cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Redox Couples of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

We report direct electrochemistry of the iNOS heme domain in a DDAB film on the surface of a basal plane graphite electrode. Cyclic voltammetry reveals Fe^(III/II) and Fe^(II/I) couples at −191 and −1049 mV (vs Ag/AgCl). Imidazole and carbon monoxide in solution shift the Fe^(III/II) potential by +20 and +62 mV, while the addition of dioxygen results in large catalytic waves at the onset of Fe^(III) reduction. Voltammetry at higher scan rates (with pH variations) reveals that the Fe^(III/II) cathodic peak can be resolved into two components, which are attributable to Fe^(III/II) couples of five- and six-coordinate hemes. Digital simulation of our experimental data implicates water dissociation from the heme as a gating mechanism for ET in iNOS.
Progressive Post-Yield Behavior of Human Cortical Bone in Shear

Post-yield behavior is important for bone fragility since it accounts for the major part of energy dissipation of bone. Therefore, it is essential to study the post-yield behavior of bone to understand the different pathways for energy dissipation [1]. The post-yield behavior of bone may depend on the different loading modes. Previous studies have utilized a novel progressive loading scheme to study the post-yield behavior of cortical bone at tension [2] and compression [3]. However, few studies have reported post-yield behaviors of cortical bone in shear [4]. One of major challenges in shear tests of cortical bone is to achieve a uniform stress field over a test region. For example, the notches of the Iosipescu test may cause non-constant stress fields and locally high stresses when small amounts of bending are present [5]. The objective of this study was to develop the progressive loading scheme of shear in bone using an inclined double notch shear test, in which homogeneous shear stress fields were produced [5].Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Histone hyperacetylation. Its effects on nucleosome core particle transitions

Effects of histone hyperacetylation on transitions of HeLa cell nucleosome core particles were studied. The transitions examined were induced by low salt concentrations, pH, temperature, and nondissociating high salt. Effects of salt dissociation were also examined. The low-salt transition was found to shift to higher ionic strength by approximately three fold for hyperacetylated particles, a change which may be due simply to the increased overall negative charge on the particles caused by acetylation of lysine residues. Some differences were also seen in the way in which core particles refold after exposure to very low salt (which induces a nonreversible change in the particles). Otherwise no significant effects of hyperacetylation were observed.
Impact of Nursing Education on the Proportion of Appropriately Drawn Vancomycin Trough Concentrations

Background:Few studies have investigated the timing of vancomycin trough concentration collection in the inpatient setting. To date, there are no published studies on the impact of targeted nursing staff education on the appropriate timing of vancomycin trough concentration collection.Objective:To evaluate the impact of educational sessions on nursing staff knowledge regarding vancomycin and proper collection of troughs.Methods:The nursing staffs of 5 hospital units with a high volume of vancomycin usage were targeted for voluntary vancomycin educational sessions. Comprehension of the educational content was measured by a 5-question pre-/posteducation quiz. Vancomycin trough concentrations were evaluated during a 2-month period pre-/posteducation for appropriate timing of sample draw, defined as ≤45 minutes prior to the next scheduled vancomycin dose.Results:A total of 114 nurses participated in the education sessions. The mean pretest score was 3.91 and the mean posttest score was 4.89 (P < .001). Preedu...
Shape-Preserving Planar Interpolation: An Algorithm

If a computer and a draftsman are asked to draw a curve through identical planar data, the draftsman's curve frequently looks better. Must it be this way?
Detuned raman amplification of short laser pulses in plasma

The recently proposed scheme of so-called ``fast compression'' of laser pulses in plasma can increase peak laser intensities by ${10}^{5}$ [Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 4448 (1999)]. The compression mechanism is the transient stimulated Raman backscattering, which outruns the fastest filamentation instabilities of the pumped pulse even at highly overcritical powers. This Letter proposes a novel nonlinear filtering effect that suppresses premature backscattering of the pump in a noisy plasma layer, while the desired amplification of a sufficiently intense seed persists with a high efficiency. The effect is of basic interest and also makes it robust to noise the simplest technologically fast compression scheme.
The effects of breathing supplemental oxygen during altitude training on cycling performance.

To compare the training effects of doing high intensity intervals at 1840 m in a normoxic vs. hyperoxic environment, eight cyclists (NORM) performed intervals on ergometers 3d/wk while breathing normoxic gas (P 1 O 2 = 128 Torr), and seven subjects (HYPER) performed identical intervals at the same relative workload while breathing hyperoxic gas (P 1 O 2 = 156 Tord. HYPER subjects were able to train at a higher percentage of their altitude lactate inflection point than were NORM subjects (HYPER = 126±2%, NORM = 109±3% p
Pattern Separation in the Dentate Gyrus: A Role for the CA3 Backprojection

