cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance optimization in scale-out storage using design of experiment as heuristic

As we enter the big data era, the use of data servers continues to increase across the vast range of online services. This will require service and storage providers to improve the capacity and performance of their datacenter infrastructure to meet ever-increasing demands. Adding or replacing more advanced storage hardware can increase the performance, but causes great cost increment to providers. This challenges providers to continue searching for new ways to optimize performance in datacenters, with particular focus on reducing costs and improving efficiency. In this study, tuning configuration parameters for performance optimization is approached systematically and mathematically. Design of Experiment (DOE) as heuristic method uses a series of designed tests from factors with different levels, and mathematically calculates the factors effects on performance. Two different scale-out storage with Ceph-based test environments are prepared for the DOE performance optimization study. One cluster is based on hard disk drives (HDDs) and the other is based on solid state drives (SSDs). A series of tests with IOPS dependent 4 kB to 1 MB block sizes and mixed read-write (0/100–100/0%) are collected through DOE suggested configuration settings on both test environments. These results are compared with the Ceph default configuration setting performance. The comparison results show that DOE suggested configuration setting on both test environments improve up to 35% and 24% of performance in IOPS, respectively. This optimization eventually reduces the overall cost of data cluster without adding or changing hardware. The results demonstrate that DOE is a heuristic method to improve performance efficiently and effectively by simply tuning the configuration.
Delta Neighborhood Extension

In this chapter, the introduced mathematical model in Chap. 6 is improved to fairly rank firms in various conditions, and the chapter is finished with several outcomes of the model.
pH dependence of kinetics and steady-state block of cardiac sodium channels by lidocaine

The local anesthetic-class antiarrhythmic drugs produce greater depression of conduction in ischemic compared with normal myocardium. The basis for this relatively selective action is uncertain. A ...
Organizational principles of 3D genome architecture

Studies of 3D chromatin organization have suggested that chromosomes are hierarchically organized into large compartments composed of smaller domains called topologically associating domains (TADs). Recent evidence suggests that compartments are smaller than previously thought and that the transcriptional or chromatin state is responsible for interactions leading to the formation of small compartmental domains in all organisms. In vertebrates, CTCF forms loop domains, probably via an extrusion process involving cohesin. CTCF loops cooperate with compartmental domains to establish the 3D organization of the genome. The continuous extrusion of the chromatin fibre by cohesin may also be responsible for the establishment of enhancer–promoter interactions and stochastic aspects of the transcription process. These observations suggest that the 3D organization of the genome is an emergent property of chromatin and its components, and thus may not be only a determinant but also a consequence of its function. High-resolution studies of chromosome conformation are revealing that the 3D genome is organized into smaller structural features than was previously supposed and is primarily composed of compartmental domains and CTCF loops. In this Perspectives article Rowley and Corces describe the latest views on the organizational drivers and principles of the 3D genome, and the interplay between genome activity and organization.
The Effect of Implant Design on Sagittal Plane Stability: A Randomized Trial of Medial- versus Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Up to 20% of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients report dissatisfaction with their outcome, especially with weight-bearing in flexion (WBiF) activities. Sagittal plane instability may contribute to dissatisfaction following TKA. We assessed the impact of implant design on TKA sagittal plane stability and clinical satisfaction. We randomized patients to receive one of two TKA implant designs: medial-stabilized (MS) or posterior-stabilized (PS). Sagittal stability was assessed using a KT-1000 arthrometer. Patient-reported outcome measures, including a custom bank of questions targeting patient satisfaction (0–100%) with WBiF activities, were administered to patients 2 years following surgery. The final analysis included 50 patients (25 MS, 25 PS). The MS group had greater sagittal plane stability than the PS group at 30-degree flexion (5.6 ± 1.9 vs. 10.2 ± 2.7 mm; p
50 years of teaching introductory economics

The author of this article describes his experiences in teaching huge classes of principles of economics over the last half-century. He lays out changes in pedagogy and illustrates various novel de...
A Precipitation-Based Index for Tropical Intraseasonal Oscillations

AbstractCharacteristic patterns of precipitation-associated tropical intraseasonal oscillations, including the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO), a...
Surgical Techniques for Orbital Tumors

The anatomic distribution of tumors in orbital compartments is not perfectly defined; however some lesions do have a tendency toward one region or another. These lesions include, in the upper-outer quadrant, (lacrimal gland fossa), dermoid cyst, lacrimal gland tumors, and lymphoma; in the upper-inner quadrant, commonly a mucocele; in the inferior orbit, basal cell carcinoma medially and inflammatory or squamous sinus lesions centrally; in the lateral and posterior orbit, of which commonly encountered lesions are cavernous malformations and nonspecific inflammatory disease; in the posterior and apical orbit, of which meningioma, cavernous malformations, schwannoma, and inflammatory lesions are commonly encountered. Understanding these tendencies may assist in planning the approach, as well as in preparing for the gross appearance of the lesion and the tactile characteristics of the capsule and/or internal contents of the mass.
Synthesis and Characterization of Long-Chain Branched Poly(ether imide)s with A3 Comonomers

