cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic value of ultrasonography-derived edema of the temporal artery wall in giant cell arteritis: a second meta-analysis

Background: Ultrasonography of temporal arteries is not commonly used in the approach of patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA) in clinical practice. A meta-analysis of primary studies available through April 2004 concluded that ultrasonography could indeed be helpful in diagnosing GCA. We specifically re-examined the diagnostic value of the ultrasonography-derived halo sign, a dark hypoechoic circumferential thickening around the artery lumen, indicating vasculitic wall edema, in GCA. Methods: Original, prospective studies in patients with suspected GCA that examined ultrasonography findings of temporal arteries using the ACR 1990 classification criteria for GCA as reference standard, published through 2009, were identified. Only eight studies involving 575 patients, 204 of whom received the final diagnosis of GCA, fulfilled technical quality criteria for ultrasound. Weighted sensitivity and specificity estimates of the halo sign were assessed, their possible heterogeneity was investigated and pooled diagnostic odds ratio was determined. Results: Unilateral halo sign achieved an overall sensitivity of 68% (95% CI, 0.61-0.74) and specificity of 91% (95% CI, 0.88-0.94) for GCA. The values of inconsistency coefficient (I 2 ) of both sensitivity and specificity of the halo sign, showed significant heterogeneity concerning the results between studies. Pooled diagnostic odds ratio, expressing how much greater the odds of having GCA are for patients with halo sign than for those without, was 34 (95% CI, 8.21-138.23). Diagnostic odds ratio was further increased to 65 (95% CI, 17.86-236.82) when bilateral halo signs were present (sensitivity/specificity of 43% and 100%, respectively). In both cases, it was found that DOR was constant across studies. Conclusion: Temporal artery edema demonstrated as halo sign should be always looked for in ultrasonography when GCA is suspected. Providing that currently accepted technical quality criteria are fulfilled, halo sign’s sensitivity and specificity are comparable to those of autoantibodies used as diagnostic tests in rheumatology. Validation of revised GCA classification criteria which will include the halo sign may be warranted.
Data regularization by Inversion to Common Offset (ICO)

Driven by economic constraints, 3D surveys typically have sparse and irregular geometry that results in spatial aliasing. In this paper we present a new approach for imaging irregularly sampled 3D prestack data. The strategy is to regularize the coverage of 3D surveys and reduce the size of 3D prestack data by partial stacking. After regularization, 3D data become handy for prestack migration using any wave extrapolation methods including finite-differencing and wave-number domain techniques. Posing partial stacking as an optimization process, we develop a new dealiasing technique named “inversion to common offset” (ICO) that solves for regularly-sampled models from irregularly sampled multifold 3D data. The matrix that relates the data to the reflectivity model is the azimuth-moveout operator (AMO). The technique can be viewed as a generalization of the inversion to zero offset (IZO) discussed by Ronen (1985). The main advantage of ICO, is that the modeling operator, AMO, is not restricted to a particular azimuth or offset. The model, in general, simulates a regular common-azimuth common-offset experiment. AMO is also very compact and consequently cheaper to apply than other wave-equation processes such as prestack depth migration. Since ICO is applied to normal-moveout corrected data, the iterative solution is less sensitive to the velocity field in comparison to least-squares migration. We present the results of applying ICO to a field 3D land survey to regularize the geometry of the data and reduce the costs of its prestack imaging. The images obtained by prestack migration after regularization are superior to those obtained by migrating the irregularly sampled data. Furthermore, ICO providesa promisingapproach for reducing the costs of 3D acquisition by collecting data with sparse offset sampling.
Chemical healing in poly(ethylene terephthalate)

A new molecular mechanism for the healing phenomenon in semicrystalline linear polycondensates (healing resulting from chemical reactions between macromolecules located in the interfacial surface) is demonstrated. Strips of commercial poly(ethylene terephthalate) are annealed at 258°C in order to avoid melt sticking. Two such strips are partially overlapped, pressed, and heated in a vacuum at 240°C for 10, 20, 30, and 100 h. By measuring the stress at break outside the contact area and the debonding shear stress the critical overlapping length is computed. It is concluded that transreaction contributes more than solid-state post-condensation to chemical healing.
Teaching proofs and algorithms in discrete mathematics with online visual logic puzzles

Visual logic puzzles provide a fertile environment for teaching multiple topics in discrete mathematics. Many puzzles can be solved by the repeated application of a small, finite set of strategies. Explicitly reasoning from a strategy to a new puzzle state illustrates theorems, proofs, and logic principles. These provide valuable, concrete examples, in addition to the algebraic proofs that make up most of the examples in textbooks. Creating specialized, pedagogical applets allows more automation of repetitive tasks as well as a framework for discussing and implementing algorithms for solving the puzzles. One such applet is presented here and several possible exercises using it are described.
Capital shocks, bank asset allocation, and the revised Basel Accord

