cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantification of hordenine in a complex plant matrix by direct analysis in real time-high-resolution mass spectrometry: Application to the "plant of concern" Sceletium tortuosum.

Recently, there has been an increase in the recreational abuse of several psychoactive plants, resulting in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime creating a list of "plants of concern." One such material is Sceletium tortuosum and products derived from it. Regulation of these materials is challenging because of their innocuous appearance, the cumbersome sample preparation steps required to render the material into a form amenable to analysis by conventional techniques, the requirement for nuanced sample analysis protocols, and lengthy analysis times. It is demonstrated here that direct analysis in real time-high-resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS) can be used to not only identify S. tortuosum material based on the detection of characteristic biomarkers including hordenine and several mesembrine alkaloids, but also quantify the amount of hordenine present. Using hordenine-d6 as an internal standard, a protocol, validated according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Guidelines for the Development and Validation of Bioanalytical Methods, was devised for the quantification of the psychoactive component hordenine. The method was then applied to the quantification of hordenine in six commercially available products derived from the foliage and stems of S. tortuosum. By this method, the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was found to be 1 μg/ml. Observed hordenine concentrations ranged from 0.02738 to 1.071 mg of hordenine per gram of plant material. The developed technique provides an effective and quick means for the detection and quantification of hordenine in S. tortuosum, which can be extended to analysis of other hordenine-containing products.
Expansion of the Marine Archaea

One group of the Archaea (ancient bacteria) began life inhabiting the hyperthermal vents of the oceans but then suddenly expanded to more temperate ocean niches during the Cretaceous. In a Perspective, [Smith][1] discusses new work ([ Kuypers et al .][2]) pinpointing the exact time of this archaeal expansion within the mid-Cretaceous, and the changing conditions in the ocean that contributed to this expansion. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/293/5527/56 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/293/5527/92
Critical absorption tomography of small samples: Proposed applications of synchrotron radiation to computerized tomography II

Abstract Computerized X-ray transmission tomography can be used to reconstruct the distribution of a particular element in a section by comparing the image obtained at a photon energy just greater than a critical absorption edge with that obtained at a lower photon energy. The method is examined, with particular regard to samples smaller than 1 cm, to determine the sensitivity to element concentration as a function of spatial resolution, sample size and material, and photon flux. With the intense, monochromatic and tunable X-ray sources that are becoming available from dedicated synchrotron radiation facilities, it will be practical to make three-dimensional maps, with spatial resolution in the micrometer range, of trace elements in the interior of small specimens.
Combining the strengths of the Bayesian optimization algorithm and adaptive evolution strategies

This paper proposes a method that combines competent genetic algorithms working in discrete domains with adaptive evolution strategies working in continuous domains. We use discretization to transform solution between the two domains. The results of our experiments with the Bayesian optimization algorithm discrete optimizer and σ-self-adaptive mutation of evolution strategies as a continuous optimizer combined using k-means clustering suggest that the algorithm scales up well on all tested problems. The proposed method can be used to fill the gap between other optimization methods working in continuous and discrete domains and allow their hybridization.
The blunted insulin release after exercise and the relationship with Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide and Glucagon-like Peptide-1

Introduction: During exercise training, an increase in insulin sensitivity is accompanied by a decrease in plasma insulin concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role incretin hormones play in the blunted insulin release after exercise. Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are incretin hormones that cause insulin release after glucose ingestion. We hypothesized that insulin, GLP-1, and GIP concentrations during an OGTT would be lower after exercise compared to after 7 days of inactivity. Methods: Nine healthy men (n = 5) and women (n = 4) currently engaged in endurance exercise (23 ± 2 y) underwent 5 d of exercise at ~75% VO2peak for 60 min. An OGTT was performed immediately post-exercise (IPE), one day after exercise (Day 1), and one week later (Day 7). Subjects were inactive between Day 1 and Day 7 (no exercise exceeding the intensity of activities of daily living). Results: No change in body mass or body composition occurred during the study period. Glucose area under the curve (mmol/L x min) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) on Day 1 (160 ± 65) compared with IPE (233 ± 65) and was similar on Day 7 (186 ± 94). Although insulin sensitivity, as calculated by insulin-glucose index (pmol/L · min x mmol/L · min x 10), did not reach significance between Day 1 (569 ± 328) and Day 7 (1,023 ± 810), the plasma insulin response curve was significantly higher during the Day 7 OGTT compared with IPE (P < 0.05). Similarly, plasma GIP concentrations during the Day 7 OGTT were significantly higher than Day 1 (P < 0.05). No differences occurred within GLP-1 areas or
Computational motif discovery

