cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disease-induced mortality in density-dependent discrete-time S-I-S epidemic models

The dynamics of simple discrete-time epidemic models without disease-induced mortality are typically characterized by global transcritical bifurcation. We prove that in corresponding models with disease-induced mortality a tiny number of infectious individuals can drive an otherwise persistent population to extinction. Our model with disease-induced mortality supports multiple attractors. In addition, we use a Ricker recruitment function in an SIS model and obtained a three component discrete Hopf (Neimark–Sacker) cycle attractor coexisting with a fixed point attractor. The basin boundaries of the coexisting attractors are fractal in nature, and the example exhibits sensitive dependence of the long-term disease dynamics on initial conditions. Furthermore, we show that in contrast to corresponding models without disease-induced mortality, the disease-free state dynamics do not drive the disease dynamics.
Comparative study of decompressive craniectomy after mass lesion evacuation in severe head injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate outcome after decompressive craniectomy (DC) in the setting of mass evacuation with or without intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. METHODS: Over a 48-month period (March 2000 to March 2004), 54 of 967 consecutive head injury patients underwent DC for evacuation of a mass lesion. DC was performed without ICP monitoring in 27 patients who required urgent decompression (group A) and in 27 patients who did not require urgent surgery and who had their ICP monitored for 1 to 14 days before surgery (group B). RESULTS: In group A, the mean Glasgow Coma Scale score was 6.0; 80% had computed tomographic evidence of a shift greater than 5 mm; and 25 patients underwent DC immediately after resuscitation. In group B, the mean Glasgow Coma Scale score was 7.3; 40% had computed tomographic evidence of shift; and 75% underwent DC 24 hours or longer after presentation. Overall, 22 patients died (12 in group A and 10 in group B), 11 remained vegetative or severely disabled (3 in group A and 8 in group B), and 19 had good recovery (11 in group A and 8 in group B). Two patients were lost to follow-up. In 18 group B patients with ICP greater than 20 mm Hg before mass evacuation, ICP dropped an average of 13 mm Hg (P < 0.001 A mass lesion greater than 50 mL (odds ratio [OR], 2.86; 95% confidence interval [Cl], 1.04-7.89) and evidence of low attenuation on computed tomography before (OR, 3.3; 95% Cl, 1.1-10.3) or after (OR, 2.92; 95% Cl, 1.02-8.34) DC were predictors of death. A good outcome occurred in 42% of patients with and in 63% of patients without delayed traumatic injury (OR, 0.3; 95% Cl, 0.1-1.1 Outcome was favorable in 78.6% of patients who had no ICP monitoring before DC versus 47.1 % of patients with ICP monitoring (OR, 0.2; 95% Cl, 0.1-1.2). CONCLUSION: In this study, mortality after DC for mass lesion was greater than expected, and outcome did not differ between patients with or without ICP monitoring.
A Tight-Binding Model for Molecular Dynamics of Carbon-Hydrogen Systems

A model for studying carbon-hydrogen systems with molecular dynamics (MD) is developed based on an empirical tight-binding approach for the calculation of the interatomic forces. The parameters involved are obtained by fitting to the structure of methane. The transferability of the model is tested by reproducing accurately several electronic, structural, and vibrational properties of hydrocarbon molecules. Ab initio results on carbon clusters with hydrogen are compared with the results obtained with our model.
Why do North American climate anomalies differ from one El Niño event to another

This study explores the cause of the appreciable variations in North American climate from one El Nino event to another. Two competing sources of inter-El Nino variations are examined; one associated with differences in sea surface temperature (SST) forcing between El Nino events, and the other associated with purely internal atmospheric processes that operate independently of El Nino. The analysis is based upon a large ensemble of atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) simulations that are forced with the observed variations in global SSTs during 1950–1994. From investigation of the seven strongest warm events in this record, the AGCM is shown to possess only one dominant large-scale pattern over the Pacific-North American region. The case-to-case variability seen in nature is thus claimed to be primarily due to atmospheric processes, and the inter-El Nino differences in SST appear to be of secondary importance. The significance of these results for an atmosphere-ocean forecasting system are discussed.
Roles of Obstetrician-Gynecologist Hospitalists with Changes in the Obstetrician-Gynecologist Workforce and Practice

Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs) are the fourth largest group of physicians and the only specialty dedicated solely to women's health care. The specialty is unique in providing 24-hour inpatient coverage, surgical care and ambulatory preventive health care. This article identifies and reviews changes in the OB-GYN workforce, including more female OB-GYNs, an increasing emphasis on work-life balance, more sub-specialization, larger group practices with more employed physicians and, finally, an emphasis on quality and performance improvement. It then describes the evolution of the OB-GYN hospitalist movement to date and the role of OB-GYN hospitalists in the future with regard to these workforce changes.
Continuous cultivation of fission yeast: Classical and flow microfluorometry observations

