cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed simulation of networks

Abstract A potentially valuable attribute of message switched networks is that all processors in the network can cooperate in solving a common problem. This attribute has not recieved sufficient attention in the literature probably because it is hard to partition most programs into processes which communicate exclusively by exchanging messages. The problem of partitioningng programs and assigning them to processors in message switched systems becomes acute when programs appear to be inherently sequential. In this paper we use a message switched network to solve a problem that has always been solved in a highly sequential fashion. The specific problem that is studied is discrete-event simulation though key concepts can be extended to other areas of message-switched problem-solving. There are no shared variables in message switched networks. The shared variable “clock” typically used in simulation algorithms, does not appear in the proposed scheme; instead each process maintains an internal clock that is not usually synchronized with clocks of other processes. The case where the network is a tandem of servers is considered in detail in this paper. The core ideas reported here were significantly developed and radically extended by a group at the University of Waterloo under the direction of Professors Manning and Wong.
Evaluation of a gene information summarization system by users during the analysis process of microarray datasets.

Summarization of gene information in the literature has the potential to help genomics researchers translate basic research into clinical benefits. Gene expression microarrays have been used to study biomarkers for disease and discover novel types of therapeutics and the task of finding information in journal articles on sets of genes is common for translational researchers working with microarray data. However, manually searching and scanning the literature references returned from PubMed is a time-consuming task for scientists. We built and evaluated an automatic summarizer of information on genes studied in microarray experiments. The Gene Information Clustering and Summarization System (GICSS) is a system that integrates two related steps of the microarray data analysis process: functional gene clustering and gene information gathering. The system evaluation was conducted during the process of genomic researchers analyzing their own experimental microarray datasets. The clusters generated by GICSS were validated by scientists during their microarray analysis process. In addition, presenting sentences in the abstract provided significantly more important information to the users than just showing the title in the default PubMed format. The evaluation results suggest that GICSS can be useful for researchers in genomic area. In addition, the hybrid evaluation method, partway between intrinsic and extrinsic system evaluation, may enable researchers to gauge the true usefulness of the tool for the scientists in their natural analysis workflow and also elicit suggestions for future enhancements. GICSS can be accessed online at: http://ir.ohsu.edu/jianji/index.html
Total energy and pressure in the Gaussian-orbitals technique. I. Methodology with application to the high-pressure equation of state of neon

Callaway, Zou, and Bagayoko [Phys. Rev. B 27, 631 (1983)] (CZB) have presented algorithms for extracting crystalline total energies from Fourier-transform, linear combinations of Gaussian-type orbitals (LCGTO's), local-density-functional electronic-structure calculations. To obtain stable total energies as well as direct (i.e., virial theorem) pressures for a wide variety of systems, the CZB algorithms must be modified to remove unphysical numerical instabilities, achieve crucial cancellations, etc. Excellent results are obtained for bcc Li with these techniques and an appropriately enriched basis. Equation-of-state studies on a prototype molecular crystal, fcc Ne, reveal difficulties related to the Fourier-transform techniques. The most important is the approximate treatment (the linear term in a density shift expansion) of the iterative improvement of the exchange-correlation-potential Fourier coefficients. These difficulties are completely controlled and the density expansion is rendered rapidly convergent by use of an improved version of the augmented-plane-wave to LCGTO conversion technique previously reported. That procedure is used to predict the fcc Ne equation of state to 2.8 Mbar as an extension of the 0-150-kbar experimental data. The calculated high-pressure electronic structure also yields a secondary prediction: There is no metallization in the fcc phase through 2.8 Mbar.
Motion estimation in ISAR focusing

Inverse-synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) processing algorithms require an explicit or implicit model of the motion of the target, since this information is not measurable at the sensor. A major unsolved problem is whether it is better to develop a deterministic model of the motion or to fit the observations to a mathematical model which may be ambiguous with a wide range of physical target motions. This question is particularly important for the imaging of small targets in ground clutter since the available information on the target motion may be very limited. By contrast, the imaging of large ships in sea clutter yields a wealth of information of the motion of the body. This paper explores the effectiveness of models of the second kind by testing a set of motion estimation algorithms against motor vehicle targets imaged by a high-frequency SAR at long range and low grazing angle. The algorithms attempt to estimate the bulk motion of the vehicle and its rotation about its mean position by fitting many small pieces of information gathered from low quality or short duration scatterers detected in either the raw range- compressed signal history or in the complex image. In forming the motion model, the algorithm avoids undue reliance on particular bright or narrow-Doppler targets in favor of a global fit to many partially resolved or glinting features. The algorithm is demonstrated for 0.3 meter resolution SAR data of a Winnebago van from a Ku-band radar.
How does Bennett Woods Elementary School produce such high reading and writing achievement