The goal of computational motif discovery is to predict short subsequences of biological sequences that are good candidates to serve some biological function. This article focuses on the computational prediction of protein binding sites in nucleotide sequences. Three types of motif model are described: consensus, IUPAC, and weight matrix. Two types of application are described, statistical overrepresentation (in which the input sequences come from a single genome and are believed to contain instances of a single motif) and phylogenetic footprinting (in which the input sequences are homologous, typically one from each of multiple related genomes). Programs of each of these types are briefly described, with references to fuller descriptions and web sites where the programs are available. Keywords: motif; binding site; consensus; IUPAC; weight matrix; position-specific scoring matrix; statistical overrepresentation; phylogenetic footprinting
Functional expression and characterization of human D2 and D3 dopamine receptors

Functional characteristics of human D2 and D3 receptors (DRs) were examined using a new bioassay suited for the study of Gi-protein- coupled receptors (GiRs). The bioassay utilizes pigment granule aggregation within cultured Xenopus laevis melanophores for the quantitative evaluation of ligands as agonists or antagonists upon particular GiRs. Initial feasibility studies were performed by analyzing a melanocyte receptor endogenous to the melanophores. In dose- dependent manners, melatonin inhibited melatonin-stimulating hormone- induced cAMP accumulation and caused pigment aggregation that could be monitored over time. Next, melanophores were transiently transfected with cDNAs coding for the human D2BR (short form) and D3R. Expression of either receptor conferred upon the cells the ability to aggregate their melanosomes in response to selective dopaminergic agonists. The same ligands also inhibited cAMP accumulation within the transfected melanophores, and the agonist-induced pigment aggregation was shown to be sensitive to pertussis toxin. EC50 and IC50 value determinations revealed that agonists activated the D2R and D3R at similar concentrations, while each of the antagonists displaying an effect was more potent upon the D2R. The results reveal functional similarities and differences between the D2R and D3R.
Impact of medicare annual wellness visits on uptake of depression screening

Objective:Depression screening is a required part of an initial annual wellness visit (AWV), a benefit for Medicare Part B beneficiaries. It is uncertain whether AWVs will increase depression screening. This study assessed whether patients with an AWV were more likely to be screened for depression than those with a primary care visit.Methods:A cross-sectional analysis of electronic health record data was conducted for 4,245 Medicare patients who had at least one primary care visit at one of 34 practices within a large multisite provider network between September 2010 and August 2012. Quota sampling was used so that half of the participants had an AWV and half had a randomly selected primary care visit during the study period (the index visit). Multilevel logistic regressions were used to determine whether patients with an AWV had increased odds of depression screening compared with patients with a primary care visit, after adjustment for physician and clinic clustering.Results:Fifteen percent of patients ...
Callous-unemotional traits drive reduced white-matter integrity in youths with conduct problems.

Background Callous-unemotional (CU) traits represent a significant risk factor for severe and persistent conduct problems in children and adolescents. Extensive neuroimaging research links CU traits to structural and functional abnormalities in the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. In addition, adults with psychopathy (a disorder for which CU traits are a developmental precursor) exhibit reduced integrity in uncinate fasciculus, a white-matter (WM) tract that connects prefrontal and temporal regions. However, research in adolescents has not yet yielded similarly consistent findings. Method We simultaneously modeled CU traits and externalizing behaviors as continuous traits, while controlling for age and IQ, in order to identify the unique relationship of each variable with WM microstructural integrity, assessed using diffusion tensor imaging. We used tract-based spatial statistics to evaluate fractional anisotropy, an index of WM integrity, in uncinate fasciculus and stria terminalis in 47 youths aged 10-17 years, of whom 26 exhibited conduct problems and varying levels of CU traits. Results Whereas both CU traits and externalizing behaviors were negatively correlated with WM integrity in bilateral uncinate fasciculus and stria terminalis/fornix, simultaneously modeling both variables revealed that these effects were driven by CU traits; the severity of externalizing behavior was not related to WM integrity after controlling for CU traits. Conclusions These results indicate that WM abnormalities similar to those observed in adult populations with psychopathy may emerge in late childhood or early adolescence, and may be critical to understanding the social and affective deficits observed in this population.
A novel, practical pricing strategy for congestion control and differentiated services

Pricing is an effective tool to control congestion and achieve QoS provisioning for multiple differentiated levels of service. In this paper, we propose a practical, flexible and computationally simple pricing strategy that can achieve QoS provisioning in differentiated services networks with multiple priority classes at close to peak efficiency, while also maintaining stable transmission rates from end-users. In contrast to previous work in which dynamic pricing strategies are based on the state of congestion alone, our strategy adds a separate price component for the preferential service received by a packet. In addition, it utilizes a user-centric approach where a user is not charged a higher price unless preferential service is actually delivered.
Zero-phonon transitions and vibronic coupling in the 1:1 charge-transfer crystal anthracene-pyromellitic-acid-dianhydride

