cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Viscous-Inviscid Interaction Procedure—Part 1: Method for Computing Two-Dimensional Incompressible Separated Channel Flows

A viscous-inviscid interaction scheme has been developed for computing steady incompressible laminar and turbulent flows in two-dimensional duct expansions. The viscous flow solutions are obtained by solving the boundary-layer equations inversely in a coupled manner by a finite-difference scheme; the inviscid flow is computed by numerically solving the Laplace equation for stream function using an ADI finite difference procedure. The viscous and inviscid solutions are matched iteratively along displacement surfaces. Details of the procedure are presented along with example applications to separated flows. The results compare favourably with experimental data. Applications to turbulent flows over a rearward-facing step are described in part 2. See next Abstract.
Ultrafast photoinduced charge generation in conjugated polymers

Abstract Transient excited-state absorption measurements in the spectral region spanning the infrared active vibrational active (IRAV) modes in prototypical luminescent polymers, poly(phenylene vinylene), PPV, and poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)-(phenylene vinylene)], MEH–PPV, reveal charge carrier generation within 100 fs after photoexcitation. The photocarrier quantum efficiency in MEH–PPV is φ o ≈0.1 in zero applied electric field. There is no correlation between the temporal behavior of the photoinduced IRAV signals and the exciton lifetime. Thus, carriers are photoexcited directly and not generated via a secondary process from exciton annihilation. Our data indicate that the carrier recombination rate is sensitive to the strength of the inter-chain interaction.
Resonant surface second-harmonic generation: Surface states on Ag(110).

Frequency-dependent studies of second-harmonic generation from Ag(110) show resonant enhancement due to a transition between two surface electronic states. An increase in the nonlinear susceptibility, attributed to the coupling of the fundamental light with this transition, is proven by the energy dependence of the second-harmonic signal and by the observed selection rules dictated by the symmetry of the surface states.
Employee performance evaluations: administering and writing them correctly in the multi‐national setting

Globally, organisations are adjusting to meet the challenges of the constantly‐changing marketplace. In the area of human resource management, many multinational organisations are focusing in making the organisation more productive, cost‐effective, and customer service oriented. Recognising that an organisation’s employees are the key to its global success, many organisations are re‐evaluating their methods of appraising and motivating employees. As a result, annual employee evaluations, which have been a staple of human resource managers in many industrialised nations for decades, have been widely criticised in recent years. This article highlights the importance of using such evaluations not only in their traditional function for employee appraisal, but also as a tool for employee motivation, as a legal defence for selection, and as part of the strategic planning process.
Efficient Construction of Minimum Makespan Schedules for Tasks with a Fixed Number of Distinct Execution Times

This paper addresses scheduling problems for tasks with release and execution times. We present a number of efficient and easy to implement algorithms for constructing schedules of minimum makespan when the number of distinct task execution times is fixed. For a set of independent tasks, our algorithm in the single processor case runs in time linear in the number of tasks; with precedence constraints, our algorithm runs in time linear in the sum of the number of tasks and the size of the precedence constraints. In the multi-processor case, our algorithm constructs minimum makespan schedules for independent tasks with uniform execution times. The algorithm runs in O(n log m) time where n is the number of tasks and m is the number of processors.
Anorectal pathology in 1000 consecutive patients with suspected surgical disorders.

Supervised proctoscopy was done by fourth year medical students on 303 of 1,000 consecutive patients with the finding of significant anorectal pathology in 150 instances (49.50 per cent). Positive findings at proctoscopy are compared with positive histories and physical examinations and with positive findings of three other special examinations.
Geriatric syndromes in peri-operative elderly cancer patients.

Abstract Due to the expanding geriatric population and the high incidence of cancer in this age group, there is an increased burden on clinical oncologists. Elderly patients suffer from one or more chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, COPD, or diabetes. Besides affecting life expectancy, comorbid conditions may complicate major surgery. Accurate prediction of surgical risk is of paramount importance. Numerous papers have documented that older patients can undergo surgery with similar cancer related survival to younger patients. It has been demonstrated that age related variables are associated with an increased risk in post-surgical complications. The term “geriatric syndrome” needs further clinical evaluation and understanding. It is used to capture those clinical conditions in older persons that do not fit into discrete disease categories. Geriatric syndromes including delirium, falls, frailty, dizziness, syncope and urinary incontinence, are among the most common conditions facing geriatricians. This article focuses on geriatric syndromes in post-surgical patients and their management.
Mental stress and the cardiovascular system part II: Acute mental stress and cardiovascular disease