The authors developed a grounded theory about how a school serving relatively advantaged children produces high reading and writing achievement compared with schools serving similar populations of students. The school's faculty is reading and writing focused, and students experience many books as they receive explicit, demanding instruction (i.e., about how to read words, comprehend, write) connected to content learning. The school offers a positive, motivating environment. In sum, many elements that potentially supported achievement were identified, including explicit teaching of skills in the context of much reading, writing, and content learning, which is consistent with balanced perspectives on reading and writing development. A major hypothesis in the grounded theory is that even with relatively advantaged populations, great efforts may be required to produce high reading and writing achievement.
A Study on the Neurobehavioral Effects of Occupational Exposure to Organic Solvents in Korean Workers

In order to investigate the neurobehavioral effects in workers occupationally exposed to organic solvents in Korea using WHO neurobehavioral core test battery (NCTB), a cross-sectional study of 113 male car painters and printers and 81 controls was conducted. Among the seven tests of the NCTB, only four tests--simple reaction time, Santa Ana dexterity, digit symbol, and Benton visual retention tests--were administered to the subjects because of time limitations. Painters and printers were exposed mainly to toluene, xylenes, and methyl ethyl ketone and often to solvent mixtures. The range of the solvent exposure level was 0.10-2.29 of hygienic effect. Poorer performance of Benton visual retention in the exposed group when compared to the control group was found after controlling confounders. No exposure-dependent effect was found. Further investigation with a matched control group regarding confounding factors is required for conclusive results.
Determination of malondialdehyde by ion-pairing high-performance liquid chromatography☆

Abstract A method for the analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) by ion-pairing HPLC is described. The method is direct, no derivitization is required, and sample preparation is minimal. After removal of particulates, the samples are injected directly onto an octadecylsilane column which is eluted with 14% ( v v ) acetonitrile in 50 m m myristyltrimethylammonium bromide, 1 m m phosphate, pH 6.8. Detection is accomplished by monitoring absorbance at 254 nm or for greater sensitivity at 267 nm. The lower limit for reliable quantitation is 5 pmol MDA and the dynamic range extends to at least 4 nmol MDA. The method has been applied to the quantitation of MDA production during microsomal lipid peroxidation and to an assessment of the stability of MDA in microsomal and urine samples.
Development and Validation of a Mathematical Model for Growth of Pathogens in Cut Melons

Many outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with the consumption of fresh-cut melons have been reported. The objective of our research was to develop a mathematical model that predicts the growth rate of Salmonella on fresh-cut cantaloupe over a range of storage temperatures and to validate that model by using Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon, using both new data and data from the published studies. The growth of Salmonella on honeydew and watermelon and E. coli O157:H7 on cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon was monitored at temperatures of 4 to 25°C. The Ratkowsky (or square-root model) was used to describe Salmonella growth on cantaloupe as a function of storage temperature. Our results show that the levels of Salmonella on fresh-cut cantaloupe with an initial load of 3 log CFU/g can reach over 7 log CFU/g at 25°C within 24 h. No growth was observed at 4°C. A linear correlation was observed between the square root of Salmonella growth rate and temperature, such that √growth rate = 0.026 × (T - 5.613), R(2) = 0.9779. The model was generally suitable for predicting the growth of both Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 on cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon, for both new data and data from the published literature. When compared with existing models for growth of Salmonella, the new model predicts a theoretic minimum growth temperature similar to the ComBase Predictive Models and Pathogen Modeling Program models but lower than other food-specific models. The ComBase Prediction Models results are very similar to the model developed in this study. Our research confirms that Salmonella can grow quickly and reach high concentrations when cut cantaloupe is stored at ambient temperatures, without visual signs of spoilage. Our model provides a fast and cost-effective method to estimate the effects of storage temperature on fresh-cut melon safety and could also be used in subsequent quantitative microbial risk assessments.
The septin cytoskeleton facilitates membrane retraction during motility and blebbing

Increasing evidence supports a critical role for the septin cytoskeleton at the plasma membrane during physiological processes including motility, formation of dendritic spines or cilia, and phagocytosis. We sought to determine how septins regulate the plasma membrane, focusing on this cytoskeletal element’s role during effective amoeboid motility. Surprisingly, septins play a reactive rather than proactive role, as demonstrated during the response to increasing hydrostatic pressure and subsequent regulatory volume decrease. In these settings, septins were required for rapid cortical contraction, and SEPT6-GFP was recruited into filaments and circular patches during global cortical contraction and also specifically during actin filament depletion. Recruitment of septins was also evident during excessive blebbing initiated by blocking membrane trafficking with a dynamin inhibitor, providing further evidence that septins are recruited to facilitate retraction of membranes during dynamic shape change. This function of septins in assembling on an unstable cortex and retracting aberrantly protruding membranes explains the excessive blebbing and protrusion observed in septin-deficient T cells.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Flatfoot Deformity: Cadaver Study:

Eleven fresh-frozen cadaver foot specimens were tested to define changes in tarsal alignment associated with flatfoot, or pes planus, a common clinical problem. The three-dimensional position of four bones (talus, calcaneus, navicular, and first metatarsal) relative to the fixed tibia was determined with a magnetic tracking system in the intact foot and flatfoot conditions. In the flatfoot, the average metatarsal-to-talar position difference was 11.7 degrees +/-4.4 degrees in abduction (P < 0.0001), 10.4 degrees +/-3.6 degrees in dorsiflexion (P < 0.0001), and 10.9 degrees +/-6.0 degrees in eversion (P < 0.0001) compared with the intact foot. The average calcaneal-to-talar position difference was 2.2 degrees +/-2.6 degrees in abduction (P=0.0171) and 2.7 degrees+/-2.0 degrees in eversion (P=0.0012) compared with the intact foot. The average navicular-to-talar position difference was 13.6 degrees +/-5.0 degrees in abduction (P < 0.0001), 10.5 degrees +/-6.6 degrees in dorsiflexion (P=0.0004), and 8.1 degrees +/-3.8 degrees in eversion (P < 0.0001) compared with normal. The average talar-to-tibial position difference was -8.2 degrees +/-3.2 degrees in dorsiflexion (P < 0.001) compared with the intact foot. The average arch height difference was 6.0+/-2.7 mm (P < 0.0001) less than the normal condition. The deformity associated with flatfoot is complex and occurs in multiple joints and in all three planes. An understanding of the normal and pathologic (flatfoot) conditions is necessary to surgically restore appropriate alignment and function in hindfoot reconstruction operations.
The Impact of Racial Slurs and Racism on the Perceptions and Punishment of Violent Crime

When a crime is committed by an individual of one race against an individual of another race, there is the possibility that the crime is a hate crime. Legislation often mandates harsher penalties for perpetrators convicted of crimes determined to be hate crimes, yet this determination is difficult to make. This study used vignettes of violent crimes to examine how the races of the perpetrators and victims, the severity of the assault, and the use of racial slurs by the perpetrators would affect perceptions of the crimes as "hate crimes," victim blaming, and sentencing recommendations. Results showed that each of these factors affected participants' perceptions and punishments of violent crime. Participants' levels of racism were an additional factor. These results contribute to the understanding of how crimes in which the perpetrator's and victim's races differ are perceived.
High prevalence of overweight and obesity in females with phenylketonuria

The primary treatment for phenylketonuria (PKU) is a low phenylalanine diet together with an amino acid-based, phenylalanine-free formula. Thus, PKU patients tend to consume a diet enriched in carbohydrates which could predispose to obesity. Studies in the 1980s and 1990s demonstrated that school-age phenylketonuria (PKU) patients have a higher mean body weight compared to a control population. However, no recent studies in the United States PKU population have examined whether this trend has persisted or whether adolescents are also affected. To investigate whether pediatric PKU populations (ages 2-20 years) in two major metropolitan areas of the United States (Cleveland, OH and Houston, TX) have a higher than expected percentage of overweight (BMI≥85th percentile) relative to the general population in the United States (NHANES), a retrospective chart review of PKU patients born between 1990 and 2008 and followed in Cleveland, OH (Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital/University Hospitals Case Medical Center) and in Houston, TX (Texas Children's Hospital) was performed. Based on data from the U.S., 40% of pediatric PKU patients were overweight or obese. However, the percentage of overweight females (55%) and obese females (33%) is 1.8× and 2.1× higher respectively than expected based on comparison data from U.S. children. Further studies are necessary to identify potential strategies for prevention of excessive weight gain in children with PKU, especially in females.
A delay measurement method using a shrinking clock signal

This paper describes a delay measurement method using a shrinking clock signal. The shrinking clock is generated from an AND operation on two clock signals having slightly different periods, which are provided by an external tester. Instead of measuring the number of clocks before it vanishes, another AND operation is utilized to reduce the size of the counter. A differential approach is used to minimize the effect from any non-ideal behavior of circuits used for the measurement as well as to substitute for calibration. In the proposed method, the dynamic range, the measurement resolution and accuracy do not depend on the measurement circuit itself, but on the external clocks from the tester. Circuit-level simulations show good linearity and measurement accuracy regardless of process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations when the edge placement accuracy of the external tester amounts to 100ps.
Electrical Characterization of As and [As+Si] doped GaN Grown by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition

Electrical properties of As, Si, and [As+Si] doped GaN films grown on sapphire substrates by low temperature metalorganic chemical vapor deposition have been investigated using temperature dependent Hall-effect and deep level transient spectroscopy measurements. The Hall measurements from the GaN layers show that the concentration decreases with arsine flow (4, 40, and 400 sccm) at all temperatures. The carrier concentration of the Si-doped GaN, on the other hand, increases with the incorporation of arsine flow. This behavior is attributed to the formation of As Ga antisites which act as double donors. A deep level at around 0.82 eV below the conduction in the band gap of As doped GaN is measured by DLTS and is tentatively assigned to arsenic on gallium antisite.
Identification and characterization of a novel efflux-related multidrug resistance phenotype in Staphylococcus aureus