Abstract High resolution spectra of the 1:1 CT-crystal anthracene-pyromellitic-acid-dianhydride (A-PMDA) show at low temperatures sharp structures in absorption and in emission. We attribute these structures to a zero-phonon transition which is accompanied by vibronic satellites. The spectra yield the coupling strength of the CT-transition to the phonons and to the vibrational modes of both the donor and acceptor molecule.
Education Making the Transition to Outcomes-based Instruction

: The new IFT Education Standards require that all IFT-approved Food Science programs have an assessment plan for evaluating student learning. Learning outcomes must be written for each individual course as well as for the curriculum as a whole and assessment within each course and across the curriculum is recommended. This approach is significantly different from the traditional education approach used most commonly and requires a change in perspective on the meaning of teaching and learning without sacrificing the good things that come out of our current education system. For most programs, the first step in developing an assessment program is to identify a set of learning outcomes in the broadest sense. The assistance of an education expert to help write true learning outcomes should be solicited; as well, input from the industrial sector should be invited. Once learning outcomes have been developed for the curriculum as a whole, individual courses can be prepared to bring the most logical learning sequence together. Individual courses may follow traditional lines or courses may be reorganized in some other way to promote student learning within the resources of the program. As the curriculum is designed, thought should be given to how student learning develops across the curriculum. For example, developing team work skills may be coordinated at several points in the curriculum. In this way, students are exposed to the concepts, allowed to practice their skills, and then evaluated on their competence in a manner consistent with what they will be required to do upon graduation. Using the approach suggested here, a curriculum with coordinated instruction to promote and to assess student learning can be developed. The outcome of such an approach to instruction will be enhanced student learning and competency upon graduation.
METHODS OF QUADRATURE FOR EULER TRANSFORM INTEGRALS

Several methods of treating Euler transform integrals exist. One such method follows from the expression of the Euler transform kernel as a bilinear series of independent solutions to the Jacobi equation valid for the integration variable in the real interval −1 to 1 and the transform variable outside. The transform function then is expressed as a series of solutions of the second kind to the Jacobi equation whose coefficients are the expansion coefficients of the function to be transformed in the complete set of Jacobi polynomials, provided the latter exist. Such a series is absolutely convergent for the transform variable not on the real interval cited above. Another method, due to MacRobert, permits quadrature of the Euler transform integral directly for certain integrands. Finally, the expansion of the Euler kernel in a bilinear series of Bessel functions and Neumann polynomials valid for the integration variable on the finite interval, 0 to a, is mentioned, and applied to several integrals. Examples of all three methods are given.
Paraelectric and ferroelectric states in a model for relaxor ferroelectrics

We study the free-energy landscape of a minimal model for relaxor ferroelectrics. Using a variational method which includes leading correlations beyond the mean-field approximation as well as disorder averaging at the level of a simple replica theory, we find metastable paraelectric states with a stability region that extends to zero temperature. The free energy of such states exhibits an essential singularity for weak compositional disorder pointing to their necessary occurrence. Ferroelectric states appear as local minima in the free energy at high temperatures and become stable below a coexistence temperature ${T}_{c}$. We calculate the phase diagram in the electric-field--temperature plane and find a coexistence line of the polar and nonpolar phases which ends at a critical point. First-order phase transitions are induced for fields sufficiently large to cross the region of stability of the metastable paraelectric phase. These polar and nonpolar states have distinct structure factors from those of conventional ferroelectrics. We use this theoretical framework to compare and gain physical understanding of various experimental results in typical relaxors.
Dynamics of fluid‐saturated soils—variational formulation

Variational principles governing dynamics of fluid-saturated linear elastic porous media are derived. Complementary as well as direct formulations are discussed. Discontinuities in the field variables, the approximation space and the excitation are allowed for. Extensions of the variational principles to relax smootheness requirements on certain field variables are introduced along with some specizalizations convenient for finite element applications.
A technique for on-board CT reconstruction using both kilovoltage and megavoltage beam projections for 3D treatment verification

