cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induced Einstein-Maxwell action in Kaluza-Klein theory☆

Abstract It is shown how quantum corrections due to matter fields on a five-dimensional Kaluza-Klein background can lead to an induced Einstein-Maxwell action in four dimensions. Results are given for the induced cosmological and gravitational constants when scalar and spinor fields are present.
Data acquisition system for experiment E866 at the Brookhaven AGS

Experiment E866 consists of two spectrometers and related detectors for investigations of collisions of relativistic beams of Au ions with fixed targets at the Brookhaven AGS. The data acquisition system, consisting of 11 CPUs in a single VME crate, gathers data from 8 CAMAC crates and 6 Fastbus crates. >
The In Situ Bypass Above the Knee

The anatomical location of the saphenous vein in the distal thigh allows for construction of an in situ bypass to the above-knee popliteal artery. The authors have performed over 1400 in situ bypasses in the past 10 years. Forty-three of these have been to the above-knee popliteal artery. Thirty-three bypasses were performed for limb threatening ischemia, seven for disabling claudication and three for microemboli. Mean patient age was 67 years, 51% were males, 44% had diabetes mellitus, and 93% smoked. Grafts were followed from one to 108 months. The cumulative patency rate at two years was 90% and at four years 77%. Patency rates compare favorably to those of femoral-to-above-knee popliteal bypasses constructed using reversed saphenous vein or polytetrafluoroethylene. The authors found that the in situ femoral-to-above-knee popliteal bypass is a technically easy procedure requiring short operative times and has a low morbidity rate. In those select patients in whom a femoral-to-above-knee bypass is the procedure of choice the in situ bypass should be considered.
Wave propagation cutoff in a slightly noncompensated solid-state plasma

A slightly noncompensated electron-hole plasma will have a wave propagation cutoff for propagation along an impressed dc magnetic field at a value of field which depends on the degree of noncompensation, the frequency, and the carrier mass density.
Hyperpolarized cardiac arrest with a potassium-channel opener, aprikalim.

Cardioplegic solutions that arrest the heart at or near the resting membrane potential may provide better myocardial protection than standard depolarizing hyperkalemic cardioplegia by reducing both metabolic demand and harmful transmembrane ion fluxes. This hypothesis was investigated in an isolated, blood-perfused, rabbit heart Langendorff model during 30 minutes of normothermic global ischemia. Hyperpolarized cardiac arrest induced by aprikalim, an opener of adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium channels, was compared with hyperkalemic depolarized arrest and with unprotected global ischemia. Left ventricular pressure was recorded over a wide range of balloon volumes before ischemia and 30 minutes after reperfusion. End-diastolic pressure versus balloon volume data were fitted to a two-coefficient exponential relationship. Changes in the diastolic compliance of the left ventricle were assessed by comparison of preischemic and postischemic coefficients within each cardioplegia group. Postischemic recovery of developed pressure was used to assess changes in left ventricular systolic function. The tissue water content of each heart was also determined. Myocardial protection with aprikalim resulted in better postischemic recovery of developed pressure (90% ± 9%) than either protection with hyperkalemic cardioplegia (73% ± 11%) or no protection (62% ± 9%). Myocardial tissue water content in hearts protected with hyperkalemic cardioplegia (77.4% ± 1.4%) was less than the tissue water content of either unprotected hearts (79.4% ± 1.2%) or hearts protected with aprikalim (78.7% ± 0.9%). Despite these differences, neither hyperkalemic cardioplegia ( p = 0.15) nor aprikalim cardioplegia ( p = 0.30) was associated with a significant postischemic decrease in ventricular compliance. By contrast, unprotected global ischemia was associated with a significant decrease in ventricular compliance ( p
Towards a Unifying Approach in Understanding Security Problems

To evaluate security in the context of software reliability engineering, it is necessary to analyse security problems, actual exploits, and their relationship with an understanding of the operational behaviour of the system. That can be done in terms of the effort involved in security exploits, through classic reliability factors such as calendar and inservice time, etc. Existing studies focus primarily on security problems and security exploits. Less attention has been given to the study of the relationship between security problems and security exploits. We present an analysis and classification of 43,710 vulnerabilities from the Open Source National Vulnerability Database and vulnerabilities for two specific products - Bugzilla and FEDORA. About 35% of the published vulnerabilities have been exploited. 34% of the vulnerabilities are disclosed as a result of an exploit and only 1.3% have been exploited after being publicly disclosed. We investigate a unifying approach, to understand security as a component of reliability. We focus on the disclosure and exploits of security problems with respect to calendar time and inservice time, and the impact of such exploits on the process of correcting the security problems, and discuss our approach using the collected data.
Endoscopic pedicled nasoseptal flap reconstruction for pediatric skull base defects

