results provide evidence that tethered TGFβ materials can be successfully used to promote chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs.
Individual Expressive Performance: Its Relationship to Ensemble Achievement, Technical Achievement, and Musical Background

Participation in an expressive ensemble may be inappropriately presumed to produce expressive independence in individual ensemble members. This study is an examination of relationships between individual expressive achievement and (a) the expressive achievement of choral ensembles, (b) technical performance, and (c) musical background. Subjects included 11 high school choral ensembles and 82 individual ensemble members. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed no significant relationships between individual and ensemble expressive achievement. Cor-relations showed technical and expressive performance to be strongly related. Significantly related musical background factors from a MANOVA included: (a) involvement in outside performing groups, (b) semesters of high school choir, (c) private vocal lessons, and (d) age of first private lessons. The study provided grounds for questioning the assumption that expressive ensembles yield expressive individuals.
Cross-Resistance and Collateral Susceptibility to Antifolic Antimalarial Compounds

Series of strains of Streptococcus faecium ATCC 8043, Lactobacillus casei ATCC 7469, and Pediococcus cerevisiae ATCC 8081 with increasing resistance to the active antifolate antimalarial drugs chlorguanide triazine (CGT), pyrimethamine (PM), and trimethoprim (TMP) were isolated. These mutant strains, stable for at least 3 to 5 years, were examined for cross-resistance and collateral susceptibility to the above compounds and to methotrexate (MTX). Generally, they exhibited cross-resistance to all four compounds, but resistance of a strain to one compound did not predict accurately its resistance to another drug. Unexpectedly, L. casei resistant to CGT exhibited collateral susceptibility to MTX, TMP, and PM varying from 5- to 20-fold. P. cerevisiae developed resistance to CGT readily but maintained its susceptibility to PM and TMP after prolonged exposure to these compounds. Resistance to these antimalarial antifolates was accompanied by only low-grade cross-resistance to MTX, a representative antileukemic antifolate agent.
On the effective lattice parameter of binary alloys

Abstract A study of the effective lattice parameter in binary alloys is given based on an analysis of the volume change produced by dilute resolution of the solute atoms in the solvent matrix. An apparent size of the solute atom is incorporated in the analysis to approximately account for the electronic interactions between the outermost quantum shells of the solute and solvent atoms. The comparison with experimental data for various alloy systems and deviations from Vegard’s law are analyzed. The free energy of binary alloys and the ordering of solute atoms at higher solute concentrations are then discussed.
A dialectical approach to action theory 1

Recent work in the theory of action by analytical philosophers has focused on explaining actions by citing the agent's motivating reason(s). But this ignores a pattern of explanation typical in the social sciences, i.e. situating the agent in a reference group whose members typically manifest that behavior. In some cases the behavior of such groups can itself be shown to be the product of social forces. Two extended examples of this explanatory pattern are studied. In each case the motivating reasons of the agents concerned can scarcely be understood apart from reference to the groups of which the agents are members and the social forces which work on those groups. However, attention to the agent's own reasons for action remains important, in part because of action theory's critical potential to help liberate people from arbitrary, hypostasized social forces.
Noisy group testing: An information theoretic perspective

The fundamental task of group testing is to recover a small distinguished subset of items from a large group while efficiently reducing the total number of tests (measurements). The key contribution of this paper is in adopting a new information-theoretic perspective on group testing problems. Establishing its connection to Shannon-coding theory, we formulate the group testing problem as a channel coding/decoding problem and derive a unifying result that reduces many of the interesting questions to computation of a mutual information expression. This result is fairly general; it allows us to verify existing bounds for some of the known scenarios and extend the analysis to many new interesting setups including noisy versions of group testing. Among the models we consider are the deterministic noise-free case, approximate reconstruction with bounded distortion, additive measurement noise, and dilution models.
Lymphocytic infiltration of bladder after local cellular immunotherapy.

Background This is a case report of a patient who received cellular immunotherapy, in the form of local injections of autologous stimulated lymphocytes (ASL) into individual tumors in the urinary balder. A major consideration in cellular immunotherapy being the ability of immune cells to reach all target areas, we hypothesized that direct delivery of effector cells into individual bladder tumors might assure such access. Methods ASL were generated by exposing the patient's PBL to phytohemagglutinin and culturing them in the presence of IL-2 to expand the population. ASL were injected into the base of individual bladder tumors three times at intervals of 3 weeks. Results The patient died of a myocardial infarct, unrelated to cell therapy, 20 days after the third injection. An autopsy was performed. Histological sections of the bladder showed extensive lymphocytic infiltration of virtually the entire organ. Discussion No conclusions about the therapeutic efficacy of local immunotherapy using ASL are possible. Nevertheless, the observations reported, taken together with reports of therapeutic efficacy of other immunotherapy regimens in the management of bladder cancer, suggest that ready access of stimulated lymphocytes to all regions of the organ may account, in part, for the relatively high rate of therapeutic success reported for various immunotherapy regimens for this malignancy.
Role of EETs in regulation of endothelial permeability in rat lung

