cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Thermodynamics of Air at High Velocities

The flow of air at velocities near and above sound velocity is involved in an ever-increasing number of cases, and a satisfactory solution often requires the use of the highly specialized tools of modern fluid mechanics. However, there are many engineering problems that may be solved with sufficient accuracy in terms of average velocities without following through the paths of individual particles. When these thermodynamic equations of high velocity gas flow are solved in terms of such variables as velocity and density, they are not simple or easy to handle. If Mach number is used as a primary variable, all of these equations become quite simple and usable. This is illustrated by the solution of the cases of flow with friction and with heat transfer and for nozzles and diffusers with and without friction. Diffusers are discussed in more detail and measures of diffuser performance are suggested because, in proportion to their importance, they have received far less attention than nozzles. In conclusion, the case of flow through plane shock waves is solved in terms of Mach number and the theoretical correction for impact tubes in superacoustic flow is worked out.
Will the Truth Set Us Free? An Exploration of CSR Motive and Commitment

This article examines why firms engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Specifically, it investigates the relationship between a firm's motivation to engage in CSR and the depth of its commitment. I propose that the enduring debate over CSR and financial performance is misaligned, and that scholars should instead focus on the underlying components of CSR engagement. This research sheds light on the motivational antecedents of a firm's engagement in CSR and their effect on CSR commitment. Despite calls for scientific investigation of this linkage, it has received scant attention in the literature. Pursuing this area of research requires the construction of measures of CSR motivation and CSR commitment, as prior work generally lacks objective analysis. I present measures and a research methodology that test hypotheses about how CSR motivation relates to different levels of CSR commitment. The results of this research both validate and challenge current theory. This refined understanding of CSR engagement may enhance firm transparency and accountability to stakeholders. It may reduce the uncertainty in both internal and external assessments of firm CSR and the potential for social and financial impact.
Fractal Lévy Heat Transport in Nanoparticle Embedded Semiconductor Alloys

Materials with embedded nanoparticles are of considerable interest for thermoelectric applications. Here, we experimentally characterize the effect of nanoparticles on the recently discovered Levy phonon transport in semiconductor alloys. The fractal space dimension α ≈ 1.55 of quasiballistic (superdiffusive) heat conduction in (ErAs)x:InGaAlAs is virtually independent of the Er content 0.001 < x < 0.1 but instead controlled by alloy scattering of the host matrix. The increased nanoparticle concentration does reduce the diffusive recovery length by an order of magnitude. The bulk conductivity drops by 3-fold, in close agreement with a Callaway model. Our results may provide helpful hints toward engineering superdiffusive heat transport similar to what has been achieved with light in Levy glasses.
THE COADAPTATION OF PARENTAL AND OFFSPRING CHARACTERS

Parents often have important influences on their offspring's traits and/or fitness (i.e., maternal or paternal effects). When offspring fitness is determined by the joint influences of offspring and parental traits, selection may favor particular combinations that generate high offspring fitness. We show that this epistasis for fitness between the parental and offspring genotypes can result in the evolution of their joint distribution, generating genetic correlations between the parental and offspring characters. This phenomenon can be viewed as a coadaptive process in which offspring genotypes evolve to function with the parentally provided environment and, in turn, the genes for this environment become associated with specific offspring genes adapted to it. To illustrate this point, we present two scenarios in which selection on offspring alone alters the correlation between a maternal and an offspring character. We use a quantitative genetic maternal effect model combined with a simple quadratic model of fitness to examine changes in the linkage disequilibrium between the maternal and offspring genotypes. In the first scenario, stabilizing selection on a maternally affected offspring character results in a genetic correlation that is opposite in sign to the maternal effect. In the second scenario, directional selection on an offspring trait that shows a nonadditive maternal effect can result in selection for positive covariances between the traits. This form of selection also results in increased genetic variation in maternal and offspring characters, and may, in the extreme case, promote host-race formation or speciation. This model provides a possible evolutionary explanation for the ubiquity of large genetic correlations between maternal and offspring traits, and suggests that this pattern of coinheritance may reflect functional relationships between these characters (i.e., functional integration).
The effects of severely restricted visual experience on the perception of “identity”

This study was concerned with the role of visual experience on identity perception. Hooded rats were used, 10 reared in darkness and 10 normally reared. As adult animals they were compared on learning to discriminate vertical and horizontal striations. No difference in performance was found. These findings are contrary to those predicted by Hebb (1949) and in agreement with those found by Woodruff (1951). It is concluded that prolonged visual experience is not a necessary requirement for simple identity visual perception.
Empirical Research Method on Transportation Demand Modeling