Abstract As in normal subjects, acute mental stress increases blood pressure measurements (sometimes to hypertensive levels) in subjects with cardiovascular disease. We found examples in the literature of acute mental stress increasing peripheral vascular resistance (as in isometric exercise) in patients with cardiovascular disease. We did not, however, find examples of acute mental stress decreasing peripheral vascular resistance (as in isotonic exercise) in subjects with cardiovascular disease. Acute mental stress commonly increases heart rate in subjects with cardiovascular disease. Angina pectoris or other evidence of ischemia may accompany this increase in heart rate. Acute mental stress may alter cardiac electrical stability and lead to arrhythmias—some life-threatening. Acute mental stress may provoke coronary artery vasoconstriction, reduce left ventricular ejection fraction, or induce or exacerbate left ventricular wall motion abnormalities in subjects with cardiovascular disease. In particular, anger among subjects with cardiovascular disease may leave them vulnerable to cardiac complications.
The β1-Integrin Cytosolic Domain Optimizes Phospholipase A2-Mediated Arachidonic Acid Release Required for NIH-3T3 Cell Spreading☆

Abstract Inhibition of PLA2 activity and rescue by addition of exogenous AA was used to demonstrate that AA production is essential for integrin-mediated NIH-3T3 murine cell spreading. Both AA release and cell spreading after attachment to a FN substrate were inhibited by the PLA2 inhibitor mepacrine. AA release was essential for signaling spreading since the inhibition of spreading induced by mepacrine was overcome by exogenous AA. Cells ectopically expressing full-length chicken β1-integrins both released AA and spread fully on a substrate of anti-chicken β1-integrin monoclonal antibody, and inhibition of PLA2 by mepacrine suppressed both spreading and AA release. Exogenous AA also reversed this mepacrine-induced inhibition of spreading. The role of the β1-integrin cytosolic domain in AA release was examined by comparing responses of cells expressing full-length chicken β1-integrins versus cells expressing a deletion mutant chicken β1-integrin with a truncated cytosolic domain. Cells expressing a truncated chicken β1-integrin released significantly less AA and failed to spread on the anti-chicken β1-integrin antibody substrate. Furthermore, clustering full-length receptors with soluble antibody stimulated greater AA release than clustering of receptors having truncated cytosolic domains. These data suggest the β1-integrin cytosolic domain is required for optimal PLA2 activation to produce AA necessary for cell spreading.
Therapeutic platforms based on gold nanoparticles and their covalent conjugates with drug molecules

This review will first look at the various covalent strategies that have been developed to attach drugs to gold nanoparticles as well as the strengths and limitations of such strategies. After examining general strategies for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their subsequent covalent functionalization, this review will focus on nanoparticle conjugates for gene therapy, antibacterial, and anticancer applications including the use of gold nanoparticles with intrinsically therapeutic properties. The effects of targeting and cellular uptake of gold nanoparticles will also be discussed.
Tuberculosis drug resistance comes full circle

In todays Lancet Anne von Gottberg and colleagues present a report that could bring us full circle suggesting that fluoroquinolone treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis causes pyogenic bacterial resistance. The reverse has long been thought to be true. The study from South Africa found levofloxacin resistance in children with MDR tuberculosis treated with a fluoroquinolone and in children with nosocomially acquired resistant pneumococci. All infections were rifampicin resistant and associated with history of tuberculosis treatment or evidence of nosocomial spread. Of 21 521 patients with invasive pneumococcal disease 12 cases all children had levofloxacin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococci. Granted this is a small proportion of the cases but the presence of resistance at all is of major concern. (excerpt)
Autoactivation of Procaspase-9 by Apaf-1-Mediated Oligomerization

Abstract Activation of procaspase-9 by Apaf-1 in the cytochrome c/dATP–dependent pathway requires proteolytic cleavage to generate the mature caspase molecule. To elucidate the mechanism of activation of procaspase-9 by Apaf-1, we designed an in vitro Apaf-1–procaspase-9 activation system using recombinant components. Here, we show that deletion of the Apaf-1 WD-40 repeats makes Apaf-1 constitutively active and capable of processing procaspase-9 independent of cytochrome c and dATP. Apaf-1-mediated processing of procaspase-9 occurs at Asp-315 by an intrinsic autocatalytic activity of procaspase-9 itself. We provide evidence that Apaf-1 can form oligomers and may facilitate procaspase-9 autoactivation by oligomerizing its precursor molecules. Once activated, caspase-9 can initiate a caspase cascade involving the downstream executioners caspase-3, -6, and -7.
The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate Alone or in Combination with Reduced Dose of Prochloraz Manganese on the Control of Wet Bubble of Agaricus bisporus

ABSTRACTIn vitro experiments showed that sodium bicarbonate (SBC) was effective in inhibiting the growth of Mycogone perniciosa. The inhibition of radial growth, germination and germ tube elongation of chlamydospores was 100.0%, 73.9%, 79.1%, respectively, at 4% SBC. Complete inhibition of the germination and germ tube elongation of conidia was achieved by 4% SBC. Seven experiments were conducted to test the in vivo efficacy of sodium bicarbonate and reduced dose of prochloraz manganese either alone or in combination. Treatments were applied to casing soil twice by drenching 2 h before casing and 2 days after casing. In seven in vivo experiments, the effect of SBC in inhibiting M. perniciosa was inconsistent. The efficacy of the combination of SBC with reduced dose (10% of label dose) of prochloraz mangenese were not significantly and consistently different from that of the label dose of prochloraz manganese in inhibiting the disease and increasing the yield in three repeated experiments. Similarly, in th...
Felton L. Remington: Essentials of Pharmaceutics. Pharmaceutical Press; 2013, 772pp, $69.00 (softcover), ISBN 9780857111050.