Objectives/Hypothesis: A prospective study of endoscopic expanded endonasal approaches (EEA) with nasoseptal flap reconstructions revealed anecdotal evidence of less available relative septal length in pediatric patients. Our goal is to use radioanatomic analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans to determine limitations of the nasoseptal flap in pediatric skull base reconstruction and to describe clinical outcomes after using the nasoseptal flap in six pediatric patients. Study Design: Six pediatric patients who underwent EEA with nasoseptal flap reconstruction were prospectively analyzed for flap coverage and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Fifty maxillofacial CTs of individuals <18 years of age and 10 adult images underwent radioanatomic analysis. Methods: Measurements included potential nasoseptal flap dimensions and dimensions required to reconstruct an anterior skull base defect, a trans-sellar defect, and a transclival defect. Measurements were compared to determine if flap size would be sufficient to cover independent EEA defects within different age groups. Results: Two out of three patients 14 years of age had adequate flap coverage. Average potential flap length is less than average anterior skull base length until age 9 years to 10 years, and less than average trans-sellar defect length until age 6 years to 7 years. Septal growth is most rapid between 10 years and 13 years. Conclusions: The pedicled nasoseptal flap may not be a viable option for EEA reconstruction in children 14 years of age, as their septums are comparable to adults. Patients 10 years to 13 years of age require careful consideration of facial analysis and preoperative radioanatomic evaluation on an individual basis. Laryngoscope, 2009
Planning for chronic disease medications in disaster: perspectives from patients, physicians, pharmacists, and insurers.

BackgroundRecent US disasters highlight the current imbalance between the high proportion of chronically ill Americans who depend on prescription medications and their lack of medication reserves for disaster preparedness. We examined barriers that Los Angeles County residents with chronic illness experience within the prescription drug procurement system to achieve recommended medication reserves.MethodsA mixed methods design included evaluation of insurance pharmacy benefits, focus group interviews with patients, and key informant interviews with physicians, pharmacists, and insurers.Results and DiscussionMost prescriptions are dispensed as 30-day units through retail pharmacies with refills available after 75% of use, leaving a monthly medication reserve of 7 days. For patients to acquire 14- to 30-day disaster medication reserves, health professionals interviewed supported 60- to 100-day dispensing units. Barriers included restrictive insurance benefits, patients’ resistance to mail order, and higher copay-ments. Physicians, pharmacists, and insurers also varied widely in their preparedness planning and collective mutual-aid plans, and most believed pharmacists had the primary responsibility for patients’ medication continuity during a disaster.ConclusionsTo strengthen prescription drug continuity in disasters, recommendations include the following: (1) creating flexible drug-dispensing policies to help patients build reserves, (2) training professionals to inform patients about disaster planning, and (3) building collaborative partnerships among system stakeholders. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:257-265)
Strategic collaborative model for evidence-based nursing practice.

Purpose: To describe a model that has been developed to guide nurses and other health professionals in collaborative efforts toward evidence-based nursing practice. Method: A review of literature was conducted using MEDLINE and CINAHL to search for articles on research utilization for evidence-based practice in health care delivery. Empirical studies; reviews; and theoretical, opinion, and information articles were included in the review in order to provide a more comprehensive view of the state of evidence-based nursing internationally. Findings: Findings revealed a number of barriers to evidence-based nursing practice, which have persisted over the last two decades, including inadequate knowledge of research among practicing nurses, lack of administrative support for research activities in clinical settings, lack of empowerment of nurses, and lack of needed mentoring from nursing research consultants. Conclusions: Barriers in the areas of nursing education and administrative support appear to be major. A need was identified for a pragmatic model that encourages cooperation and collaboration between educators/researchers in academia and the administrative leaders in the clinical facilities if evidence-based nursing practice is to become the norm. Framework of Model: The Tyler Collaborative Model is based on an eclectic approach to planned change for creating evidence-based practice. This model identifies a step-by-step process for change, while allowing for the opportunity to integrate any of the previously available methods of critical appraisal to determine the best evidence for practice in each clinical setting.
Positive Directional Selection in the Proline-Rich Antigen (PRA) Gene Among the Human Pathogenic Fungi Coccidioides immitis, C. posadasii and Their Closest Relatives

