cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Swarm Motion as Particles of a Continuum with Communication Delays

In this paper, we give an upper bound for the communication delay in a multi-agent system (MAS) that evolves under a recently developed continuum paradigm for formation control. The MAS is treated as particles of a continuum that transforms under special homeomorphic mapping, called a homogeneous map. Evolution of an MAS in ℝn is achieved under a special communication topology proposed by Rastgoftar and Jayasuriya (2014, “Evolution of Multi Agent Systems as Continua,” ASME J. Dyn. Syst. Meas. Control, 136(4), p. 041014) and (2014, “An Alignment Strategy for Evolution of Multi Agent Systems,” ASME J. Dyn. Syst. Meas. Control, 137(2), p. 021009), employing a homogeneous map specified by the trajectories of n+1 leader agents at the vertices of a polytope in ℝn, called the leading polytope. The followers that are positioned in the convex hull of the leading polytope learn the prescribed homogeneous mapping through local communication with neighboring agents using a set of communication weights prescribed by the initial positions of the agents. However, due to inevitable time-delay in getting positions and velocities of the adjacent agents through local communication, the position of each follower may not converge to the desired state given by the homogeneous map leaving the possibility that MAS evolution may get destabilized. Therefore, ascertaining the stability under time-delay is important. Stability analysis of an MAS consisting of a large number of agents, leading to higher-order dynamics, using conventional methods such as cluster treatment of characteristic roots (CTCR) or Lyapunov–Krasovskii are difficult. Instead we estimate the maximum allowable communication delay for the followers using one of the eigenvalues of the communication matrix that places MAS evolution at the margin of instability. The proposed method is advantageous because the transcendental delay terms are directly used and the characteristic equation of MAS evolution is not approximated by a finite-order polynomial. Finally, the developed framework is used to validate the effect of time-delays in our previous work.
A Study of the Effectiveness of Two Alternative Middle Schools: How Prepared Are Students for High School Success?.

A STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TWO ALTERNATIVE MIDDLE SCHOOLS: HOW PREPARED ARE STUDENTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS? By Theresa Marcelle Kilmer, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013 Major Director: Kathleen M. Cauley, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education School of Education This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of alternative middle school programs utilizing a longitudinal, mixed methods design and was driven by research questions which analyzed trends in attendance, discipline, and Standard of Learning test pass rates in history and science for 8 th , 9 th , and 10 th grade. It also examined student perceptions concerning preparedness for high school, skills previously taught, transition to high school, and relationships with peers and adults. Data on attendance, discipline, and SOL scores were collected from 34 students from the 2009-2010 8 th grade cohort who attended one of two alternative middle schools. Attendance data indicated a decrease in the number of absences each year from 8 th – 10 th grade, ranging from two days to 53 days per student. Discipline data reflected a drop in discipline referrals, each year, from 8 th to 10 th grade. The greatest improvement in discipline, indicated by a decrease in per student referrals, occurred between 9th and 10 th grade. History SOL results indicated a pass rate that remained between 70% 71% for grades 8-10. The test results for the science SOL showed a drop in number of students passing from 8 th to 9 th grade and increasing from 9 th to 10 th grade. An analysis of interviews with twelve students found that they perceived their alternative middle experience as having a positive effect on relationships, both with peers and adults, and a desire to graduate. They attributed an improvement in relationship skills and ability to select positive relationships with alternative middle school attendance. Students consistently noted small class size, as experienced in the alternative middle school, as an influence on both behavior and achievement. Students previously considering dropping out of school felt their alternative middle school experience had contributed to their changed mindsets and goals. Overall this study indicated that students attending the alternative middle school for 8 th grade perceived their experiences as providing greater social rather than academic preparation for high school. In addition, best practices are similar for high school and middle school alternative programs.
Modelling the effects of variation in reproductive traits on fish population resilience

Preserving larger fish is often advocated as a conservationmeasure to help fish populations buffer environmental variation andfishing pressure. The rationale is that several sizeand age-dependent reproductive traits confer a higher reproductive value to larger fish. The effects of variation in these reproductive traits on the dynamics of populations under various fishing patterns are however seldom evaluated. In this study, we develop a simulation model to evaluate how variation in three reproductive traits (fecundity–mass, hatching probability, and batch spawning) impacts the capacityof a fish population towithstand and recover fromhigh fishing pressure. Biological functions of themodelwere calibrated based on theGulf of Maine Atlantic cod stock, which is currently experiencing its lowest biomass level ever estimated. Results showed that variation in the shape of the fecundity–mass relationship had the most substantial impact on population resistance and recovery. Batch spawning and variation in hatching probability had limited impacts. Furthermore, results showed that preserving larger fish by imposing a slot fishery increased the resistance of the population tohighfishingpressure, because it helpedpreserve thepopulation reproductivepotential determinedby thehigh fecundityof largefish. The slot fishery, however, impeded population recovery, because it distributed the fishing pressure on intermediate-size classes which potential for biomass growth is maximal. This study underlines the importance of using precise size-dependent fecundity estimates when evaluating the productivity and sustainability of fisheries, as well as the importance of identifying priority among the components of population resilience (e.g. resistance or recovery) before implementing size-selective harvest strategies.
Setting a Mercy Curriculum in Motion: The First-Year Learning Community as Campus-Wide Collaboration.