This new pharmaceutics book, edited by Dr. Linda Felton, is a snap shot of the previous Remington’s pharmaceutical sciences textbook with many of the same chapter authors. This edition has 40 chapters and it focuses on the conventional subjects normally taught in pharmaceutics; ie, pharmaceutical calculations, physical pharmacy, and classical dosage form design. The new graphical design of data, added in the form of tables and figures, was intriguing. This book has a wealth of new information that will enhance the knowledge and learning experience of pharmacy students.
Effects of photoperiod and temperature on sexual recrudescence in the male weakfish,Cynoscion regalis

Male weakfish,Cynoscion regalis, were collected in the south-west portion of Delaware Bay from April through August of 1992. Histological examination of testes collected from these specimens was used as a baseline for comparison with laboratory data. Weakfish testes were found to be of the unrestricted, continuous spermatogenic type and spermatogenesis was apparently prenuptial. The effects of photoperiod and temperature on gonadal maturation were studied in the laboratory using fish collected in June and July 1991. These fish were exposed to two months of simulated winter conditions prior to assignment to one of four experimental photoperiod/temperature regimes. The treatments included combinations of long day (LD,15 h light) or short day (SD, 9 h light) and high (HT, 20° C) or low (LT, 13° C) water temperatures. The four treatment groups were LD/HT, LD/LT, SD/HT, SD/LT. The LD/HT group was the only one to mature fully, expressing increased plasma androgen levels, increased gonadosomatic index (GSI) and advanced spermatogenesis, as well as hypertrophy of the sonic muscles, a seasonally expressed secondary sexual characteristic of male weakfish. High temperatures promoted the later stages of spermatogenesis, which were apparently inhibited by low temperatures. The presence of an endogenous annual cycle is suggested by the partial maturation of the testes and sonic muscles in all treatment groups, regardless of photoperiod/temperature regime.
Credible Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations

This summary presents the motivation for the Special Section on the credibility of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, its objective, its background and context, its content, and its major conclusions. Verification and validation (V&V) are the processes for establishing the credibility of CFD simulations. Validation assesses whether correct things are performed, and verification assesses whether they are performed correctly. Various aspects of V&V are discussed. Progress is made in verification of simulation models. Considerable effort is needed for assessing the validity of simulated reality
Some Basic Energy And Economic Considerations For A Laser Ignited Fusion Reactor

In this paper, we indicate some simple energy balance and economic considerations which bear on the feasibility of laser produced fusion. We present reasons that presently published schemes requiring high compression of homogeneous spheres or shells would be difficult to employ for pure power generation, even given favorable answers to many presently unanswered scientific questions. On the otherhand, extensions of our analysis show that breeding and energy multiplication in a fissile blanket greatly improve the commerical prospects for power generation by laser induced fusion.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Using video playback to study sexual communication

Many sexually-selected phenotypes involve some form of visual communication. Video-playback techniques are a powerful new tool for studying visual signaling systems. Individual aspects of complex stimuli can be reliably manipulated, and stimuli can be repeatedly presented without appreciable variation in their properties. Experimenters can also construct signals which are biologically impossible, but which can be used to ask critical questions about how stimuli are perceived. Video-playback studies of sexual selection are reviewed in the context of how the methodology can be used to extend the range of questions addressed by conventional techniques. Four major issues are discussed with consideration for future studies: (1) the background against which a stimulus is presented; (2) the illumination of the stimulus; (3) the problem of pseudoreplication; and (4) experimental design considerations, including controlling for side biases and order effects and selecting appropriate response assays. Using synthetic animations may address many of these concerns.
Recovering NTRU secret key from inversion oracles

We consider the NTRU encryption scheme as lately suggested for use, and study the connection between inverting the NTRU primitive (i.e., the one-way function over the message and the blinding information which underlies the NTRU scheme) and recovering the NTRU secret key (universal breaking). We model the inverting algorithms as black-box oracles and do not take any advantage of the internal ways by which the inversion works (namely, it does not have to be done by following the standard decryption algorithm). This allows for secret key recovery directly from the output on several inversion queries even in the absence of decryption failures. Our oracles might be queried on both valid and invalid challenges e, however they are not required to reply (correctly) when their input is invalid. We show that key recovery can be reduced to inverting the NTRU function. The efficiency of the reduction highly depends on the specific values of the parameters. As a side-result, we connect the collisions of the NTRU function with decryption failures which helps us gain a deeper insight into the NTRU primitive.
Limited Anti-DNA Antibody Specificity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Twenty-one sera from 11 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were titrated with 125I-ss-calf thymus DNA to determine their maximum capacity to bind DNA. Only five sera were capable of binding greater than 90% of the input DNA. The remaining sixteen sera showed maximum DNA binding levels between 35% and 85%. The inability of these sera to bind all of the input DNA is shown to be dependent on variations in the molecular weight of the DNA antigen. The possibility that these differences in DNA binding reflect differences in antigenic specificity is discussed.
A Technique for Automated Quantification of Canine Glucocorticoid-induced Isoenzyme of Alkaline Phosphatase.

