cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Artificial neural networks and their application to power system industry

A method to apply neural-network technology to the study of transient stability of electric power systems is presented. During the training phase the network is presented with a set of input and output data obtained from an offline study. After the network has obtained the ability to compute the desired output, the network is presented with the data representing different operating conditions for critical cleaning time estimation. An attempt is made to present a design philosophy to determine the most effective architecture for this problem. >
T-ray tomography with a Fresnel lens

Fresnel lenses have a number of attractive properties for pulsed terahertz imaging. We demonstrate tomographic imaging with a Fresnel lens and report progress towards the goal of long range terahertz imaging.
Improving elder care by integrating geriatric expertise into medicare: a proposal.

The Medicare programme already funds a large proportion of the medical care for older Americans. However, geriatricians are an underutilised resource for improving the quality of care delivered with Medicare funding, particularly to the most complex patients. Recent legislative changes will increase the involvement of the Medicare programme in the area of outpatient medications. This offers an important opportunity to bring geriatric consultation to bear on a broad range of geriatric prescribing issues, including polypharmacy, pharmacological undertreatment and inappropriate prescription choice.
An investigation of young children's academic arithmetic contexts

Research findings concerning students' interpretations of the equals sign appear to conflict with three recently developed models of early number development. It was hypothesized that the two groups of researchers investigated students' arithmetical understandings in situations that are, for most children, different contexts. Analysis of video-taped interviews conducted with 34 ending first grade children, drawn from five classrooms, supported this hypothesis. Interviews were conducted with the five classroom teachers and it was possible to relate the students' interpretations of the equals sign to social interaction patterns that typified classroom life during arithmetic instruction.
Collision of Two Mass Baton With Massive External Surfaces

This paper presents the solution of the impact problem for a sliding/bouncing baton on flat and inclined planes subject to surface friction. The baton is assumed to have unilaterally constrained motion, which means one end slides on the ground while the other end collides with the ground. We use the impulse momentum approach and incorporate the impulse correlation ratio (ICR) hypothesis to solve the ground impact problem when the system has unilaterally constrained dynamics. Parametric investigations were carried out to examine the effect of the baton’s length and the inclined surface slope angle on the impulse correlation ratio. Numerical simulation and experiments were carried out to validate the model.
On reflection of a planar solitary wave at a vertical wall

Abstract The reflection of a planar solitary wave at a vertical wall is investigated by solving the Boussinesq equations analytically as well as numerically. The analytical solution is obtained by means of the inner-outer expansions technique, while the numerical solution is based on a finite-difference scheme. The maximum wave amplitude at the wall and the time at which this maximum amplitude is reached are presented. It is also found that the incident wave does not reflect immediately at the wall as predicted by the linear wave theory. Rather, the wave suffers a time delay, called the phase lag, during the reflection process. This phase lag is found to be inversely proportional to the square root of the initial wave amplitude. As the reflected wave eventually propagates away from the wall, it has a phase shift in comparison with that obtained by the linear wave theory. The analytical results obtained in this paper are in good agreement with the numerical results, and they also agree fairly well with the existing experimental data.
Effect of internal thermal radiation on the contact interface temperature

Abstract The transient energy transfer following a sudden contact between two media initially at different temperatures is investigated, taking into account the effect of internal radiation in the hot medium. Analytical expressions for the contact interface temperature valid for small times are derived. Illustrative calculations are presented for a sudden contact between molten uranium dioxide and sodium.
An expert system approach to liquefaction analysis part 1: Development and implementation

Abstract This paper presents the development of the rule-based expert system, LIQUEFY, which evaluates the liquefaction potential of sites using several commonly accepted liquefaction evaluation methods. In this paper the issues in the design of the rule-based are addressed including: knowledge acquisition, knowledge representation, and system validation. LIQUEFY was developed for the personal computer and includes 470 rules, an explanation facility, and methods for handling uncertainty in input data and resulting conclusions.
Optimized linear phase square-root Nyquist FIR filters for CDMA IS-95 and UMTS standards

In this paper, a novel method to design linear phase square-root Nyquist filters is introduced. The design procedure is posed as a quadratic programming problem with linear and quadratic constraints that can be solved using convex optimization packages. The flatness of the filter's pass-band, i.e., the pass-band ripple energy, is formulated as a quadratic function of the impulse response of the filter. By minimizing this quadratic function through a proxy function called the pseudo-ISI, one can optimize the ISI energy of the filter while the frequency response of the filter satisfies a spectral mask. It is shown that the optimization of the pseudo-ISI results in an optimized ISI energy if the spectral mask is tight enough. The Qualcomm's Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) IS-95 and The European Telecommunications Standards Institute'a Universal Mobile Communications Systems (UMTS) standards are used to define the spectral masks. The designed filters show superior inter-symbol interference and stop-band energies compared to the previously proposed designs for CDMA and UMTS standards.
The septal arteries in the differential diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis

Angiographic study of the motion of the septal and left marginal arteries was performed in patients with restriction in ventricular diastolic filling in order to separate patients with constrictive pericarditis from those with restrictive cardiomyopathy. Twelve patients with constrictive pericarditis (group I) and 10 patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy (group II) were evaluated and compared with 21 patients with normal coronary angiograms (group III). The displacement of the septal arteries (23 +/- 2.04 mm) was abnormally exaggerated in group I and normal (9 +/- 0.81 mm) in groups II and III. The displacement of the left marginal arteries as seen by the "corrugating index" was similar in all groups. We conclude that study of the displacement of the septal arteries is a useful angiographic sign that helps to separate constrictive pericarditis from restrictive cardiomyopathy and normals.
Field-Induced Biaxiality in the Refractive Index of Chiral Smectic a Liquid Crystals

Abstract The transmission of a homogeneously aligned chiral smectic A liquid crystal, placed between crossed and parallel polarizers, is measured as a function of polarization angle for a series of applied voltages. The experimental results exhibit a pronounced field-dependent birefringence, providing clear evidence for field-induced biaxiality in the refractive index in these systems. It is shown that the biaxiality is strongly correlated with the electroclinic tilt angle.
Smoking is not a predictor of mortality and morbidity following coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the significant differences in preoperative and operative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes in patients having coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) who are smokers and in those who are not smokers. Methods: Data were collected prospectively in all (2916) patients having their first CABG. The patients were cared for in a regional medical center by private physicians. No operations were denied because of smoking status. Smokers differed from nonsmokers in several characteristics. Results: Analysis of morbidity and mortality showed no instance in which smokers fared worse than nonsmokers. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that smoking was not predictive of mortality. Smoking was not predictive of morbidity except that it was predictive of less probability of need for intra-aortic balloon pump (7.5% in non-smokers and 4.7% in smokers). We then created groups of smokers and nonsmokers that were individually matched for age and sex. Analysis of the matched groups of smokers and nonsmokers showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence or magnitude of preoperative and operative factors except that recent myocardial infarction was more common in smokers. Nonsmokers had greater weight, body mass index (obesity), and ejection fraction. There was no difference in smokers and nonsmokers in mortality or morbidity at the 99% confidence level. Conclusion: We conclude that there is no need to delay CABG for the patients who are smokers.
Safety and tolerability of subcutaneous PTHrP(1-36) in healthy human volunteers: a dose escalation study.

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is an anabolic skeletal agent in mice, rats and humans. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that PTHrP can be administered to osteoporotic postmenopausal women at a dose of 6.56 ug/kg/day (or approximately 400 ug/day) for 3 months to yield a 4.7% increase in lumbar spine BMD. This regimen was free of hypercalcemia or adverse effects. Moreover, PTHrP appeared to stimulate bone formation selectively, without stimulating bone resorption. This efficacy in the absence of adverse effects, as well as the apparent “pure anabolic” action of PTHrP, prompted us to attempt to define the complete therapeutic window for PTHrP. In this study, we gradually escalated the dose of PTHrP(1–36) from 9 to 28 ug/kg (or approximately 570 ug to 1,946 ug) administered as a single subcutaneous dose to 22 healthy young adult subjects. PTHrP(1–36) was well tolerated even at the highest dose, just under 2.0 mg, some five times higher than we have previously demonstrated to be effective in increasing bone mass, and some 100 times higher than the maximal approved dose of PTH(1–34). Despite the large dose of PTHrP, the highest serum calcium achieved was 10.6 mg/dl, and this was observed in only one subject at the highest dose. The mean serum calcium in subjects receiving the highest dose was 9.6 mg/dl. Only one subject experienced adverse symptoms/signs, and this was at the highest dose. We conclude that subcutaneous PTHrP(1–36) is safe when administered in single doses approaching 2.0 mg. These findings indicate that the therapeutic window for PTHrP(1–36) in humans is wide and permit the design and implementation of longer safety and efficacy trials.
Planning, Public Participation, and Money Politics in Santa Ana (CA)

Problem, research strategy, and findings: In this study, we analyze why a low-income community failed to meaningfully affect plans for the redevelopment of the Station District in Santa Ana (CA) although they used three avenues to do so: public participation, liberal democracy, and deliberative democracy. The city provided opportunities for public participation but controlled the agenda, effectively preventing residents from reframing the discussion. The liberal democratic electoral system failed residents because many were ineligible to vote, while city council members received campaign contributions from external business interests. Residents did develop extensive deliberative democratic processes that produced collaborative plans; however, these plans were not well incorporated into the official plan. In addition, the city refused to sign a community benefit agreement through which residents could hold the city and developer responsible for the redevelopment plan.Takeaway for practice: We suggest that ...
Hostile attitudes predict elevated vascular resistance during interpersonal stress in men and women.