This paper is based on a key project of a central city in southwest of China.It aims at alleviating the traffic congestion of cities.With the increases of city population and vehicle ownership and motorization,the quantitative strategic decision for the transportation system planning is rather important and urgent than ever before.And the demand model formulation is a key foundation for the planning.To conduct quantitative analysis on the planning schemes,the four-step transportation demand model is developed based on the household survey.The NL and MNL models are used according to the vehicle ownership in the process of mode split,and the volume delay function is determined in traffic assignment.The comprehensive schemes based on planning,construction,policy and management are finally tested to evaluate the possible effect.
Mass Incarceration Through a Different Lens: Race, Subcontext, and Perceptions of Punitiveness of Correctional Alternatives When Compared to Prison

In spite of documented harmful effects of mass incarceration, evidence to date suggests that Blacks perceive the experience of prison as less punitive than Whites. While these findings are well documented, little is known about the role of sociodemographic or contextual factors in shaping this pattern. Utilizing a quantitative intersectional framework, we analyze data from over 1000 Kentucky prison inmates who were within 12 months of their parole hearing or release date to examine the differential effects of various sociodemographic and contextual factors on perceptions of the punitiveness of regular probation, community service, and electronic monitoring (as opposed to prison) for Blacks and Whites. Findings confirm the presence of a racial gap in perceptions of the punitiveness of various alternatives to incarceration; however, results from models disaggregated by race highlight important differences in the effects of gender, parenting, and childhood locale on these perceptions. These findings demonstr...
Measurement of H2S In Vivo and In Vitro by the Monobromobimane Method

The gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is known as an important regulator in several physiological and pathological responses. Among the challenges facing the field is the accurate and reliable measurement of hydrogen sulfide bioavailability. We have reported an approach to discretely measure sulfide and sulfide pools using the monobromobimane (MBB) method coupled with reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The method involves the derivatization of sulfide with excess MBB under precise reaction conditions at room temperature to form sulfide dibimane (SDB). The resultant fluorescent SDB is analyzed by RP-HPLC using fluorescence detection with the limit of detection for SDB (2 nM). Care must be taken to avoid conditions that may confound H2S measurement with this method. Overall, RP-HPLC with fluorescence detection of SDB is a useful and powerful tool to measure biological sulfide levels.
Allergy and chronic secretory otitis media.

In the authors' experience with patients who have allergy contributing to chronic secretory otitis media, they found a definite sequential pattern of improvement. Environmental control seemed to help more patients than diets.
Performance Characterization of Ultra-Thin N-Type Piezoresistive Cantilevers

This paper studies the performance of ultra-thin n-type piezoresistive cantilevers for force measurements. Piezoresistive AFM has been shown to be a promising alternative to optical AFM because of its ease of use and scalability. There is an on-going effort to improve the force resolution and bandwidth of AFM cantilevers, particularly for force measurements of bio-molecules. Both of these can be improved through scaling. In addition, we also explore the use of n-type silicon as a piezoresistive material. We characterized the noise behavior in n-type piezoresistors, and demonstrated significant improvements in both force resolution and bandwidth over previous work.
Model based print signature profile extraction for forensic analysis of individual text glyphs

Forensic analysis of individual printed items, including single characters, enables the addition of some level of security to any printed item (label, document, package, etc.). In this paper, we present a model-based approach for extracting a signature profile around the outer edge of virtually any text glyph. We show that for two high-resolution imaging devices (the Dyson Relay CMOS Imaging Device, called DrCID, and a high speed line-scan camera) this signature encodes that part of the glyph boundary that is due to the random fluctuation of the print process, enabling significantly higher levels of forensic discrimination than previously shown. The model-based approach enables a security workflow where the line-scan device is integrated into production line inspection with later forensic investigation in the field using the DrCID device. We also develop a simple shape descriptor to encode the signature profile, making it easier to manipulate, test and store. We argue that the shape descriptor provides forensic-level authentication of a single printed character.
Tailoring Microbial Electrochemical Cells for Production of Hydrogen Peroxide at High Concentrations and Efficiencies.

A microbial peroxide producing cell (MPPC) for H2 O2 production at the cathode was systematically optimized with minimal energy input. First, the stability of H2 O2 was evaluated using different catholytes, membranes, and catalyst materials. On the basis of these results, a flat-plate MPPC fed continuously using 200 mm NaCl catholyte at a 4 h hydraulic retention time was designed and operated, producing H2 O2 for 18 days. H2 O2 concentration of 3.1 g L-1 H2 O2 with 1.1 Wh g-1 H2 O2 power input was achieved in the MPPC. The high H2 O2 concentration was a result of the optimum materials selected. The small energy input was largely the result of the 0.5 cm distance between the anode and cathode, which reduced ionic transport losses. However, >50 % of operational overpotentials were due to the 4.5-5 pH unit difference between the anode and cathode chambers. The results demonstrate that a MPPC can continuously produce H2 O2 at high concentration by selecting compatible materials and appropriate operating conditions.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE COMMON LOON ON SPENCER LAKE AND BLANCHARD LAKE, MONTANA: IDENTIFYING POPULATIONS OF BANDED AND NON-BANDED BIRDS OF THE COMMON LOON

