cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inferring Segment Strength Contrasts and Boundaries along Low-Friction Faults Using Surface Offset Data, with an Example from the Cholame-Carrizo Segment Boundary along the San Andreas Fault, Southern California

Rupture segmentation arises from changes in fault geometry and strength. We use boundary element models of frictionless strike-slip fault segments to quantify how fault geometry and strength change earthquake surface offset distributions. Using these relationships between fault geometry, strength, and surface offsets, we can infer fault strength from the surface offsets in cases where the fault geometry can be independently constrained. This article includes normalized plots of the surface offset distribution expected from rupture along low-friction fault segments with strength contrasts of 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, and 4 for a range of fault segment geometries. These plots may be used with offset data to constrain the strength of two coplanar, adjacent fault segments. This analysis is applied to the Cholame and Carrizo segments of the San Andreas Fault. The available surface offset data suggest that the offset increases where the fault deepens; in addition, the observed offset gradient at the segment boundary requires a 2/3–1/4 strength ratio of the Cholame to the Carrizo segment.
ENRICHING ESOL PEDAGOGY: READINGS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT, REFLECTION, AND INQUIRY

ENRICHING ESOL PEDAGOGY: READINGS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT, REFLECTION, AND INQUIRY. Vivian Zamel and Ruth Spack (Eds.) . Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2002. Pp. xxiv + 448. $37.50 paper. With Enriching ESOL pedagogy , Zamel and Spack add to their impressive record of contributions to the field. This eclectic collection includes 22 readings organized in five coherent units: “Questioning the Nature of Methods,” “Seeing in the Classroom,” “Theories into Practice: Promoting Language Acquisition,” “Theories into Practice: Keeping Language Meaningful,” and “Questioning Assumptions about Language Identity.” Unlike many collections for teacher-scholars, this one offers readings in a wide range of genres—research reports, theoretical explorations, ethnographies, personal essays, and multigenre pieces. With original publication dates spanning 1982 to 1999, the readings were selected from top journals and collections. Without exception, the readings are thoughtful, interesting, and insightful—what one would expect from such notable authors as Rose, Hudelson, Krashen, Widdowson, Zamel, Wells Lindfors, Ortiz, and Tan.
Dust removal characteristics of fabrics used in pulse-jet filters

Abstract Dust removal characteristics of three fabrics used in pulse-jet filters were investigated. All fabrics were polyester felt but had different surface characteristics; fabrics with an untreated surface, a singed surface, and a surface with a microporous PTFE laminate were used. Three dusts (fly ash, limestone, and granite dust) were tested on each fabric at each of three filtration velocities (50, 75 and 100 mm/s), so that a total of 27 different operating conditions were examined. Both fabric cleaning efficiency, defined as the fraction of deposited dust that is removed from the fabric by cleaning, and system cleaning efficiency, defined as the fraction of deposited dust that reaches the hopper during a cleaning cycle, were measured for each operating condition. Resultant data fell into three groups. Group 1, consisting of the PTFE-laminated fabric collecting all dusts, had the highest fabric and system cleaning efficiencies. Group 2, consisting of limestone and granite dust deposited on untreated and singed fabrics, had the poorest fabric cleaning efficiency but a system cleaning efficiency intermediate between the other groups. Group 3, consisting of fly ash deposited on untreated and singed fabrics, had fairly high fabric cleaning efficiency but the lowest system cleaning efficiency; much of the fly ash removed from these fabrics probably redeposited on the fabrics instead of falling to the hopper. Fabric cleaning efficiency was independent of the filtration velocities tested here and dependent on the dust deposit areal density.
Endocytic proteins drive vesicle growth via instability in high membrane tension environment.

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a key pathway for transporting cargo into cells via membrane vesicles; it plays an integral role in nutrient import, signal transduction, neurotransmission, and cellular entry of pathogens and drug-carrying nanoparticles. Because CME entails substantial local remodeling of the plasma membrane, the presence of membrane tension offers resistance to bending and hence, vesicle formation. Experiments show that in such high-tension conditions, actin dynamics is required to carry out CME successfully. In this study, we build on these pioneering experimental studies to provide fundamental mechanistic insights into the roles of two key endocytic proteins—namely, actin and BAR proteins—in driving vesicle formation in high membrane tension environment. Our study reveals an actin force-induced “snap-through instability” that triggers a rapid shape transition from a shallow invagination to a highly invaginated tubular structure. We show that the association of BAR proteins stabilizes vesicles and induces a milder instability. In addition, we present a rather counterintuitive role of BAR depolymerization in regulating the shape evolution of vesicles. We show that the dissociation of BAR proteins, supported by actin–BAR synergy, leads to considerable elongation and squeezing of vesicles. Going beyond the membrane geometry, we put forth a stress-based perspective for the onset of vesicle scission and predict the shapes and composition of detached vesicles. We present the snap-through transition and the high in-plane stress as possible explanations for the intriguing direct transformation of broad and shallow invaginations into detached vesicles in BAR mutant yeast cells.
Synthesis and properties of novel polyimide/nylon-6 triblock copolymers