OBJECTIVE Existing research indicates that hostility is associated with enhanced blood pressure responses during social stress, but little is known about the hemodynamic patterns underlying these blood pressure increases, particularly in women. The present study examined hemodynamic responses to a low-anger interpersonal stressor, testing the hypotheses that hostile individuals show enhanced vascular responses and that low hostile individuals show enhanced myocardial responses. METHODS Eighty undergraduate men and women were categorized as high or low in hostility on the basis of median splits of Cook-Medley Hostility Scale scores. Participants discussed a controversial topic with a confederate who disagreed with them, and hemodynamic responses were assessed with impedance cardiography. RESULTS High hostile individuals exhibited greater increases in diastolic blood pressure and total peripheral resistance and smaller increases in cardiac output during an interpersonal stressor than did low hostile individuals. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate increases were greater among high hostile relative to low hostile females and comparable among low and high hostile males. Affective responses and task perceptions were generally similar for high and low hostile participants, but the relationship between task perception and hemodynamic responses varied on the basis of hostility level. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that hostility in both men and women is associated with heightened vascular and dampened cardiac responsivity to interpersonal stress that is not deliberately anger provoking. Moreover, they indicate that the associations between task perception and hemodynamic responses vary between high and low hostile individuals.
FISIM: an integrated model for simulation of industrial fibre and film processes

AbstractThe present study covers the structure and some applications of FISIM (FIber and film SIMulation), a versatile polymer process modelling package which is being developed by the Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films. Generative programming techniques are used to overcome degradation in performance and storage which is often associated with the C++ language. The process stages are integrated using a component-based design so that configurations representing all or part of a process stage can be easily swapped in and out. The prototype code incorporates filtration, forming, external flow under quench conditions, and drawing, applied to fibre melt-spinning. Visualisation is playing a prominent role, providing a userfriendly means for initialising, monitoring, and post-processing simulation output. Process models, solution strategies, and software tools which are implemented in FISIM are presented, along with comparisons between simulation results and experimental measurements. These ingredi...
On shock dynamics

In a recent paper, Srinivasan and Prasad criticize certain approximations that were made in early work on shock dynamics. The criticism however is based on certain misinterpretations. This short note offers the correct interpretations and explains the issues.
Determination of an Isotope Shift in the Ratio of Atomic g J Values of Hydrogen and Deuterium

The ratio $\frac{{g}_{J}(\mathrm{H})}{{g}_{J}(\mathrm{D})}$ in the electronic ground state has been determined using optical pumping of Rb and spin-exchange detection of H and D atomic Zeeman resonances. The result is $\frac{{g}_{J}(\mathrm{H})}{{g}_{J}(\mathrm{D})}=1+(7.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.0)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$. The error includes an estimate of possible systematic effects.
A double-blind comparative study of doxazosin and nitrendipine in patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension.

The antihypertensive efficacy and safety of doxazosin, a selective α1-inhibitor, were compared with nitrendipine. Seventy-two hypertensive patients were entered into the 18-week, double-blind parallel group study, which involved three phases: a 4-week baseline period, a 10-week period in which patients received 1 to 8 mg of doxazosin or 10 and 20 mg of nitrendipine once daily, and a 4-week maintenance period. For all patients, the mean final daily doses were 2.5 mg for doxazosin and 13.9 mg for nitrendipine. In efficacy evaluable patients the percentages of therapy successes (standing diastolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg with ≥5 mm Hg reduction or ≥10 mm Hg decrease) were comparable for doxazosin (94%) and nitrendipine (91%), as was the proportion in whom blood pressure was “normalized” (standing diastolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg). 91% and 85, respectively. Blood pressures (diastolic and systolic in supine and standing positions) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) at all visits in both treatment groups. Ten patients (28%) in each treatment group experienced at least one adverse event. No clinically significant laboratory changes were apparent in either the doxazosin or nitrendipine groups, and no trends were observed with regard to organ systems or correlations with dose or duration of treatments. The investigators' global assessment of efficacy was rated excellent or good for all doxazosin-treated patients and excellent or good for 32 and fair for four in the nitrendipine group. The investigators' global assessment of patient toleration of doxazosin was excellent or good for 34 patients and poor for two. Toleration of nitrendipine was excellent or good in 33 patients and fair in three. Lipid parameters did not differ significantly between groups. From baselline to final visit there were highly significant reductions (p < 0.001) in the calculated coronary heart disease risk scores on the basis of the Framingham equation, for both treatment groups.
Cuckoldry through stored sperm in the sequentially polyandrous spotted sandpiper