Common Loon (Gavia immer) studies were conducted between May and August, 2014 at known loon territories in the Whitefish, Montana area. Data were collected on nesting pairs at Spencer Lake and Blanchard Lake, both of which are a few miles of Whitefish. Loon pairs were observed and behaviors recorded as well as leg-band identifications, foraging habits, territorial behaviors, chick stages, and nesting success. The study covered 46 hours of observational study. Based on prior data provided by the Montana Common Loon Working Group and the Flathead National Forest Service, it is possible to identify pairs that are returning to the same locations and remaining with the same breeding pair. This summer research provided valuable data including identification of nesting pairs on both Blanchard and Spencer Lake, adult band data from both of these lakes, and both lakes had chick hatch dates allowing for a comparison between both lakes of study noting their differences as possible causes for differing nest success and hatch dates between Spencer Lake and Blanchard Lake.
Radiologic Notes in Cardiology Use of the Contrast Interface in Angiocardiography

The presence of a contrast interface indicates a difference in density between shadows of adjacent structures while the absence of an interface means that their radiodensities are similar. This is of considerable help in evaluating the presence or absence of opacified blood in any portion of the heart or great vessels on an angiocardiogram.
Physical activity, body mass index and waist circumference change, and normal-range glycated hemoglobin on incident diabetes: Jackson Heart Study

ABSTRACTObjectives: The purpose of this study was to 1) evaluate whether physical activity has a protective effect on incident diabetes among African Americans across combinations of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), 2) evaluate the effect of changes on BMI and WC on incident diabetes, and 3) evaluate the effect of ‘normal range’ glycated hemoglobin (A1C) on incident diabetes.Methods: Data from the prospective Jackson Heart Study were evaluated, with baseline data assessed between 2001 and 2004 and follow-up data occurring between 2009 and 2013. Physical activity was assessed via a validated questionnaire, with measured BMI, WC and A1C assessed via standard procedures.Results: The sample included 2,450 adults who did not have evidence of diabetes at the baseline assessment, with 286 incident diabetes cases occurring at the follow-up assessment. Physical activity did not have a protective effect against incident diabetes across different BMI and WC combinations. Notably, BMI change from b...
SAXS versus FRET: A Matter of Heterogeneity?

Determining how conformational properties of unfolded proteins vary as a function of denaturant concentration has important implications for understanding the early stages of protein folding, and for our understanding of protein-solvent interactions. Upon dilution from a high concentration of denaturant into native conditions, does an unfolded protein undergo collapse first followed by folding, or does the chain remain expanded before folding and collapse occur concomitantly? The global dimensions of a protein are captured by its radius of gyration (Rg), meaning that, in principle, this question should be simple to answer by measuring Rg as a function of denaturant concentration.
RAPID EVOLUTION OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH NIVOLUMAB

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the evolution of thyroid dysfunction in a series of patients with cancer treated with the immune checkpoint inhibitor anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody, nivolumab. Methods: Cases of thyroid dysfunction after initiation of checkpoint inhibitor treatment were identified from the Division of Endocrinology clinical practice at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York from April 2016 to February 2017. Charts were reviewed to identify patients treated with nivolumab with new onset of thyroid dysfunction. Results: Nine cases of thyroid function in patients who were treated with nivolumab were identified. There were 4 male and 5 female patients, with a mean age of 66 years (range 50–76 years). Seven patients ultimately developed hypothyroidism. Five of the 7 patients developed abnormal thyroid function tests within the first 90 days of starting therapy (range 21–84 days), 3 of whom had transient hyperthyroidism. Transient hyperthyroidism evolved rapidly to hypot...
The impact of net neutrality on digital health

Will healthcare solutions be treated as content providers and treated differently under a new regulatory landscape for Internet Service Providers (ISPs)? Will changes to net neutrality layer additional costs on an already overburdened global healthcare system? These are important questions to consider as rule changes and policy continue to shape how individuals, consumers, and even healthcare providers interact with our increasingly digital ecosystem.
Microfluidic thread-based electrode system to detect glucose and acetylthiocholine