The synthesis of an aromatic trisamine enabled the generation of long-chain branched poly(ether imide)s (LCB-PEIs). The nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene with 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane resulted in tris((p-nitrophenoxy)phenyl)ethane, and a subsequent reduction afforded tris((p-aminophenoxy)phenyl)ethane (TAPE) in high yields (>90%). Introducing TAPE at low percentages with m-phenylenediamine and bisphenol A dianhydride enabled synthesis of high molecular weight, branched poly(ether imide)s with varied branch lengths. The stoichiometric imbalance and phthalic anhydride end-capping controlled molecular weights. Complementary 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) identified average branch length as a function of TAPE incorporation and provided comparisons in molecular weights and distributions. The melt viscosity and thermal stability at elevated temperatures (∼340 °C) probed the feasibility of melt processing of LCB-PEIs in comparison to linear analog...
Automated Design of the Europa Orbiter Tour

Before the Europa Orbiter can be placed in orbit about Europa, it will be placed into a 200-day Jovian orbit and targeted for Ganymede. After a series of gravity-assist flybys of the Galilean satellites, the orbital energy is reduced to lower the arrival hyperbolic excess velocity at Europa. These energy-saving techniques reduce the propellant cost for Europa orbit insertion to a minimum. Key constraints during the tour include total time of flight and radiation dosage. Tours may employ 10 or more encounters with the Jovian satellites; hence, there is an enormous number of possible sequences of these satellites. A graphical method based on Tisserand's criterion is presented that greatly aids the design process. The Tisserand graph method facilitates the study of a wide range of arrival conditions, arrival dates, and satellite tours.
Calcium oxychloride: A critical review of the literature surrounding the formation, deterioration, testing procedures, and recommended mitigation techniques

Abstract Deicing salts have long been known to cause deterioration in concrete pavements. Freeze/thaw, surface scaling, and reinforcement corrosion are well documented deterioration mechanisms. However, another mechanism exists causing severe concrete damage that is much less understood. This deterioration is due to the formation of calcium oxychloride, from chemical interactions between the cementitious paste and certain chloride-based deicing salts. The basic chemical structure of calcium oxychloride, with slight variations, has been reported in deteriorated samples. Ideas have been postulated about failure mechanisms associated with the formation of calcium oxychloride. Further, testing techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis, low-temperature differential scanning calorimetry, and volume change measurements have been successfully utilized to better understand/quantify calcium oxychloride. Mitigation techniques to minimize the impact of calcium oxychloride include reducing cement content through the use of supplementary cementitious materials or other means, the use of adequate air entrainment, preferential carbonation, and the use of concrete sealants. This review of the literature highlights the current understanding of calcium oxychloride, provides best practice guidance and identifies new areas of research needed in order to effectively mitigate calcium oxychloride damage in concrete pavements.
A curated dataset of security defects in scientific software projects

Scientific software is defined as software that is used to explore and analyze data to investigate unanswered research questions in the scientific community [6]. The domain of scientific software includes software needed to construct a research pipeline such as software for simulation and data analysis, large-scale dataset management, and mathematical libraries [4]. Programming languages such as Julia [1] are used to develop scientific software efficiently and achieve desired program execution time. Julia was used in Celeste1, a software used in astronomy research. Celeste was used to load 178 terabytes of astronomical image data to produce a catalog of 188 million astronomical objects in 14.6 minutes2. The Celeste-related example provides anecdotal evidence on the value of studying Julia-related projects from a cybersecurity perspective.
Association of state vision screening requirements with parent-reported vision testing in young children.

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationship between state school vision screening requirements and the likelihood that children 3-5 years of age receive vision testing. Methods We obtained nationally representative data from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health on children ages 3-5 (n = 7,567) and used available sources to compile state policies that mandate childhood vision testing. We calculated the rates of parent-reported vision testing for each state and fit logistic regression models using survey-based estimation methods with nationally representative weights. Our models controlled for factors such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, and insurance coverage. Additional analyses added comorbidities that may lead to an eye care provider referral. Results Parent-reported vision testing rates by state ranged from 41% to 84%. A significant association was found between the presence of state-level vision screening requirements and parent-reported vision testing, which remained after controlling for comorbidities (aOR = 1.374; P = 0.016). Of these comorbidities, arthritis, blindness, and very low birth weight were associated with a higher rate of vision screening (all P Conclusions The presence of a state-level school vision screening requirement is associated with increased parent-reported vision testing in children 3-5 years of age. This suggests that state policy may ensure timely screening for amblyopia and other sight-threatening complications.
Reliability and validity of a self-efficacy instrument specific to sickle cell disease.