STUDIES of mating systems are often hindered by an inability to determine parentage unequivocally. DNA fingerprinting advanced the field by allowing determination of parentage1–3 especially when alternate mating tactics such as extra-pair fertilizations and parasitic egg-laying are used4–6. A very different, yet essentially unexplored, alternate mating tactic involves fertilization by the sperm of previous mates that is stored for long periods of time. Some birds have the potential to be fertilized by sperm stored in the oviduct for over a month7, but studies of long-term sperm storage among wild birds are limited. In the polyandrous spotted sandpiper (Actitis maculario), territorial females pair with, defend and lay clutches for several males in rapid succession. Here we report that males pairing early in the season cuckold their females' later mates by means of stored sperm. Thus, early-pairing males not only have greater confidence of paternity, but also increase their reproductive success by fertilizing a proportion of eggs laid for, and incubated by, their females' subsequent mates, in addition to those they incubate themselves.
Iron food supplement.

Objective : To develop an iron rich supplement with locally available foods and to test its feasibility in school going children (7–9 Years) belonging to low income families.Methods : From the upper primary school in Rajendranagar 7–9 year-old children were screened for hemoglobin (Hb) levels and 36 children having Hb levels below 11 g/dl were selected. Based on their Hb levels, age, and gender, 24 children were grouped as experimental and the rest as control. A supplement food (laddoo) was developed using locally available foods like jaggery, processed rice flakes, graden cress seeds and amaranth seeds (45:40:10.5). In the experimental group, children were given oneladdoo per day for a period of 60 days. Effect of supplement on Hb levels, height and weight was assessed.Result : Anthropometric parameters showed that 97% of these children were undernourished, majority (50%) were in grade II malnutrition followed by grade (25%) and grade II (22%). A significant increase in Hb levels was observed in both the boys and girls after 30 days of supplementation only. The increase was comparatively more in the first 30 days than the second 30 days. The overall increase in Hb levels was more in 7–8 years than the 8–9 years age group. In majority of the subjects progression from one Hb level to the next higher level was observed. There was no significant improvement in their height and weight.Conclusion : The product developed contributed around 39-mg% iron. Thus its efficacy as an iron rich supplement in combating iron deficiency anemia is reflected in the results obtained.
General synthetic methods for the preparation of 1-substituted-vinyl-2-pyridones

Abstract General methods for the preparation of a variety of 1-substituted vinyl-2-pyridones are described. Synthetic routes followed involve (1) nucleophilic substitution reaction of the 2-hydroxy-pyridyl anion of haloolefins containing β-activating groups, such as carbonyl and phenyl, (2) elimination reactions of ester derivatives of 1-pyridonyl-2-ethanols and (3) base catalyzed isomerizations of 1-allyl-2-pyridones. The details involved with each of the synthetic methods and purification of the derived 1-vinyl-2-pyridones are described. Additionally important spectroscopic properties of compounds in this series are discussed in terms of preferred conformations about the nitrogen-exocyclic vinyl carbon bond.
Azoreductase activity in the hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria (L.)

Abstract The ability of the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria (L.) to metabolize compounds containing an azo linkage has been investigated. The hepatopancreas has azoreductase activity as evidenced by the reduction of 1,2-dimethyl-4-(p-carboxyphenylazo)-5-hydroxybenzene. This activity was higher at 37°C than at 22°C and the pH optimum was 8.0. The reaction was stimulated by the addition of flavin mononucleotide and inhibited by air. Activity was found in both the 105,000 g soluble and the microsomal fractions of the hepatopancreas.
Perturbations of Dynamic Equations

We give conditions on the coefficient matrix for certain perturbed linear dynamic equations on time scales ensuring that there exists a bounded solution (which is explicitly given) to which all other solutions converge, and similarly conditions ensuring a bounded solution from which all other solutions diverge. We also consider periodic time scales and corresponding linear dynamic equations with periodic coefficients and prove similar statements about periodic solutions to which all other solutions converge or from which all other solutions diverge.
Improved Luminescence in Light-Emitting Diodes Using Esaki Tunnel Junctions