Part of Carlow University’s social justice mission is a commitment to providing access to education. This commitment can lead the institution to admit students who are not prepared for college-level work. As a result, the university recently removed a sequence of developmental classes because it lengthened the time to graduation, and there was no evidence that it helped students succeed. It also revised the First-Year Seminar (FYS) so that after the fi rst half of the semester, students selected a mini-course from a range of choices. This way, the supplemental instruction would feel more like an elective than a punishment. Carlow also ran the FYS as a cohort experience, in which students take courses as part of a community, given the research that shows that this “learning community” approach tends to improve retention. In addition, seasoned faculty members taught the FYS with the help of experienced students who served as First-Year Mentors. Institutional retention rates after these changes suggest that they were successful.
Reactions of phenylacetylene catalyzed by polystyrene-supported molybdenum

Abstract Reactions of phenylacetylene under carbon monoxide pressure catalyzed by polystyrene-supported molybdenum lead to products derived from 2 + 2 cyclo-additions. Thus, isomers of triphenyl Dewar benzene, along with a bicyclo-, and tetracyclo compounds containing a carbonyl group, are produced. The structures of the products, all of which contain fused fourmember rings, provide model compounds in the mechanism of polymerization of alkynes by group VIB transition metal catalysts.
SIX PARAMETER PATIENT REGISTRATION DIRECTLY FROM PROJECTION DATA

Abstract Patient registration, a technique to ensure dose conformity, is an essential part of tomographic radiotherapy. A new six parameter (three translational and three angular) algorithm to implement this technique has been developed. The method is stable, accurate, and most importantly uses sinogram data as input, obviating image reconstruction. A sinogram, an array of Radon transforms, is derived directly from the raw data, which are photon transmission fluences from either a diagnostic or a megavoltage X-ray source. The algorithm uses properties of the Radon and Fourier transforms, such as the central slice theorem and Fourier shift theorem, to decouple translational and angular offsets. The theoretical underpinnings of this algorithm are presented here, whereas numerical verification using synthetic and experimental data is presented elsewhere.
Short-term memory: Where do we stand?

Two empirical challenges to the traditional "modal model" of short-term memory are that neither the Brown-Peterson distractor technique nor the recency effect in recall is well accommodated by that position. Additionally, the status of memory stores as such, has declined in response to proceduralist thinking. At the same time, the concept of coding, on which the modal model is silent, is increasingly central to memory theory. People need to remember things in the short term, but a dedicated store does not need to be the agency.
Atypical Etiologies of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome for the General Neurosurgeon

The authors review clinical and surgical nuances for the management of tethered cord syndrome in the setting of the less commonly encountered entities of split cord malformation and lipomyelomeningocele.
Multi-level bitmap indexes for flash memory storage

Due to their low access latency, high read speed, and power-efficient operation, flash memory storage devices are rapidly emerging as an attractive alternative to traditional magnetic storage devices. However, tests show that the most efficient indexing methods are not able to take full advantage of flash memory storage devices. In this paper, we present a set of multi-level bitmap indexes that can effectively utilize flash storage devices. These indexing methods use coarsely binned indexes to answer queries approximately, and then use finely binned indexes to refine the answers. Our new methods read significantly lower volumes of data at the expense of an increased disk access count, thus taking full advantage of the improved read speed and low access latency of flash devices. To demonstrate the advantage of these new indexes, we measure their performance on a number of storage systems using a standard data warehousing benchmark called the Set Query Benchmark. We observe that multilevel strategies on flash drives are up to 3 times faster than traditional indexing strategies on magnetic disk drives.
Ten Key Principles Supporting the Accomplishment‐Based Curriculum Development Model

The Accomplishment-Based Curriculum Development system is based on ten key principles which provide a cohesive framework for the processes of human performance technology and instructional design. These ten principles are: the performance equation; the basic progression of performance; the processes of front-end analysis; the three types of behavior characteristics; logic regarding information storage and retrieval; the general tactics of instruction; the relationship of learning problems and special instructional tactics; the process of instructional design; the progression of materials development; and the relationship between analysis and evaluation. This article provides an overview of each principle, outlines the connections that link the individual principles into an integrated system of human performance technology and instructional design, and compares these principles to the work of others in the field. Finally, this article serves to document the contributions made by Joe Harless to the disciplines of human performance technology and to instructional design.
Simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas. I: dosimetric results.

