cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sources of High Total Dissolved Solids to Drinking Water Supply in Southwestern Pennsylvania

AbstractFossil fuel extraction activities generate wastewaters that are often high in total dissolved solids (TDS) and specific constituents that can affect drinking water, if these wastewaters enter surface waters. Control of TDS in source waters is difficult without identification of the potential sources of high TDS wastewater associated with fossil fuel activities. Characteristics of natural waters, oil and gas-produced waters, and coal-related wastewaters were analyzed to extract information about constituent concentrations and anion ratios. Statistical analysis of the anion ratios indicates that the SO4/Cl ratio is higher in coal-related wastewaters than in oil and gas-produced waters, suggesting that wastewaters can be distinguished based on this ratio. An approach that compared the SO4/Cl ratio with bromide concentration for the wastewaters can serve to separate oil and gas-produced waters from brine treatment plant discharges, and from the various coal-related wastewaters. This method was applied...
Microprocessor Verification via Feedback-Adjusted Markov Models

The challenge of verifying a modern microprocessor design is an overwhelming one: Increasingly complex microarchitectures combined with heavy time-to-market pressure have forced microprocessor vendors to employ immense verification teams in the hope of finding the most critical bugs in a timely manner. Unfortunately, too often, size does not seem to matter in verification, as design schedules continue to slip and microprocessors find their way to the marketplace with design errors. In this paper, we describe a novel closed-loop simulation-based approach to hardware verification and present a tool called StressTest that uses our methods to locate hard-to-find corner-case design bugs and performance problems. StressTest is based on a Markov-model-driven random instruction generator with activity monitors. The model is generated from the user-specified template files and is used to generate the instructions sent to the design under test (DUT). In addition, the user specifies key activity nodes within the design that should be stressed and monitored throughout the simulation. The StressTest engine then uses closed-loop feedback techniques to transform the Markov model into one that effectively stresses the user-selected points of interest. In parallel, StressTest monitors the correctness of the DUT response and, if the design behaves against expectation, it reports a bug and a trace leading to it. Using two microarchitectures as example testbeds, we demonstrate that StressTest finds more bugs with less effort than open-loop random instruction test generation techniques
The Queuiac: An Electromechanical Analog for the Simulation of Waiting-Line Problems

Of interest to the Operations Research Office for several years has been the problem of improving the efficiency of Army communications systems. Involved in these studies, besides obvious problems of communications equipments, are problems of organization and human handling operations. To understand and offer solutions to these latter problems, electromechanical simulation equipment has been developed that displays the network of handling operations and provides estimates of congestion at any or all points in the system. In the analog each node consists of a display and register unit upon which columns of lights represent items in a waiting line. Distributions of arrival times of input items and servicing times are programmed on standard teletype tape fed to the analog by teletype transmitters. The register unit at each point of the network displays the queue, computes state occupancy times, and provides estimates of state probabilities. Continuous records of the system states are maintained by pen recorders so that individual delay times and empirical estimates of their distributions may be obtained. The register units may be connected in parallel or tandem, representing various sequential or parallel operations. Available as important queue disciplines are the handling of multiple inputs on a priority basis and the automatic adjustment of servicing rates according to transient loads.
A Field Exploration of Informal Workplace Communication

Two views of informal communication are developed for purposes of comparison. Multiple incidents from two US companies are described based on fieldwork. In both cases, managerial efforts were made to quell gossip. Paradoxically, the versions multiplied at the first site and a gossip spiral occurred at the second. Our inductive analysis reveals the shortcomings of the existing “best practices” and simple theories. Notably, in both cases certain aspects of informal employee organization were more functional than some of the formal practices were. Due to the complex nature of these social situations, great care must be taken in evaluating them and charting a course.
A Thin Wideband Microstrip Patch Antenna with Two Adjacent Slots

A thin (only 5% of the operating wavelength, λ) wideband microstrip patch antenna with two closely spaced slots is introduced. When connected to each other, the two slots translate into two distinct resonant frequencies, resulting in wide impedance bandwidth (about 20% within 2:1 VSWR). Detailed design data, including resonance frequency, impedance, and bandwidth, are presented as function of the antenna and slot parameters. It is also demonstrated that such antennas can be designed at different frequency bands by appropriately adjusting the antenna and slot parameters. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 41: 261–266, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20111
Performance analysis of advanced I/O architectures for PC-based video servers

