cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermochemical and Kinetic Analysis on the Reactions of Neopentyl and Hydroperoxy-Neopentyl Radicals with Oxygen: Part I. OH and Initial Stable HC Product Formation

Thermochemical properties for reactants, intermediates, products, and transition states in the neopentyl radical + O2 reaction system are analyzed with ab initio and density functional calculations to evaluate reaction paths and kinetics for neopentyl oxidation. Enthalpies of formation (ΔHf°298) are determined using isodesmic reaction analysis at the CBS-Q composite and density functional levels. The entropies (S°298) and heat capacities Cp(T) (0 ≤ T/K ≤ 1500) from vibrational, translational, and external rotational contributions are calculated using statistical mechanics based on the vibrational frequencies and structures obtained from the density functional study. Potential barriers for the internal rotations are calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level, and hindered rotational contributions to S°298 and Cp(T)'s are calculated by using direct integration over energy levels of the internal rotation potentials. The kinetic analysis on reactions of neopentyl with O2 is performed using enthalpies at the CBS...
Phase Locked Loop Design for TDMA Applications

The Quasi stable lock state characteristic of conventional PLL's is eliminated by the use of a signal activated acquisition network. The basic approach is to control a filter bandwidth and its center frequency with the incomming signal. This bandwidth/frequency control is such that the filter is initially at its wide bandwidth mode and is progressively made narrower as it is tuned to the center frequency of the incomming signal. When the amplitude of the tuned circuit output reaches a preset threshold the network is switched to the oscillator mode and then operates as a normal PLL. Computer simulation and breadboard results indicate that an acquisition time of 10 Bit times is required to achieve a probability of synchronization failure of less than 10-8 for MSK signals operating at an Eb/No of 12dB. The design is suitable for both carrier and symbol acquisition and will operate at very high data rates.
Alopecia areata: Pathogenesis and treatment

Although its etiology remains unknown, evidence has accumulated to support an autoimmune pathogenesis for alopecia areata. Our review summarizes the immunologic data and also examines the role of genetics, atopy, and psychologic stress in this disorder. Until etiology is better understood, treatments for alopecia areata are likely to remain palliative. Nevertheless, newer therapies such as photochemotherapy, topical immunotherapy, and perhaps systemic immunotherapy (e.g., inosiplex) offer new hope for patients with extensive disease.
Effects of SAR parametric variations on the performance of automatic target recognition algorithms

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery is one of the most valuable sensor data sources for today's military battlefield surveillance and analysis. The collection of SAR images by various platforms (e.g. Global Hawk, NASA/JPL AIRSAR, etc.) and on various missions for multiple purposes (e.g. reconnaissance, terrain mapping, etc.) has resulted in vast amount of data over wide surveillance areas. The pixel-to-eye ratio is simply too high for human analysts to rapidly sift through massive volumes of sensor data and yield engagement decisions quickly and precisely. Effective automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithms to process this growing mountain of information are clearly needed. However, even after many years of research, SAR ATR still remains a highly challenging research problem. What makes SAR ATR problems difficult is the amount of variability exhibited in the SAR image signatures of targets and clutters. There are many different factors that can cause the variability in SAR image signatures. It is of convention to categorizes those factors into three major groups known as extended operating conditions (OC's) of target, environment and sensor. The group of sensor OC's includes SAR sensor parametric variations in depression angle, polarization, squint angle, frequencies (UHF, VHF, X band) and bandwidth, pulse repetition frequency (PRF), multi-look, antenna geometry and type, image formation algorithms, platform variations and geometric errors, noise level, etc. Many existing studies of SAR ATR have been traditionally focused on the variability of SAR signatures caused by a sub-space of target OC's and environment OC's. The similar studies in terms of SAR parametric variations in sensor OC's have been very limited due to the lack of data across the sensor OC's and the inherent difficulties as well as the high cost in supplying various sensor OC's during the data collections. This paper will present the results of a comprehensive survey of SAR ATR research works involving the subjects of various sensor OC's. We found out in the survey that, to this date, very few research has been devoted to the problems of sensor OC's and their effects over the performance of SAR image based ATR algorithms. Due to the importance of sensor OC's in the ATR applications, we have developed a research platform as well as important focus areas of future research in SAR parametric variations. A number of baseline ATR algorithms in the research platform have been implemented and verified. We have also planned and started SAR data simulation process across the spectrum of sensor OC's. A road-map for the future research of SAR parametric variations (sensor OC's) and their impact on ATR algorithms is laid out in this paper.
∗The Australian‐United States strategic relationship: Merely an issue of suitable real estate?