In this study, we investigate the possibility of selection acting on the proline-rich antigen (PRA) gene in natural populations of the two human pathogens, Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, and three of their close relatives, Chrysosporium lucknowense, Chrysosporium queenslandicum, and Uncinocarpus reesii. We addressed the following questions: Is diversifying selection acting on PRA in the pathogenic species as a result of avoidance of the host's immune system, and has adaptation to a pathogenic life style lead to positive directional selection and increased rate of evolution in PRA between the species? For these purposes, we amplified and sequenced from 40 individuals belonging to the five species, the entire coding region of the PRA gene, as well as partial sequences from the coding region of each of the three housekeeping genes glyderaldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutamine synthetase A, and hexokinase A. We used likelihood-based methods to compare models of different types of selective pressure among codons to analyze the mode of evolution of the genes and found that the PRA gene evolves under positive selection, but the investigated parts of the housekeeping genes evolve primarily under purifying selection. We found a very low level of intraspecific variability and no evidence of diversifying selection, suggesting that the increased rate of evolution in the PRA gene is not a result of avoidance of the host's immune system. Neither did likelihood-based analyses suggest that selection was stronger on the branch separating pathogenic and nonpathogenic species. Instead, we suggest that positive selection act on PRA as a consequence of spore cell-wall morphogenesis unique to each species.
Androgen ablation adjuvant to postprostatectomy radiotherapy: Complication-adjusted number needed to treat analysis

Abstract Objectives To quantify the benefits and harm of androgen ablation (AA) adjuvant to radiotherapy in the postprostatectomy setting. AA is commonly used in the management of prostate cancer. Methods A literature review was performed to estimate the absolute biochemical control advantage for the use of AA concomitant with postprostatectomy external beam radiotherapy. Additionally, a model was developed, with supporting published data, to estimate the utility-adjusted survival detriment due to the side effects of AA, using the number needed to treat (NNT) technique. Using these data, the unadjusted NNTs and the utility-adjusted NNTs for the addition of AA were computed. In all cases, the sign and magnitude of the NNTs obtained were used to gauge the effects of AA. Results The unadjusted NNT analysis demonstrated very low values (far less than 20), suggesting a strong benefit for the use of AA, in both adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy settings. Even after adjustment for hormone-induced functional loss, a significant advantage of AA was demonstrated. Conclusions Using the complication-adjusted NNT method, AA appears to be advantageous in both adjuvant and salvage postprostatectomy radiotherapy settings. The results of the present investigation demonstrated the significant role of the NNT technique for uro-oncologic management decisions when treatment complications need to be considered and balanced against the beneficial effects of the treatment.
Sediment pulses in mountain rivers: 2. Comparison between experiments and numerical predictions

[1] Mountain rivers in particular are prone to sediment input in the form of pulses rather than a more continuous supply. These pulses often enter in the form of landslides from adjacent hillslopes or debris flows from steeper tributaries. The activities of humans such as timber harvesting, road building, and urban development can increase the frequency of sediment pulses. The question as to how mountain rivers accommodate pulses of sediment thus becomes of practical as well as academic significance. In part 1 [Cui et al., 2003], the results of three laboratory experiments on sediment pulses are reported. It was found there that the pulses were eliminated from the flume predominantly by dispersion of the topographic high. Significant translation was observed only when the pulse material was substantially finer than the ambient load in the river. Here the laboratory data are used to test a numerical model originally devised for predicting the evolution of sediment pulses in field-scale gravel bed streams. The model successfully reproduces the predominantly dispersive deformation of the experimental pulses. Rates of dispersion are generally underestimated, largely because bed load transport rates are underestimated by the transport equation used in the model. The model reproduces the experimental data best when the pulse is significantly coarser than the ambient sediment. In this case, the model successfully predicts the formation and downstream progradation of a delta that formed in the backwater zone of the pulse in run 3. The performance of the model is less successful when the pulse is composed primarily of sand. This is likely because the bed load equation used in the study is specifically designed for gravel. When the model is adapted to conditions characteristic of large, sand bed rivers with low Froude numbers, it predicts substantial translation of pulses as well as dispersion.
Graphical Methods For The Design And Analysis Of Simulation Experiments

In this paper we develop some intuitive graphical methods for designing, running, and analyzing simulation experiments. We first concentrate on the analysis of output plots from a single run; the concept of a standardized simulation output plot is presented and its use illustrated. The remainder of the paper involves the design of experiments that may involve several (sequential) simulation runs. Experimental design discussions in simulation often focus on special topics unique to the field. Control over random variables permits design techniques such as antithetic variates and common random number streams. Yet many of the general topics of experiment design including confounding, fractional designs, and sample size determination are important in a simulation setting. The second part of this tutorial will focus on these general topics and present some graphical tools for generating experiment designs: causal diagrams and multidimensional point plots.
Embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cell lines derived from single mouse blastomere

Evaluation of: Chung Y, Klimanskaya I, Becker S et al.: Embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cell lines derived from single mouse blastomere. Nature Epub ahead of publication Oct 16, Letters, 1–4 (2005).
What can go wrong when ignoring correlation bounds in the use of generalized estimating equations.