A reusable and simple to fabricate electrochemical sensor for the detection of glucose and acetylthiocholine using thread-based electrodes and nylon thread is described. The fabrication of the device consisted of two steps. First, three nylon-based electrodes (reference, working, and counter) were painted with one layer of conductive inks (silver and carbon ink, or silver/silver chloride ink). The electrodes were taped onto parafilm, and a piece of white nylon thread was wrapped around each electrode connecting the three electrodes. For the glucose system, a PBS solution containing glucose oxidase (GOx) (10 mg/mL), and potassium ferricyanide (K3 [Fe(CN)6 ]) (10 mg/mL) as mediator, was dried onto the thread, and increasing concentrations of glucose (0-15 mM) was added to the thread and measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The current output from the glucose oxidation was proportional to the concentration of glucose. For the second system, a solution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (0.08 U/mL) in PBS was added to the nylon thread, and increasing concentrations of acetylthiocholine (ATC) (0-9.84 mg/mL) was added and measured by CV. The current output from the oxidation of thiocholine (produced by AChE reacting with ATC) was proportional to the concentrations of ATC added to the thread. From both systems, a graph of current output versus substrate concentration was produced and fitted with a linear regression line that gave R2 values of 0.985 (GOX /glucose) and 0.995 (AChE/ATC).
Can digit symbol-verbal fluency comparisons facilitate detection of pseudodementia? A preliminary study.

Depressive psychomotor retardation may impair performance on timed tests. By comparison word association measures of verbal fluency are reportedly unaffected by depression. Comparisons of a brief psychomotor test with a measure of verbal fluency may therefore prove useful when there is a concern that depression may be undermining adaptive functioning, assuming both measures display: (1) broad-spectrum sensitivity to brain impairment, (2) differential vulnerability to depression, and (3) moderate correlation in nondepressed persons. Digit Symbol (DS) and the “FAS” measure of verbal fluency are sensitive to genuine dementia, satisfying the first criterion. We found that depressed schizophrenics performed at significantly lower levels on DS, but not on FAS, than nondepressed schizophrenics. The two groups differed significantly on a discrepancy score derived by subtracting FAS from DS scores; normals obtained discrepancy scores highly similar to those of nondepressed schizophrenics. As the normals had higher DS and FAS scores, this discrepancy-score similarity suggests that this index may have wide application. The third criterion is satisfied by the findings of a 0.64 correlation between DS and FAS scores adjusted for age (DS and FAS) as well as gender and educational attainment (FAS) in nondepressed samples. Implications for further research and clinical applications are discussed.
Benefits of Sparse Tableau Over Nodal Admittance Formulation for Power-Flow Studies

Assembly of power-flow equations has traditionally begun from a nodal analysis formulation of the underlying transmission circuit's behavior. Most power-flow formulations encapsulate network constraints in the bus admittance matrix, $Y_{\text{bus}}$ . From a circuit perspective, this admittance representation restricts the network elements to be voltage controlled; resulting drawbacks treating zero-impedance branches in such applications as state estimation have long been recognized. This paper explores the advantages of the alternatives to $Y_{\text{bus}}$ -based formulations in power flow. It proposes a sparse tableau formulation (STF), and it demonstrates its computational efficiency, robustness, and generality in detailed comparison to traditional $Y_{\text{bus}}$ -based solution algorithms. In the examples of power networks ranging from 1888 to 82 000 buses, computational case studies indicate that STF provides comparable computational speed, while allowing simple treatment of zero-impedance branches and more reliably converging to solutions in many cases for which $Y_{\text{bus}}$ -based Newton algorithms diverge.
Electrical Self-Stimulation

Direct electrical stimulation of several brain sites can be powerfully rewarding. Stimulation of the lateral hypothalamic and adjacent regions of the medial forebrain bundle is most strongly rewarding and has the least side effects. The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a major role in brain stimulation reward, though dopamine-containing fibers are not the primary substrate activated at the electrode tip. Most addictive drugs potentiate the rewarding effects of the stimulation and have their own habit-forming effects within the same circuitry.
Medical Journals and the 2019-nCoV Outbreak.

Medical Journals and the Coronavirus The editors announce expedited handling for submitted manuscripts describing the 2019-nCoV outbreak and make broad recommendations for speed, transparency, and ...
Maternal nutrition and child respiratory outcomes: paradigms of lung health and disease.

A new study shows diet during pregnancy may influence lung health in future generationshttp://bit.ly/2FEOhlS
Chapter 8 – Particle Accelerators