In the personal computing and workstation environments, more and more I/O adapters are becoming complete functional subsystems that are intelligent enough to handle I/O operations on their own without much intervention from the host processor. The IBM subsystem control block (SCB) architecture has been defined to enhance the potential of these intelligent adapters by defining services and conventions that deliver command information and data to and from the adapters. In recent years, a new storage architecture, the redundant array of independent disks (RAID), has been quickly gaining acceptance in the world of computing. In this paper, we discuss and present a performance analysis of the SCB architecture and disk array technology in typical video server environments. In particular, we would like to see whether a disk array can outperform a group of disks (of the same type, the same data capacity, and same cost) operating independently (not in parallel as in a disk array) in a video server environment where most disk I/O operations are large sequential reads.
PolyI:polyC12U adjuvant-combined intranasal vaccine protects mice against highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus variants

The highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus has the potential to incite a global pandemic. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective vaccines against these viruses. Because it is difficult to predict which strain of influenza will cause a pandemic, it is advantageous to develop vaccines that will confer cross-protective immunity against variants of the influenza virus. Recently, we reported that the Toll-like receptor 3 agonist, polyI:polyC(12)U (Ampligen), has been proven to be safe in a Phase III human trial, and is an effective mucosal adjuvant for intranasal H5N1 influenza vaccination. Intranasal administration of an Ampligen adjuvanted pre-pandemic H5N1 vaccine (NIBRG14), which was derived from the A/Vietnam/1194/2004 strain, resulted in the secretion of vaccine-specific IgA and IgG in nasal mucosa and serum, respectively, and protected mice against homologous A/Vietnam/1194/2004 and heterologous A/Hong Kong/483/97 and A/Indonesia/6/2005 viral challenge.
Pruning and dynamic scheduling of cost-sensitive ensembles

Previous research has shown that averaging ensemble can scale up learning over very large cost-sensitive datasets with linear speedup independent of the learning algorithms. At the same time, it achieves the same or even better accuracy than a single model computed from the entire dataset. However, one major drawback is its inefficiency in prediction since every base model in the ensemble has to be consulted in order to produce a final prediction. In this paper, we propose several approaches to reduce the number of base classifiers. Among various methods explored, our empirical studies have shown that the benefit-based greedy approach can safely remove more than 90% of the base models while maintaining or even exceeding the prediction accuracy of the original ensemble. Assuming that each base classifier consumes one unit of prediction time, the removal of 90% of base classifiers translates to a prediction speedup of 10 times. On top of pruning, we propose a novel dynamic scheduling approach to further reduce the "expected" number of classifiers employed in prediction. It measures the confidence of a prediction by a subset of classifiers in the pruned ensemble. This confidence is used to decide if more classifiers are needed in order to produce a prediction that is the same as the original unpruned ensemble. This approach reduces the "expected" number of classifiers by another 25% to 75% without loss of accuracy.
The Factorial Validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory in a Sample of California Elementary and Junior High School Classroom Teachers

For a sample of 462 elementary and junior high school Southern California teachers, the responses scored separately for frequency and intensity to 22 items of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were intercorrelated and subjected to a principal factors solution followed by varimax rotation. In each of the two rotated factor matrices empirical support was obtained for the presence of three a priori (hypothesized) dimensions of Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment—constructs around which three MBI subscales had been designed. It was concluded that the two scoring systems could be expected to yield comparable factor structures and hence equivalent constructs. A conclusion also was reached that two of the three factors in the MBI were invariant with two found for a group of Massachusetts teachers who participated in a parallel investigation.
Analysis And Implementation Of Direct Passive Navigation

We study the sensitivity of the method for determining the motion parameters of a planar surface, having known orientation,directly from image gradient measurements. A bidirectional sinusoidal texture is assumed, to which Gaussian noise is added. The distribution of the errors in estimates of the motion parameters as a function of signal to noise ratio, notion parameters, parameters of the plane, texture frequency and the field of view is determined. Finally, we present the results of simulations with synthetic data as well as with real images of a sinusoidally textured planar scene.
After School Care for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Few programs exist for after school care designed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Not only do parents often depend on after school care, but also children with ASD are likely to benefit from opportunities to generalize skills in an authentic setting and interact with typically developing peers. This lack of support occurs at a time during which there is increasing research and community awareness regarding the need for high quality after school programs to support typically developing children. This study investigates reported experiences with and needs for after school care by parents of children with ASD. Survey results (N = 54) revealed that the majority of parents surveyed desired after school programs within their child’s school but are often denied access to such services or received low quality care for their child in after school programs. Recommendations are provided for future research and program development.
The temperature dependence of the crystal and molecular structure of TTF-(2,5-DIETHYL)TCNQ

Abstract The structures of the charge transfer salt tetrathiofulvalenium 2,5-diethyltetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-DETCNQ), which undergoes a metal-insulator transition at 111°K, were examined at 120° and 81°K by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The variation of the cell parameters with temperature was determined from measurements ranging from 40°K to room temperature. The properties of TTF-DETCNQ are compared to those of the parent compound TTF-TCNQ.
Predicting arrival times of buses using real-time GPS measurements