Moxifloxacin is a C8-methoxy (C8-OMe) fluoroquinolone that is highly active against Staphylococcus aureus, including many strains resistant to older fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin. Available data indicate that it is a poor substrate for the NorA multidrug efflux pump. We produced a mutant of S. aureus in vitro (SA-K2068) with a novel non-NorA-mediated multidrug resistance phenotype characterized by raised MICs of several fluoroquinolones, including the C8-OMe fluoroquinolones, moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin, and the organic cations ethidium and tetraphenylphosphonium. Reserpine reduced MIC increases by two- to eight-fold. SA-K2068 also demonstrated reduced accumulation of moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin and enoxacin, and increased efflux of ethidium, activities that were completely blocked by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP); competition experiments indicated that a single pump was responsible for the phenotype. The effect of CCCP and ionophores identified the proton motive force as the source of energy for efflux. These data, combined with previous work from our laboratory and genome sequence data, indicate that S. aureus possesses several multidrug efflux pump proteins and it is apparent that C8-OMe fluoroquinolones can be substrates for such pumps.
Acceptability and potential effectiveness of a foot drop stimulator in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

Aim Ankle–foot orthoses are the standard of care for foot drop in cerebral palsy (CP), but may overly constrain ankle movement and limit function in those with mild CP. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) may be a less restrictive and more effective alternative, but has rarely been used in CP. The primary objective of this study was to conduct the first trial in CP examining the acceptability and clinical effectiveness of a novel, commercially available device that delivers FES to stimulate ankle dorsiflexion. Method Twenty-one individuals were enrolled (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I and II, mean age 13y 2mo). Gait analyses in FES and non-FES conditions were performed at two walking speeds over a 4 month period of device use. Measures included ankle kinematics and spatiotemporal variables. Differences between conditions were revealed using repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance. Results Nineteen individuals (nine females, 10 males; mean age 12y 11mo, range 7y 5mo to 19y 11mo; 11 at GMFCS level I, eight at level II) completed the FES intervention, with all but one choosing to continue using FES beyond that phase. Average daily use was 5.6 hours (SD 2.3). Improved dorsiflexion was observed during swing (mean and peak) and at foot–floor contact, with partial preservation of ankle plantarflexion at toe-off when using the FES at self-selected and fast walking speeds. Gait speed was unchanged. Interpretation This FES device was well accepted and effective for foot drop in those with mild gait impairments from CP.
The functions and dysfunctions of hierarchy

Abstract Functionalist accounts of hierarchy, longstanding in the social sciences, have gained recent prominence in studies of leadership, power, and status. This chapter takes a critical look at a core implication of the functionalist perspective – namely, that steeper hierarchies help groups and organizations perform better than do flatter structures. We review previous research relevant to this question, ranging from studies of communication structures in small groups to studies of compensation systems in large corporations. This review finds that in contrast to strong functionalist assertions, the effects of steeper hierarchies are highly mixed. Sometimes steeper hierarchies benefit groups and sometimes they harm groups. We thus propose five conditions that moderate the effects of hierarchy steepness: (1) the kinds of tasks on which the group is working; (2) whether the right individuals have been selected as leaders; (3) how the possession of power modifies leaders’ psychology; (4) whether the hierarchy facilitates or hampers intra-group coordination; and (5) whether the hierarchy affects group members’ motivation in positive or deleterious ways.
Global optimization for the phase stability problem

The Gibbs tangent plane criterion has become important in determining the quality of obtained solutions to the phase and chemical equilibrium problem. The ability to determine if a postulated solution is thermodynamically stable with respect to perturbations in any or all of the phases is very useful in the search for the true equilibrium solution. Previous approaches have focused on finding stationary points of the tangent plane distance function. Obtaining all stationary points, however, cannot be guaranteed due to the complex and nonlinear nature of the models used to predict equilibrium. Simpler formulations for the stability problem are presented for special problems where nonideal liquid phases can be adequately modeled using the NRTL and UNIQUAC activity coefficient equations. It shows how the global minimum of the tangent plane distance function can be obtained for these problems. A global optimization approach is advantageous because a nonnegative solution can be asserted to be the globally stable equilibrium one, unlike available local algorithms. For the NRTL equation, the GOP algorithm of Floudas and Visweswaran (1990, 1993) is used to guarantee obtaining ϵ -global convergence to the global minimum. For the UNIQUAC equation, a branch and bound algonthm based on that of Falk and Soland (1969) is used to guarantee convergence to the global solution. Computational results demonstrate the efficiency of both global optimization algorithms in solving various challenging problems.
A modified approach to the phenol and alcohol chemical partial matrixectomy