The technologies with kilovoltage (kV) and megavoltage (MV) imaging in the treatment room are now available for image-guided radiation therapy to improve patient setup and target localization accuracy. However, development of strategies to efficiently and effectively implement these technologies for patient treatment remains challenging. This study proposed an aggregated technique for on-board CT reconstruction using combination of kV and MV beam projections to improve the data acquisition efficiency and image quality. These projections were acquired in the treatment room at the patient treatment position with a new kV imaging device installed on the accelerator gantry, orthogonal to the existing MV portal imaging device. The projection images for a head phantom and a contrast phantom were acquired using both the On-Board Imager kV imaging device and the MV portal imager mounted orthogonally on the gantry of a Varian Clinac 21EX linear accelerator. MV projections were converted into kV information prior to the aggregated CT reconstruction. The multilevel scheme algebraic-reconstruction technique was used to reconstruct CT images involving either full, truncated, or a combination of both full and truncated projections. An adaptive reconstruction method was also applied, based on the limited numbers of kV projections and truncated MV projections, to enhance the anatomical information around the treatment volume and to minimize the radiation dose. The effects of the total number of projections, the combination of kV and MV projections, and the beam truncation of MV projections on the details of reconstructed kV/MV CT images were also investigated.
Evidence for the involvement of non-heme iron in the active site of hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris.

Abstract 1. 1. Hydrogenase (hydrogen: cytochrome c 3 oxidoreductase) of high specific activity has been purified to near homogeneity as judged by disc electrophoresis and in the analytical ultracentrifuge, and found to contain 3.5 iron and 3.2 labile-sulfide atoms per molecule (of mol. wt. 60 000). 2. 2. Hydrogenase was found to exist in a dimer form of mol. wt. 60 000 and a monomer form of 30 000. The dimer—monomer forms were concentration-dependent with the dimer form favored at high protein concentrations. 3. 3. Light absorption and EPR studies definitely indicate a redox functional iron-sulfide unit at the active site. On reduction with H 2 , a g = 1.86 EPR absorption was observed. This is the Beinert “ g = 1.9” type of EPR absorption observed in other iron-sulfide proteins such as plant and bacterial ferredoxins.
Defoliation Assessment Using Video Imagery and a Microcomputer

A video digitizer and lightpen system integrated with a microcomputer were designed to receive and alter soybean leaf images produced by a video camera. Soybean leaves were back-lighted on a fluorescent light table to differentiate defoliated, partially defoliated, and solid leaf tissue. Comparisons of precision and accuracy for solid and defoliated object measurements were made between the area analysis system (AAS) and a Li-Cor area meter (LAM). Standard deviations from two trials of six nondefoliated objects measured 10 times were significantly lower with the AAS, and overall levels of accuracy were higher than those obtained with the LAM. Percentage defoliation assessment by both systems were inconsistent. The AAS generally produced smaller error values for objects up through 15.11 cm2; The LAM produced smaller errors for objects 29–108 cm2. Significant differences between LAM and AAS defoliation estimates were found for 5 of the 19 object size-defoliation combinations measured. Of the 19 estimates made by the AAS,15 were in error by <1% defoliation, 18 were within 2%, and all were within 3% defoliation. Fifteen of 19 LAM estimates were also in error by < 1% defoliation, 16 were within 2%, 18 were within 3%, and all were within 4% defoliation. Processing times for obtaining the total area of nondefoliated objects, Mexican bean beetle-defoliated leaves, and defoliation of the 10 leaves were 13.6 s, 65 s, and 31.5 min respectively for the LAM and 15.5 s, 20.9 s, and 10.75 min for the AAS. The cost of setting up the AAS is ca. 3,000.
SU-FF-T-405: Dose to Water Versus Dose to Medium in Proton Beam Therapy

Purpose:Dose in radiation therapy is traditionally reported as dose‐to‐water,Dw . Monte Carlo (MC)dose calculations report dose‐to‐medium,Dm . A methodology is needed to convert Dm into Dw for comparing MC and planning system results. This work addressed the following questions for proton therapy: What formalism allows the conversion from Dm to Dw ? 1. Can we convert MC calculated Dm into Dw retroactively or do we have to convert during particle tracking? 2. What is the difference between Dm and Dw when analyzing patient data in terms of dose distributions, dose volume histograms and absolute doses? 3. Is there a difference in the predicted beam range between Dm and Dw ? Method: We did develop a formalism to convert Dm into Dw for proton beam dose calculations. Three different methods are introduced, an approximate method based on relative stopping power which allows retroactive conversion, a method considering energy dependent relative stopping powers, and a method incorporating nuclear interaction events as well. A total of 33 patient fields were analyzed.MC calculated dose distributions, dose volume histograms and absolute doses to assess the clinical significance of differences between Dm and Dw were compared. Results: We found that the difference between the three conversion methods was within 1% in most cases when analyzing mean doses to contoured structures. Further, we found that the difference between Dm and Dw can be up to 10% for high CT numbers. The difference is clinically insignificant for soft tissues. For proton beams stopping in bony anatomy, the predicted beam range can differ by 2–3 mm when comparing Dm and Dw . Conclusion: For comparison between MC and analytical dose distributions in proton therapy, a dose conversion is required. However, retroactive conversion seems to be sufficiently accurate in most cases, except for the end of range.
Improving non-visual web access using context

