cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation energy in the mammalian brain slice as determined by oxygen micro-electrode measurements.

The activation energies were calculated from oxygen consumption rates obtained from oxygen partial pressure (PO2) profiles in olfactory cortical slices of guinea pig in vitro, assuming that the Krogh coefficient varied linearly over the range of investigated temperatures (19-39°C).
The effects of curing history on residual stresses in bone cement during hip arthroplasty

During cement curing in total hip arthroplasty, residual stresses are introduced in the cement mantle as a result of curing shrinkage, thermal shrinkage, and geometrical constraints. These high residual stresses are capable of initiating cracks in the mantle of cemented hip replacements. The purpose of this study was to determine the residual stresses in the cemented hip replacements. The finite element method was developed to predict the residual stresses built up in joint arthroplasties. Experimental tests were then performed to validate the numerical methodology. Then the effects of curing history on the residual stress distribution were investigated with finite element simulations. Results showed that the predictions of the thermal shrinkage residual stresses by the developed method agreed with the experimental tests very well. The residual stress buildup was shown to depend on the curing history. By preheating the prosthesis stem prior to implantation, a desired low-level residual stress at the critical prosthesis-cement interface was obtained. As a result, this article provides a numerical tool for the quantitative simulation of residual stress and for examining and refining new designs computationally.
An Intraoperative Method to Evaluate Elbow Flexion and Supination Strength During Biceps-to-Triceps Transfer for Tetraplegia

Biceps-to-triceps tendon transfer is used for restoration of elbow extension in tetraplegia reconstruction. Adequate supinator and brachialis muscle functions are prerequisites to this technique. The preoperative evaluation to isolate the actions of these muscles is imprecise. An intraoperative technique to evaluate satisfactory strength of the brachialis and supinator muscles is presented to affirm no loss of function prior to transfer.
Constrained Analytical Trajectory Filter for stabilizing humanoid robot motions

Mimicking human motion with a humanoid robot is essential for allowing humanoid robots to be used in service applications. Simply creating motions without considerations for balance and stability or directly copying motion from a human using motion capture and implementing it on a humanoid robot may not be successful because of the difference in physical properties between the human and the humanoid robot, which may cause instability and make it fall. Using the Zero Moment Point as the stability criteria, this work proposes a Constrained Analytical Trajectory Filter as part of an Analytical Motion Filter, which stabilizes a reference motion that can come from human motion capture data, kinematic synthesis, or animation software. The resulting solutions used in the Constrained Analytical Trajectory Filter provide insight into the complex interactions of motion and stability. The solutions were verified in simulation and with hardware, showing that the analytical filter can be successfully applied for stabilizing reference motions for humanoid robots which may be unstable otherwise.
Internet-Based Personalized Feedback to Reduce 21st-Birthday Drinking: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Event-Specific Prevention Intervention.

This article presents an initial randomized controlled trial of an event-specific prevention intervention. Participants included 295 college students (41.69% male, 58.31% female) who intended to consume 2 or more drinks on their 21st birthday. Participants completed a screening/baseline assessment approximately 1 week before they turned 21 and were randomly assigned to receive Web-based personalized feedback or assessment only. Feedback included normative information, protective behaviors, and personalized blood alcohol concentration information. A follow-up assessment was completed approximately 1 week after a student's birthday. Results indicated a significant intervention effect in reducing estimated blood alcohol concentration (d = 0.33). The intervention effect was moderated by 21st-birthday drinking intentions, and the intervention was primarily effective among those who intended to reach higher levels of intoxication. Results provide some support for normative information as a mediator of intervention efficacy. Overall results provide support for Web-based personalized feedback as an intervention approach for specific events associated with extreme drinking.
Is Image Registration of Fluorodeoxyglucose–Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Head-and-Neck Cancer Treatment Planning Necessary?

Purpose To evaluate dosimetry and patterns of failure related to fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)–defined biological tumor volumes (BTVs) for head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT). Methods and Materials We conducted a retrospective study of 91 HNSCC patients who received pretreatment PET/CT scans that were not formally used for target delineation. The median follow-up was 34.5 months. Image registration was performed for PET, planning CT, and post-RT failure CT scans. Previously defined primary (CTPRIMARY) and nodal (CTNODE) gross tumor volumes (GTV) were used. The primary BTV (BTVPRIMARY) and nodal BTV (BTVNODE) were defined visually (PETvis). The BTVPRIMARY was also contoured using 40% and 50% peak PET activity (PET40, PET50). The recurrent GTVs were contoured on post-RT CT scans. Dosimetry was evaluated on the planning-CT and pretreatment PET scan. PET and CT dosimetric/volumetric data was compared for those with and without local-regional failure (LRF). Results In all, 29 of 91 (32%) patients experienced LRF: 10 local alone, 7 regional alone, and 12 local and regional. BTVs and CT volumes had less than complete overlap. BTVs were smaller than CT-defined targets. Dosimetric coverage was similar between failed and controlled groups as well as between BTVs and CT-defined volumes. Conclusions PET and CT-defined tumor volumes received similar RT doses despite having less than complete overlap and the inaccuracies of image registration. LRF correlated with both CT and PET-defined volumes. The dosimetry for PET- and/or CT-based tumor volumes was not significantly inferior in patients with LRF. CT-based delineation alone may be sufficient for treatment planning in patients with HNSCC. Image registration of FDG-PET may not be necessary.
American alligator proximal pedal phalanges resemble human finger bones: Diagnostic criteria for forensic investigators