Bipolar cascade light-emitting diodes are investigated to improve luminescence uniformity. Significant enhancements are demonstrated in luminescence efficiency and uniformity compared with p-i-n LEDs. This results from more uniform hole injection into the quantum wells.
Calcium and magnesium interactions in browning of ‘Golden Delicious’ apples with bitter pit

Abstract The role of Ca and Mg in the enzymatic browning of ‘Golden Delicious’ apples was explored. Enzymatic browning due to polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was stimulated with the addition of 0.8–10 mM MgCl2 to the reaction mixture, whereas 0.8–10 mM CaCl2 had little effect or decreased the rate of enzymatic browning. Within a week after vacuum infiltration with MgCl2, treated fruits exhibited browning symptoms that were similar to bitter pit. Six months after vacuum infiltration, when analyzed for enzyme activity, MgCl2-treated fruits exhibited higher rates of PPO activity, whereas CaCl2-treated fruits had lower activity than the MgCl2-treated fruits and the controls. A hypothesis is advanced that the initial visible symptoms of bitter pit, i.e. the localized browning, is caused by PPO, its activity being stimulated by the localized Mg/Ca imbalance present in the tissue. The results indicate that Ca is predominant in the prevention of this disorder, whereas a deficiency of Ca is involved in its induction.
Collaborative knowledge management and data discovery: The challenges and opportunities ahead

Recent advances in miniaturization of computing devices, communications and digital storage technologies, along with the novel data-acquisition discoveries, have enabled gathering and storing of unprecedented amounts of heterogeneous data [1]. This, in turn, provided foundations for large-scale knowledge discovery and information fusion undertakings addressing issues ranging from service-oriented distributed data mining in distributed infrastructure-based environments [2], to mining in P2P and sensor networks [3]. To optimize the utilization of the available devices, from their deployment up to the continuous control and collaborative gathering of important data, diverse issues need to be addressed in a collaborative manner, spanning through networking, mobility control, information fusion, signal processing, along with indexing/retrieval, query processing and data mining. One of the main categories of problems stems from the heterogeneity of the devices and the semantics of the different applications that may pose concurrent pending requests. As an example, indexing structures in wireless sensor networks are expected to emerge from the interactions of sensors and be adaptive to topology changes due to sensors being online/offline or by sensor mobility [4,5]. However, detection of particular event and its matching with a rule in the knowledge-base may require a completely “unnatural” re-organization of the structures used and the operating regime of the devices employed.
A comparison of various methods for obtaining confidence intervals for the design lowflow values of streams and rivers

This paper describes an intriguing use of two relatively new statistical procedures, the bootstrap and non-stationary Markov modelling, to obtain confidence intervals for the design low-flow parameter, of great interest to hydrologists. The procedure described is applied to the stream-flow data gathered over more than 50 years from six gauging sites in Georgia, and is found to yield confidence intervals which are typically shorter than those given by traditional methods.
Ghost imaging experiment with sunlight compared to laboratory experiment with thermal light

A recent article reports on the demonstration of ghost imaging using sunlight which also presents theory for ghost imaging in the atmosphere based on two photon interference. The current paper reviews the experiment from a different context than that presented by Karmakar, Meyers and Shih (KMS). Here we examine data from the KMS sunlight ghost imaging experiment and compare it to ghost imaging produced by true thermal light.
The Effects of Positive Pore Pressure on Sliding and Toppling of Rock Blocks with Some Considerations of Intact Rock Effects

The primary types of rock slope failures are block slides, rock topples and wedge slides. Unfavorable orientations for rock discontinuities provide the impetus for rock slope movement. Discontinuities that intersect the rock slope at angles greater than ϕd, the angle of sliding resistance, are considered to be potentially unstable under dry conditions. Types of discontinuities (weakness planes) are bedding, joints, faults, shear zones and foliation. Topples occur when the dimensions of the block and the slope angle of the base plane result in an overturning moment that exceeds the resisting moment. When positive pore pressures are present in the boundary fractures of rock blocks the driving force for sliding is increased and the resisting force is reduced. For topple-prone blocks, pore pressures provide additional overturning moments which reduce the factor of safety. Using limit equilibrium analysis and simple static relationships the details of block sliding and toppling are presented in a step by step fashion in this paper. Solved example problems are included. The purpose is to provide the reader with a clear understanding of the procedure for setting up and solving these problems using a basic statics approach. Intact rock or rock bridges also provide added shearing resistance along discontinuities. A brief evaluation of this phenomenon under positive pore pressure conditions is also considered. Results show that the factor of safety for sliding and toppling is greatly reduced when pore pressures are present.
Effect of a growth hormone treatment on bone orthotropic elasticity in dwarf rats