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the nature of the forces on charges and describes the arrangement and principle of operation of several important kinds of particle accelerators. A device that provides forces on charged particles by some combination of electric and magnetic fields and brings the ions to high speed and kinetic energy is called an accelerator. Many types have been developed for the study of nuclear reactions and basic nuclear structure, with an ever-increasing demand for higher particle energy. Charged particles such as electrons and ions of light elements are brought to high speed and energy by particle accelerators, which use electric and magnetic fields in various ways. In the high-voltage machines, a beam of ions is accelerated directly through a large potential difference, produced by special voltage multiplier circuits or by carrying charge to a positive electrode; in the linear accelerator, ions are given successive accelerations in gaps between tubes lined up in a row; in the cyclotron, the ions are similarly accelerated but move in circular orbits because of the applied magnetic field; in the betatron, a changing magnetic field produces an electric field that accelerates electrons to relativistic speeds; in the synchrotron, both radiofrequency and time-varying magnetic fields are used. High-energy nuclear physics research is carried out through the use of such accelerators. Through several spallation processes, high-energy charged particles can produce large numbers of neutrons, which have a variety of applications.
Simulation of Brownian Motion for Molecular Communications on a Graphics Processing Unit

This work applies a graphics processing unit (GPU) to the study of molecular communication (MC) systems where molecules are used to exchange information. Most MC is based on Brownian motion and modeled via a stochastic differential equation that admits analytical solutions under certain rather restrictive assumptions. As such, emphasis is placed on Monte Carlo simulation methods to study MC. This paper explores the application of a GPU to reduce this simulation time using two different approaches. This work will show that the GPU can offer significant speedup relative to the CPU, providing avenues to deeper MC research unavailable using a CPU based simulator. With that, it will also show that some avenues towards deeper MC research remain infeasible due to excessively long simulation times, even when using a GPU.
Trends in prevalence of depression and serious psychological distress in United States immigrant and non-immigrant populations, 2010 - 2016.

Abstract Objective To examine the prevalence of depression and serious psychological distress (SPD) among adult United States (US) immigrants and US-born; and to investigate trends in depression and SPD. Methods National Health Interview Survey data (2010 – 2016) was analyzed. Chi-square tests were used to measure differences in prevalence of SPD between US-born and immigrants, and differences in prevalence of depression. Logistic regression models were used to measure the association between mental health outcomes (depression, SPD) and predictors (nativity, length of residence). General linear models were used to investigate depression and SPD trends. Results 101,142 US adults were included in the analysis. Immigrants were found to be 11% (OR 0.89, 95% CI [0.85,0.95]) less likely to suffer from depression compared to US-born. US-born (p Limitations This study examines immigrants as an entire population, not accounting for differences in immigrant status or immigrant ethnicity. Conclusions While the prevalence of depression is lower in immigrants compared to US-born, being an immigrant in the US for more than 15 years increases risk of SPD to the point of surpassing that of US-born individuals and increases risk of depression.
Stream temperature responses to experimental riparian canopy gaps along forested headwaters in western Oregon

Abstract Streamside (riparian) areas in the western United States and across much of North America are dominated by young, regenerating forests with closed canopies, which shade the understory and reduce light to streams. The addition of canopy gaps has been suggested as a management tool to accelerate development of riparian forest complexity, create stream light conditions that mimic those in late successional forests, and enhance in-stream productivity. Although gaps form naturally in late-successional forests, explicitly adding gaps is a concern because the increases in light that accompany a canopy gap may have the potential to increases stream temperature, which is an important ecological driver and regulatory metric in streams. The goal of this study was to determine whether and to what degree riparian forest canopy gaps that reflect localized disturbance events (mortality of one to a few dominant canopy trees) affect stream temperatures. We created experimental gaps in young regenerating riparian forests along six replicate headwater streams in western Oregon. Gaps increased light along 90 m study reaches by 3.91 (±1.63) moles of photons m−2 day−1, similar to that of a naturally occurring gap in a late-successional forest. Using a Before-After-Control-Impact study design, we assessed stream temperature by tracking multiple responses in each reach including: maximum seven day moving average of daily maximums (T7DayMax), maximum seven day moving average of daily means (T7DayMean), daily maximum, and mean summer temperatures, as well as within-reach (every 30 m) responses, and downstream recovery. Over a 40-day period in summer (July 22nd - August 30th), the mean response in T7DayMax across the six replicate streams was 0.21 °C ± 0.12, and the mean response in T7DayMean was 0.15 °C ± 0.14. Although the mean response in T7DayMax (a key regulatory metric) was small, changes varied across individual study streams, and the magnitude of the relative increase in stream T7DayMax as a result of the canopy gap was strongly negatively correlated with stream size. T7DayMax was not correlated with the size of the canopy opening or change in reach-scale light availability (within the range of gap sizes from 514 m2 to 1,374 m2 (0.05 to 0.14 ha)). Overall, riparian forest canopy gaps have the potential to increase stream temperatures, but in the western Cascade Mountain headwaters studied here, gap effects were small (all
Transportation Emissions on the Evolving European Agenda