The psychometric properties of a new, 9-item scale measuring disease-specific perceptions of self-efficacy were investigated in a community-based sample of adults (N = 83) with sickle cell disease (SCD). The Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSES) was comprised of nine questions relating to participants' perceptions of their ability to function on a day-to-day basis and to manage SCD symptomatology (e.g. episodes of pain). The SCSES demonstrated good internal consistency, discriminant validity, and convergent and predictive validity, both with previously validated measures of related constructs as well as with reported SCD symptomatology. Overall, the instrument appears to be reliable and valid for assessing clients' self-efficacy for engaging successfully in day-to-day activities despite having SCD. Future investigators may wish to examine temporal and causal links between alterations in self-efficacy and changes in adjustment to sickle cell disease; the SCSES provides a psychometrically sound tool with which to investigate these phenomena.
Poverty in St Lucia: A Wealth of Responses

A major agenda of development studies is the persistent problem of poverty. While much has been said and done on poverty, this social disease continues to plague large sections of all societies, not least of all in the Caribbean region.This research is set in St. Lucia, a Caribbean island of 238 square miles. In order for significant strides to be made on the country's road to development, research must be done to inspire and inform policy-makers and development practitioners. At the time of the study there were mainly two (2) official documents on poverty in SI. Lucia. The most notable and widely used document that provides an understanding of national poverty in St. Lucia is the 1996 Poverty Assessment Report (PAR) commissioned by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). This report, which followed an extensive national survey, focus group discussions, interviews and community observations, has since been used, as a guide to policy formulation aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing the well being of communities in St. Lucia. While it is useful for the national, large scale data it provides there is need for more focused and specific investigation, to provide an even deeper understanding of poverty in St. Lucia.
Clustering with Missing Values: No Imputation Required

Clustering algorithms can identify groups in large data sets, such as star catalogs and hyperspectral images. In general, clustering methods cannot analyze items that have missing data values. Common solutions either fill in the missing values (imputation) or ignore the missing data (marginalization). Imputed values are treated as being just as reliable as the observed data, but they are only as good as the assumptions used to create them. In contrast, we present a method for encoding partially observed features as a set of supplemental soft constraints and introduce the KSC algorithm, which incorporates constraints into the clustering process. In experiments on artificial data and data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we show that soft constraints are an effective way to enable clustering with missing values.
The Simple Analytics of the WTA-WTP Disparity for Public Goods

A robust finding in economics is that decision-makers often exhibit a much smaller dollar willingness to pay (WTP) for an item than the minimum amount that they claim to be willing to accept (WTA) to part with it. The spread between these two numbers is particularly large for public goods, raising serious public policy concerns regarding which number, if either, is appropriate for valuing such goods. A number of explanations for this phenomenon have been advanced, each perhaps of relevance in particular settings, with little consensus being achieved as to whether any explanation satisfactorily resolves the problem. A traditional utility maximizing model is presented here that predicts that WTA will exceed WTP, quite plausibly by a substantial amount. Moreover, WTA, and not WTP, as the latter is traditionally measured, is seen to be more appropriate for use in public policy decisions about increases in the supply of public goods. The central argument stems from a failure to properly value public goods by traditional methods. Since individuals cannot individually purchase public goods by generating income, they will under-generate any income that would have been devoted to public goods. The marginal WTP observed for such goods will, as a consequence, be understated in economic and survey data relative to true values. Moreover, the striking disparity between WTA and WTP for public goods provides support for the likelihood that economists' systematically undervalue public goods.
Judges, Lawyers, and a Predictive Theory of Legal Complexity

This Article uses public choice theory and the new institutionalism to discuss the incentives, proclivities, and shared backgrounds of lawyers and judges. In America every law-making judge has a single unifying characteristic, each is a former lawyer. This shared background has powerful and unexplored effects on the shape and structure of American law. This Article argues that the shared characteristics, thought-processes, training, and incentives of Judges and lawyers lead inexorably to greater complexity in judge-made law. These same factors lead to the following prediction: judge-created law will be most complex in areas where a) elite lawyers regularly practice; b) judges may have a personal preference in the case that can be written-around by way of legal complexity; and c) the subject area interests the judge, or is generally considered prestigious. The Article uses the law of standing as a case study.
Dietary caloric density and osmolality influence gastroesophageal reflux in infants

Abstract In a group of 19 infants being evaluated for gastroesophageal reflux, we investigated the effects of various carbohydrate solutions (glucose polymers, 5% dextrose in water, and 10% dextrose in water) on the rate of postcibal gastroesophageal reflux during the first 2 h after a test feeding. The high-osmolality feeding (10% dextrose in water) produced significantly more postcibal gastroesophageal reflux over the entire 2-h interval. The major difference occurred in the second postcibal hour when the amount of gastroesophageal reflux was persistently high for 10% dextrose in water in contrast to the other feedings. We speculate that more rapid gastric emptying of low-osmolality solutions may account for these differences. Clear liquid feeding composition should be standardized during pH testing. Low-osmolality glucose polymer solutions may be more easily tolerated by infants with gastroesophageal reflux who require carbohydrate or fluid supplements.
Addition of a total pancreatectomy and pancreas transplantation in a liver transplant recipient with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas.