Many theories of hippocampal function assume that area CA3 of hippocampus is capable of performing rapid pattern storage, as well as pattern completion when a partial version of a familiar pattern is presented, and that the dentate gyrus (DG) is a preprocessor that performs pattern separation, facilitating storage and recall in CA3. The latter assumption derives partly from the anatomical and physiological properties of DG. However, the major output of DG is from a large number of DG granule cells to a smaller number of CA3 pyramidal cells, which potentially negates the pattern separation performed in the DG. Here, we consider a simple CA3 network model, and consider how it might interact with a previously developed computational model of the DG. The resulting "standard" DG-CA3 model performs pattern storage and completion well, given a small set of sparse, randomly derived patterns representing entorhinal input to the DG and CA3. However, under many circumstances, the pattern separation achieved in the DG is not as robust in CA3, resulting in a low storage capacity for CA3, compared to previous mathematical estimates of the storage capacity for an autoassociative network of this size. We also examine an often-overlooked aspect of hippocampal anatomy that might increase functionality in the combined DG-CA3 model. Specifically, axon collaterals of CA3 pyramidal cells project "back" to the DG ("backprojections"), exerting inhibitory effects on granule cells that could potentially ensure that different subpopulations of granule cells are recruited to respond to similar patterns. In the model, addition of such backprojections improves both pattern separation and storage capacity. We also show that the DG-CA3 model with backprojections provides a better fit to empirical data than a model without backprojections. Therefore, we hypothesize that CA3 backprojections might play an important role in hippocampal function.
A method to generate microcells from human lymphoblasts for use in microcell mediated chromosome transfer.

A method is described to generate microcells from human lymphobalsts for use in microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT). Micronuclei were induced in cells from a human lymphoblastic cell line by prolonged colcemid treatment, and were separated from these lymphoblasts by: (a) attaching the cells to Concanvalin A coated plastic slides designed for enucleation, and (b) centrifuging the slides in medium containing cytochalasin B. Microcells of less than 3 μm in diameter were fused with thymidine kinase negative mouse fibroblast (LMTK−). HAT medium (hypoxanthine, aminopterin and thymidine) was used to select microcell hybrids expressing thymidine kinase activity. Positive clones were isolated and Q-banded for chromosome analysis. Unlike previous methods this procedure permits microcells to be easily generated from lymphoid cells. This methodology of enucleation of microcells may be extended to a variety of other donor cell types which can be micronucleated but which do not adhere tightly to enucleation slides and do not exhibit extrusion subdivision. This feature makes our methodology particularly useful for constructing a library of hybrid clones containing one or a few human chromosomes.
Rare earth element distribution in some hydrothermal minerals: evidence for crystallographic control

Rare earth element (REE) abundances were measured by neutron activation analysis in anhydrite (CaSO4), barite (BaSO4), siderite (FeCO3) and galena (PbS). A simple crystal-chemical model qualitatively describes the relative affinities for REE substitution in anhydrite, barite, and siderite. When normalized to ‘crustal’ abundances (as an approximation to the hydrothermal fluid REE pattern), log REE abundance is a surprisingly linear function of (ionic radius of major cation—ionic radius of REE)2 for the three hydrothermal minerals, individually and collectively. An important exception, however, is Eu, which is anomalously enriched in barite and depleted in siderite relative to REE of neighboring atomic number and trivalent ionic radius. In principle, REE analyses of suitable pairs of co-existing hydrothermal minerals, combined with appropriate experimental data, could yield both the REE content and the temperature of the parental hydrothermal fluid. The REE have only very weak chalcophilic tendencies, and this is reflected by the very low abundances in galena—La, 0.6 ppb; Sm, 0.06 ppb; the remainder are below detection limits.
LOWER REPRODUCTIVE TRACT FISTULA REPAIRS IN INPATIENT US WOMEN, 1979-2006

The objective of the study was to characterize trends in lower reproductive tract fistula (LRTF) repair in inpatient US women from 1979 to 2006. Retrospective data was obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Survey regarding LRTF diagnoses, demographics, comorbidities, and fistula repair procedures, using ICD-9-CM diagnostic and procedure codes. Age-adjusted rates (AARs) were calculated using 1990 census data. Trends in LRTF surgical repair were evaluated using regression analysis. Between 1979 and 2006, the AAR of LRTF repair declined from 7.8 to 4.8 per 100,000 women (b = −2.97, p < 0.001). The most common surgical fistula repairs were rectovaginal, vesicovaginal, and colovaginal. The AARs of colovaginal and vesicovaginal fistula repair remained stable, while the AAR of rectovaginal fistula repair declined. The AAR of inpatient LRTF repair declined between 1979 and 2006, perhaps reflecting a concurrent decrease in obstetric trauma, in the context of decreasing episiotomy and operative vaginal delivery and increasing cesarean section rates.
An empirical estimate of the heliospheric termination shock location with time with application to the intensity increases of MeV protons seen at Voyager 1 in 2002-2005