Transportation emissions account for one-fourth of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions, and they pose serious local public health problems in all European countries. Transportation’s black carbon emissions—which are particulate matter—are also major contributors to climate change as well as health problems. Although motor vehicles are the primary source of emissions within the transportation sector, the emissions from maritime shipping, aviation and railroads also contribute to climate change and public health problems. EU elections in 2019 changed the policy agenda for the European Parliament and the Commission, as their new members in both were more supportive of action on climate change and other environmental issues. Action on transportation, furthermore, has been among the priorities on the lists of sectors needing action. However, there have been policy conflicts among member states, among party coalitions in the Parliament and among members of the Commission. This chapter focuses on specific policy issues concerning emissions in the motor vehicle, maritime shipping, aviation and railroad modes, and it analyzes them in the context of pandemic-induced economic recovery programs.
Reachability-based Safe Planning for Multi-Vehicle Systems with Multiple Targets

Recently there have been a lot of interests in introducing UAV s for a wide range of applications, making ensuring safety of multi-vehicle systems a highly crucial problem. Hamilton-Jacobi (HJ) reachability is a promising tool for analyzing safety of vehicles for low-dimensional systems. However, reachability suffers from the curse of dimensionality, making its direct application to more than two vehicles intractable. Recent works have made it tractable to guarantee safety for 3 and 4 vehicles with reachability. However, the number of vehicles safety can be guaranteed for remains small. In this paper, we propose a novel reachability-based approach that guarantees safety for any number of vehicles while vehicles complete their objectives of visiting multiple targets efficiently, given any K-vehicle collision avoidance algorithm where $K$ can in general be a small number. We achieve this by developing an approach to group vehicles into clusters efficiently and a control strategy that guarantees safety for any in-cluster and cross-cluster pair of vehicles for all time. Our proposed method is scalable to large number of vehicles with little computation overhead. We demonstrate our proposed approach with a simulation on 15 vehicles. In addition, we contribute a more general solution to the 3-vehicle collision avoidance problem from a past recent work, show that the prior work is a special case of our proposed generalization, and prove its validity.
Examining the influence of irritability and ADHD on domains of parenting stress

Parents of children with ADHD typically report higher levels of parenting stress than parents of typically developing children. Children with ADHD display developmentally inappropriate levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Some children with ADHD are also prone to particularly high levels of tonic irritability that may explain some of the impairments typically found in ADHD. The present study sought to determine the unique impact of ADHD and tonic irritability on child-related parenting stress domains (e.g., difficult child, parent–child dysfunctional interactions). 145 mothers of children with and without ADHD aged 7–12 years participated in the current study. Mothers completed self-report measures of parenting stress as well as a diagnostic structured interview. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was used to assess tonic irritability in an ecological environment. Indirect effects models were specified using PROCESS Model 4. For the parent–child dysfunctional interaction domain, the data were best fit by a model specifying a significant total effect of ADHD that was fully accounted for by an indirect effect through irritability. For the difficult child domain, model testing indicated a significant total effect of ADHD that was partially accounted for by an indirect effect through irritability. The current study adds support to the growing body of literature acknowledging the role of tonic irritability in children with ADHD. Furthermore, the results provide novel insight in the complex relation of irritability, child ADHD, and domains of parenting stress.
Shape Evolution of the Interest Rate Term Structure

This paper adopts a novel approach to studying the evolution of interest rate term structure over the U.S. business cycles and to predicting recessions. Applying an effective algorithm, I classify the Treasury yield curve into distinct shapes and find the less frequent shapes intrinsically linked to the recessions in the post-WWII data. In forecasting recessions, the median-short yield spread trumps the long-short spread for horizons up to 17 months ahead and the yield curve shape is nearly impressive as the median-short spread. Overall, the yield curve shape is an informative but more succinct indicator than the spreads in studying the term structure. Key words: Business cycle, recession forecast, U.S. Treasury yield curve, yield spreads.
Lie Algebras, Manifolds and Lie Groups

This chapter gives a concise introduction to the fundamentals of the general theory of Lie algebras and Lie groups. The only prerequisites are the elements of classical advanced calculus, some general topology, linear algebra and a few facts about finite dimensional representations. Therefore the material presented here is almost independent from the earlier chapters: Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be read without being familiar with the rest of the book and the remaining sections depend only on these ones. It is advisable to get acquainted with Section V.1 before reading Sections 5 and 6. This can be easily done because there are no prerequisites for Section V.1.
Abstract 3771: Blocking of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-{beta} Signaling Exacerbates Pressure Overload-induced Left Ventricular Remodeling and Dysfunction