Nylon-6-b-polyimide-b-nylon-6 copolymers were prepared by first synthesizing a series of imide oligomers end-capped with phenyl 4-aminobenzoate. The oligomers were then used to activate the anionic polymerization of molten ϵ-caprolactam. In the block copolymer syntheses, the phenyl ester groups reacted quickly with caprolactam anions at 120 °C to generate N-acyllactam moieties, which activated the anionic polymerization. In essence, nylon-6 chains grew from the oligomer chain ends. All of the block copolymers had higher moduli and tensile strengths than those of nylon-6. However, their elongations at break were much lower. The thermal stability, chemical resistance, moisture resistance, and impact strength were dramatically increased by the incorporation of only 5 wt % polyimide in the block copolymers. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 4247–4257, 2000
Analyzing Category Clustering in Free Recall Using an SPSS Program

This article describes an SPSS program that computes four common clustering measures used to analyze free recall of information from categorized lists. This program computes Cohen, Sakoda, and Bousfield's ratio of repetition (RR), Wallace and Underwood's modified ratio of repetition (MRR), Roenker, Thompson, and Brown's adjusted ratio of clustering (ARC), and Bousfield and Bousfield's deviation score (DS) for stimulus lists with an unlimited number of categories and items per category.
Using processor-cache affinity information in shared-memory multiprocessor scheduling

In a shared-memory multiprocessor system, it may be more efficient to schedule a task on one processor than on another if relevant data already reside in a particular processor's cache. The effects of this type of processor affinity are examined. It is observed that tasks continuously alternate between executing at a processor and releasing this processor due to I/O, synchronization, quantum expiration, or preemption. Queuing network models of different abstract scheduling policies are formulated, spanning the range from ignoring affinity to fixing tasks on processors. These models are solved via mean value analysis, where possible, and by simulation otherwise. An analytic cache model is developed and used in these scheduling models to include the effects of an initial burst of cache misses experienced by tasks when they return to a processor for execution. A mean-value technique is also developed and used in the scheduling models to include the effects of increased bus traffic due to these bursts of cache misses. Only a small amount of affinity information needs to be maintained for each task. The importance of having a policy that adapts its behavior to changes in system load is demonstrated. >
Experiences with thin-film filter development for the extreme ultraviolet explorer

The design, development, and optimization of the thin film filters used on the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) Satellite to define the EUV wavelength bandpasses of the individual instruments was a complicated task. The bandpasses had to be optimized for the astrophysical goals of the EUVE mission and constrained by the strong geocoronal EUV background emission. Materials with optical constants that met these requirements had to be found and tested. In many cases these materials were not compatible or were not strong enough to survive the intense vibrations of a rocket launch. Other effects, such as photoelectron 'halo' produced in the filters, were not discovered until flight qualification. The final set of flight filters included: lexan/boron, aluminum/carbon, titanium/antimony/aluminum, and tin/silicon monoxide. This paper discusses the lessons learned in the development of these filters, including the optimization process, material interactions and problems, calibration techniques, vibration susceptibility, thermal tests, and photoelectron emission. We feel the experiences gained over the last 10 years creating the filter sets for EUVE will be invaluable for future missions that use thin film filters.
Generic substitution of antiarrhythmic drugs

The substitution of generic alternatives for proprietary drugs is being advocated as generally safe’ as well as cost effective.* The federal and many state governments share this opinion and this has led to legislation encouraging or requiring that prescriptions be filled with generic brands whenever possible.3 This is largely responsible for the increase in generic prescribing, especially within the past 2 decades3 A report in a previous issue of the Journal4 should prompt a reexamination of the safety of generic substitution when a medication is prescribed for a potentially life-threatening condition. The case reported unequivocally documents the recurrence of ventricular tachycardia after generic procainamide was substituted for the proprietary formulation. The recurrence of ventricular tachycardia was proven to be caused by the marked decrease in bioequivalence of the generic product.4 Chemll equlvalemce, bioequhalence and therapeutic equivakmce: Generic products must be shown to be equivalent to proprietary or reference products in several ways. The reference product is usually the preparation marketed by the company that holds the original drug patent. First, the generic product must be chemically or pharmaceutically equivalent.5 Chemical equivalency occurs when drug products contain identical amounts of the same pharmacologically active ingredient. The drug products must also be similar formulations of the drug (i.e., either oral or parenteral products). In addition, the chemical purity as well as the percent allowable variability in the amount of the pharmacologically active component per tablet (or capsule) and lot must meet USP/NF guidelines. The generic product may differ from the reference product in such areas as preservatives, shape, binders, flavor, color and excipients. Second, generic products must be bioequivalent.5 Bioequivalent products must have similar bioavailability when administered in identical dosage regimens to the same individuals. Bioavailability or systemic availability refers to both the rate and extent of drug absorption.6 Bioavailability can be described as either absolute or relative. Absolute bioavailability is most often determined from a comparison of an oral formulation (usually a tablet or capsule) to a reference intravenous formulation. Relative bioavailability is determined when a new oral formulation is compared to the reference oral formulation. It is the latter study that is typically performed for generic oral products. In addition, bioequiva
Effect of vital signs on advanced life support interventions for prehospital patients