The analysis of repeated measure or clustered data is often complicated by the presence of correlation. Further complications arise for discrete responses, where the marginal probability-dependent Frechet bounds impose feasibility limits on the correlation that are often more restrictive than the positive definite range. Some popular statistical methods, such as generalized estimating equations (GEE), ignore these bounds, and as such can generate erroneous estimates and lead to incorrect inferential results. In this paper, we discuss two alternative strategies: (i) using QIC to select a data-driven correlation value within the Frechet bounds, and (ii) the use of likelihood-based latent variable modeling, such as multivariate probit, to get around the problem all together. We provide two examples of the repercussions of incorrectly using existing GEE software in the presence of correlated binary responses.
Assessing the economic benefits of vaccines based on the health investment life course framework: a review of a broader approach to evaluate malaria vaccination.

Abstract Background Economic evaluations have routinely understated the net benefits of vaccination by not including the full range of economic benefits that accrue over the lifetime of a vaccinated person. Broader approaches for evaluating benefits of vaccination can be used to more accurately calculate the value of vaccination. Methodology This paper reflects on the methodology of one such approach – the health investment life course approach – that looks at the impact of vaccine investment on lifetime returns. The role of this approach on vaccine decision-making will be assessed using the malaria health investment life course model example. Results We describe a framework that measures the impact of a health policy decision on government accounts over many generations. The methodological issues emerging from this approach are illustrated with an example from a recently completed health investment life course analysis of malaria vaccination in Ghana. Beyond the results, various conceptual and practical challenges of applying this framework to Ghana are discussed in this paper. Discussion and conclusions The current framework seeks to understand how disease and available technologies can impact a range of economic parameters such as labour force participation, education, healthcare consumption, productivity, wages or economic growth, and taxation following their introduction. The framework is unique amongst previous economic models in malaria because it considers future tax revenue for governments. The framework is complementary to cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis. The intent of this paper is to stimulate discussion on how existing and new methodology can add to knowledge regarding the benefits from investing in new and underutilized vaccines.
A Novel Block to Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Infection of Lymphocytes in B10.BR Mice

Classic studies on C57BL-derived mouse strains showed that they were resistant to mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) infection. Although one form of resistance mapped to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus, at least one other, unknown gene was implicated in this resistance. We show here that B10.BR mice, which are derived from C57BL mice but have the same MHC locus (H-2k) as susceptible C3H/HeN mice, are resistant to MMTV, and show a lack of virus spread in their lymphoid compartments but not their mammary epithelial cells. Although in vivo virus superantigen (Sag)-mediated activation of T cells was similar in C3H/HeN and B10.BR mice, T cell-dependent B-cell and dendritic cell activation was diminished in the latter. Ex vivo, B10.BR T cells showed a diminished capacity to proliferate in response to the MMTV Sag. The genetic segregation of the resistance phenotype indicated that it maps to a single allele. These data highlight the role of Sag-dependent T-cell responses in MMTV infection and point to a novel mechanism for the resistance of mice to retroviral infection that could lead to a better understanding of the interplay between hosts and pathogens.
Moments of the censored and truncated bivariate normal distribution

Published results on the moments of censored and truncated bivariate normal distributions do not include explicit formulas for all combinations of limits in a form that is readily adapted for computation. Moments for truncation and censoring that can take place both from above and below in both variables are given in a general form from which special cases are easily obtained. The attenuation of the correlation coefficients is studied in a series of graphs and related to examples of factor analysis.
A Systematic Approach to Teaching Critical Thinking Skills to Electrical and Computer Engineering Undergraduates.

Coursework that instills patterns of rigorous logical thought has long been a hallmark of the engineering curriculum. However, today’s engineering students are expected to exhibit a wider range of thinking capabilities both to satisfy ABET requirements and to prepare the students to become successful practitioners. This paper presents the initial results from a systematic effort to incorporate broader critical thinking instruction and assessment into electrical and computer engineering education as part of a university-wide quality enhancement program. All incoming freshmen are given explicit and implicit instruction in critical thinking in ENGR 100: Introduction to Engineering and other engineering fundamentals courses, using the Paul-Elder framework of critical thinking to define and operationalize critical thinking. This critical thinking foundation is reinforced later in the disciplinary courses so that students integrate critical thinking with the basic principles and practices of engineering. In the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program, at the sophomore level, students use critical thinking skills which were developed during their engineering fundamentals courses, to analyze requirements and constraints which would apply in real-world design projects. At the junior level, similar use of critical thinking is applied in an introductory computing methods course; and at the senior level, critical thinking skills are again strengthened and assessed in the capstone design course and in the professional issues and current topics seminar. The latter course emphasizes understanding of professional ethics and current topics in electrical and computer engineering. Initial data from this pilot implementation indicates statistically significant improvement in critical thinking skills in ECE students who have progressed through this sequence, and as a side benefit, it appears that writing skills also improve.
Hydrophobic interactions between the S5 segment and the pore helix stabilizes the closed state of Slo2.1 potassium channels