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe was grown in glucose-limited medium in a steady-state continuous flow reactor. Changes in mean cell protein and RNA contents with growth rate are consistent with earlier observations under different conditions. Flow microfluorometry measurements of the frequency functions of DNA at different dilution rates show changes in coordination of DNA synthesis and cell separation. Shifting from batch growth to small dilution rates results in unusual cell aggregation which leads to multiple steady states at identical operating conditions.
Oral Language and Reading How Are They Related for Third Graders

The study reported here investigated the relationship between oral language and reading comprehension of 77 third grade students. Results indicated moderate to strong statistically significant relationships between specific linguistic components of oral language and reading comprehension. Moderate to strong relationships also occurred between expressive and receptive oral language performance and reading comprehension. In general, the findings of this study supported the existence of a functional relationship between oral language and reading.
The Creativeness and Effectiveness of Online Interactive Rich Media Advertising

ABSTRACTThis field experiment attempts to determine whether online, interactive, rich media advertising garners more user interactivity, measured as click-throughs, than non-interactive, rich media ads run during the same time frame on a major regional newspaper’s Web site. The interactive rich media ad may generate more interactivity with regard to its click-through rates compared with mouse rollovers. Various interactivity theories, creativity literature, and distinctiveness theory provide a framework. The online, interactive, rich media ad designed for this study appeared on a major regional newspaper’s host site for two weeks to obtain comparative data with non-interactive, rich media ads. The analysis of the comparative data used descriptive and inferential statistics. The interactive, rich media ad earned significantly higher click-through rates than the non-interactive, rich media ads. It also garnered more user engagement and encouraged more user interactivity. The interactive ad exhibits higher l...
Some Ideas on Education in the Management Sciences

The brevity of this statement hardly permits a position to be presented fully let alone defended adequately. Hence what follows are a set of assertions whose baldness gives them a dogmatic tone that they are not intended to have. Enough of apologies. There is no more space to spare. This discussion is divided into what I consider to be the four essential parts of an educational program in the Management Sciences: Foundations, Fundamentals, Frontiers, and Facility.
Wet markets--a continuing source of severe acute respiratory syndrome and influenza?

Summary Context Live-animal markets (wet markets) provide a source of vertebrate and invertebrate animals for customers in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Wet markets sell live poultry, fish, reptiles, and mammals of every kind. Live-poultry markets (mostly chicken, pigeon, quail, ducks, geese, and a wide range of exotic wild-caught and farm-raised fowl) are usually separated from markets selling fish or red-meat animals, but the stalls can be near each other with no physical separation. Despite the widespread availability of affordable refrigeration, many Asian people prefer live animals for fresh produce. Wet markets are widespread in Asian countries and in countries where Asian people have migrated. Live-poultry markets were the source of the H5N1 bird-influenza virus that transmitted to and killed six of 18people in Hong Kong. Starting point Yi Guan and colleagues ( Science 2003; 302 : 276–78) recently reported the isolation of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV) from Himalayan palm civets ( Paguna larvata ) in wet markets in Shenzen, southern China. These researchers also found serological evidence of infection in raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes pro-cuyoinboides ). Serological evidence for SARS CoV in human beings working in these markets, taken together with the earliest cases of SARS in restaurant workers, supports the contention of a potential zoonotic origin for SARS. Where next? Will SARS reappear? This question confronts public-health officials worldwide, particularly infectious disease personnel in those regions of the world most affected by the disease and the economic burden of SARS, including China, Taiwan, and Canada. Will the virus re-emerge from wet markets or from laboratories working with SARS CoV, or are asymptomatic infections ongoing in human beings? Similar questions can be asked about a pandemic of influenza that is probably imminent. Knowledge of the ecology of influenza in wet markets can be used as an early-warning system to detect the reappearance of SARS or pandemic influenza.
Eya-six are necessary for survival of nephrogenic cord progenitors and inducing nephric duct development before ureteric bud formation.

Background: Specification of the metanephric mesenchyme is a central step of kidney development as this mesenchyme promotes nephric duct induction to form a ureteric bud near its caudal end. Before ureteric bud formation, the caudal nephric duct swells to form a pseudostratified epithelial domain that later emerges as the tip of the bud. However, the signals that promote the formation of the transient epithelial domain remain unclear. Here, we investigated the early roles of the mesenchymal factor Six family and its cofactor Eya on the initial induction of nephric duct development. Results: The nephrogenic progenitor population is initially present but significantly reduced in mice lacking both Six1 and Six4 and undertakes an abnormal cell death pathway to be completely eliminated by ∼E10.5–E11.0, similar to that observed in Eya1-/- embryos. Consequently, the nephric duct fails to be induced to undergo normal proliferation to pseudostratify and form the ureteric bud in Six1-/-;Six4-/- or Eya1-/- embryos. Conclusions: Our data support a model where Eya-Six may form a complex to regulate nephron progenitor cell development before metanephric specification and are critical mesenchymal factors for inducing nephric duct development. Developmental Dynamics 244:866–873, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of the CBF2 Binding Site within the Epstein-Barr Virus Latency C Promoter and Its Role in Modulating EBNA2-Mediated Transactivation