Introduction: We have previously used a novel transgenic mouse model that expresses an inducible dominant negative mutation of the TGF-β type II receptor (DnTGFβRII) to demonstrate that blocking pro-fibrogenic TGF-β signaling reduces pressure overload-induced interstitial collagen deposition in the heart. The current study utilized DnTGFβRII mice to test the hypothesis that collagen deposition in the pressure overloaded heart is required to maintain structure and prevent cardiac dilation and dysfunction. Methods: 8 –10 wk old male DnTGFβBRII mice and nontransgenic control (NTG) mice were given 25 mM ZnSO 4 in drinking water to induce the expression of DnTGFβRII gene 1 wk prior to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). 120 days after TAC or sham operation, left ventricular (LV) mass, dimension and function were assessed by echocardiography using a high frequency ultrasound probe and interstitial collagen content was assessed in picrosirius red stained sections of LV by light microscopy with a Qimaging system. Results: LV end diastolic and systolic diameters (LVEDD and LVESD) and end diastolic and systolic volumes (EDV and ESV) were significantly increased in Zn ++ treated DnTGFβBRII mice after TAC, while ejection fraction (EF=StrokeVolume/EDVx100) and fractional shortening FS=[(LVSDD-LVESD)/LVEDDx100] were significantly decreased in this group compared to the other five treatment groups (Table). The DnTGFβRII group receiving H 2 O only did not differ from NTG mice in any parameter. TAC induced collagen deposition was significantly attenuated in the TAC-DnTGFβRII+Zn ++ mice only. Conclusion: These data indicate that induction of DnTGFβRII expression attenuates LV fibrosis and promotes cardiac dilation following TAC, and support the hypothesis that intact endogenous TGF-β signaling is required to protect against LV dilation and dysfunction in the presence of pressure overload stress.
The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib inhibits tumor cell growth and induces apoptosis by activating the cJUN NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in pancreatic cancer

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 4005 The 26S proteasome is a primary component of the cell’s protein degradation machinery and is responsible for the degradation of most cellular proteins. The rapid elimination of targeted proteins is key to the activation or repression of many cellular processes, including cell cycle progression and apoptosis. The importance of the proteasome in regulating cell growth, survival, and metastasis of cancer cells makes it an attractive therapeutic target. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Treatment with gemcitabine has demonstrated improvements in response rates, but median survival for patients with metastatic disease continues to be poor. Therefore, novel, more effective therapies are clearly needed for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Bortezomib, formerly known as PS-341, is a boronic acid dipeptide derivative that is a selective and potent inhibitor of the proteasome. We examined the antitumor activity of bortezomib in two pancreatic cancer cell lines, MiaPaCa-2 and L3.6pl. Bortezomib was determined to be a potent inhibitor of cell cycle progression by stabilizing p21 and p27 in both cell lines. Drug treatment also resulted in inhibition of the kinases, cdk1 and cdk2. Clonogenic and MTT assays demonstrated that bortezomib effectively reduced tumor cell viability. Orthotopic models of both pancreatic cancer cell lines were utilized to examine the growth effects of bortezomib in vivo . Tumor weight and volume were reduced in both models. This reduction in tumor burden was associated with decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. The ability of bortezomib to inhibit tumor cell proliferation likely contributes to the anticancer properties of the drug. Bortezomib was also determined to induce apoptosis as measured by propidium iodide staining and FACS analysis and activation of caspase-3. Bortezomib treatment led to the activation of the cJUN NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. Inhibition of JNK activation by SP600125 abrogated cell death, suggesting that activation of the JNK pathway is essential for bortezomib-induced apoptosis. Similarly, inhibition of caspase-3 activity also prevented apoptosis induced by bortezomib. Therefore, bortezomib has cytostatic and cytotoxic effects, both of which contribute to the drug’s antineoplastic properties. The efficacy of bortezomib at inducing apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo warrants further investigation of bortezomib for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Nitrogen fixation by Anabaena cylindrica

Blending Anabaena cylindrica cultures results in a loss of nitrogenase activity which is correlated with the breakage of the filaments at the junctions between heterocysts and vegetative cells. Oxygen inhibition of nitrogen fixation was significant only above atmospheric concentrations. Nitrogen-fixation activities in the dark were up to 50% of those observed in the light and were dependent on oxygen (10 to 20% was optimal). Nitrogenase activity was lost in about 3 h when cells were incubated aerobically in the dark. Re-exposure to light resulted in recovery of nitrogenase activity within 2 h. Blending, oxygen, or dark pre-incubation had similar effects upon cultures grown under air or nitrogen and did not inhibit light-dependent CO2 fixation. We conclude that heterocysts are the sites of nitrogenase activity and propose a model for nitrogen fixation by Anabaena cylindrica.
Supply-Side and Demand-Side Lexical Semantics