Abstract Since the early 1960s, the bilateral Australian‐United States security relationship has included cooperation at the strategic level by virtue of the Joint Facilities located in Australia. The Joint Facilities apparently play an integral role in, inter alia, U.S. strategic reconnaissance and surveillance of the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. These stations have come under political fire in Australia since their establishment over the issue that they would be a likely target for Soviet strategic planners in a superpower nuclear exchange. In consequence, it is claimed by some that they are inimical to Australian interests. What these critics of the Joint Facilities fail to understand, however, is that they must be assessed in relation to two long‐standing Australian post war security objectives. These are: (1) obtaining detailed information of U.S. war plans and (2) effecting an ongoing consulting relationship with high U.S. defense officials. By virtue of two little‐known bilatera...
Maximin Approach to the Ship Collision Avoidance Problem via Multiple-Subarc Sequential Gradient-Restoration Algorithm

The ideal strategy for ship collision avoidance under emergency conditions is to maximize wrt the controls the timewise minimum distance between a host ship and an intruder ship. This is a maximin problem or Chebyshev problem of optimal control in which the performance index being maximinimized is the distance between the two ships. Based on the multiple-subarc sequential gradient-restoration algorithm, a new method for solving the maximin problem is developed.
Commercializing solar technology: The government role

Abstract The US Government's experience with programs to accelerate the pace with which new energy technologies are developed and introduced into private markets offers an opportunity to assess alternative commercialization strategies. Analysis of industry and government activities over the 1975–1980 period for three solar technologies revealed that commercialization strategies often did not match the evolutionary status of both the relevant industry and technology involved. Evolutionary models of the development of innovation-based industries were found to provide a useful analytical framework, but were too simple to afford significant predictive or explanatory power. The concept of a “technology delivery system” proved valuable in identifying the degree of match between government commercialization strategies and the status of the relevant industry and technology. For all three solar technologies, there existed pressure on government R&D managers and administrators to push the technologies prematurely to commercialization status. The primary sources of this pressure were elected and appointed officials who sought the political rewards of short-term, highly visible, easily implementable programs.
Rep-tiling for triangles

Abstract In this paper we prove that one can only tile a triangle with tiles all congruent to each other and similar to the original triangle when k2, l2 + k2, or 3k2 tiles are used. The result is based on the geometry of packing and a result of I. Niven's on rational trigonometric values. In addition we describe how to tile most triangles.
Floppy eyelid syndrome with severe corneal scarring

Abstract Floppy eyelid syndrome consists of a papillary conjunctivitis and loose upper eyelids that spontaneously evert. A secondary keratitis may result from nocturnal eyelid eversion. The patients are usually obese, middle-aged males. The cause is unknown, but could relate to obesity or collagen abnormalities in the lid tissue. Treatment involves nocturnal eyelid taping or surgical eyelid correction. A case of floppy eyelid syndrome with severe corneal scarring resulting in light perception visual acuity is presented.
Using client-broker-server architecture for Intranet decision support

Abstract Electronic commerce is emerging as a key enabler in changing the way companies do business. This paper focuses on the aspects of electronic commerce that are pertinent to Intranet decision support and tries to develop the theory and technical requirements that will drive the implementation of such a decision support system. The main objective is to achieve information integration using the brokers, World Wide Web, and structured documents. The implementation of a prototype system is described and results from its usage are presented.
Evidence of Kelvin Waves in California's Marine Layer and Related Eddy Generation

Abstract Evidence suggests that an internal solitary Kelvin wave exists in the marine layer along California. The marine layer is lifted over the central coast by a weak cyclonic circulation. This “bump,” initially 850 m high, moves to the north along the coast at 6 m s−1. The undisturbed layer depth is 100–200 m thick. The crest height of the wave decreases to 500 m farther north. Winds under the raised marine layer are southerly. The leading edge of the wave is easily followed by satellite as the thickened marine layer is marked by overcast stratus. A greatly curved offshore leading edge indicates that nonlinear effects are important. Offshore scale in the overcast is about 300 km in the south and 50 km in the north. Surface pressure gradient alongshore is closely related to the marine layer depth. The surface wind shifts when the leading and trailing edge of the wave passes. Northerly wave progression ceases at the sharp bend formed by Cape Mendocino. At this time, a vortex is formed in the marine laye...
Effect of Feldenkrais exercises on dual task postural control in older adults.