A refinement of the current ultrasonic elasticity technique was used to measure the orthotropic elastic properties of rat cortical bone as well as to quantify changes in elastic properties, density, and porosity of the dwarf rat cortex after a treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). The ultrasonic elasticity technique was refined via optimized signal management of high-frequency wave propagation through cubic cortical specimens. Twenty dwarf rats (37 days old) were randomly assigned to two groups (10 rats each). The dwarf rat model (5-10% of normal GH) was given subcutaneous injections of either rhGH or saline over a 14-day treatment period. Density was measured using Archimedes technique. Porosity and other microstructural characteristics were also explored via scanning electron microscopy and image analysis. Statistical tests verified significant decreases in cortical orthotropic Young's (-26.7%) and shear (-16.7%) moduli and density (-2.42%) concomitant with an increase in porosity (+125%) after rhGH treatments to the dwarf model (p < 0.05). A change in material symmetry from orthotropy toward planar isotropy within the radial-circumferential plane after GH treatments was also noted. These results demonstrate some alteration in bone properties at this time interval. Structural implications of these changes throughout physiological loading regimens should be explored.
A simulation of the Southern North Sea in comparison with measurements from the North Sea Project. Part 1: Temperature

Abstract The accurate simulation of the annual cycle and vertical structure of temperature is crucial to biological and water quality modelling in shelf-seas. As a precursor to these applications, we present a three-dimensional baroclinic simulation of the southern North Sea at the time of the North Sea Project (NSP), with density controlled by a prognostically evolving temperature field forced by surface heat fluxes from bulk formulae. The model results are compared, on a point for point basis, with CTD data from the NSP. The annual cycles in mean temperature, mean surface to bed temperature difference and mean thermocline depth, and the extent of the summer stratification are found to be in good agreement. Overall, the correlation between modelled and observed temperature is r 2 =0.95 for the depth mean component and r 2 =0.64 for the depth varying component. The rms deviation is about 1 degree. We assess the sources of these errors and the performance of the Mellor-Yamada level 2.5 turbulence closure as implemented in this model.
A framework for characterization of the degree of integration of software tools

Software tool integration and integrated environments for software project development, i.e., integrated computer aided software engineering (CASE), have become important mechanisms for producing software in an effective and efficient manner. This article is not a presentation of another such environment or a description of another technique for integration. Rather, it presents a categorization of degrees of tool integration and integrability. It is useful to identify the level of integration or integrability before any problems caused by an inappropriate level of integration can be overcome. This categorization is qualified by three parameters: granularity, coherence, and harmony. These parameters can be applied to each component of a typical programming environment, i.e., to a project information base, software development tools, and user interface. Combinations of values of these parameters form a continuum of levels of levels of integration from loose to tight.
Solo or partnership

Reassessment of the managed care environment and restructuring of our practice will be accomplished by transitional short-term actions while we institute our long-range plan. In the short term we must develop appropriate relationships with hospitals and medical groups that interrelate to our specialty, and develop a "love our enemy" philosophy. We must establish operating organizational units that will be competitive. Reassessment of our own practice, our unique skills, our inadequacies, our competition, and our performance through outcome studies is essential to retake positions weakened by loss of contract inclusion. Long-term strategy must develop insurance coverage in conjunction with our patients in such a way that the middleman is eliminated and the profit currently extracted by managed care is reinvested in patient care, research, and education. Whoever controls payment determines the quality of medicine and how it is delivered.
Unhappy Campers: Exploring Consumer Resistance to Change

This article provides an examination of consumers' reaction to change that is consciously initiated by firm managers. Despite the best of intentions, some change is not welcomed by consumers. This article provides an explanation regarding why consumers resist change and suggestions are offered regarding ways that organizations can proactively work with their client base when change is needed without damaging their brand. This topic was examined using in‐depth interviews of customers of an experiential service: a family camp resort. The themes identified in this research are directly applicable to a broad range of experiential services including travel and leisure services. The authors thank Richard E. Deer and the editor for their help and assistance.
Demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates to CAM use among survivors of colorectal cancer