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) EBNA2 protein is a transcriptional activator that regulates viral and cellular gene expression and is also essential for EBV-driven immortalization of B lymphocytes. The EBNA2-responsive enhancer in the viral latency C promoter (Cp) binds two cellular factors, CBF1 and CBF2. The precise role of the CBF2 protein for Cp enhancer function is presently unclear. CBF2 does not appear to interact with EBNA2 and binds just downstream of CBF1 between positions −339 and −368 in the Cp EBNA2 enhancer. Within this region an 8-bp sequence, CAGTGCGT, can be found, and a similar sequence is also located downstream of CBF1 binding sites in other EBNA2-responsive promoters. Previous studies have indicated that mutations and methylation in this sequence affect EBNA2 responsiveness. To investigate the requirements for CBF2 binding, we synthesized a series of oligonucleotides carrying double transversion mutations spanning both the conserved core sequence and outside flanking sequences. Surprisingly, mutations outside of the conserved core sequence in 4 bases immediately flanking the 5′ end, GGTT, had the most deleterious effect on CBF2 binding. Mutations in the conserved core had a gradient effect, with those near the 5′ end having the most deleterious effects on CBF2 binding. In addition, the affinities of CBF2 for binding to the LMP-1, LMP-2, and CD23 promoters were also measured. These promoters contain the conserved core but lack the 5′ flanking GGTT motif and bound CBF2 weakly or not at all. Using Cp reporter plasmids containing CBF2 mutant binding sites, we were also able to show that at lower doses of EBNA2, Cp transactivation required a functional CBF2 binding site but that higher doses of EBNA2 transactivated CBF2 mutant promoters to 40% of wild-type levels. These assays indicate that CBF2 is important for EBNA2-mediated transactivation of the viral latency Cp. In addition, CBF2 activity was found to be associated with two polypeptides of 27 and 33 kDa.
A power-producing fusion reactor using presently available components

Summary form only given, as follows. The problem with fusion reactors today is that they do not produce appreciably more power than they consume to maintain the plasma. However, this problem may be solved by considering the total fusion cycle. In the present concept, deuterium is fused with tritium to create about 17 MeV of energy per fusion. The tritium is to be regenerated by using the reaction n+/sup 6/Li=T+/sup 4/He. However, only one tritium atom is produced for every tritium atom consumed, so some neutron multiplying mechanism is required to overcome the inevitable losses in the neutron and tritium handling processes. In the present fusion concept, this neutron multiplication occurs in a spallation neutron source between the fusion neutron source and the tritium producing blanket. My observation is that this spallation neutron source can be used to augment the energy produced in the fusion power plant.
Averaging over depth during optical mapping of unipolar stimulation

Numerical simulations have predicted the distribution of transmembrane potential during electrical stimulation of cardiac tissue. When comparing these predictions to measurements obtained using optical mapping techniques, the optical signal should not be compared to the transmembrane potential calculated at the surface of the tissue, but instead to the transmembrane potential averaged over depth. In this paper, the bidomain model is used to calculate the transmembrane potential in a three-dimensional slab of cardiac tissue, stimulated by a unipolar electrode on the tissue surface. For an optical decay constant of 0.3 mm and an electrode radius of 1 mm, the surface transmembrane potential is more than a factor of three larger than the transmembrane potential averaged over depth. Our results suggest that optical mapping underestimates the surface transmembrane potential during electrical stimulation.
Adverse effects from inappropriate medication administration via a jejunostomy feeding tube.

Numerous complications can arise when administering medications to patients receiving continuous enteral feeding. We report a case of a patient who could not be fed by mouth and was receiving continuous jejunal enteral feeding who had an adverse event associated with inappropriate administration of a medication via his jejunostomy tube. He had taken an extended-release niacin product before hospitalization for type IIb hyperlipidemia. The patient was inappropriately given a single dose of 750 mg of niacin as the short-acting tablets that were crushed and administered via the jejunostomy tube. He experienced severe cutaneous flushing, a feeling of warmth, itching, nausea, and emesis. He was noted to have “prickly heat” to the forehead, according to the nursing notes. A discussion of problems and guidelines for medication administration in adult patients receiving continuous tube feeding is provided.
High figure of merit in Ce-filled skutterudites