Dear editor Agmon et al1 recently published an interesting systematic review of interventions to improve dual-task postural control in older adults. Given that many everyday activities (eg, walking and carrying groceries) require dual-task postural control, this is an important topic. This type of research is integral to expanding scientific knowledge in the field of interventions. The authors describe the methods of the review process clearly. However, in our opinion, adherence to the stated methods is not always evident. First, in the abstract, the authors claim to select randomized and nonrandomized controlled studies. In contrast with the stated study selection, Table 1 shows that not all of the 22 studies included are in compliance with these design requirements; several uncontrolled studies were examined, including an earlier uncontrolled study by the authors. Second, at least one randomized controlled trial that fulfills the selection and inclusion criteria has not been considered in the review. Our randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a Feldenkrais intervention on balance, gait, and single-task and dual-task mobility.2 This study can be found in electronic databases with several of the mentioned search terms. Our research met all inclusion and selection criteria: participants were healthy, community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older; the intervention was conducted in a clinical setting; the one-hour Feldenkrais sessions were held three times per week for 5 weeks; one of the outcome measures was mobility under dual-task conditions (in our Feldenkrais study we used the Timed Up and Go with an added cognitive [TUGc]3 task, and several studies included in Agmon’s review used the same TUGc measure for examining dual-task performance, see Table 4 of the systematic review1); the article was published in English; and the randomized controlled trial excluded participants with neurologic disorders. After completion of the Feldenkrais intervention, participants improved significantly on balance (P=0.030), mobility under single-task conditions (P=0.042), and showed positive changes in mobility under dual-task conditions (P=0.067).2 The authors of the review underline in their discussion the prominence of dual-task training for improving dual-task performance. However, an important outcome of our publication is that a broad spectrum of activities that are part of the Feldenkrais method can result in improvements in both single-task performances and dual-task performance. From our perspective, this is an important piece of the puzzle and should be noted if we want to design evidence-based interventions based on current scientific knowledge.
Drosophila Chk2 is required for DNA damage‐mediated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Chk2 is a major target of ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and ATM- and Rad3-related (ATR). Germline mutations in Chk2 have been identified in a subset of patients with Li–Fraumeni syndrome, suggesting that Chk2 is a tumor suppressor gene. To investigate the role of Chk2 in multicellular organisms, a Drosophila chk2 (Dmchk2) mutant was generated. Dmchk2 mutants are viable but show defects in maintaining genome stability and are highly sensitive to ionizing radiation. Interestingly, mutating Dmchk2 completely blocks DNA damage-induced apoptosis and partially blocks DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest. These results indicate that Chk2 protein plays a crucial role in the DNA damage response pathway mediating cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and that the ATM-Chk2 pathway is likely conserved in Drosophila.
A column generation-based approach to solve the preference scheduling problem for nurses with downgrading

Abstract The demand for nurses in virtually all western countries has been outpacing the supply for more than a decade. The situation is now at the point where the rules for good practice are being stretched to the limit and patient care is in jeopardy. The purpose of this paper is to present several ideas for maximizing the use of the available staff and to quantify the resultant benefits. Two approaches are investigated for substituting nurses with higher level skills for those with lower level skills when there is sufficient idle time to do so. Idle time is usually due to scheduling constraints and contractual agreements that prevent a hospital from arbitrarily assigning nurses to shifts over the week. When the substitution is skill-related, as it is here, it is often called downgrading. The models that we develop are for preference scheduling, which means that individual preferences are taken into account when constructing monthly rosters. There are several reasons for doing this in today's environment, the most important is the need to boost staff morale and increase retention. The problem is modeled as an integer program and solved with a column generation technique that relies on intelligent heuristics for identifying good candidate schedules. The computations show that high quality solutions, as measured by the reduction in the need for non-unit nurses as well as the degree to which preferences are satisfied, can usually be obtained in a matter of minutes.
Analysis of the microbial functional diversity within water-stressed soil communities by flow cytometric analysis and CTC+ cell sorting.

Abstract Total and active cell counts within soil samples were determined by culture-independent methods using flow cytometry and preparative Nycodenz gradient centrifugation. Whole cells were purified from soil cores and total extractable cell counts assessed by SYBR Green II fluorescence, while active cell counts were determined by 5-cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium chloride reduction (CTC+ cells). Parallel microcosms, maintained at either field water capacity or subjected to drying, indicated that the total extractable cell count remained between 10 8 and 10 9 g −1 (dry weight). In contrast, the CTC+ active count fell threefold in dried microcosms (6% of total cell count) when compared to wetted microcosms (18% of total cell count). Specifically, these data highlighted an overall deactivation of microbial biomass during water stress, with 16S rDNA analyses of flow-sorted CTC+ cells demonstrating shifts within the active diversity. Flow cytometry coupled with cell purification techniques represents a significant tool for operationally defining an active and redundant microbial component within soil communities and is demonstrated during water stress.
Reduced capabilities of synaptic transmission in aged rats.

