cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trajectory-based DEIM (TDEIM) model reduction applied to reservoir simulation

Two well-known model reduction methods, namely the trajectory piecewise linearization (TPWL) approximation and the discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM), are combined to take advantage of their benefits and avoid their shortcomings to generate reduced-order models for reservoir simulation. To this end, we use the trajectory-based DEIM (TDEIM) to approximate the nonlinear terms in the simulation. Explicitly, we express such quantities in the test simulation as the sum of their equivalents evaluated at the closest available training point from the high-fidelity training trajectory and a perturbed contribution defined as the difference between the test and the training runs. We only interpolate this difference term in the reduced space of DEIM instead of the original one, resulting in computational savings and improvement in accuracy. TDEIM is further combined with the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method to provide an efficient POD-TDEIM framework. We test our new methodology on three examples, involving two-phase (water-oil) heterogeneous reservoir models. First, the performance of POD-TDEIM is compared with POD-TPWL and POD-DEIM on a 2D reservoir model. For the same set of high-fidelity training runs, POD-TDEIM outperforms the other two methods. We further propose an extended TDEIM in which the nonlinear term is expanded along the training trajectory to include an additional higher order derivative. An example of a 3D reservoir model is then presented to show the capability of the extended TDEIM to improve the accuracy of the reduced model further when handling significant discrepancies between the training and test boundary controls. We also present another 3D example to demonstrate the superior correctness and numerical stability of using Petrov-Galerkin projection with TDEIM over the Galerkin projection.
Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of the Trigeminal Network System

The anatomical relationship between the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve and other cranial nerves is key in the neural communication between the TMJ and the central nervous system. The spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve descends to the level of C3 (or C4) and receives all nociceptive and thermal inputs from the cranial nerves (CN) V, VII, X, and XI along with C1, C2, and C3 dorsal roots. Because afferent neurons also travel through the motor root of the CN V, nociceptive impulses from tissues innervated by the CN V can result in clinical manifestations of combined musculoskeletal neck and jaw dysfunction.
Cerebral Metabolites on the Descending Limb of Acute Alcohol: A Preliminary 1H MRS Study.

Aims Chronic alcohol use is associated with cerebral metabolite abnormalities, yet alcohol's acute effects on neurometabolism are not well understood. This preliminary study investigated cerebral metabolite changes in vivo on the descending limb of blood alcohol in healthy moderate drinkers. Methods In a pre/post design, participants (N = 13) completed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans prior to and approximately 5 hours after consuming a moderate dose of alcohol (0.60 grams alcohol per kilogram of body weight). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) was used to quantify cerebral metabolites related to glutamatergic transmission (Glx) and neuroimmune activity (Cho, GSH, myo-inositol) in the thalamus and frontal white matter. Results Breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) peaked at 0.070±0.008% (mean ± standard deviation) and averaged 0.025±0.011% directly prior to the descending limb scan. In the thalamus, Glx/Cr and Cho/Cr were significantly elevated on the descending limb scan relative to baseline. BrAC area under the curve, an index of alcohol exposure during the session, was significantly, positively associated with levels of Glx/Cr, Cho/Cr and GSH/Cr in the thalamus. GSH/Cr on the descending limb was inversely correlated with subjective alcohol sedation. Conclusions This study offers preliminary evidence of alcohol-related increases in Glx/Cr, Cho/Cr and GSH/Cr on the descending limb of blood alcohol concentration. Findings add novel information to previous research on neurometabolic changes at peak blood alcohol in healthy individuals and during withdrawal in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Self-Reported Drug Use and Hearing Measures in Young Adults.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine marijuana or other substance use on pure-tone thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in young adults. Method Young adults ...
Impactos da Usina Hidrelétrica de Belo Monte: uma análise da visão das populações ribeirinhas das reservas extrativistas da Terra do Meio

Resumo: Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir a area de influencia dos impactos da Usina Hidreletrica de Belo Monte, em operacao desde 2016 no rio Xingu, estado do Para. A presente discussao parte da analise da visao das populacoes ribeirinhas das Reservas Extrativistas da Terra do Meio dos impactos da usina para problematizar a categoria espacial que se relaciona, em particular, a exclusao dessas unidades de conservacao como territorios atingidos. Utilizando metodos qualitativos que envolvem trabalhos de campo, observacao participante, etnografia e entrevistas semiestruturadas, este artigo pretende destacar as contradicoes que envolvem o nao reconhecimento das populacoes ribeirinhas no contexto de impactos da usina hidreletrica de Belo Monte.
Finite-Sample Guarantees for Wasserstein Distributionally Robust Optimization: Breaking the Curse of Dimensionality.

