cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer Experiences in Learning Composition of Functions.

Computer instantiations of abstract concepts could assist mathematics education by providing concrete experiences and by inducing the mental process of construction that Piaget called reflective abstraction. Two classes of college students (n = 13) given 6 weeks of computer experiences to help induce reflective abstraction scored higher on a test of their understanding of functions and compositions than one class of students (n = 17) who were taught according to traditional methods. The comparison was based on questions intended to indicate whether reflective abstraction had taken place.
Low-loss infrared dielectric material system for broadband dual-range omnidirectional reflectivity.

A material system for broadband thermal IR applications based on branched polyethylene and tellurium is introduced. This system exhibits low absorption losses from 3.5 to 35 microm , has a large index contrast, and is readily deposited as a thin film. These unique features were used to investigate the formation of an omnidirectional reflector that exhibits two distinct, broadband omnidirectional ranges at thermal wavelengths. Reflectivity measurements are presented that confirm the existence of two omnidirectional ranges in the solar atmospheric windows extending from 8 to 12 microm and from 4.5 to 5.5 microm . The measurements are in good agreement with simulations.
Resonance in the dynamics of chemical systems simulated by the implicit midpoint scheme

Abstract The numerical behavior of the symplectic, implicit midpoint method with a wide range of integration timesteps is examined through an application to a diatomic molecule governed by a Morse potential. Our oscillator with a 12.6 fs period exhibits notable, integrator induced, timestep- ( Δt ) dependent resonances and we predict approximate values of Δt where they will occur. The particular case of a third-order resonance ( Δt ≈ 7 fs here) leads to instability, and higher-order resonances ( n = 4, 5) to large energetic fluctuations and/or corrupted phase diagrams. Significantly, for Δt > 10 fs the energy errors remain bound.
Stereospecific synthesis of humulene by titanium-induced dicarbonyl coupling

Abstract An efficient stereospecific synthesis of humulene was accomplished using titanium- induced cyclization of 3,37-trimethyl-11-oxoundeca-4E, 7E-dienal as the key step.
Inactivity‐induced modulation of Hsp20 and Hsp25 content in rat hindlimb muscles

Denervation decreases small heat shock protein (HSP) content in the rat soleus muscle; however, it is unknown whether this change is due to inactivity or absence of a nerve–muscle connection. Spinal cord isolation (SI) is a model of inactivity with an intact neuromuscular connection. After 7 days of SI, Hsp20 and Hsp25 levels in the soleus, plantaris, and adductor longus muscles were lower than in control rats, whereas Hsp20 was unchanged and Hsp25 increased in the tibialis anterior. The results for the soleus indicate that these small HSPs respond to inactivity and that this response is not influenced by neural activity–independent factors. Furthermore, the data indicate that these HSPs are impacted to a greater degree in muscles that are predominantly slow or have an antigravity function than in flexor muscles. Understanding the regulation of these HSPs during chronic reductions in neuromuscular activity may have valuable applications for conditions such as spinal cord injury. Muscle Nerve 30: 95–101, 2004
NOTES ON THE SMUT GENERA ENTORRHIZA AND SCHROETERIA

A B S T R A C T From a study of the morphology of spore forms and teliospore germination the genus Entorrhiza Weber is considered to be a synonym of Melanotaenium deBary, and Schroeteria Winter is synonymous with the earlier described genus Schizonella. The genus Entorrhiza was described by Weber (1884) for a gall-forming smut on the roots of Juncus bufonius L. and Cyperus flavescens L. Weber proposed that the name Entorrhiza replace Schinzia, a genus erected earlier by Nageli (1842) for two doubtful species of fungi found on the roots of Iris. Subsequently Schellenberg (1911), Bubak (1916), Dietel (1928), and others still used the name Schinzia, although in all recent works the generic name Entorrhiza has been accepted. Weber added confusion by giving the name E. cypericola (Magn.) Weber to two different smuts, one on Juncus bufonius and the other on Cyperus flavescens; this was not realized until it was pointed out by later workers. Magnus (1898) had named the smut on Cyperus flavescens as Schinzia cypericola. Since most of Weber's descriptions are for E. cypericola (Magn.) Weber on Cyperus flavescens, this smut is taken as the type of the genus. The correct specific name for the smut on J. bufonius has been shown to be E. aschersoniana (Magn.) Lagerh. E. aschersoniana (Magn.) deToni was published two months after Lagerheim's report (Ainsworth and Sampson, 1950). All the species of Entorrhiza so far described are parasitic on the roots of Juncaceae and Cyperaceae with the exception of E. isoetes (iRostr.) Liro on Isoetes lacustris. The chief character of the genus is the formation of spherical or digitate galls of the root tissues. The sori are developed within the cortical parenchyma and remain nonerumpent at maturity. Spores are developed at the ends of hyphae as in Entyloma and Neovossia. At maturity these spores are liberated from the host tissues when the galls disintegrate. Mature spores are yellowish-brown, often pale-colored. Germination of teliospores is stated to be by simple or multiple germ tubes, bearing a single falcate sporidium at the tip. Numerous collections of Entorrhiza species in the herbaria of Europe and the United States were examined. Fresh material of E. aschersoniana, the type of the genus, and E. digitata was
A summary of research regarding early entrance to college