The phenol and alcohol matrixectomy is a frequently used technique for treating onychocryptosis in healthy patients. This article describes a modification of this common procedure. The modified version provides a quick and easy method of removing an ingrown nail.
Can Cohort Replacement Explain Changes in the Relationship Between Age and Homicide Offending

This paper focuses on shifts in the age distribution of homicide offending in the United States. This distribution remained remarkably stable with small but significant changes over a long period of time. Then between 1985 and 1990 the rates of homicide offending doubled for 15-to-19 year olds and increased nearly 40% for 20-to-24 year olds, while the homicide offending rates decreased for those over 30. In addition to this “epidemic of youth homicide,” which lasted through the mid-1990s, there have been systematic changes in the age distribution of homicide in the United States associated with cohort replacement over the past 40 years. We introduce an estimable function approach for estimating the effects of age, period, and cohort. The method allows us to assess simultaneously the impacts of periods and cohorts on the age distribution of homicide offending. We find that although the age curve remains relatively stable, there are shifts in it associated systematically with cohort replacement. Cohort replacement accounts for nearly half of the upturn in youth homicides during the epidemic of youth homicides, but a significant fraction of that upturn is not associated with cohort replacement.
A physics-based statistical model for reliability of STT-MRAM considering oxide variability

A physics-based statistical model considering oxide thickness (Tox) variability is proposed for evaluating the impact of time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) on the performance of spin-transfer torque magneto-resistive random access memory (STT-MRAM). The statistics of breakdown events are captured by the percolation theory, physics-based analytical model for successive break down (BD) and 1-D non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF). Using the proposed model, we examine Tox-dependence of STT-MRAM performance distribution, such as tunneling magneto-resistance ratio (TMR) and critical current (IC). Simulation results clearly show that oxide variability needs to be taken into account for better lifetime prediction. The proposed model has been validated with experimental data.
The Making of Wage Laborers in Nineteenth Century Southern Africa: Magololo Porters and David Livingstone, 1853–1861

This essay illuminates the worldwide transition to free labor from various forms of unfree labor by examining that process in the particular conditions of Southern Africa's encounter with Britain. Dr. David Livingstone's servants—whose descendants in Malawi have been called “Magololo,” 1 a term used throughout this essay to distinguish them from the “Kololo” conquerors of Bulozi in contemporary Zambia and parts of Namibia—exemplify this global development. Between 1853 and 1861, over a hundred young Magololo men worked as porters, deckhands, and guides and showed Livingstone the very places in southern Africa whose “discovery” (for Britons) made Livingstone famous. Owing tribute labor to their king, Sekeletu, they initially performed these tasks as subjects. But, after Livingstone's return from England in 1858, they labored for wages; they were among the first groups of Africans in the region to make the emblematic modern move from formally unfree labor to formally free labor. This transition, which would form the core conflict of indirect rule in British Africa, radically altered Livingstone's relationship with his guides: They rebelled against him in 1861. This is one side of the story. The other side follows from the fact that one cannot sensibly speak about workers without the story of their employers. Accordingly, this essay revisits the well-known story of Livingstone's life but offers a different perspective than other biographies. It is the first study to combine the long-familiar documentary evidence with oral sources, for the specific purpose of retelling the Livingstone narrative (in its many renderings) from the viewpoint of his relations with the Magololo workers. In that way, it can shed light on the beginnings of the transition to wage labor in this region.
Effect of N-terminal glutamic acid and glutamine on fragmentation of peptide ions.

A prominent dissociation path for electrospray generated tryptic peptide ions is the dissociation of the peptide bond linking the second and third residues from the ammo-terminus. The formation of the resulting b2 and yn−2 fragments has been rationalized by specific facile mechanisms. An examination of spectral libraries shows that this path predominates in diprotonated peptides composed of 12 or fewer residues, with the notable exception of peptides containing glutamine or glutamic acid at the N-terminus. To elucidate the mechanism by which these amino acids affect peptide fragmentation, we synthesized peptides of varying size and composition and examined their MS/MS spectra as a function of collision voltage in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Loss of water from N-terminal glutamic acid and glutamine is observed at a lower voltage than any other fragmentation, leading to cyclization of the terminal residue. This cyclization results in the conversion of the terminal amine group to an imide, which has a lower proton affinity. As a result, the second proton is not localized at the N-terminus but is readily transferred to other sites, leading to fragmentation near the center of the peptide. Further confirmation was obtained by examining peptides with N-terminal pyroglutamic acid and N-acetyl peptides. Peptides with N-terminal proline maintain the trend of forming b2 and yn−2 because their ring contains an imine rather than imide and has sufficient proton affinity to retain the proton at the N-terminus.
Optical beam-shaping design based on aspherical lenses for circularization, collimation, and expansion of elliptical laser beams