Abstract Purpose This report describes the dosimetric analyses of a Phase I/II protocol, designed to examine the capabilities of an institutionally developed intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) system with respect to dose escalation. The protocol employed stringent dosimetric guidelines in the treatment of locally advanced head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) with radiotherapy alone using IMRT and the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique. Methods and materials The first 14 patients enrolled on the protocol were included in this analysis. Escalating doses of 68.1 Gy (6 patients), 70.8 Gy (6 patients), and 73.8 Gy (2 patients) were delivered to the gross tumor volume (GTV) in 30 fractions. Simultaneously, constant dose coverage was given to the subclinical disease and the electively treated nodal regions, which received 60 Gy and 54 Gy, respectively, in all three cohorts. Parotid glands were spared to the degree possible without compromising target coverage. The following indices are reported for the GTV: ( 1 ) dose to specified percent volumes (e.g., D 98 and D 2 ); ( 2 ) homogeneity index defined as the ratio (D 2 - D 98 )/D prescription ; ( 3 ) biologically equivalent uniform dose (EUD); and ( 4 ) an index of conformality, PITV, defined as the ratio of volume enclosed within the prescribed isodose surface to the target volume. Treatments were planned and delivered with nine 6-MV photon beams using the multileaf collimator (MLC) "sliding window" technique. Results Mean doses to 98% of GTV were 68.4 Gy, 70.5 Gy, and 70.8 Gy, and average GTV dose homogeneity was 6.7%, 7.6%, and 8.8% for the three cohorts. The average doses to the parotid gland proximal to and distant from GTV were 41.3 Gy and 25.7 Gy, respectively. Dose distributions measured in phantom showed good agreement with calculations. Conclusions Treatment of locally advanced HNSCC using SIB-IMRT as described is feasible. Treatment planning and delivery are safer and more efficient than with conventional three-dimensional processes. Predicted dose distributions can be accurately delivered with excellent conformality using dynamic MLC. At least one of the parotid glands can be adequately spared. Patient follow-up continues and will allow eventual quantitative correlation of delivered dose distributions with clinical outcomes.
R-cadherin expression in the developing and adult zebrafish visual system.

Cell adhesion molecules in the cadherin family have been implicated in histogenesis and maintenance of cellular structure and function in several organs. Zebrafish have emerged as an important new developmental model, but only three zebrafish cadherin molecules have been identified to date (N-cadherin, paraxial protocadherin, and VN-cadherin). We began a systematic study to identify other zebrafish cadherins by screening zebrafish cDNA libraries using an antibody raised to the cytoplasmic domain of mouse E-cadherin. Here, we report a partial cDNA with extensive sequence homology to R-cadherin. Spatial and temporal expression of this putative zebrafish R-cadherin was examined in embryos and adults by Northern analysis, RNase protection, and in situ hybridization. R-cadherin message increased during embryogenesis up to 80 hours postfertilization (hpf) and persisted in adults. In the embryonic brain, R-cadherin was first expressed in groups of cells in the diencephalon and pretectum. In adult zebrafish brain, R-cadherin continued to be expressed in several specific regions including primary visual targets. In the retina, R-cadherin was first detected at about 33 hours postfertilization in the retinal ganglion cell layer and the inner part of the inner nuclear layer. Expression levels were highest during periods of axon outgrowth and synaptogenesis. Retrograde labeling of the optic nerve with 1,18-dioctadecyl-3,3,38,38, tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) followed by in situ hybridization confirmed that a subset of retinal ganglion cells in the embryo expressed R-cadherin message. In the adult, R-cadherin expression continued in a subpopulation of retinal ganglion cells. These results suggest that R-cadherin-mediated adhesion plays a role in development and maintenance of neuronal connections in zebrafish visual system. J. Comp. Neurol. 410:303‐319, 1999. r 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Indexing terms: optic tectum; retinal ganglion cells; development; cell adhesion
Verapamil reverses PTH- or CRF-induced abnormal fatty acids oxidation in muscle

Verapamil reverses PTH- or CRF-induced abnormal fatty acids oxidation in muscle. Chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with impaired long chain fatty acids (LCFA) oxidation by skeletal muscle mitochondria. This is due to reduced activity of carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT). These derangements were attributed to the secondary hyperparathyroidism of CRF, since prior parathyroidectomy in CRF rats reversed these abnormalities and PTH administration to normal rats reproduced them. It was proposed that these effects of PTH are mediated by its ionophoric property leading to increased entry of calcium into skeletal muscle. A calcium channel blocker may, therefore, correct these derangements. The present study examined the effects of verapamil on LCFA oxidation, CPT activity by skeletal muscle mitochondria, and 45 Ca uptake by skeletal muscle obtained from CRF rats and normal animals treated with PTH with and without verapamil. Both four days of PTH administration and 21 days of CRF produced significant (P 45 Ca uptake by skeletal muscle. Simultaneous treatment with verapamil corrected all these derangements. Administration of verapamil alone to normal rats did not cause a significant change in any of these parameters. The data are consistent with the proposition that the alterations in LCFA in CRF or after PTH treatment are related to the ionophoric action of the hormone and could be reversed by a calcium channel blocker.
Controlling mature CD4+ T cell responses