Abstract In contrast to the 1988 Basel Accord (Basel I), the revised risk-based capital standards (Basel II) propose regulatory capital requirements based on credit ratings. This paper develops a theoretical model to analyze how banks will adjust their low and high credit risk commercial loans under the proposed newer standard. Capital-constrained banks respond to an adverse capital shock by reducing high credit risk loans, while under certain circumstances, low credit risk loans may actually increase. When compared to Basel I, it is shown that high-risk loans are reduced more under Basel II, but whether a bank reduces total lending more under Basel I or under the revised standards depends on a complex interaction of factors.
KAR1, a gene required for function of both intranuclear and extranuclear microtubules in yeast

Molecular analysis of the KAR1 gene of yeast has shown that it is required for both mitosis and conjugation. The gene was originally identified by mutations that prevent nuclear fusion. By in vitro mutagenesis and gene replacement we have demonstrated that the gene is an essential cell division cycle gene. Temperature-sensitive mutant strains show defects in spindle pole body duplication and chromosome disjunction. Overproduction of the gene product blocks spindle pole body duplication, producing a cell cycle arrest phenotype similar to that of the Kar- temperature-sensitive mutations. Long, aberrant extranuclear microtubules are formed in the temperature-sensitive mutants arrested at the nonpermissive temperature as well as in kar1-1 during conjugation. These observations suggest that the KAR1 gene is required for the normal function of both the intranuclear and extranuclear microtubules.
Reactions of dinitrogen pentoxide and nitrogen dioxide with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine.

The reactions of gaseous dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) coated on the inside surface of a glass reaction cell were studied at 298 K. Unsaturated phosphatidylcholines are significant components of pulmonary surfactant in the alveolar region of the lung and hence serve as a simple model to examine reactions of pulmonary surfactant with these oxidant air pollutants. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared and fast atom bombardment mass spectroscopy, the major products of reactions of POPC with N2O5 and NO2 were separated and identified. In the POPC-N2O5 reaction using either air or helium as a buffer gas, the nitronitrate, vinyl nitro and allylic nitro derivatives, as well as a small amount of thetrans-isomer of the starting material, were obtained. The nature of the products obtained from the POPC-NO2 reaction depends on the concentration of NO2 as well as whether air is present. At low NO2 concentrations (PNO 2/N 2O4≤3.8 Torr) in air or in helium, thetrans-isomer of POPC was formed almost exclusively. At higher NO2 concentrations (PNO 2/N2O4≥20 Torr) in helium, the dinitro, vinyl nitro and nitro alcohol derivatives were formed. In the presence of air (or 24%18O2 in helium), a nitronitrate and a dinitronitrate were additional products. Mechanisms for the formation of the observed products and implications for the inhalation of oxides of nitrogen are discussed.
Growth of four tree species managed as hedgerows in response to liming on an acid soil in West Sumatra, Indonesia

A hedgerow intercropping study was conducted for 7 years in West Sumatra, Indonesia on an acid and highly Al-saturated soil to determine growth and yield responses of tree hedgerows and upland rice and cowpea intercrops. Three tree species,Paraserianthes falcataria, Calliandra calothyrsus, andGliricidia sepium and a no-tree control were planted at three lime rates with low annual fertilizer inputs of 20 kg P and 50 kg K ha−1.Paraserianthes andCalliandra grew vigorously, whileGliricidia grew poorly and was replaced after four years withFlemingia macrophylla. After four years,Paraserianthes yields declined due to tree mortality, probably due to intensive pruning.Calliandra andFlemingia were well adapted to intensive pruning (4 to 6 times per year).
Relevance of soluble cytotoxic factors generated by mycoplasma-contaminated targets to natural killer cell-mediated killing.

Abstract The possible involvement of soluble cytotoxic factors (SCF) in the lytic mechanism of natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) was investigated. Tumor target cells (TC) were examined for their ability to stimulate the release of SCF from human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). SCF were detected when effector cells (EC) were stimulated with mycoplasma-contaminated (MC)-TC and with concanavalin A (Con A), but mycoplasma-free (MF)-TC were unable to induce SCF. Pretreatment of EC with beta-interferon augmented the production of SCF with MC-K562 and Con A, but not with MK-K562. However, MF-K562 once infected with the culture supernatant from MC-K562, as well as mycoplasmas concentrated from culture supernatant, were able to induce SCF. Only Con A was capable of generating cytotoxic supernatants from EC that had been inactivated with MF-K562 and from EC depleted of Leu 11b positive cells. Moreover, when EC were evaluated for NK activity after coculture with MF-K562, their ability to kill fresh MF-K562 in the standard NK-CMC assay was greatly reduced. This loss of lytic potential was not accompanied by SCF release. Collectively, these data suggest that mycoplasma organisms play a crucial role in the induction of human SCF, and the implication that SCF, including NK cytotoxic factors (NKCF), are the lytic mediators in NK-CMC needs to be re-evaluated.
A new measure based on degree distribution that links information theory and network graph analysis

Background Detailed connection maps of human and nonhuman brains are being generated with new technologies, and graph metrics have been instrumental in understanding the general organizational features of these structures. Neural networks appear to have small world properties: they have clustered regions, while maintaining integrative features such as short average pathlengths.
Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of vinyl radicals with molecular oxygen