Objective. Routine vital signs assessment is considered a fundamental component of patient assessment. This study was undertaken to determine whether advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical services (EMS) providers depend on vital signs information in managing their patients.Methods. Emergency medical technician-paramedics (EMT-Ps) and EMT-Intermediates (EMT-Is) were presented with 20 randomized patient scenarios that did not included vital signs information. The participants were asked to identify all of the interventions they would perform for each hypothetical patient. At least six weeks later the same scenarios were presented in a new order, with vital signs information, and the participants again identified the interventions they would perform. The participants' estimations of the patients' blood pressures, as well as the frequencies with which 18 specific interventions were performed, were compared for the no-vital signs and the vital signs groups using chi-square or Fisher's exact test, with ...
On-line measurement of residence time distribution in a food extruder.

A technique was based on electrical conductivity of material in a die, and used a series circuit consisting of a 5 mm dia die, a 10 ohm resistor, and a 15V dc power supply. Material conductivity was altered with addition of an electrolyte tracer at the feed inlet. Change in current flow was measured as a proportional voltage response across the resistor. Using a twin-screw extruder, with L/D 32:1, the RTD of rice flour at 15% moisture was determined using sodium nitrate as tracer. Under steady state, the voltage across the resistor was measured. The on-line results correlated well with the established erythrosine dye method. The effects of screw configuration, feed flow rate, and screw speed were precisely determined by the on-line method.
Multiplex analysis of cytokines as biomarkers that differentiate benign and malignant thyroid diseases.

Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing, and its diagnosis can be challenging. Fine needle biopsy, the principal clinical tool to make a tissue diagnosis, leads to inconclusive diagnoses in up to 30% of the cases, leading to surgery. Advances in proteomics are improving abilities to diagnose malignant conditions using small samples of tissue or body fluids. We hypothesized that analysis of serum growth factors would uncover diagnostically informative differences between benign and malignant thyroid conditions. Using xMAP profiling, we evaluated concentrations of 19 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. We used sera from 23 patients with cancer (Malignant group), 24 patients with benign nodular thyroid disease (Benign group), and 23 healthy subjects (Normal group). In univariate analysis, five factors (epithelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, Interleukins-5 and -8, and regulated upon activation, normally T-expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES) distinguished subjects with thyroid disease from the Normal group. In multivariate analysis, the set {Interleukin-8, hepatocyte growth factor, monocyte-induced γ interferon, interleukin-12 p40} achieved noteworthy discrimination between Benign and Malignant groups (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.65–0.90)). Multiplex panels of serum biomarkers may be promising tools to diagnose cancer in patients presenting with evidence of nodular thyroid disease.
Reaction of water with alkaline-earth stabilized bismuth(III) oxide

Abstract The reaction of water with various compositions of calcium, strontium and barium-stabilized bismuth sesquioxide has been examined. X-ray diffraction, TGA, DTA and optical studies were used. The reaction of water with these oxides occurs at room temperature and forms a new, low-temperature, single-phase material. The speed of the reaction is particle-size dependent. The water-containing phase can be decomposed back to the rhombohedral-stabilized structure at temperatures between 400 and 700°C. It appears that the reaction is an intercalation-type process with pronounced exfoliation.
Computed Tomographic Colonography

This article provides basic information about computed tomographic colonography (CTC) and reviews the preparation, methods, and tools required for the procedure. The clinical uses for CTC (screening/diagnosis of colon cancer and colonic obstruction) are outlined, and its accuracy and validity are compared with other diagnostic methods. A summary of the benefits and risks of the test are presented and the current practicalities for implementation are addressed.
Total Syntheses of (+)-Longicamphor and (+)-Longiborneol

Abstract Recent total syntheses within the longifolane class of sesquiterpenes have included such elaborately bridged structures as longicyclene,1 longifolene,2,3 isolongifolene,4 and culmorin.5 A tricyclic member of this interesting group of naturally occurring compounds; namely, longicamphor (6) has previously been synthesized from natural (+)-longifolene via (+)-longiborneol (7).6 Longiborneol (Juniperol, macrocarpol) was isolated from Cupressus macrocarpa, the famous Monterey cypress.7,8 We wish to report herein stereoselective total syntheses of (+)-longicamphor (6) and (+)-longiborneol (7).
Asthma prevalence, management, and education in New York State elementary schools: a survey of school nurses.