A scientific approach to bone and tooth identification requires analysts to pursue the goal of empirical falsification. That is, they may attribute a questioned specimen to element and taxon only after having ruled out all other possible attributions. This requires analysts to possess a thorough understanding of both human and non-human osteology, particularly so for remains that may be morphologically similar across taxa. To date, forensic anthropologists have identified several potential 'mimics' for human skeletal remains, including pig teeth and bear paws. Here we document another possible mimic for isolated human skeletal elements--the proximal pedal phalanges of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) closely resemble the proximal and intermediate hand phalanges of adult humans. We detail morphological similarities and differences between these elements, with the goal of providing sufficient information for investigators to confidently falsify the hypothesis that a questioned phalanx is derived from an American alligator.
Consultation in school psychology: Changes from 1981 to 1984

In order to assess changes in consultation activities by practicing school psychologists, questionnaires were sent to a nationwide sample of practitioners engaging in consultation on a regular basis. Responses were received from 225 school psychologists, for a return rate of 58%. These responses were compared to their previous responses in 181-82 and revealed a significant increase in both the actual amount of time spent in consultation and the amount of time desired for consultation. School psychologist to student ratio was significantly lower, as was overall satisfaction with the profession, compared to the 1981-82 results. Sex differences were found for perceived competency in teacher consultation. The results and their implications for the field of school psychology are discussed.
A proof of Crouzeix’s conjecture for a class of matrices

Abstract Crouzeix’s conjecture is that for any square matrix A and any polynomial p we have | | p ( A ) | | ⩽ 2 max p ( z ) | : z ∈ W ( A ) } , where W ( A ) is the field of values of A and | | · | | denotes the spectral norm. In this paper, we show that the conjecture holds for the matrices of the form λ α 1 ⋱ ⋱ ⋱ α n - 1 α n λ , where λ ∈ C and α = ( α 1 , … , α n ) ∈ C n .
Simultaneous quantification of tumor uptake for targeted and nontargeted liposomes and their encapsulated contents by ICPMS.

Liposomes are intensively being developed for biomedical applications including drug and gene delivery. However, targeted liposomal delivery in cancer treatment is a very complicated multistep process. Unfavorable liposome biodistribution upon intravenous administration and membrane destabilization in blood circulation could result in only a very small fraction of cargo reaching the tumors. It would therefore be desirable to develop new quantitative strategies to track liposomal delivery systems to improve the therapeutic index and decrease systemic toxicity. Here, we developed a simple and nonradiative method to quantify the tumor uptake of targeted and nontargeted control liposomes as well as their encapsulated contents simultaneously. Specifically, four different chelated lanthanide metals were encapsulated or surface-conjugated onto tumor-targeted and nontargeted liposomes, respectively. The two liposome formulations were then injected into tumor-bearing mice simultaneously, and their tumor delivery w...
The Uptake of Urea by Natural Populations of Marine PHYTOPLANKTON1

Nitrogen-15 isotopes were used to study the uptake of nitrate, ammonium, and urea by natural phytoplankton populations in 36 samples collected at nine stations off the coast of southern California. The percentage of the total phytoplankton nitrogen productivity accounted for by urea varied from 60% and for the entire study averaged 28%. The percentage of total available nitrogenous nutrient (ambient nitrate, ammonium, and urea plus the 15N additions) utilized per day varied among the stations from a minimum of 5% at station 4 (12 km off San Diego) to a maximum of 46% at station 19 (off White Point). The average C:N uptake ratio was 12.4.
Ethanol synthesis from syngas over Rh-based/SiO2 catalysts: A combined experimental and theoretical modeling study