Immune responses are by necessity highly regulated to achieve the appropriate balance of aggression and restraint. Among the many factors involved in maintaining this balance are the interactions between accessory molecule receptors expressed on T cells and their ligands on antigen-presenting cells. Our studies during the past several years have focused on defining how particular accessory molecule interactions influence the activation of naive CD4+ T cells and the subsequent development of effector function. In this article, we discuss our findings on the effects of distinct accessory molecules with particular attention to the unique roles of LFA-1 and CD28 during different phases of the naive CD4+ cell response.
Real-time quantitative imaging for semiconductor crystal growth, control, and characterization

A quantitative real time image processing system has been developed which can be software-reconfigured for semiconductor processing and characterization tasks. In thermal imager mode, 2D temperature distributions of semiconductor melt surfaces (900-1600 C) can be obtained with temperature and spatial resolutions better than 0.5 C and 0.5 mm, respectively, as demonstrated by analysis of melt surface thermal distributions. Temporal and spatial image processing techniques and multitasking computational capabilities convert such thermal imaging into a multimode sensor for crystal growth control. A second configuration of the image processing engine in conjunction with bright and dark field transmission optics is used to nonintrusively determine the microdistribution of free charge carriers and submicron sized crystalline defects in semiconductors. The IR absorption characteristics of wafers are determined with 10-micron spatial resolution and, after calibration, are converted into charge carrier density.
Kinetics of the reactions of divalent copper, zinc, cobalt, and nickel with a deformed water soluble centrally monoprotic porphyrin

Abstract The kinetics of incorporation of Cu2+, Zn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ into the free base H2-BrP(4)4+ and centrally monoprotic H-BrP(4)3+ forms of the deformed and water soluble beta-octabromo-tetrakis(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin were studied at 25 °C, I=0.10 (NaNO3/HNO3). Below pH 7, the reactions were first-order in porphyrin and metal, and the rate constants increased with an increase in pH. The monocation H3-BrP(4)5+ did not incorporate metal ions, and H-BrP(4)3+ reacted several hundred times faster than H2-BrP(4)4+. The incorporation rate constants for the pre-deformed H2-BrP(4)4+ were ∼103 times larger as compared to the more planar tetrakis(N-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphyrin. For both porphyrins, the reactivity order was Cu2+>Zn2+>Co2+>Ni2+. While Cu2+ reacted ∼104 times more rapidly than did Ni2+, the ratios of the metalation rate constants of H-BrP(4)3+ to the water exchange rate constants of the metal ions varied by no more than a factor of 4 across the series.
Electrostretching DNA molecules using polymer-enhanced media within microfabricated devices.

In this paper, we demonstrate immobilization and stretching of single λ-phage DNA molecules within microfluidic systems using ac fields. We present a novel “thiol-on-gold”-based immobilization technique for fixing one specific end (3‘ end) of a DNA molecule onto a gold electrode. A polymer-enhanced medium (∼3.75 wt % linear polyacrylamide in Tris-HCl) is used to obtain fully stretched configurations (21 μm) of fluorescently stained λ-DNA molecules. We also present an optimized microelectrode design with pointed electrodes and an electrode spacing of 20 μm for stretching DNA molecules with an ac field (1 MHz, 3 × 105 V/m). Finally, using these techniques, we immobilize a single DNA molecule at one electrode edge, stretch the molecule, and fix the other end at an adjacent electrode edge, forming a bridge between two electrodes within a microfabricated device.
Aggressive social interaction in mice genetically selected for blood pressure extremes.

Mice genetically selected for blood pressure extremes were compared with regard to aggressive social behavior. Aggressor mice from the high and low blood-pressure lines were pitted against mice from the high and low lines (targets). High blood-pressure mice were less aggressive socially than low blood-pressure mice. The low blood-pressure mice exhibited the highest social aggression scores when pitted against high blood-pressure targets. Examination of extreme blood-pressure groups chosen from the segregating F 2 generation resulting from crosses of the high and low lines indicated that aggressive social behavior and blood pressure were influenced by the same genes or linked genes.
Gastroesophageal reflux in the neonate