Predicting arrival times of buses is a key challenge in the context of building intelligent public transportation systems. In this paper, we describe an efficient non-parametric algorithm which provides highly accurate predictions based on real-time GPS measurements. The key idea is to use a Kernel Regression model to represent the dependencies between position updates and the arrival times at bus stops. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated on real data from the public bus transportation system in Dublin, Ireland. For a time horizon of 50 minutes, the prediction error of the algorithm is less than 10 percent on average. It clearly outperforms parametric methods which use a Linear Regression model, predictions based on the K-Nearest Neighbor algorithm, and a system which computes predictions of arrival times based on the current delay of buses. A study investigating the selection of interpolation points to reduce the size of the training set concludes the paper.
A new genus and species of pinnotherid crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae: Pinnothereliinae) with a unique male abdominal appendage, and its symbiotic relationship with a sipunculan worm (Sipuncula) from Miami, Florida, U.S.A.

Abstract A new genus and species of pinnotherid crab, Laminapinnixa miamiensis, is described based on specimens mostly collected from sipunculan burrows in intertidal sand flats on Virginia Key, Miami, Florida. Males of this crab are characterized particularly by the presence of a conspicuous, broad, flattened, ventral abdominal appendage, herein referred to as the “abdominal plate” (AP). This structure has not previously been reported from brachyurans and occurs in males of all sizes (measured by carapace width, CW). Among 89 males and 87 females recovered, 50 crabs (24 males, 26 females) were associated with burrows of Sipunculus nudus Linnaeus, 1766. Hosts of most other specimens were not determined, but it is suggested that many were also likely associated with sipunculans. Eighteen sipunculan burrows had solitary crabs, whereas 15 had more than one; 14 of the 15 had heterosexual pairs. Carapace width (CW) and carapace length (CL) for males were 2.5 to 6.6 mm ( = 4.5 ± 1.0 mm) and 1.3 to 3.4 mm ( = 2....
Chronic myelodysplastic syndrome: short survival with or without evolution to acute leukaemia

The myelodysplastic syndromes represent a prognostically diverse group of disorders. Their study has recently been facilitated by the classification proposed by the French-American-British (FAB) Cooperative Group. Using this scheme it is now possible to define more precisely their natural history and clinical relationship to acute leukaemia. Using the longitudinal case control technique, we reviewed the clinical data and morphology of 69 patients (all elderly males) with chronic irreversible haematological cytopenia and dysplasia. Applying FAB criteria we found: refractory anaemia (RA) in 43%; sideroblastic anaemia (RA-S) in 33%; refractory anaemia with excess blasts (RAEB) in 13%; RAEB in transformation (RAEB-T) in 9% and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) in 1%. The median survival for the entire group was 27 months (RA, 52; RA-S, 29; RAEB, 12; RAEB-T 11; and CMML, 2 months). Short survival was predicted by transfusion requirement and other manifestations of severe cytopenia, as well as by myeloid immaturity. The presence or absence of sideroblastosis did not correlate with survival. Acute leukaemia developed in only eight patients (12%), six of whom initially had RA. Leukaemic transformation was not predicted by progressive cytological immaturity. This study demonstrates that even in the absence of leukaemic transformation, chronic myelodysplasia is a lethal haematological disorder.
A configurable multiprocessor and dynamic load balancing for parallel LU factorization

Summary form only given. The exponentially increasing complexity of many scientific applications and the high cost of supercomputing force us to explore new, sustainable, and affordable high-performance computing platforms. Recent significant advances in FPGA technology and the inherent advantages of configurable logic have brought about new research efforts in the configurable computing field: parallel processing on configurable chips. We explore here parallel LU factorization of large sparse block-diagonal-bordered (BDB) matrices on a configurable multiprocessor that we have designed and implemented. A dynamic load balancing strategy is proposed and analyzed. Performance results for IEEE power test systems are provided. Our research provides evidence that configurable logic can be a viable alternative to high-performance scientific computing.
Early Morning Functioning in Stimulant-Treated Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and its Impact on Caregivers.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the temporal occurrence and severity of inadequate attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom control throughout the day, and, more specifically, the frequency and severity of associated functional impairments and their apparent emotional impact on parents and caregivers during the early morning routine before school, in children and adolescents with ADHD currently treated with stable doses of stimulant medications. Methods: Information was obtained from 201 primary caregivers of children and adolescents with ADHD using a self-administered, on-line quantitative research survey. Results: Inadequately controlled ADHD symptoms were rated as most severe during the evening homework time and the early morning routine. The majority of caregivers reported early morning ADHD symptoms and impairment of early morning functioning (EMF) as moderate to severe. Caregiver reactions to their child's early morning ADHD symptoms and unwanted behaviors included feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and constantly stressed. Conclusions: Control of EMF impairments from inadequately controlled ADHD symptoms is a significant unmet need in children and adolescents with ADHD treated with stable morning doses of stimulant medications. Current orally administered stimulant treatment options have not addressed this challenge.
Application of vibration to wrist and hand skin affects fingertip tactile sensation

