cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Experiments and Simulation of Joule Heating in ac Electrokinetic Chips

ac electrokinetic manipulations of particles and fluids are important techniques in the development of lab-on-a-chip technologies. Most of these systems involve planar microelectrode geometries, generating high strength electric fields. When these fields are applied to a dielectric medium, Joule heating occurs. Understanding electrothermal heating and monitoring the temperature in these environments are critical for temperature-sensitive investigations including biological applications. Additionally, significant changes in fluid temperature when subjected to an electric field will induce electrohydrodynamic flows, potentially disrupting the intended microfluidic profile. This work investigates heat generated from the interaction of ac electric fields and water at various electrical conductivities (from 0.92 mS/m to 390 mS/m). The electrode geometry is an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode strip 20 μm wide and a grounded, planar ITO substrate separated by a 50 μm spacer with microfluidic features. Laser-induced fluorescence is used to measure the experimental changes in temperature. A normalization procedure that requires a single temperature-sensitive dye, Rhodamine B (RhB), is used to reduce uncertainty. The experimental electrothermal results are compared with theory and computer simulations.
The spline representation

Abstract A basis of cardinal splines is proposed as an alternative to Slater-type orbital (STO) or gaussian-type orbital (GTO) bases for ab initio calculations. Optimization of nonlinear parameters is unnecessary. Preliminary calculations indicate that the size of the basis required is comparable to that for optimized GTO's.
Keeping your audience in mind: applying audience analysis to the design of interactive score reports

Score reports have one or more intended audiences: the people who use the reports to make decisions about test takers, including teachers, administrators, parents and test takers. Attention to audience when designing a score report supports assessment validity by increasing the likelihood that score users will interpret and use assessment results appropriately. Although most design guidelines focus on making score reports understandable to people who are not testing professionals, audiences should be defined by more than just their lack of statistical knowledge. This paper introduces an approach to identifying important audience characteristics for designing computer-based, interactive score reports. Through three examples, we demonstrate how an audience analysis suggests a design pattern, which guides the overall design of a report, as well as design details, such as data representations and scaffolding. We conclude with a research agenda for furthering the use of audience analysis in the design of inter...
Contraceptive efficacy, safety, fit, and acceptability of a single-size diaphragm developed with end-user input.

OBJECTIVE:: To estimate contraceptive efficacy safety acceptability and fit of a single-size diaphragm used with contraceptive gel. METHODS:: We conducted a multicenter trial in which 450 couples used the single-size diaphragm 300 randomized to acid-buffering gel and 150 to nonoxynol-9 for at least 190 days and six menstrual cycles. Visits were at enrollment and after menstrual cycles 1 3 and 6. Study outcomes included pregnancy probability safety acceptability and fit. Pregnancy and safety were compared with an historical control group who used a standard diaphragm with these gels. RESULTS:: Most (439/450 [98%]) women could be fitted with the single-size diaphragm. A total of 421 of 450 (94%) provided follow-up. The 35 study pregnancies yielded 6-month Kaplan-Meier cumulative typical use pregnancy probabilities per 100 women with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 10.4 (6.9-14.0) for all users and 9.6 (5.5-13.6) and 12.5 (5.4-19.5) with acid-buffering gel and nonoxynol-9 respectively. Historical control analysis yielded a propensity score-adjusted estimate of this pregnancy probability for the single-size diaphragm of 11.3 compared with 10.7 per 100 women for the standard diaphragm ([rounded] difference 0.7 95% CI -3.6 to 4.9). Approximately half (51%) reported at least one urogenital event but compared favorably to the standard diaphragm in historical control analysis. Most (282/342 [82%]) liked the diaphragm. Results suggest that if provided by a clinician 94% (95% CI 92-96%) could insert correctly position and remove the diaphragm. CONCLUSION:: The single-size diaphragm was safe as effective as a standard diaphragm and acceptable when used with contraceptive gel. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:: ClinicalTrials.gov www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00578877. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: II.
Community outreach partnerships

Purpose – Community outreach is generally stated to be a strategic combination of resources and talents that will exceed the capabilities of individuals working alone. Describes the Medical University of South Carolina's projects which target largely rural, minority populations.Design/methodology/approach – Programs and partnerships include niche groups and state‐wide populations, with sponsors including government agencies, the Duke Endowment and local cities. Librarians are familiar with and are already successful at reaching out to the community of health professionals; however, reaching out to the lay community is more complex. Academics are used to being in charge and often have a narrow point‐of‐focus. Together with the community an attempt was made to identify difficulties and pitfalls, as well as outcomes that are important for the long term.Findings – Although librarians are improving their ability to work in any capacity within community outreach projects, universities and libraries do not natur...
Comprehensive dental treatment of a patient with Huntington's disease: literature review and case report

Huntington's disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no cure. Because of the physical impairment and medication side effects, these patients can experience extensive oral disease. A patient presented to the dental clinic with complaints of oral pain and an inability to chew due to extensive caries and periodontal disease. General anesthesia was required to treat his oral problem due to the patient's disease-associated uncontrolled movements, psychological status, and extensive oral disease. As varying anesthesia techniques have been recommended for patients with Huntington's disease, medical consultation was important to restore this individual's oral health.
Keys to career satisfaction: insights from a survey of women pediatric surgeons.