Wasserstein distributionally robust optimization (DRO) aims to find robust and generalizable solutions by hedging against data perturbations in Wasserstein distance. Despite its recent empirical success in operations research and machine learning, existing performance guarantees for generic loss functions are either overly conservative due to the curse of dimensionality, or plausible only in large sample asymptotics. In this paper, we develop a non-asymptotic framework for analyzing the out-of-sample performance for Wasserstein robust learning and the generalization bound for its related Lipschitz and gradient regularization problems. To the best of our knowledge, this gives the first finite-sample guarantee for generic Wasserstein DRO problems without suffering from the curse of dimensionality. Our results highlight the bias-variation trade-off intrinsic in the Wasserstein DRO, which balances between the empirical mean of the loss and the variation of the loss, measured by the Lipschitz norm or the gradient norm of the loss. Our analysis is based on two novel methodological developments that are of independent interest: 1) a new concentration inequality controlling the decay rate of large deviation probabilities by the variation of the loss and, 2) a localized Rademacher complexity theory based on the variation of the loss.
Memantine, Simvastatin, and Epicatechin Inhibit 7-Ketocholesterol-induced Apoptosis in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells But Not Neurosensory Retinal Cells In Vitro.

Author(s): Neekhra, Aneesh; Tran, Julia; Esfahani, Parsa R; Schneider, Kevin; Pham, Khoa; Sharma, Ashish; Chwa, Marilyn; Luthra, Saurabh; Gramajo, Ana L; Mansoor, Saffar; Kuppermann, Baruch D; Kenney, M Cristina | Abstract: Purpose7-ketocholesterol (7kCh), a natural byproduct of oxidation in lipoprotein deposits is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study was performed to investigate whether several clinical drugs can inhibit 7kCh-induced caspase activation and mitigate its apoptotic effects on retinal cells in vitro.MethodsTwo populations of retinal cells, human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) and rat neuroretinal cells (R28) were exposed to 7kCh in the presence of the following inhibitors: Z-VAD-FMK (pan-caspase inhibitor), simvastatin, memantine, epicatechin, and Z-IETD-FMK (caspase-8 inhibitor) or Z-ATAD-FMK (caspase-12 inhibitor). Caspase-3/7, -8, and -12 activity levels were measured by fluorochrome caspase assays to quantify cell death. IncuCyte live-cell microscopic images were obtained to quantify cell counts.ResultsExposure to 7kCh for 24 hours significantly increased caspase activities for both ARPE-19 and R28 cells (P l 0.05). In ARPE cells, pretreatment with various drugs had significantly lower caspase-3/7, -8, and -12 activities, reported in % change in mean signal intensity (msi): Z-VAD-FMK (48% decrease, P l 0.01), memantine (decreased 47.8% at 1 µM, P = 0.0039 and 81.9% at 1 mM, P l 0.001), simvastatin (decreased 85.3% at 0.01 µM, P l 0.001 and 84.8% at 0.05 µM, P l 0.001) or epicatechin (83.6% decrease, P l 0.05), Z-IETD-FMK (68.1% decrease, P l 0.01), and Z-ATAD-FMK (47.7% decrease, P = 0.0017). In contrast, R28 cells exposed to 7kCh continued to have elevated caspase-3/7, -8, and -12 activities (between 25.7% decrease and 17.5% increase in msi, P g 0.05) regardless of the pretreatment.ConclusionSeveral current drugs protect ARPE-19 cells but not R28 cells from 7kCh-induced apoptosis, suggesting that a multiple-drug approach is needed to protect both cells types in various retinal diseases.
DC Energy Measuring equipment for Electric Vehicle Charger

DC chargers have the advantages of faster charging and higher efficiency compared with AC chargers, so that electric vehicles (EVs) can replenish fuel in a shorter time like traditional vehicles. It is of great engineering significance to realize the DC energy measurement of EV chargers for the safety and reliability of charging. In this paper, a high-precision, high-term stability Measuring equipment for DC energy is designed. The accuracy and long-term performance of the Measuring equipment is experimentally tested, and the effect of ripple on the accuracy of the Measuring equipment under high-power working conditions is further studied. The results show that the energy error of the measuring equipment is within 0.1%, meaning the accuracy level reaches 0.1 S The equipment can effectively verify and calibrate the 1.0 S level DC energy devices and comprehensively evaluate the measurement performance of the DC energy device. As for long-term performance, the energy measurement error of the equipment is within the allowable range during the test time of 1200 s. There is no over-tolerance of the energy measurement caused by component heating, which can meet the long-term energy measurement on the electric vehicle charger. Moreover, when the ripple content in DC charging is less than 5%, it has little effect on the energy measurement and can be ignored. But when the ripple content exceeds 5%, the measurement error increases significantly. In that case, the influence of ripple cannot be ignored, and effective ripple suppression technology needs to be adopted to improve the measurement accuracy.
Recurrent residual U-net with efficientnet encoder for medical image segmentation

In this paper, we propose a U-net architecture that integrates a residual skip connections and recurrent feedback with EfficientNet as a pretrained encoder. Residual connections help feature propagation in deep neural networks and significantly improve performance against networks with a similar number of parameters while recurrent connections ameliorate gradient learning. We also propose a second model that utilizes densely connected layers aiding deeper neural networks. EfficientNet is a family of powerful pretrained encoders that streamline neural network design. The proposed networks are evaluated against state-of-the-art deep learning based segmentation techniques to demonstrate their superior performance.
What's in a Name? A Proposal to Stop Publishing an Arrestee's Name Before Arraignment.