A recent study showed that fingertip pads' tactile sensation can improve by applying imperceptible white-noise vibration to the skin at the wrist or dorsum of the hand in stroke patients. This study further examined this behavior by investigating the effect of both imperceptible and perceptible white-noise vibration applied to different locations within the distal upper extremity on the fingertip pads' tactile sensation in healthy adults. In 12 healthy adults, white-noise vibration was applied to one of four locations (dorsum hand by the second knuckle, thenar and hypothenar areas, and volar wrist) at one of four intensities (zero, 60%, 80%, and 120% of the sensory threshold for each vibration location), while the fingertip sensation, the smallest vibratory signal that could be perceived on the thumb and index fingertip pads, was assessed. Vibration intensities significantly affected the fingertip sensation (P 0.01), all compared with the zero vibration condition. This effect with vibration intensity conforms to the stochastic resonance behavior. Nonspecificity to the vibration location suggests the white-noise vibration affects higher level neuronal processing for fingertip sensing. Further studies are needed to elucidate the neural pathways for distal upper extremity vibration to impact fingertip pad tactile sensation.
Teaching visual design without instructors

This paper presents a preliminary implementation of an online just-in-time self-learning tutorial for college students to learn basic document design skills. This project is motivated by a lack of resources and opportunities for students who are not majoring in visual design to learn basic visual communication skills. The tutorial consists of audio-visual explanations of basic concepts and skills, self-assessment tools for testing declarative knowledge, and guided hands-on exercises with individualized feedback. The results of a pilot evaluation study suggest that certain visual design skills can be taught via this self-learning tutorial.
Fetal response to induced maternal stress.

Background: Despite increased attention to the role of antenatal maternal psychological stress in postnatal development, remarkably little information is available on the nature of the intrauterine fetal response to maternal psychological state. Aims: To determine whether: (1) the fetus responds to maternal stress; (2) the fetal response changes over gestation; and (3) individual maternal and fetal response patterns are stable over time. Study design: Induced maternal stress at 24 and 36 weeks gestational age using the Stroop color–word task. Subjects: 137 low-risk pregnant women with normally developing fetuses. Outcome measures: Maternal (heart rate and skin conductance) and fetal (heart rate, heart rate variability, and motor activity) responses. Results: The manipulation evoked maternal sympathetic activation, which declined in magnitude from 24 to 36 weeks gestation. Fetuses responded to the manipulation with increased variability in heart rate (F(2,256)=7.80, p<0.001) and suppression of motor activity (F(2,216)=15.47, p<0.001). The magnitude of the fetal response increased over gestation. The degree of maternal reactivity to and recovery from the stressor were correlated over time (r’s=0.53 and 0.60 for heart rate; r’s=0.31 and 0.36 for skin conductance; p’s<0.001). There was moderate stability in the magnitude of the fetal motor response (r=0.25, p<0.01). Conclusions: Demonstration of fetal responses to maternal sympathetic activation evoked by a benign cognitive stressor suggests that fetal neurobehavioral regulation is routinely disrupted by maternal environmental intrusions. There is no evidence of a protective effect of diminished maternal sensitivity to stress on the fetus. Individual stability in the magnitude of the evoked maternal physiologic and psychological responses from 24 to 36 weeks and stability in the fetal motor response implies that characteristic response patterns emerge in utero. We propose that autonomic development is partially entrained through these processes. D 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Surface Charging of n-type Gd2O3 and HfO2 thin Films

Gd2O3 and HfO2 films exhibit photovoltaic charging that depends on temperature. The dielectric properties of the surface and concomitant photovoltaic surface charging increases following oxygen exposure under ultrahigh vacuum conditions suggesting that the surface conductivity plays a role in the surface photovoltage charging.
Rashes in immunocompromised cancer patients. The diagnostic yield of skin biopsy and its effects on therapy