Abstract Synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction of the rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm muscle was studied in aged and young, control rats; their ages were 24 to 26 and 12 to 13 months, respectively. The resting potential of the diaphragm muscle cells was found to be consistently lower in the old animals than in the controls. Membrane input resistance and capacitance were not significantly different. The rate of occurrence of miniature end-plate potentials (MEPPs) in old rats was 1.75 times higher than in the controls; the distribution of intervals between the times of occurrence of successive MEPPs was exponential in both cases, however. In Mg2+-blocked preparations, facilitation and posttetanic potentiation were observed; differences between data obtained from both age groups were not significant. In curare-blocked preparations, synaptic depression occurred during repetitive nerve stimulation. The depression was more severe in the aged animals; this difference was consistent and independent of the rate of stimulation. Repetitive nerve stimulation led to action potential conduction block in the presynaptic terminals of both age groups; however, failure occurred at lower frequencies and shorter times of stimulation in the aged animals. The block appeared to be associated with membrane depolarization. We conclude that the capability to sustain transmission is diminished at the neuromuscular junction of aged rats; this could underlie the deterioration of synaptic structures observed during senescence.
Use of simple finite elements for mechanical systems impact analysis based on stereomechanics, stress wave propagation, and energy method approaches

This paper examines the effectiveness of analyzing impact events in mechanical systems for design purposes using simple or low ordered finite elements. Traditional impact dynamics analyses of mechanical systems namely stereomechanics, energy method, stress-wave propagation and contact mechanics approaches are limited to very simplified geometries and provide basic analyses in making predictions and understanding the dominant features of the impact in a mechanical system. In engineering practice, impacted systems present a complexity of geometry, stiffness, mass distributions, contact areas and impact angles that are impossible to analyze and design with the traditional impact dynamics methods. In real cases, the effective tool is the finite element (FE) method. The high-end FEA codes though may be not available for typical engineer/designer. This paper provides information on whether impact events of mechanical systems can be successfully modeled using simple or low-order finite elements. FEA models using simple elements are benchmarked against theoretical impact problems and published experimental impact results. As a case study, an FE model using simple plastic beam elements is further tested to predict stresses and deflections in an experimental structural impact.
Polyphenolic Compounds in Canned Tomato Pastes

SUMMARY– Polyphenolic compounds in canned pastes made from W-14.5 tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum, Mill) were extracted with methanol and ethyl acetate. The compounds. were separated by two-dimensional paper chromatography with n-butanol-acetic acid-water (4:1:5 v/v) and 2% acetic acid as solvents. Twelve spots were found when the chromogenic reagent was FeCl3K3Fe(CN)6. The individual compounds were identified by their R, values and color reactions with Fecl3K3Fe(CN)6, diazotized paranitroaniline, Hoepfner, sodium borohydride, and vanillin-HCI reagents, fluorescent behavior, and absorption spectra. Present in the extracts of tomato pastes were two chlorogenic acid isomers, two caffeic acid derivatives, rutin, naringenin, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid. Naringenin and trans-chlorogenic acid were present in larger amounts than the other polyphenolic compounds.
Hyperosmotic instillation of rat stomach.

Abstract Instillation of equally hyperosmotic solutions (1000 m0sm/kg) of NaCl, KCl, MgCl 2 , or dextrose depressed the electrical potential difference and the spontaneous acid secretion of rat stomachs. Luminal osmolality declined only slightly after hyperosmotic dextrose instillation, but loss of luminal chloride followed hyperosmotic salt instillation. Comparable losses of luminal sodium or potassium were observed. These changes result from a hyperosmotic alteration of ion transport through the gastric mucosa.
Importance of choline in synthetic rations for dogs.

SummaryIn addition to thiamin, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, and pantothenic acid, young puppies also require choline and probably other factors of the vitamin B complex for normal growth under the conditions of these studies. Possible factors altering the requirement of choline for dogs on synthetic rations are discussed.
An Improved Genetic Algorithm for Spatial Clustering

This paper proposes a real-coded genetic algorithm (GA) with a new flexible gene structure for spatial clustering problems. The basic idea is to improve the solution quality and rate of cluster detection by employing flexible ellipses moving and shifting in all directions. Based on synthetic and real datasets, a performance test is conducted to evaluate the quality of the improvements in the proposed genetic algorithm. The result indicates configuration of the new gene structure and solution representation allows for full exploration of the solution spaces as well as provides better solution quality and cluster detection rates.
Neural induction in Xenopus requires inhibition of Wnt-β-catenin signaling