Abstract The kinetics and mechanism of the gaseous reaction of vinyl radicals with molecular oxygen have been studied at 296 K. The products formed are HCO and
Favorably Tipping the Balance between Cytopathic and Regulatory T Cells to Create Transplantation Tolerance

Therapeutic application of broadly reactive anti-T cell antibodies can lead not only to potent immunosuppression but also to profound and long-lived T cell depletion. We reasoned that a strategy that almost exclusively targets activated cytopathic donor reactive T cells and spares immunoregulatory networks might prove to be an exceptionally potent and highly selective means of producing long-term engraftment and tolerance. Herein we show that the combined administration of rapamycin and agonist IL-2- and antagonist IL-15-related cytolytic fusion proteins provides for long-term engraftment/tolerance in exceptionally stringent allotransplant models by (1) limiting the early expansion of activated T cells, (2) preserving and even exaggerating their subsequent apoptotic clearance, and (3) further amplifying the depletion of these activated T cells by antibody-dependent mechanisms, while (4) preserving CD4+CD25+ T cell-dependent immunoregulatory networks.
Cryptococcal Meningitis in Patients with AIDS

The Cryptococcus has become a major cause of meningitis in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the expression of cryptococcal infection in this population of patients is quite unique. Often the infection is devoid of inflammatory response and is associated with very high antigen and fungal titers. Response to amphotericin therapy is erratic, and relapse is common. We have asked Dr. William E. Dismukes, principal investigator of the NIAID Mycoses Study Group, to discuss the following clinical questions: When and how does cryptococcal infection in HIV-infected patients present? How does it differ in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected individuals? How is the diagnosis established? What is the sensitivity of the CSF cryptococcal antigen test? Is the serum antigen test of any value? What is the best way to treat patients--the recommended drugs, dosages, and duration of therapy? Is maintenance therapy necessary, and finally, what drugs are available for it? [Please note that an AIDS training program is now available for members of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and that details of this program appear in the Notices section of this Journal issue (pages 859-60).]
Supporting Children and Adolescents with Deployed Caregivers: A Structured Group Approach for School Counselors.

Children and adolescents of deployed soldiers require preventive and sometimes remedial service from school counselors, because deployment taxes coping skills and exacerbates normal developmental challenges. This article reviews the cultural and developmental context for children with deployed caregivers and outlines a ten session, hybrid psychoeducational-counseling group designed to increase student knowledge (e.g., emotional cycles of deployment), build student competencies (e.g., coping skills, mastery of developmental tasks), and promote a safe environment to express emotions with connected peers.
P02.162. Parental interest in integrative care for children with attentional concerns

Results Of the 75 new patients, 23 (31%) families had concerns about ADHD. Of these, 70% were male; the average age was 11.2 ± 3.1 years; and 80% also received care from specialists. Eleven patients (48%) were taking a prescription medication, but only 3 (13%) were taking medicine for ADHD; dietary supplements were taken by 12 patients (52%). Most families were interested in health promotion information about diet (87%), exercise (78%), stress management (74%), and sleep (74%). Of 11 patients tested, 82% had low ferritin. Recommendations focused on health promotion (100%), dietary supplements such as multivitamins/minerals (71%) and omega-3 fatty acids (82%), and specialist referrals (30%).
13-cis Retinoic Acid Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest in Human SEB-1 Sebocytes

Isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid (13-cis RA)) is the most potent inhibitor of sebum production, a key component in the pathophysiology of acne, yet its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. The effects of 13-cis RA, 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis RA), and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle proteins were examined in SEB-1 sebocytes and keratinocytes. 13-cis RA causes significant dose-dependent and time-dependent decreases in viable SEB-1 sebocytes. A portion of this decrease can be attributed to cell cycle arrest as evidenced by decreased DNA synthesis, increased p21 protein expression, and decreased cyclin D1. Although not previously demonstrated in sebocytes, we report that 13-cis RA induces apoptosis in SEB-1 sebocytes as shown by increased Annexin V-FITC staining, increased TUNEL staining, and increased cleaved caspase 3 protein. Furthermore, the ability of 13-cis RA to induce apoptosis cannot be recapitulated by 9-cis RA or ATRA, and it is not inhibited by the presence of a retinoid acid receptor (RAR) pan-antagonist AGN 193109. Taken together these data indicate that 13-cis RA causes cell cycle arrest and induces apoptosis in SEB-1 sebocytes by a RAR-independent mechanism, which contributes to its sebosuppressive effect and the resolution of acne.
Precocious puberty associated with hyperprolactinemia in a male patient.