Physiologic GER may be a maturational phenomenon, because infants outgrow this over time. Many aspects of GERD in neonates and young infants remain incompletely understood, however, particularly the pathophysiology and long-term problems in high-risk neonates. Diagnostic and therapeutic availability is vital in infants with GER and airway compromise, apnea events, or chronic lung disease. Although most infants improve with conservative therapy, there is a dire lack of ideal pharmacologic agents that work on all the mechanisms of GER with the least consequences. Studies that permit diagnosis not only of the disease but also of the causal mechanism, better feeding strategies, and prevention of morbidity from GERD will be beneficial.
Synthesis and characterization of Nd0.6Sr0.4Co1-yMnyO3-δ (0 ≤ y ≤ 1.0) cathodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract Nd 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 1− y Mn y O 3− δ (0 ≤ y ≤ 1.0) oxides have been investigated as cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The samples form a single-phase solid solution with an orthorhombic perovskite structure and the lattice parameters and volume increase with increasing Mn content y . The degree of oxygen loss at high temperatures and the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) decrease with increasing y due to a stronger Mn O bond. The electrical conductivity decreases with y and the system exhibits a metal to semiconductor transition at around y = 0.2. The electrocatalytic activity and power density measured with single cell SOFC decrease with increasing y due to a decrease in oxygen exchange and mobility as well as charge transfer kinetics, arising from a decrease in the oxide ion vacancy concentration and electrical conductivity.
A Modified Vadose Zone Fluxmeter with Solution Collection Capability

To assess contaminant fluxes in the vadose zone water flux and solute concentrations must be known but they are seldom measured simultaneously at the same location. A water fluxmeter (WFM) with divergence control was modified to measure solute concentrations by adding a funnel and collection vial to the bottom of the meter. Laboratory experiments using coarse and fine sands showed that measured solute concentrations and known water fluxes can be combined to provide estimates of solute flux. Water containing a NO⁻ ₃ tracer was applied at a rate of 1.97 × 10⁻⁸ m s⁻¹ (621 mm yr⁻¹), and water flux was simultaneously measured along with NO⁻ ₃ concentrations in the outflow water. The general agreement in fitted and measured pore-water velocities suggests that the breakthrough curves of NO⁻ ₃ measured using the drainage through the WFM can be used to estimate the pore-water velocity of the soil. Solute travel-time through the 60-cm-long wick was <10% of the travel time through the sands and could be neglected. Flow divergence was examined by measuring the soil water content and pressure head at different positions and by measuring the water flux passing through and around the WFM. Divergence was controlled by a 15-cm-high barrier such that more than 80% of the flow passed through the fluxmeter in both soils. Results show that the modified SFM can provide a convenient method for long-term monitoring of contaminant flux.
Optimization Problems with Second Order Stochastic Dominance Constraints: Duality, Compact Formulations, and Cut Generation Methods

For stochastic optimization problems with second order stochastic dominance constraints we develop a new form of the duality theory featuring measures on the product of the probability space and the real line. We present two formulations involving small numbers of variables and exponentially many constraints: primal and dual. The dual formulation reveals connections between dominance constraints, generalized transportation problems, and the theory of measures with given marginals. Both formulations lead to two classes of cutting plane methods. Finite convergence of both methods is proved in the case of finitely many events. Numerical results for a portfolio problem are provided.
Case Report Hypothalamic Dysfunction in a Case of Idiopathic Orthostatic Hypotension (Shy-Drager Syndrome)

Growth Hormone (GH) secretion was studied in a 61-year-old woman with idiopathic orthostatic hypotension (IOH) or Shy-Drager Syndrome. The 24-hour pattern of GH secretion showed multiple daytime peaks and little nighttime activity. The largest daytime peak of 35.0 ng/ml is much greater than the levels observed in seven studies using five age-matched normal women. There were few secretory episodes during sleep in the patient and the control subjects. Paradoxical GH responses occurred during oral glucose tolerance tests, despite high blood glucose. GH was also detected in three studies using TRH. These data suggest that our patient with IOH has abnormal regulation of GH secretion. This is a sign of hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction in a diffuse neurological disease.
The Temperature Dependence of the Pitch of CEEC

Abstract The pitch of cholesteryl 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethyl carbonate (CEEC) is measured as a function of temperature and is shown to increase with increasing temperature, unlike the behavior of other single component cholesteric liquid crystals. We find that improved sample purification shifts the pitch horizontally on the temperature axis, while sample aging causes an increased disorientation of the sample domains themselves.
Design of a Mobile, Inexpensive Device for Upper Extremity Rehabilitation at Home

Chronic stroke survivors lack sufficient outpatient therapy, despite indications that more therapy at the chronic stage can restore some function. Both insurance and physical constraints on therapists prevent training in the home, most likely where this activity would take place. Nevertheless, this gap reveals a promising application for robots, low-cost home care. A robot designed for home use needs to be inexpensive, portable and safe. Earlier, we have explored a type of compliant variable transmission known as the MARIONET (Moment arm Adjustment for Remote Induction Of Net Effective Torque). The proof-of-concept, behaving similar to a rotary Series Elastic Actuator, has been found suitable for low-cost, light weight applications. This paper discusses further analysis of the single-joint MARIONET and proposes the design for the new planar, upper extremity two-joint manipulandum for clinical and home use.
Experience with PROOF-Lite in ATLAS data analysis