Abstract Background/purpose Declining interest in the field of surgery is attributed to lifestyle issues, more women per class, high debt, and long residency. To maintain surgery as a premier career choice, female students must find surgery to be professionally and personally rewarding. Methods A 35-item questionnaire was mailed to 95 women pediatric surgeons (WPS), assessing multiple professional and personal factors. Responses were entered into a confidential database and analyzed by χ 2 or t tests. Results Seventy-nine percent of surveys were returned; practice was identified as academic (60%) and private (40%). Respondents were grouped by age: A, less than 44 years (41%); B, 45 to 54 years (37%); and C, greater than 55 years (22%). For academic WPS, 81% are on timeline for promotion. Insufficient protected time was a significant obstacle for a successful academic career in groups A and B ( P = .001). Clinical load, on-call responsibilities, lack of mentorship, and departmental support were major obstacles in all groups (P = .05). Seventy-three percent of WPS in private practice were satisfied with their role in practice management; poor practice conditions were cited as the most frequent reason for job relocation. Sixty-one percent of WPS are married, and 46% are raising children. WPS had statistically significant more responsibilities for child care and household tasks in comparison with their partners. Eighty-three percent report career satisfaction but desire more time with family and for personal interests. Part-time and flexible work schedules were identified as attractive ways to achieve career-family balance. Eighty-four percent believe that quality-of-life issues are the dominant reason that fewer medical students choose surgical fields. Conclusions WPS express career satisfaction but share the concerns of their female colleagues in other surgical disciplines. Quality of life is viewed as central to career choice for the current generation of medical students; female role models are key to recruiting women into pediatric surgery.
Toward more realistic formulations for the analysis of laccoliths

Abstract The published laccolith analyses are based on the linear plate bending theory and the a priori assumption that the width of the laccolith is fixed. This is not the case in an actual situation. The dimension of the laccolith in the horizontal plane has to result from an additional matching condition at the separation lines. The published analyses are generalized by dropping the a priori assumption that the width of the laccolith is prescribed, by assuming that the magmatic pressure is not constant, and by taking into consideration the vertical compressibility of the overburden “plate” and base in the contact region. In order to determine the magnitude of the magmatic pressure, a condition is postulated that equates the measured volume of the intruded magma in a laccolith with the corresponding analytical expression for the volume. The obtained closed-form solution appears to satisfy many of the intuitive expectations. It was evaluated numerically and the results are presented as graphs. It may be concluded that even very small laccoliths may exist, provided the magmatic pressure is sufficiently larger than the overburden weight. We also show the dependence of the laccolith size on its stratigraphic position; the thicker the overburden h the larger the size of the laccolith, for an overburden plate of given thickness, the larger the volume V of the intruded magma, the larger the laccolith width 2a and its height. The paper concludes by discussing a published analysis for laccolith with flexible underburden and overburden. It is shown that this analysis is based on a formulation that is of questionable validity.
Modification of a ferric enterobactin receptor protein from the outer membrane of Escherichia coli.

Abstract Modification of a ferric enterobactin receptor protein of Escherichia coli was observed upon incubation of either whole membranes or Triton X-100 solubilized outer membrane at 37°C. The modification was characterized by a change in mobility of the receptor band on SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by a decreased binding capacity for ferric enterobactin. The rate of modification was affected by temperature and trypsin inhibitor, benzamidine. Ferric enterobactin inhibited the reaction in whole membrane. The modification affected the limited chymotrypsin digestion pattern of the receptor. The activity may represent a specific modification of the receptor, one possibly mediated by a membran-associated enzyme.
Lattice, time-dependent approach for electron-hydrogen scattering

A time-dependent approach for treating electron-hydrogen scattering is reported that utilizes a fully correlated two-electron wavefunction represented on a three-dimensional lattice using the basis-spline collocation method. The lattice, time-dependent approach obviates the need for consideration of the three-body Coulomb boundary conditions, avoids the use of severe approximations such as those of perturbation theory for slow collisions, and provides a relatively dense representation of the one- and two-electron continua. Probabilities for excitation and ionization are computed by projection onto lattice eigenstates of the H atom. Partial cross sections for excitation and ionization are obtained and compared with results of other theoretical methods for the 1S and 3S channels.
Teaching environmental geochemistry: An authentic inquiry approach