I. Conley ME, Beckwith JB, Mancer JFK, Tenckhoff L. The spectrum of the DiGeorge syndrome. J PEDIATR 1979;94:88390. 2. de la Chapelle A, Herva R, Koivisto M, Aula P. A deletion in chromosome 22 can cause DiGeorge syndrome. Hum Genet 1981;57:253-6. 3. Kelley RI, Zackai EH, Emanuel BS, Kistenmacher M, Greenberg F, Punnett HH. The association of the DiGeorge anomalad with partial monosomy of chromosome 22. J PEDIATR 1982;101:197-200. 4. Greenberg F, Crowder WE, Paschall V, Colon-Linares J, Lubianski B, Ledbetter DH. Familial DiGeorge syndrome and associated partial monosomy of chromosome 22. Hum Genet 1984;65:317-9. 5. VanMierop LHS, Kutsche LM. Cardiovascular anomalies in DiGeorge syndrome and importance of neural crest as a possible path0genetic factor. Am J Cardiol 1986;58:133-7. 6. Finley JP, Collins GF, De Chadarevian JP, Williams RL. DiGeorge syndrome presenting as severe congenital heart disease in the newborn. Can Med Assoc J 1977;116:635-40. 7. Rohn RD, Leffell MS, Leadem P, Johnson D, Rubio T, Emanuel BS. Familial third-fourth pharyngeal pouch syndrome with apparent autosomal dominant transmission. J PEDIATR 1984;105:47-5i. 8. Steele RW, Limas C, Thurman GB, Schuelein M, Bauer H, Bellanti JA. Familia! thymic aplasia: attempted reconstitution with fetal thymus in a Millipore diffusionchamber. N Engl J Med 1972;287:787-91.
Long-range forecasting of IBM product revenues using a seasonal fractionally differenced ARMA model

Abstract We use a series of monthly IBM product revenues to illustrate the usefulness of seasonal fractionally differenced ARMA models for business forecasting. By allowing two seasonal fractional differencing parameters in the model, one at lag three and the other at lag twelve, we obtain a stationary series without losing information about the process behavior through over-differencing. We apply modified identification and estimation techniques to the IBM revenue data and compare the resulting model with a specific non-fractional seasonal ARIMA model by looking at each model's forecasts. The fractionally differenced seasonal model gives more accurate next-quarter, next-half-year, next-year, and next-two- years forecasts than the non-fractional seasonal model based on criteria that are specifically constructed to reflect the accuracy of long-range periodic forecasts.
Magnetism and hydrogen absorption in rare-earth glasses☆

Abstract Measurements are reported on the magnetic properties and phase transitions in rare-earth-rich metallic glasses, and upon the effect of hydrogen absorption on these properties. The glasses have the nominal form R x Gd 72−x G 28 where R represents either nonmagnetic La or anisotropic Tb and G represents glass formers Ga, B, Fe or mixtures thereof. Ferromagnetic, spin-glass, and double transitions are observed and H absorption, at the level H/M ⋍ 2, has a major effect on these transitions.
A PML–FDTD algorithm for simulating plasma-covered cavity-backed slot antennas

A three-dimensional frequency-dependent finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm with perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary condition (ABC) and recursive convolution approaches is developed to model plasma-covered open-ended waveguide or cavity-backed slot antennas. The algorithm is validated and then applied to simulate the radiation of an inhomogeneous plasma-covered cavity-backed slot antenna. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 19: 258–262, 1998.
A robust parallel DFE using extended LMS

A parallelizable ADFE (adaptive decision feedback equalizer) is presented which performs at an error rate close to that of the serial DFE. The complexity of the parallel architecture grows linearly with the speedup, with the constant of growth being unity. This allows for parallelization of the DFE to a reasonable level without a prohibitive increase in complexity. The complexity of each section of the parallel DFE is on the order of s/sup 2/ where s is the number of taps in the serial DFE. For a serial DFE the complexity is of order s. Therefore, for a speedup of T, one requires a hardware complexity that is on the order sT times that of the serial DFE. The increase in complexity is therefore linear in both speedup and number of taps. >
HYDRODYNAMICS AND THIRD SOUND IN THIN He II FILMS.

The linearized hydrodynamic equations of motion for a thin, flat, superfluid helium film are derived in some detail from standard two-fluid hydrodynamics. Interactions of the film with both the He vapor and the substrate which are in contract with it are included and discussed in detail. Boundary conditions for both the film-substrate and film-gas interfaces are derived. It is indicated how one may construct the equations of motion for the entire coupled system (gas-film-substrate). The equations are actually constructed and solved for the case when a certain parameter is small, which includes all the third-sound experiments on unsaturated films. A dispersion equation is found which is exact in the limit of vanishing frequency, and which is eminently suited to describe both the velocity and the attenuation of third sound in the regime of unsaturated films. No hydrodynamic instability is found. Results for the attenuation are shown to be in good agreement with preliminary experiments on unsaturated He films.
Quantum search with general nonlinearities