New thermoelectric materials with superior transport properties at high temperatures have been discovered. These materials are part of the large family of skutterudites, a class of compounds which have shown a good potential for thermoelectric applications. The composition of these novel materials, called filled skutterudites, is derived from the skutterudite crystal structure and can be represented by the formula LnT/sub 4/Pn/sub 12/ (Ln=rare earth, Th; T=Fe, Rn, Os, Co, Rh, Ir; Pn=P, As, Sb). In these compounds, the empty octants of the skutterudite structure which are formed in the TPn/sub 3/ (/spl sim/T/sub 4/Pn/sub 12/) framework are filled with a rare earth element. Some of these compositions, based on CeFe/sub 4/Sb/sub 12/, have been prepared by a combination of melting and powder metallurgy techniques and have shown exceptional thermoelectric properties in the 350-700/spl deg/C temperature range. At room temperature, CeFe/sub 4/Sb/sub 12/ behaves as a p-type semimetal, but with a low thermal conductivity and surprisingly large Seebeck coefficient. These results are consistent with some recent band structure calculations on these compounds. Replacing Fe with Co in CeFe/sub 4/Sb/sub 12/ and increasing the Co:Fe atomic ratio resulted in an increase in the Seebeck coefficient values. The possibility of obtaining n-type conductivity filled skutterudites for Co:Fe values higher than 1:3 is currently being investigated. Measurements on bulk samples with a CeFe/sub 3.5/Co/sub 0.5/Sb/sub 12/ atomic composition and p-type conductivity resulted in dimensionless figure of merit ZT values of 1.4 at 600/spl deg/C.
CONSUMER PERCEPTION OF CORPORATE DONATIONS Effects of Company Reputation for Social Responsibility and Type of Donation

In cause-related marketing (CRM), a company agrees to donate money to a charity each time a consumer engages in a revenue-producing transaction with the firm. Since the company benefits first before any obligation to donate is accrued, consumers might perceive this practice to be less altruistic than an unconditional donation to a cause. If so, CRM could backfire, injuring corporate image. This study investigated the effects of type of donation (conditional or not conditional upon corporate revenue) and reputation of the firm making the donation (firms described as scrupulous, average, or irresponsible in the discharge of their social responsibility) on consumer regard for the firm; perceived mercenary intent of the firm; and whether the social performance of the company is consistent with "good" management. Consumer responses were predicted based on the contrast effect and attribution theory. Results suggest that irresponsible firms increased their favor with consumers by pursuing either type of donation...
Beyond the intention-to-treat in comparative effectiveness research

Background The intention-to-treat comparison is the primary, if not the only, analytic approach of many randomized clinical trials.Purpose To review the shortcomings of intention-to-treat analyses, and of ‘as treated’ and ‘per protocol’ analyses as commonly implemented, with an emphasis on problems that are especially relevant for comparative effectiveness research.Methods and Results In placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials, intention-to-treat analyses underestimate the treatment effect and are therefore nonconservative for both safety trials and noninferiority trials. In randomized clinical trials with an active comparator, intention-to-treat estimates can overestimate a treatment’s effect in the presence of differential adherence. In either case, there is no guarantee that an intention-to-treat analysis estimates the clinical effectiveness of treatment. Inverse probability weighting, g-estimation, and instrumental variable estimation can reduce the bias introduced by nonadherence and loss to fo...
Molecular determinants of cAMP-mediated regulation of the Na+–Ca2+ exchanger expressed in human cell lines

The cardiac Na+–Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) is one of the major sarcolemmal Ca2+ transporters of cardiomyocytes. Structure–function studies suggest that β-adrenergic inhibition of NCX1, as reported for frog, but not mammalian hearts, may be associated with a unique splice variant of frog cardiac NCX1 where insertion of an extra exon completes the coding of a nucleotide binding P-loop. To test the involvement of the P-loop in cAMP-mediated regulation of NCX1 we used four stably transfected human cell lines (a previously established line of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells and three new lines of human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells) expressing: (1) wild-type dog NCX1 (dog NCX1); (2) wild-type frog NCX1 (frog NCX1); (3) chimeric frog-dog NCX1 incorporating the completed P-loop from the frog NCX1 into the dog NCX1 sequence (frog/dog NCX1); and (4) a mutated frog NCX1 where a putative protein kinase A (PKA) site was disrupted by substitution of a single serine residue with glycine (S374G frog NCX1). Structural expression of these NCX1 constructs was confirmed using Western blot analysis of extracted proteins and immunofluorescence imaging. The NCX1-generated current (INa–Ca) was reliably measured in cells expressing dog (2.0 ± 0.15 pA pF−1), frog (0.6 ± 0.1 pA pF−1) and frog/dog (0.6 ± 0.1 pA pF−1) NCX1, but less so in those expressing S374G frog NCX1 (0.3 ± 0.1 pA pF−1). Addition of 100 μm 8-bromoadenosine 3′,5′ cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP) suppressed INa–Ca of frog and frog/dog NCX1 by 60–80 %. The suppression of INa–Ca was smaller and transient in cells expressing S374G frog NCX1, and absent in cells expressing dog NCX1. Intracellular Ca2+ (Ca12+)-transients, activated by rapid withdrawal of Na+, were also downregulated in the frog and frog/dog NCX1 and to a smaller and transient extent in S374G frog NCX1. Our findings suggest that the suppressive effect of β-adrenergic agonists requires the presence of the P-loop domain of the frog NCX1, and provide evidence that the putative PKA site, present in both dog and frog NCX1, might also be critical in the cAMP-mediated regulation of the exchanger.
Glutamine Reduces Heat Shock–Induced Cell Death in Rat Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Glutamine supplementation is beneficial for preventing intestinal atrophy and maintaining mucosal functions in metabolically stressed patients. The mechanisms by which glutamine prevents mucosal atrophy remain unclear. In particular, the role of glutamine in the survival of cells under stress is unknown. Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) were cultured in media with or without supplementation of L-glutamine. A low concentration of L-glutamine (1.0 mmol/L) was sufficient to minimize the percentage of floating cells under basal conditions. Heat shock at 43 degrees C for 90 min decreased (P < 0. 001) the number of attached cells, while increasing (P < 0.001) the number of floating cells, which is a measurement of the extent of cell death in these cultures. Glutamine enhanced attached cell count and diminished heat shock-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Of note, 2 mmol/L was suboptimal in both respects, thus indicating that heat-shocked cells require higher concentrations of glutamine for optimal cell survival. Maximal effect was achieved with 8 mmol/L glutamine, which increased (P < 0.001) cell growth (indicated by the number of attached cells) and diminished (P < 0. 001) cell death (indicated by the number of floating cells). Further increase of L-glutamine concentration to 12 or 20 mmol/L did not provide additional benefit in minimizing cell death. Heat shock protein 70 (hsp 70) mRNA was induced by heat shock only in cultures supplemented with L-glutamine, and the induction was more consistent and greater in cultures containing higher concentrations of glutamine. Thus, glutamine supplementation reduced heat shock-induced cell death. This effect, together with the maintenance of cell growth, may play a key role in the prevention of intestinal mucosal atrophy.
What type of framing message is more appropriate with nine-ending pricing?