This article demonstrates the need for a legally imposed standard through which it becomes taboo to release a person of interest’s name to media sources before he is charged with a crime. To begin, the United States must officially recognize an individual’s right to privacy. The right to remain private in one’s own affairs must be given equal weight to that of a free press. This is because an individual citizen deserves a means to defend himself and his reputation against prying eyes. Without a right or a law to lean back on, he cannot stand against a free press. Then, a statute must be passed that limits the government’s (mostly the police’s) ability to release the details of an arrest to the press. Until a defendant has been officially charged with a crime by the district attorney, the defendant’s name and personal information cannot be released to media sources by any party other than the defendant himself. Further restrictions may be placed on the flow of information at the discretion of the trial judge depending on the perceived risk to the defendant’s trial. By limiting the amount of information initially available to the media the media will become unable to legally print personal details. A private citizen can then fall back on the tort of public disclosure of private information to defend his reputation.
A Shot in the Arm: The Effect of COVID-19 Vaccine News on Financial and Commodity Markets

We analyze the impact of vaccine news announcements by leading vaccine companies on the financial and commodity markets from January to December 2020. We show that the vaccine announcements moved stock prices of the leading vaccine companies, stock markets in the U.S. and Europe (but not in Asia and Australia), interest rates, transportation commodities (but not construction commodities), and foreign exchange markets with an especially strong impact on commodity currencies. We also show that important announcements about successful initiation and completion of the research and discovery stage, three phases of clinical development, regulatory approvals, and government funding and supply agreements moved the markets more than other vaccine announcements. The impact was stronger during the bear market (mainly from February through April 2020) than the bull market.
Chapter 10 Computer Simulation of Wave and Fluvial-dominated Nearshore Environments

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the computer simulation of wave and fluvial-dominated near-shore environments. Computer models that simulate the effects of wave processes on near-shore environments can be combined with algorithms simulating the erosion, transport, and deposition of sediment for creating a three-dimensional model of depositional processes in near-shore environments. The generated model facilitates the comparison of simulated deltaic deposits with modern and ancient deposits formed by both wave-dominated and fluvial-dominated deltas. Computer models—such as WAVE and SEDSIM—allow a relatively unlimited framework for experimentation, where a variety of variables can be selectively changed or held constant under easily controlled conditions. Computer models incorporate accepted theories that describe propagating water waves, open-channel flow, and sediment transport into a single integrated simulation model that can simulate the effects of wave-induced currents on deltaic depositional systems.
A framework for regulation comparison with application to accessibility codes

An objective of this research is to develop a framework for regulation management as well as for comparing regulations from multiple sources. An online repository for regulatory documents is created with the help of text mining tool, and users can access provisions either through the natural hierarchy of regulations or from a concept taxonomy generated by knowledge engineers. Relevant provisions are identified and brought to the user's attention through similarity analysis, which utilizes both the structure and referencing of regulations to provide a better comparison between provisions. Preliminary results show that our prototypic system is able to accurately identify similarities between Federal regulations, as well as the European codes, for disabled access.
SRCP: Simple Remote Control for Perpetual High-Power Sensor Networks

Remote management is essential for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) designed to run perpetually using harvested energy. A natural division of function for managing WSNs is to employ both an in-band data plane to sense, store, process, and forward data, and an out-of-band management plane to remotely control each node and its sensors. This paper presents SRCP , a Simple Remote Control Protocol that forms the core of an out-of-band management plane for WSNs. SRCP is motivated by our target environment: a perpetual deployment of high-power, aggressively duty-cycled nodes capable of handling high-bandwidth sensor data from multiple sensors. The protocol runs on low-power always-on control processors using harvested energy, distills an essential set of primitives, and uses them to control a suite of existing management functions on more powerful main nodes. We demonstrate SRCP's utility by presenting a case study that (i) uses it to control a broad spectrum of management functions and (ii) quantifies its efficacy and performance.
Herpesvirus infections in pregnancy: a comparison of neutralizing antibody titers in mothers and their infants.