Evolution by the Gross-Pitaevskii equation, which describes Bose-Einstein condensates under certain conditions, solves the unstructured search problem more efficiently than does the Schr\"odinger equation, because it includes a cubic nonlinearity, proportional to ${|\ensuremath{\psi}|}^{2}\ensuremath{\psi}$. This is not the only nonlinearity of the form $f(|\ensuremath{\psi}{|}^{2})\ensuremath{\psi}$ that arises in effective equations for the evolution of real quantum physical systems, however: The cubic-quintic nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation describes light propagation in nonlinear Kerr media with defocusing corrections, and the logarithmic nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation describes Bose liquids under certain conditions. Analysis of computation with such systems yields some surprising results; for example, when time-measurement precision is included in the resource accounting, searching a ``database'' when there is a single correct answer may be easier than searching when there are multiple correct answers. In each of these cases the nonlinear equation is an effective approximation to a multiparticle Schr\"odinger equation, for search by which Grover's algorithm is optimal. Thus our results lead to quantum information-theoretic bounds on the physical resources required for these effective nonlinear theories to hold, asymptotically.
Variational analysis of the squeezing flow of a yield stress fluid

Abstract The flow produced by slowly squeezing a yield stress fluid between two circular, parallel plates is analyzed using a variational principle. Previous anayses of this problem have been largely unsuccessful because they have relied on direct solution methods which require the complete determination of the flow field. Although a complete determination of the flow field is a desirable objective, it is not necessary for obtaining upper and lower bounds for the rate of squeezing of the yield stress fluid. Here we have developed such bounds for the squeezing flow of a Herschel-Bulkley fluid. The lower bound is found to be similar to the previously reported solutions. We have also carried out some related experiments. These experimental results are in agreement with the form of the lower bound to the solution.
Development of functional sex differences in the larynx of Xenopus laevis

Three laryngeal properties associated with the production of masculine song—laryngeal muscle tension, fiber twitch type, and fiber recruitment—are markedly sexually dimorphic in adult Xenopus laevis frogs. To elucidate the pattern of sexual differentiation, tension and fiber recruitment in male and female larynges and fiber twitch type in male larynges were examined throughout postmetamorphic development. Masculinization of male laryngeal properties begins early in postmetamorphic development and continues until adulthood. In contrast, tension and fiber recruitment in females do not change after the end of metamorphosis. Laryngeal muscle tension and fiber type are gradually and progressively masculinized; the temporal pattern of masculinization is very similar for these properties. Fiber recruitment, on the other hand, appears to masculinize in a stepwise manner. Masculinization of all three properties is highly correlated with larynx weight in males. We have used this relation to divide postmetamorphic development into seven stages associated with key events in sexual differentiation. This staging scheme provides an important experimental tool for studying the hormonal regulation of sexual differentiation, the subject of the accompanying paper.
“Downhill” varices in the mid- to distal esophagus as an iatrogenic complication of upper extremity hemodialysis access

“Downhill” varices in the mid- to distal esophagus as an iatrogenic complication of upper extremity hemodialysis access
IMC as Theory and as a Poststructural Set of Practices and Discourses: A Continuously Evolving Paradigm Shift

As evidenced in this issue, IMC remains a controversial theoretical concept in terms of generalizing what it is and what it does. However, if MC is viewed from a different paradigmatic perspective on theory, namely that of poststructuralism, then we might consider it as a set of contingently framed practices and discourses where localized, particular practitioner interpretations are just as important as general theoretic ones. When viewed this way, MC emerges as a powerful tool that guides practitioners in developing and implementing marketing communications programs even if they apply it in disparate ways according to their own specific understandings and circumstances.
Is laparoscopic surgery for recurrent Crohn's disease beneficial in patients with previous primary resection through midline laparotomy? A case-matched study.

Background Patients undergoing abdominal surgery for Crohn’s disease are predisposed to recurrence requiring reoperation. The effectiveness of laparoscopic versus open resection in patients with previous intestinal resection for Crohn’s through midline laparotomy is controversial.
Reaction kinetics of nutrition dependent poikilotherm developmentt

Abstract This study addresses the theoretical interactions between temperature and nutrition on poikilotherm development. The model is built upon the theory of a simple enzyme reaction to give the development rate as a function of temperature and nutrient substrate. The nutrient-dependent development model is shown to agree with the observed data for Anthonomus grandis , reared under several diets and temperature regimes. The resulting analysis suggests that three hypotheses need further investigation. These hypotheses include: (i) thermal response to nutrition is significantly different between artificial and natural diets; (ii) differences in development response to natural diets can be quantified in terms of protein content; and (iii) thermal biotypes exhibit developmental differences at the extremes rather than within the mid-temperature region. The implications of the validation of these hypotheses are put forth.
Forum Articles and the JGGE

“... are thought-provoking opinion pieces or essays founded in fact, sometimes containing speculation, on a civil engineering topic of general interest and relevance to the readership of the journal. The purpose of a forum is to stimulate discussion rather than document an advance in research or its application. A forum is subjected to either partial or full peer review, depending on the subject matter and recommendation of the journal editor. Forums are usually two to five printed pages or 2,000 to 5,000 words. Tables, figures, and references are often included but not an abstract. Forums are indexed in the CE Database and thus require a title and author’s byline with current affiliations” (www.asce.org/Audience/Authors,–Editors/Journals/GeneralJournal-Information/Forums/).
Anisoplanatic performance of horizontal-path speckle imaging