[1] In search of an explanation for the continuing high intensities of ∼1 MeV particles observed at the V1 spacecraft over an extended time period from 2002 to 2005 as this spacecraft was moving outward in the heliosphere from ∼85 to ∼95 AU, we will explore the possibility that V1 did first have a near encounter with the heliospheric termination shock (HTS) at about 2002.6 (assumed to be 1.0 AU inside the shock) and has been moving outward in close correspondence with this shock for the ensuing 2.5 years. We use data from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology plasma experiment on the V2 Web site to calculate the solar wind ram pressure and then use this pressure to calculate the location of the HTS based on pressure balance with the interstellar plasma and fields. We quantify these pressure changes in terms of short term 26-day variations plus longer-term 6–12 month variations. We then use earlier estimates of the response of the HTS to both the long-term and short-term pressure variations. From this we construct a time history of the nominal HTS distance near the solar apex. This distance is found to vary from ∼85 to ∼100 AU between 1978 and 2005 when we normalize this distance to the location of V1 of 85.5 + 1.0 AU at 2002.6 (e.g., V1 is just 1 AU inside the shock at this time). Specifically, the HTS distance is found to move outward from ∼85 to ∼95 AU between 2002 and 2005 at an average speed just slightly larger than the V1 spacecraft. Thus if V1 did come close to the shock at 2002.6, it will have moved outward in close proximity to it in the ensuing time period. Short-term variations in this shock distance of ±2–3 AU, occurring when pressure waves observed at V2 later encounter the HTS, mean that it is possible that V1 could have had several close encounters with this shock during this time period. After ∼2005.0, V1 should have, for the first extended period of time, moved beyond the HTS and be moving further away from it.
A preliminary report on the capacity for chlorophenol production by microorganisms present in tick tissues

Abstract Analysis of the bacterium Pantoea (=Enterobacter) agglomerans Ewing and Fife, and the fungus, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (Sacc.) Bainier, recovered from the internal contents of adult females of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), showed the presence of 2,6-dichlorophenol and/or 2,4-dichlorophenol by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. These chlorophenols are similar or identical to common tick attractants, suggesting a linkage between pheromone production and involvement of tick-associated bacteria and fungi.
A Bayesian Approach to Aircraft Encounter Modeling

Aircraft encounter models can be used in a variety of analyses, including collision avoidance system safety assessment, sensor design trade studies, and visual acquisition analysis. This paper presents an approach to airspace encounter model construction based on Markov models estimated from radar data. We use Bayesian networks to represent the distribution over initial states and dynamic Bayesian networks to represent transition probabilities. We apply Bayesian statistical techniques to identify the relationships between the variables in the model to best leverage a large volume of raw aircraft track data obtained from more than 130 radars across the United States.
C-Testability of Two-Dimensional Iterative Arrays

The issue of testing two-dimensional iterative arrays with a constant number of test vectors independent of the array size (C-testability) is discussed in this paper. Sufficient conditions for C-testability are stated. It is shown that any two-dimensional array can be modified to become C-testable. An extension to systolic (synchronous) arrays is made. The approach simplifies testing systolic arrays by using one test vector to test many cells of the array in a periodic fashion. A two-dimensional array for matrix multiplication is used to illustrate the approach for systolic arrays.
Density-dependent and adaptive regulation of glucose transport in primary cell cultures of the R3230AC rat mammary adenocarcinoma

Transport of 3-O-methyl-(1-3H)-D-glucose (3-OMG) was studied in primary cell cultures of the R3230AC rat mammary adenocarcinoma. Fastest rates of carrier-mediated 3-OMG transport (vc) were temporally associated with fastest cell growth, as were the rates of 3H-labeled thymidine, uridine, and leucine incorporation into macromolecules. The decrease in vc for 3-OMG observed as cultured cells approached quiescence was due to a 4-fold decrease in Vmax with the Km remaining relatively constant (4–9mM). Provided adequate time was allowed for cells to adapt, (6–12hr), the vc for 3-OMG transport was found to be inversely related to the concentration of glucose in the medium. Within 6 hours after switching cells from standard growth medium (5mM glucose) to medium containing no glucose (5 mM fructose), a 2-fold increase in vc for 3-OMG transport was observed in both fast and slow growing cells. The glucose-starvation induced increase in 3-OMG transport was due to an increase in Vmax; the Km remained constant, and was not significantly influenced by the presence of serum (10%) or insulin (5 mg/ml) or by [5 mM] galactose, mannose, fructose, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 3-OMG, or mannitol. Readdition of glucose (5 mM) to transport-activated cells (deprived of glucose for 9–11 hr) resulted in a rapid return of 3-OMG transport to basal levels. In the presence of cycloheximide (10 mg/ml) or actinomycin D (10 mg/ml), this glucose-induced decline in carrier function was largely blocked. In fast-growing cells, the addition of either of these inhibitors, in the presence or absence of glucose, resulted in an initial rise in the rates of 3-OMG transport, followed by a linear decrease. Compared to fast-growing cells, the cycloheximide-induced increase in 3-OMG transport was greater and longer sustained in slow-growing cells. Regardless of their growth rate, cell cultures preincubated in medium containing glucose and cycloheximide exhibited decreases in 3-OMG transport when transferred to medium containing fructose, with or without actinomycin D. Slow-growing cells preincubated in medium containing fructose and cycloheximide exhibited an increase in 3-OMG transport when switched to medium containing fructose, whereas similarly treated fast growing cell cultures displayed a slight decrease. These experiments suggest that the adaptive regulation of glucose transport in these mammary tumor cell cultures occurred at the transcriptional level and was influenced by the rates of cellular growth. A model in which a metabolite of glucose acts to enhance the synthesis or stabilization of a mRNA species specific for a putative carrier inactivator protein is proposed.
Effect of Brown Stem Rot on Water Relations of Soybean