While the effect of nine-ending prices on purchases has been well documented, studies that examine the impact of this pricing technique in the context of advertisements are rare. This paper examines the joint effect of the pricing technique and message frames on the advertisement efficacy. Since a nine-ending price is compatible with gain-framed messages due to its gain image, we propose that nine-ending pricing strengthens the effectiveness of gain-framed messages (versus loss-framed messages) on the overall advertisement efficacy. The results of two experiments provide support for this hypothesis.
Clinical value of postnatal autopsy and genetics consultation in fetal death.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical use of postnatal autopsy and genetics consultation in cases of fetal death in a teaching hospital. A retrospective analysis of medical records including pathology and genetics reports was performed in all cases of fetal death in which a woman delivered at Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston, Texas over a 2-year period. Cases were excluded when gestational age of the fetus was less than 20 weeks. Fetuses were only included when the 1- and 5-min Apgar scores were 0 and 0, respectively. There were 139 fetal deaths and 12,209 live born infants during the study period (stillbirth rate 1.125%). Although pathology services were used in 96.2%, a genetics consultation was obtained in only 12% of cases. Fetal autopsy provided a certain cause of fetal death in 19.4%, a probable cause for death in 36.3%, and was inconclusive in 44.3%. Among the cases in which a genetics consultation was obtained, a certain and probable cause for fetal death was found in 20% and 20% of cases, respectively. The utilization of genetics consultation was found to be independent of multiple clinical variables examined including ultrasound data, identification of maceration, and training level of resident. Our data show a frequent use of pathologic examination in cases of fetal death and an infrequent use of genetics consultation services. The request for genetics consultation seemed to have been made at random.
Rethinking system-level development: striving for coherency, certitude, and realizability

Superior system level development of computer based systems (CBSs) demands a rigorous approach that authoritatively defines an integrated design solution before proceeding very far with customary pro forma documentation. Such an approach would early on address issues like overall concurrency logic, real time performance, and system management overhead in a unified and exacting manner. The prototype model presented mainly addresses the architectural dynamics of the nascent system infrastructure. Accordingly, the modeling captures the absolute time based behavior of abstract active system elements. This focus enables the precise definition of the logical interfaces for concurrency interactions and the quantitative determination of sizing and timing parameters for a system level design solution. Once the system specification is prepared, the infrastructure prototype model is elaborated to acknowledge physical component allocations. The system level concurrency logic and the quantitative parameters are then apportioned over the physical component models. Upon verification and optimization, these details are inserted in the respective top level component specifications.
Children's internet use in a family context: Influence on family relationships and parental mediation.