Under normal physiological conditions, Slo2.1K(+) channels are in a closed state unless activated by an elevation in [Na(+)]i. Fenamates such as niflumic acid also activate Slo2.1. Previous studies suggest that activation of Slo2.1 channels is mediated by a conformational change in the selectivity filter, and not a widening of the aperture formed by the S6 segment bundle crossing as occurs in voltage-gated K(+) channels. It is unclear how binding of Na(+) or fenamates is allosterically linked to opening of the presumed selectivity filter activation gate in Slo2.1. Here we examined the role of the S5 transmembrane segment in the activation of Slo2.1. Channels were heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and whole cell currents measured with the voltage-clamp technique. Ala substitution of five residues located on a single face of the S5 α-helical segment induced constitutive channel activity. Leu-209, predicted to face towards Phe-240 in the pore helix was investigated by further mutagenesis. Mutation of Leu-209 to Glu or Gln induced maximal channel activation as did the combined mutation to Ala of all three hydrophobic S5 residues predicted to be adjacent to Phe-240. Together these results suggest that hydrophobic interactions between residues in S5 and the C-terminal end of the pore helix stabilize Slo2.1 channels in a closed state.
Examining Gender Differences in Written Assessment Tasks in Biology: A Case Study of Evolutionary Explanations

Understanding sources of performance bias in science assessment provides important insights into whether science curricula and/or assessments are valid representations of student abilities. Research investigating assessment bias due to factors such as instrument structure, participant characteristics, and item types are well documented across a variety of disciplines. However, the relationships among these factors are unclear for tasks evaluating understanding through performance on scientific practices, such as explanation. Using item-response theory (Rasch analysis), we evaluated differences in performance by gender on a constructed-response (CR) assessment about natural selection (ACORNS). Three isomorphic item strands of the instrument were administered to a sample of undergraduate biology majors and nonmajors (Group 1: n = 662 [female = 51.6%]; G2: n = 184 [female = 55.9%]; G3: n = 642 [female = 55.1%]). Overall, our results identify relationships between item features and performance by gender; however, the effect is small in the majority of cases, suggesting that males and females tend to incorporate similar concepts into their CR explanations. These results highlight the importance of examining gender effects on performance in written assessment tasks in biology.
Selective Expression of Human Fascin (p55) by Dendritic Leukocytes

Dendritic cells are a heterogeneous group of antigen presenting leukocytes with distinctive cell morphology and function. The highly developed capacity of dendritic cells to present antigens and the way in which cells of variable maturity differ in their ability to take up, process, and present antigens have been well characterized (1–6). Dendritic cells are derived from cells in bone marrow in vivo and are released to peripheral blood and tissues (7,8), but dendritic cells can be generated in vitro from CD34 positive precursor cells (9–13). The position of dendritic cells in the hierarchy of hematopoietic cells remains to be established but the study of human blood dendritic and progenitor dendritic cells has been restricted by the lack of selective markers for this specialized subset of antigen presenting cells. Recently, an evolutionary conserved human actin-binding protein, fascin (p55), was demonstrated to be highly expressed by circulating blood dendritic cells (14). In the course of studying the development, migration and tissues distribution of dendritic cells we took advantage of a novel monoclonal antibody against p55 to examine the differential expression of p55 in immature, circulating, and tissue dendritic cells.
2015–2020 National HIV/AIDS Strategy Goals for HIV Linkage and Retention in Care: Recommendations From Program Implementers

The authors discusses various recommendations regarding the U.S. Office of National AIDS Policy's 2015-2020 National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States and goals involving HIV linkage and retention in care, and it mentions the efforts to reduce HIV infections, increase access to medical care, and lower the number of HIV-related health disparities. The U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the nation's Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 are assessed.
Meeting veterans where they're @: a VA Home-Based Telemental Health (HBTMH) pilot program.

Objectives:The first Home-Based Telemental pilot program (HBTMH) in the Department of Veterans Affairs addresses the significant challenge of access to mental health treatment for rural veterans. T...
Green Peach Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae): Developmental and Reproductive Biology on a Solanum tuberosum × S. berthaultii Hybrid Potato

Development and reproduction of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), were compared on a resistant hybrid potato bearing glandular pubescence and a susceptible commercial cultivar. Removal of glandular trichomes from the Solanum tuberosum ssp. tuberosum (L.) × S. berthaultii Hawkes Fa hybrid improved aphid survival nearly 2-fold. compared with survival on foliage with intact trichomes. Longevity of adults and reproductive performance were significantly reduced on the resistant host compared with those on ‘Superior’. Excised foliage of the hybrid potato partially lost its defensive ability; loss in expression of resistance increased with the duration of time following excision. Except for reduction in adult weight, the adverse influence of resistance on maternal development and fecundity was not evident in daughters reared on the susceptible cultivar. Hybrid potato germplasm bearing glandular trichomes from S. berthaultii appears promising as a tactic for management of the green peach aphid.
Non-integer temporal exponents in trans-interface diffusion-controlled coarsening