To investigate the effects of brown stem rot, a vascular disease of soybean (Glycine max) induced by Phialophora gregata, on the water relations of diseased plants, stems of greenhouse-grown plants of susceptible (Pride B216) and resistant (BSR 201) cultivars were injected with the pathogen at vegetative growth stage VI. Plants of both cultivars developed internal stem browning, but those of Pride B216 developed more severe symptoms of water stress (reduced leaf water potential and stem conductance). Inoculated plants of both cultivars also had reduced stem conductance and increased stomatal conductance and transpiration. Disease-related water stress can be attributed to the combined effects of reduced stem conductance and increased water loss resulting from increased stomatal conductance.
Cellular phone use while driving: A methodological checklist for investigating dual-task costs

Particular attention has been paid to the cognitive demands of driving a motor vehicle while simultaneously conversing on a cellular phone. This phenomenon has been investigated using three broad methods: correlational methods, simulator methods, and cognitive task methods. Strengths and weaknesses of each of these methods are reviewed, and patterns of findings from each method are discussed. As a result, a methodological checklist has been created to design consistent, optimal studies to investigate dual-task effect such as those present while concurrently driving and conversing on a cellular phone.
Improvement in reliability of coverage using 2-hop relaying in cellular networks

It has been shown that gaps exist in the useful coverage service area of a cell and the reliability of coverage drops due to buildings as well as interference in CDMA cells. We have used the generalized poisson process to model the areas where signal level fall below threshold and formulated the mathematical definition of useful service area in the presence of relays. We used approaches "with replacement" and "without replacement" of idle mobiles to serve as relays or intermediaries. We also use a constraint to make sure that the intermediary doesn't fall in a below threshold area. Monte Carlo simulations show that 2-hop relaying can increase the useful service coverage area by 4-14% in sparse and heavy building density areas.
Experience use history as a segmentation tool to examine golf travellers' satisfaction, perceived value and repurchase intentions.

It is becoming increasingly important for destination managers to identify the variables which attract and retain their current and potential clientele. The segmentation of golf travellers into hom...
Electronic health records and adverse drug events after patient transfer

Background Our objective was to examine the frequencies of medication error and adverse drug events (ADEs) at the time of patient transfer in a system with an electronic health record (EHR) as compared with a system without an EHR. It was hypothesised that the frequencies of these events would be lower in the EHR system because of better information exchange across sites of care. Methods 469 patients transferred between seven nursing homes and three hospitals in New York and Connecticut between 1999 and 2005 were followed retrospectively. Two groups of patients were compared: US Veterans Affairs (VA) patients, with an EHR, and non-VA patients, without an EHR, on the following measures: (1) medication prescribing discrepancies at nursing home/hospital transfer, (2) high-risk medication discrepancies and (3) ADEs caused by medication discrepancies according to structured medical record review by pairs of physician and pharmacist raters. Results The overall incidence of ADE caused by medication discrepancies was 0.20 per hospitalisation episode. After controlling for demographic and clinical covariates, there were no significant differences between VA and non-VA groups in medication discrepancies (mean difference 0.02; 95% CI −0.81 to 0.85), high-risk medication discrepancies (−0.18; 95%CI −0.22 to 0.58) or occurrence of an ADE caused by a medication discrepancy (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.18 to 5.01). Conclusions There was no difference, with and without an EHR, in the occurrence of medication discrepancies or ADEs caused by medication discrepancies at the time of transfer between sites of care. Reducing such problems may require specialised computer tools to facilitate medication review.
Track monitoring when tracking with multiple 2D passive sensors

A fast method of track monitoring is presented which determines what tracks are good and what tracks have had data association problems and should be eliminated. The philosophy of tracking in a dense target environment with limited central processing unit (CPU) time is to acquire the targets, track them with as simple a filter as will meet requirements, and monitor the tracks to determine if they are still tracking a target or are tracking incorrect returns and should be terminated. After termination the true targets are reacquired. However, it is difficult to determine from simple track monitoring the correct interpretation of a poor track. Poor tracks can be a result of a sensor failure, target maneuver, or incorrect data association. The author describes track monitoring and provides a solution to this dilemma when tracking with multiple two-dimensional passive sensors. The method is much faster than other monitoring methods. >
Thermal noise in double-injection space-charge-limited solid-state diodes