Abstract Canonical Wnt signals have been implicated in multiple events during early embryogenesis, including primary axis formation, neural crest induction, and A–P patterning of the neural plate. The mechanisms by which Wnt signals can direct distinct fates in cell types that are closely linked both temporally and spatially remains poorly understood. However, recent work has suggested that the downstream transcriptional mediators of this pathway, Lef/Tcf family DNA binding proteins, may confer distinct outcomes on these signals in some cellular contexts. In this study, we first examined whether inhibitory mutants of XTcf3 and XLef1 might block distinct Wnt-dependent signaling events during the diversification of cell fates in the early embryonic ectoderm. We found that a Wnt-unresponsive mutant of XTcf3 potently blocks neural crest formation, whereas an analogous mutant of XLef1 does not, and that the difference in activity mapped to the C-terminus of the proteins. Significantly, the inhibitory XTcf3 mutant also blocked expression of markers of anterior-most cell types, including cement gland and sensory placodes, indicating that Wnt signals are required for rostral as well as caudal ectodermal fates. Unexpectedly, we also found that blocking canonical Wnt signals in the ectoderm, using the inhibitory XTcf3 mutant or by other means, dramatically expanded the size of the neural plate, as evidenced by the increased expression of early pan-neural markers such as Sox3 and Nrp1. Conversely, we find that upregulation of canonical Wnt signals interferes with the induction of the neural plate, and this activity can be separated experimentally from Wnt-mediated neural crest induction. Together these findings provide important and novel insights into the role of canonical Wnt signals during the patterning of vertebrate ectoderm and indicate that Wnt inhibition plays a central role in the process of neural induction.
PERSPECTIVES ON SUPERVISION IN COGNITIVE THERAPY

Supervision is often a neglected clinical area. Frequently, supervisors view supervision as an epiphenomenon of clinical work rather than a central feature. This article emphasizes the importance of supervision in cognitive therapy. Teaching novice professionals to skillfully apply cognitive conceptualizations and interventions is a challenging and difficult task. It is argued that fostering a learning alliance in supervision forms the basis for acquisition of pivotal cognitive therapy competencies. Various impediments to productive learning alliances are discussed and ways to obviate these obstacles are suggested. Further, issues related to technical interventions, relationship processes, and case conceptualizations are discussed. Finally, ways to augment trainees' skills in these fundamental areas are delineated.
On the measurement of the complex spatial coherence of a He-Ne laser beam

The feasibility of determining by experiment the magnitude and phase of the complex spatial coherence of a laser beam using the recently derived inversion expression for complex spatial coherence is demonstrated. Both magnitude and phase dependence for two laser excitation levels for a wide range of correlation intervals is presented. The ratio of the degree of coherence at the two levels for a continuous range of correlation interval is evaluated yielding results consistent with other known experimental facts. The degree of coherence was found to be lower at the higher level of laser excitation. The use of the inversion expression for the experimental determination of the complex spatial coherence for narrow linewidth beams is pointed out. The difficulty in presently establishing the spatial stationarity of the beam, and its relation to the applicability of the inversion expression are discussed.
Association between national smoking prevention campaigns and perceived smoking prevalence among youth in the United States.

Abstract Purpose To understand the potential effects of anti-smoking media campaigns on perceived peer smoking prevalence, a noted predictor of smoking initiation and prevalence among youth. Methods We used cross-sectional time series data from the Legacy Media Tracking Surveys (LMTS), a nationally representative telephone survey of approximately 35,000 12- to 17-year-olds in the United States. Exposure to the truth campaign and the "Think. Don't Smoke" (TDS) campaign was measured with a series of questions on self-reported recall of the campaigns in general and of specific ads from each campaign. Perceived smoking prevalence was the primary outcome variable, measured using the LMTS question: "Out of every 10 people your age, how many do you think smoke?" We estimated a series of multivariable models to assess the association between perceived smoking prevalence and exposure to the truth and TDS campaigns in the United States. Results Findings indicate that exposure to the truth campaign was negatively and significantly associated with perceived smoking prevalence, whereas the TDS campaign was not associated with perceived smoking prevalence. These findings were consistent across several different measures of exposure to the campaigns. Conclusions This study highlights the potential impact of anti-smoking media campaigns on precursors to smoking and suggests that the truth campaign may have an impact on youth's perceptions of smoking prevalence. Given the documented relationship between perceived smoking prevalence and smoking initiation, the findings highlight the need for further examination of perceived smoking prevalence as a mediating factor through which media campaigns may affect smoking behaviors.
The expression of HL-A antigens during the growth cycle of cultured human lymphoid cells.

Abstract An extensive study of the relationship between the expression of HL-A antigens and the growth cycle of human cultured lymphoid cells revealed that the density of these genetically determined cell surface markers did not change during the cell cycle. However, the yield and the immunologic potency of extractable soluble HL-A alloantigens was found to be greater with cultures in the late log or resting phase as opposed to those in early log phase. These results indicate that the variation in the yield of soluble HL-A antigens extracted from cultured lymphoid cells depends on factors other than the number of detectable HL-A antigenic determinants present on the cell membrane. Our data suggest that the turnover of cell membrane components or the presence of pools of histocompatibility antigens during the cell growth cycle may account for the observed differences in both potency and overall yield of extractable, soluble HL-A antigens.
The use of iodinated lectins for determining the degree of deglycosylation of high-mannose glycoproteins by endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H.