To browse the Web, blind people have to use screen readers, which process pages sequentially, making browsing timeconsuming. We present a prototype system, CSurf, which provides all features of a regular screen reader, but when a user follows a link, CSurf captures the context of the link and uses it to identify relevant information on the next page. CSurf rearranges the content of the next page, so, that the relevant information is read out first. A series experiments have been conducted to evaluate the performance of CSurf.
Heparin modulation of the neurotropic effects of acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors and nerve growth factor on PC12 cells

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and acidic or basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF and bFGF, respectively) induce neurite outgrowth from the rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12. The neurites induced by these three factors are stable for up to a month in cell culture in the continued presence of any of the above growth factors. bFGF (ED50 = 30 pg/ml) is 800 fold more potent in stimulating neurite outgrowth than aFGF (ED50 = 25 ng/ml) and 260 fold more potent than NGF (ED50 = 8 ng/ml). While the neurotropic activities of aFGF and NGF are potentiated by heparin, that of bFGF is both partially inhibited or stimulated, depending upon the concentration of bFGF. Radioreceptor binding experiments show that aFGF and bFGF bind to a common binding site on the PC12 cell surface. Affinity labeling studies demonstrate a single receptor with an apparent molecular weight of 145,000 daltons, which corresponds to the high molecular weight receptor identified in BHK-21 cells. NGF does not appear to compete with aFGF or bFGF for binding to the receptor. Heparin blocked the binding of bFGF to the receptor but had only a small inhibitory effect on the binding of aFGF to the receptor. Thus, it appears that heparin inhibition of the neurotropic effects of bFGF occurs, at least in part, by impairing the interaction of bFGF with the receptor, while having little effect on that of aFGF. The stimulatory effects of heparin on the neurotropic activity of aFGF, bFGF, and NGF may occur through a site not associated with the respective cellular receptor for the growth factors.
Modeling Low Mach Number Reacting Flow with Detailed Chemistry and Transport

An efficient projection scheme is developed for the simulation of reacting flow with detailed kinetics and transport. The scheme is based on a zero-Mach-number formulation of the compressible conservation equations for an ideal gas mixture. It relies on Strang splitting of the discrete evolution equations, where diffusion is integrated in two half steps that are symmetrically distributed around a single stiff step for the reaction source terms. The diffusive half-step is integrated using an explicit single-step, multistage, Runge---Kutta---Chebyshev (RKC) method. The resulting construction is second-order convergent, and has superior efficiency due to the extended real-stability region of the RKC scheme. Two additional efficiency-enhancements are also explored, based on an extrapolation procedure for the transport coefficients and on the use of approximate Jacobian data evaluated on a coarse mesh. We demonstrate the construction in 1D and 2D flames, and examine consequences of splitting errors. By including the above enhancements, performance tests using 2D computations with a detailed C1C2 methane-air mechanism and a mixture-averaged transport model indicate that speedup factors of about 15 are achieved over the starting split-stiff scheme
Incorporating social-cultural contexts in role engineering: an activity theoretic approach

Roles are convenient and powerful concept for facilitating access to distributed systems and for enforcing access management polices. Role-based access control (RBAC) is one of the most convenient and widely used role engineering models across enterprises. However, traditional role design process only factors in functional and job requirements of any user. Several threats arise due to insecure and inefficient design of roles when social and interaction dynamics in an organisational setting are ignored, where most activities are carried out a dynamic environment. Activity theory (AT) is one of the most applied and researched theories in context of understanding human actions, interactions with environments and dynamics against different social entities. The first section of the paper presents an overview of role engineering and AT concepts. Building on the concepts, the paper then presents methods in which AT can be applied for efficient and secure role engineering processes. A case study, carried out at a US based midsize financial institution, is also presented to demonstrate: 1) how traditional role engineering processes give way to threats; 2) how using AT methods can uncover some of the risks in role engineering process to mitigate risks.
GMRG survey research in operations management

The Global Manufacturing Research Group (GMRG) is an informal group of researchers conducting operations management research throughout the world. Describes aspects of their survey research on manufacturing practices. Presents the background of the project, a bit about the group itself, and specifics on getting involved in the group. Presents the principles which guided the first and second rounds of the GMRG global survey and the theory underlying their survey instrument and its revision. Finally, provides several details of the research methodology and some of the research findings.
The Risk of Alar Necrosis Associated with Dermal Filler Injection