Abstract Maternal IgG antibodies are known to pass through the placenta and are detectable in the cord blood. The role of these antibodies in offering protection to the infant against herpesvirus infection is unknown. It is possible that these passively acquired antibodies protect the infant to some degree from the disseminated form of the disease. Serum was obtained from 100 mothers and their neonates and analyzed for neutralizing antibodies to herpesvirus: no antibody was demonstrated in 26 mothers and their infants; 74 mothers had a significant concentration of neutralizing antibody to HSV. Their infants possessed an equivalent concentration of antibody. Determination of the maternal concentration of neutralizing antibody in women with active herpetic lesions near term may one day be of value in determining the most appropriate method of delivery.
RELATION OF THE LET-DOWN REFLEX TO THE ABILITY TO BREAST FEED

The existence and function of the let-down reflex was studied in 103 mothers who fed their babies at the breast while in hospital after delivery. Successful breast feeders reported a significantly higher incidence of symptoms of let-down than unsuccessful breast feeders. Successful breast feeders made a significantly higher proportion of their milk available to the baby and the breast pump before let-down was artificially induced with Pitocin. The let-down reflex functioned more erratically in the unsuccessful breast feeders. Methods by which the let-down reflex might be helped to function more adequately are discussed.
Valuing Fractional Interests in Art for Estate Tax Purposes

It is difficult to value fractional interests in art because there is virtually no market in those interests. Nevertheless, the Tax Court in Estate of Elkins valued the decedent’s fractional interests in multiple artworks, which the decedent and his children highly cherished. First, the court addressed the restricted agreements under section 2703 and then the court determined the value of decedent’s interests in the art.
Parallel Hessian Assembly for Seismic Waveform Inversion Using Global Updates

We present the design and evaluation of a distributed matrix-assembly abstraction for large-scale inverse problems in HPC environments: namely, physics-based Hessian estimation in full-waveform seismic inversion at the scale of the entire globe. Our solution to this data-assimilation problem relies on UPC++, a new PGAS extension to the C++ language, to implement one-sided asynchronous updates to distributed matrix elements, and allows us to tackle inverse problems well beyond our previous capabilities. Our evaluation includes scaling results for Hessian estimation on up to 12, 288 cores, typical of current production scientific runs and next-generation inversions. We also present comparisons with an alternative implementation based on MPI-3 remote memory access (RMA) operations, focusing on performance and code complexity. Interoperability between UPC++ and other parallel programming tools (e.g. MPI, OpenMP) allowed for incremental adoption of the PGAS model where most beneficial. Further, we note that this model of asynchronous assembly can generalize to other data-assimilation applications that accumulate updates into shared global state.
Formation of FePt nanoparticle arrays using nanohole templates

In magnetic recording media the average grain size is only 6–8 nm, but the grains vary in size and shape; if they were more uniform, the bit size could be reduced without compromising the signal-to-noise ratio. Growth on template substrates offers a possible approach to this goal. Our previous work showed how self-assembled nanoparticle monolayers could be used to form nanohole arrays in SiO x with 10 nm features and 15 nm pitch. The hole size depends on the size of the original nanoparticle cores, and could easily be reduced to 4 nm. A surprising characteristic of these nano-hole arrays was that an evaporated film of gold spontaneously dewets, filling the holes and creating an array of nanodots. Sputtered Pt films also showed nanohole filling provided the sample was annealed at 500 °C for 4 hours [1]. The driving forces for nanodot formation are the difference in the surface energies of the substrate and metal, plus the local curvature of the template. Here we investigate a related approach to prepare and characterize FePt nanodot arrays. The surface energy of FePt is 2100 erg/cm2 [2], not that much different from that of Pt (2200 erg/cm2), and much larger than that of SiO 2 (300 erg/cm2) [3]. However, there are several additional challenges with the FePt system. It has high coercivity only in the chemically ordered L1 0 phase, and a high degree of crystallographic orientation is needed for this phase to be useful in recording media.
The pharmacologic basis of high dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell support for solid tumours.

The theoretical basis of high dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell support (HDT) for solid tumours is the presumption of a linear, steep dose-response relationship for chemotherapy conditioning agents. We review preclinical pharmacologic studies evaluating steep dose-response relationships for different chemotherapeutic agents, identified through a MED-LINE and CANCER-LIT search of the English medical literature from January 1966 to December 1999. Only BCNU, melphalan, nitrogen mustard, and the combination of thiotepa and cyclophosphamide demonstrated steep dose-response relationships over a wide dose-range. The pharmacologic evidence for the use of other antineoplastic agents for HDT in solid tumours is non-existent. More preclinical studies are needed for a rational development of this therapeutic approach for solid tumours.
A Statistical Analysis of a Traffic-Light Food Rating System to Promote Healthy Nutrition and Body Weight:

Background:Restaurant eating while optimizing nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight is challenging. Even when nutritional information is available, consumers often consider only calories. A quick and easy method to rate both caloric density and nutrition is an unmet need. A food rating system created to address that need is assessed in this study.Methods:The food rating system categorizes food items into 3 color-coded categories: most healthy (green), medium healthy (yellow), or least healthy (red) based on calorie density and general nutritional quality from national guidelines. Nutritional information was downloaded from 20 popular fast-food chains. Nutritional assessments and the 3 color coded categories were compared using the Wilcoxon and Median tests to demonstrate the significance of nutrition differences.Results:Green foods were significantly lower than yellow foods, which in turn were significantly lower than red foods, for calories and calories from fat, in addition to content of total fat,...
Classic Single-Patch Repair of Atrioventricular Septal Defects

Early surgical outcomes after repair of atrioventricular septal defects have improved significantly over the last 60 years. Preservation of function of the left atrioventricular valve is of significant importance to achieve long-term results. For nearly 40 years, the classic, single-patch technique, as first described by Mayo Clinic investigators, has been our preferred method for repair (of atrioventricular septal defects). The single-patch reconstruction technique (described in this manuscript article), is teachable, reproducible, and reasonably durable. Our most recent 20-year experience (1995-2014) with more than 200 such repairs, and an operative mortality rate of 2.2%, is consistent with other contemporary outcomes. Left atrioventricular valve dysfunction remains the most common late, clinically notable issue.
High School Parent Involvement: Relationships with Achievement, Grade Level, SES, and Gender.

Les AA. etudient la participation des parents dans les etudes de leurs enfants quand ceux-ci integrent l'enseignement superieur. A partir d'une enquete menee aupres de 47 parents, ils soulignent l'influence du comportement des parents sur le cursus scolaire et la reussite des etudiants et etablissent une typologie des parents en fonction de l'interet montre envers les etudes de leurs enfants
Characterization of a CNS Cell Line, CAD, in which Morphological Differentiation Is Initiated by Serum Deprivation

A CNS catecholaminergic cell line, Cath.a, was established by targeted oncogenesis in transgenic mice. Cath.a cells express neuronal properties but lack neuronal morphology. Here, we describe a variant of Cath.a, called CAD (Cath.a-differentiated), in which reversible morphological differentiation can be initiated by removal of serum or exogenously added protein from the medium. In serum- or protein-free media, CAD cells stop proliferating and extend long processes. Differentiated CAD cells can be maintained without serum or protein for at least 6 weeks. CAD cells are distinct from Cath.a cells; most significant, the original immortalizing oncogene, SV40 T antigen, was spontaneously lost. By immunostaining or immunoblotting, we show that CAD cells express neuron-specific proteins, such as class III β-tubulin, GAP-43, SNAP-25, and synaptotagmin, but not GFAP. Ultrastructurally, processes from differentiated CAD cells have abundant parallel microtubules and intermediate filaments, and bear varicosities that contain both large dense-core vesicles/granules (120–160 nm) and smaller clear vesicles (60–80 nm). Additionally, CAD cells express enzymatically active tyrosine hydroxylase and accumulatel-DOPA. CAD cells exhibit biochemical and morphological characteristics of primary neurons and provide an unique tool for studying neuronal differentiation.
Pharmacological and functional genetic assays to manipulate regeneration of the planarian Dugesia japonica

Free-living planarian flatworms have a long history of experimental usage owing to their remarkable regenerative abilities. Small fragments excised from these animals reform the original body plan following regeneration of missing body structures. For example if a 'trunk' fragment is cut from an intact worm, a new 'head' will regenerate anteriorly and a 'tail' will regenerate posteriorly restoring the original 'head-to-tail' polarity of body structures prior to amputation. Regeneration is driven by planarian stem cells, known as 'neoblasts' which differentiate into ~30 different cell types during normal body homeostasis and enforced tissue regeneration. This regenerative process is robust and easy to demonstrate. Owing to the dedication of several pioneering labs, many tools and functional genetic methods have now been optimized for this model system. Consequently, considerable recent progress has been made in understanding and manipulating the molecular events underpinning planarian developmental plasticity. The planarian model system will be of interest to a broad range of scientists. For neuroscientists, the model affords the opportunity to study the regeneration of an entire nervous system, rather than simply the regrowth/repair of single nerve cell process that typically are the focus of study in many established models. Planarians express a plethora of neurotransmitters, represent an important system for studying evolution of the central nervous system and have behavioral screening potential. Regenerative outcomes are amenable to manipulation by pharmacological and genetic apparoaches. For example, drugs can be screened for effects on regeneration simply by placing body fragments in drug-containing solutions at different time points after amputation. The role of individual genes can be studied using knockdown methods (in vivo RNAi), which can be achieved either through cycles of microinjection or by feeding bacterially-expressed dsRNA constructs. Both approaches can produce visually striking phenotypes at high penetrance--for example, regeneration of bipolar animals. To facilitate adoption of this model and implementation of such methods, we showcase in this video article protocols for pharmacological and genetic assays (in vivo RNAi by feeding) using the planarian Dugesia japonica.
How the Wealth of Nations Conditions the Liberal Peace