A survey of school nurses was conducted in New York State elementary schools to assess asthma and asthma management in students. The survey contained questions about asthma morbidity, management and education, obstacles to management, and school indoor air quality. The reported prevalence of asthma among students was 8.5%. Of the students with asthma, 64% visited the health office, 26% were absent from school, 20% had physical limitations, and 7% needed urgent care. Only 28% had a written management plan at school, less than 25% of schools used asthma self-management programs, and obstacles to management included lack of time and funding. More than 25% rated school indoor air quality as “fair” or “poor.” Schools need to adopt key components of asthma management, and school nurses should be encouraged to work with others in the school setting to address indoor air quality problems that might be affecting health.
Assembly of a Tightly Interwound DNA Recombination Complex Poised for Deletion

In a recent issue of Molecular Cell, Mouw et al. (2008) report a crystal structure of a serine recombinase bound to a regulatory DNA site in an unexpected synaptic complex configuration, which forms the framework for a new model of the entire 12 subunit, 186 bp deletion complex.
The N-Number Ducci Game

The Ducci map has engaged the mathematics community for over a century and long-standing questions remain open regarding the map's dynamics. This article introduces the Ducci map acting on the vector spaces Z_{2}^{n} and R n . Open questions on the transient and cyclic behavior of the map are posed.
Radial forearm free flap donor site outcomes comparison by closure methods.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional and aesthetic outcomes of radial forearm free flap (RFFF) donor sites reconstructed with full-thickness skin graft (FTSG), split thickness skin graft (STSG) alone, and STSG overlying an acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional cohort study at a tertiary care hospital. RESULTS: Twenty-five head and neck cancer patients who underwent reconstruction with RFFF completed the evaluations (STSG = 10, FTSG = 8, STSG with AlloDerm = 7). Subjective evaluations of postoperative function by questionnaires showed no significant differences among the 3 groups (P = 0.93). In blinded evaluations by surgeons, the STSG group obtained the highest aesthetic outcome score (3.39 of 5.0), followed by FTSG (2.89) and STSG with AlloDerm (2.80). However, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.32). Objective measurements of postoperative function by certified occupational therapists were comparable among the 3 groups with the exception of a mildly decreased range of wrist flexion (P = 0.036) and ulnar deviation (P = 0.016) in the FTSG group. CONCLUSIONS: The 3 methods of reconstruction have comparable postoperative functional and aesthetic outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE: Each of the 3 methods of reconstruction has low morbidity and satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Investigating hemispheric specialization in a novel face–word stroop task

Abstract We examined hemispheric specialization in a lateralized Stroop facial identification task. A 2 (presentation side: left or right visual field [LVF or RVF]) × 2 (picture emotion: happy or angry) × 3 (emotion of distractor word: happy, angry, or blank) factorial design placed the right hemispheric specialization for emotional expression processing and the left hemispheric specialization for verbal processing in conflict. Faces (from Ekman & Friesen, 1976 ) and emotion words were briefly displayed, and participants responded with keypresses corresponding to the picture emotion. As predicted, greater Stroop interference in identification accuracy was found with incongruent displays of facial expression in the LVF and emotion words in the RVF, and females exhibited less Stroop interference. Reaction times were moderated by emotion and visual field.
Differential expression of α2–7, α9 and β2–4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit mRNA in the vestibular end-organs and Scarpa's ganglia of the rat

Abstract To further characterize the pattern of expression of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits in the peripheral vestibular system, we conducted RT-PCR of all known mammalian nAChR α and β subunits in mRNA extracted from adult rat vestibular primary afferent neurons (Scarpa's ganglia) and vestibular end-organs. Transcripts encoding the α2–7 and β2–4 nAChR subunits were found in the vestibular ganglia, while α3, α5–7, α9 and β2–4 nAChR subunits were expressed in the vestibular end-organs. These results support previous electrophysiological, immunocytochemical and molecular biological data, and also provide a more complete understanding of the role of nAChRs in the neurochemical transmission subserving the efferent–afferent interaction in the vestibular periphery.
Circadian rhythm of rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 reductase

Abstract The activity of cytochrome P-450 reductase was measured in liver microsomes prepared from adult male rats which had been surgically adrenalectomized, pinealectomized, pinealectomized-adrenalectomized, or sham adrenalectomized-pinealectomized and from intact controls. Rats of each class were killed at 1, 4, 6, 10 hours after the beginning of the light period and 1, 4, 6, 10 hours after the lights were turned off (dark period). The activity of cytochrome P-450 reductase shows a significant diurnal variation in the control group with minimum and maximum at 1 and 10 hours after dark, respectively. The rhythm was altered in the animals surgically treated and the average reductase activity was decreased.
A mathematical analysis of SELEX

Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is a procedure by which a mixture of nucleic acids that vary in sequence can be separated into pure components with the goal of isolating those with specific biochemical activities. The basic idea is to combine the mixture with a specific target molecule and then separate the target-NA complex from the resulting reaction. The target-NA complex is then separated by mechanical means (for example by filtration), the NA is then eluted from the complex, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the process repeated. After several rounds, one should be left with a pool of [NA] that consists mostly of the species in the original pool that best binds to the target. In Irvine et al. [Irvine, D., Tuerk, C., Gold, L., 1991. SELEXION, systematic evolution of nucleic acids by exponential enrichment with integrated optimization by non-linear analysis. J. Mol. Biol. 222, 739-761] a mathematical analysis of this process was given. In this paper we revisit Irvine et al. [Ibid]. By rewriting the equations for the SELEX process, we considerably reduce the labor of computing the round to round distribution of nucleic acid fractions. We also establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the SELEX process to converge to a pool consisting solely of the best binding nucleic acid to a fixed target in a manner that maximizes the percentage of bound target. The assumption is that there is a single nucleic acid binding site on the target that permits occupation by not more than one nucleic acid. We analyze the case for which there is no background loss (no support losses and no free [NA] left on the support). We then examine the case in which such there are such losses. The significance of the analysis is that it suggests an experimental approach for the SELEX process as defined in Irvine et al. [Ibid] to converge to a pool consisting of a single best binding nucleic acid without recourse to any a priori information about the nature of the binding constants or the distribution of the individual nucleic acid fragments.
Activity Responses of Two Species of Peromyscus (Rodentia, Muridae) to Varying Light Cycles

Activity of Peromyscus floridanus and P. gossypinus was studied through a sequence of light-dark regimes including 12-hr light, 12-hr dark; 18-hr light, 6-hr dark; continuous light; and 12-hr light, 12-hr dark. Two populations of each species and both wild caught (“field”) and first generation laboratory conceived and reared (“lab”) mice of each stock were tested. All mice were strongly nocturnal during the initial 12-hr and 18-hr photoperiods, although gossypinus was relatively more active during the light phase than floridanus. Both species tended to become aperiodic in constant light, but floridanus showed a greater tendency to adhere to the nocturnal cycle of the preceding 18-hr photoperiod. Although the two species were relatively more active in light during the second 12-hr photoperiod than during the first 12-hr light, 12-hr dark regime, floridanus reestablished a stronger nocturnal cycle than gossypinus. Lab groups exhibited essentially the same trends between species and populations as the field animals, thus indicating some genetic basis for the observed differences.
The reliability and validity of the tekdyne hand dynamometer: Part II

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Tekdyne hand dynamometer for measuring grip strength as compared with the Jamar dynamometer. Additionally, it was hypothesized that one to six weeks after carpal tunnel release (CTR) grip strength would appear to be greater when tested on a softer tool than when tested on the Jamar dynamometer. The Tekdyne, the standard Jamar instrument (SJ) and a Jamar dynamometer modified with foam padding (MJ) were compared in 48 subjects without upper-extremity abnormality and 30 subjects following open-palm CTR. The Tekdyne and the Jamar hand dynamometers were well correlated in the presence and in the absence of upper-extremity abnormality (r = 0.975 and r = 0.871, respectively). Tekdyne intrasession reliabilities in both the non-surgical group and the surgical group were high (ICC = 0.954, SEM = 0.290 psi and ICC = 0.958, SEM = 0.219 psi). The Tekdyne intersession reliability of the non-surgical group was high (ICC = 0.971, SEM = 0.22 psi). There was no statistically significant difference between the ratios of the non-operated grip strengths across the three measurement devices, suggesting that the softer device did not promote greater force production by the operated hand.
Plasmonic Lens Made of Multiple Concentric Metallic Rings under Radially Polarized Illumination

Optimal plasmonic focusing can be achieved through matching the rotational symmetry of the plasmonic lens to the polarization symmetry of a radially polarized illumination. In this letter, we report the experimental confirmation of the focusing properties and field enhancement effect of plasmonic lens made of multiple concentric annular rings using a collection mode near field scanning optical microscope. Surface plasmons excited at all azimuthal directions propagate toward the geometric center and constructively interfere at the focus to create a strongly enhanced evanescent optical “needle” field that is substantially polarized vertically to the plasmonic lens surface. The field enhancement factor can be improved through adding more rings while maintaining the plasmonic focal spot size. Strategy for optimizing the field enhancement factor is studied with both analytical and numerical methods.
Theoretical Analysis of Ammonia-Based Combined Power/Refrigeration Cycle at Low Refrigeration Temperatures

A new combined power/refrigeration cycle uses ammonia/water mixture as a working fluid to produce both power and refrigeration in the same cycle. The cycle may be designed for various combinations of power and refrigeration. In an earlier paper by the authors, the cycle was optimized for efficiency, with power as the main intended output. This study puts an emphasis on the refrigeration part of the total output especially at low refrigeration temperatures. The objective was to find out what kind of outputs could be obtained at very low temperatures for a possible application in the Mars mission. The thermal performance of this cycle at different refrigeration temperatures has been found. At each refrigeration temperature, the cycle is optimized for maximum second law efficiency using Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) algorithm. It is found that refrigeration temperatures as low as 205 K may be achieved using this cycle. Generally, both first and second law efficiencies decrease when refrigeration temperature drops. For a re-circulating type of solar thermal system with a source temperature of 360K, the first and second law efficiencies increase slightly as the refrigeration temperature goes down from 265K to 245K and then decrease with the refrigeration temperature, giving a maximum second law efficiency of 63.7% at 245K.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Cluster Analysis of the National Weight Control Registry to Identify Distinct Subgroups Maintaining Successful Weight Loss