BACKGROUND Injection of dermal fillers is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. Serious complications from fillers are rare but potentially devastating to patients and physicians. Skin necrosis, such as nasal alar necrosis, is one of the most feared serious complications of dermal fillers, but there is a paucity of literature on the incidence of such events, as well as potential treatment options. METHODS We present a review of the literature and three cases of nasal alar necrosis after dermal filler injection. CONCLUSION Nasal alar necrosis associated with dermal filler injection is a rare event. Proper technique and recognition of risk factors may reduce the incidence of this complication. Physicians should be aware of early intervention and treatment options should impending necrosis become apparent.
A new algorithm for the Navier-Stokes equations applied to transonic flows over wings

A new algorithm has been developed for the Navier-Stokes equations. For the convective terms, this algorithm employs flux vector splitting together with a locally rotated coordinate system that is aligned with the streamwise direction. The algorithm has been implemented into a Navier-Stokes code, the NASA Ames Research Center's TNS code, and several cases of steady flow have been calculated. The results show improvements over the original method in the code. First, in a case of separated flow, there is better agreement with the experimental results and also there is an absence of numerical oscillations that occur with the original method. Second, in a case with a strong supersonic to subsonic shock wave, comparisons show an improvement in the resolution of the shock wave and the reexpansion singularity.
Performance evaluation of an expert system using rescaled certainty factors (medical diagnosis)

Certainty factors are frequently used as an alternative to probabilities for representing uncertainty in expert systems. Rules proposed for combining certainty factors are much more easily applied than are the Bayesian rules for revising probabilities, since Bayesian rules require sequential assessment of conditional likelihood functions. However, an inconsistency arises in the results obtained when certainty factor rules are applied in sequential steps to update certainty factors having differing signs. A possible simple solution to this problem, involving rescaling the certainty factors, is discussed. >
Direct mechanical ventricular actuation: a review.

Abstract Direct mechanical ventricular actuation (DMVA) is a non-blood contacting method of circulatory support that can be rapidly instituted for resuscitation. DMVA is superior to conventional methods (open and closed-chest cardiac massage) in providing reliable cardiovascular stabilization for resuscitation following cardiac arrest. Furthermore, DMVA has important advantages including rapid application, technical simplicity, and avoidance of blood contact compared to other resuscitation devices (cardiopuimcnary bypass and blood pumps). This review summarizes laboratory and clinical applications of DMVA.
Friends don't let friends eat cookies: effects of restrictive eating norms on consumption among friends.

Social norms are thought to be a strong influence over eating, but this hypothesis has only been experimentally tested with groups of strangers, and correlational studies using actual friends lack important controls. We manipulate an eating norm in the laboratory and explore its influence within established friendships. In two studies we randomly assigned groups of three friends to a restrictive norm condition, in which two of the friends were secretly instructed to restrict their intake of appetizing foods, or a control condition, in which the friends were not instructed to restrict their eating. The third friend’s consumption was measured while eating with the other two friends and while eating alone. In both studies, participants consumed less food when eating with friends who had been given restricting instructions compared to those who had not been given those instructions. In Study 2, participants who ate with restricting friends also continued to restrict their eating when alone. Experimentally manipulating social norms within established friendships is possible, and these norms can influence consumption in those social groups and carry over into non-social eating situations. These findings may suggest mechanisms through which eating behaviors may spread through social networks, as well as an environmental factor that may be amenable to change.
Government as Catalyst: Can It Work Again with Wireless Internet Access?

As the Internet becomes an indispensable component of the global economy, Internet access is an increasingly important prerequisite to exploiting social, economic and educational opportunities. Municipal wireless networks (MWNs), which are wireless Internet access networks created with active local leadership and involvement, are seen as a potential solution. In this case study we describe the development of the Philadelphia MWN including goals, stakeholder expectations, policy, applications, technology, management models, funding, and implementation. The case provides insights on how communities can act as catalysts and use information technology to promote social and economic change. We found that MWNs involve competing private and public sector stakeholders, and it is important to clearly identify the main application of the MWN. We also found that focusing on the digital divide affords both opportunities and risks, and there are powerful external forces that impact MWNs and the underlying technology.
Chromosome Copy Number Variation and Control in the Ciliate Chilodonella uncinata