We have previously demonstrated and reported on the use of sub-field speckle processing for the enhancement of both near and far-range surveillance imagery of people and vehicles that have been degraded by atmospheric turbulence. We have obtained near diffraction-limited imagery in many cases and have shown dramatic image quality improvement in other cases. As it is possible to perform only a limited number of experiments in a limited number of conditions, we have developed a computer simulation capability to aid in the prediction of imaging performance in a wider variation of conditions. Our simulation capability includes the ability to model extended scenes in distributed turbulence. Of great interest is the effect of the isoplanatic angle on speckle imaging performance as well as on single deformable mirror and multiconjugate adaptive optics system performance. These angles are typically quite small over horizontal and slant paths. This paper will begin to explore these issues which are important for predicting the performance of both passive and active horizontal and slant-path imaging systems.
RADIOLYTIC AND PHOTOLYTIC REDUCTION OF AQUEOUS SILVER NITRATE SOLUTIONS

THE photoreduction of silver salts to silver metal has been known for many years. This unusual characteristic has made silver halides the basis of the photographic process. Ever since Becquerel discovered radioactivity in 1896 by exposing a photographic plate to uranium salts, silver halide salts have been used to detect ionizing radiations. These examples of silver metal formation take place in the solid phase. In this communication we report the formation of silver metal from aqueous silver nitrate solutions by the action of light and ionizing radiations. Representative electron micrographs, illustrating the characteristic features of the silver particles formed by several types of incident radiations, are presented in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.
Applying Traditional Librarianship to New Roles for Special Librarians

Column Editor's Note. Though special libraries share concerns with their more general academic, public, and school counterparts, they also have unique characteristics which merit separate considera...
How to Differentiate an Integer Modulo n.

(2009). How to Differentiate an Integer Modulo n. The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 40, No. 5, pp. 345-353.
I Continue to Feel So Good About Us: In-Group Identification and the Use of Social Identity—Enhancing Strategies to Reduce Intragroup Dissonance

The present research examined the relation between in-group identification and the use of social identity- enhancing strategies for dealing with the discomfort associated with inconsistency between personal beliefs and in-group behavior (intragroup dissonance). Consistent with the hypothesis that social identity-enhancing strategies would be more effective at reducing intragroup dissonance for those highly identified with the in-group, Experiment 1 demonstrated that level of group identification moderated the effectiveness of group affirmation for reducing psychological discomfort associated with intragroup dissonance, but not the effectiveness of self-affirmation. In Experiment 2, which manipulated level of group identification, participants in a high-identification condition, relative to those in a low-identification condition, were more likely to choose to reduce intragroup dissonance with a strategy that enhanced social identity (i.e., out-group derogation) over a strategy less effective at social identity enhancement (i.e., activism to change the behavior of the group). Implications for intergroup relations are discussed.
Making a NeST for a Persistent Virus

In a recent issue of Cell, Gomez et al. (2013) describe a long intergenic noncoding RNA, called NeST, that regulates the ability of mice to respond to viral and bacterial infections. NeST recruits histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferases to the IFN-γ gene locus, enhancing IFN-γ expression in key T cell subsets.
A user-friendly general-purpose predictive software package for food safety

Abstract Computer-aided engineering tools can help speed up food product, process and equipment design by making it easier to check “what if” scenarios, much as such tools have improved productivity in other industries. In particular, food safety is a critical area where such predictive tools can have great impact. A realistic, integrated and comprehensive software has been developed that can simulate a food process and its safety by combining a fundamental, physics-based model of the process with the kinetics of microbiological and chemical changes during processing to provide needed information at any time and at any location in the food during processing. Compositions for a large number of foods are integrated into the software, and therefore, composition-based prediction of thermophysical properties, needed for the model, can be obtained. Microbiological and chemical kinetic databases that are also built-in can cover many practical situations, based on the grouping of foods. An intuitive graphical user interface has been built with those in the food sector in mind.
Increased plasma chemokine levels in children with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is caused by loss of paternally expressed genes from the 15q11-q13 region and reportedly rearranged as a cause of autism. Additionally, increased inflammatory markers and features of autism are reported in PWS. Cytokines encoded by genes involved with inflammation, cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion play a role in neurodevelopment and could be disturbed in PWS as abnormal plasma cytokine levels are reported in autism. We analyzed 41 plasma cytokines in a cohort of well-characterized children with PWS between 5 and 11 years of age and unaffected unrelated siblings using multiplex sandwich immunoassays with the Luminex magnetic-bead based platform. Data were analyzed using ANOVA testing for effects of diagnosis, gender, body mass index (BMI) and age on the 24 cytokines meeting laboratory criteria for inclusion. No significant effects were observed for age, gender or BMI. The log-transformed levels of the 24 analyzable cytokines were examined simultaneously using MANOVA adjusting for age and gender and a main effect of diagnosis was found (P-value <0.03). Four of 24 plasma cytokine levels (MCP1, MDC, Eotaxin, RANTES) were significantly higher in children with PWS compared with controls and classified as bioinflammatory chemokines supporting a disturbed immune response unrelated to obesity status. BMI was not statistically different in the two subject groups (PWS or unaffected unrelated siblings) and chemokine levels were not correlated with percentage of total body fat. Additional studies are required to identify whether possible early immunological disturbances and chemokine inflammatory processes found in PWS may contribute to neurodevelopment and behavioral features.
Enzyme microarrays assembled by acoustic dispensing technology.