It is shown that at frequencies ??1/?, where ? is the lifetime of the carriers, the noise in double-injection space-charge- limited solid-state diodes corresponds approximately to thermal noise of the h.f. conductance g=I?/ V?.
Recent upgrade of the klystron modulator at SLAC

The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory employs 244 klystron modulators on its two-mile-long linear accelerator that has been operational since the early days of the SLAC establishment in the sixties [1]. Each of these original modulators was designed to provide 250 kV, 262 A and 3.5 µS at up to 360 pps using an inductance-capacitance resonant charging system, a modified type-E pulse-forming network (PFN), and a pulse transformer. The modulator internal control comprised of large step-start resistor-contactors, vacuum-tube amplifiers, and 120 Vac relays for logical signals. A major, power-component-only upgrade, which began in 1983 to accommodate the required beam energy of the SLAC Linear Collider (SLC) project, raised the modulator peak output capacity to 360 kV, 420 A and 5.0 µS at a reduced pulse repetition rate of 120 pps [2]. In an effort to improve safety, performance, reliability and maintainability of the modulator, this recent upgrade focuses on the remaining three-phase AC power input and modulator controls. The upgrade includes the utilization of primary SCR phase control rectifiers, integrated fault protection and voltage regulation circuitries, and programmable logic controllers (PLC) - with an emphasis on component physical layouts for safety and maintainability concerns. In this paper, we will describe the design and implementation of each upgraded component in the modulator control system. We will also report the testing and present status of the modified modulators.
Which comes first? psychogenic dizziness versus otogenic anxiety

Abstract OBJECTIVE To investigate the hypotheses that physical neurotologic conditions may trigger anxiety disorders (otogenic pattern of illness), that psychiatric disorders may produce dizziness (psychogenic pattern), and that risk factors for these syndromes may be identified. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of all patients (N = 132) treated at a tertiary care balance center from 1998 to 2002 for psychogenic dizziness with or without physical neurotologic illnesses. METHODS All patients underwent comprehensive neurotologic and psychiatric evaluations with attention to the longitudinal course of symptoms and risk factors for psychopathology. Patients were grouped according to the condition first causing dizziness. Risk factors were compared across groups. RESULTS Three equally prevalent patterns of illness were found: anxiety disorders as the sole cause of dizziness (33% of cases), neurotologic conditions exacerbating preexisting psychiatric disorders (34%), and neurotologic conditions triggering new anxiety or depressive disorders (33%). Panic disorder and agoraphobia were significantly more prevalent than less severe phobias in the first two groups, whereas the opposite pattern existed in the third group (P <.0001). More patients in the first two groups had risk factors for anxiety disorders (P <.05). Depression was not a primary cause of dizziness in any patient. Vestibular neuronitis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and migraine were the most common neurotologic conditions. CONCLUSIONS These data support the hypothesis that physical neurotologic conditions may trigger psychopathology as often as primary anxiety disorders cause dizziness. A third pattern appears to be equally common wherein physical neurotologic conditions exacerbate preexisting psychiatric illnesses. Individuals at risk for anxiety disorders may be more likely to have primary psychopathology.
Use of the fetal fibronectin test in decisions to admit to hospital for preterm labor.

Early delivery attributable to preterm labor remains a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Obstetricians often face the challenge of deciding whether to admit a woman to the hospital when she presents with possible preterm labor. In recent years, there has been much emphasis on developing laboratory tests that can help clinicians predict the likelihood of “true” preterm labor. The fetal fibronectin (fFN) assay has attracted interest because of its reported high negative predictive value for preterm labor. We implemented the Rapid Fetal Fibronectin lateral immunodiffusion assay on the TLiIQTM System (Adeza Biomedical) in the Brigham and Women’s Hospital clinical laboratory in October 2001. To determine how the test results would influence clinical decision-making in our hospital, we created a survey to be completed by clinicians at the time of test requisition. In this report, we compare the survey results, which reflect the pretest intention of the ordering clinicians, to the clinical course of tested patients. fFN, a uniquely glycosylated form of the abundant plasma protein fibronectin, is found in the placenta and amniotic fluid, primarily at the uteroplacental junction, and is released into the upper vagina near the onset of labor (1). Although the presence of fFN in vaginal fluids does not necessarily indicate the onset of labor (positive predictive value, 15–25%), its absence rules out labor within 7 days with a very high negative predictive value (97–99.5%) (1)(2)(3). Therefore, a negative result indicates a low likelihood of delivery, but a positive test should not be interpreted as an indication of labor or a reason for admission. From January to June 2002, all physicians requesting a fFN test at Brigham and Women’s Hospital were asked to complete a brief survey with the test requisition. On this survey, the physician was asked to …
Thermal-aware task scheduling for data centers through minimizing heat recirculation