Abstract Catalytic conversion of biomass-derived synthesis gas to ethanol and other C 2 + oxygenates has received considerable attention recently due to the strong demands for alternative, renewable energy sources. Combining experimental measurements with first-principles-based kinetic modeling, we investigated the reaction kinetics of ethanol synthesis from CO hydrogenation over SiO2 -supported Rh/Mn alloy catalysts. We find that an Mn promoter can exist in a binary alloy with Rh and play a critical role in lowering the CO insertion reaction (CO + CHx (x = 1–3)) barriers thus improving the selectivity toward ethanol and other C 2 + oxygenates, although the barrier toward methane formation is unaffected. The postulation of supported Rh/Mn alloy nanoparticle being the active phase is supported by our experimental characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction of practically used Rh/Mn/SiO2 catalysts. First-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirmed that the binary Rh/Mn alloy is thermodynamically more stable than the mixed metal/metal oxides under the reducing reaction condition. The reaction kinetics of CO hydrogenation to ethanol on the three-dimensional Rh/Mn nanoparticle under experimental operating conditions was studied using kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations. The simulated reaction kinetics is qualitatively consistent with experimental observations. Finally, the effects of various promoters (M = Ir, Ga, V, Ti, Sc, Ca, and Li) on the CO insertion reaction over Rh/M alloy nanoparticles were investigated using DFT calculations. We found alloying the promoters with the electronegativity difference, Δχ, between the promoter (M) and Rh being 0.7 is the most effective in lowering the barriers of CO insertion reaction, which leads to higher selectivity to ethanol. This conclusion is in excellent accord with the reported catalytic performance of CO hydrogenation over Rh-based catalysts with different promoters. We believe that the electronegativity difference criterion is very useful in improving the catalytic performance using transition metal-based catalysts for ethanol synthesis from CO hydrogenation.
1293 INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE AND THE PRETERM SGA NEWBORN

151 consecutive newborn infants 50, peak inflation pressure >25 cm H2O and 1:E ratio > 1:1. The only factor significantly related to SEH/IVH in SGA infants was the occurrence of alveolar rupture. 14/20 AGA infants and 16/20 SGA infants with alveolar rupture had SEH/IVH. SGA infants appear to be at higher risk of SEH/IVH than AGA infants. The occurrence of SEH/IVH in the preterm SGA infant may be on a different basis than in the AGA infant and related to prenatal nutritional status rather than postnatal iatrogenic events. Prenatal or intrapartum events superimposed upon decreased supportive tissue in the germinal matrix of the SGA infant may play an important role in the evolution of SEH/IVH in the preterm SGA infant.
A Homochiral Porous Metal−Organic Framework for Highly Enantioselective Heterogeneous Asymmetric Catalysis

A homochiral porous noninterpenetrating metal−organic framework (MOF), 1, was constructed by linking infinite 1D [Cd(μ-Cl)2]n zigzag chains with axially chiral bipyridine bridging ligands containing orthogonal secondary functional groups. The secondary chiral dihydroxy groups accessible via the large open channels in 1 were utilized to generate a heterogeneous asymmetric catalyst for the addition of diethyzinc to aromatic aldehydes to afford chiral secondary alcohols at up to 93% enantiomeric excess (ee). Control experiments with dendritic aromatic aldehydes of different sizes indicate that the heterogeneous asymmetric catalyst derived from 1 is both highly active and enantioselective as a result of the creation of readily accessible, uniform active catalyst sites inside the porous MOF.
Hairy attachment structures in Reduviidae (Cimicomorpha, Heteroptera), with observations on the fossula spongiosa in some other Cimicomorpha

Reduviidae and some other groups of cimicomorphan Heteroptera possess a hairy attachment structure on the apex of the tibia called “fossula spongiosa”. The fossula spongiosa was never studied comparatively across Reduviidae, its fine structure and mode of function is not well documented, and attachment structures in immature stages are virtually unknown. Here, a sample of 171 species of Reduviidae representing 22 subfamilies is examined for presence–absence of the fossula spongiosa on the three pairs of legs. Representatives of 11 of the 22 subfamilies are shown to possess a fossula spongiosa. The fine structure of the fossula spongiosa is examined for a more limited sample of Reduviidae and several Pachynomidae and Nabidae. In addition, scanning micrographs for the fossula spongiosa in other Cimicomorpha are given, among them Anthocoridae, Cimicidae, Microphysidae (first record of a fossula spongiosa), and Thaumastocoridae. The fossula spongiosa in Reduviidae consists of tenent hairs (acanthae) with spatulate or tapering apices interspersed with sensory setae, both of which are embedded in a thick and flexible cuticle, underlain by a hemolymph cavity separated almost entirely from the interior of the remaining tibia by a cuticular invagination. Judging from comparison with non-reduviid Cimicomorpha, this separation of the fossula spongiosa cavity from the tibial interior may be unique to Reduviidae. A simple experiment using live specimens of Platymeris biguttata (Reduviinae) revealed a liquid on the tip of the tenent hairs that might be involved in the attachment of the fossula spongiosa by adhesion mechanisms. The nymphs of Reduviidae whose adults have a fossula spongiosa are here documented for the first time to possess pads of ventrally barbed setae instead of tenent hairs and their tibia lacks the internal cuticular invagination. The nymphal attachment structures seem to rely on increase of friction rather than the adhesion mechanism proposed to be present in the adult. Combined with the tenent setae on the third tarsomere known in some Emesinae and here documented for Saicinae, three types of hairy attachment structures occur on the legs of Reduviidae: tenent hairs (acanthae), which form the fossula spongiosa in many Reduviidae, barbed setae that substitute the fossula in the immatures, and tenent setae on the tarsus which are restricted to only a few taxa.
Follicular mechanisms associated with 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide-induced ovotoxicity in rats