Abstract Miniaturizing bioassays to the nanoliter scale for high-throughput screening reduces the consumption of reagents that are expensive or difficult to handle. Through the use of acoustic dispensing technology, nanodroplets containing 10 μM ATP (3 μCi/μL 32 P) and reaction buffer in 10% glycerol were positionally dispensed to the surface of glass slides to form 40-nL compartments (100 droplets/slide) for Pim1 (proviral integration site 1) kinase reactions. The reactions were activated by dispensing 4 nL of various levels of a pyridocarbazolo-cyclopentadienyl ruthenium complex Pim1 inhibitor, followed by dispensing 4 nL of a Pim1 kinase and peptide substrate solution to achieve final concentrations of 150 nM enzyme and 10 μM substrate. The microarray was incubated at 30 °C (97% R h ) for 1.5 h. The spots were then blotted to phosphocellulose membranes to capture phosphorylated substrate. With phosphor imaging to quantify the washed membranes, the assay showed that, for doses of inhibitor from 0.75 to 3 μM, Pim1 was increasingly inhibited. Signal-to-background ratios were as high as 165, and average coefficients of variation for the assay were ∼20%. Coefficients of variation for dispensing typical working buffers were under 5%. Thus, microarrays assembled by acoustic dispensing are promising as cost-effective tools that can be used in protein assay development.
Thermoviscoplasticity Based on Overstress Applied to the Analysis of Fibrous Metal-Matrix Composites

The vanishing fiber diameter (VFD) model together with the thermovisco plasticity theory based on overstress (TVBO) are used to analyse the thermomechanical behavior of unidirectional fibrous metal-matrix composites. Fiber and matrix can both be transversely-isotropic, thermoelastic-viscoplastic. All material constants can depend on current temperature. Yield surfaces and loading/unloading conditions are not used in the theory in which the inelastic strain rate is solely a function of the overstress, the difference between stress and the equilibrium stress, a state variable of the theory. The three- dimensional equations are derived and specialized for various simple loading cases such as isothermal uniaxial and biaxial proportional and nonproportional loadings. The predic tions of this viscoplasticity theory during loading compare favorably with results from the rate-independent plasticity theory. In addition it is capable of predicting creep, relaxation and rate sensitivity.
Incidental papillary carcinoma in patients treated surgically for benign thyroid diseases.

Background The frequency of incidental papillary carcinoma (IPC) has been reported to be between 4.6 % and 10% in operatively treated benign thyroid diseases. This study reviews the occurrence of IPC in thyroid glands removed for benign disease at our institution. Methods Six hundred and seventy-eight patients underwent partial or total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid diseases. The incidence of IPC was compared among patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, follicular adenoma, and Graves' disease. Results Overall, 81 (12.0%) IPCs were recorded with decreasing order of frequency: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, follicular adenoma, goiter, and Graves' disease. Contralateral IPC was detected in 6/15 (40%) patients with follicular adenoma. Conclusion The overall incidence of IPC in benign operatively resected thyroid disease was 12%. Hashimoto's thyroiditis had the greatest rate of IPC. IPC was encountered in the contralateral lobe in 40% of patients with follicular adenoma. The association of IPCs with Hashimoto's thyroiditis may indicate a link to thyroid cancer. Total thyroidectomy may be considered an appropriate operative treatment in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and follicular adenoma requiring operation owing to the high incidence and frequent contralateral involvement of IPC, respectively.
Ceramide Stabilizes β-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein-cleaving Enzyme 1 and Promotes Amyloid β-Peptide Biogenesis

The lipid second messenger ceramide regulates several biochemical events that occur during aging. In addition, its level is highly elevated in the amyloid-burdened brains of Alzheimer's disease patients. Here, we analyzed the impact of aberrant ceramide levels on amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) generation by using a cell-permeable analog of ceramide, C6-ceramide, and several biochemical inhibitors of the sphingomyelin/glycosphingolipid biosynthetic pathway. We found that C6-ceramide increased the biogenesis of Aβ by affecting β-but not γ-cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein. Similarly to C6-ceramide, increased levels of endogenous ceramide induced by neutral sphingomyelinase treatment also promoted the biogenesis of Aβ. Conversely, fumonisin B1, which inhibits the biosynthesis of endogenous ceramide, reduced Aβ production. Exogenous C6-ceramide restored both intracellular ceramide levels and Aβ generation in fumonisin B1-treated cells. These events were specific for amyloid precursor protein and were not associated with apoptotic cell death. Pulse-chase and time-course degradation experiments showed that ceramide post-translationally stabilizes the β-secretase BACE1. Taken together, these data indicate that the lipid second messenger ceramide, which is elevated in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, increases the half-life of BACE1 and thereby promotes Aβ biogenesis.
Charged nanoparticles as supramolecular surfactants for controlling the growth and stability of microcrystals