: Background: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas are increasingly recognized in clinical practice. There are no published data suggesting a management approach for the potential organ transplant recipient with the incidental finding of this pre-malignant lesion. Methods: The recipient was a 65-yr-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma in a background of Laennec’s cirrhosis. During evaluation for transplant, he was found to have diffuse IPMN. This patient underwent liver transplantation with a planned simultaneous total native pancreatectomy and pancreas transplant from the same donor. Results: The patient has had normal liver function and has been free of diabetes and exocrine insufficiency at 18 months post-transplant. Conclusion: IPMN in the potential transplant recipient should be managed more aggressively than in the general population because these patients will be committed to life-long immunosuppression. If a total pancreatectomy is contemplated, this is a unique opportunity to replace the pancreas with an allograft at the time of transplantation.
Impact of the securities transaction tax on stock markets: Evidence from chinese stock markets

This article investigates the effects of the securities transaction tax (STT) on market trading volume and return volatility using Chinese data. We found strong evidence to support a negative relationship between STT and market trading volume. The shrinking of the tax base casts doubt on the idea of using STT to increase government revenue. Furthermore, the impact of STT on market volatility is mixed. Examination of dually listed stocks in mainland China and Hong Kong further corroborates these findings.
MEF2D Deficiency in Neonatal Cardiomyocytes Triggers Cell Cycle Re-entry and Programmed Cell Death in vitro

The cardiomyocyte cell cycle is a poorly understood process. Mammalian cardiomyocytes permanently withdraw from the cell cycle shortly after birth but can re-enter the cell cycle and proliferate when subjected to injury within a brief temporal window in the neonatal period. Thus, investigating the mechanisms of cell cycle regulation in neonatal cardiomyocytes may provide critical insight into the molecular events that prevent adult myocytes from proliferating in response to injury or stress. MEF2D is a key transcriptional mediator of pathological remodeling in the adult heart downstream of various stress-promoting insults. However, the specific gene programs regulated by MEF2D in cardiomyocytes are unknown. By performing genome-wide transcriptome analysis using MEF2D-depleted neonatal cardiomyocytes, we found a significant impairment in the cell cycle, characterized by the up-regulation of numerous positive cell cycle regulators. Expression of Pten, the primary negative regulator of PI3K/Akt, was significantly reduced in MEF2D-deficient cardiomyocytes and found to be a direct target gene of MEF2D. Consistent with these findings mutant cardiomyocytes showed activation of the PI3K/Akt survival pathway. Paradoxically, prolonged deficiency of MEF2D in neonatal cardiomyocytes did not trigger proliferation but instead resulted in programmed cell death, which is likely mediated by the E2F transcription factor. These results demonstrate a critical role for MEF2D in cell cycle regulation of post-mitotic, neonatal cardiomyocytes in vitro.
Astroglial cells in vitro are heterogeneous with respect to expression of the α1‐adrenergic receptor

A wide variety of approaches have been used to examine the expression of neuroligand receptors by cultured astroglial cells. The results of such studies make it clear that these cells exhibit most, if not all, of the different receptors known to be associated with central neurons. However, it has been more difficult to determine if there are multiple populations of astroglia that can be distinguished on the basis of their complement of neuroligand receptors. To address this question, we established a radioligand binding assay that enabled us to visualize alpha 1-adrenergic receptors (alpha 1-ARs) on immunocytochemically defined neural cells. Saturation, time course, and competition binding experiments determined that 125I-HEAT could be used to identify alpha 1-AR binding sites on immunocytochemically defined astroglial cells. Our results indicate that approximately 66% of cortical polygonal astroglia express detectable numbers of alpha 1-ARs. 3H-thymidine labeling experiments indicate that both dividing and nondividing astroglia exhibit alpha 1-ARs. These results greatly contrast with studies on beta-adrenergic receptor expression (beta-AR), in which 100% of polygonal astroglia express beta-ARs. Process-bearing astroglia also exhibit alpha 1-ARs, which is in marked contrast to the lack of beta-AR expression by these cells. The results presented here suggest that astroglia, like neurons, differ in the receptors they express and therefore may be able to selectively respond to extracellular stimulation.
meso-Tritolylcorrole-Functionalized Single-walled Carbon Nanotube DonorAcceptor Nanocomposites for NO2 Detection

meso-Tritolylcorrole-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (TTC-SWNT) donor-acceptor (D–A) heterojunction nanocomposite film was fabricated on a polycarbonate membrane through filtration and non-covalent functionalization, providing an excellent sensing platform with low-cost, high flexibility and good gas accessibility. The TTC-SWNTs nanocomposite displays a fast and sensitive response to nitrogen dioxide with a limit of detection of 10 ppb (S/N = 3). The sensing response was significantly amplified compared to the unmodified one, which was ascribed to a D–A heterojunction at the interface between electron donor TTC and electron acceptor SWNTs. This study provides a simple route to fabricate low-cost and highly sensitive donor-acceptor nanocomposite-based gas sensors.
The fixed charge problem