The mechanism of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced oocyte destruction in small preantral follicles of rats and mice has not been elucidated. This study examined the effects of daily dosing of female rats with VCD on protein synthesis and follicle viability. An investigation of granulosa cells as a target for VCD was also made. Small preantral follicles (25 to 100 microns) isolated from untreated immature rats (day 28) as well as from rats injected daily for 10 d with VCD (0.57 mmol/kg, IP) or vehicle control (sesame oil) were incubated for 3, 6, or 10 h in vitro with or without VCD. Viability (trypan blue dye exclusion) or protein synthesis (3H-leucine incorporation) in follicles was measured. Large preantral follicles (100 to 250 microns), isolated oocytes or granulosa cells from small preantral follicles, hepatocytes, and adrenal cells served as controls. Viability was not compromised in small follicles isolated from untreated or VCD-injected rats. However, following in vitro incubation of small preantral follicles with VCD, there was a significant decrease in viability by 6 h. This loss in viability was observed in granulosa cells and was even greater in follicles from dosed as compared with undosed animals. The various cell types were incubated in vitro with or without VCD for 3 h and the rate of protein synthesis was measured by 3H-leucine incorporation during the last hour of incubation. Incubation of small preantral follicles from untreated animals with VCD for 3 h produced significant inhibition in the rate of protein synthesis. This effect was reversed and significantly stimulated after 6 and 10 h of incubation with VCD. Follicles from animals that had been dosed daily with VCD for 10 d demonstrated similar inhibition of protein synthesis following 3 h in vitro incubation with VCD; however, unlike those from undosed rats, follicles from dosed rats did not recover from this inhibition after 6 or 10 h of in vitro incubation with VCD. In vitro incubation with VCD stimulated the rate of protein synthesis in large preantral follicles; however, no effect on the rate of protein synthesis was observed in isolated oocytes and granulosa cells, hepatocytes, or adrenal cells. These observations suggest that VCD affects follicular viability via an effect on granulosa cells and that daily dosing of rats with VCD makes small preantral follicles more susceptible to ovotoxicity by VCD.
ArrayTrack: a free FDA bioinformatics tool to support emerging biomedical research -- an update

ArrayTrack™is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bioinformatics tool that has been widely adopted by the research community for genomics studies. It provides an integrated environment for microarray data management, analysis and interpretation. Most of its functionality for statistical, pathway and gene ontology analysis can also be applied independently to data generated by other molecular technologies. ArrayTrack has been undergoing active development and enhancement since its inception in 2001. This review summarises its key functionalities, with emphasis on the most recent extensions in support of the evolving needs of FDA's research programmes. ArrayTrack has added capability to manage, analyse and interpret proteomics and metabolomics data after quantification of peptides and metabolites abundance, respectively. Annotation information about single nucleotide polymorphisms and quantitative trait loci has been integrated to support genetics-related studies. Other extensions have been added to manage and analyse genomics data related to bacterial food-borne pathogens.
Natural-Analog Studies for Partial Validation of Conceptual Models of Radionuclide Retardation at the Wipp

Transport by groundwater within the Culebra Dolomite, an aquifer above the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), is the most probable mechanism for long-term release of radionuclides to the accessible environment. Radionuclides could be retarded by sorption if the groundwater is exposed to sufficient amounts of fracture-lining clays. In this natural-analog study, distributions of U and trace metals have been examined to constrain the strength of clay/solute interactions within the Culebra. p]Uranium solid/liquid distribution ratios, calculated from U concentrations of groundwaters and consanguineous fracture-filling clays, range from ~80 to 800 ml/g and imply retardation factors of 60 to 500 using a fracture-flow model. Retardation factors inferred from uranium-series disequilibria and 14C ages in Culebran groundwaters alone are much lower (~10), implying that clays may contain a significant unreactive component of U. Such a possibility is corroborated by Rb/Sr ages; these imply long-term stability of the clays, with resetting occurring more than 250 Ma ago. Factor analysis and mass-balance calculations suggest, however, that Mg-rich clays are dissolving in Pleistocene-age groundwaters and/or are converting to Na-rich smectites, and that B and Li are taken up from the water by the clays. Apparently, the solution chemistry reflects gradual equilibration of clays with groundwater, but thus far the bulk of the clays remain structurally intact. Measurements of the distribution of U in the Culebra will be more meaningful if the inert and exchangeable components of the U content of the clays can be quantified.
Fabrication of Large Area Periodic Nanostructures Using Nanosphere Photolithography

Large area periodic nanostructures exhibit unique optical and electronic properties and have found many applications, such as photonic band-gap materials, high dense data storage, and photonic devices. We have developed a maskless photolithography method—Nanosphere Photolithography (NSP)—to produce a large area of uniform nanopatterns in the photoresist utilizing the silica micro-spheres to focus UV light. Here, we will extend the idea to fabricate metallic nanostructures using the NSP method. We produced large areas of periodic uniform nanohole array perforated in different metallic films, such as gold and aluminum. The diameters of these nanoholes are much smaller than the wavelength of UV light used and they are very uniformly distributed. The method introduced here inherently has both the advantages of photolithography and self-assembled methods. Besides, it also generates very uniform repetitive nanopatterns because the focused beam waist is almost unchanged with different sphere sizes.
Device and morphological engineering of organic solar cells for enhanced charge transport and photovoltaic performance