A field-based environmental geochemistry course was developed at Western Michigan University for undergraduate geosciences and environmental studies students to (1) improve student understanding of complex environmental systems, specifically targeting lake systems; (2) facilitate student development of professional-level, field- and laboratory-based skills for lake water and sediment analysis; and (3) strengthen student teamwork and communication skills. In this course, students designed and completed a study of water quality in a local kettle lake. The instructor used short ‘‘question of the day’’ exercises, brief lectures, and in-class exercises to familiarize students with analytical and field techniques relevant to the posed problem. At the end of the semester, students presented their work in a public poster session and written report submitted to a local community association. The course was assessed using student work, a preinstruction experience survey, a postinstruction course evaluation, a pre- and postinstruction knowledge test, and a series of interviews with select students. Analysis of the full suite of assessment data suggests that students developed a significantly improved understanding of lake systems and the process of eutrophication and perceived that the course improved their analytical and interpersonal skills. However, lower-performing students (i.e., those with a lower grade point average) and students with weaker backgrounds in geochemistry tended to provide less sophisticated test responses and showed less ability to transfer knowledge gained in the course to other environmental systems. Overall, students reported a strong sense of satisfaction with the authentic inquiry and community-oriented nature of the course. Compared to students in the first year of the course, students in the second offering appeared to be somewhat less excited and engaged, which may reflect a perceived lack of novelty and new discovery about the field site and study question. Thus, to insure continued high levels of engagement of students in subsequent years, we recommend periodically shifting either the field site or the central research question addressed by the class. 2012 National Association of Geoscience Teachers. [DOI: 10.5408/11-273.1]
On Event Spaces and Probabilistic Models in Information Retrieval

A basic notion of probability theory is the event space, on which the probability measure is defined. A probabilistic model needs an event space. However, some classes of events (which we may want to model probabilistically) exhibit structure which does not fit well into the traditional event space notion. A simple one-to-many example is discussed at length. The information retrieval case, involving queries, documents and relevance, is analysed. The event space issue makes for some difficulty in comparing different probabilistic models in IR.
The Influence of Processing on Microstructural Development, Tensile Response and Fracture Behavior of Aluminum Alloy 5083

In this paper, the specific influence of quasi-isostatic forging and rolling of cryomilled powder on microstructural development and resultant tensile deformation and fracture behavior of aluminum alloy 5083 is highlighted and comparison made with the coarse grained counterpart. The specific influence and contribution of strain hardening to enhancing strength of the ultra-fine grain microstructure of the aluminum alloy is presented and discussed. It is shown that the capability of the ultra fine grain microstructure to recover strength through the mechanism of work hardening is quite similar to the conventionally processed counterpart. The influence and role of intrinsic microstructural features in governing tensile deformation and fracture behavior is elaborated upon. The viable microscopic mechanisms governing final fracture behavior is discussed in light of the competing and mutually interactive influences of nature of loading, intrinsic microstructural effects, and deformation kinetics. Key Words: aluminum alloy 5083, processing, microstructure, tensile properties, fracture
The Tedium Development Environment for Information Systems

This adaptable, flexible environment offers insights on how to enhance software-development productivity and maintainability.
Microwave potential of GaN-based Gunn devices

Transient hydrodynamic simulations are used to carry out harmonic power analysis of GaN and GaAs Gunn diode oscillators. GaN-based devices are shown to have twice the frequency and a hundred times the power capability of GaAs Gunn diodes.
Histopathologic and dietary prognostic factors for canine mammary carcinoma.

Histologic and dietary prognostic factors for survival following naturally occurring breast cancer were studied for 145 pet dogs. Information was collected from the dog's owner and veterinarian regarding medical and reproductive history, nutritional status, treatment, tumor recurrence, and length of survival. The usual intake of all dog and table foods consumed 1 year prior to diagnosis was obtained using a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A histologic malignancy score was derived based on 7 histopathologic criteria. The mean age of the dogs was 10.4 ± 2.5 years; 37% had been ovariohysterectomized prior to diagnosis. Product-limit estimates of survival indicated that 6 factors, namely body conformation 1 year prior to diagnosis (p = 0.03), histologic tumor type (p = 0.004), histologic malignancy score (p = 0.02), histologic invasion (p = 0.002), tumor recurrence (p 27%, 23–27%, and <23% was 3 years, 1.2 years, and 6 months, respectively (p = 0.008). For dogs in the high fat group (≥39%), there was no difference in survival for the different intake levels of dietary protein (p = 0.84). When these data were fitted to a proportional hazards model, recurrence, histologic score, tumor type, percent of calories derived from protein, fat group, and a protein-fat group interaction term were statistically significant. Predicted 1 year survival for dogs on a low fat diet with 15%, 25%, and 35% of total calories derived from protein was 17%, 69%, and 93%, respectively.
Temporal and Spectral Properties of Comptonized Radiation and Its Applications