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use among cancer patients is becoming more prevalent; however, our understanding of factors contributing to patients’ decisions to participate in CAM is limited. This study examined correlates of CAM use among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors, an understudied population that experiences many physical and psychological difficulties. The sample was 191, predominantly white, CRC survivors (mean age = 59.9 ± 12.6) who were members of a colon disease registry at a NYC metropolitan hospital. Participants completed assessments of sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial factors [e.g., psychological functioning, cancer specific distress, social support (SS), quality of life (QOL)], and past CAM use (e.g., chiropractic care, acupuncture, relaxation, hypnosis, and homeopathy). Seventy-five percent of participants reported using at least one type of CAM; most frequently reported was home remedies (37%). Younger (p < 0.01) or female patients (p < 0.01) were more likely to participate in CAM than their older male counterparts. Among psychosocial factors, poorer perceived SS (p = 0.00), more intrusive thoughts (p < 0.05), and poorer overall perceived QOL (p < 0.05) were associated to CAM use. In a linear regression model (including age, gender, SS, intrusive thoughts, and perceived QOL), only age remained a significant predictor of CAM use. These findings demonstrate that CAM use is prevalent among CRC survivors and should be assessed routinely by providers. CAMs may serve as a relevant adjunct to treatment among CRC patients as well as an indication of need for additional SS, especially among younger patients.
Reinventing MEMS Through Genetic Programming

As the functional requirements of MEMS devices become more complex, advanced optimization techniques become more necessary in determining acceptable parameters, or even creating new components to satisfy a desired output. These challenges are being met through the use of genetic programming (GP), a brand of optimization that determines parameters through its “artificial intelligence” selecting and choosing the best output.The applications of genetic programming to MEMS have been mostly limited to the task of optimizing parameters and components for existing devices. In addition to these applications, GP can also be utilized to create original MEMS devices. Existing MEMS devices can also be reinvented to match the shape and structure of existing devices based solely on the device’s performance characteristics. This paper will discuss how the electro-thermal actuator and the chevron actuator were successfully reinvented through this process.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The Perioperative Management of a Patient With Fontan Physiology for Pheochromocytoma Resection

s t r DULTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE (CHD) are a growing population. In 2000, about 1.2 million dults were living in the United States with various forms of HD.1 Approximately 85% of babies born with CHD may each adulthood and may require noncardiac surgery. Pheohromocytoma resection has been reported in patients with ingle ventricle and a Blalock-Taussig shunt2 or a combined avopulmonary anastomosis/central shunt.3 The authors report he perioperative management of a patient with a pheochromoytoma and a Fontan repair.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-associated Factor 2 (TRAF2)-deficient B Lymphocytes Reveal Novel Roles for TRAF2 in CD40 Signaling

CD40 function is initiated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor (TRAF) adapter proteins, which play important roles in signaling by numerous receptors. Characterizing roles of individual TRAFs has been hampered by limitations of available experimental models and the poor viability of most TRAF-deficient mice. Here, B cell lines made deficient in TRAF2 using a novel homologous recombination system reveal new roles for TRAF2. We demonstrate that TRAF2 participates in synergy between CD40 and B cell antigen receptor signals, and in CD40-mediated, TNF-dependent IgM production. We also find that TRAF2 participates in the degradation of TRAF3 associated with CD40 signaling, a role that may limit inhibitory actions of TRAF3. Finally, we show that TRAF2 and TRAF6 have overlapping functions in CD40-mediated NF-κB activation and CD80 up-regulation. These findings demonstrate previously unappreciated roles for TRAF2 in signaling by TNF receptor family members, using an approach that facilitates the analysis of genes critical to the viability of whole organisms.
Cardiovascular risk continuum: implications of insulin resistance and diabetes

Although low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a critically important factor in the development of atherosclerosis, nearly half the patients with coronary artery disease have LDL cholesterol levels within the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines. Therefore, attention has focused on other modifiable risk factors that could strongly impact the development of coronary artery disease. Type 2 diabetics have a 3-fold increased risk of coronary artery disease; prediabetics, without chronic hyperglycemia, have a 2-fold increased risk compared with normal subjects. Insulin resistance has also been implicated as the cause of atherosclerosis. Insulin resistance is associated with hyperinsulinemia and a constellation of other factors, some of which are themselves independent risk factors for coronary artery disease. These include reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, increased small dense LDL particles, hypertension, visceral obesity, and increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance at the vascular level also may contribute to vascular injury and the atherosclerotic process. Current studies suggest that controlling hyperglycemia, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure are important to protect the diabetic from atherosclerosis. A key question, particularly in type 2 diabetes, is to define the best regimen for glucose control that will protect the vasculature. Sulfonylureas, metformin, and troglitazone have direct vascular actions. Metformin lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while troglitazone reverses many of the components associated with the insulin resistance syndrome. Clinical trials focusing on coronary artery disease outcomes are now warranted to prevent coronary artery disease, the major vascular complication and cause of mortality in diabetes.
Learning Long-Term Time Series with Generative Topographic Mapping