Conjugated polymers are potential materials for photovoltaic applications due to their high absorption coefficient, mechanical flexibility, and solution-based processing for low-cost solar cells. A bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structure made of donor–acceptor composite can lead to high charge transfer and power conversion efficiency. Active layer morphology is a key factor for device performance. Film formation processes (e.g., spray-coating, spin-coating, and dip-coating), post-treatment (e.g., annealing and UV ozone treatment), and use of additives are typically used to engineer the morphology, which optimizes physical properties, such as molecular configuration, miscibility, lateral and vertical phase separation. We will review electronic donor–acceptor interactions in conjugated polymer composites, the effect of processing parameters and morphology on solar cell performance, and charge carrier transport in polymer solar cells. This review provides the basis for selection of different processing conditions for optimized nanomorphology of active layers and reduced bimolecular recombination to enhance open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density, and fill factor of BHJ solar cells.
Geospatial Representation of River Channels

A geographic information system (GIS) approach for creating a three-dimensional (3D) topographic data set for straight or meandering river channels is presented. As input, the approach requires channel banklines, an initially arbitrary centerline, and a set of (x,y,z) river bathymetry points. A curvilinear orthogonal s,n -coordinate system that references data along and transverse to flow in the river channel is used. The methodology includes locating the channel centerline along the thalweg and then using it as a reference for assigning s,n -coordinates to the bathymetric data. The resulting bathymetric data in the s,n,z -coordinate system are used to create a square mesh, or FishNet, and this FishNet is then transformed back to the original x,y,z -coordinates to get a flow-oriented 3D mesh. The resulting 3D mesh is a network of lines transverse to the flow (cross sections) and lines parallel to the flow (profile lines). The output thus provides a flow-oriented 3D representation of channel geometry that ...
The first four million years of human evolution

In one of the last paragraphs of The origin of species (1859), Darwin famously suggested that ‘Much light will be thrown on the origin of man and his history’. When he published The descent of man 12 years later, there was still no fossil evidence of our earliest evolutionary history, and
48: A role for CXCL13 in the host response to intra-amniotic infection

INFECTION CHIA-LING NHAN-CHANG, ROBERTO ROMERO, JUAN PEDRO KUSANOVIC, FRANCESCA GOTSCH, SAMUEL S EDWIN, OFFER EREZ, POOJA MITTAL, JIMMY ESPINOZA, LARA FRIEL, EDI VAISBUCH, NANDOR GABOR THAN, SHALI MAZAKI-TOVI, SONIA HASSAN, Wayne State University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD, NIH, DHHS, Detroit, Michigan OBJECTIVE: CXCL13 is a novel chemokine produced by mature and recently recruited macrophages to sites of inflammation, which has anti-microbial and antiangiogenic properties. A role for CXCL13 has been proposed in placental malaria. However, little is known about this chemokine in normal pregnancy, as well as in those associated with bacterial infection. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CXCL13 is present in amniotic fluid (AF) and if its concentration changes with intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI). STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed including patients in the following groups: 1) midtrimester (n 65); 2) term not in labor (n 22); 3) term in labor (n 47); 4) preterm labor (PTL) with term delivery (n 55); and 5) PTL leading to preterm delivery with (n 42) and without (n 68) IAI. CXCL13 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Non-parametric statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: 1) CXCL13 is a physiologic constituent of AF, as it was present in 99% of samples (295/299); 2) The concentration of CXCL13 in AF did not change with gestational age (p 0.11); 3) Patients with PTL and IAI had a significantly higher median concentration of CXCL13 than those without IAI [327.5 pg/mL (59.9-11608) vs 190.7 pg/mL (50.5-13663.6), respectively; p 0.02] and those who delivered at term [145.2 pg/mL (46.3-798.7), respectively; p 0.001]; 4) Spontaneous labor did not result in a change in the median AF concentration of CXCL13 [labor: 86.9 pg/mL (0-450) vs no labor: 77.8 pg/mL (36.0-317.7); p 0.75]. CONCLUSION: 1) We report for the first time the presence of CXCL13 in AF and that its concentrations are dramatically increased in intra-amniotic infection/inflammation; 2) Unlike other chemokines (IL-8), CXCL13 concentrations did not change with spontaneous parturition; 3) In addition to participating in the host response against infection, CXCL13 participates in the homing of regulatory T cells, which have been implicated in the tolerance of the fetal allograft.
Some Guidelines for Selecting Microsimulation Models for Interchange Traffic Operational Analysis