We have found relations between the temporal and spectral properties of radiation Comptonized in an extended atmosphere associated with compact accreting sources. We demonstrate that the fluctuation power spectrum density (PSD) imposes constraints on the atmosphere scale and profile. Furthermore, we indicate that the slope and low-frequency break of the PSD are related to the Thomson depth, τ0, of the atmosphere and the radius of its physical size, respectively. Since the energy spectrum of the escaping radiation also depends on τ0 (and the electron temperature kTe), the relation between spectral and temporal properties follows. This relation allows, for the first time, an estimate of the accreting matter Thomson depth, τ0, independent of arguments involving Comptonization. We present figures for the light curves and PSDs of different energy bands, the photon energy spectra, and the phase lags as functions of the variability frequency. The temporal properties of the high (soft) and low (hard) state of black hole sources are discussed in this context.
NMR and Electronic Relaxation in Paramagnetic Dicopper(II) Compounds

1H-NMR spectral properties of two paramagnetic binuclear copper(II) complexes 1 and 2, which are weakly antiferro- and ferromagnetically coupled, respectively, in the solid state, have been studied in solution; corresponding parameters are compared to a mononuclear copper(II) analogue 1a. Compound 1 exhibits unusually sharp and hyperfine shifted ligand signals (+230 to −14 ppm) that are about 100 times sharper than corresponding signals that could be detected for 1a (+20.4 to −13 ppm). Complex 2 also displays moderately sharp signals, shifted even to a greater magnitude (+272 to 0 ppm). These observations are in contrast with other moderately antiferromagnetically coupled binuclear copper(II) systems where much broader signals are observed in addition to reduced hyperfine chemical shifts. A complete assignment of signals for 1 and 2 was accomplished by a combination of proton relaxation data and two-dimensional correlated spectroscopy (COSY) measurements, while for 1a only partial analysis could be perfor...
Ellen Graff, Stepping Left: Dance and Politics in New York City, 1928–1942. Durham: Duke University Press, 1997. xi + 248 pp. $49.95 cloth; $17.95 paper.

The intersection of culture and politics has long been of interest to historians, but, until now, few have examined the ways in which modern dance expressed a radical political vision, and few have done this as well as Ellen Graff has in this study. Indeed, the central theme in Stepping Left is the moment when dance and politics joined together in what Graff terms a “revolutionary dance movement.” This moment proved to be “fleeting,” however, and it was quickly forgotten as modern dance became institutionalized (177).
Thoracolumbar flexion-distraction injuries: associated morbidity and neurological outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study, prospectively gathered databases. OBJECTIVE: To assess abdominal comorbidities, missed injuries, and complications associated with thoracolumbar flexion-distraction injuries (FDI). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: From 1989 to 2003, 153 patients with flexion-distraction type injuries were identified. Predominant injury mechanisms consisted of motor vehicle crashes, falls, and motorcycle crashes. METHODS: Spinal injuries were categorized by region, injury pattern, American Spinal Injury Association grade, and motor score. Diagnostic methods, delayed diagnoses, and complications were recorded and compared with variables of spinal injury, abdominal injury, and neurologic outcome. Treatment variables included nonoperative care, posterior surgery alone, anterior surgery alone, or combination treatment. Primary outcomes were neurologic status, unintended secondary procedures, complications, and kyphosis angle. RESULTS: Spinal cord injury (SCI) was found in 37 of 151 patients (25%). SCI was correlated with high-grade posterior element dissociation. Intra-abdominal injury (IAI) was found in 46 of 151 of patients (30%). There was a statistically significant correlation between presence of FDI and IAI in the lumbar (L2-L4) region. There was a 3.9% incidence of delayed diagnosis of FDI and a 0.9% incidence of delayed diagnosis of IAI. Presence of a "lapbelt-sign" had a positive predictive value of 0.69 and a negative predictive value of 0.91 for IAI. Presence of a lumbar injury due to a motor vehicle crash in the presence of a lapbelt sign was positively associated with IAI. There was no increase in complications in the subpopulation of patients with concurrent SCI and FDI. CONCLUSION: Both IAI and SCI remain commonly associated with FDI of the thoracolumbar spinal column. The presence of an abdominal wall contusion (lapbelt sign) is a strong indicator of IAI. Adherence to an established trauma algorithm can minimize the risk of delayed diagnosis. Disruption of an established work-up paradigm, however, can lead to potentially life and spinal cord threatening complications. Language: en
A comparative ab initio study of the structures, dipole moments, force fields, and anharmonic frequencies of formamide and thioformamide

Abstract The structures, dipole moments, force fields, and anharmonic frequencies for the planar conformation of formamide and thioformamide were calculated using the unscaled 4-31G basis set, augmented with a full set of d functions on the sulfur, and full geometry optimization. Extensive comparison of the geometries are made, especially the CO and CS bond lengths, with both the experimental values for the amides and values calculated in previous studies on the acids and other carbonyl compounds. Comparison of the dipole moments calculated using the optimized and experimental geometries with the experimental values suggest there is some inconsistancy in the experimental geometry for thioformamide. Quadratic, cubic, and quartic force constants are calculated for both amides, and hence the fundamental vibration frequencies. Critical comparisons are made with the assignments based on experimental observations. Differences in the bond lengths and stretching force constants for the two NH bonds are shown to be consistent with a hydrogen-bonding type of interaction between the proximal NH and CO and CS groups, like that in the acids.
Plasma levels of false neurotransmitters across the brain in portal‐systemic encephalopathy