We conducted a survey of 222 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade Korean children to examine (a) whether children's Internet use influences declines in family time and family communication and (b) how parental mediation techniques are related to children's online activities. According to the findings, total time using the Internet was related to perceived declines in family time but not related to family communication. The influence of the Internet on family time and family communication differed by the type of children's online activities. The analysis of the relationship between parental mediation techniques and children's online activities indicated that parents' recommendation of useful Web sites and co-using were positively related to frequency of children's educational online activities. However, parental restrictions on time and Web sites did not alter children's actual Internet usage.
Dune Retreat and Shoreline Change on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Abstract Barrier islands are popular recreational areas of economic importance and are constantly undergoing change. Costly efforts are made to maintain beaches and stabilize dunes within this dynamic environment. Light detection and ranging data collected in September 1997 and 1998 along a 175-km stretch of the Atlantic coast of the Outer Banks, North Carolina, provide the basis for quantitative determination of the changes in beach morphology. The 1998 survey was conducted just after the passage of Hurricane Bonnie. During the 1-year study interval, beach widths throughout the study region tended to decrease. Maximum dune retreat was determined for each 1-m bin of 1997 beach width. For comparable beach widths, maximum dune retreat increased from south to north. The maximum dune retreat was greatest for supratidal beaches with widths of ∼20 m. For wider supratidal beaches, from 20 to 60 m, the associated maximum dune retreat gradually decreased. There was no further decrease in maximum dune retreat for b...
Rhythmic movement disorder associated with respiratory arousals and improved by CPAP titration in a patient with restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.

RhythmicMovement Disorder (RMD) is a movement disorder of sleep that is characterized by rhythmic oscillations of the head or limbs [1]. Typically, these stereotyped movements manifest as head banging, body-rocking or head-rolling during sleep. The etiology of RMD is unknown but is hypothesized to be a phenomenon of disordered wake-sleep state transitions [2]. While RMD is usually seen in childhood it is not an uncommon condition in adults [3–6]. It has often been described in both healthy individuals and individuals with neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders, but has rarely been observed in the context of sleep disordered breathing. Here we describe a case of RMD in an adult with video-polysomnographic (video-PSG) documentation, associated with a combination of apneic/hypopneic respiratory events and arousals that are linked to these movements. Following successful continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration, these rhythmic movements resolved.
Enhancing independence and safety for blind and deaf-blind public transit riders

Blind and deaf-blind people often rely on public transit for everyday mobility, but using transit can be challenging for them. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 blind and deaf-blind people to understand how they use public transit and what human values were important to them in this domain. Two key values were identified: independence and safety. We developed GoBraille, two related Braille-based applications that provide information about buses and bus stops while supporting the key values. GoBraille is built on MoBraille, a novel framework that enables a Braille display to benefit from many features in a smartphone without knowledge of proprietary, device-specific protocols. Finally, we conducted user studies with blind people to demonstrate that GoBraille enables people to travel more independently and safely. We also conducted co-design with a deaf-blind person, finding that a minimalist interface, with short input and output messages, was most effective for this population.
Short-term Influences on Suspended Particulate Matter Distribution in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Satellite and Model Observations

Energetic meteorological events such as frontal passages and hurricanes often impact coastal regions in the northern Gulf of Mexico that influence geochemical processes in the region. Satellite remote sensing data such as winds from QuikSCAT, suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations derived from SeaWiFS and the outputs (sea level and surface ocean currents) of a nested navy coastal ocean model (NCOM) were combined to assess the effects of frontal passages between 23-28 March 2005 on the physical properties and the SPM characteristics in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Typical changes in wind speed and direction associated with frontal passages were observed in the latest 12.5 km wind product from QuikSCAT with easterly winds before the frontal passage undergoing systematic shifts in direction and speed and turning northerly, northwesterly during a weak and a strong front on 23 and 27 March, respectively. A quantitative comparison of model sea level results with tide gauge observations suggest better correlations near the delta than in the western part of the Gulf with elevated sea levels along the coast before the frontal passage and a large drop in sea level following the frontal passage on 27 March. Model results of surface currents suggested strong response to wind forcing with westward and onshore currents before the frontal passage reversing into eastward, southeastward direction over a six day period from 23 to 28 March 2005. Surface SPM distribution derived from SeaWiFS ocean color data for two clear days on 23 and 28 March 2005 indicated SPM plumes to be oriented with the current field with increasing concentrations in nearshore waters due to resuspension and discharge from the rivers and bays and its seaward transport following the frontal passage. The backscattering spectral slope γ, a parameter sensitive to particle size distribution also indicated lower γ values (larger particles) in nearshore waters that decreased offshore (smaller particles). The use of both satellite and model results revealed the strong interactions between physical processes and the surface particulate field in response to the frontal passage in a large riverdominated coastal margin.
Superconducting computing: Lessons from an emerging technology

Superconducting computing has recently emerged as a potential solution for energy-efficient, large-scale computing. Problems in large-scale computing are reviewed. Superconducting computing is significantly different from conventional technologies and required a feasibility study [1] to evaluate its potential. Concepts were investigated for computing systems capable of performance in the range from 1 to 1000 PFLOP/s. The concept systems were constrained to use existing commercial cryogenic refrigerators and Nb superconducting technology. Superconducting computing was shown to be potentially competitive on the basis of power and energy efficiency if key component technologies can meet specific goals.
Control challenges and mitigation techniques for sensor errors in modular motor drives with weakly-coupled distributed control architectures