The fixed charge problem is a nonlinear programming problem of practical interest in business and industry. Yet, until now no computationally feasible exact method of solution for large problems had been developed. In this paper an exact algorithm is presented which is computationally feasible for large problems. The algorithm is based upon a branch and bound approach, with the additional feature that the amount of computer storage required remains constant throughout (for a problem of any given size). Also presented are three suboptimal heuristic algorithms which are of interest because, although they do not guarantee that the true optimal solution will be found, they usually yield very good solutions and are extremely rapid techniques. Computational results are described for several of the heuristic methods and for the branch and bound algorithm.
A vectorized, finite-volume, adaptive grid algorithm applied to planetary entry problems

An adaptive grid, finite-volume method has been applied to problems in planetary entry for computing complete flowfields. The adaption algorithm is implicit in nature and is keyed to resolve user specified gradients. The finite-volume algorithm is explicit, utilizing a maximum time step advancement at each grid point to accelerate convergence to the steady state. The present version of the code is for the laminar flow of a perfect gas. The role of the adaption algorithm in resolving various features of blunt body/wake flow for planetary entry conditions is emphasized.
THE CHROMOSOMES OF THE OVARY OF THE HUMAN FETUS.

The chief purpose of this paper is to show that the human fetal ovary is a rich source of large actively dividing cells. The material consisted of the ovaries from five stillborn, morphologically normal human fetuses; 150 mm negro; two, 160 mm white; an 800 gram white; and a term white. The ovaries of the first three fetuses were removed within several hours after birth; those from the last two were removed at autopsy, wrapped in cellophane, placed in an insulated container and mailed to me. These were prepared for study about 36 hours after autopsy. Smears and squashes were made according to modern methods, but no colchicine was used. The nuclei of the ova were very tough and did not respond well to the usual hypotonic technics. Best results were obtained from fragments of the ovary suspended in blood, smeared, dried in the air and stained with Wright's blood stain. Qualitative studies were made of the chromosomes, their shapes during prophase and metaphase of meiosis; and quantitative studies were made by planimetry of the areas of the squashed chromosomes as they occurred in enlarged photographs. The planimeter measurements of areas of squashed haploid chromosomes showed remarkable agreement in percentages of the total chromosome area included within each of the accepted seven classes of chromosomes from nucleus to nucleus. Sample karyotypes were made from nuclei of the five fetuses, but no unequivocal absolute numbers could be counted, because of the twisted condition of the chromosomes and the difficulty in identifying the smallest ones.
Engineering the length distribution of microtubules polymerized in vitro

Microtubules polymerized in vitro and stabilized with paclitaxel (taxol) serve as central components of hybrid nanodevices and in vitro motility assays. A uniform microtubule length is desirable, however, the stochastic assembly process results in significant polydispersity. The microtubule length distribution can be manipulated by growth conditions and post-processing (e.g. shearing). Using fluorescence microscopy, the length distribution is measured and shown to be a generalized Schulz distribution due to the independent and asymmetric growth from both ends. This situation can also arise for other cytoskeletal filaments, including actin filaments. Furthermore, exposure to shear flow is shown to reduce the average microtubule length but does not reduce the polydispersity index. Likewise, annealing of microtubules increases average length but does not reduce polydispersity. Obtaining reliable and uniform results from stochastic molecular processes is a challenge for nanotechnology and synthetic biology.
Lester B. Pearson Elementary School: First Year on a Journey with the Change Process

The case is intended for use as a culminating experience in courses, seminars or workshops that deal with organizational behaviour and the change process. It expounds on the key steps in any systemic change process involving one school's journey with change as it sets priorities and strategies, the problems encountered, where the support and assistance came from, as well as the differences that were made to improving learning opportunities for everyone. A brief synopsis of change studies, theories and practices informing change are presented to assist professors and graduate students in leadership preparation programs. This case study encourages a great deal of small and large group work participation and discussion. Professors and students of educational administration/leadership can use this case to supplement analysis and discussion related to organizational culture, educational change and change theory, school improvement, effective communication, motivation, morale, and leadership. Graduate students and professors who are interested in understanding change theory and how it looks in practice would benefit from an analysis of this case study.
An examination of factors influencing responses to requests for disability accommodations.