Abstract A method which demonstrates that the removal of polymannosyl chains from glycoproteins by endo-β- N -acetylglucosaminidase H can be monitored reliably using only submicrogram quantities of glycoprotein is described. Glycoproteins and their endoglycosidase-treated forms are subjected to electrophoresis on SDS-polyacrylamide gels, which are then overlaid with [ 125 I]concanavalin A or [ 125 I]wheat germ agglutinin. The degree to which these lectins bind is measured by autoradiography. The complete loss of [ 125 I]concanavalin A binding by glycoproteins such as deoxyribonuclease I, ovalbumin, carboxypeptidase Y, and invertase is associated with the removal of their oligosaccharide chains. Invertase, unlike the above mannose-containing glycoproteins, acquires the capacity to bind [ 125 I]wheat germ agglutinin only upon partial or complete deglycosylation, a finding substantiated by wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose column chromatography. In addition to providing a procedure for monitoring the enzymatic deglycosylation of mannose-containing glycoproteins, the lectin-gel binding technique is shown to provide an estimate of the mannose content of neutral glycoproteins at levels which cannot be detected by conventional methods. In some cases, this method may be useful in distinguishing between N - and O -glycosidic linkages where the oligosaccharide is predominantly mannosyl.
Answer set programming and plan generation

Abstract The idea of answer set programming is to represent a given computational problem by a logic program whose answer sets correspond to solutions, and then use an answer set solver, such as smodels or dlv , to find an answer set for this program. Applications of this method to planning are related to the line of research on the frame problem that started with the invention of formal nonmonotonic reasoning in 1980.
TEMPORAL TRENDS AND MICROBIOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF VALVE REPLACEMENT FOR IE FROM 2000-2011, A NATIONWIDE PERSPECTIVE

The goal of this study was to evaluate temporal trends and predictors of valve replacement due to infective endocarditis (IE). Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project – National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to perform a retrospective observational cohort study to investigate the
A day-to-day dynamical model for the evolution of path flows under disequilibrium of traffic networks with fixed demand

Transportation networks are often subjected to perturbed conditions leading to traffic disequilibrium. Under such conditions, the traffic evolution is typically modeled as a dynamical system that captures the aggregated effect of paths-shifts by drivers over time. This paper proposes a day-to-day (DTD) dynamical model that bridges two important gaps in the literature. First, existing DTD models generally consider current path flows and costs, but do not factor the sensitivity of path costs to flow. The proposed DTD model simultaneously captures all three factors in modeling the flow shift by drivers. As a driver can potentially perceive the sensitivity of path costs with the congestion level based on past experience, incorporating this factor can enhance real-world consistency. In addition, it smoothens the time trajectory of path flows, a desirable property for practice where the iterative solution procedure is typically terminated at an arbitrary point due to computational time constraints. Second, the study provides a criterion to classify paths for an origin–destination pair into two subsets under traffic disequilibrium: expensive paths and attractive paths. This facilitates flow shifts from the set of expensive paths to the set of attractive paths, enabling a higher degree of freedom in modeling flow shift compared to that of shifting flows only to the shortest path, which is behaviorally restrictive. In addition, consistent with the real-world driver behavior, it also helps to preclude flow shifts among expensive paths. Improved behavioral consistency can lead to more meaningful path/link time-dependent flow profiles for developing effective dynamic traffic management strategies for practice. The proposed DTD model is formulated as the dynamical system by drawing insights from micro-economic theory. The stability of the model and existence of its stationary point are theoretically proven. Results from computational experiments validate its modeling properties and illustrate its benefits relative to existing DTD dynamical models.
Using a Boundary Object Framework to Analyze Interorganizational Collaboration

The U.S. military is facing a plethora of challenges as a result of tightening procurement budgets and the need to acquire new capabilities to operate in modern war environments. This requires integrating legacy systems with developing technologies in what is loosely defined to be a System of Systems. Most Systems of Systems require some integrator to manage and operate the system interfaces. In addition to technical integration challenges, these system integrators have the difficult undertaking of integrating various organizations. The boundary object framework proposed by this paper provides a tool for systems integrators working in System of Systems or any type of complex system to identify and categorize communication, coordination, and collaboration interfaces and address possible failures.
Run-time generation of HPS microinstructions from a VAX instruction stream