The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) is the largest ongoing study of individuals successful at maintaining weight loss; the registry enrolls individuals maintaining a weight loss of at least 13.6 kg (30 lb) for a minimum of 1 year. The current report uses multivariate latent class cluster analysis to identify unique clusters of individuals within the NWCR that have distinct experiences, strategies, and attitudes with respect to weight loss and weight loss maintenance. The cluster analysis considers weight and health history, weight control behaviors and strategies, effort and satisfaction with maintaining weight, and psychological and demographic characteristics. The analysis includes 2,228 participants enrolled between 1998 and 2002. Cluster 1 (50.5%) represents a weight-stable, healthy, exercise conscious group who are very satisfied with their current weight. Cluster 2 (26.9%) has continuously struggled with weight since childhood; they rely on the greatest number of resources and strategies to lose and maintain weight, and report higher levels of stress and depression. Cluster 3 (12.7%) represents a group successful at weight reduction on the first attempt; they were least likely to be overweight as children, are maintaining the longest duration of weight loss, and report the least difficulty maintaining weight. Cluster 4 (9.9%) represents a group less likely to use exercise to control weight; they tend to be older, eat fewer meals, and report more health problems. Further exploration of the unique characteristics of these clusters could be useful for tailoring future weight loss and weight maintenance programs to the specific characteristics of an individual.
Marital status, gender, and perception of well-being.

Abstract Authors of several research studies in the United States have found a positive relationship between marital status and physical and psychological well-being, and gender differences in well-being among married and unmarried people are well documented. Several explanations have been suggested for the findings of gender differences in perception of well-being among married and unmarried individuals. The combined 10-year (1982-1991) “General Social Surveys” data of the National Opinion Research Center (1991) were used in this reexamination of the relationships of marital status and gender to perception of well-being. The results of analysis of variance are the basis for discussion of observed differences in perception of well-being as to gender, marital status, race, and financial status. The results indicate that marriage enhances perceptions of well-being for both men and women. Married women expressed more satisfaction than men did.
Analysis of Typical Fault-Tolerant Architectures using HARP

HARP (the Hybrid Automated Reliability Predictor) is a software package that implements advanced reliability modeling techniques. We present an overview of some of the problems that arise in modeling highly reliable fault-tolerant systems; the overview is loosely divided into model construction and model solution problems. We then describe the HARP approach to these difficulties, which is facilitated by a technique called behavioral decomposition. The bulk of this paper presents examples of the dependability evaluation of some typical fault-tolerant systems, including a local-area network, two well-known fault-tolerant computer systems (C.mmp and SIFT), and an example of a flight control system. HARP has been used to solve very large models. A system consisting of 20 components distributed among 7 stages produced a Markov chain with 24 533 states and over 335 000 transitions (without coverage). Depending on the system used to run this example, the run time took anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. HARP is undergoing beta testing at approximately 20 sites. It is written in standard FORTRAN 77, consists of nearly 30000 lines of code and comments, and has been tested under several operating systems. The graphics interface (written in C) runs on an IBM PC AT, and produces text files that can be used to solve the system on the PC (for very small systems), or can be uploaded to a larger machine. HARP is accompanied by an Introduction and Guide for Users. For information on obtaining a copy of HARP, contact one of the authors.
Phenotypic and genotypic diversity of Streptococcus sanguis in infants

Streptococcus sanguis comprises a heterogeneous group of oral streptococci indigenous to the oral cavity of humans. A total of 289 isolates from an infant population (n=37) were tentatively identified as S. sanguis on the basis of the distinctive colony morphology as shown on MM10-sucrose non-selective medium. These isolates were divided into four biovars of S. sanguis as determined by an extended panel of biochemical attributes. Chromosomal DNA was extracted from each isolate, and an AP-PCR fingerprint profile was obtained to allow study of the diversity within and among the infants. In this study, all four biovars of S. sanguis were detected in the infants. A wide genotypic diversity of S. sanguis was observed among these isolates; on average, each infant harbored 2.7 unique amplitypes as shown by the AP-PCR fingerprints. To explore the phylogenic relationship among these S. sanguis isolates, 20 strains representing the four biovars were selected at random for sequencing of their 16S rDNA and 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer chromosomal loci. Two major sequence patterns were identified within the 16S rDNA sequences. A phylogenic analysis showed that members from each of the four biovars of S. sanguis bore close relationship with the type-strain ATCC 10556 sequence, and that all of the isolates representing the four biovars could be clustered into two main phylotypes. The biovars were distributed throughout the phylotypes, indicating no correlation between the genetic and phenotypic groupings.
O-Guide and X-Guide: An Advanced Surface Wave Transmission Concept