Copy number variations are widespread in eukaryotes. The unusual genome architecture of ciliates, in particular, with its process of amitosis in macronuclear division, provides a valuable model in which to study copy number variation. The current model of amitosis envisions stochastic distribution of macronuclear chromosomes during asexual reproduction. This suggests that amitosis is likely to result in high levels of copy number variation in ciliates, as dividing daughter cells can have variable copy numbers of chromosomes if chromosomal distribution during amitosis is a stochastic process. We examined chromosomal distribution during amitosis in Chilodonella uncinata, a ciliate with gene-size macronuclear chromosomes. We quantified 4 chromosomes in evolving populations of C. uncinata and modeled the amitotic distribution process. We found that macronuclear chromosomes differ in copy number from one another but that copy number does not change as expected under a stochastic process. The chromosome carrying SSU increased in copy number, which is consistent with selection to increase abundance; however, two other studied chromosomes displayed much lower than expected among-line variance. Our models suggest that balancing selection is sufficient to explain the observed maintenance of chromosome copy during asexual reproduction.
Intravenous Versus Intra-arterial Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke Secondary to Basilar Artery Occlusion.

Received : 3 January 2014Revised : 10 February 2014Accepted : 10 February 2014Correspondence to Dale DingDepartment of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United StatesTel : 1-434-924-2203Fax : E-mail : dmd7q@hscmail.mcc.virginia.eduORCID : http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2627-446X
Recognizing randomness in a time series

Abstract We study the effects of intrinsic noise on low-dimensional chaotic systems and nonlinear oscillating systems. For the former, we show that adding increasing amounts of intrinsic noise increasingly destroys the characteristic short-term predictability of chaos, while for the latter, we show that phase points near the deterministic limit cycle execute Brownian-like motions. Quantitative methods are also proposed to estimate the amount of noise contained in the signal.
Microchannel plate modal gain variations with temperature

Measurements of the modal gain of two high-gain curved-channel microchannel plates (MCPs) at various operating temperatures are presented. Both MCPs were fabricated from the Long Life glass with 12-micron diam channels on 15-micron centers. The modal gain was found to decrease with increasing temperature at a rate of -0.1 percent C. This reduction of gain with temperature is attributed primarily to an axial temperature gradient along each MCP channel creating a nonuniform electric field within the channel that lowers the effective output gain. A lowering of the secondary electron yield resulting from increased phonon scattering of secondary electrons released within the walls of the MCP channels was assessed, but was found to have a negligible contribution to the drop in gain with temperature.
Intensive Family Preservation Services: The Perceptions of Client Families

This qualitative study seeks to understand the correlation between intensive family preservation services and family functioning in those families who have participated in services. The focus is on the perceptions of client families with respect to the impact of services on family functioning including communication, family dynamics, and parenting skills. The discussion centers on the responses of client families to a narrowly constructed survey instrument designed to capture their perceptions with respect to the services provided by case workers.
Review and Update of Virginia Department of Transportation's Cash Flow Forecasting Model

Accurate predictions of cash balances are essential to the month-to-month operations of transportation departments. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) relies on a general cash flow forecasting model to predict monthly outflows and inflows of cash to various activities. VDOT's model was developed in the mid-1980s and reflects the realities of that time. Much has changed in the operational aspects of VDOT since then. The cash flow model was updated. The research focused on two components (or submodels) of the general cash flow model: the monthly factors submodel, which is used to forecast monthly expenditures on construction contracts, and the maintenance expenditures submodel, which is used to forecast monthly outlays on maintenance activities. The result was an update of the basic elements of the monthly factors submodel while, for the most part, retaining the original underlying methodology. The research yielded a new methodology for the prediction of monthly expenditures on maintenance. The new forecasting method is based on a regression equation.
Local volume fraction fluctuations in heterogeneous media

The volume fractions of multiphase heterogeneous media fluctuate on a spatially local level even for statistically homogeneous materials. A general formulation is given to represent the standard deviation associated with the local volume fraction of statistically homogeneous but anisotropic D‐dimensional two‐phase media for arbitrary‐shaped observation regions. The standard deviation divided by the macroscopic volume fraction, termed the coarseness, is computed for D‐dimensional distributions of penetrable as well as impenetrable spheres, for a wide range of densities and observation‐region sizes. The effect of impenetrability of the particles, for fixed observation‐region size, is to reduce the coarseness relative to that of the penetrable‐sphere model, especially at high densities. For either sphere model, increasing the dimensionality D decreases the coarseness.
Learning to teach history as interpretation: A longitudinal study of beginning teachers

Abstract Over the past two decades many social studies educators have called for history to be taught as interpretation, which has included arguments for the teaching of history through inquiry. This case study examined four secondary social studies teachers and their development of beliefs and practices related to teaching history as interpretation. The data were collected longitudinally from their student teaching through the completion of their first year in the classroom. Corroborating arguments found in the pre-existing research, this study found that classroom control and a limited understanding of history content were major barriers preventing teachers from teaching history as interpretation. However, the results also revealed that teachers desired a better development of their own practical “toolkit” and they believed this would have helped them overcome many of the barriers to teaching history as interpretation.
Extending the limits of rotationally resolved absorption spectroscopy: Pyrene