Summary A sensitive assay for the corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme (CAP), adaptable to most clinical chemistry autoanalyzers, is described and validated. This assay is based on the greater than 98% inhibition of liver alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme (LAP) activity with 4.2 mM levamisole, as compared to the 42% inhibition of CAP activity. Analysis of serum with total alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity within the reference range, resulted in a reference range of 0 to 19 U/L for CAP activity. Analysis of serum from 160 clinical patients with AP activity above the reference range, revealed 73% with increased CAP activity ranging from 20 to 7,000 U/L. The diagnostic significance of this increased CAP activity is discussed.
Enhanced conversion of plant biomass into glucose using transgenic rice-produced endoglucanase for cellulosic ethanol

The catalytic domain of Acidothermus cellulolyticus thermostable endoglucanase gene (encoding for endo-1,4-beta-glucanase enzyme or E1) was constitutively expressed in rice. Molecular analyses of T1 plants confirmed presence and expression of the transgene. The amount of E1 enzyme accounted for up to 4.9% of the plant total soluble proteins, and its accumulation had no apparent deleterious effects on plant growth and development. Approximately 22 and 30% of the cellulose of the Ammonia Fiber Explosion (AFEX)-pretreated rice and maize biomass respectively was converted into glucose using rice E1 heterologous enzyme. As rice is the major food crop of the world with minimal use for its straw, our results suggest a successful strategy for producing biologically active hydrolysis enzymes in rice to help generate alcohol fuel, by substituting the wasteful and polluting practice of rice straw burning with an environmentally friendly technology.
Shared Wisdom: Use of the Self in Pastoral Care and Counseling (Person, Culture, and Religion Group, American Academy of Religion, November 18, 2005)

This article summarizes the method of pastoral assessment and theological reflection detailed in Shared Wisdom, with particular attention to pastoral counselors’ countertransference or intersubjective “use of the self” as a tool for empathic understanding of clients. A model of multiplicity of mind, subjectivity, and God is advanced in contrast to more traditional views. The article concludes with an appeal for messiness, complexity, and kenosis in both psychology and theology.
Exposure to short days, but not short-term melatonin, enhances humoral immunity of male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).

Many non-tropical rodent species rely on photoperiod as the primary cue to co-ordinate seasonally appropriate changes in physiology and behavior. Among these seasonal changes, several rodent species (e.g. deer mice, prairie voles, Siberian hamsters) adjust immune function in response to changes in ambient day lengths. The goals of the present study were to examine the effects of photoperiod on immune function of Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), and to determine the role of melatonin in mediating photoperiodic changes in immunity. In Experiment 1, male Syrian hamsters were housed in long (LD 14:10) or short days (LD 10:14) for 10 wk. In Experiment 2, hamsters were housed in long days and half of the animals were given 10 consecutive days of i.p. melatonin injections (15 lg) in the early evening, while the remaining animals received injections of the vehicle alone. After the respective experimental manipulations, animals were injected with the antigen, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), blood samples were obtained and anti-KLH IgG antibody production was assessed. In Experiment 1, short-day hamsters underwent gonadal regression and reduced serum testosterone as well as displayed increased humoral immune function compared with long-day animals. In Experiment 2, short-term melatonin treatment did not affect gonadal mass, testosterone or humoral immune function. These results confirm previous findings of photoperiodic changes in immunity in rodents and suggest that changes in humoral immunity are not due to short-term changes in melatonin.
Teaching Accountability: Using Client Feedback to Train Effective Family Therapists

The AAMFT Task Force on Core Competencies (Nelson et al., 2007) proposed that marriage and family therapy (MFT) educators teach and provide evidence of trainee competence beyond coursework and accrued clinical hours. This article describes the integration of a systematic client feedback protocol into an MFT-accredited program's curricula to address the call for outcome-based learning. Outcome management (OM) provides a framework for teaching and assessing trainee effectiveness. Continuous incorporation of client feedback embodies collaborative, strengths-based, integrative, and diversity-centered program values. Students learn a system for being accountable to clients, the profession, and service communities.
Orcinus orca (Killer whale)

These karyotypes are gifts of Dr. Deborah D. Kulu, Los Angeles, California, and her colleagues.
Electrostatic propulsion using C60 molecules