Purpose/objective The purpose of this study was to examine the influences of responses to reasonable accommodation requests for an individual with a disability. Research method/design Two-hundred-forty individuals participated in a vignette-based experiment in which aspects of the requestor's disability and the accommodation request were manipulated. Results The results showed that intentions to grant an accommodation were predicted by a number of factors, including emotional responses toward the requestor, characteristics of the impairment causing the disability, characteristics of the accommodation, and perceptions of fairness. Conclusions/implications The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) mandates organizations to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with impairments that are disabling, yet discrimination in the form of the unfair rejections of these requests still persists. Altogether, this study provides evidence that decisions regarding reasonable accommodations requests are likely influenced by a number of factors, none of which constitute legal reasons for denying a request.
Hemichorea in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis

Abstract Background Chorea is a common presenting feature of metabolic disorders, including nonketotic hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but rarely has been reported in diabetic ketoacidosis, hypothyroidism and vitamin B12 deficiency. Methods Review the literature for reported cases of chorea as a presenting manifestation in metabolic disorders. Results We report a case of hemichorea in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis. The patient had a two day history of right sided hemichorea and decreased level of consciousness. Initial laboratory studies revealed hyperglycemia, ketosis and an anion gap metabolic acidosis consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis. Once treatment was started the choreiform movements significantly improved over three weeks. Conclusion Although DKA has been rarely reported as a trigger for chorea, it should be in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with an acute chorea. Given the reversible nature of this disease, early recognition and treatment are imperative.
Financial Development and Small Firms Financing in Slovenia

In the last few years an increasing amount of research has been devoted to the study of former socialist economies. The Slovenian transition process, however, has been largely and surprisingly neglected. We intend to fill this gap in the literature. In this paper, we focus on the Slovenian financial system and analyze its influence on shaping the productive structure of the country. Indeed, the Slovenian privatization process is fairly advanced in many areas and the economy shows a growing number of dynamic new small firms. The same privatization process, however, is proceeding sluggishly in the financial sector, where a small number of banks still dominates the market. This delay is primarily the result of a rehabilitation process enacted by the Central Bank and aimed at strengthening banks' balance sheets. Our preliminary analysis of the Slovenian financial system suggests that, although such a program has been successful in maintaining financial stability, the cost of such stability may have been a severe constraint imposed on small firms' development.
Investigation and Demonstration of a Small Intermittent Internal Combustion Heavy-Fueled Engine

Since 2004, the Department of Defense (DoD) has had the stated goal of transitioning all engine systems to use a single fuel — JP-8. This “one fuel forward” initiative simplifies logistical issues, improves safety, and increases combat effectiveness. To improve technologies required to run Intermittent Internal Combustion (IIC) engines on lower volatility heavy fuels, the US Army Vehicle Technology Directorate (VTD) acquired and tested a small IIC engine and developed procedures allowing the operation of this engine on JP-8. The program consisted of engine simulation, engine testing and flight demonstration. Several strategies are presented to enhance the engine operation based on thermal management techniques and fuel injection.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
CLINICAL-IMMUNOLOGIC CORRELATES: A STATE-OF-THE-ART REVIEW AND UPDATE Alimentary Allergy*

PED. Revue des manisfestations digestives cutanees et respiratoires de l'allergie alimentaire. Explorations immunologiques. Prevention. Role de l'allaitement maternel
Infection of human B lymphocytes with MMR vaccine induces IgE class switching.

Abstract Circulating immunoglobulin E (IgE) is one of the characteristics of human allergic diseases including allergic asthma. We recently showed that infection of human B cells with rhinovirus or measles virus could lead to the initial steps of IgE class switching. Since many viral vaccines are live viruses, we speculated that live virus vaccines may also induce IgE class switching in human B cells. To examine this possibility, we selected the commonly used live attenuated measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine. Here, we show that infection of a human IgM + B cell line with MMR resulted in the expression of germline ϵ transcript. In addition, infection of freshly prepared human PBLs with this vaccine resulted in the expression of mature IgE mRNA transcript. Our data suggest that a potential side effect of vaccination with live attenuated viruses may be an increase in the expression of IgE.
Adhesion of Biologically Inspired Oil-Coated Polymer Micropillars

This paper presents the performance of a beetle foot-hair inspired polymer microfibrillar wet adhesive. Micropatterned poly(dimethylsiloxane) arrays of low aspect ratio cylinders are fabricated using optical lithography and molding techniques. A thin layer of viscous silicone oil is applied via stamping. The synthetic micropillar wet adhesive is characterized with a custom tensile adhesion measurement setup by varying the retraction speed, preload, contact time, oil viscosity and oil volume. An enhancement of adhesion up to 25% over the same micropattern without any applied liquid is demonstrated on a smooth substrate. A thicker silicone layer is shown to increase the adhesion of the micropillars by a factor of almost 6 on a 650 nm root-mean-square rough slightly polished aluminum surface. A model is also developed that combines surface tension and dynamic viscous forces to predict the adhesive performance. This model matched experimental data with reasonable tuning of only a single parameter. These resul...
Major histocompatibility (B) complex effects on acquired immunity to cecal coccidiosis.