There are several commercially available traffic simulation packages that are able to model the full range of interchange ramp terminals. Each of these packages has pros and cons for simulating various types of interchanges and traffic control plans. Previous research has studied specific simulators in terms of their capabilities for simulating single urban point interchanges (SPUIs) and diamond interchanges. There is no guidance provided however on how to generally select appropriate simulators based on their capabilities and internal algorithms for analyzing specific interchange design and control scenarios. This paper focuses on identifying the elements that should be available in a simulator in order to evaluate a specific interchange scenario (including type, geometry, and traffic control characteristics). The paper does not identify all the specific packages that are appropriate for a specific scenario because these evolve constantly; even though the current version of a package may not support a particular function, future versions of that package may incorporate it. Thus, identifying the most appropriate package would very quickly become obsolete. It is up to the analyst to examine whether a particular characteristic or algorithm is present in a specific package. To accomplish this, three simulators were selected and studied: AIMSUN, CORSIM, and VISSIM. Data from two interchanges (one SPUI and one diamond interchange) at Arizona were obtained and used in the assessment of these packages. The model parameters and assumptions are examined for each model. Simulation is conducted first by using default parameter values followed by a calibration process to adjust parameters related to driver behavior, vehicle performance, and others. In conclusion, several elements are identified as critical in simulating interchanges, which fall in the following categories: (1) the capability of representation of specific geometric characteristics; (2) the capability of simulating specific signal control plans; (3) calibration needs and accuracy in comparison to field conditions; (4) the extraction of specific performance measures from the simulator; and (5) other observations from the research.
Increasing the Natural Frequencies of Circular Disks Using Internal Channels

Abstract This paper investigates a new design for computer disk drive disks that raises their natural frequencies. In this new design, a pattern of small, dense, internal channels or voids is distributed axisymmetrically about the midplane of the disk. These channels increase the natural frequencies of the disk by removing mass from the midplane of the disk while maintaining the coupling between the deflections of the upper and lower surfaces of the disk. This practice is commonly employed in I-beams and honeycombed sandwich panels, but the channeled geometry proposed here has not been previously considered or studied. This paper presents a detailed analytical model for a channeled disk, specifications for optimal channeled disk design, and experimental corroboration. Numerical results show that the natural frequencies of a properly channeled disk can be 10–100% higher than those of a uniform disk, depending on the size of the channels. The orientation of the channels does not significantly affect the natural frequencies, but, in the optimal design, the channels do not extend through the whole disk. Instead, they begin at an optimal, central, transition radius and radiate outward to the outer edge of the disk. Disks with this optimal channel design may be competitive with uniform thickness disks for disk drive applications in terms of both natural frequency and cost.
Measuring infant exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

Methods to measure infant exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) are needed to identify infants at highest risk for ETS-related health problems. The purpose of this study was to validate measures sensitive to changes in levels of infant exposure to ETS and to develop a predictive model of infant exposure to ETS. Fifteen infants of smoking mothers were followed from birth to 6 weeks of age. Exposure to ETS was measured by using a smoking habits questionnaire, cigarette "butt" collection, infant urine nicotine and cotinine levels, and ambient nicotine (personal air monitors). The 24-hour cigarette butt collection was the best predictor of acute (adjusted r2 = .83) and chronic exposure (adjusted r2 = .47) measured by infant urinary nicotine and cotinine levels when the infants were 2 weeks of age. Including scores on the smoking habits questionnaire and ambient nicotine levels increased the adjusted r2 to .88 and .61, respectively.
Reassessment of phylogenetic relationships in Clarkia sect. Sympherica

Clarkia (Onagraceae) is a genus of 42 annual species, mostly native to California, that has served as a model for many studies of plant evolutionary biology, particularly morphological, cytological, and genetic divergence; reproductive isolation; and speciation. Section Sympherica is the largest section with eight diploid and one allotetraploid species. Species in the section have provided important evidence about the evolution of reproductive isolation (C. lingulata derived from C. biloba) and large morphological change (C. dudleyana thought to be sister to the morphologically distinct C. heterandra, recently transferred into Clarkia from the monotypic Heterogaura). Clarkia epilobioides, another diploid species in the section, was previously shown to be one parent of the allotetraploid C. delicata, the other parent being C. unguiculata from sect. Phaeostoma. Lewis and Lewis (1955) interpreted the parentage of C. delicata and other evidence of intersectional hybridization to mean that the diploid sections of the genus, though highly diverse, were closely related and should be maintained in the single genus Clarkia. Here we assess phylogenetic relationships among the species of sect. Sympherica and related species by analyzing the nucleotide sequences of PgiC1 and PgiC2, a pair of paralogous genes that encode the cytosolic isozyme of phosphoglucose isomerase (EC 5.3.1.9). The major results were the following: (1) C. unguiculata and both genomes of C. delicata are within a well-defined ‘‘Sympherica’’ clade; thus, C. delicata should not be considered an intersectional hybrid; (2) C. heterandra belongs in the clade and is closely related to C. unguiculata; and (3) on the evidence of PgiC1, C. dudleyana is not in the clade and is not closely related to C. heterandra.
On estimation in real-time microarrays