We present two optical system designs using aspherical lenses for beam circularization, collimation, and expansion of semiconductor lasers for possible application in lidar systems. Two different optical lens systems are investigated; namely, two aspherical lens and single aspherical lens systems. Software package programs of ZEMAX and MATLAB to simulate the optical designs are used. The beam reshaping results are presented for one specific laser beam output.
The Economics of Clostridium difficile-Associated Disease for Providers and Payers

Outbreaks of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD), especially the hypervirulent North American pulsed field gel electrophoresis type 1 strain, have presented significant problems for patients, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinicians [1-3]. The important study by Dubberke et al. [4] in this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases calls attention to the financial burden facing hospitals and, indirectly, to payers. As noted by Dubberke et al. [4], their findings are conservative, as we will discuss further.
Synthesis and photoresponse of rare earth doped phosphosilicates

Phosphate ceramics doped with Sm3+ and Tb3+ ions were synthesized through sol-gel process. Thin films of Tb3+ doped phosphosilicates were fabricated by spin coating of the phosphosilicate sols on SiOx/indium-tin-oxide/glass substrates. The gels synthesized by reaction of P2O5 with tetraethoxy silane (TEOS) were fired in air at a temperature range of 200°C - 900°C. The crystal structure was examined by x-ray diffractometry. Si5O(PO4)6 was the only crystalline phase. The fluorescence spectra of Sm3+ as a function of firing temperature, composition and structure of the matrices were investigated. The intensity of Sm3+ emission increased with increasing firing temperatures and greater proportion of phosphorus. The photocurrent of the films at 355 nm laser excitation was observed. The photoresponse as a function of laser energy was linear and showed no sign of saturation. The films exhibited stable photoresponse under a high number of laser shots.
Texture Dissimilarity Measures for Background Change Detection

Presented framework provides a method for adaptive background change detection in video from monocular static cameras. A background change constitutes of objects left in the scene and objects moved or taken from the scene. This framework may be applied to luggage left behind in public places, to asses the damage and theft of public property, or to detect minute changes in the scene. The key elements of the framework include spatiotemporal motion detection, texture classification of non-moving regions, and spatial clustering of detected background changes. Motion detection based on local variation of spatiotemporal texture separates the foreground and background regions. Local background dissimilarity measurement is based on wavelet decomposition of localized texture maps. Dynamic threshold of the normalized dissimilarity measurement identifies changed local background blocks, and spatial clustering isolates the regions of interest. The results are demonstrated on the PETS 2006 video sequences.
Scalability versus Execution Time in Scalable Systems

Parallel programming is elusive. The relative performance of different parallel implementations varies with machine architecture, system and problem size. How to compare different implementations over a wide range of machine architectures and problem sizes has not been well addressed due to its difficulty. Scalability has been proposed in recent years to reveal scaling properties of parallel algorithms and machines. In this paper, the relation between scalability and execution time is carefully studied. The concepts of crossing point analysis and range comparison are introduced. Crossing point analysis finds slow/fast performance crossing points of parallel algorithms and machines. Range comparison compares performance over a wide range of ensemble and problem size via scalability and crossing point analysis. Three algorithms from scientific computing are implemented on an Intel Paragon and an IBM SP2 parallel computer. Experimental and theoretical results show how the combination of scalability, crossing point analysis, and range comparison provides a practical solution for scalable performance evaluation and prediction. While our testings are conducted on homogeneous parallel computers, the proposed methodology applies to heterogeneous and network computing as well.
Inactivation of a gene for a fibronectin-binding protein of the oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans partially impairs its adherence to fibronectin.

A sequence of 1647 base pairs in length of Streptococcus mutans DNA that encodes for a 63-kDa protein with significant amino acid similarity with fibronectin-binding proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus gordonii was cloned. The putative recombinant fibronectin-binding protein of S. mutans was purified using affinity chromatography and the cloned protein was used to prepare polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant protein. In immunoblot assays, antibodies against the S. pyogenes fibronectin-binding protein, FBP54, were cross-reactive with the S. mutans protein that was designated SmFnB. Additionally, antibodies to the S. mutans SmFnB protein reacted with the S. pyogenes FBP54 protein. The S. mutans SmFnB protein was found to bind to immobilized fibronectin in a concentration dependant manner. A mutant strain of S. mutans M51 that was constructed by allelic exchange did not express the SmFnB protein. This mutant strain, S. mutans DSmFnB, was determined in an ELISA to bind to immobilized fibronectin 30% less when compared to the parental strain S. mutans M51. The results are consistent with the conclusion that the 63-kDa SmFnB protein of S. mutans is a fibronectin-binding protein that may contribute to the interaction of S. mutans with damaged heart tissue during pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. Also, the study suggests that multiple molecules may mediate the interaction of S. mutans with fibronectin.
An Introduction to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Sonographers