The kinetics of γ′-type (Ni3X) precipitate growth and solute depletion in Ni–Al, Ni–Ga, Ni–Ge, Ni–Si, Ni–Ti and Ni–Al–Cr alloys is successfully predicted by the trans-interface diffusion-controlled theory of coarsening using non-integer temporal exponents, n, satisfying 2 ≤ n ≤ 3, which are obtained from analyses of particle size distributions (PSDs). The origin of non-integer n is concentration-dependent diffusion through the γ/γ′ interface. The literature on diffusion of Al and Ni in Ni3Al is specifically examined. It is shown unequivocally that the concentration-dependent diffusion of Al can account semi-quantitatively for the value of n that successfully describes the PSDs and kinetics of coarsening of the γ′ precipitates. There is no need to invoke a particle size-dependent γ/γ′ interface width, as was done in prior work. It is argued that existing theory and computational modeling of coarsening in systems with highly disparate diffusion mobilities in both phases do not correctly represent the mobilities in the matrix, precipitate, and interface in Ni–Al alloys. These theories predict temporal exponents satisfying 3 ≤ n ≤ 4, for which there is no experimental support.
Longitudinal Outcomes of Start Time Delay on Sleep, Behavior, and Achievement in High School.

Study objectives To establish whether sleep, health, mood, behavior, and academics improved after a 45-minute delay in high school start time, and whether changes persisted longitudinally. Methods We collected data from school records and student self-report across a number of domains at baseline (May 2012) and at two follow-up time points (November 2012 and May 2013), at a public high school in upstate New York. Students enrolled during academic years (AY) 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; the DASS-21; the "Owl-Lark" Scale; the Daytime Sleepiness Index; and a brief self-report of health. Reports from school records regarding attendance, tardiness, disciplinary violations, and academic performance were collected for AY 2010-2011 through 2013-2014. Results Students delayed but did not extend their sleep period; we found lasting improvements in tardiness and disciplinary violations after the start-time delay, but no changes to other variables. At the first follow-up, students reported 20 minutes longer sleep, driven by later rise times and stable bed times. At the second follow-up, students maintained later rise times but delayed bedtimes, returning total sleep to baseline levels. A delay in rise time, paralleling the delay in the start time that occurred, resulted in less tardiness and decreased disciplinary incidents, but larger improvements to sleep patterns may be necessary to affect health, attendance, sleepiness, and academic performance. Conclusions Later start times improved tardiness and disciplinary issues at this school district. A delay in start time may be a necessary but not sufficient means to increase sleep time and may depend on preexisting individual differences. Commentary A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 267.
Another Scale for the Assessment of Facial Paralysis? ADS Scale: Our Proposition, How to Use It

Introduction Several authors in the years propose different methods to evaluate areas and specific movement’s disease in patient affected by facial palsy. Despite these efforts the House Brackmann is anyway the most used assessment in medical community.
The XEN of reprogramming

Reprogramming to pluripotency has thus far required complex procedures involving nuclear transfer, cell fusion or genetic manipulation. Two recent papers from Hongkui Deng's group now show various cell types can be reprogrammed simply by chemicals through an extraembryonic endoderm-like phase instead of the primitive streak-like mesendoderm induced by Yamanaka factors.
Effects of hypocapnia and hypercapnia on intracellular acid-base equilibrium in man

Abstract Knowledge of the manner in which cells respond to extracellular alkalosis and acidosis is essential to the understanding of clinical acid-base disorders. Using the DM0 method, intracellular "mean" [H + ] and "apparent" [HCO 3 − ] were determined in 5 normal subjects at rest, during acute steady state respiratory alkalosis, and during acute steady state respiratory acidosis. In extracellular water, at the 3 mean levels of CO 2 tensions investigated (19 ± 2, 40 ± 3, and 56 ± 2 mm. Hg), the [H + ]/pCO 2 relation was described by a straight ascending line ([H + ] = 0.64 pCO 2 + 12.5; r=0.99), and the concentration of bicarbonate could be described by a curvilinear, slowly ascending line. In intracellular water, at low CO 2 tension, the "mean" hydrogen ion concentration and the "apparent" bicarbonate concentration varied in the same direction as, and by a magnitude proportional to, the corresponding extracellular [H + ] and [HCO 3 − ] changes; at high CO 2 tension the "mean" hydrogen ion concentration varied in the same direction as, and by a magnitude 7 times greater than extracellular [H + ], while "apparent" bicarbonate concentration remained unchanged. These data indicate that acute steady states of hypocapnia and hypercapnia, comparable in degree to those frequently encountered clinically, are characterized, respectively, by intracellular alkalosis proportional to the observed extracellular alkalosis, and by intracellular acidosis more marked than the observed extracellular acidosis.
Meeting the Challenge of Water Scarcity in the Western United States