Conventional fluorescent-based microarrays acquire data after the hybridization phase. During this phase, the target analytes bind to the capturing probes on the array and, by the end of it, supposedly reach a steady state. Therefore, conventional microarrays attempt to detect and quantify the targets with a single data point taken in the steady-state. On the other hand, a novel technique, the so-called real-time microarray, capable of recording the kinetics of hybridization in fluorescent-based microarrays has recently been proposed in (Hassibi, 2007). The richness of the information obtained therein promises higher signal-to-noise ratio, smaller estimation error, and broader assay detection dynamic range compared to conventional microarrays. In the current paper, we develop a probabilistic model for real-time microarrays and describe a procedure for the estimation of target amounts therein. Moreover, leveraging on system identification ideas, we propose a novel technique for the elimination of cross-hybridization.
A Parallel, Block Greedy Method for Sparse Inverse Covariance Estimation for Ultra-high Dimensions

Discovering the graph structure of a Gaussian Markov Random Field is an important problem in application areas such as computational biology and atmospheric sciences. This task, which translates to estimating the sparsity pattern of the inverse covariance matrix, has been extensively studied in the literature. However, the existing approaches are unable to handle ultra-high dimensional datasets and there is a crucial need to develop methods that are both highly scalable and memory-efficient. In this paper, we present GINCO, a blocked greedy method for sparse inverse covariance matrix estimation. We also present detailed description of a highly-scalable and memory-efficient implementation of GINCO, which is able to operate on both shared- and distributed-memory architectures. Our implementation is able recover the sparsity pattern of 25,000 vertex random and chain graphs with 87% and 84% accuracy in ≤ 5 minutes using ≤ 10GB of memory on a single 8-core machine. Furthermore, our method is statistically consistent in recovering the sparsity pattern of the inverse covariance matrix, which we demonstrate through extensive empirical studies.
Crowd Reactions to Sublethal Weapons: Universal Triggers for Crowd Violence:

Since the end of the cold war, military forces have increasingly been required to manage crowds of people, some of which may quickly turn violent. Frequently, crowd researchers identify “flashpoint” variables: environmental or social triggers that cause a crowd to become hostile. The goal of this research was to identify potential flashpoints, to assist the simulation and training communities in crowd representation. Researchers exhaustively reviewed crowd literature, surveyed subject matter experts in crowd control, and analyzed anecdotal crowd events. Survey results indicated that crowd weapons, alcohol and drugs, crowd commitment, and crowd desperation may be flashpoints for violence. However, none of these variables strongly varied with culture. Anecdotal results revealed additional flashpoint variables, such as aggression and the use of auditory stimuli by control force members, instigators within the crowd, and general masculine culture. These findings agree in part with results from existing literature, and have implications for peacekeeper training.
Fra Salimbene and the Franciscan Ideal

One of the most engaging personalities of that most engaging of Christian centuries, the thirteenth, is Brother Salimbene of Parma. His life, begun in 1221, five years before the death of Francis of Assisi and ended, probably, about 1288, thirteen years after the birth of Dante, connects the mystical, devotional, ascetic piety of the Middle Ages with the rational, individualistic, personal attitude of the modern mind. A devoted member of the Franciscan Order and acutely sensitive to its historic significance, he spends his life in its manifold activities, and toward the close sets himself to the congenial task of putting down in order the most vivid impressions remaining to him of the men and things he has had dealings with.
The Sources of Business Interest in Social Insurance: Sectoral versus National Differences

When and why have employers supported the development of institutions of social insurance that provide benefits to workers during various employment-related risks? The analysis developed in this article challenges the dominant explanations of welfare state development, which are premised on the assumption that business opposes social insurance. The article examines the conditions under which self-interested, profit-maximizing firms support the introduction of a new social policy, and it specifies the most significant variables explaining the variation in employers' social policy preferences. The model is tested in three political episodes of welfare state development in France and Germany, using policy documents submitted by various employers' associations to bureaucratic and parliamentary commissions.
Mechanisms of lactoferrin-induced leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion in postcapillary venules.

Objective: The objective is to determine the contributions of electrostatic charge, endothelial cell adhesion glycoproteins (P- and E-selectins), and histamine to lactoferrin-induced leukocyte adhesion in postcapillary venules.Methods: Rat mesentery was prepared for intravital microscopic observation. Erythrocyte velocity, vessel diameter, leukocyte rolling velocity, number of adherent and emigrated leukocytes, and velocity, flux, and number of rolling leukocytes were monitored in mesenteric venules (25–35 μm initial diameter). After control measurements were obtained for all parameters, lactoferrin, other cationic proteins (histone or α-chymotrypsinogen A), or transferrin (an anionic iron-binding protein) were infused into the superior mesenteric artery, with repeat measurements taken 20 min into the infusion period. In other lactoferrin experiments, animals were treated with either a monoclonal antibody (MAb) directed against P- or E-selectin, an H1- or H2-histamine receptor antagonist, or diamine oxida...
Diagnostic ability of elevated 1-h glucose challenge test.