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) promises to become a valuable diagnostic tool for both diagnostic imaging and in vivo spectroscopy. MRI systems are already in place at a number of hospitals, and more units are expected to be installed when they receive FDA approval. Sonographers should understand the principles of MRI, since its use will interface with diagnostic medical ultrasound. A brief introduction to the physics of NMR is given. Typical MRI imaging equipment is described, including a comparison between superconducting, resistive, and permanent magnet systems. Some potential uses of this new technology are discussed. The safety and biologic effects of MRI are considered, and basic instructions for patient screening and preparation are given.
Social Context and Interaction in Ongoing Computer-Supported Management Groups

Electronic communication has been proposed as a key technology enabling new organization forms and structures, work designs, and task processes. This view assumes that organization structure and form can be defined in terms of communication linkages among organizational units. Communication is a social process, however. Therefore, to better understand the potential for these technologies to enable fundamental organizational change, we must understand how existing structures and social contexts influence patterns of organizational communication. This research examined the use of electronic messaging by ongoing management groups performing a cooperative task. By means of an in-depth multimethod field study of the editorial group of two daily newspapers, it examined the influence of the groups' social context on the patterns of face-to-face and computer-mediated communication. The results show that different groups using the same functional structure and performing the same task with identical communication technologies, but operating within different social contexts, appropriated the communication technology differently and in a way that was consistent with and reinforcing to their existing social structure. This finding suggests that researchers must, at the very least, explicitly take into account social context when studying the effects of introducing technologies which may alter group interaction. Additionally, researchers should look to social context as an important explanatory construct to be explicitly varied and investigated with regard to effects and outcomes of these technologies. The findings also suggest that managers must diagnose and explicitly manage the social context of the workplace prior to implementing technologies, if their intent is to restructure the patterns of interaction and information exchange in support of new organizational forms.
Probability-based weighting of performance criteria for a redundant manipulator

A method to simultaneously optimize multiple performance criteria for a redundant manipulator is presented. Preferred formulation requirements for the criteria are discussed, and previously proposed normalization methods are examined. A statistically based variable weighting technique is developed and evaluated. A seven-degree-of freedom Robotics Research Corporation manipulator is used as a test bed for the multiple criteria optimization scheme. >
Parallel solution of sparse linear systems on a vector multiprocessor computer

An efficient approach is described for solving sparse linear systems using direct methods on a shared-memory vector multiprocessor computer. Parallelism is accomplished by using a nested bordered block diagonal matrix partitioning technique. A nested block structure is used to represent the sparse matrix, making possible the use of vectorization to achieve high performance. This approach is suitable for many applications that require the repeated direct solution of sparse linear systems with identical matrix structure, such as circuit simulation. The approach has been implemented in a program that runs on an ALLIANT FX/8 vector multiprocessor with shared memory. The performance of the program is described. >
Early Experience Effects

The concepts of continuity and discontinuity apply to a variety of issues in developmental psychology today. Concern with these concepts reflects a continuing interest in the genetics-environment issue—the question of the extent to which behavior is a product of inheritance or of environmental influences. As with the nature-nurture issue, it is important to see that hypotheses about continuities and discontinuities in development are not necessarily in conflict. However, this conclusion does not weaken the importance of understanding the role of both processes in any particular developmental task.
Medieval, the Middle Ages

As the italicization of the words in my title indicates, my concern this morning is with the terms medieval and Middle Ages, not with the period itself. Members of the Medieval Academy of America, whether historians, philologists, iconographers, Byzantinists, or specialists in any of the other disciplines that enrich our Academy, will all presumably have a common interest in the terms by which our subject matter is known to the world at large. I propose to begin by offering some observations on the pronunciation and spelling of our terms and then turn to the matter of the origin of medieval and Middle Ages and the puzzling question as to why English has a plural noun Middle Ages whereas other major European languages seem to have a singular moyen age, edad media, Mittelalter, medioevo, and so on. Finally, I shall give some attention to the meaning and popular usage of terms like medieval and Middle Ages in the various languages of Europe and shall try to draw some conclusions from this as to the status our subject has in the world community. I begin with pronunciation. I see no problems in the case of the term Middle Ages. For medieval, however, dictionaries and manuals of elocution record several pronunciations, the two most prominent of which are [,mi:di'i:vol] and [,mcdi'i:val], the former being recommended by American authorities, the latter by British. Which is correct? In the Latin word from which medieval is derived, the first vowel is short (med-), a fact which may seem to justify the Englishman's way with the word. But this is false logic, for both English and American speakers pay little attention generally to the pronunciation guidance offered by Latin etymons. Certainly few Englishmen are persuaded to give up their pronunciation of vitamin (['vitomon]) merely because the Latin long i in vita supports the American pronunciation. And the pronunciation [med-] in the Englishman's medieval is itself inconsistent with his own usual pronunciation of the same root in other words: one does not hear in England of "mass ['mcdio]," nor do Englishmen pronounce the e short in mediocre or immediately.' The pronunciation of medieval is simply one more of those instances where Englishmen and Americans agree to pronounce the same word differently without either nation trying to impose its pronunciation on the other.
Metastatic Cancer And Rna Editing: Brief Look At How Rna Editing Is Seen To Encourage Primary Cancer Cells To Metastasize.