Arterial and internal jugular venous levels of false neurotransmitters (FNTs: octopamine, OCT, and phenylethanolamine, PEA), aromatic and branched-chain amino acids, glutamine, ammonia, and pH were measured in patients with portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE) and in appropriate controls to define the role of these parameters in the pathogenesis of hepatic coma. The typical plasma patterns reported in the literature were observed: hyperammonaemia (59 +/- 8 mumol/l v. controls 30 +/- 4, P less than 0.005), elevated OCT (19 +/- 3 nmol/l v. 6 +/- 1, P less than 0.001) and PEA (64 +/- 8 nmol/l v. 27 +/-3, P less than 0.001), high ratio of aromatic to branched-chain amino acids (0.92 +/- 0.12 v. 0.32 +/- 0.04, P less than 0.005), and variable glutamine levels 216-734 mumol/l). No consistent net flux into or out of the brain could be demonstrated for any of these substances. The degree of encephalopathy correlated with the level of respiratory alkalosis (r=0.325, P less than 0.05) which, in turn, correlated with the degree of elevation of plasma OCT (r=0.439, P less than 0.05) and PEA (r=0.489, P less than 0.05) as well as with the excess of glutamine efflux from the brain (r=0.927, P less than 0.05). These findings support current views that hyperammonaemia, plasma amino acid imbalance, and elevated production of FNTs are interrelated disturbances which contribute to the pathogenesis of PSE. In addition, the data suggest that alkalosis accentuates the altered metabolism of these substances within the brain.
Transient analysis of DTT rakes

Abstract This paper presents an analytical model for the determination of the cross-sectionally averaged transient mass flux of a two-phase fluid flowing in a conduit instrumented by a Drag-Disk Turbine Transducer (DTT) Rake and a multibeam gamma densitometer. Parametric studies indicate that for a typical blowdown transient, dynamic effects such as rotor inertia can be important for the turbine-meter. In contrast, for the drag-disk, a frequency response analysis showed that the quasisteady solution is valid below a forcing frequency of about 10 Hz, which is faster than the time scale normally encountered during blowdowns. The model showed reasonably good agreement with full scale transient rake data, where the flow regimes were mostly homogeneous or stratified, thus indicating that the model is suitable for the analysis of a DTT rake.
A HMED G ALAL AND R OBERT Z. L AWRENCE , ED ., Building Bridges: An Egypt–US Free Trade Agreement (Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press, 1998). Pp. 121. $29.95 cloth.

Has the time come for a free-trade agreement (FTA) between Egypt and the United States? According to the contributors to Building Bridges , an FTA is the logical next step in the Egypt–U.S. relationship. This policy-oriented volume explores the conditions under which the benefits of an FTA between the parties would be maximized. Although the contributors reach different conclusions regarding the optimal form of the Egypt–U.S. FTA, consensus is reached on one point: an FTA between Egypt and the United States will produce economic benefits for both nations.
Genome Sequence of the Clinical O4:K12 Serotype Vibrio parahaemolyticus Strain 10329

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the leading cause of food-borne illnesses worldwide. Here, we report a draft genome of V. parahaemolyticus strain 10329 of the O4:K12 serotype. It belongs to the main U.S. West Coast clonal complex of V. parahaemolyticus (sequence type 36 [ST36]) causing oyster-associated human illness. It contains the virulence determinants tdh and trh but appears to infect at much lower doses than V. parahaemolyticus strains with these same determinants from other areas, such as the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
Teaming: An Approach to the Growing Complexities in Health Care

Confronted with rising costs and patients who often have multiple comorbidities, the orthopaedic surgeon needs to face the challenge of providing high-quality health care. One solution is to increase and improve coordination, communication, and teamwork. The orthopaedic surgeon also needs to work effectively and efficiently to manage a fluid and shifting mix of health-care personnel partners from other disciplines and specialties to deliver high-quality patient care. The orthopaedic surgeon must collaborate in a new way with fellow health-care professionals, providing care by following teaming protocols. In the appropriate leadership role and employing the necessary motivational, communication, and conflict-management skills, the orthopaedic surgeon must build the proper foundations for teaming through the selection of compatible, effective team members and establish the necessary collaborative teaming environment. The orthopaedic surgeon needs to lead these teams and promote communication, listening, and collaboration. The emphasis on effective communication through a horizontal hierarchy rather than an autocratic management style by the orthopaedic surgeon allows the seamless incorporation of specialty physicians as needed and facilitates teaming among orthopaedic staff. With a facilitative environment and clear communications, teaming in patient care will occur as a learning cycle of diagnosis, design, action, and reflection. Each of these steps is critical for teaming to be successful. During diagnosis, the orthopaedic surgeon needs to effectively frame the situation. In design, the orthopaedic surgeon needs to encourage participation in the determination of the next appropriate steps for patient care. During the action step, teaming protocol emphasizes both the process of care through care-tracking and the result of that care, which is critical for reflection. Reflection is necessary for the team to improve its effectiveness and learn from its experience. However, for successful reflection and learning, the orthopaedic surgeon needs to be truly open to criticism. To face the challenges currently within the …
Childhood and Adolescent Depression