The VAX architecture is a popular ISP architecture that has been implemented in several different technologies targeted to a wide range of performance specifications. However, it has been argued that the VAX has specific characteristics which preclude a very high performance implementation. We have developed a microarchitecture (HPS) which is specifically intended for implementing very high performance computing engines. Our model of execution is a restriction on fine granularity data flow. In this paper, we concentrate on one particular aspect of an HPS implementation of the VAX architecture: the generation of HPS microinstructions (i.e. data flow nodes) from a VAX instruction stream.
Poor Man’s 1000 Genome Project: Recent Human Population Expansion Confounds the Detection of Disease Alleles in 7,098 Complete Mitochondrial Genomes

Rapid growth of the human population has caused the accumulation of rare genetic variants that may play a role in the origin of genetic diseases. However, it is challenging to identify those rare variants responsible for specific diseases without genetic data from an extraordinarily large population sample. Here we focused on the accumulated data from the human mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences because this data provided 7,098 whole genomes for analysis. In this dataset we identified 6,110 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and their frequency and determined that the best-fit demographic model for the 7,098 genomes included severe population bottlenecks and exponential expansions of the non-African population. Using this model, we simulated the evolution of mt genomes in order to ascertain the behavior of deleterious mutations. We found that such deleterious mutations barely survived during population expansion. We derived the threshold frequency of a deleterious mutation in separate African, Asian, and European populations and used it to identify pathogenic mutations in our dataset. Although threshold frequency was very low, the proportion of variants showing a lower frequency than that threshold was 82, 83, and 91% of the total variants for the African, Asian, and European populations, respectively. Within these variants, only 18 known pathogenic mutations were detected in the 7,098 genomes. This result showed the difficulty of detecting a pathogenic mutation within an abundance of rare variants in the human population, even with a large number of genomes available for study.
Representing Graphical User Interfaces with Sound: A Review of Approaches

The inability of computer users who are visually impaired to access graphical user interfaces (GUIs) has led researchers to propose approaches for adapting GUIs to auditory interfaces, with the goal of providing access for visually impaired people. This article outlines the issues involved in nonvisual access to graphical user interfaces, reviews current research in this field, classifies methods and approaches, and discusses the extent to which researchers have resolved these issues. This article is based on research that was conducted for the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Workplace Accommodations, Center for Assistive
Adaptation-based reconfiguration in the presence of actuator failures and saturation

In this paper, a direct-adaptive flight controller is proposed to enable reconfiguration in the presence of actuator failures, environmental disturbances, and modeling errors. The controller combines reconfiguration and control allocation. In addition, a multivariable saturation compensation technique is introduced to preserve stability in the presence of control saturation phenomena. An adaptation law is derived for which it is conjectured that the closed-loop system states and controller gains remain bounded, provided that sufficient control authority exists. Benefits of the proposed design are demonstrated using a linearized six degree of freedom simulation model of a large, four engine transport aircraft.
Word processing and writing: effects of the Macintosh on the drafting and revising of technical writing assignments

A study is described in which technical writing students completed two in-class writing assignments, one on the Macintosh and one using pen and paper. Results indicate that they produced longer papers and that they made more format revisions on the Macintosh. Although the students believe that they write better using the Macintosh, the study suggests that the Macintosh itself did not significantly improve the quality of their writing. >
Responses to invasion and invader removal differ between native and exotic plant groups in a coastal dune.

The spread of exotic, invasive species is a global phenomenon that is recognized as a major source of environmental change. Although many studies have addressed the effects of exotic plants on the communities they invade, few have quantified the effects of invader removal on plant communities, or considered the degree to which different plant groups vary in response to invasion and invader removal. We evaluated the effects of an exotic succulent, iceplant (Carpobrotus edulis), on a coastal dune plant community in northern California, as well as the community responses to its removal. To assess possible mechanisms by which iceplant affects other plants, we also evaluated its above- and belowground influences on the germination and growth of a dominant exotic annual grass, Bromus diandrus. We found that iceplant invasion was associated with reduced native plant cover as well as increased cover and density of some exotic plants—especially exotic annual grasses. However, iceplant removal did not necessarily lead to a reversal of these effects: removal increased the cover and density of both native and exotic species. We also found that B. diandrus grown in iceplant patches, or in soil where iceplant had been removed, had poorer germination and growth than B. diandrus grown in soil not influenced by iceplant. This suggests that the influence of iceplant on this dune plant community occurs, at least in part, due to belowground effects, and that these effects remain after iceplant has been removed. Our study demonstrates the importance of considering how exotic invasive plants affect not only native species, but also co-occurring exotic taxa. It also shows that combining observational studies with removal experiments can lead to important insights into the influence of invaders and the mechanisms of their effects.
Opinion: A new approach to financial regulation