We propose a generative topographic mapping (GTM) based nonlinear model for long-term time series prediction. As a modification of Kohonen self-organizing maps (SOM), GTM has been applied to data classification, visualization and other machine learning problems, however, limited research have been proposed in time series analysis. With a double application of GTM algorithm, a specially designed approach can quantize input data to store temporal evolvement information for trend prediction. Experimental results demonstrate the improved forecast accuracy in long-term trend learning.
A simulated annealing approach to mixed-model sequencing with multiple objectives on a just-in-time line

This paper presents a Simulated Annealing based heuristic that simultaneously considers both setups and the stability of parts usage rates when sequencing jobs for production in a just-in-time environment. Varying the emphasis of these two conflicting objectives is explored. Several test problems are solved via the Simulated Annealing heuristic, and their objective function values are compared to solutions obtained via a Tabu Search approach from the literature. Comparison shows that the Simulated Annealing approach provides superior results to the Tabu Search approach. It is also found that the Simulated Annealing approach provides near-optimal solutions for smaller problems.
Automatic abstraction for model checking software systems with interrelated numeric constraints

Model checking techniques have not been effective in important classes of software systems characterized by large (or infinite) input domains with interrelated linear and non-linear constraints over the input variables. Various model abstraction techniques have been proposed to address this problem. In this paper, we wish to propose domain abstraction based on data equivalence and trajectory reduction as an alternative and complement to other abstraction techniques. Our technique applies the abstraction to the input domain (environment) instead of the model and is applicable to constraint-free and deterministic constrained data transition system. Our technique is automatable with some minor restrictions.
Simplified fitness-for-service assessment of pressure vessels and piping systems containing thermal hot spots and corrosion damage

Abstract Fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment is a quantitative engineering evaluation of operational components. In the context of pressure vessels and piping systems FFS assessment is performed periodically to ensure the operational safety and structural integrity. In this paper, a simplified method is developed for Level 2 FFS assessment (as described in API 579) of pressure vessels and piping systems containing thermal hot spots or corrosion damage. The method is based upon variational principles in plasticity, the mα-tangent method (an extension of the mα method), the concept of decay length and reference volume. The use of the mα-tangent method extends the range of applicability to components and structures experiencing significant stress gradients in and around the damaged spot. The method is shown to provide a reasonably accurate estimate of the remaining strength of ageing pressure components. The method is demonstrated through an example, and the results are compared with Level 3 inelastic finite element analyses.
New technology for ultrasensitive detection and isolation of rare cells for clinical diagnostics and therapeutics

A high-speed, 11-parameter, 6-color fluorescence, laser flow cytometer/cell sorter with a number of special and unique features has been built for ultrasensitive detection and isolation of rare cells for clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. The software for real-time data acquisition and sort control, written as C ++ programming language modules with a Windows TM graphical user interface, runs on a 66-MHz 80486 computer joined by an extended bus to 23 sophisticated multi-layered boards of special data acquisition and sorting electronics. Special features include: high-speed (> 100,000 cells/sec) real-time data classification module (U.S. Patent 5,204,884 (1993)); real-time principal component cell sorting; multi-queue signal-processing system with multiple hardware and software event buffers to reduce instrument dead time, LUT charge-pulse definition, high-resolution `flexible' sorting for optimal yield/purity sort strategies (U.S. Patent 5,199,576); pre-focusing optical wavelength correction for a second laser beam; and two trains of three fluorescence detectors-- each adjustable for spatial separation to interrogate only one of two laser beams, syringe- driven or pressure-driven fluidics, and time-windowed parameters. The system has been built to be both expandable and versatile through the use of LUT's and a modular hardware and software design. The instrument is especially useful at detection and isolation of rare cell subpopulations for which our laboratory is well-known. Cell subpopulations at frequencies as small as 10 -7 have been successfully studied with this system. Current applications in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics include detection and isolation of (1) fetal cells from material blood for prenatal diagnosis of birth defects, (2) hematopoietic stem and precursor cells for autologous bone marrow transplantation, (3) metastatic breast cancer cells for molecular characterization, and (4) HIV-infected maternal cells in newborn blood to study mother-to-infant vertical transmission of AIDS.
Effects of polyethylene glycol on water or saline intake in 30- and 50-day-old Mongolian gerbils.

Summary Sixty 30-day-old male and female gerbils and sixty 50-day-old male and female gerbils were injected subcutaneously with either a .9% NaCl vehicle, 10% polyethylene glycol (P.G.), or 30% P.G. and given access to either water or .9% NaCl to drink. The .9% NaCl vehicle and the 10% P.G. injections were ineffective in increasing fluid intake. The Ss in the 30% P.G. injection level showed an increase in intake when saline was offered but did not increase their intake when water was the only solution available. The results are discussed in terms of compensatory mechanisms which subserve osmoregulation.