† Background and Design.— Rashes in immunocompromised cancer patients can be important, and skin biopsies are often recommended for their evaluation. The objectives of this study were to determine how often skin biopsy in these patients is performed and how often it alters diagnosis and therapy. Records of all immunocompromised adults with cancer and acute rash seen by dermatology consultants on a hematology-oncology ward of a university hospital for 39 months were reviewed to determine patients' course and outcome (190 episodes of rash in 123 patients). Results.— Skin biopsies were performed on 108 rashes (57%); 82 rashes (43%) were evaluated without biopsy. Among the 108 patients who underwent a biopsy of their rashes, the biopsy findings supported the prebiopsy diagnosis in 51% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42% to 60%), altered it in 44% (95% CI, 35% to 53%), and did not contribute to the final diagnosis in 6% (95% CI, 2% to 12%). Fifteen of 108 biopsies (14%) (95% CI, 7% to 21%) changed systemic therapy. Most treatment changes were for cutaneous reactions to drugs; biopsy never resulted in the diagnosis of untreated systemic infection. Biopsy findings that altered diagnoses were not more likely to change therapy. Among the 82 rashes in which biopsies were not performed, review of the chart revealed no adverse sequelae (0%) (95% CI, 0% to 5%), which would have made a biopsy advisable. Conclusions.— Skin biopsy findings often changed dermatologic diagnoses in immunocompromised cancer patients, but treatment changes based on biopsy results were much less common, and altered diagnoses in patients who underwent biopsy often did not change therapy. Untreated systemic infection was never diagnosed by means of a skin biopsy. Skin biopsies of these rashes may not be mandatory for either diagnostic or therapeutic reasons. ( Arch Dermatol. 1993;129:175-181)
The incidence of hiatal hernia after minimally invasive esophagectomy.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has evolved as a means to minimize the morbidity of an operation which is traditionally associated with a significant risk. However, this approach may have its own unique postoperative complications. In this study, we describe the incidence and outcomes of hiatal hernia in a cohort of MIE patients. Clinical follow-up data on 114 patients who had undergone minimally invasive esophagectomy between 2003 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical presentation and computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen were used to establish the diagnosis of hiatal herniation after minimally invasive esophagectomy. Age, gender, presenting complaint, comorbid conditions, clinical tumor stage, surgical specimen size, length and cost of hospital admissions, operation performed for hiatal herniation, and mortality were all recorded for analysis. Nine (8 %) of the 114 patients who underwent MIE had postoperative hiatal herniation. Five of these patients were asymptomatic. All patients except two who presented emergently were repaired laparoscopically on an elective basis. The average length of stay after hiatal hernia repair was 5.5 days (range 2–12) at an average charge of $40,785 (range $25,264–$83,953). At follow-up, one patient complained of symptoms associated with reflux. Hiatal herniation is not a rare event after MIE. It is also associated with significant health-care cost and may be lethal. Most occurrences appear to be asymptomatic and, if detected, can be repaired with good resolution of symptoms, minimal associated morbidity, and no mortality.
Background calibration of time-interleaved ADC using direct derivative information

A new background calibration technique for correcting timing-skew mismatch errors in time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is reported. In this approach, the time derivative of the input signal is directly sampled and utilized for skew calibration. Reference ADC equalization is used in tandem to correct any static mismatch errors. Behavioral simulations show 26 dB and 44 dB improvement in signal-to-noise plus distortion (SNDR) and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) performance, respectively.
Duodenal pH governs interdigestive motility in humans

In this study, we examined the potential influence of duodenal pH in regulating the occurrence of the interdigestive migrating myoelectric complex (IMMC). Fasting gastroduodenal motility, duodenal pH, and plasma motilin were studied in 15 healthy subjects. During phase I, duodenal pH remained stable at 7 +/- 0.2. Phase II was accompanied by a lowering of duodenal pH, which fluctuated between 2.0 and 7.5. During late phase II, the duodenal pH increased to 6.9 +/- 0.3 and remained in the alkaline range during phase III. In six of 46 episodes of the IMMC, the occurrence of gastric phase III was delayed. This was associated with a persistently low duodenal pH (< 4) during late phase II. Despite a normal cyclic increase of plasma motilin, no gastric phase III activity was observed until the duodenal pH exceeded 7.0. Further studies showed that lowering of duodenal pH by intraduodenal perfusion of HCl prevented the occurrence of gastric phase III. We concluded that regularity of IMMC is governed by duodenal pH. An alkaline pH is essential for the initiation of gastric phase III; lowering of duodenal pH prevents its occurrence despite normal cyclic increase of plasma motilin.
The Contextual Causes of Issue and Party Voting in American Presidential Elections

This paper analyzes the influence of the two most commonly examined causes of presidential vote choice, policy preferences and party identification. The focus is on change across elections in order to assess how the effects of issues and partisanship respond to the larger political context in which voters make their decisions. In contrast to party centric views of politics, I find little direct responsiveness to party issue contrast and substantial influence of candidate issue contrast. Further, I find that leading hypotheses for the “resurgence in partisanship” are not consistent with some important facts suggesting that the explanation remains elusive.
Analysis of a four parallel wire antenna system by the spatial Fourier transform method