Two methodological positions coexist in lexical semantics. The supply-side approach selects the topics of research from among the issues that are perceived as those that can be done. It relies on what is perceived as “possible” and “available” with respect to tools and resources. The demand-side places a premium on what must be done to put together a useful working application and, therefore, strives for the comprehensive coverage of a sublanguage/domain in descriptive semantic terms, licensing extensions to its methodology in the process. There are far-reaching consequences in the respective views of the two approaches on such essential issues as the relations between (computational) syntax and (computational) semantics, the feasibility and status of language-independent ontology as the basis of lexical semantics, and the amount of attention to comprehensive semantic description/representation of input text. The distinction between the two approaches is rooted both in the history of linguistics and in the philosophy of science. It is important to understand the two positions in order to match the expectations concerning practical results and declared goals of research in lexical semantics.
Conway type invariants of links and Kauffman's method

In this chapter (Chapter III) we introduce the concept of Conway algebras (the notion related to entropic magmas) and describe invariants of links yielded by (partial) Conway algebras (including the Homflypt polynomial and signatures). We present, in detail, a proof (following the original Przytycki-Traczyk 1984 proof) of the existence of Conway type invariants. Then we describe Kauffman's method of constructing link invariants, in particular, giving the Kauffman polynomial of two variables. We develop a formalism, Kauffman algebras, analogous to that of Conway algebras. This chapter, along with chapters II, IV, and V of the book (already on arXiv), form the core of the first part of the book.
Long-Term Bone Stability around 312 Rough-Surfaced Immediately Placed Implants with 2-12-Year Follow-Up.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate bone stability around implants with anodic oxidized surfaces and correlate this with variables compared in a previous study. Materials and Methods A total of 312 implants with anodic oxidized surfaces were separated from a pool of 1,187 implants placed immediately following tooth extraction. Radiographs made at the time of implant placement were compared to radiographs taken at 2–12 years' follow-up. An independent radiologist used the known distance (mm) between peaks of adjacent threads to calculate actual bone loss measurements. Measurements were evaluated by thread of bone fill on both the mesial and distal of each implant. If <50% of the thread had bone fill, the entire thread was assumed devoid of bone. All 312 implants were measured and a Mann–Whitney rank-sum test performed to test the significance of differences in mean bone loss relative to the factors studied. Results The overall mean bone loss of the 312 implants was 0.4 mm (± 0. 80 mm) over a 2–12-year follow-up period with a mean duration of 7.4 years. Bone measurements in 95.5% of the implants were performed 6 years or more post-placement. Bone loss of <1.5 mm was found in 92% of implants. No statistically significant differences were seen in mean bone loss by gender, smokers versus non-smokers, tooth position (except for molars), or immediately loaded or immediate tooth replacement versus two-stage implants. Parameters that demonstrated statistically significant differences were splinted versus non-splinted implants, molars in maxilla versus mandible, regular (3.75–4.0 mm diameter) versus wide (5.0–6.0 mm diameter) platforms, and anodic oxidized surfaces versus other implant surfaces studied. Conclusions The mesial–distal bone loss of anodic oxidized surface (TiUnite) implants over a 2–12-year period (mean 7.4 years) was significantly less compared with machined implants placed with the same immediate implant placement protocol (0.4 mm vs 0.6 mm). Although several variables showed statistically significant differences in bone loss, the clinical significance could be questioned, as the maximum mean bone loss was 0.3 mm or less when comparing the various factors. The procedures used to place the implant and the strict maintenance protocol appear to be important aspects of the overall long-term success reported in this study in terms of measuring marginal bone loss around immediately placed implants.
Withdrawal of Antihypertensive Medications

Background: Pharmacologic treatment of hypertension reduces risks of stroke, congestive heart failure, renal failure, and mortality, but whether medications, once begun, need to be continued for life is uncertain. Methods: Several search strategies on MEDLINE using key words “medication,” “withdrawal,” “discontinuance,” and “therapy” in several combinations, nested within “hypertension,” were not productive. Accordingly, articles known to the authors and citations within them were reviewed. A survey of a random sample of members of the New York Academy of Family Practice was conducted to ascertain current practice of practicing physicians. Results: Eighteen studies of antihypertensive medication withdrawal were located and all were reviewed. In 12 trials average success rates of 40.3 percent after 1 year of follow-up and 27.7 percent after 2 years were achieved. In six studies limited to elderly patients, an average success rate of 26.2 percent was obtained for periods of 2 or more years. The trials, however, were heterogeneous in design, patient selection criteria, and follow-up. The survey of family physicians indicated that 79.1 percent attempt withdrawal of antihypertensive medications in hypertensive patients whose blood pressure is controlled and who are without symptoms from medication. Conclusions: We conclude that successful withdrawal of antihypertensive medications can have substantial benefits with few or no adverse consequences and might be successful in about one third of patients. Additional research is required to substantiate rates of successful medication withdrawal, to define the best method of withdrawing medications, and to delineate characteristics of patients in whom withdrawal is most likely to succeed.