This study tested the hypothesis that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) derived from arachidonic acid via P-450 epoxygenases are soluble factors linking depletion of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store...
Solitary Metastasis to the Facial/Vestibulocochlear Nerve Complex: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background Distant metastasis of mucinous adenocarcinoma from the gastrointestinal tract, ovaries, pancreas, lungs, breast, or urogenital system is a well-described entity. Mucinous adenocarcinomas from different primary sites are histologically identical with gland cells producing a copious amount of mucin. This report describes a very rare solitary metastasis of a mucinous adenocarcinoma of unknown origin to the facial/vestibulocochlear nerve complex in the cerebellopontine angle. Case Description A 71-year-old woman presented with several month history of progressive neurological decline and a negative extensive workup performed elsewhere. She presented to our institution with complete left facial weakness, left-sided deafness, gait unsteadiness, headache and anorexia. A repeat magnetic resonance imaging scan of the head revealed a cystic, enhancing abnormality involving the left cerebellopontine angle and internal auditory canal. A left retrosigmoid craniotomy was performed and the lesion was completely resected. The final pathology was a mucinous adenocarcinoma of indeterminate origin. Postoperatively, the patient continued with her preoperative deficits and subsequently died of her systemic disease 6 weeks after discharge. Conclusions The facial/vestibulocochlear nerve complex is an unusual location for metastatic disease in the central nervous system. Clinicians should consider metastatic tumor as the possible etiology of an unusual appearing mass in this location causing profound neurological deficits. The prognosis after metastatic mucinous adenocarcinoma to the cranial nerves in the cerebellopontine angle may be poor.
Familial twinning: a case for superfetation in man.

A family is described in which the tendency to bear twins is expressed in the offspring of males as well as females. All of the twins born in this family show marked discordance in birth weight and gestational age. In 5 of the 6 pairs, one twin was normal while the other was either a macerated fetal mass, stillborn, or died of prematurity in the neonatal period. The one pair in which both twins did survive is known to be DZ and showed a difference in maturity and a 21% discrepancy in birth weight. Thus, twinning in this family appears to be transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait which is expressed in the offspring of both female and male carriers. Of all possible genetic mechanisms which could explain this familial aggregation of markedly discordant twins, supcrfetation seems most consistent with the genetic transmission and expression of the trait in the offspring of both males and females. The most plausible explanation of the pedigree is that a dominant gene is segregating in the family which is expressed in the fetal placenta where it acts to reverse the normal hormonal inhibition of ovulation. Since both the father and the mother contribute to the genotype of the placenta, superfeiation could occur among offspring of both males and females who carry the gene.
Incentives to Misreport Earnings and Adjustments to CEO Equity Pay

We assess the association between CEOs’ ex ante incentives to materially violate GAAP and boards’ adjustments to CEO equity holdings. We find that boards alter CEOs’ annual equity grants in response to unexpected performance declines, and that these adjustments are negatively associated with the degree to which the firm’s accrual flexibility has been exhausted in prior years. We find this effect holds most strongly for CEOs with higher equity holdings. Our results suggest that boards reduce CEOs’ equity-based pay to mitigate the likelihood of a material GAAP violation when CEOs have high ex ante incentives to misstate earnings but relatively low remaining flexibility in accruals. This evidence suggests boards believe CEO equity pay can exacerbate incentives to violate GAAP in these instances. Our findings have implications for prior research that documents an association between CEO equity holdings and ex post measures of accounting misconduct.
An Empirical Examination of the Influences of Portion Size, Context and Package Characteristics on U.S. Snack Food Consumption

Using a unique panel of over 40,000 U.S. snack food consumers from 2004-2010, we build a three-dimensional model to consider how portion sizes, the context of consumption, and package characteristics jointly affect the amount of food consumed. In concert with prior experimental results, we find that consumption does increase with larger portions. However, this effect diminishes significantly when accounting for the consumption context and packaging characteristics. The most important predictor appears to be how the snack food is presented to consumers at the point of consumption, i.e. the type, size and quantity of packages. Among a host of other findings, snacking on impulse, alone, with a beverage, and/or while watching television or otherwise busy increases the amount consumed, while snacking at home and/or while socializing decreases consumption. Furthermore, when consumers have more than one package in inventory, they tend to snack more. These results suggest several avenues for future research.