The influence of the major histocompatibility (B) complex on acquired immunity to the avian coccidium Eimeria tenella was studied in 217 F4 segregants (B2B2, B2B5, B5B5) of a cross between inbred lines 61 (B2B2) and 151 (B5B5) and segregating haplotype combinations of UNH105 (B23B23B23B24, B24B24), a noninbred line of New Hampshire chickens. Chickens were immunized at 6 weeks of age with 500 oocysts daily for 5 days, then challenged 14 days later with 10000 oocysts. Responses to infection were evaluated by cecal lesion scores, body weight gain, delayed wattle reaction (DWR), and spleen weight. The F4 segregants of genotypes B2B5 and B5B5 exhibited greater immunity to challenge than B2B2 chickens. B5B5 chickens showed a significantly greater DWR following immunization and larger spleens 6 days after the challenge than either of the other genotypes. However, both BIBS and B5B5 chickens demonstrated significantly lower lesion scores than B2B2 chickens. There were no significant differences in weight gain among these genotypes. Among 139 line UNH105 segregants, B23B23 hosts had significantly lower lesion scores than B24B24 chickens. No other differences in immune response among line UNH105 genotypes were detected.
NMR chemical shift reagents in structural determination of lipid derivatives: II. Methyl petroselinate and methyl oleate

Whentris(1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoro-7,7-dimethyl-4,6-octaneodionato)europium (III)—Eu(fod)3—forms a complex with a sufficiently basic functional group in a donor molecule, the change in the magnetic environment of protons near the coordination site causes their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals to shift to different positions. Consequently Eu(fod)3 and other compounds that similarly affect NMR signals have been designated chemical shift reagents (csr). Because of their ability to shift proton signals, csr substantially increase the amount of structural information that can be obtained from NMR spectroscopy, frequently converting complicated splitting patterns into first-order spectra. Some generally useful experimental and interpretive csr techniques are described here using methyl petroselinate and methyl oleate as examples. Csr studies of methyl petroselinate reveal that the position of the double bond is at C-6, and that there is no chain substitution or branching before C-9. Csr studies of methyl oleate reveal that the position of the double bond is at or beyond C-9, and that there is no chain substitution or branching before C-6. Some suggestions are presented for expanding the amount of structural information that can be obtained by csr studies of unsaturated lipid derivatives.
Endohelminths from the Black Marsh Turtle, Siebenrockiella crassicollis, Confiscated by International Authorities in Hong Kong, People's Republic of China

Abstract Nineteen black marsh turtles, Siebenrockiella crassicollis, confiscated by international authorities in Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, on 11 December 2001 were examined for endohelminths. Turtles were either frozen or placed on ice and shipped to the Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, U.S.A., for examination. Eighty-nine percent of the black marsh turtles examined was infected with helminthes, with an average of 1.6 species per infected turtle. Prevalences of collected helminths were as follows: 1 unidentified proteocephalid tapeworm (5%), 2 nematodes (Falcaustra duyagi [74%] and Serpinema octorugatum [21%]), 3 digeneans (Diaschistorchis multitesticularis [11%], Stunkardia dilymphosa [11%], and Telorchis cyclemidis [21%]), and 1 aspidogastrean (Multicotyle purvisi [26%]). Eggs from a species in Spirorchidae were also found in the intestinal wall of 1 turtle.
The plastic ball - a multi-detector, large solid angle spectrometer with charged particle identification for the bevalac

For the study of central relativistic nuclear heavy ion collisions, which are characterized by the emission of a large number of particles, one needs a detector which covers a large solid angle - 4π if possible - and which is capable of identifying charged particles. The high multiplicity requires a large number of detectors, and the need for charged-particle identification requires a measurement of the energy loss, and the total energy for each particle detected. The spectrometer consists of 815 detector modules, which cover 94% of 4π. The geometry of these modules has been taken from the Stanford crystal ball detector for γ-rays - with minor modifications. This geometry is suited for the high multiplicities of particles emitted in relativistic heavy ion collisions. The dimension of the individual elements have been chosen to stop 240 MeV protons. Above this energy reaction losses start to dominate, so that the light output of a scintillator would no longer be a true indication of the energy. Out of 100 charged particles, 94 will hit the Plastic Ball, 87 will fire a detector element, and 80 will be identified uniquely. For the individual detector modules we have used the "Phoswich" idea, by gluing a 4 mm thick CaF2 scintillator to a 35 cm thick plastic scintillator (NE114) with the shape of a truncated pyramid, which is viewed by one photomultiplier tube (PM2202B).The extremely different decay times of the CaF2 scintillator and the plastic allow us to separate their light output by integrating the signal from the phototube for the first 20 nsec (the "E signal") and then integrating the "delayed" signal for 2 μsec (the "ΔE signal"). This constitutes a simple low cost detector telescope, which can identify the hydrogen and helium isotopes. We describe the electronic setup to separate the "ΔE" and "E" signals, and give some test results, which show the separation and identification, of protons, deuterons, tritons, 3He, and alpha particles.
Culturally Responsive Leadership for Community Empowerment