We report the rotationally resolved gas phase spectrum of pyrene (C16H10), which is now the largest molecule to be observed with rotational resolution using absorption spectroscopy. This represents a significant advance in the application of absorption spectroscopy to large carbon-containing molecules of fundamental chemical and astronomical importance. Such spectra will facilitate the search for large and highly symmetric molecules in interstellar space, where they may be abundant but cannot be detected without the support of high- resolution laboratory spectra. Detailed assignment and analysis of our spectrum indicates that pyrene is the most rigid rotor yet observed, and that a supersonic expansion cools both the rotational and vibrational temperatures of pyrene vapor produced in an oven source.
Modeling and simulation of an unmanned ground vehicle power system

Long-duration missions challenge ground robot systems with respect to energy storage and efficient conversion to power on demand. Ground robot systems can contain multiple power sources such as fuel cell, battery and/or ultra-capacitor. This paper presents a hybrid systems framework for collectively modeling the dynamics and switching between these different power components. The hybrid system allows modeling power source on/off switching and different regimes of operation, together with continuous parameters such as state of charge, temperature, and power output. We apply this modeling framework to a fuel cell/battery power system applicable to unmanned ground vehicles such as Packbot or TALON. A simulation comparison of different control strategies is presented. These strategies are compared based on maximizing energy efficiency and meeting thermal constraints.
Crystal and molecular structures of benzophenone phenylhydrazone derivatives with anticancer activity

The X-ray crystal structures of 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (I) and 2,2′-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (II) have been determined in order to study the structural characteristics of these molecules that may contribute to their antiestrogenic and cytotoxic properties. These structures have been compared to other hydrazone derivatives as well as tamoxifen, an antiestrogen drug presently used clinically for the treatment of breast cancer.
Analog Filter Design Using Ring Oscillator Integrators

Integrators are key building blocks in many analog signal processing circuits and systems. The DC gain of conventional opamp-RC or Gm- C integrators is severely limited by the gain of operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) used to implement them. Process scaling reduces transistor output resistance, which further exacerbates this issue. We propose applying ring oscillator integrators (ROIs) in the design of high order analog filters. ROIs implemented with simple CMOS inverters achieve infinite DC gain at low supply voltages independent of transistor non-idealities and imperfections such as finite output impedance. Consequently, ROIs scale more effectively into newer processes. A prototype fourth order filter designed using the ROIs was fabricated in 90 nm CMOS and occupies an area of 0.29 mm2. Operating with a 0.55 V supply, the filter consumes 2.9 mW power and achieves bandwidth of 7 MHz, SNR of 61.4 dB, SFDR of 67.6 dB and THD of 60.1 dB. The measured IM3 obtained by feeding two tones at 1 MHz and 2 MHz is 63.4 dB.
TH‐D‐201B‐07: Predicting Noise and Resolution Properties in Tomosynthesis with Statistical Image Reconstruction

Purpose: The development of tomosynthesisimaging systems benefits significantly from a fundamental understanding of noise and resolution and recent developments point to the importance of statistical reconstruction. However the ability to predict imaging performance has been limited by the lack of a closed‐form reconstruction and object‐dependent spatially‐variant results. This work overcomes such barriers though closed‐form approximation of local imageproperties about the solution to penalized‐likelihood objectives. We incorporate advanced system noise and forward projection models to establish a theoretical basis for predicting imaging performance in tomosynthesis. Methods: Based on previous work general to tomography [Fessier 1996] we derive high‐fidelity approximations of the local impulse response covariance function and noise‐power spectrum (NPS) in x‐ray tomosynthesis. The prediction method does not rely on explicit iterative reconstructions of projection data and includes a general framework for system noise based on cascaded systems analysis of the detection process. Forward models have been developed for both the prediction model and the penalized‐likelihood reconstruction algorithms used to experimentally validate the results. Results: The covariance and NPS in a phantom study included: 1) the approximate prediction approach; and 2) a brute force approach based on iterative reconstruction of ensemble data. Excellent agreement was observed between the two methods. The predictor approach accurately captured the spatially‐variant noise and resolution properties using orders of magnitude less computation time and represents the first application of such a model in tomosynthesis. The results are applied across a broad range of imaging techniques including orbital angle number of projections and dose. Conclusions: Closed‐form predictors of noise and resolution in tomosynthesis by statistical image reconstruction have been developed and validated in comparison to measurement. The approach provides a new theoretical basis for performance characterization in spatially‐variant systems and a tool for optimizing image quality and system design. Research supported by NIH.