The thermal environment of data centers plays a significant role in affecting the energy efficiency and the reliability of data center operation. A dominant problem associated with cooling data centers is the recirculation of hot air from the equipment outlets to their inlets, causing the appearance of hot spots and an uneven inlet temperature distribution. Heat is generated due to the execution of tasks, and it varies according to the power profile of a task. We are looking into the prospect of assigning the incoming tasks around the data center in such a way so as to make the inlet temperatures as even as possible; this will allow for considerable cooling power savings. Based on our previous research work on characterizing the heat recirculation in terms of cross-interference coefficients, we propose a task scheduling algorithm for homogeneous data centers, called XInt, that minimizes the inlet temperatures, and leads to minimal heat recirculation and minimal cooling energy cost for data center operation. We verify, through both theoretical formalization and simulation, that minimizing heat recirculation will result in the best cooling energy efficiency. XInt leads to an inlet temperature distribution that is 2degC to 5degC lower than other approaches, and achieves about 20%-30% energy savings at moderate data center utilization rates. XInt also consistently achieves the best energy efficiency compared to another recirculation minimized algorithm, MinHR.
Steel Cord Skim Compounds: The Achievement and Maintenance of Maximum Adhesion

Abstract The adhesion of rubber to brassed steel cord has been assessed by a static pull out test which avoids many of the problems associated with current H tests. The test is simple in operation and with a uniform stress distribution gives results which are independent of modulus, with a high degree of reproducibility. The effect of a range of compounding variables on adhesion has been examined. Curing systems and polymer type were identified as having the greatest influence. High unaged adhesion was achieved with a curing system based on 2-(Morpholinothio)benzothiazole in 100 NR or NR/BR blends.Factory processing can reduce adhesion in the final vulcanizate and the addition of N-cyclohexylthiophthalimide will prevent this. Overcure and oxidative aging also reduce adhesion. Systems based on low sulfur levels with 2(Morpholinothio)benzothiazole and N,N-dithiodimorpholine confer high resistance in NR and NR/BR blends. The antidegradant combination of N(l,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine and p...
Comparison of structure‐based and threading‐based approaches to protein functional annotation

To exploit the vast amount of sequence information provided by the Genomic revolution, the biological function of these sequences must be identified. As a practical matter, this is often accomplished by functional inference. Purely sequence-based approaches, particularly in the “twilight zone” of low sequence similarity levels, are complicated by many factors. For proteins, structure-based techniques aim to overcome these problems; however, most require high-quality crystal structures and suffer from complex and equivocal relations between protein fold and function. In this study, in extensive benchmarking, we consider a number of aspects of structure-based functional annotation: binding pocket detection, molecular function assignment and ligand-based virtual screening. We demonstrate that protein threading driven by a strong sequence profile component greatly improves the quality of purely structure-based functional annotation in the “twilight zone”. By detecting evolutionarily related proteins, it considerably reduces the high false positive rate of function inference derived on the basis of global structure similarity alone. Combined evolution/structure-based function assignment emerges as a powerful technique that can make a significant contribution to comprehensive proteome annotation.
The Impact of Zonal Propagation and Seeding on the Eddy–Mean Flow Equilibrium of a Zonally Varying Two-Layer Model

This paper investigates the role of zonal propagation for the equilibration of zonally varying flow. It is hypothesized that there exist two ideal limits, for very small or very large group speed. In the first limit the eddies equilibrate locally with the forcing, while in the second limit the equilibration can only be understood in a global sense. To understand these two limits and to assess which is more relevant for the extratropical troposphere, a series of idealized experiments that involves changing the magnitude of the uniform zonal wind is performed. The results of the idealized model experiments suggest that the actual troposphere is likely to be in a transition regime between the two limits, but perhaps closer to the global than the local limit. Near the global limit, both the eddy amplitude and local baroclinicity over the baroclinic zone are strongly affected by the amount of upstream seeding. When the propagation speed is reduced relative to the control run, the zonal mean eddy activity decreases because the residence time increases more over the stable part of the channel than along the baroclinic zone. With the decrease in upstream seeding, the local supercriticality along the baroclinic zone increases, although the increase is moderate. The decrease in seeding and increase in baroclinicity partially offset the effects of each other, leading to only small changes in the maximum eddy amplitude downstream of the baroclinic zone. Changes in upstream seeding can also be achieved by enhanced damping. When the eddies are locally damped, the baroclinicity is also enhanced downstream of the damping region due to reduced eddy fluxes. For typical parameters, the recovery of the eddy amplitude occurs over very long distances. Based on these idealized results, it is argued that the coexistence of enhanced baroclinicity and weaker eddy amplitude over the Pacific storm track, as compared to the Atlantic storm track, is consistent with the effects of strong eddy damping over Asia.
Don’t call it a comeback: a full return to hip-hop subculture in Chicago