To determine whether a threshold of a 1-h glucose challenge test (GCT) eliminates the need for a 3-h glucose tolerance test (GTT). A retrospective cohort of patients undergoing GTT after GCT was ⩾140 mg dl−1. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was diagnosed using National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) and Carpenter–Coustan (CC) criteria. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated for 1-h GCT values of 160 to 220 mg dl−1. Of 6218 patients, 988 (15.9%) had an elevated GCT and 753 (12.1%) underwent a GTT. In all, 165 (2.7%) were diagnosed with GDM using NDDG criteria, and 250 (4.0%) by CC criteria. The positive predictive value of a 1-h of GCT ⩾200 mg dl−1 for GDM was 68.6% by NDDG and 80.0% for GDM by CC criteria. Although the predictive value of an elevated 1-h ⩽200 mg dl−1 for GDM was high, 1 in 3 to 1 in 5 women would be overdiagnosed with GDM if the 3-h GTT was omitted.
Diarrhea Prevalence, Care, and Risk Factors Among Poor Children Under 5 Years of Age in Mesoamerica.

Care practices and risk factors for diarrhea among impoverished communities across Mesoamerica are unknown. Using Salud Mesoamerica Initiative baseline data, collected 2011-2013, we assessed the prevalence of diarrhea, adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines, and potential diarrhea correlates in poor and indigenous communities across Mesoamerica. This study surveyed 14,500 children under 5 years of age in poor areas of El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico (Chiapas State), Nicaragua, and Panama. We compared diarrhea prevalence and treatment modalities using χ(2) tests and used multivariable Poisson regression models to calculate adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for potential correlates of diarrhea. The 2-week point prevalence of diarrhea was 13% overall, with significant differences between countries (P < 0.05). Approximately one-third of diarrheal children were given oral rehydration solution and less than 3% were given zinc. Approximately 18% were given much less to drink than usual or nothing to drink at all. Antimotility medication was given to 17% of diarrheal children, while antibiotics were inappropriately given to 36%. In a multivariable regression model, compared with children 0-5 months, those 6-23 months had a 49% increased risk for diarrhea (aRR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.95). Our results call for programs to examine and remedy low adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines.
Physically Parameterized Prediction Equations for Significant Duration in Active Crustal Regions

We develop prediction equations for the median and standard deviation of the significant duration of earthquake ground motions from shallow crustal earthquakes in active tectonic regions. We consid...
An Interview with Dame Mary L. Cartwright, D.B.E., F.R.S.

(2001). An Interview with Dame Mary L. Cartwright, D.B.E., F.R.S. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 32, No. 4, pp. 242-254.
Effects of Massed versus Distributed Practice on Acquisition of Video Game Skill

This study investigated the effects of massed versus distributed practice on the learning of video-game-playing skill by 45 subjects of both sexes. The apparatus included an Apple II+ microcomputer...
Vestibular schwannoma or tanycytic ependymoma: Immunohistologic staining reveals.

Background: The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is a common location for primary tumors, most often vestibular schwannomas, and also meningiomas, dermoids, and a host of other neoplasms. Our case report illustrates how radiologic and histopathologic presentations of an unusual variant of ependymal neoplasm can be diagnostically challenging and how accurate diagnosis can affect treatment protocols.
Survey of Legionella pollution of the central air-conditioning in public places of Guangzhou

Objective:To investigate the cooling water and condensate water of about 80 public places(including hotels,metros,playing field and exhibition hall) in Guangzhou during 2009-2010.Methods:Based on "Hygienic practices for air conditioning ventilation systems in public places"(2006),Legionella in water samples was tested.Results:In 2009,158 water samples were detected,the positive rate of cooling water was 42.24%,the positive rate of condensate water was 4.73%;In 2010,168 water samples were detected,the positive rate of cooling water was 31.53%,the positive rate of condensate water was 1.75%;The serum types were mainly Lp1 and Lp4.The difference of the positive rates between two years was statistically significant.The Legionella pneumophila positive rates in cooling water of the hotels and metro were higher than others,the rates were 34.21% and 53.28%.The Legionella pneumophila positive rate in cooling water in winter and spring was lower than that in summer and autumn,the difference was statistically significant.Conclusion:The Legionella contamination condition in cooling water and condensate water of the central air-conditioning in public places was not optimistic,especially in the metro and hotels.
Surgical treatment of tetralogy of Fallot in infant

Objective:To summarize the experiences of surgical treatment of tetralogy of Fallot(TOF) in infants.Methods:Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 138 infants with TOF in Hebei children's hospital during January 2010 and June 2013.There were 82 males and 56 females with a mean age of(8.19 ± 2.93) months and a mean body weight of(7.92 ± 1.59) kg.All patients were diagnosed by heart color Doppler ultrasound,X ray and electrocardiogram.Results:Four cases died in the early postoperative period,with a mortality of 2.90%.Two died of low cardiac output syndrome,one died of acute renal failure and one died of pulmonary effusion.Conclusion:Early radical correction of TOF in infants yields good results.