An evaluation is made of the potential benefits of C60 molecules as a basis for ion propulsion. Because C60 is storable, its use may result in a larger usable propellant fraction than previous methods of cluster ion propulsion. C60 may also relax such engineering constraints as grid spacing, which restrict the performance of noble gas ion propulsion. The behavior of C60 in a plasma discharge environment, as well as various electron impact cross sections of the molecule, will greatly afftect the feasibility of the concept.
Does Abciximab Enhance Regression of Coronary Aneurysms Resulting From Kawasaki Disease

Objective. Acute Kawasaki disease can result in the development of large coronary artery aneurysms that may persist. Abciximab, a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor, is associated with resolution of thrombi and vascular remodeling in adults with acute coronary syndromes. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in aneurysm diameter at early follow-up in patients who had Kawasaki disease and received abciximab in addition to standard therapy with those who were treated with standard therapy alone. Methods. Patients with Kawasaki disease and large aneurysms were divided into 2 groups on the basis of acute therapy: 1) abciximab in addition to standard therapy and 2) standard therapy alone. Echocardiograms were reviewed for coronary aneurysms (lumen diameter 1.5 times that of the adjacent vessel). Maximum aneurysm diameter was determined during the acute/subacute phase of Kawasaki disease ( Results. Six patients had 20 aneurysms in the abciximab group, and 9 patients had 30 aneurysms in the standard therapy group. Early follow-up data were available for 19 of the 20 aneurysms in the abciximab group and 19 of the 30 aneurysms in the standard therapy group. Patients who were treated with abciximab demonstrated greater regression in aneurysm size at early follow-up than patients who were treated with standard therapy alone (percentage decrease: 41 ± 19% vs 17 ± 27%). In the abciximab group, 68% (13 of 19) of aneurysms resolved at early follow-up compared with 35% (7 of 19) in the standard therapy group. Conclusions. Patients who were treated with abciximab demonstrated greater regression in aneurysm diameter at early follow-up than patients who received standard therapy alone. These findings suggest that treatment with abciximab may promote vascular remodeling in this population and warrants further study.
Islamic Capital Markets: Market Developments and Conceptual Evolution in the First Thirteen Years

This paper considers the factors the allowed for the birth and facilitated the subsequent development of the equity side and the finance (or debt) side of the Islamic capital markets. The equity side of the Islamic capital markets began in 1998 with the issuance (after five years of debate) of a fatwa to Dow Jones Islamic Market Indexes in respect of the first equity indexes of Shari'ah-compliant equities. That fatwa institutionalized permissible variance or permissible impurity concepts relating to equity investments in entities that (a) had some degree of impermissible interest income or interest expense or (b) conducted some impermissible business activities (such as those involving activities relating to alcohol or pork for human consumption, interest-based financing, non-takaful insurance, pornography, prostitution or weapons, among other matters). That fatwa also institutionalized purification or cleansing techniques to address impermissible income actually received (such as from interest on investments or earnings from allowed impermissible business activities). The paper surveys the application of these variance and purification concepts and principles in areas of finance and investment other than non-controlling equity investments: for example in private equity, real estate and project finance. The finance side of the Islamic capital markets began in the period of 2001-2003 with the first sukuk issuances from the Middle East (there had been earlier issuances in Malaysia). The paper surveys the types, amounts and purposes of sukuk issuances from 1997 to August of 2008 (looking at every issuance during that period) and, separately, issuance trends since August of 2008 (through the period of the global financial crisis). The paper considers the highly-publicized clarification of sukuk standards and principles that was issued by the Shari'ah Board of the Accounting and Auditing Organizatio for Islamic Financial Institutions in March of 2008 in response to the fact that most sukuk issued in the years prior to 2008 had been impermissible bond structures (rather than permissible asset securitization or entity securitization structures). Implications of that clarification are considered. The paper also surveys some of the market and legal impediments to full development of the Islamic capital markets.
A 3.9ns 8.9mW 4×4 silicon photonic switch hybrid integrated with CMOS driver

The emerging field of silicon photonics [1–3] targets monolithic integration of optical components in the CMOS process, potentially enabling high bandwidth, high density interconnects with dramatically reduced cost and power dissipation. A broadband photonic switch is a key component of reconfigurable networks which retain data in the optical domain, thus bypassing the latency, bandwidth and power overheads of opto-electronic conversion. Additionally, with WDM channels, multiple data streams can be routed simultaneously using a single optical device. Although many types of discrete silicon photonic switches have been reported [4–6], very few of them have been shown to operate with CMOS drivers. Earlier, we have reported two different 2×2 optical switches wirebond packaged with 90nm CMOS drivers [7,8]. The 2×2 switch reported in [7] is based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), while the one reported in [8] is based on a two-ring resonator.
Reconfiguration of C2 architecture for improved availability to support air operations