Over the past decade the liberal peace—the finding that democracy and economic interdependence contribute to peace among nations—has emerged as one of the strongest and most important results in the scientific study of international relations. Recent research indicates, however, that the pacific benefits of democracy and interdependence may not be unconditional but contingent upon the wealth of nations. We assess the independent and conditional influences of democracy, interdependence and economic development on the likelihood of fatal militarized disputes over the period 1885 to 1992. Economically important trade has an independent, substantively important pacifying effect, but the conflict-reducing effect of democracy depends on the level of economic development. If the less developed state in a dyad has a per capita GDP below 1400USD, joint democracy is not a significant force for peace. Our results indicate that the vast majority of past research on the democratic peace is imperfectly specified becaus...
Unification in combinations of collapse-free regular theories

This paper presents a method for combining equational unification algorithms to handle terms containing 'mixed' sets of function symbols. For example, given one algorithm for unifying associative-commutative operators, and another for unifying commutative operators, our algorithm provides a method for unifying terms containing both kinds of operators. As a special case of the combining problem, our algorithm lifts a variable-only case algorithm to the general case with multiple operator instances and free symbols. We restrict our attention to a class of equational theories called the collapse-free regular theories. We give some results characterizing the unification problem in this class of theories, and specifically show the restrictions are necessary and sufficient for the correctness of our algorithm. An implementation has been done as part of a larger system for reasoning about equational theories.
Gas leakage rate through reinforced concrete shear walls: Numerical study

Abstract Unlined reinforced concrete shear walls are often used as ‘tertiary boundaries’ in the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to house dangerous gases. An unanticipated event, such as an earthquake, may cause gases stored inside the walls to disperse into the environment resulting in excess pollution. To address this concern, in this paper, a methodology to numerically predict the gas leakage rate through these shear walls under lateral loading conditions is proposed. This methodology involves finite element and flow rate analysis. Strain distributions are obtained from the finite element analysis, and then used to simulate the crack characteristics on the concrete specimen. The flow rate through the damaged concrete specimen is then estimated using flow rate formulas available from the literature. Results from an experimental specimen are used to evaluate the methodology, and particularly its robustness in the flow rate estimation.
The cellular biology of eosinophil eicosanoid formation and function.

Abstract Eosinophils are capable of generating eicosanoid derivatives of arachidonic acid by means of cyclooxygenase and the 5- and 15-lipoxygenase (LO) pathways. Moreover, eosinophils, because of their expression of leukotriene (LT) C 4 synthase, are a major source of 5-LO-derived cysteinyl LTs, which are potent paracrine mediators of bronchial obstruction and inflammation pertinent to asthma. The regulation of eicosanoid formation within eosinophils involves activation of key enzymes at specific intracellular sites. Calcium ionophore-elicited translocation of 5-LO to the membranes of the nuclear envelope is associated with LTC 4 formation. In addition, lipid bodies, the formation of which is initiated by specific receptor-mediated signaling pathways, are sites of cyclooxygenase- and LO-pathway eicosanoid formation. Newly formed LTC 4 can be immunolocalized at perinuclear membranes in ionophore-activated eosinophils and at lipid bodies in CCR3 agonist (eg, eotaxin) chemokine-stimulated eosinophils. The local generation of eicosanoids at distinct sites within eosinophils may be important for the roles of these eicosanoids, both as paracrine mediators pertinent to inflammation and as intracrine signal-transducing mediators that help regulate cellular responses of eosinophils. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;109:393-400.)
Don't hang up: organizational diffusion of the intelligent telephone

Abstract This paper analyzes an effort to introduce an “intelligent” or “enhanced” PBS telephone system at two separate office complexes within the same Fortune 500 firm. The effort to diffuse this communication technology officially succeeded at the one site and failed at the other site. This paradox presented an opportunity to study both successful and unsuccessful implementation of a new communications technology within a single organization. It also provided an opportunity to test the adequacy of traditional diffusion theory for explaining the rejection of an innovation. In particular, diffusion theory does not emphasize political or symbolic forces in organizations, or the disjuncture between the organization and the end user as adopters. Results from case study interviews and multivariate analyses suggest the following: 1. 1.The attributes of the innovation did not discriminate between the success and failure building, or among the number of system functions used. 2. 2.The number of enhanced telephone functions used (as a measure of level of adoption) is very slightly associated in the success building with increased phone traffic and usefulness, but is not associated in the failure building with any perceived impacts. 3. 3.Technical factors interacted with political factors in preventing a successful adoption. 4. 4.The relationships of attitudes and use of the telephone to perceive impacts and number of functions used differed by organizational role - management, technical staff, and administrative personnel. 5. 5.Criteria for success and failure may differ at the organizational level and at the user level. We would like to acknowledge the assistance, support and information provided by the organization and respondents who made this study possible. We also thank Dr. Robert W. Hodge and Dr. Bob Meadow and anonymous reviewers for their comments.
An Exploration of Cognitive Demands in Group Interaction as a Moderator of Information Processing Variables in Perceptions of Leadership