For each issue of Journal of Consumer Health on the Internet, the editor selects three to five health care sites containing high quality health care information on a given subject. The topic for ea...
VIABILITY INTERACTIONS, IN VIVO ACTIVITY AND THE G6PD POLYMORPHISM IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

ABSTRACT Several biochemical studies have suggested that in Drosophila melanogaster the two common allozymes of G6PD differ in their in vitro activities and thermal stabilities. Yet, it remains to be shown that these characterizations reflect actual in vivo differences and are not artifacts of the biochemical approach. In this study it is shown that in vivo activity differences must exist between these two variants. This conclusion arises from the observation that the viability of flies bearing a low activity allele of 6PGD is strongly dependent on the genotype at the G6PD ( Zw ) locus, whereas no measurable difference in viability can be detected between Zw genotypes in a normal activity 6PGD background. These viability interactions are in the direction predicted by the reported in vitro activities of the allozymes and the proposed deleterious effects of 6-phosphogluconate accumulation.—In addition, a genetic scheme is used that uncouples and quantifies the effects of viability modifiers in the region of the Zw locus, while homogenizing 98% of the X chromosome. The viability of different Zw genotypes is measured by examining whole chromosome viabilities relative to the FM6 balancer chromosome. The advantages of this particular scheme are discussed.
High-Speed 3-D Scanning Particle Image Velocimetry (3-D SPIV) Technique

A 3-D Scanning Particle Image Velocimetry (3-D SPIV) technique has been developed to overcome the resolution problem associated with conventional 3-D Particle Tracking Velocimetry (3-D PTV) without requiring the complexity of 3-D holography. The technique employs a high repetition rate Copper Vapor Laser synchronized with a scanning mirror drum and sheet forming optics to scan the volume of interest. 25 or 50 individual mirrors are adjusted to form an array relatively thick laser sheets parallel to each another, hence effectively covering the entire volume of interest (typically 100×100×100 mm3). This device is capable of recording the time evolution of a flow field in 3-D with a temporal resolution of 200 to 400 Hz, which is more than sufficient for most water flows. The digitized 16mm movies are then processed by a combination of techniques: conventional 2-D cross-correlation and 2-D PTV within each plane. Due to the 2D nature of the recorded information, relatively high seeding densities can be used to yield 20,000 to 50,000 vectors per scan, but yet provide the temporal information associated with successive scans at a rapid rate. The physical implementation of this technique, the overview of the processing and some sample images are presented in this paper.
Targeting the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes: rationale for combination therapy with pioglitazone and exenatide

ABSTRACTObjective: The objectives of this article are to review the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), present the rationale for a pathophysiologically based treatment approach for patients with T2DM and discuss the role of the therapeutic combination of pioglitazone and exenatide in the management of T2DM.Methods: References were identified from searches of the PubMed database that were conducted in May 2007, October 2007 and March 2008 and updates to product labeling that occurred between May 2007 and December 2007. Information was selected for inclusion on the basis of its relevance to the pathophysiology of T2DM or the clinical use of thiazolidinediones or exenatide. Discussion of other anti-diabetic treatment strategies is not included.Results: T2DM results from a combination of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. The combination of a thiazolidinedione and an incretin mimetic offers a combination of characteristics (e.g., glycemic control, reduced insulin resistance, decrea...
Asymmetry Analysis in Rodent Cerebral Ischemia Models

Rationale and Objectives. An automated method for identification and segmentation of acute/subacute ischemic stroke, using the inherent bi-fold symmetry in brain images, is presented. An accurate and automated method for localization of acute ischemic stroke could provide physicians with a mechanism for early detection and potentially faster delivery of effective stroke therapy. Materials and Methods. Segmentation of ischemic stroke was performed on magnetic resonance (MR) images of subacute rodent cerebral ischemia. Eight adult male Wistar rats weighing 225‐300 g were anesthetized with halothane in a mix of 70% nitrous oxide/30% oxygen. Animal core temperature was maintained at 37°C during the entire surgical procedure, including occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the 90-minute post-reperfusion period. To confirm cerebral ischemia, transcranial measurements of cerebral blood flow were performed with laser-Doppler flowmetry, using 15-mm flexible fiberoptic Doppler probes attached to the skull over the MCA territory. Animal MR scans were performed at 1.5 T using a knee coil. Three experts performed manual tracing of the stroke regions for each rat, using the histologicstained slices to guide delineation of stroke regions. A strict tracing protocol was followed that included multiple (three) tracings of each stroke region. The volumetric MR image data were processed for each rat by computing the axis of symmetry and extracting statistical dissimilarities. A nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test operating on paired windows in opposing hemispheres identified seeds in the pixels exhibiting statistically significant bi-fold mirror asymmetry. Two brain reference maps were used for analysis: an absolute difference map (ADM) and a statistical difference map (SDM). Although an ADM simply displays the absolute difference by subtracting one brain hemisphere from its reflection, SDM highlights regions by labeling pixels exhibiting statistically significant asymmetry. Results. To assess the accuracy of the proposed segmentation method, the surrogate ground truth (the stroke tracing data) was compared to the results of our proposed automated segmentation algorithm. Three accuracy segmentation metrics were utilized: true-positive volume fraction (TPVF), false-positive volume fraction (FPVF), and false-negative volume fraction (FNVF). The mean value of the TPVF for our segmentation method was 0.8877; 95% CI 0.7254 to 1.0500; the mean FPVF was 0.3370, 95% CI ‐ 0.0893 to 0.7633; the mean FNVF was 0.1122, 95% CI ‐ 0.0502 to 0.2747.
After Egypt: The Limits and Promise of Online Challenges to the Authoritarian Arab State

The uprisings which swept across the Arab world beginning in December 2010 pose a serious challenge to many of the core findings of the political science literature focused on the durability of the authoritarian Middle Eastern state. The impact of social media on contentious politics represents one of the many areas which will require significant new thinking. The dramatic change in the information environment over the last decade has changed individual competencies, the ability to organize for collective action, and the transmission of information from the local to the international level. It has also strengthened some of the core competencies of authoritarian states even as it has undermined others. The long term evolution of a new kind of public sphere may matter more than immediate political outcomes, however. Rigorous testing of competing hypotheses about the impact of the new social media will require not only conceptual development but also the use of new kinds of data analysis not traditionally adopted in Middle East area studies.
Effect of advective flow in fractures and matrix diffusion on natural gas production

Although hydraulic fracturing has been used for natural gas production for the past couple of decades, there are significant uncertainties about the underlying mechanisms behind the production curves that are seen in the field. A discrete fracture network based reservoir-scale work flow is used to identify the relative effect of flow of gas in fractures and matrix diffusion on the production curve. With realistic three dimensional representations of fracture network geometry and aperture variability, simulated production decline curves qualitatively resemble observed production decline curves. The high initial peak of the production curve is controlled by advective fracture flow of free gas within the network and is sensitive to the fracture aperture variability. Matrix diffusion does not significantly affect the production decline curve in the first few years, but contributes to production after approximately 10 years. These results suggest that the initial flushing of gas-filled background fractures combined with highly heterogeneous flow paths to the production well are sufficient to explain observed initial production decline. Lastly, these results also suggest that matrix diffusion may support reduced production over longer time frames.
Adaptation of a handheld glucose analyzer for use in cold weather point-of-care environment

Blood glucose measurements are vital for a wide range of medical uses, including point-of-care patient testing. Typical glucose meters have been designed to operate in controlled environments, such as hospitals, and are therefore often unsuitable for use in extreme weather conditions. This paper describes a design that will allow the glucose meter to be used in a cold weather environment, thus enabling its use in an ambulatory setting.
Network I/O fairness in virtual machines

We present a mechanism for achieving network I/O fairness in virtual machines, by applying flexible rate limiting mechanisms directly to virtual network interfaces. Conventional approaches achieve this fairness by implementing rate limiting either in the virtual machine monitor or hypervisor, which generates considerable CPU interrupt and instruction overhead for forwarding packets. In contrast, our design pushes per-VM rate limiting as close as possible to the physical hardware themselves, effectively implementing per-virtual interface rate limiting in hardware. We show that this design reduces CPU overhead (both interrupts and instructions) by an order of magnitude. Our design can be applied either to virtual servers for cloud-based services, or to virtual routers
The role of mathematical psychology in experimental psychology

(1998). The role of mathematical psychology in experimental psychology. Australian Journal of Psychology: Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 129-130.
A Novel Technique for Harmonic Cancellation in Class-D Amplifiers

Due to their high efficiency, class-D amplifiers have become attractive to the audio-frequency, power amplifier industry. However, they also exhibit high THD due to the harmonics associated with a high frequency modulation signal. The simplest form of counteracting this distortion is the implementation of a LC, low pass filter. Unfortunately, higher order filtering is required for acceptable performance. Simply adding additional LC filters results in a more expensive and less compact design. This paper presents a technique in which the order of the low pass filter is effectively increased through the use of active compensation. The capacitor current is sampled by an ideal current controlled voltage source (CCVS). The output of the CCVS is further amplified and differentiated by a CFA (current feedback amplifier) circuit. The output of the CFA is then fed back to the output of the class-D amplifier for harmonic cancellation. Analytical realizations are presented and verified by simulations in LTSPICE.
Concentration dependent neural differentiation and neurite extension of mouse ESC on primary amine-derivatized surfaces

Cell sourcing continues to be a significant limitation to regenerative medicine especially in neural lineages where population heterogeneity during in vitro culture prevents definitive phenotype assessment. For nearly 40 years, the biological community has worked with amine-derivated surfaces and hydrogels, especially alginate, with little quantitative assessment of how local amine concentration influences the extent of neural differentiation and neurite extension. In this manuscript we show that the local concentration of amines distinctly influences mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) lineage commitment and the length of neurite extensions both of which are early indicators of differentiation. The well-defined amine gradients are a highly relevant tool for identifying these critical concentrations and thresholds. We feel these results will be of critical importance to researchers developing new ex vivo culture materials for neural applications as well as the community exploring nerve regeneration in vivo.
CROSS-SECTIONAL AND LONGITUDINAL MEASUREMENTS OF NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERIENCE AND THEIR EFFECTS ON CHILDREN.

Abstract Despite the abundance of research on neighborhoods’ effects on children, most studies of neighborhood effects are cross-sectional, rendering them unable to depict the dynamic nature of social life, and obscuring important aspects of community processes and outcomes. This study uses residential histories from the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey and the Child Development Supplement of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to explore two questions: (1) How much do residential mobility and neighborhood change contribute to the overall socioeconomic variation in children’s neighborhoods? (2) Does measuring community factors at more than one point in time matter for the conclusions that we draw from research on “neighborhood effects” on children’s behavioral, cognitive and health-related well-being? Residential mobility plays a non-trivial role over the period of childhood in determining children’s exposure to neighborhoods of different economic types. However, quantitative estimates of neighborhood effects that allow neighborhood characteristics to vary through residential mobility and neighborhood change do not depict a strikingly different picture from cross-sectional estimates. Children do not experience enough variation in their local surroundings to produce meaningful differences between static and dynamic measurements of neighborhoods. We also uncover interesting regional and race/ethnic differences in neighborhood dynamics and neighborhood effects.
Some distinguishing characteristics of contour and texture phenomena in images

The development of generalized contour/texture discrimination techniques is a central element necessary for machine vision recognition and interpretation of arbitrary images. Here, the visual perception of texture, selected studies of texture analysis in machine vision, and diverse small samples of contour and texture are all used to provide insights into the fundamental characteristics of contour and texture. From these, an experimental discrimination scheme is developed and tested on a battery of natural images. The visual perception of texture defined fine texture as a subclass which is interpreted as shading and is distinct from coarse figural similarity textures. Also, perception defined the smallest scale for contour/texture discrimination as eight to nine visual acuity units. Three contour/texture discrimination parameters were found to be moderately successful for this scale discrimination: (1) lightness change in a blurred version of the image, (2) change in lightness change in the original image, and (3) percent change in edge counts relative to local maximum.
M-M bond-stretching energy landscapes for M 2(dimen) 4 2+ (M = Rh, Ir; Dimen = 1,8-diisocyanomenthane) complexes

Isomers of Ir_2(dimen)_(4)^(2+) (dimen = 1,8-diisocyanomenthane) exhibit different Ir–Ir bond distances in a 2:1 MTHF/EtCN solution (MTHF = 2-methyltetrahydrofuran). Variable-temperature absorption data suggest that the isomer with the shorter Ir–Ir distance is favored at room temperature [K = ~8; ΔH° = −0.8 kcal/mol; ΔS° = 1.44 cal mol^(–1) K^(–1)]. We report calculations that shed light on M_2(dimen)_(4)^(2+) (M = Rh, Ir) structural differences: (1) metal–metal interaction favors short distances; (2) ligand deformational-strain energy favors long distances; (3) out-of-plane (A_(2u)) distortion promotes twisting of the ligand backbone at short metal–metal separations. Calculated potential-energy surfaces reveal a double minimum for Ir_2(dimen)_(4)^(2+) (4.1 A Ir–Ir with 0° twist angle and ~3.6 A Ir–Ir with ±12° twist angle) but not for the rhodium analogue (4.5 A Rh–Rh with no twisting). Because both the ligand strain and A_(2u) distortional energy are virtually identical for the two complexes, the strength of the metal–metal interaction is the determining factor. On the basis of the magnitude of this interaction, we obtain the following results: (1) a single-minimum (along the Ir–Ir coordinate), harmonic potential-energy surface for the triplet electronic excited state of Ir_2(dimen)_(4)^(2+) (R_(e,Ir–Ir) = 2.87 A; F_(Ir–Ir) = 0.99 mdyn A^(–1)); (2) a single-minimum, anharmonic surface for the ground state of Rh_2(dimen)_(4)^(2+) (R_(e,Rh–Rh) = 3.23 A; F_(Rh–Rh) = 0.09 mdyn A^(–1)); (3) a double-minimum (along the Ir–Ir coordinate) surface for the ground state of Ir_2(dimen)_(4)^(2+) (R_(e,Ir–Ir) = 3.23 A; F_(Ir–Ir) = 0.16 mdyn A^(–1)).