Abstract Wide-scale water development is no longer the option for addressing water scarcity it once was in the western United States. The relatively low marginal benefits of such new projects do not outweigh the costs, especially given increased awareness of the resulting environmental damage. Water transfers can do some of the work needed to reallocate water in response to changing circumstances. However, prior appropriation has not so far proven flexible enough to meet all of these needs. The question is how to increase transfer activity that improves allocative efficiency while at the same time discouraging transfers that harm water users and the environment downstream. Local, stakeholder-driven, collaborative processes driven by federal regulations may hold the answer, as evidenced by examples presented here. Such collaborative processes facilitate common understanding and can implement solutions not strictly envisioned by existing water management institutions.
FACULTY AND STUDENT GOALS FOR UNDERGRADUATE LABORATORY

Laboratory is a part of most undergraduate chemistry curricula, however the goals that faculty and students hold have received scant attention. Our research has revealed two broad goals for laboratory learning held by faculty. Students however, hold entirely different goals that may pose obstacles for faculty achieving the goals they have set out. Herein we describe our research and propose methods of bringing these goals into better alignment.
Increasing the operational capability of a horizontal axis wind turbine by its integration with a vertical axis wind turbine

Abstract A major difficulty encountered by a horizontal axis wind turbine is the limit of aerodynamic torque that it can withstand at high wind speeds. A novel strategy is proposed to improve the operational capability of a prototype scale system by increasing its rated wind speed for power generation. This is achieved by integrating its drivetrain with that of a vertical axis wind turbine supported on a common tower. Excess torque is transferred from the horizontal axis rotor to the vertical axis rotor’s drivetrain by coupling them using a continuously variable transmission. In this article, firstly, the concepts of motion transfer that facilitate this combined operation are discussed. A combination of a 12-kW horizontal axis rotor and a 10-kW vertical axis wind turbine is studied to estimate the increased benefit of increments in rated wind speed. Performance of this hybrid system is predicted at potential wind sites and is shown to exceed the standalone mechanical power output of both subsystems under different wind regimes. The critical criterion of the system’s aerodynamic feasibility is then investigated. Turbulence modelling is performed for a configuration which involves a combination of the NREL Phase VI rotor and a NACA 0021 profiled vertical axis H-rotor. A 3-D simulation, using a validated k-ω (Shear Stress Transport) computational fluid dynamics model helps confirm the ability of both turbines to operate aerodynamically independent of each other. Further, by this methodology, a safe clearance between the two rotors is pre-determined. Analysis of turbulent flow scenarios reveals the characteristic effects of aerodynamic torque ripple experienced by the vertical axis wind turbine and its impact on combined power output. Parameters outlined in this article will be of assistance in the practical implementation of the integrated axes wind turbine.
Pairing Human and Machine-Vision in Inspection Tasks: Experimental Investigation

Abstract The traditional job of a quality control inspector, whether human or a machine-vision device, is to discriminate products into acceptable and non-acceptable items. This research uses pairing arrangements to investigate the various ways in which the positive attributes of human and machine-vision inspection systems can be combined in inspection tasks, to achieve enhanced system performance. The results are validated through experimental investigations, and the proven conditions under which the optimum performance is achieved, are suggested.
A tale of two niches: differential functions for VCAM-1 in satellite cells under basal and injured conditions

Cell-cell adhesion molecules play key roles in maintaining quiescence or promoting activation of various stem cells in their niche. Muscle stem cells called satellite cells (SC) are critical for sk...
Linear Conjugated Polymer Backbones Improve Alignment in Nanogroove-Assisted Organic Field-Effect Transistors.

Three cyclopentadithiophene-difluorophenylene copolymers (named PhF2,3, PhF2,5, and PhF2,6), which differ by the arrangement of fluorines on the phenylene structural unit, were designed and synthesized for the fabrication of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Single crystal structures of model compounds representative of the backbone and density functional theory (DFT) were used to estimate the backbone shape for each copolymer. The different substitution arrangements impact the backbone secondary structure through different nonbonding F···H interactions. PhF2,5 and PhF2,6 assumed more linear backbones relative to PhF2,3, which in turn impacts self-assembly and polymer chain alignment on nanogrooved (NG) substrates. A larger improvement of charge carrier mobility for the more linear backbones was achieved when using NG substrates. Among the three polymers, PhF2,6 achieved the highest average field-effect hole mobility (5.1 cm2 V–1 s–1). As evidenced by grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering ...
An Improved Approach for Generating Configuration Files from a Database