We discuss our experience with PROOF-Lite in a context of ATLAS Collaboration physics analysis of data obtained during the LHC physics run of 2009-2010. In particular we discuss PROOF-Lite performance in virtual and physical machines, its scalability on different types of multi-core processors and effects of multithreading. We will also describe PROOF-Lite performance with Solid State Drives (SSDs).
Localized Orbital Moments of Defects in Insulators—The F Center

The factors determining the orbit-Zeeman splitting of a localized ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{4u}$ electronic state in an insulating solid are discussed in an idealized model and the results applied to $F$ centers in the alkali halides. The model used involves explicit orthogonalization of an approximate one-electron function for the localized defect state to the core states of the host-lattice ions. The expectation value of ${L}_{z}$ (or orbital $g$ factor, ${g}_{\mathrm{orb}}$) and the electron currents surrounding the defect are calculated. It is shown that the requirement of orthogonality to core-electron states may cause significant deviations of the orbital moment from unity in ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{4u}$ states derived from $P$-like defect states. For neighboring ions with only $S$-like core states, overlap corrections decrease the moment; this may explain the low value of ${g}_{\mathrm{orb}}$ observed for the LiF $F$ center. For neighbors with $S$ and $P$-like core states, corrections to the orbital moment may be either positive or negative. Localization of defect electron charge on neighboring ions tends to decrease orbital angular momentum, while "hopping" of charge from one neighbor to the next tends to augment the moment. For the NaCl $F$ center, explicit calculations yield values of ${g}_{\mathrm{orb}}$ between 1.2 and 1.4 suggesting a predominance of the "hopping" motion. Various experimental determinations of ${g}_{\mathrm{orb}}$ are discussed and a physical picture for its deviation from unity is developed in terms of electron currents.
Photodissociation and photodetachment of small carbon cluster anions

Abstract Carbon cluster anions as large as C−33 were produced by laser desorption—ionization of graphite and trapped in the ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) ion trap, although after a few laser shots a stable cluster distribution terminating with C−13 was reached. Under irradiation at 308 nm both dissociation and photodetachment processes were observed, the latter via CCl4 electron scavenging. Electron photodetachment was the dominant photoreaction for all ions between C−4 and C−13. For ions from C−8 to C−13 dissociation competed with detachment; loss of one or more C3 units was observed, and in some cases also loss of C5. For C−4 to C−11, photodetachment showed linear intensity dependence at low intensities, indicating a one-photon process and showing that the adiabatic electron affinities are less than about 4.0 eV for the photodetaching anions. All dissociations showed quadratic or stronger intensity dependence at onset, indicating processes needing two or more photons. The photodetachment cross sections mirrored the reported electron affinities, with the highest cross sections for the ions of lowest electron affinity. It was considered quite likely that the ions from the C−10 upward were mixed populations of linear and cyclic isomers, with the cyclic isomers giving most or all of the photodetachment. It also seemed likely that the C−8 population had a cyclic component, but the structures of the C−8 and C−9 ions could not be assigned with confidence.
The Effect of Heater Size, Location, Aspect Ratio, and Boundary Conditions on Two-Dimensional, Laminar, Natural Convection in Rectangular Channels

The effect of localized heating in rectangular channels was studied by solving the partial differential equations for the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy numerically using an unsteady state formulation and the alternating-direction-implicit method. The heating element was a long, horizontal, isothermal strip located in one, otherwise-insulated vertical wall. The opposing wall was maintained at a lower uniform temperature and the upper and lower surfaces were insulated or maintained at the lower temperature. Computations were carried out for Pr = 0.7, 0 less than or equal to Ra less than or equal to 10/sup 5/, a complete range of heater widths and locations and a wide range of aspect ratios. Flow visualization studies and comparison with prior computed results for a limiting case confirm the validity of the computed values. The computed rates of heat transfer and circulation provide guidance for locating heaters or coolers.
ED50 G(Na) block predictions for phenyl substituted and unsubstituted n-alkanols.

A series of n-alkanols and phenyl-substituted n-alkanols (Φ-alkanols) of increasing chain length and phenol were characterized for their ability to block action potentials (APs) in frog sciatic nerves. APs were recorded using the single sucrose-gap method. The degree of AP attenuation when the nerve was exposed to different concentrations of an alcohol was used to construct dose-response curves. The reciprocals of the half-blocking doses (ED50s) were used to obtain a measure of the potency of the alcohols. For n-alkanols and Φ-alkanols, increasing the chain length by the addition of a methylene group increased the potency on average by 3.1 for both groups of alkanols. The addition of a phenyl group caused a potency increase that ranged between the values of 77 and 122. The ED50 for both groups of alkanols could not be solely predicted by the log octanol-water partition coefficient (KOW). Using linear solvation energy relations (LSER), the log ED50 could be described as a linear combination of the intrinsic (van der Waals) molar volume (VI), polarity (P), and hydrogen bond acceptor basicity (β) and donor acidity (α). Size alone could not predict the ED50 for both n-alkanols and Φ-alkanols. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that alkanols bind to and interact with Na channels to cause AP block. Phenyl group addition to an alkanol markedly increases the molecule's potency.
Honesty in Theology