Microcrystals of desired sizes are important in a range of processes and materials, including controlled drug release, production of pharmaceutics and food, bio- and photocatalysis, thin-film solar cells and antibacterial fabrics. The growth of microcrystals can be controlled by a variety of agents, such as multivalent ions, charged small molecules, mixed cationic-anionic surfactants, polyelectrolytes and other polymers, micropatterned self-assembled monolayers, proteins and also biological organisms during biomineralization. However, the chief limitation of current approaches is that the growth-modifying agents are typically specific to the crystalizing material. Here, we show that oppositely charged nanoparticles can function as universal surfactants that control the growth and stability of microcrystals of monovalent or multivalent inorganic salts, and of charged organic molecules. We also show that the solubility of the microcrystals can be further tuned by varying the thickness of the nanoparticle surfactant layers and by reinforcing these layers with dithiol crosslinks.
New Testing Methods for Sealants

A new, performance-oriented testing method has been worked out for sealants used on the outside of buildings. Measurements made of the movements of building joints helped with the development of the method by providing the maximum yearly movements to be expected on joints and the rate at which joints move. The former is connected to the movement capability of the sealant; the latter to the testing rates. The complex problem of sealant testing was approached by using specimens to model the sealant bead in joints. Through various steps a simple method of characterization was derived based on tensile testing. Cycling tests were studied and the connection found between the proposed tensile test method and cycling strains. This enables design of cycling experiments on a rational basis. The developed test method is used to evaluate the performance of sealant specimens exposed outdoors. Methods of exposing sealants to outdoor weathering are described.
Climate center proposals sought

Proposals for establishment of the first federally funded experimental climate forecast center are now being sought by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Constraint-guided dynamic reconfiguration in sensor networks

This paper presents an approach for dynamic software reconfiguration in sensor networks. Our approach utilizes explicit models of the design space of the embedded application. The design space is captured by formally modeling all the software components, their interfaces, and their composition. System requirements are expressed as formal constraints on QoS parameters that are measured at runtime. Reconfiguration is performed by transitioning from one point of the operation space to another based on the constraints. We demonstrate our approach using simulation results for a simple sensor network that performs one-dimensional tracking.
Charge Transport Characteristics in Boron-Doped Silicon Nanowires

We report the charge transport and inferred surface depletion characteristics of silicon nanowires (Si NWs) with diameters of 90-170 nm after boron doping to 8 times 1017 and 4 times 1019 cm-3 by a proximity diffusion doping technique. Four-probe current-voltage measurements were performed to obtain the NW resistivity, and the electrically active dopant concentration and surface oxide charge density were extracted by varying the NW diameter. The Ti/Au to Si NW contact resistance and specific contact resistivity were also obtained, and specific contact resistivities as low as 2 times 10-5 Omega middot cm2 were achieved. The derived parameters for these ex situ boron-doped Si NWs agree reasonably well with the expected characteristics and earlier reported results for in situ boron-doped Si NWs. Interface charge creates a surface depletion region in p-type Si NWs, which decreases the conducting area of the NW. This effect increases the NW resistance and becomes increasingly significant with decreasing dopant concentration and NW diameter. A simple method is presented to estimate the relative influence of surface charge density on electrical transport in NWs for this case.
Evolving fault tolerant digital circuitry: Comparing population-based and correlation-based methods

Embedded systems require fault-tolerant circuitry if they are going to survive in harsh environments over extended time periods. Two approaches to evolving fault-tolerant digital circuitry have been proposed. In the population-based method circuits that perform well in the presence of specific faults are extracted from an evolving population. In the correlation-based method circuits that exhibit different fault patterns are extracted and a majority voter determines the final behavior. In this paper we compare the two fault-tolerant methods using a 2 × 3 binary multiplier circuit as the test case.
RHEUMATOID FACTOR PROPERTIES OF HYPERIMMUNE RABBIT SERA.

The rheumatoid factor-like substance (RFLS) induced by hyperimmunization of rabbits with bacteria was consistently and exclusively associated with the macroglobulin fraction of the sera studied. The RFLS is separable from the bulk of serum proteins by zone centrifugation, DEAE cellulose chromatography, and gel filtration. Partially purified preparations of the RFLS were studied by immunoelectrophoretic analysis and analytical ultracentrifugation. Certain RFLS sera demonstrated selective reactivity with one or more rabbit isohemagglutinin antibodies. Pepsin treatment of rabbit γ-globulin removed or greatly diminishes its capacity to react with the RFLS.
Parallel network RAM: effectively utilizing global cluster memory for large data-intensive parallel programs

Large scientific parallel applications demand large amounts of memory space. Current parallel computing platforms schedule jobs without fully knowing their memory requirements. This leads to uneven memory allocation in which some nodes are overloaded. This, in turn, leads to disk paging, which is extremely expensive in the context of scientific parallel computing. To solve this problem, we propose a new peer-to-peer solution called parallel network RAM. This approach avoids the use of disk and better utilizes available RAM resources. This approach will allow larger problems to be solved while reducing the computational, communication and synchronization overhead typically involved in parallel applications.