The electromagnetic fields and currents associated with an infinite four parallel wire transmission line are analyzed through the use of the spatial Fourier transform method. The near and far electromagnetic fields and currents that are associated with frill and gap voltage excitations are analyzed by the Fourier transform method. Possible VHF compact range applications of a four parallel wire antenna system are discussed, including the possibility of simulating an off-axis EM plane wave by the appropriate adjustment of the exciting voltage phase on each of the four parallel wires. Comparisons of Fourier transform method solutions with method-of-moments solutions and finite-difference-time-domain solutions are made for an infinite four parallel wire antenna system. >
Hybrid approach for data-flow analysis of MPI programs

With the increasing cost of developing robust HPC software, precise data-flow analysis for MPI programs -- the mainstay of HPC programming -- are essential. The knowledge of communication is essential for precise data-flow analysis and the difficulty of statically determining it makes the conventional techniques insufficient. Hybrid methods combining static and dynamic techniques are needed and in this work we demonstrate one such approach in building the parallel control-flow graph which can then be used to leverage the precision of data-flow analyses for MPI programs.
Dyshidrotic mycosis fungoides

Mycosis fungoides (MF) represents the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). CTCL often progresses through patch, plaque and tumor stages but can also manifest with varied clinical presentations. MF rarely presents in vesiculobullous fashion, in which vesicles or bullae develop in pre-existing plaques or on the trunk or proximal extremities. We report a patient who presented with a vesiculobullous eruption on the palms and soles, resembling dyshidrotic dermatitis, which we believe represents dyshidrotic MF. Diehl J, Sarantopoulos GP, Chiu MW. Dyshidrotic mycosis fungoides.
Post-Structuralism in Group Theory and Practice

The author argues that structuralist ideas prevail in group theory and practice. Structuralism, as applied to groups, asserts that the meaning of group dialogue must be derived from a system of contrasting elements. He urges a post-structuralist inversion that attends more directly to group member talk. Group theory and practice from this stance have been limited. The author aims to redress that limit in two ways. First, by attending to some of the major contrasts between structuralism and post-structuralism as they relate to group theory and practice; second, by offering up several post-structuralist ideas that may help propel such theory and practice.
Effects of delipidation on proton translocation and ATPase activity in beef heart electron transport particles.

Delipidation of beef heart electron transport particles with phospholipase A2 has been examined. When the particles were treated with the lipase and subjected to a low bovine serum albumin wash, ATPase activity was unaffected as was the lipid/protein ratio of the particles. However, energisation by ATP/Mg2+ was abolished. Furthermore, unsaturated but not saturated fatty acids discharged the steady-state ATP-driven membrane potential of control samples. When the phospholipase A2 hydrolysis products were removed, inhibition of energy-linked reactions in the lipid-depleted particles was still observed and was interpreted in terms of non-specific leaks in the vesicle membranes, and ‘specific’ leaks through impaired H+-ATPase complexes. ATPase activity was less susceptible to delipidation than energisation but was, nevertheless, strongly inhibited at 50 percent lipid depletion.Spin label studies indicated a decrease in the fluidity of particle membranes accompanying delipidation. Moreover, the discontinuity se...
Electric microfields in dense carbon-hydrogen plasmas.

Classical molecular dynamics is used to investigate stationary and time-dependent properties of microfields in hot, solid density, electron-ion plasmas. Even at the high temperatures considered here, such simulations require quantum statistical potentials (QSPs) to mimic the essential effects of diffraction and exchange symmetry for electrons. Fortunately, key results relevant to microfield distributions are found to be insensitive to different, plausible QSP choices. Atomic processes in plasmas will depend on the time average of the microfields. It is not clear, a priori, what the time duration of this average should be. The question of how best to extract the quasistatic (low-frequency) microfield from a classical molecular dynamics simulation is explored in some detail, and the time-averaging approach we adopt involves both plasma and atomic time scale constraints. One of the major findings described in the paper is that for a large time interval, the time-averaged microfield does not significantly change. Our discussion of this suite of large simulations for plasma mixtures focuses on understanding various features and trends revealed by data for C-H plasmas having carbon fractions ranging from 0.01 to 1, and different temperatures well above ${T}_{\mathrm{Fermi}}$.
On molecular topological properties of benzenoid structures

The degree-based topological indices correlate certain physicochemical properties such as boiling point, strain energy, and stability, etc., of certain chemical compounds. Among the major classes o...
Computational Analysis and Characterization of Cockpit Environmental Control System of a Fighter Aircraft

In this paper the computational analysis and characterization of cockpit environmental control system (ECS) of a fighter aircraft is presented. ECS of the under study aircraft is designed for certain specific flight conditions in the aircraft flight envelope. Evaluation of ECS performance at the worst environmental condition is considered necessary for system verification. CFD techniques have been used to analyze the flow and temperature field inside the cockpit of an aircraft. The complete ECS performance has been evaluated for ISA + 30 o C atmospheric conditions for the worst case flight condition of M=0.825 at sea level, dry air properties. In addition to this, a transient analysis for engine at idle on ground has also been performed. The results of the present study indicate reasonable ECS performance with respect to relevant MIL standards.
Representation techniques for knowledge acquisition