Multiculturalists have long advocated for an education that is both culturally diverse and equitable, one that incorporates culturally responsive curriculum and instructional methods, equitable assessment practices, and organizational structures that promote interaction across racial and ethnic lines and facilitate academic achievement for all students.
Balmer-line emission from low-energy H impact on Kr and Xe.

Absolute cross sections for the emission of Balmer-..cap alpha.. and Balmer-..beta.. radiation have been measured for H+Kr and H+Xe collisions. Measurements were made for H-atom energies from 2.5 to 0.04 keV. The polarizations of the emitted radiations were also determined and, for H-atom energies above 0.2 keV, the contributions to these emissions from decay of the long-lived 3s and 4s excited states of hydrogen were resolved. The results are discussed in comparison with similar data for H-atom impact on the other rare-gas atoms.
Impact of intrinsic localized modes of atomic motion on materials properties

Recent neutron and X-ray scattering measurements show intrinsic localized modes (ILMs) in metallic uranium and ionic sodium iodide. Here, the role ILMs play in the behavior of these materials is examined. With the thermal activation of ILMs, thermal expansion is enhanced, made more anisotropic, and, at a microscopic level, becomes inhomogeneous. Interstitial diffusion, ionic conductivity, the annealing rate of radiation damage, and void growth are all influenced by ILMs. The lattice thermal conductivity is suppressed at the ILM activation temperature, while no impact is observed in the electrical conductivity. This complement of transport properties suggests that ILMs could improve thermoelectric performance. Ramifications also include thermal ratcheting, a transition from brittle to ductile fracture, and possibly a phase transformation in uranium.
The RosettaDock server for local protein–protein docking

The RosettaDock server (http://rosettadock.graylab.jhu.edu) identifies low-energy conformations of a protein-protein interaction near a given starting configuration by optimizing rigid-body orientation and side-chain conformations. The server requires two protein structures as inputs and a starting location for the search. RosettaDock generates 1000 independent structures, and the server returns pictures, coordinate files and detailed scoring information for the 10 top-scoring models. A plot of the total energy of each of the 1000 models created shows the presence or absence of an energetic binding funnel. RosettaDock has been validated on the docking benchmark set and through the Critical Assessment of PRedicted Interactions blind prediction challenge.
The C957T polymorphism in the dopamine receptor D2 gene modulates domain-general category learning

Adaptive learning from reward and punishment is vital for human survival. Striatal and frontal dopaminergic activities are associated with adaptive learning. For example, the C957T single nucleotid...
Estimates of helium gas release in 238PuO2 fuel particles for radioisotope heat sources and heater units

Abstract Release data of noble gases (Xe and Kr) from small-grain (7–40 μm), large-grain (⩾300 μm), and monocrystal UO2 fuel particles, during isothermal irradiation up to 6.4 at.% and 2030 K are reviewed and their applicability to estimate helium release from 238PuO2 fuel particles (⩾300 μm in diameter) is examined. Coated 238PuO2 particles have recently been proposed for use in radioisotope power systems and heater units employed in planetary exploration missions. These fuel particles are intentionally sized and designed to prevent any adverse radiological effect and retain the helium gas generated by the radioactive decay of 238Pu, a desired feature for some planetary missions. Results suggest that helium release from large-grain (⩾300 μm) particles of K could be 80% but less than 7% at 1042 K, which is in general agreement with the experiments conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory more than two decades ago. In these experiments, the helium gas release from small-grain (7–40 μm) 238PuO2 fuel pellets has been measured during steady-state heating at temperatures up to 1886 K and ramp heating to 1723 K.
Norharman inhibition of [3H]diazepam binding in mouse brain.

Abstract Norharman competitively inhibits specific binding of [ 3 H]-diazepam in mouse brain homogenates. In vivo this β-carboline produces a striking rigid catatonic-like appearance which is abolished by diazepam. It also causes a rapid tremor but has little anticonvulsant effect. Measurement of in vivo concentrations and receptor occupancy demonstrate that these biological effects occur at doses which occupy a large proportion of benzo-diazepine receptors. It may represent a ligand of the benzo-diazepine receptors whose effects are opposite those of diazepam.