In this paper, a modern military air operation is viewed as a hierarchical multiple-timescale hybrid feedback control system. The focus of our study is on the impact of the supporting structure for the command and control (C2) functionalities on the overall air operation. The resilience of the supporting structure is measured by its availability. Our representation of the air operation allows us to link the availability of C2 to the strategic goal of an air operation, and therefore provides a framework for the optimization of the air operation at all levels. The paper shows that a prolonged unavailability of a C2 functionality can significantly worsen the outcome of an air operation. A processing unit is modeled as a queing network to quantify the effectiveness of reconfiguration in enhancing availability. The unit is included in a small scale C2 supporting structure for which a simulation study is carried out using Arena.
Determinants of International Competiveness

International competitiveness is a main source of economic advancement which results in higher standards of living. This paper examines the determinants of international competitiveness as it defines international competitiveness and discusses two common conceptions that are required to achieve higher level of economic competitiveness: government policies and culture. It further explains a research methodology which is known as “Innovation Matrix”. Data is collected from two areas: competitiveness and culture. After describing two sets of data, the researcher tests two hypotheses: (1) long-term economic growth is a function of government policies and (2) culture plays an insignificant role in gaining competitiveness and economic growth. In conclusion, the paper makes recommendations as how a country can improve its economic competitiveness.
Late Demarshalling: A Technique for Efficient Multi-language Middleware for Embedded Systems

A major goal of middleware is to allow seamless software integration across programming languages. CORBA, for example, supports multiple languages by specifying communication standards and language-specific bindings. Although this approach works well for desktop systems, it is problematic for embedded systems, where strict memory limits discourage multiple middleware implementations. A common memory-efficient alternative allows sharing of middleware by exposing functionality through language-specific wrappers; for instance, middleware may be implemented in C++ but exposed to Java through the Java Native Interface (JNI). Like most language wrappers, however, JNI degrades performance, especially with aggregate data types.
Transforming Growth Factor B1 Decreases Uptake of Glutathione Precursor Amino Acids in Bovine Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells

We have previously observed that transforming growth factor β, (TGFβ1) produces a pro-oxidant effect and decreases cellular glutathione (GSH) levels of cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC) (White A. C., S. K. Das, and B. L. Fanburg. Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 6:364–368, 1992). In the present studies we demonstrate that 2 ng/ml TGFβ1 reduces the uptake of two GSH precursor amino acids (cystine and glutamate) by 50% (cystine; control 359.35 ± 100, TGFβ1 187.7 ± 26 pmol/10 min/106 cells, p < 0.05; glutamate; control 215.15 ± 18, TGFβ1 110.2 ± 16 pmol/10 min/106 cells, p < 0.001). The inhibitory effect of TGFβ1 on the uptake of GSH precursor amino acids persisted in the presence of buthionine sulfoximine (inhibits γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase, the rate limiting step in GSH synthesis) or acivicin (inhibits γ-glutamyl transpeptidase). The uptake of leucine, an amino acid that does not serve as a precursor for GSH, was unaffected by TGFβ1. In additional experiments TGFβ1 decreased the...
Temporal hysteresis model of time varying subjective video quality

Video quality assessment (QA) continues to be an important area of research due to the overwhelming number of applications where videos are delivered to humans. In particular, the problem of temporal pooling of quality sores has received relatively little attention. We observe a hysteresis effect in the subjective judgment of time-varying video quality based on measured behavior in a subjective study. Based on our analysis of the subjective data, we propose a hysteresis temporal pooling strategy for QA algorithms. Applying this temporal strategy to pool scores from PSNR, SSIM [1] and MOVIE [2] produces markedly improved subjective quality prediction.
Microsatellite Instability in Interval Colon Cancers

Background & Aims: Colon cancers that develop after a complete colonoscopy may be the result of "failure of colonoscopy" or rapid tumor growth. Tumors that develop via the mismatch repair gene pathway demonstrate rapid tumor growth. The aim of this study was to determine if interval colon cancers were more likely than noninterval cancers to result from the loss of function of mismatch repair genes and hence demonstrate microsatellite instability (MSI). Methods: We searched our institution's cancer registry for interval cancers, defined as colon cancers that developed within 5 years of a complete colonoscopy. These were frequency matched in a 1:2 ratio by age and sex to patients with noninterval cancers (defined as colon cancers diagnosed on a patient's first recorded colonoscopy). Archived cancer specimens for all subjects were retrieved and tested for MSI. Results: Of the 993 colon cancers diagnosed during the study period, 51 (5.1%) were identified as an interval cancer, and 112 subjects with noninterval cancer served as a comparison group. Study subjects were almost all men. MSI was found in 30.4% of interval cancers compared with 10.3% of noninterval cancers ( P = .003). After adjusting for age, interval cancers were 3.7 times more likely to show MSI than noninterval cancers (95% confidence interval, 1.5–9.1). This association was strongest for tumors located in the distal colon (odds ratio, 17.5; P = .008). No difference in TNM stage at diagnosis, histologic type or grade, or 5-year survival was found between groups. Conclusions: Interval colon cancers were almost 4 times as likely as noninterval colon cancers to be associated with mismatch repair gene dysfunction.
I.V. infusion of a drag-reducing polymer extracted from aloe vera prolonged survival time in a rat model of acute myocardial ischaemia†