This paper describes the O-guide and X-guide which are proposed by the authors and are the advanced surface waveguides composed of thin dielectric sheets. The results of an analysis of the TE fundamental mode in the O-guide are described, and the theoretical characteristics as a transmission line are discussed. The practical guides are suitable especially for the SHF region and guides can be obtained which have lower attenuation constants than coaxial lines, G-lines, and rectangular waveguides.
Mixed monomial bases

Given a system of n generic Laurent polynomials $$f_i (x) = \sum\limits_{q \in A_i } {c_{iq} x^q ;} \,\,\,\,\,q = (q{}_1,...,q_n );\,\,\,\,x^q = x_1^{q_1 } x_2^{q_2 } ...x_n^{q_n }$$ (1.1) with support sets A i ⊂ℤn, we consider the ring $$A{ : = }K\left[ {x_{1} ,x_1^{ - 1} ,...,x_{n,} x_n^{ - 1} } \right]/\left( {f_1 ,....f_n } \right),$$ where K is the field ℚ({c iq }). The K-dimension of A equals the number of toric roots {x ∈ (ℂ*) n : f i (x) = 0, 1 ≤ i ≤ n}. By Bernstein’s theorem [Ber], this number equals the mixed volume Mν(P 1 ,..., P n ) of the Newton polytopes P i := conv(A i ) . The objective of this note is to construct explicit K-bases for A, using the combinatorial technique of mixed subdivisions of the Minkowski sum P := P 1 + ... + P n .
MR T1ρ quantification of cartilage focal lesions in acutely injured knees: correlation with arthroscopic evaluation

Abstract Objective Quantitative T1ρ MRI has been suggested as a promising tool to detect changes in cartilage composition that are characteristic of cartilage damage and degeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the capability of MR T1ρ to detect cartilage lesions as evaluated by arthroscopy in acutely ACL-injured knees and to compare with the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) using clinical standard MRI. Method Ten healthy controls (mean age 35) with no ACL injury or history of osteoarthritis (OA) and 10 patients with acute ACL injuries (mean age 39) were scanned at 3 Tesla (3 T). ACL patients underwent ACL reconstruction, where focal lesions were graded according to an Outerbridge grading system during arthroscopic evaluation. Normalized MR T1ρ values (T1ρ z-scores normalized to control values in matched regions) in full thickness, and superficial and deep layers of cartilage were compared between defined sub-compartments with and without focal lesions. Intraclass (ICC) correlation and the root mean square coefficient of variation (RMS-CV) were performed to evaluate the inter-observer reproducibility of T1ρ quantification. Sub-compartments of cartilage were also evaluated using WORMS scoring and compared to their Outerbridge score respectively. Results The inter-observer ICC and the RMS-CV of the sub-compartment T1ρ quantification were 0.961 and 3.9%, respectively. The average T1ρ z-scores were significantly increased in sub-compartments with focal lesions compared to those without focal lesions and to the control cohort (p Conclusion Our results indicate that T1ρ provided a better diagnostic capability than clinical standard MRI grading in detecting focal cartilage abnormalities after acute injuries. Quantitative MRI may have great potential in detecting cartilage abnormalities and degeneration non-invasively, which are occult with standard morphological MRI.
Commutative Γ-rings do not model all commutative ring spectra

We show that the free E1-algebra on a zero-cell cannot be modeled by a commutative i-ring. The proof shows that DyerLashof operations of positive degree must vanish on the zero’th homology of such an object.
Use of esophageal or precordial stethoscopes by anesthesia providers: Are we listening to our patients?

Abstract Study Objective: To ascertain current anesthesia utilization of esophageal and precordial stethoscopes in U.S. anesthesia training programs. Design: Prospective, single-blind, incidence study. Setting: Operating rooms of three tertiary care hospitals with major academic anesthesiology departments. Subjects: Anesthesia faculty [MD and certified registered nurse-anesthetist (CRNA) staff] and anesthesia trainees (anesthesiology residents and student nurse-anesthetists). Interventions: Observe and record the placement (stethoscope device appropriately positioned) and utilization (stethoscope in place and connected to the ear piece of the anesthesia provider) of the esophageal or precordial stethoscope during general, regional, and monitored anesthesia care. Measurements and Main Results: During 520 anesthetics, an esophageal stethoscope was inserted in 68% of subjects, a precordial stethoscope was positioned in 16%, and an anesthetic stethoscope was absent in 16% of cases. Utilization (stethoscope connected to earpiece) ranged from a low of 11% of cases to a high of 45%, depending on the institution. Overall, providers were listening via an anesthetic stethoscope in only 28% of anesthetics. Conclusions: Our data suggest infrequent utilization of esophageal and precordial stethoscopes in anesthesia training institutions. Thus, current anesthesia training may be fostering an environment where providers overlook a valuable minimally invasive, and cost-effective continuous monitor of patients' dynamic vital organ function.
Detecting changes in a semi-structured business process through spectral graph analysis