In the application of information processing (IP) models in organizational settings, potential boundary or moderator variables are sometimes overlooked. We investigated whether the impact of important IP variables in the leadership perception literature was affected by a potentially important boundary variable: cognitive demands extraneous to impression formation. In contrast to past research, both quantity and quality (prototypicality) of behavior affected leadership perceptions in both low and high information load conditions. This result implies that prototype-related processing may be automatic enough to influence perceptions of leadership in actual organizational settings where cognitive demand is often high. Further, quantity of verbal behavior had a significant impact on causal attributions for level of group task performance and on perceptions of control of the groups‘activities, suggesting that this variable may have important implications for inferences about a person's influence on work group processes and outcomes. The significance of these findings for the issues of leader influence and for the measurement of leader behavior is discussed.
Cardiac Tamponade in a Patient With Dengue Fever and Lupus Nephritis: A Case Report

Cases of small pericardial effusion have been reported in association with dengue fever (DF), largely with dengue hemorrhagic fever during epidemic outbreaks. However, cardiac tamponade developed by a patient with DF has not yet been reported in the English literature. We report a case of cardiac tamponade in a patient with DF and lupus nephritis. We describe the characteristic features to differentiate pericardial effusion of lupus origin from that of viral etiology. A 59-year-old Hispanic woman presented to the emergency department with complaints of 5 to 6 days of fever, myalgia, headache, and retro-orbital pain. Her symptoms started 3 days after returning from the Dominican Republic, where a dengue outbreak was reported. Her past medical history was significant for hypertension and lupus nephritis diagnosed 3 months earlier. On day 2, patient developed a large pericardial effusion that progressed to tamponade over the next 2 days, requiring surgical drainage. Subsequently, the patient improved; however, serological analysis did not suggest any lupus flare-up. Pericardial fluid analysis showed hypocellularity without lupus erythematosus cell and biopsy revealed only reactive mesothelial cells suggestive of viral etiology. Dengue serology was reported as markedly elevated, supporting a diagnosis of classic DF (both immunoglobulin M [IgM] titer 2.93 and IgG titer 12.13 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]; reference range: <0.90 for both). Absence of rise in serum antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer correlated with lack of inflammatory changes on the pericardium favored viral etiology over lupus origin. This differentiation is pertinent from a management perspective.
A note on the effects of mono-and di-bromination on the transport properties of poly(2,6-dimethylphenylene oxide)

Abstract The permeability of poly (2,6-dimethylphenylene oxide) (PPO) to carbon dioxide and methane at 35°C can be increased more than 100% by aryl-bromination, depending on the extent of bromination, whereas, the carbon dioxide/methane permselectivity of the polymer, which ranges from 17–20, is changed only slightly by bromination. The increase in permeability results primarily from a marked increase in the penetrant diffusivity, although the penetrant solubility is also moderately increased by bromination. These results are interpreted in terms of changes in packing density and chain torsional mobility brought about by aryl-bromination of the polymer.
Mannose-substituted PPEs detect lectins: A model for Ricin sensing

The interaction of a mannose-substituted poly(para phenyleneethynylene) (mPPE) with a lectin, Concanavalin A (ConA), is reported; the ConA causes fluorescence quenching of the mPPE with a KSV of 5.6 × 105.
Design Analysis of a-Si/c-Si HIT Solar Cells

A theoretical design analysis using numerical two dimensional computer aided design tool (i.e., TCAD) is presented for a-Si/c-Si based heterojunction (HJ) solar cells. A set of optical beam propagation models, complex refractive index models and defect models for a-Si material implemented (in-built) in the simulation software are first evaluated for single (SHJ) and double heterojunction (DHJ) devices. Assessment is further carried out by varying physical parameters of the layer structures such as doping, thickness of the c-Si and a-Si layers, defect density in the a-Si layer and bandgap discontinuity parameter. With varying bandgap discontinuity and using standard transport model in numerical device simulation, HJ solar cell performance is undervalued (η = 19.5%). This is the result of poor photogenerated carrier collection due to the presence of heterojunction at the respective n and p-contacts of the device. Implementing thermionic field emission tunneling model at the heterojunction, we obtained improved performance (η = 24 %) over large range of bandgap discontinuities. Keeping improved efficiency of HJ cell, implementing a step graded a-Si layer, further helps to widen the range of bandgap discontinuity parameter.
Incorporation of time-dependent thermodynamic models and radiation propagation models into IR 3-D synthetic image generation models