Background I.V. infusion of drag-reducing polymers (DRPs) has been shown to improve survival time in animals subjected to haemorrhagic shock. We hypothesized that DRPs might prolong survival time in rats following acute myocardial ischaemia (AMI). Methods Sixteen adult male rats were anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated. An i.v. infusion of either Dextran-40 2.5% (Control, n =8) or Dextran-40 2.5% containing 50 μg ml −1 of an aloe vera-based DRP (DRP, n =8) was initiated at 3.5 ml h −1 . The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated. Blood pressure, skin-tissue perfusion, and heart rate were monitored and arterial blood samples were analysed. Results The mortality at 60 min following coronary ligation was 0% in the DRP group vs 50% in the control group ( P= 0.025). DRP-treated animals maintained higher mean arterial pressure [60.9 (5.1) vs 47.5 (5.1) mm Hg, P= 0.004] and tissue perfusion [4.2 (3.4) vs 1.2 (0.5) TPU, P= 0.029]. The DRP group trended towards better acid–base status with base excess [−5.0 (1.7) vs −8.1 (5.1) mmol litre −1 , P= 0.083] and pH [7.42 (0.07) vs 7.35 (0.02), P= 0.03]. Conclusions Administration of nanomolar concentrations of aloe vera-based DRP prolonged survival time in animals with AMI. DRPs may offer a novel method to treat organ/tissue hypoperfusion.
The process window for diamond deposition from the vapor phase with sulfur in the C–H–O feed gas mixtures

Abstract Theoretical predictions using a modified radical species ternary diagram for C–H–O system indicate that addition of sulfur expands the C–H–O gas phase compositional window for diamond deposition. Sulfur addition to no-growth domain increases the carbon super-saturation by binding the oxygen and the addition of sulfur to the non-diamond domain reduces the heavy carbon super-saturation by decreasing CnHm species concentration in the gas phase. The overall effect of sulfur addition to gas phase mixtures is characterized as that of oxygen addition to the C–H system, i.e. expansion of the compositional window over which diamond can be deposited from the gas phase. In addition, the increasing sulfur concentration to diamond domain feed gases beyond 2000 ppm did not affect the steady state gas phase composition but the quality of diamond was reduced.
MR imaging characteristics of pilomyxoid astrocytomas.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a recently described tumor that typically occurs in the chiasmatic-hypothalamic region in young children and has unique histopathologic and clinical characteristics. These tumors have been previously diagnosed as pilocytic astrocytoma (PA). PMA appears to have a higher rate of recurrence and CSF dissemination than typical PA. METHODS: We analyzed MR findings in four patients with PMA and compared them with those of typical chiasmatic-hypothalamic PA. RESULTS: MR findings of PMA were chiasmatic or hypothalamic enhancing solid tumor with hydrocephalus, highly homogeneous T2 signal intensity that extended into the deep white and gray matter, and CSF dissemination. CONCLUSION: Larger series are needed before the MR imaging findings of chiasmatic or hypothalamic enhancing solid tumor with hydrocephalus, highly homogeneous T2 signal intensity extending into the deep white and gray matter, and CSF dissemination can be used in the differential diagnosis of such tumors.
Reconfigurable bandpass filter with a three-to-one switchable passband width

A reconfigurable bandpass filter is described that aims to preserve the optimal performance of a broad-band system under changing signal conditions. It does so by allowing the passband width of the system's receiver to adapt. The filter can be switched between two discrete states with widely differing bandwidths of 500 and 1500 MHz, respectively, while keeping the passband responses centered at 10 GHz. The physical implementation comprises a hybrid-integrated microstrip circuit on a 0.010-in-thick quartz substrate. The circuit employs commercial beam-lead p-i-n diodes to switch fixed-valued reactance elements. Despite the presence of semiconductor switching devices, the filter behaves very linearly, exhibiting measured passband third-order output-referenced intercept points that exceed 46 dBm in both switched states.
A steady state voltage monitoring and control algorithm using localized least square minimization of load voltage deviations

This paper describes recent work on the theoretical and algorithmic enhancements of the MIT method for power system steady-state voltage monitoring and control. Under the conditions that no dynamic voltage problems are present, the method is intended primarily: to monitor steady-state voltage and reactive power conditions; to identify potential problem situations; and to make decisions regarding their severity. The developed method utilizes various reactive power resources on the power system to remedy voltage violations. The corrective actions suggested are either in the order assigned by the operator or according to efficiency criteria, determined by this algorithm. The corrective actions ensure minimum possible voltage deviations from a given desired voltage profile. Corrective actions are considered to be optimal in this sense. The method has the unique feature of identifying minimum number of most effective corrective actions so that voltages are maintained within the given limits. The method does not solve the exact load flow equations, and therefore it avoids inversion of a full system size matrix. Reactive power scheduling is computed so that the resulting load voltages, are within pre-specified target values. The computational time does not increase significantly with increase of power system size, since no inversion of a system size matrix is needed. Numerical tests on a small and large scale electric power system (IEEE 39 and New England 1726) are presented and analyzed.
Temporal and Spatial Variations in Water Quality on New York South Shore Estuary Tributaries: Carmans, Patchogue, and Swan Rivers