There is risk of intellectual dishonesty in the act of modernizing traditional doctrines. One reason theologians reform traditional doctrines is that the original formulations have become incredible to them. This is seldom honestly admitted. It is further dishonestly claimed that new formulations have a direct conceptual link to the old as if the new were the old retold. However, many times the connection between the new theology and the old is in name only, with radically new understanding for an old term. Can we honestly say so? Theology should resuscitate questions of intellectual honesty that were present at the Liberal theology's origins in the interest of maximizing honest theological inquiry. Can theology construct an ethics of belief for itself?
Fragility analysis of bridges under ground motion with spatial variation

Seismic ground motion can vary significantly over distances comparable to the length of a majority of highway bridges on multiple supports. This paper presents results of fragility analysis of highway bridges under ground motion with spatial variation. Ground motion time histories are artificially generated with different amplitudes, phases, as well as frequency contents at different support locations. Monte Carlo simulation is performed to study dynamic responses of an example multi-span bridge under these ground motions. The effect of spatial variation on the seismic response is systematically examined and the resulting fragility curves are compared with those under identical support ground motion. This study shows that ductility demands for the bridge columns can be underestimated if the bridge is analyzed using identical support ground motions rather than differential support ground motions. Fragility curves are developed as functions of different measures of ground motion intensity including peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, spectral acceleration, spectral velocity and spectral intensity. This study represents a first attempt to develop fragility curves under spatially varying ground motion and provides information useful for improvement of the current seismic design codes so as to account for the effects of spatial variation in the seismic design of long-span bridges.
88 FUNCTIONAL THYROTOXIC CARDIOMYOPATHY IN CHILDREN

Myocardial performance during thyrotoxicosis (T) was evaluated by multigated radionuclide angiocardiography during graded axercise in 8 children (8-17 ys) with Graves' disease. With exercise, heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased in all patients; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased normally by 7 to 10% in 4 (2 male, 2 female), but did not increase significantly in 1 (male) and decreased by 3 to 8% in 3 (female). There was no significant difference in the duration of T, resting and exercise HR and SBP, or resting LVEF, between patients with normal and abnormal responses. The change in LVEF was inversely correlated with serum T4 (r= −.82, p<.02) and T3 (r= −.88, p<.05). Three abnormal and 2 normal responders were reassessed after return to euthyroid state. Resting HR and SBP were considerably lower than during T; resting LVEF was 64% ± 6. With exercise, HR and SBP rose to levels attained during the first study; LVEF increased in all patients by 7 to 23%. Our study suggests that T causes diminished LV reserve (compensated functional cardiomyopathy) which appears to be reversible. Severity of T (measured by T4 and T3 levels) may be a determining factor in the development of the functional cardiomyopathy.
Associations of the lactase persistence allele and lactose intake with body composition among multiethnic children

Childhood obesity is a worldwide health concern with a multifaceted and sometimes confounding etiology. Dairy products have been implicated as both pro- and anti-obesogenic, perhaps due to the confounding relationship between dairy, lactose consumption, and potential genetic predisposition. We aimed to understand how lactase persistence influenced obesity-related traits by observing the relationships among lactose consumption, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) near the lactase (LCT) gene and body composition parameters in a sample of multiethnic children (n = 296, 7–12 years old). We hypothesized that individuals with the lactase persistence (LP) allele of the LCT SNP (rs4988235) would exhibit a greater degree of adiposity and that this relationship would be mediated by lactose consumption. Body composition variables were measured using dual X-ray absorptiometry and a registered dietitian assessed dietary intake of lactose. Statistical models were adjusted for sex, age, pubertal stage, ethnic group, genetic admixture, socio-economic status, and total energy intake. Our findings indicate a positive, significant association between the LP allele and body mass index (p = 0.034), fat mass index (FMI) (p = 0.043), and waist circumference (p = 0.008), with associations being stronger in males than in females. Our results also reveal that lactose consumption is positively and nearly significantly associated with FMI.
An Adaptive Sampling Strategy for Online High-Dimensional Process Monitoring

Temporally and spatially dense data-rich environments provide unprecedented opportunities and challenges for effective process control. In this article, we propose a systematic and scalable adaptive sampling strategy for online high-dimensional process monitoring in the context of limited resources with only partial information available at each acquisition time. The proposed adaptive sampling strategy includes a broad range of applications: (1) when only a limited number of sensors is available; (2) when only a limited number of sensors can be in “ON” state in a fully deployed sensor network; and (3) when only partial data streams can be analyzed at the fusion center due to limited transmission and processing capabilities even though the full data streams have been acquired remotely. A monitoring scheme of using the sum of top-r local CUSUM statistics is developed and named as “TRAS” (top-r based adaptive sampling), which is scalable and robust in detecting a wide range of possible mean shifts in all dir...
Development of novel agents for ovarian cancer