Distributed controls have promising applications that include both highly fault-tolerant motor drives and modular drivesfor large machines. Communications speed limitations of these drive systems require each modular sub-drive to operate nearly independently over short timescales. As a result, sensor errors and system unbalances that cause only minor performance degradation in conventional drive systems can lead to complete loss of function in modular drives with distributed control architectures. This paper investigates alternative techniques such as calibration function compensation that can be applied to mitigate these challenges, making it possible for modular drives with weakly-coupled distributed controllers to deliver high-performance motor control. Simulation results are used to evaluate theeffectiveness of the proposed control techniques for addressing the special challenges posed by these distributed control architectures.
Clinical course of chronic ulcerative colitis (Based on 7662 proctoscopy examinations)

In following these cases we have learned: 1. That bed rest, dietary regime, vaccines and blood transfusions is the management of choice in chronic ulcerative colitis. 2. That proctoscopic reexaminations once yearly aids in the management of these patients. 3. That removal of foci of infections is beneficial. 4. That surgical interference should be reserved only for acute complications.
An Estimate of Size and Population for Middle Horizon Tiahuanaco, Bolivia

Recent opinions as to the size and character of ancient Tiahuanaco, Bolivia, vary greatly. On the basis of published information, it is impossible to assess these important aspects of the site. A two-day survey during November, 1966, strongly suggests a true urban character for Middle horizon Tiahuanaco. At that time the urban core covered approximately 2.4 km2. A range of population between 5,200 and 10,500, and possibly up to 20,000 people, is suggested. Tiahuanaco’s strategic location with respect to three major environmental zones is regarded as a crucial factor in the site’s economic and political importance.
Multifunctional Biodegradable Polyacrylamide Nanocarriers for Cancer Theranostics—A “See and Treat” Strategy

We describe here the development of multifunctional nanocarriers, based on amine-functionalized biodegradable polyacrylamide nanoparticles (NPs), for cancer theranostics, including active tumor targeting, fluorescence imaging, and photodynamic therapy. The structural design involves adding primary amino groups and biodegradable cross-linkers during the NP polymerization, while incorporating photodynamic and fluorescent imaging agents into the NP matrix, and conjugating PEG and tumor-targeting ligands onto the surface of the NPs. The as-synthesized NPs are spherical, with an average diameter of 44 nm. An accelerated biodegradation study, using sodium hydroxide or porcine liver esterase, indicated a hydrogel polymer matrix chain collapse within several days. By using gel permeation chromatography, small molecules were detected, after the degradation. In vitro targeting studies on human breast cancer cells indicate that the targeted NPs can be transported efficiently into tumor cells. Incubating the multifunctional nanocarriers into cancer cells enabled strong fluorescence imaging. Irradiation of the photosensitizing drug, incorporated within the NPs, with light of a suitable wavelength, causes significant but selective damage to the impregnated tumor cells, but only inside the illuminated areas. Overall, the potential of polymeric-based NPs as biodegradable, multifunctional nanocarriers, for cancer theranostics, is demonstrated here.
Simulation of Steady Two-Dimensional Heat Transfer in Rectangular Micro-Cavities at Elevated Pressures

Providing thermal protection for spacecraft landing on Venus is complicated by changes in the thermal conductivity of porous insulators at high pressures. Based on experimental results, multiple explanations for this phenomena have been provided, including interfacial temperature jumps. The current work, where simulations in a 2-D cavity are qualitatively compared with recent experimental work, suggest that these changes may be more realistically compared with pressure-dependent properties of the gas.
New Features of Dark and Photoconductivity Response of Low Energy Ar+ Ion bombarded GaAs

Photoconductivity measurements have been made on three SI GaAs sample types: Ar+ ion etched at leV, 3keV, and unetched. Measurements were made versus time, wavelength, and temperature. Photoquenching was done at 1.19 and 2.0eV energy. Some distinct changes in photoconductive properties are caused by the ion etch: 1) Increase in dark resistance; 2) presence of persistent photoconductivity; 3) increased photosensitivity; 4) increase In quenching rate under 2eV illumination; 5) destruction of the 0.47eV thermally activated photoconductivity. All samples exhibit Shockley-Read recombination controlled photoconductivity below a temperature of 125K, with the same apparent trap location, at 0.26eV above EF.
Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Changes Associated with Cataplexy in Canine Narcolepsy

Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored in narcoleptic dogs by means of a chronically implanted catheter placed in the descending aorta. Changes in these variables were recorded during spontaneously occurring cataplectic episodes. We found no reliable change in blood pressure associated with cataplexy onset. However, heart rate showed a marked increase prior to the onset of cataplexy, with peak heart rates being reached at or shortly after the disappearance of muscle tone. Autonomic events correlated with increased heart rate may contribute to the triggering of cataplexy in narcoleptics.
Identification of 125I-labeled rat reticulocyte membrane proteins with affinity for transferrin