The chemical and biological impacts of anthropogenic physical modifications (i.e., channelization, dredging, bulkhead, and jetty construction) to tributaries were assessed on New York’s Long Island South Shore Estuary. Water-quality data collected on Carmans, Patchogue, and Swan Rivers from 1997 to 2005 indicate no significant differences in nutrient levels, temperature, or pH among the rivers, but significant differences in light transmittance, dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, and sediments were observed. Patchogue River (PR) and Swan River (SR) were significantly more saline than Carmans River (CR), PR and SR had less light transmittance than CR, and both exhibited severe warm season hypoxia. CR was rarely hypoxic and only at the lower layer of the deepest station in warm seasons. Deep stations on PR had hypoxic readings year round, but the shallower SR was well-oxygenated at all stations after the fall turnover. There were wide diel and seasonal variations in chlorophyll a on each river, and measurements were significantly higher at poorly flushed stations. In warm seasons, this often resulted in hyperventilation with supersaturated DO in the upper water column on sunny days, and suboxic conditions at nights and/or in deeper layers. PR sediments were anoxic, SR sediments ranged from normal to anoxic, and CR sediments were normal at all stations. Polyaromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in PR sediments were over three orders of magnitude higher than SR and CR sediments. Benthic invertebrate assessment of species richness, biotic index, and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera richness indicated that PR was severely impacted, SR ranged from slightly to severely impacted, and CR ranged from non-impacted to slightly impacted. Diversity and abundance of plankton were comparable on SR and CR, and were significantly higher than on PR. The data indicate that nutrients do not play a major role in hypoxia in these estuarine tributaries but that physical forces dominate. The narrow inlets, channelization, and abrupt changes in depth near the inlets of PR and SR foster hypoxic conditions by inducing salinity stratification that limits vertical mixing and by restricting horizontal water mass exchange with the bay. The study suggests that other tributaries with such physical modifications should be examined to assess the temporal and spatial extent of hypoxia.
Richard Arnowitt and superpartner trilepton events

This short article is written as a token of my respect for Richard Arnowitt and his theoretical and phenomenological physics. I focused on his favorite superpartner signature, trilepton events, and pointed out that in M theory that signature would have been absent because two of the leptons came from the decay wino → bino + Z but in M theory the decay wino → bino + Higgs dominates.
DEVELOPMENTAL EXPOSURE TO A SEROTONIN AGONIST PRODUCES SUBSEQUENT BEHAVIORAL AND NEUROCHEMICAL CHANGES IN THE ADULT MALE PRAIRIE VOLE

Autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) are classified as pervasive developmental disorders characterized by abnormalities in various cognitive and behavioral functions. Although exact underlying causes are still unknown, nearly 30% of autistic patients show elevated blood levels of serotonin (5-HT) and, therefore, various genetic and environmental factors that are known to elevate 5-HT levels may play a role in the development of ASDs. In the present study, we used the socially monogamous male prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) as an animal model to examine the effects of perinatal exposure to 5-methoxytryptamine (5-MT), a non-selective serotonin agonist, on subsequent behavioral and neurochemical changes in the brain. 5-MT treated males showed a decrease in affiliation and an increase in anxiety-related behavior, as well as a decrease in the density of 5-HT immunoreactive (ir) fibers in the amygdala and oxytocin-ir and vasopressin-ir cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, compared to saline treated controls. These data indicate that exposure to 5-HT during early development can induce abnormalities in various neurochemical systems which, in turn, may underlie deficits in social and anxiety-related behaviors. In addition, these data will help to establish the prairie vole model to study the neurobiological underpinnings of complex neuropsychiatric disorders such as ASDs.
Effects of Fuel Slosh on Flutter Prediction

The analysis of the sloshing effect of an internal fluid on a flutter envelope has received little attention, at least in the open literature. This problem can affect many aircraft, especially high performance fighter jets with wing-store configurations. This paper discusses the modeling aspect of this problem and presents some computational results that quantify the effects of fuel slosh on the flutter characteristics of a test wing-store configuration. The geometry of the studied configuration is that of the AGARD Wing 445.6 with a blunt-nosed under-wing store. Fuel slosh is accounted for using a hydroelastic added mass model. Alternatively, the trivial representation of an internal fluid by mass lumping is also considered. Flutter calculations are performed using both approaches for accounting for the presence of an internal fluid and a validated CFD-based linearized method for solving fluid-structure interaction problems. It is found that for the considered wing-store system, ignoring the sloshing effect of an internal fluid by representing it as a lumped mass system overestimates the added mass effect, underestimates the critical pressure and flutter speed, and therefore leads to conservative conclusions.