Long before Nas proclaimed the death of hip-hop, cultural theorists sounded the death knell for subculture. Qualitative data acquired through fieldwork taken from Chicago’s hip-hop underground scene is used as evidence in the contention made here that the death of hip-hop specifically and subculture more generally is greatly overstated. The first position presented here is that subculture does in fact exist and still has value as a sociological measure. Bennett (1999) argues that subculture is not an objective sociological measure because memberships are fluid and temporary. A primary contention put forth in this article is that membership in subcultures, like hip-hop, are not nearly as fluid as Bennett, Redhead and others would suggest. While Bennett says that subculture mainly consists of “temporal gatherings”, my fieldwork revealed a community of people who were not just temporarily defined by the music but had made it a full-fledge part of their adult identity. Moreover, my respondents show that membe...
Module Design and Functionally Non-Isomorphic Configurations of the Hex-DMR II System

Modular robots have sustained the interest of the robotics community over the past several years. In particular, many modular robotic systems are reconfigurable, robust against faults, and low-cost due to mass production of a small number of homogeneous modules. Faults in these systems are normally tolerated through redundancy or corrected by discarding damaged modules which reduces the operational capabilities of the robot. To overcome these difficulties, we developed and discussed the general design constraints of a heterogeneous modular robotic system (Hex-DMR II) capable of autonomous team repair and diagnosis. In this paper, we discuss the design of each module, in detail, and present a new, novel elevator module. Then, we introduce a forest-like structure that enumerates every non-isomorphic, functional agent configuration of our system. Finally, we present a case study contrasting the kinematics and power consumption of two particular configurations during a mapping task.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Ungual Formulations: Topical Treatment of Nail Diseases

The human nail can be afflicted by several disease states. Approximately 50% of all problems result from fungal infections, and brittle nail syndrome affects approximately 20% of the population. For the topical treatment of nail diseases, however, it is a prime requirement that the active ingredient is capable of penetrating into and diffusing though the nail plate. Experimental techniques for investigation of the penetration and distribution of chemicals into and through the nail plate have demonstrated that it is possible to deliver drugs to the nail following topical application. This research has led the development of newer more effective topical products and regimens for treatment of onychomycoses and other nail diseases. In this chapter, nail structure and chemical composition will be discussed together with an overview of the permeation of molecules through the nail plate, and this will be followed by a review of selected clinical studies designed to determine the efficacy of topical treatment for nail diseases.
The Unimportance of Suppression

Lateral inhibition is a neural process which enhances the representation of contrasts. In the visual system, for example, the response levels of different receptors on the retina represent light intensity as a function of spatial location (visual contrast). Lateral inhibition serves to magnify differences in the response levels of cells encoding information about locations where light intensity changes (i.e., where there are edges). Since the encoding of contrasts seems to be common to all sensory modalities, von Bekesy (1967) argued that a process to enhance contrasts could, should, and does operate in all sensory systems.
Key Terms and Constructs in Adopting a Vygotskian Perspective

In this chapter I review key terms in Vygotskian scholarship and their conceptual basis in literacy research. The position I am outlining is based on the assumption that a person's frameworks for thinking are developed through problem-solving action carried out in specific settings whose social structures have been developed through historical, culturally-grounded actions. This perspective focuses attention on the predominant value systems and social practices that characterize the settings in which the learning of literacy practices unfolds.
Clinical and Echocardiographic Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery in Obese Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Background— Obesity is a risk factor for development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and can complicate LVSD management, especially for individuals in whom cardiac transplantation is indicated. Bariatric surgery is increasingly recognized as a safe and effective intervention to achieve marked weight loss, but experience is limited in the LVSD population. Methods and Results— We retrospectively reviewed patients with obesity and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 10%, whereas only 6 improved by >10% among nonsurgical controls. Conclusions— At experienced centers, bariatric surgery may be a safe and effective intervention for obese patients with LVSD. Bariatric surgery was associated with an improvement in LVEF, although the magnitude of change was on the cusp of clinical significance.
Some Themes and Archetypes in Babel'‘s Red Cavalry

It is an established fact that the so-called "Southern" (mainly Odessabased) school of writers enriched Soviet literature of the 1920s with a number of "European" dimensions neglected by the then dominant Russian realist tradition, such as (to name but a few) intertextuality, a focus on language and style, and a sharpened sensitivity to plot and composition. It can be said that in Babel' criticism some of these aspects are just beginning to receive the full measure of attention that they merit. However, the rich fabric of Russian and western cultural subtexts in Babel''s prose and its intricate relationships with various literary and mythological prototypes remain largely unexplored. Among recent studies that begin to fill this gap, the forthcoming monograph in Russian by Yampolsky and Zholkovsky deserves special mention as one of the most comprehensive to date.
On the Development of Spacecraft Operating Modes for a Deep Space CubeSat