Much of our site configuration information is stored in a relational database, which means we need to extract this information in the appropriate format for servers and daemons. In the past we have done this with lots of little custom C programs and scripts. We have recently changed to a new approach of generating the files within the database itself using PL/SQL packages, and then using a generic file extraction program to handle the details of putting ASCII characters into Unix (or other) file systems. This has allowed us to reduce development time of programs to generate new file types, and greatly simplified supporting multiple platforms.
Short-term passive tracer plume dispersion in convective boundary layer using a high-resolution WRF-ARW model

Abstract High-resolution Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecast model is used to understand the role of atmospheric stability on the short-term transport of a continuous release passive scalar plume in three different convective boundary layer regimes: highly convective, combined shear- and buoyancy and shear dominated. Friction velocity to convective velocity ratio and atmospheric stability parameter are used to classify the boundary layer regimes. The effect of release height on the plume transport is addressed by releasing the plumes at surface, near-surface and elevated heights. Total 144 simulations are performed by releasing the plume in the morning and afternoon times of January and August months and at three release heights. Results show that horizontal transport of the plume scales with the initial wind conditions for surface and near-surface releases, and the vertical transport scales with atmospheric stability parameter. Mean plume height and vertical dispersion parameter obtained by convective scaling laws reached their asymptotic values after getting well-mixed in the boundary layer. The dimensionless downwind distance for the mean plume height to reach its asymptote is found to follow a power-law with respect to the atmospheric stability paramter. The coefficient and exponent of the power-law observed are found to be functions of the plume release height normalized by the boundary layer depth.
What to do About Bad Patents

At the time patent applications are reviewed, the Patent and Trademark Office has no way of identifying the small number of applications that are likely to end up having real economic significance. Thus patent applications are for the most part treated alike, with every application getting the same - and by necessity sparse - review. In this short magazine piece, we urge in response three basic reforms. First, we would weaken the presumption of validity that today attaches to all issued patents. The modern strong presumption simply does not reflect the reality of patent review; presumptions, in short, should be earned. Second, because legitimate inventors need as much certainty as the law can provide, we would give applicants the option of earning a presumption of validity by paying for a thorough examination of their inventions. Put differently, applicants should be allowed to "gold-plate" their patents by paying for the kind of searching review that would merit a strong presumption of validity. Third and finally, because competitors also have useful information about which patents worry them and which do not, we support instituting a post-grant opposition system, a process by which parties other than the applicant would have the opportunity to request and fund a thorough examination of a recently issued patent. As we explain in the piece, these reforms would together allow the Patent Office to focus its resources on patents that might actually matter, and it would also both reduce the incentive to file patents of questionable validity and reduce the harm caused by such patents in any event.
18 Comparative Cognition

Although its origins can be traced to philosophical speculations of the 16th and 17th centuries, for the past 100 years research in comparative cognition has used the methods of natural science to discover the extent to which our mental functions are similar to those of other animals. Are animals intelligentWhat do we know about animals' cognitive capacitiesWhat forms and aspects of cognition have been studiedWhat methods have been used in this research realmWhat findings have emergedIn this chapter, we will see how animals respond to the passage of time, how they remember the past, how they respond effectively in the present, and how they plan for the future. We will also learn that animals can master abstract and numerical concepts, and even exhibit signs of analogical reasoning as well as many of the precursors to human symbolic language. We will also consider the possibility that animals may monitor their current state of knowledge to control their own behavior in an adaptive way. This sampling of topics, methods, and findings should provide a good introduction to the current state of the science of comparative cognition. Keywords: Comparative psychology; animal cognition; abstract conceptualization
On the Number of Co-Channel Signals Resolvable by an Antenna Array

The maximum number of co-channel signals which can be resolved by an array is of interest in direction-of-arrival estimation and other array processing applications. Various difficulties in defining and characterizing this number are described. The conditions under which the number of resolvable signals must be smaller than the number of antennas are reviewed. Some examples where this number exceeds the number of antennas are presented.
Use of the WPPSI and the WISC with Culturally Deprived Children.

WPPSI and WISC mean IQ scores of 50 six-year-old culturally disadvantaged children were compared to assess the comparability of the two instruments for program evaluation purposes. No significant d...
Purification and Characterization of Recombinant Human Placental and Rat Lens Aldose Reductases Expressed in Escherichia Coli

Aldose reductase (aditol NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.21) with sorbitol dehydrogenase (1-iditol dehydrogenase, EC 1.1.1.4) together form the polyol pathway where glucose is converted to fructose through the sugar alcohol sorbitol. In diabetes the increased flux of glucose through the polyol pathway results in the accumulation of sorbitol which is linked to the onset of various diabetic complications such as cataract formation, retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy (Kinoshita, 1974; Kador, 1988; Kinoshita et al., 1990; Kador et al., 1990). This has spurred the world-wide interest in the development of aldose reductase inhibitors as a new approach toward the treatment of diabetic complications.