Semi-structured business processes are emerging at a rapid pace in industries such as government, insurance, banking and healthcare. The workflows underlying these case-oriented processes are non-deterministic. They are mostly driven by human decision making and content status and they may change frequently depending on factors such as economic conditions, legislative policy changes and technological upgrades. This paper describes a method to detect changes in a running business process by conducting spectral graph analysis of sets of execution traces of the process. This method is beneficial because it does not require mining a process model of the business process, and is consequently independent of any assumptions about the nature of the business process. This makes it particularly applicable to case-oriented semi-structured business processes whose lifecycle is not fully driven by a formal process model. In this paper we present our algorithm for computing graph spectra from business process execution traces, and discuss some initial promising results, as well as exciting ideas generated by this research for future work.
Median filtering by threshold decomposition

Median filters are a special class of ranked order filters used for smoothing signals. Repeated application of the filter on a quantized signal of finite length ultimately results in a sequence, termed a root signal, which is invariant to further passes of the median filter. In this paper, it is shown that median filtering an arbitrary level signal to its root is equivalent to decomposing the signal into binary signals, filtering each binary signal to a root with a binary median filter, and then reversing the decomposition. This equivalence allows problems in the analysis and the implementation of median filters for arbitrary level signals to be reduced to the equivalent problems for binary signals. Since the effects of median filters on binary signals are well understood, this technique is a powerful new tool.
The endoplasmic reticulum is the site of cholesterol-induced cytotoxicity in macrophages

Excess cellular cholesterol induces apoptosis in macrophages, an event likely to promote progression of atherosclerosis. The cellular mechanism of cholesterol-induced apoptosis is unknown but had previously been thought to involve the plasma membrane. Here we report that the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the endoplasmic reticulum is activated in cholesterolloaded macrophages, resulting in expression of the cell death effector CHOP. Cholesterol loading depletes endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores, an event known to induce the UPR. Furthermore, endoplasmic reticulum calcium depletion, the UPR, caspase-3 activation and apoptosis are markedly inhibited by selective inhibition of cholesterol trafficking to the endoplasmic reticulum, and Chop −/− macrophages are protected from cholesterol-induced apoptosis. We propose that cholesterol trafficking to endoplasmic reticulum membranes, resulting in activation of the CHOP arm of the UPR, is the key signalling step in cholesterolinduced apoptosis in macrophages.
Selective AV nodal vagal stimulation improves hemodynamics during acute atrial fibrillation in dogs

Although the atrioventricular node (AVN) plays a vital role in blocking many of the atrial impulses from reaching the ventricles during atrial fibrillation (AF), a rapid irregular ventricular rate nevertheless persists. The goals of the present study were to explore the feasibility of novel epicardial selective vagal nerve stimulation for slowing of the ventricular rate during AF and to characterize the hemodynamic benefits in vivo. Electrophysiological-echocardiographic experiments were performed on 11 anesthetized open-chest dogs. Hemodynamic measurements were performed during three distinct periods: 1) sinus rate, 2) AF, and 3) AF with vagal nerve stimulation. AF was associated with significant deterioration of all measured parameters (P < 0.025). The vagal nerve stimulation produced slowing of the ventricular rate, significant reversal of the pressure and contractile indexes (P < 0.025), and a sharp reduction in one-half of the abortive ventricular contractions. The present study provides comprehensive evidence that slowing of the ventricular rate during AF by selective ganglionic stimulation of the vagal nerves that innervate the AVN successfully improved the hemodynamic responses.
Higher volume endovascular stroke centers have faster times to treatment, higher reperfusion rates and higher rates of good clinical outcomes

Background and purpose Technological advances have helped to improve the efficiency of treating patients with large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke. Unfortunately, the sequence of events prior to reperfusion may lead to significant treatment delays. This study sought to determine if high-volume (HV) centers were efficient at delivery of endovascular treatment approaches. Methods A retrospective review was performed of nine centers to assess a series of time points from obtaining a CT scan to the end of the endovascular procedure. Demographic, radiographic and angiographic variables were assessed by multivariate analysis to determine if HV centers were more efficient at delivery of care. Results A total of 442 consecutive patients of mean age 66±14 years and median NIH Stroke Scale score of 18 were studied. HV centers were more likely to treat patients after intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen activator and those transferred from outside hospitals. After adjusting for appropriate variables, HV centers had significantly lower times from CT acquisition to groin puncture (OR 0.991, 95% CI 0.989 to 0.997, p=0.001) and total procedure times (OR 0.991, 95% CI 0.986 to 0.996, p=0.001). Additionally, patients treated at HV centers were more likely to have a good clinical outcome (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.10, p Conclusions Significant delays occur in treating patients with endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke, offering opportunities for improvements in systems of care. Ongoing prospective clinical trials can help to assess if HV centers are achieving better clinical outcomes and higher reperfusion rates.