A model is presented for generation of synthetic images representing what an airborne or satellite thermal infrared imaging sensor would record. The scene and the atmosphere are modeled spectrally with final bandwidth determined by integration over the spectral bandwidth of the sensor (the model will function from 0.25 - 20 micrometers ). The scene is created using a computer aided design package to create objects, assign attributes to facets, and assemble the scene. Object temperatures are computer using a thermodynamic model incorporating 24 hours worth of meteorological history, as well as pixel specific solar load (i.e., self-shadowing is fully supported). The radiance reaching the sensor is computed using a ray tracer and atmospheric propagation models that vary with wavelength and slant range. Objects can be modeled as specular or diffuse with emissivities (reflectivities) dependent on look angle and wavelength. The resulting images mimic the phenomenology commonly observed by high resolution thermal infrared sensors to a point where the model can be used as a research tool to evaluate the limitations in our understanding of the thermal infrared imaging process.
Critical Requirements for the Initiation of a Cardiac Arrhythmia in Heart: Cell Number

Many features of an intact functioning heart provide a margin of safety with respect to the generation of cardiac arrhythmias. We have been investigating Ca2+ dependent arrhythmias and the requirements for such pathological activity including features that focus on the margin of safety. One of the primary issues is the number of cells involved in the initiation process. If too few cells are needed to initiate the arrhythmia, arrhythmias will be rampant. If too many cells are needed, then it is difficult to explain how known arrhythmias occur. Thus the balance is one of the critical parameter to be estimated to validate the model and also to develop a useful set of computational tools to examine lethal cardiac arrhythmias. It has been suggested in published work that, a large number (∼800,000) of ventricular myocytes be depolarized to overcome the electrotonic load of the heart. In our recent work we have re-examined this question in light of a revised stochastic model of electrical and Ca2+ activity. We have found that as few as 12 myocytes may be needed to initiate an ectopic cardiac arrhythmia. This reduction of over 4 orders of magnitude reflects important improvements in the modeling. These changes include the stochasticity of the Ca2+ modeling, improved assumptions regarding the ionic currents in heart cells and updated geometries. We will present and discuss these critical changes and the justification for them. Our new findings regarding the initiation of spontaneous arrhythmias are in line with functional data from the heart. This new finding suggests a mechanism by which the generation of arrhythmias is possible while still maintaining a high safety margin.
Mutagenic activity and structure-activity relationships of short-chain dialkyl N-nitrosamines in a hamster hepatocyte V79 cell-mediated system.

Abstract A series of 19 short chain dialkyl N-nitrosamines was studied for mutagenic activity in an uninduced hamster hepatocyte V79 cell-mediated mutagenesis system. Ouabain was used as the selective agent to quantitatively analyze for chemically induced mutants. None of the nitrosamines was mutagenic in the absence of hamster hepatocyte activation. The relative mutagenic activities of the nitrosamines at an equimolar dose are presented. The results of the study indicated that: (a) increasing alkyl chain length decreased mutagenic activity; (b) oxidation of the carbon position to a carbonyl group increased the mutagenic activity of symmetrical and asymmetrical nitrosamines, whereas oxidation to a hydroxyl group only increased the mutagenic activity of the asymmetrical nitrosamines tested and (c) the carbon position at which oxidation occurred was important in determining mutagenic activity. The relationships between structure, metabolic activation, and mechanisms of mutagenic activity are discussed.
Three-dimensional orbital dysmorphology in metopic synostosis.

Summary Background Metopic synostosis is characterized by trigonocephaly, lateral supraorbital retrusion, and hypotelorism. Most phenotypic evaluations have focused on the forehead without much emphasis on the orbits. The study seeks to explore differences in orbital dysmorphology for metopic and control patients, along with different degrees of metopic synostosis. Methods Demographic and craniometric data were compiled. CT scans were digitized (Materialise) and metopic and control groups were compared. Degree of trigonocephaly was classified into moderate and severe cases based on endocranial bifrontal angle. Orbital plane angle, width, depth, volume, and corneal projection were measured. Statistical two-paired t -tests were used, with significance determined as p Results Forty-six CT scans were analyzed (23 affected, 23 controls). Mean ages (6 months metopic, 7 months control) and genders (18 males metopic, 10 males control) were determined. Orbital plane angle measurements showed differences between the metopic and the control ( p = 0.0002), along with a correlation to trigonocephaly ( p = 0.0097). Orbital width and height were insignificant between controls and overall metopics, though height was less in severe metopics ( p = 0.046 left, p = 0.0337 right). Orbital Depth was significant between control and metopics ( p = 0.0106 left, p = 0.0025 right), and pronounced in severe cases p = 0.0349 left, p = 0.0071 right). Corneal Projection correlates with metopic severity ( p Conclusions Orbital dysmorphology worsens with increasing degree of trigonocephaly, presenting additional functional defects. The true exorbitism most directly correlates with worsening trigonocephaly. Expanding and advancing the lateral orbital wall is a critical treatment element in correction. Level of evidence III.