Knowledge acquisition is a very difficult task at the best of times, and when the application contains complex interactions between declarative and procedural knowledge the task i s even harder. Thus when developing complex, real-time, knowledge based systems, i t sometimes pays to invent a language to model the required expertise, since this language captures the complexities of the proceduraVdeclarative interaction. We used this approach to develop a language for describing military events (Aquil) and used it as part of our implementation of Acquire an expert shell for identifying military events in multi-sensor intelligence data. The disadvantage of this approach is that i t i s very time consuming. Among the many advantages are that i t provides a formal definition (specification) of the system being built, which can be used for Verification and Validation, and that it clarifies the system’s capabilities. v
Uncertainty Estimation for Full Waveform Inversion with a Prior Information from Depth Migration

We use Bayesian inference framework to estimate model uncertainties associated with full waveform inversion. A prior covariance operator is built based on the estimated slopes of migrated images and plane-wave construction. Frequencydomain full waveform inversion is used to search for the maximum a posterior model. Evaluation of posterior covariance requires knowledge on the prior-preconditioned Hessian. In this study, we apply a randomized SVD approach to analyze the spectrum of the preconditioned Hessian. Strong decay of its eigenvalues indicates that data are most informative to low dimensional subspaces of model parameters. 2D Marmousi model is used as a numerical example to validate the proposed framework. Comparing random samples from the prior and posterior distributions allows us to estimate model uncertainties associated with full waveform inversion.
Predicting Crystallisability of Organic Molecules Using Statistical Modelling Techniques

Statistical modelling tools i.e. Random Forest and Principal Component Analysis were applied to predict the crystallisability (crystals vs. no crystals) of a set of organic molecules. The predictive models are based on calculated 2-D and 3-D molecular descriptors and published experimental crystallisation propensities of these organic molecules. Random Forest classification method has provided better model than PCA and for the first time enabled the prediction of the crystallisability of organic molecules with ~70 % accuracy. Random Forest classification method has also identified the most important descriptors i.e. torsion energy, van der Waals/steric energy, structure connectivity, conformation and numbers of rotatable bonds in the molecules contributing towards different crystallisation behaviour.
High-risk mechanism of injury: A new indication for screening for blunt cerebrovascular injury?:

Blunt cerebrovascular injury is a rare but catastrophic injury. Screening for blunt cerebrovascular injury after high-impact mechanism remains ill-defined but several associated lesions have been i...
Emergency Department-initiated Home Oxygen for Bronchiolitis: A Prospective Study of Community Follow-up, Caregiver Satisfaction, and Outcomes.

Objective Retrospective studies have shown home oxygen to be a safe alternative to hospitalization for some patients with bronchiolitis living at high altitudes. We aimed to prospectively describe adverse events, follow-up, duration of home oxygen, factors associated with failure, and caregiver preferences. Methods This was a prospective observational study of hypoxemic bronchiolitis patients ages 3 to 18 months who were discharged from a tertiary care pediatric emergency department on home oxygen over three winters (2011-2014). Caregivers were contacted on postdischarge days ~3, 7, 14, and 28 while on oxygen. Caregivers not reached by phone were sent a survey and their primary care physicians were contacted. Records of admitted subjects were reviewed. Outcome measures included hospital readmission, positive pressure ventilation (noninvasive or intubation), outpatient follow-up, duration of home oxygen therapy, and caregiver satisfaction. Results A total of 274 patients were enrolled. Forty-eight (17.5%) were admitted and 225 (82.1%) were discharged on oxygen. The median age was 8 months. Eighteen subjects were lost to follow-up. A total of 196 (87.1%) were successfully treated with outpatient oxygen, and 11 (4.9%) failed outpatient therapy and were hospitalized. Only one hospitalized patient required invasive ventilation. The median duration of home oxygen was 7 days. Child noncompliance was the most common problem (reported by 14%). The median caregiver comfort level with home oxygen was 9 of 10. Eighty-eight percent of caregivers would again choose home oxygen over admission. Conclusions This study confirms that outpatient oxygen therapy can reduce hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis in a relatively high-altitude setting, with low failure and complication rates. Caregivers are comfortable with home oxygen and prefer it to hospitalization.
Arguments from Expert Opinion and Persistent Bias