This article reviews research about how students who enter college early perform academically and socially. Research results suggest that early entrants continue to achieve at high levels in college. Also, most students make the adjustment to the social scene on campus easily and have friendships with typically aged college students. Research suggests that early entrance students tend to continue on to graduate school and use the time gained from early entrance for further academic opportunities. Future research should focus on studying underachievers and the early career productivity of early entrants. The decision to enter college early is one of matching a student's needs and abilities to the appropriate environment.
HOMEOWNERSHIP AND NEIGHBORHOOD SATISFACTION AMONG LOW‐ AND MODERATE‐INCOME HOUSEHOLDS

Most research on homeownership is conducted on nationally representative samples of homeowners and fails to isolate the unique experience of low- and moderate-income (LMI) homeowners. Given the int...
The spatial dispersion of spores of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a sand dune: microscale patterns associated with the root architecture of American beachgrass

In order to develop a model of the spatial dispersion of populations of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (VAMF) spores within a root zone, we hypothesized that their spatial pattern would be correlated with the below-ground architecture (growth and structure) of the root system. Detailed excavation and mapping of the roots within the vicinity of three clusters of Ammophila breviligulata ramets (culms) revealed a network of rhizomes, many of which were not connected to the original plant. The species richness of VAMF for the three plots ranged from six to nine, including five genera. A high degree of spore clumping was not significantly correlated with the location of roots, nor with any of the physical soil parameters tested, or with the abundance of spores in adjacent sampling areas. The abundance of spores at a particular location in the soil generally was not a good predictor of spore populations only 10 cm distant. Since such spores are not readily dispersed from the point of sporulation, it is likely that some spore aggregations formed previously in association with fibrous roots that have subsequently decayed and are no longer detectable in the soil profile.
Coherent excitation of vibrational modes in nanospheres and nanorods

Ultrafast excitation of metal particles in solution coherently excites the phonon modes that correlate with the expansion coordinate of the particle. The period of the modulations yields information about the average size of the particles if their elastic constants and shape are known, or information about the elastic constants if the average size and shape is known. In this paper we describe recent experiments where we have used time-resolved spectroscopy to examine the elastic constants of: (i) gold nanorods with aspect ratios between 2 and 5; and (ii) spherical gold particles in aqueous solution at very high pump excitation levels. The first set of experiments shows that the elastic moduli (Young's modulus, and the bulk and shear modulus) of gold nanorods are significantly smaller than those of bulk gold. This is attributed to the structure of the nanorods, specifically, that they grown with a five-fold twinned structure. In the second set of experiments essentially the change in the elastic moduli with laser intensity is used to estimate the temperature of the particles. The results show that the particles can reach very high lattice temperatures (approaching the melting point of the metal). Examination of the transient absorption data suggests that the hot particles produce explosive boiling of the solvent in these experiments.
Flow visualization glass-ceramic: Preliminary experimental and modelling results

A glass-ceramic material was developed to act as a flow visualization material. Preliminary experiments indicate that aperiodic, thermally induced, convective flows can be sustained at normal processing conditions. These flows and the stress and temperature gradients induced are most likely responsible for the anomalous behaviour seen in these materials and the difficulties encountered in their development and in their production on industrial and experimental scales. A simple model describing the dynamics of variable-viscosity fluids was developed and was shown to be in qualitative agreement with more sophisticated models as well as with experimental results. The model was shown to simulate the dependence of the critical Rayleigh number for the onset of convection on the viscous properties of the fluid at low ΔT, and also to simulate quenching behaviour when the temperature differences were high.
Animitas. Una expresión informal y democrática de derecho a la ciudad

Las animitas son pequenas construcciones populares de caracter incremental y de geometria variable asociadas a un sistema de apropiaciones informales. Como vehiculos de un capital cultural, parecen haber alcanzado el reconocimiento social como construccion cultural, colectiva y urbana.
Asthma disease management: a critical analysis

Objective To examine how effective a number of asthma disease management (DM) programs have been and whether they have been shown to improve patient outcomes cost-effectively. Data Sources Articles and meta-analyses from peer-reviewed journals or conference abstracts from 1991 to November 2003 were reviewed by searching MEDLINE and the external World Wide Web to provide examples of data. Terms used for searches included outcomes, intervention, specialist, self-management, asthma, pediatric, and cost-effectiveness . Study Selection Observational studies that reported data on DM programs, comparisons of general and specialty care, or asthma self-management outcomes were selected for review. