cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EEG-Based Typing Interface with Language Model for Individuals Who Are Functionally Locked-In (S14.004)

OBJECTIVE: To present design and user results of the RSVP Keyboard™, a non-invasive brain computer interface (BCI) that uses Rapid Serial Visual Presentation of symbols and unique P300 classifiers with language modeling fusion as a typing interface for individuals who are functionally locked-in. BACKGROUND: Locked-in syndrome (LIS) is a rare condition; we use a definition of functional LIS, a more common condition, to describe individuals who cannot rely on speech and/or writing for consistent reliable communication due to severe disabilities. To begin to address the communication needs of individuals with functional LIS, we have developed and tested a system that can eventually be used in individuals with complete LIS. DESIGN/METHODS: The RSVP Keyboard™ was developed with several unique features. Individual symbols, including 26 letters, backspace and space, are presented using rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) at 2.5 per sec. Computer classification of letters as targets or non-targets based on EEG is performed using machine learning that incorporates a language model for letter prediction via Bayesian fusion. User-centered design is accomplished by the inclusion of people with FLIS in all stages of research & development. RESULTS: There were 6 participants with functional LIS, mean age 45.5, mean education level 15.5 years, who were tested in their residences, and 11 healthy controls. Each participant first calibrated the system, and then completed a series of letter generation tasks that were designed with 5 incremental levels of difficulty, that increased by selecting phrases for which the utility of the language model decreased naturally. All functional LIS subjects successfully completed at least level 1 of this RSVP Keyboard™, and 1 subject achieved level 5. Six of 11 control subjects achieved level 5. CONCLUSIONS: Functionally locked-in individuals may benefit from an EEG-based BCI interface using RSVP and incorporating a language model. Steps to further improve the system will be discussed. Supported by: NIH-NIDCD: Translational refinement of adaptive communication system for locked-in patients R01 DC009834. Disclosure: Dr. Oken has received personal compensation for activities with Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Erdogmus has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mooney has nothing to disclose. Dr. Peters has nothing to disclose. Dr. Orhan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Roark has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fried-Oken has nothing to disclose.
SERVIR: Connecting Earth Observation Satellite Data to Local Science Applications

With four international centers or “hubs,” a joint NASA/USAID initiative known as SERVIR is well positioned to fast-track the application of Earth Observation (EO) satellite data into decision-making contexts across the globe. This chapter describes the SERVIR program and how it helps developing countries use EO data to address environmental issues. The focus is on SERVIR applications in Land-Cover and Land-Use Change (LCLUC) and emissions in Asia. These projects and applications, developed in collaboration with SERVIR hubs in Nepal and Thailand, are helping decision-makers in these regions monitor and manage forest resources, understand land cover dynamics, and inform greenhouse gas inventories.
Rurality as an Asset for Inclusive Teaching in Chemical Engineering

We developed and tested a pedagogical strategy—asset-based design challenges—to enhance diversity in early chemical engineering coursework. Using qualitative methods, we found first-year students justified high-cost solutions with ethical arguments; teams that included rural expertise argued instead for economically-viable solutions. In the sophomore class, students used cost and environmental impact to make decisions about rural concerns. These findings demonstrate that students learned from their rural peers and leveraged this information as they made design decisions.
Managing Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivors Prescribed Long-Term Opioid Therapy: A National Survey of Ambulatory Palliative Care Providers

Abstract Context Chronic pain, or pain lasting more than three months, is common among cancer survivors, who are often prescribed long-term opioid therapy (LTOT). Objective Our objective was to explore palliative care providers' experiences with managing chronic pain in cancer survivors prescribed LTOT, specifically in ambulatory palliative care settings, and their strategies for overcoming challenges. Methods We recruited providers through leading national palliative care organizations who manage chronic pain in cancer survivors. Asked to consider only cancer survivors with chronic pain when responding, participants completed an online survey that included questions about use of opioid risk mitigation tools, confidence in addressing opioid misuse behaviors and discussing/recommending management approaches, and access to addiction treatment. Results Of 157 participants, most were physicians (83%) or nurse practitioners (15%). Most reported using opioid risk mitigation tools such as urine drug testing (71%), opioid treatment agreements (85%), and practitioner database monitoring programs (94%). Participants were confident (7–8/10) managing the most commonly encountered opioid misuse behaviors (missing appointments, marijuana use, and using more opioids than prescribed) and in their ability to recommend nonpharmacologic and nonopioid pharmacologic treatments for chronic pain (10/10). They were least confident prescribing naloxone or managing addiction (5/10); only 27% reported having training or systems in place to address addiction. Only 13% had a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine. Conclusion Palliative care providers are comfortable with many aspects of managing chronic pain in cancer survivors on LTOT, although challenges persist, including the lack of systems-based approaches and training in addiction treatment.
A profile of body composition, omega-3 and vitamin D in National Football League players.

BACKGROUND Body composition (percent body fat [%BF]), omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D (VitD) status are important components of an athlete's individual physiological profile, as each measure has potential to influence performance, inflammation, and injury recovery. The purpose of this study was to characterize %BF, omega-3, and VitD in a subset of professional football athletes. Secondary analyses investigated changes in %BF, omega-3, and VitD, throughout a competitive season, and evaluated the relationship between physiological variables, race, and injury prevalence. METHODS Forty-two professional football players (age: 24.0±2.4 years; height: 186.8±5.9 cm; weight: 108.8±19.4 kg) volunteered to participate. A-mode ultrasonography measured %BF and the percentage of highly unsaturated fatty acid content comprised of omega-3s was determined by an omega-3 bloodspot test. VitD levels and injury prevalence were obtained from the team athletic trainer. RESULTS Omega-3 was moderately correlated with VitD (R=0.397, P=0.030). Throughout the season there was a significant decrease in omega-3 percentage (∆=-2.47±5.48%, P=0.030), no change in body composition (∆=0.26±1.97%, P=0.482) and a significant increase in VitD (∆=9.03±19.46 ng/mL, P=0.015). VitD was significantly higher in white athletes (48.00±13.73 ng/mL) than black athletes (27.09±9.28 ng/mL; P<0.001) and athletes of other races (23.33±4.73 ng/mL; P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS Throughout the season, %BF was maintained, VitD levels increased, and omega-3 decreased. White athletes had significantly higher VitD levels than athletes of all other races. There were no differences in the physiological variables between injury severity categories. The results from the current study provides support for the potential importance of VitD and omega-3 supplementation for professional football athletes.
Teaching Innovation and Creativity, or Teaching to the Test?

In a statement published in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education in 2012, Svensson and colleagues called for a number of changes to our academy. One of those changes was to “prepare students to be innovative and create nontraditional career paths.”[1][1] According to Merriam Webster
FPGA-Based Velocity Estimation for Control of Robots with Low-Resolution Encoders

Robot control algorithms often rely on measurements of robot joint velocities, which can be estimated by measuring the time between encoder edges. When encoder edges occur infrequently, such as at low velocities and/or with low resolution encoders, this measurement delay may affect the stability of closed-loop control. This is evident in both the joint position control and Cartesian impedance control of the da Vinci Research Kit (dVRK), which contains several low-resolution encoders. We present a hardware-based method that gives more frequent velocity updates and is not affected by common encoder imperfections such as non-uniform duty cycles and quadrature phase error. The proposed method measures the time between consecutive edges of the same type but, unlike prior methods, is implemented for the rising and falling edges of both channels. Additionally, it estimates acceleration to enable software compensation of the measurement delay. The method is shown to improve Cartesian impedance control of the dVRK.
Fast and accurate linearity test for DACs with various architectures using segmented models

Production test of parametric specifications is a significant contributor to the overall cost of build for analog and mixed-signal products. Data converters (ADCs and DACs) in particular are critical components of integrated circuits used in control/actuation and sensing applications. If left un-optimized, their production test time often dominates the overall system-on-chip (SoC) test time. In this paper, we specifically focus on static linearity test of DACs and propose architecture-aware test methods that are combined with best-in-class fast linearity test concepts in the literature to minimize test time without compromising test quality. The proposed methods exploit the hypothesis that the number of device errors which contribute to linearity errors can be captured by a significantly fewer number of variables than the number of codes at which linearity needs to be tested. We introduce a new time and memory efficient method called Extrapolated Reconstruction (ER) to calculate DAC INL and DNL, based on the segmented model introduced in uSMILE. We also demonstrate that since the segmented model techniques do not account for interpolation, they are not suitable for interpolated DACs. We thus develop an interpolated segmented model and enhance both uSMILE and ER to obtain two new methods that provide correct estimations for interpolated DACs. A linearity test time reduction of 15x-20x was seen in actual silicon measurement results for multiple 12-bit DACs and >100x was seen in simulation case studies for many 16-bit DACs.
Reflective Learning Outcomes of Community‐Based Experiences: A Qualitative Study

The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of community-based experiences for senior dental and dental hygiene students through the use of critical incident essays. A total of 108 senior dental students and 22 senior dental hygiene students were invited to participate in the study. Each student was required to write about one critical incident that occurred at one of four community clinic rotation sites during the 2012-13 school year. The participation rate was 78% of the students. Professional responsibility, a willingness to volunteer, and an understanding of the importance of oral health education were the main themes that emerged from analysis of the essays. These results suggest that community-based learning, with reflection, challenged how these students perceived oral health disparities and expanded the meaning of professional responsibility for them.
Identification of SUMO E3 Ligase-Specific Substrates Using the HuProt Human Proteome Microarray

The functional protein microarray is a powerful and versatile systems biology and proteomics tool that allows the rapid activity profiling of thousands of proteins in parallel. We have recently developed a human proteome array, the HuProt array, which includes ~80 % of all the full-length proteins of the human proteome. In one recent application of the HuProt array, we identified numerous SUMO E3 ligase-dependent SUMOylation substrates. For many SUMO E3 ligases, only a small number of substrates have been identified and the target specificities of these ligases therefore remain poorly defined. In this protocol, we outline a method we developed using the HuProt array to screen the human proteome to identify novel SUMO E3 ligase substrates recognized by specific E3 ligases.
LIGHT, CLOCKS AND ION FLUX: AN ANALYSIS OF LEAF MOVEMENT

This chapter discusses phytochrome-controlled leaf movements, which maximize several advantages within a single biological system. Leaf movements in Albizzia and Samanea are reasonably rapid and easy to monitor and are an accurate indicator of K + flux and, thus, of membrane properties. They also have measurable electrical components, are amenable to some types of biochemical analysis, and show interaction with rhythmic phenomena. The chapter presents a summary of the conclusions of the earlier investigations on this subject. The combined physiological, chemical, and electrical data on leaf movements in Albizzia and Samanea reinforce the view that some membrane-localized process, such as ion transport, is an early consequence of phytochrome phototransformation. The fact that rhythmic and blue light-mediated processes also regulate ion movements and changes in electrical potential suggests the possibility that all of these phenomena and their interactions are the result of membrane-based changes.
Effect of pharmacist-led task force to reduce opioid prescribing in the emergency department.

PURPOSE Results of a study to determine the effect of a pharmacist-led opioid task force on emergency department (ED) opioid use and discharge prescriptions are presented. METHODS An observational evaluation was conducted at a large tertiary care center (ED volume of 115,000 visits per year) to evaluate selected opioid use outcomes before and after implementation of an ED opioid reduction program by interdisciplinary task force of pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. Volumes of ED opioid orders and discharge prescriptions were evaluated over the entire 25-month study period and during designated 1-month preimplementation and postimplementation periods (January 2017 and January 2018). Opioid order trends were evaluated using linear regression analysis and further investigated with an interrupted time series analysis to determine the immediate and sustained effects of the program. RESULTS From January 2017 to January 2018, ED opioid orders were reduced by 63.5% and discharge prescriptions by 55.8% from preimplementation levels: from 246.8 to 90.1 orders and from 85.3 to 37.7 prescriptions per 1,000 patient visits, respectively. Over the entire study period, there were significant decreases in both opioid orders (β, -78.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], -88.0 to -68.9; R2, 0.93; p < 0.0001) and ED discharge prescriptions (β, -24.4; 95% CI, -27.9 to -20.9; R2, 0.90; p < 0.001). The efforts of the task force had an immediate effect on opioid prescribing practices; results for effect sustainability were mixed. CONCLUSION A clinical pharmacist-led opioid reduction program in the ED was demonstrated to have positive results, with a more than 50% reduction in both ED opioid orders and discharge prescriptions.
Seeking a stable foundation to build on: 1st-Year residents' views of high-value care teaching.

Background: United States (US) residency programs have been recently mandated to teach the concept of high-value care (HVC) defined as care that balances the benefits of interventions with their harms and costs. We know that reflective practice is a key to successful learning of HVC; however, little is known about resident perceptions of HVC learning. To better inform HVC teaching in graduate medical education, we asked 1st-year residents to reflect on their HVC learning. Methods: We conducted three focus groups (n = 36) and online forum discussion (n = 13) of 1st-year internal medicine residents. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to assess transcripts for recurrent themes to identify the perspectives of residents shared about HVC learning. Results: Residents perceived their learning of HVC as limited by cultural and systemic barriers that included limited time, fear of missing a diagnosis, perceived expectations of attending physicians, and poor cost transparency. While the residents reported considerable exposure to the construct of HVC, they desired a more consistent framework that could be applied in different situations. In particular, residents reported frustration with variable incentives, objectives, and definitions pertaining to HVC. Suggestions for improvement in HVC teaching outlined three main needs for: (1) a generalizable framework to systematically approach each case that could be later adapted to independent practice; (2) objective real-time data on costs, benefits, and harms of medical interventions; and (3) standardized approach to assess resident competency in HVC. Discussion: As frontline clinicians and the intended target audience for HVC education, 1st-year residents are in a unique position to provide feedback to improve HVC teaching in residency. Our findings highlight the learners' desire for a more systematic approach to HVC teaching that includes the development of a stable generalizable framework for decision-making, objective data, and standardized assessment. These findings contrast current educational interventions in HVC that aim at reducing the overuse of specific practices.
Just Ask Me: Comparing Older and Younger Individuals' Knowledge of Their Optimal Touchscreen Target Sizes

To understand whether people can identify their optimal touchscreen target sizes, we asked older and younger adults to identify optimal target sizes on a questionnaire and compared these chosen sizes to performance on a target acquisition task. We found that older individuals (60+) were better than younger adults at choosing their optimal target sizes. In fact, younger adults underestimated the smallest target size they could accurately touch by almost 6mm. This study suggests that older adults may be able to better configure target size settings than younger adults.
A Case Report on the Communication between Oncologists and Physiatrists in the Establishment of Functional Prognosis while Undergoing Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy can have severe toxicities, which include CAR-T-cell-related encephalopathy syndrome (CRES). The patient may present with altered mental status, encephalopathy, seizures, and cerebral edema. Depending on the severity, the recovery process will require rehabilitation. We present a case and explain how communication between cancer physiatrists, oncologists, and patients can affect the expectations for functional recovery, and the importance of setting goals for recovery in a medically complex population. We present a patient who underwent aggressive chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, causing encephalopathy and complications. He initially required total assistance for mobility and activities of daily living. Physiatry was consulted to assist with the rehabilitation plan of care and disposition. Initially, the oncologist conveyed to the patient he would be walking in two weeks, which was unrealistically optimistic. The patient's physiatrist intervened and discussed these expectations with him, alleviating his emotional distress. His condition improved with inpatient rehabilitation, and he was able to ambulate short distances with modified independence in four weeks. The involvement of a cancer physiatrist allows for recognition and treatment of complications related to cancer and aggressive therapies, along with an accurate functional prognosis assessment. With improved communication and patient involvement, the patient underwent a successful rehabilitation.
Model Calculations of Euclidean Correlators

Studying light-cone parton distribution functions (PDFs) through Euclidean correlators in lattice QCD is currently a very active field of research. In particular, the parton quasi-distributions (quasi-PDFs) have attracted a lot of attention. Quasi-PDFs converge to their respective standard distributions in the limit of infinite hadron momentum. We explore the quasi-distribution approach for twist-2 generalized parton distributions (GPDs) in a frequently used diquark spectator model. Our main focus is to test how well the quasi-distributions agree with their light-cone counterparts for finite hadron momenta. We also discuss model-independent results for moments of quasi-distributions.
Online Hide and Seek: Allopathic US Medical Schools' Radiology Education Virtual Presence.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives To highlight radiology's merits and boost appeal to medical students in the digital era, it is increasingly important for radiology departments to be readily accessible to medical students. We report the results of a multivariate analysis of the virtual presence of radiology medical student education of 152 allopathic United States (US) medical schools, the first report of its kind to the authors’ knowledge. We detail eight elements to include when optimizing a radiology medical student education website. Methods In August 2020, the Department of Radiology websites at 152 allopathic US medical schools were assessed for the presence of a medical student radiology education website and accessibility of collated information about preclinical and clinical course offerings, radiology interest groups, and outreach initiatives in the form of student radiology mentorship, shadowing, and research opportunities. Results 65.1% (99/152) of allopathic US medical schools’ radiology departments have a dedicated medical student radiology education website, one of which was excluded from further review due to password protected content. 58.2% (57/98) of departmental websites include information about preclinical radiology coursework and 90.8% (89/98) of departments provide information about clinical courses. Details about interest groups were found on 26.5% (26/98) of departmental websites. Information about mentorship and shadowing was identified on less than half of departmental websites. 51% (50/98) of Department of Radiology websites provide information about research opportunities for students. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the majority of allopathic US medical schools’ radiology departments lack full information of relevance to medical students. To engage today's and tomorrow's medical learners digitally, there is opportunity and need to improve the online availability of information about preclinical and clinical radiology courses, student interest groups, shadowing opportunities, student mentorship, and student research. We detail eight elements to include when optimizing a radiology medical student education website. In most instances, this can be accomplished by revising an existing radiology department website in a manner that engages, educates, and recruits medical students. As a specialty, radiology must expand our digital footprint to reach tomorrow's colleagues and leaders.
Stage migration in breast cancer: Better detection or semantics in staging?

e18800Background: As oncology treatment has evolved to become more individualized, prognostic rationale has also undergone important changes. In breast cancer, disease staging was historically base...
Export crop price stabilization, land use change, and forest loss: evidence from Ghana

This paper documents the relationship between staple crop price variability, export crop cultivation, and forest loss. Specifically, I test whether maize price variability affects households' cultivated farmland acreage. I use nationally-representative household panel data from Ghana to show that an increase in staple crop price variability in the previous year increases household's total cultivated acreage. The increase in cropped area is largely due to an increase in household's cultivated acreage of cocoa – an export crop with a guaranteed price fixed annually by the Ghanaian government. I construct district-level panel data on annual forest loss and maize price variability from 2007 to 2018 across Ghana’s forest belt to study the effect of such expansion on forest loss. I find that increases in staple crop price variability lead to forest loss in Ghana through the channel of the increased cultivation of cocoa. The study highlights an important linkage between agricultural price stabilization policies and environmental externalities.
Neotectonics of the Sevier Desert basin, Utah as seen through the lens of multi-scale geophysical investigations

Abstract Geophysical surveys conducted in the Clear Lake fault zone (Utah) constrain the interpretation of neotectonics and volcanism along a portion of the Colorado Plateau-Basin-and-Range Transition Zone. The fault zone lies within the Sevier Desert, a region marked by numerous Quaternary fault scarps and bimodal volcanism. Lavas as young as 660 a B.P. are usually cut by faults, and many scarps have significant offsets implying the potential for M 7 + earthquakes. The range of scarp heights and uncertainty in scarp-magnitude regressions suggest variations on the order of 0.75 moment magnitude units. In order to characterize the range of deformation styles in the Clear Lake fault zone, three fault scarps were investigated for their patterns of shallow (
Chapter 14 Cytological and Cytochemical Methodology of Histones

Publisher Summary Histones are low-molecular weight basic proteins associated at one time or another during their existence with DNA. The association occurs primarily through electrostatic linkages. These proteins are found in the nuclei of most eukaryotic organisms, including the higher plants and animals, protozoa, and fungi. Their presence in prokaryotic organisms, bacteria and viruses, seems unlikely. The techniques of cytochemical identification of histone and basic protein described in this chapter have been used successfully by different workers and represent the most commonly used methods. The ultimate characterization of the proteins and the description of their role in the cell will require more exact analysis than can be accomplished by staining methods. The quantitative, as well as the qualitative evaluations of histone staining, can be made; and the DNA–histone relationship has been satisfactorily investigated by appropriate cytochemical staining techniques.
Experimentally induced paroxysmal A-V nodal tachycardia in the dog

Abstract Premature atrial excitation was repeatedly successful in inducing paroxysms of A-V nodal tachycardia in a dog. The nature of the dysrhythmia and the manner of its induction and termination suggested reciprocal passage over a dual A-V transmission system.
GROUP DECISION MAKING WITH UNCERTAIN OUTCOMES: UNPACKING CHILD–PARENT CHOICE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL TRACK

Predicting group decisions under uncertainty requires disentangling individual members' utilities over the consequences of choice, their expectations for uncertain outcomes, and their choice process as a group. I estimate simple Bayesian models of child–parent choice of high school track with subjective risk and unilateral or bilateral, nonstrategic decisions, by combining families' actual choices with novel survey information about children's and parents' subjective probabilities over choice consequences, their individually preferred choices, and their decision roles. A set of policy counterfactuals confirms the importance of introducing the beliefs and decision roles of individual members in models and policy analysis of group decisions.
Modeling Negative and Disjunctive Information in Relational Databases

We present a generalization of the relational model of data in which disjunctive and negative information can be represented explicitly and manipulated. There are situations where the closed world assumption to infer negative facts is not valid or undesirable and there is a need to represent and reason with negation explicitly. We consider explicit negation in the context of disjunctive databases as there is an interesting interplay between these two types of information. Disjunctive paraconsistent relations are introduced as the main structure in this model. The relational algebra is appropriately generalized to work on disjunctive paraconsistent relations and their correctness is established.
A polymerase chain reaction-based approach to cloning sigma factors from eubacteria and its application to the isolation of a sigma-70 homolog from Chlamydia trachomatis.

Abstract Taking advantage of the known sequence conservation of portions of bacterial sigma factor proteins, we have designed degenerate oligonucleotides corresponding to these domains and used these synthetic DNA sequences as primers in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA sequences from the chlamydial genome. The PCR products were used as a probe to recover the genomic fragments from a library of cloned murine Chlamydia trachomatis DNA. Sequence analysis of one of these clones revealed striking homology to the sigma-70 protein of Escherichia coli and the sigma-43 protein of Bacillus subtilis, strongly implying that this locus (sigA) encodes the major vegetative sigma factor of murine C. trachomatis. This PCR-based approach will be broadly applicable to the cloning of major sigma factors from other eubacteria.
Suggested correction to 6 He, 6 , 7 Li, and 7 Be production cross sections in α + α reactions between 60 and 160 MeV

Reanalysis of $\ensuremath{\alpha}+\ensuremath{\alpha}$ reaction data at 61.5, 80.8, 118.9, 139.2, and 158.2 MeV [B.G. Glagola et al., Phys. Rev. C 25, 34 (1982)] suggests that inconsistent normalizations have been used for calculating cross sections for ${}^{6}$He, ${}^{6,7}$Li, and ${}^{7}$Be production. Corrected values are presented, notably for ${}^{6}$Li, which may have significant implications for astrophysics calculations.
Ca2+ transients in myenteric glial cells during the colonic migrating motor complex in the isolated murine large intestine

Non-technical summary A ganglionated neural plexus, the myenteric plexus, within the colon generates a propagating contraction called the colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC) that underlies faecal pellet propulsion. Neurons in the myenteric plexus are surrounded by a network of enteric glia cells (EGCs), which were traditionally thought to be the glue that held the neurons together. Using imaging techniques, we demonstrate that 36% of EGCs respond with prolonged Ca2+ transients following their activation by excitatory nerve fibres that generate the CMMC, suggesting that EGCs are innervated and are activated during the CMMC.
Efficient Stateful Dynamic Partial Order Reduction

In applying stateless model checking methods to realistic multithreaded programs, we find that stateless search methods are ineffective in practice, even with dynamic partial order reduction (DPOR) enabled. To solve the inefficiency of stateless runtime model checking, this paper makes two related contributions. The first contribution is a novel and conservative light-weight method for storing abstract states at runtime to help avoid redundant searches. The second contribution is a stateful dynamic partial order reduction algorithm (SDPOR) that avoids a potential unsoundness when DPOR is naively applied in the context of stateful search. Our stateful runtime model checking approach combines light-weight state recording with SDPOR, and strikes a good balance between state recording overheads, on one hand, and the elimination of redundant searches, on the other hand. Our experiments confirm the effectiveness of our approach on several multithreaded benchmarks in C, including some practical programs.
Clonal Diversity of Arundinaria gigantea (Poaceae; Bambusoideae) in Western North Carolina and its Relationship to Sexual Reproduction: An Assessment Using AFLP Fingerprints

Abstract Arundinaria gigantea (river cane), a native bamboo species, was once abundant in river valleys of western North Carolina. Cane stands are now a rare ecosystem due to land use changes, but restoration efforts are underway. River cane reproduces mainly rhizomatously. Sexual reproduction is often characterized by gregarious flowering, followed by death of the flowering culms and possibly of the attached rhizomes. Suggestions have been made in the literature that clusters of flowering culms are monoclonal, but this has not been tested. In this study, leaves were sampled from sterile and fertile culms along transects from two stands in Jackson and Swain counties, North Carolina. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fragments were generated for these samples using three primer pairs. Most of the resulting AFLP fingerprints generated were not identical; however, using a threshold dissimilarity technique, we estimated the probable number of clones in our samples. The majority of fertile culms wi...
NCSTRL+: adding multi-discipline and multi-genre support to the Dienst protocol using clusters and buckets

We describe NCSTRL+, a unified, canonical digital library for scientific and technical information (STI). NCSTRL+ is based on the Networked Computer Science Technical Report Library (NCSTRL), a World Wide Web (WWW) accessible digital library (DL) that provides access to over 100 university departments and laboratories. NCSTRL+ implements two new technologies: cluster functionality and publishing "buckets". We have extended Dienst, the protocol underlying NCSTRL, to provide the ability to "cluster" independent collections into a logically centralized digital library based upon subject category classification, type of organization, and genres of material. The bucket construct provides a mechanism for publishing and managing logically linked entities with multiple data forms as a single object. The NCSTRL+ prototype DL contains the holdings of NCSTRL and the NASA Technical Report Server (NTRS). The prototype demonstrates the feasibility of publishing into a multi-cluster DL, searching across clusters, and storing and presenting buckets of information.
Navigating Strategic Inflection Points

In this first of the 1997 Stockton Lectures, the speaker reflects on the turning points which can make or break even the strongest of businesses. How can managers distinguish a “Strategic Inflection Point” from the normal hurly–burly of corporate life? What generic series of actions are necessary to convert the threats of change into opportunities? What are the implications for managers as individuals with their own careers and responsibility for the careers of those working under them? Throughout the article the generic issues are illustrated with examples ranging from small–town retailing to X–ray vision.
Anisotropies in TeV cosmic rays related to the local interstellar magnetic field from the IBEX ribbon

The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) observes enhanced Energetic Neutral Atoms (ENAs) emission in the keV energy range from a narrow (~20° wide) "ribbon" in the sky that appears to be centered on the direction of the local interstellar (LIS) magnetic field. The Milagro collaboration, the Asγ collaboration and the IceCube observatory have recently made global maps of cosmic ray fluxes in the TeV energy range, revealing anisotropic structures ordered in part by the local interstellar magnetic field and the interstellar flow. This paper following from a recent publication in Science makes the link between these disparate observations by developing a simple model of the magnetic structure surrounding the heliosphere in the Local Interstellar Medium (LISM) that is consistent with both IBEX ENA fluxes and TeV cosmic ray anisotropies. The model also employs the revised velocity direction of the LIC derived from neutral He observations by IBEX. By modeling the propagation of cosmic rays through this magnetic field structure, we specifically show that (1) the large-scale TeV anisotropy provides a roughly consistent orientation for the local interstellar magnetic field at the center of the IBEX Ribbon and corroborates the ~ 3 μG magnitude of the local interstellar magnetic field derived from IBEX observations of the global heliosphere; (2) and small-scale structures in cosmic rays (over < 30° angular scales) are influenced by the interstellar field interaction with the heliosphere at energies < 10 TeV. Thus, we provide a link between IBEX ENA observations, IBEX neutral observations of interstellar He, and TeV cosmic ray anisotropies, which are strongly influenced by the interactions between the local interstellar magnetic field, the flow of the local interstellar plasma, and the global heliosphere.
Resource-constrained project scheduling: a survey of recent developments

Resource-constrained project scheduling involves the scheduling of project activities subject to precedence and resource constraints in order to meet the objective(s) in the best possible way. The area covers a wide variety of problem types. The objective of this paper is to provide a survey of what we believe are the important recent developments in the area. Our main focus will be on the recent progress made in and the encouraging computational experience gained with the use of optimal solution procedures for the basic resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP) and important extensions. We illustrate how the branching rules, dominance and bounding arguments of a new depth- first branch-and-bound procedure can be extended to a rich variety of related problems: the generalized resource-constrained project scheduling problem, the resource-constrained project scheduling problem with generalized precedence relations, the preemptive resource-constrained project scheduling problem, the resource availability cost problem, and the resource-constrained project scheduling problem with various time/resource(cost) trade-offs and discounted cash flows.
Physical Model for Plaque Action in the Tooth-Plaque-Saliva System

A physical model describing the interrelationships of demineralization, remineralization, plaque thickness, glucose levels, and plaque enzymatic activity was presented. Selection of constants and variations of the parameters were kept in the range of possible in vivo situations. The results of calculations were discussed and correlated with the results of in vivo studies.
W2,p- Estimates for the Linearized Monge-Ampere equation

Let Ω C R" be a strictly convex domain and let Φ ∈ C 2 (Ω) be a convex function such that λ ≤ det D 2 Φ 0 and C > 0 depending only on n,A,A, and dist(Ω',Ω) such that for all solutions u ∈ C 2 (Ω) to the equation L Φ u = f.
Mass inequalities for quantum chromodynamics

For $n$-flavor lattice QCD rigorous lower bounds are derived on the masses of baryons, for even $ng~6$, and on the masses of flavor-nonsinglet mesons, for even $ng~2$. The lower bounds are proportional to the pion mass. The consequence of these inequalities for chiral-symmetry breaking is considered.
Low-Level Temperature Inversions of the Eurasian Arctic and Comparisons with Soviet Drifting Station Data

Abstract Seasonal and regional variations in characteristics of the Arctic low-level temperature inversion are examined using up to 12 years of twice-daily rawinsonde data from 31 inland and coastal sites of the Eurasian Arctic and a total of nearly six station years of data from three Soviet drifting stations near the North Pole. The frequency of inversions, the median inversion depth, and the temperature difference across the inversion layer increase from the Norwegian Sea eastward toward the Laptev and East Siberian seas. This effect is most pronounced in winter and autumn, and reflects proximity to oceanic influences and synoptic activity, possibly enhanced by a gradient in cloud cover. East of Novaya Zemlya during winter, inversions are found in over 95% of all soundings and tend to be surface based. For all locations, however, inversions tend to he most intense during winter due to the large deficit in surface net radiation. The strongest inversions are found over eastern Siberia, and reflect the ef...
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of enantiomeric ratios of amino acids without chiral separation

Abstract Two dual detector systems were studied for the determination of enantiomeric ratios of amino acids without chiral separation. Detection limits of 50 ng to 2 μg were observed for the four amino acids studied. These improvements are possible by using a micropolarimeter. The potential of the optical activity/refractive index (OA/RI) combination was limited by the sensitivity of the RI detector. Optical activity/ultraviolet (OA/UV) combination was determined to possess greater potential.
miR-132 Mediates the Integration of Newborn Neurons into the Adult Dentate Gyrus

Neuronal activity enhances the elaboration of newborn neurons as they integrate into the synaptic circuitry of the adult brain. The role microRNAs play in the transduction of neuronal activity into growth and synapse formation is largely unknown. MicroRNAs can influence the expression of hundreds of genes and thus could regulate gene assemblies during processes like activity-dependent integration. Here, we developed viral-based methods for the in vivo detection and manipulation of the activity-dependent microRNA, miR-132, in the mouse hippocampus. We find, using lentiviral and retroviral reporters of miR-132 activity, that miR-132 is expressed at the right place and right time to influence the integration of newborn neurons. Retroviral knockdown of miR-132 using a specific ‘sponge’ containing multiple target sequences impaired the integration of newborn neurons into the excitatory synaptic circuitry of the adult brain. To assess potential miR-132 targets, we used a whole-genome microarray in PC12 cells, which have been used as a model of neuronal differentiation. miR-132 knockdown in PC12 cells resulted in the increased expression of hundreds of genes. Functional grouping indicated that genes involved in inflammatory/immune signaling were the most enriched class of genes induced by miR-132 knockdown. The correlation of miR-132 knockdown to increased proinflammatory molecular expression may indicate a mechanistic link whereby miR-132 functions as an endogenous mediator of activity-dependent integration in vivo.
Planning for Life: A Program of National Significance.

The purpose of education is to prepare students for life. Considering that significant portions of their lives that will be spent in work, it is essential that school leadership establish policy and provide leadership to ensure that career planning for all students is expected and supported. Parents, teachers, administrators, and counselors are faced with the challenge of guiding students through the learning process, and at the same time helping them develop skills to cope with the changing world around them--especially the workplace. To assure that all students have goals and life plans, it is imperative that school leadership actively and visibly ensure that their schools include:
Spatial and temporal diversity of microcystins and microcystin-producing genotypes in Oneida Lake, NY

Abstract Oneida Lake is a shallow, eutrophic lake with a well-established cyanobacterial population with reported toxic blooms containing hepatotoxic microcystins (MC). Peak bloom events from the summers of 2002 and 2003 were analyzed to determine the principal cyanobacterial genera containing microcystin synthetase (mcy) genes. Sequence analysis of a partial mcyA amplicon targeting Microcystis, Anabaena and Planktothrix sp. indicated that Microcystis sp. was the dominant mcy genotype. This Microcystis clade was split into two distinct sub-clades. Bloom events contained members of both sub-clades with the higher MC concentrations found when both sub-clades were present in near equal proportions. The proportion of Microcystis containing the mcyD gene ranged from 0 to 37% of the total Microcystis population as determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The total concentration of Microcystis containing mcyD genes was linearly related to the concentration of MCs (r2 = 0.63). The relationship between mcy genotype and physiochemical variables was examined to determine the factor(s) controlling the periodicity in MC production in Oneida Lake. Multivariate statistical analyses, used to correlate the continuous-response variables, revealed a strong relationship between chlorophyll a, MCs and total Microcystis.
Stabilization of Grain Boundary Morphologies in Lamellar Block Copolymer/Nanoparticle Blends

Polymer-coated nanoparticle additives are shown to stabilize the formation of high-energy tilt and twist grain boundary structures in amorphous lamellar block copolymer/nanoparticle blends. The distribution of the particle additives within the grain boundary region depends on the level of perturbation of the equilibrium structure and presents analogies to previously described block copolymer/homopolymer blends. At small tilt angles (chevron grain boundary) the particle distribution is equal to the equilibrium distribution (here: center location of PS-coated gold particles within the PS domains of a PS−PEP block copolymer) whereas at larger tilt angles (omega or T-junction grain boundary structure) the particles are found to selectively swell the high elastic energy regions along the grain boundary, thereby stabilizing the formation of otherwise energetically unfavorable grain boundary structures presumably through the relaxation of chains in the grain boundary region. The direct visualization of the swel...
Cation transport at 25°c from binary Na+Mn+, Cs+Mn+ and Sr2+Mn+ nitrate mixtures in a H2OCHCl3H2O liquid membrane system containing a series of macrocyclic carriers

Abstract Cation fluxes from binary mixtures of either Na+, Cs+ or Sr2+ with other alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, and Pb2+ through a H2OCHCl3H2O bulk liquid membrane system containing one of several macrocyclic carriers have been determined Nitrate salts were used in all cases. The most selective transport of Na+ over all other cations studied was found with the carrier cryptand [2.2.1]. Selective transport of Na+ relative to Li+, Cs+ and the alkaline earth cations was found with cryptand [2.2.2B] and cryptand [2.2.2D]. The ligands 21-crown-7 and dibenzo-24-crown-8 showed selective transport of Cs+ over the second cation in all cases. Several macrocycles showed selectivity for Sr2+ over the second cation with the macrocycle 1,10-diaza-18-crown-6 showing the highest selectivity for this cation of all ligands studied. Relative fluxes from binary cation mixtures are rationalized in terms of macrocycle cavity size, donor atom type and ring substituents.
Further evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in progressive supranuclear palsy.

Recent data from our laboratory have identified a role for mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). To extend this finding, we measured key parameters of mitochondrial function in platelet-derived cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) cell lines expressing mitochondrial genes from patients with PSP. We observed significant decreases in aconitase activity, cellular ATP levels, and oxygen consumption in PSP cybrids as compared to control cybrids, further suggesting a contributory role of impaired mitochondrial energy metabolism in PSP, possibly due to genetic abnormalities of mitochondrial DNA.