It has been five years since the US Congress enacted the landmark Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; and despite the fact that about 20% of the Act has yet to be implemented (1), several legislative initiatives are now attempting to soften or roll back key provisions. This pattern of regulatory action and reaction is not new. The financial excesses of one period often lead to asset bubbles that burst, ushering in a new period of much greater regulation. This, in turn, is systematically weakened over time as markets recover and we forget the reasons why we imposed such stringent regulations in the first place. Even before Dodd–Frank, the financial industry was among the most highly regulated of industries in the world. However, the many layers of regulation and multiple regulatory agencies were insufficient to prevent financial crisis. Why?
Bargaining and Learning While Fighting

Much of the existing formal work on war models the decision to go to war as a game-ending, costly lottery. This article relaxes this assumption by treating war as a costly process during which the states run the risk of military collapse. The model also allows for uncertainty over either the cost of fighting or the distribution of power. The analysis makes four contributions to the growing costly-process literature: (i) the present model provides a more general treatment of the learning process that occurs when states are uncertain about the distribution of power, (ii) it explicitly compares the bargaining and learning processes for the two different sources of uncertainty, (iii) it suggests a way to empirically distinguish wars arising from these two sources, and (iv) it shows that the equilibrium dynamics of informational accounts of war may be quite sensitive to the underlying bargaining environment through which information is conveyed.
HORMONAL TREATMENT OF THYROID CANCER

THERE is considerable evidence that there may be two factors in the induction of malignant neoplasm (1) Certain stimuli (initiating factor) which alone are incapable of inciting tumor formation may so alter the cellular physiology and biologic potential that a sequential stimulus of a different sort (promoting factor) may be followed by neoplastic growth. Experimentally, carcinoma of the thyroid fits closely into this scheme (2). A carcinogen alone (such as dibenzanthracine or 2-acetyl-aminofluorene) may induce very few thyroid tumors. If, however, this carcinogen is followed by a promoting factor (goitrogen) the incidence of tumor formation is strikingly high and much greater than when the goitrogen alone is administered. Most of these tumors remain dependent, but a few attain complete autonomy (3–5). Since in some instances these carcinomas appear to be under the influence of thyrotropic hormone, as long ago as 1947 Purves and Griesbach (6) suggested that, “It might be possible to influence the course o...
Thyroid cancer--indications and opportunities for positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging.

Although thyroid cancer is a comparatively rare malignancy, it represents the vast majority of endocrine cancers and its incidence is increasing. Most differentiated thyroid cancers have an excellent prognosis if diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Aggressive histologic subtypes and variants carry a worse prognosis. During the last 2 decades positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (CT), mostly with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), has been used increasingly in patients with thyroid cancers. Currently, the most valuable role FDG-PET/CT exists in the work-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer status post thyroidectomy who present with increasing thyroglobulin levels and a negative 131 I whole-body scan. FDG-PET/CT is also useful in the initial (post thyroidectomy) staging of high-risk patients with less differentiated (and thus less iodine-avid and clinically more aggressive) subtypes, such as tall cell variant and Hurthle cell carcinoma, but in particular poorly differentiated and anaplastic carcinoma. FDG-PET/CT may help in defining the extent of disease in some patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma and rising postoperative calcitonin levels. However, FDOPA has emerged as an alternate and more promising radiotracer in this setting. In aggressive cancers that are less amenable to treatment with 131 iodine, FDG-PET/CT may help in radiotherapy planning, and in assessing the response to radiotherapy, embolization, or experimental systemic treatments. 124 Iodine PET/CT may serve a role in obtaining lesional dosimetry for better and more rationale planning of treatment with 131 iodine. Thyroid cancer is not a monolithic disease, and different stages and histologic entities require different approaches in imaging and individualized therapy.
Abundance and web characteristics of Micrathena gracilis and Micrathena mitrata (Araneae: Araneidae) in west-central Illinois, USA

We investigated abundance and web characteristics (web elevation and spiral area) of the spiny orb weavers Micrathena gracilis (Walckenaer 1805) and Micrathena mitrata (Hentz 1850) using transect surveys in oak-hickory forest stands in west-central Illinois. Surveys resulted in 153 collected individuals or observations of adult females (70 M. gracilis and 83 M. mitrata). Peak abundance of both species occurred in late July, with a density of 0.03 females per m 2 for each species. Web spiral area and web elevation were both greater for M. gracilis than M. mitrata. Micrathena mitrata web spiral area was larger in plots in which spiders had been previously removed than in plots without removal. These results suggest that the two species have different vegetation structure or microclimate preferences, and may respond to availability of unoccupied habitat differently.
Control of VCSEL polarization using deeply etched surface gratings

We demonstrate a robust approach to VCSEL polarization control using deeply-etched surface gratings oriented at several different rotational angles. A RCWA model is used to optimize the design for high polarization selectivity and fabrication tolerance.