The present studies were performed to identify reticulocyte membrane receptors for transferrin. Rat reticulocytes were labeled in vitro with l25l via lactoperoxidase; cell ghosts were then prepared and solubilized with Triton X-100. Binding of soluble membrane-125I components to transferrin conjugated to Sepharose (Seph-tfn) was three times greater than to albumin conjugated to Sepharose (Seph-alb). Soluble membrane-125I components released from Seph-tfn by 8 M urea rebound to Seph-tfn but not to Seph-alb. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of membrane components released from Seph-tfn showed three proteins with estimated molecular weights of 76,000, 95,000, and 145,000 daltons. Antibody to transferrin formed a precipitate upon incubation with soluble reticulocyte membrane components but not with soluble membrane components from erythrocytes or reticulocytes exposed to trypsin. PAGE of precipitates formed by incubation of antitransferrin and soluble 125I-reticulocyte membrane components showed three nonantibody proteins and corresponding 125l peaks with molecular weights of 76,000, 95,000, and 145,000 daltons. All three proteins increased in quantity when the amount of transferrin was increased in the immune precipitate by addition of “cold” exogenous transferrin, but only the 95,000- and 145,000-dalton components had increased 125l. These data indicate that two reticulocyte membrane components (95,000 and 145,000 daltons) can be iodinated and shown to have affinity for transferrin (76,000 daltons). The lack of components with such properties in membranes from erythrocytes or trypsinized reticulocytes, cells lacking the ability to bind transferrin, suggests that the two reticulocyte membrane proteins function as the transferrin receptor.
Acute thrombosis of the renal transplant artery : a case report and review of the literature

Acute thrombosis of the renal transplant artery is a known but unusual complication of renal transplantation usually occurring in the first month. Reported here is a case of acute renal artery thrombosis in a well functioning long-term renal allograft in which there was clear angiographic evidence of a normal renal artery two years earlier.
Effect of Massed Versus Interleaved Teaching Method on Performance of Students in Radiology.

Abstract Purpose Radiology instruction is based on the principle that grouped (or massed) repetition of an intellectual activity leads to expertise. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the spaced (or interleaved) method of teaching chest x-ray interpretation is more effective than the massed method. Methods After institutional review board approval was obtained, 40 first- and second-year medical students were randomized into two groups matched by age, gender, and education experience. Both groups saw six examples of 12 common chest radiographic patterns, one grouped, the other scrambled randomly without repeating strings. After a distraction, participants took a multiple-choice test consisting of two cases in each radiographic pattern, one previously shown, one new. Results were analyzed using two-tailed Student's t test of proportion. Results Comparing interleaved and massed groups, the average overall score was 57% versus 43% ( P = .03), the recollection score was 61% versus 47% ( P = .03), and the induction score was 53% versus 40% ( P = 0.10), respectively. Comparing second- and first-year students, average scores were 67% and 39%, respectively ( P P = .02) in recall and 40% and 28% ( P = .10) in induction. Second-year students in the interleaved and massed groups scored 71% and 63% ( P = .36) in recall and 74% and 59% ( P = .03) in induction. Conclusions The interleaved method of instruction leads to better results than the massed method across all levels of education. A higher level of medical education improves performance independent of method of instruction.
Potent Functional Immunogenicity of Plasmodium falciparum Transmission-Blocking Antigen (Pfs25) Delivered with Nanoemulsion and Porous Polymeric Nanoparticles

Purpose To evaluate functional immunogenicity of CHrPfs25. a malaria transmission blocking vaccine antigen, using nanoemulsion and porous polymeric PLGA nanoparticles.
Interval Estimation for Censored Accelerated Life Tests Based on the Lognormal Model

Simulation studies in this paper indicate that the standard large sample confidence intervals applied to censored samples from accelerated life tests tend to be too short for the required confidence level. Alternative confidence limits are derived which..
Improving performance and energy consumption in region-based caching architectures

Embedded systems must simultaneously deliver high performance and low energy consumption. Meeting these goals requires customized designs that fit the requirements of the targeted applications. This philosophy of tailoring the implementation to the domain applies to all subsystems in the embedded architecture. For the memory system, which is a key performance bottleneck and a significant source of energy consumption, generic caching strategies are insufficient. The system requires specialized cache structures that match the manner in which programmers use data. Since different data subsets exhibit varying degrees of locality, a partitioned cache offers the best opportunity to optimize performance and energy consumption for all memory accesses. In this dissertation, I explore several different methods that utilize partitioning for an energy-efficient, high performance data cache. Region-based caching, which replaces a unified data cache with multiple caches optimized for stack, global, and heap references, serves as the starting point for this research. I begin by addressing energy consumption in the level one data cache. Drowsy region-based caches combine static and dynamic energy reduction techniques to simultaneously lower both sources of energy consumption. This combination performs better than the sum of its parts because the separate region caches allow us to use different degrees of drowsy caching. I then show how additional cache partitioning can further reduce energy consumption, presenting a scheme to identify highly local data in the heap region and route their accesses to a smaller cache. I also study methods for improving memory system performance. The effectiveness of data prefetching can be increased by partitioning the cache in a manner that isolates data that prefetch well. Finally, I discuss how to reallocate data within region-based caches to eliminate unnecessary cache misses.