In contrast to technology demonstration missions, very small spacecraft (also known as CubeSats) conducting a science experiment often require multiple carefully designed operating modes. These modes are typically driven by power and communications budgets, and by the specific requirements of the science payload itself. The design constraints levied on these operating modes become more stringent for CubeSats operating beyond low Earth orbit, as all of the attendant subsystem budgets become stretched even further. This paper will discuss the design of the operating modes for the BioSentinel spacecraft, a six cube CubeSat that will be deployed into an Earth-leading, heliocentric orbit after tip-off from the Space Launch System. The nature of the science payload, combined with the challenging subsystem constraints that are typical of CubeSats, necessitates the design of multiple distinct spacecraft operating modes to ensure mission success.
The Effect of Chemotherapy for Tuberculosis on Immunity to Tuberculosis

Rats immunized with bacillus Calmette-Gudrin (BCG) were either treated with rifampicin plus isoniazid or received no treatment. Thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) obtained from these animals were tested for their ability to provide protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain R1Rv in syngeneic recipients. After six months of treatment there was no difference between the two groups of donors with respect to protection conferred by their TDL. The rats receiving chemotherapy maintained their immunity despite the reduction of viable BCG to undetectably low levels in the tissues. It was concluded that effective chemotherapy for tuberculosis does not abrogate established immunity to the tubercle bacillus.
Effect of Gradually Increased Concentrations of Sulfathiazole on the Gonococcus in vitro.

SummaryTen strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae developed little, if any, tolerance for sulfathiazole when grown for approximately 3 months in a blood broth containing concentrations of the drug varying from 0.0005% to 0.005%.
‘An introduction to using theory in social work practice’ and ‘Skills for using theory in social work’

According to Forte (2014), ‘the ideal social worker is too rarely considered a theorizing practitioner, a professional who incorporates the role of theorist into his or her set of professional role...
Setting Evidence-Based Language Goals.

The purpose of this project was to identify target language benchmarks for the German program at Michigan State University (MSU) based on national and international guidelines and previous research, to assess language skills across course levels and class sections in the entire German program, and to adjust the language benchmarks as needed based on the study results and make recommendations for the curriculum. The goal of the study was to identify cost- and time-effective valid and reliable assessment tools for program-wide language assessment. During the 2012 spring semester, all students enrolled in a German class at MSU (N = 320) participated in this study. At the beginning of the semester, students completed two different language tests both advertised as being aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The research was guided by the following two research questions: (1) What are the mean and median language levels of students enrolled in German classes at MSU as determined by (a) a language learning software test, and (b) a language test adapted from Goethe-Institut practice exams? and (2) Is there a correlation between the two tests and/or subsections of the tests? Benchmark levels were initially set as Novice High after the first year of language study, Intermediate Low after the second year, Intermediate High after the third year, and Advanced Low after the fourth year. Students mostly met the benchmark levels, though not equally at each program level and not equally across skills, with the higher scores in productive skills rather than receptive skills. While there was a correlation between the tests and course levels and also between many of the test portions, the tests did not yield the same CEFR ratings, which suggests that at least one of the instruments was not as valid and reliable as hoped. After reviewing the results, the benchmarks were revised to Intermediate Low after the first year, Intermediate Mid after the second year, Intermediate High after the third year, and Advanced Low after the fourth year with the recommendation to put more emphasis on receptive skills in the curriculum.
Simulation training for primary caregivers in the neonatal intensive care unit

Simulation is a hands-on educational modality that creates a safe, confidential learning environment that is closely aligned with the principles of patient- and family-centered care. This makes it an ideal training tool for families and caregivers of medically complex infants as they prepare for their care at home. Multidisciplinary collaboration and participation is vital to the success of these simulations and encourages the development of needs assessments and learning objectives that are congruent with the family's goals, beliefs, and culture. Simulation scenarios and curricula may be tailored and delivered in ways that optimize learning and allow for outcomes to be measured. Debriefing with specific and supportive feedback may increase families' and caregivers' confidence in handling their child's medical issues. This may lead to improved patient safety and quality of care delivered in the home environment.
Mitigation of uneven surge voltage stress on stator windings of induction motors fed by SiC-MOSFET-based adjustable speed drives

Power inverters based on wide bandgap (WBG) switching devices are being increasingly applied in new-generation adjustable speed drives (ASDs), due to their benefits of high efficiency and high power density. However, the high change rate of the output voltage (dv/dt) generated from the fast switching operation of the WBG devices in ASDs, such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, could cause significant surge voltages which will be unevenly distributed in the motor windings, especially in the first coil of the stator windings. This paper will investigate various approaches to mitigate the surge voltage stress on the stator windings of a 5-hp induction motor, which is driven by a SiC-MSOFET-based ASD prototype. Simulation and experimental results verify that the stress of surge voltage and dv/dt on the first few turns of the first coil is much higher than these on other winding turns, which can be mitigated by three effective approaches, including using multilevel inverter, dv/dt filter, and integrated motor drive techniques.