Abstract Epithelial ovarian cancer, the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in American women, is a devastating disease. Although the combined intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of first-line chemotherapy does produce some improvement in patient outcomes in comparison with intravenous administration alone, the results of completed clinical trials suggest that a plateau has been reached in the benefits that can be achieved with cytotoxic chemotherapy alone in ovarian cancer. Epithelial ovarian cancer is currently classified by surgical and histologic criteria. However, the predictive value of this classification is limited. Moreover, the complexity of the different subtypes of ovarian cancer presents challenges to our understanding of the origin and pathogenesis of this disease. The sequential acquisition of molecular anomalies as occurs in colorectal carcinogenesis has not been described for ovarian cancer. However, increasing evidence indicates that multiple genetic and epigenetic events contribute to epithelial ovarian carcinogenesis. These events include aberrations in the expression of patterning genes, genomic instability, and resultant chromosomal changes, and may be triggered by excessive exposure of surface epithelial cells to autocrine/paracrine stimulation by sex steroids and other growth factors. As the disease progresses, activation of kinase pathways and continued abnormal autocrine/paracrine stimulation contribute to genomic instability and chemoresistance but also identify novel potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Although the list of genomic and other aberrations in ovarian cancer is daunting, a systems approach and the integration of therapies targeting multiple component ‘driver’ genes of important genetic aberrations has potential in treatment and for potentiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy efficacy.
Integrin- Ligand Binding: Do integrins use a ‘MIDAS touch’ to grasp an Asp?

Abstract Integrins use divalent cations, held within a novel ‘MIDAS' motif, for ligand binding. It is proposed that a missing coordination site for the cation is provided by a critical acidic residue in the ligand.
Data Based Design of PID Controllers for a Magnetic Levitation Experiment

Abstract Using the new data based controller design technique recently introduced, we design PID controllers for a magnetic levitation experiment. The frequency response experimental data was collected for a finite range of frequencies that is appropriate for the system response. Using this frequency response data, the entire set of stabilizing PID controllers is determined. From this stabilizing set, PID gains are computed to satisfy multiple performance specifications and the corresponding controller is implemented to experimentally validate and illustrate the performance of the closed-loop system.
Nesting Ecology of Swainson's Warblers in a South Carolina Bottomland Forest

Abstract We studied the nesting ecology of Swainson's Warblers (Limnothylpis swainsonii) in Britton's Neck, South Carolina, USA and found 144 nests of which 78 were active. Nest initiations followed a bimodal distribution. Clutches averaged (± SE) 3.19 ± 0.20 eggs and 2.50 ± 0.33 fledglings per nest. The Mayfield nest success estimate for a 23-day cycle was 50%. Logistic exposure models indicate nest success to be most impacted by Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) nest parasitism, nest age, and distance to the nearest swamp. Unparasitized nests that were younger in age and further from a swamp had the highest daily survival rates. Ten percent of nests were parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds with a 26% reduction in Swainson's Warbler hatching and an 89% reduction in fledgling production. Multiple brooding was observed in 21% of 2000 and 2001 Swainson's Warbler nests. Vines, such as greenbrier (Smilax spp.), were the most common substrate used for nesting, although two-thirds of the nests contained ca...
Prasugrel: newest antiplatelet agent and its emerging role in management of acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention

Oral antiplatelet therapy has been very effective in reducing vascular events. Currently available oral antiplatelet agents are aspirin and the thienopyridine P2Y12-receptor antagonists. These agents are used frequently in combination among patients with coronary artery disease, and also following percutaneous coronary intervention to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events. Emergence of resistance to either aspirin or clopidogrel, or both the agents, is a major concern as antiplatelet resistance is likely to increase thrombotic events, thus resulting in a worse clinical outcome. Development of new agents has therefore become imperative. Prasugrel is the newest thienopyridine with the most robust clinical data, and appears to be superior to clopidogrel, the most extensively used agent besides aspirin in contemporary cardiovascular practice. Possible advantages of prasugrel over clopidogrel are its faster onset of action, reduced inter-patient variability, and more potent and persistent platelet inhibit...
Engagement Beyond Interruption: A Performative Perspective on Listening and Ethics

This article presents an understanding of listening as a performative and pedagogical act. Moving beyond existing theories of listening in communication and education studies that frame listening as a selective and incremental act, this article considers listening in terms of a performance studies and critical education studies perspective. An argument for listening as an embodied act is developed through the consideration of 3 classroom interactions and the critical reading of existing education and communication studies literature on listening. Six implications of the respecification of listening as a mode of embodiment are offered for critical education studies.