Objective: Information that is present in our DNA is transferred to RNA, which is in turn transcribed into proteins. This is a central principle of molecular biology. Over the years, there have been many attempts to document the thousands of places where transcribed RNA does not match the DNA template it was created from. This behavior is called RNA Editing, and is generally thought to be mainly an A->I change, that is, adenosine to inosine (read as guanine by DNA sequencers), with occasional cytosine to uracil changes as well. Cancer, with its volatility due to DNA base changes, gets more complex with the occurrences of RNA editing. To ensure a fair ground to study RNA editing, we have considered exome and RNASeq library pairs from the cancer-affected ovarian, lymph node and peritoneum tissues in three individual. This data set will help identify RNA editing locations in these tissues, and the role it plays in metastasis. Methods: The exome libraries were prepared using Illumina Paired End Sample Preparation kit and Agilent SureSelect Target Enrichment System kit. RNASeq libraries were prepared using Illumina paired-end protocol. Both the libraries were sequenced using the Illumina NextGen Sequencing platform. Exome libraries were aligned using bowtie2 and RNASeq using tophat2. SNPs were called using samtools. The RNAEditing database from Ensemble was used to filter out known editing sites. With the remaining editing locations, a blat was run against the surrounding sequence to check for similarity to other parts of the genome, to rule out editing sites being called as a result of incorrect alignment scoring. Results: From our preliminary analysis, we see that a majority of the RNA Editing positions represent A->I changes, with a few C->U changes as well. Some of these positional changes are seen across all tissues in an individual. There are few RNA edited sites that are mainly seen only in the metastatic locations, and not seen in the primary. Conclusions: By analyzing the initial results, we can identify the mutations and RNA edited sites that originate from the primary tumor tissue, and those that are acquired in the metastatic tissues.
Hemangioma of the knee joint.

Articular hemangiomata can be diagnosed prior to surgery in practically all cases, provided the correlation between the clinical picture and the pathological process is fully appreciated. These signs are significant: (1) the presence of a circumscribed mass, which is covered by normal skin and which increases in size when the extremity is in the dependent position; (2) the presence of blood after puncture of the mass; and (3) the disappearance of the contrast substance roentgenographically after injection into the vascular area. Surgical excision offers excellent end results.
Prescription Opioid Duration, Dose, and Increased Risk of Depression in 3 Large Patient Populations

PURPOSE Recent results suggests the risk of a new onset of depression increases with longer duration of opioid analgesic use. It is unclear whether new-onset depression related to opioid analgesic use is a function of the dose prescribed or the duration of use or both. METHODS Using a retrospective cohort design, we collected patient data from 2000 to 2012 from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and from 2003 to 2012 from both Baylor Scott & White Health (BSWH) and the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS). Patients (70,997 VHA patients, 13,777 BSWH patients, and 22,981 HFHS patients) were new opioid users, aged 18 to 80 years, without a diagnosis of depression at baseline. Opioid analgesic use duration was defined as 1 to 30, 31 to 90, and more than 90 days, and morphine equivalent dose (MED) was defined as 1 to 50 mg/d, 51 to 100 mg/d, and greater than 100 mg/d of analgesic. Pain and other potential confounders were controlled for by inverse probability of treatment–weighted propensity scores. RESULTS New-onset depression after opioid analgesic use occurred in 12% of the VHA sample, 9% of the BSWH sample, and 11% of the HFHS sample. Compared with 1- to 30-day users, new-onset depression increased in those with longer opioid analgesic use. Risk of new-onset depression with 31 to 90 days of opioid analgesic use ranged from hazard ratio [HR] = 1.18 (95% CI, 1.10–1.25) in VHA to HR = 1.33 (95% CI, 1.16–1.52) in HFHS; in opioid analgesic use of more than 90 days, it ranged from HR = 1.35 (95% CI, 1.26–1.44) in VHA to HR = 2.05 (95% CI, 1.75–2.40) in HFHS. Dose was not significantly associated with a new onset of depression. CONCLUSIONS Opioid-related new onset of depression is associated with longer duration of use but not dose. Patients and practitioners should be aware that opioid analgesic use of longer than 30 days imposes risk of new-onset depression. Opioid analgesic use, not just pain, should be considered a potential source when patients report depressed mood.