Accounts of arguments from expert opinion take it for granted that expert judgments count as (defeasible) evidence for propositions, and so an argument that proceeds from premises about what an expert judges to a conclusion that the expert is probably right is a strong argument. In Mizrahi (Informal Log 33:57–79, 2013), I consider a potential justification for this assumption, namely, that expert judgments are significantly more likely to be true than novice judgments, and find it wanting because of empirical evidence suggesting that expert judgments under uncertainty are not significantly more likely to be true than novice judgments or even chance. In this paper, I consider another potential justification for this assumption, namely, that expert judgments are not influenced by the cognitive biases novice judgments are influenced by, and find it wanting, too, because of empirical evidence suggesting that experts are vulnerable to pretty much the same cognitive biases that novices are vulnerable to. If this is correct, then the basic assumption at the core of accounts of arguments from expert opinion, namely, that expert judgments count as (defeasible) evidence for propositions, remains unjustified.
Abstract 501: PVN Gαi2 Proteins are Required to Maintain Fluid and Electrolyte Homeostasis and Long-term Blood Pressure Regulation

Hypothesis: Hypothalamic PVN GPCR-activated Gαi 2 protein-gated pathways mediate the natriuretic and diuretic responses evoked by acute volume expansion (VE) and are required for fluid & electrolyte homeostasis and MAP regulation during elevated dietary salt-intake. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received a 7-day bilateral PVN infusion of a scrambled (S) or Gαi 2 oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN-300ng/side/day) or a control i.c.v. infusion of a Gαi 2 ODN (600ng/day) prior to an acute i.v. isotonic saline VE (5% body weight). Separate rats infused i.c.v. or PVN with a Gαi 2 ODN were maintained on a normal 0.4% (NS) or high 8% NaCl (HS) diet for 7-days - MAP, 24h metabolic balance, plasma norepinephrine (NE) and PVN Gαi 2 protein levels were then determined (N=6/group). Results: Bilateral PVN Gαi 2 ODN infusion evoked PVN specific down-regulation of Gαi 2 proteins; in contrast i.c.v. Gαi 2 ODN infusion did not alter brain Gαi 2 protein levels. PVN specific Gαi 2 protein down-regulation attenuated the natriuretic (peak UNaV [μeq/min] PVN S 30±4, i.c.v Gαi 2 34±4 vs. PVN Gαi 2 16±3, P 2 336±27 vs. PVN Gαi 2 175±26, P 2 proteins in i.c.v. Gαi 2 ODN infused rats. Following bilateral PVN Gαi 2 ODN infusion, rats maintained on HS retained sodium (24h Na + balance [meq] PVN Gαi 2 + NS 0.3±0.2, i.c.v. Gαi 2 + HS 0.5±0.2 vs. PVN Gαi 2 + HS 2.3±0.4, P 2 + NS 48±6, i.c.v. Gαi 2 + HS 17±4 vs. PVN Gαi 2 + HS 75±9, P 2 + NS 124±3, i.c.v. Gαi 2 + HS 126±3, PVN Gαi 2 + HS 141±2, P Conclusion: PVN Gαi 2 protein-gated pathways contribute significantly to the diuretic and natriuretic responses to acute VE. Further, dysregulation of sympathetically driven sodium retaining mechanisms occurred following PVN Gαi 2 protein down-regulation evoking salt-sensitive hypertension. We conclude PVN Gαi 2 -subunit protein-gated pathways are required to appropriately regulate renal sodium excretion to facilitate sodium homeostasis and maintain a salt-resistant phenotype.
The impact of the economic crisis on the use of psychotropic medication in Portugal: Preliminary results of the national mental health survey follow-up

Introduction Economic crises can contribute to a worsening of mental health problems and, consequently, to a possible increase of the use of psychotropic medication. Objectives To assess the use of psychotropic medication in Portugal before and after the onset of the economic crisis, and to better understand the impact of the economic crisis in this highly hit country. Methods This 2015 follow-up epidemiological study re-interviewed a probability sub-sample of respondents to the 2008 national mental health survey, the first nationally representative study of psychiatric morbidity and treatment patterns in Portugal. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were assessed using a structured interview in 2008 (n = 2060) and 2015 (n = 911). All participants were questioned about the last 12 month use of psychotropic medication for mental health problems. Descriptive analysis was conducted to assess the use of psychotropic medication by group and gender in 2008 and 2015. Results Between 2008 and 2015 there was an overall increase in the use of the main groups of psychotropic medication (22.5% to 28.6%), with a particularly relevant increase in the consumption of anti-depressants and anxiolytics. The use of psychotropic medication was higher among women in 2008 and 2015 (31.1% and 36.7%) compared to men. However, the increase in consumption was more relevant in men (13.3% to 20.0%), particularly in relation to anxiolytics (6.0% to 11.6%). Conclusions The economic crisis was associated with a substantial increase of psychotropic medication's use in Portugal, consistent with the increased prevalence of mental health problems that this study also found. Funding EEA Grants Programa Iniciativas em Saude Publica.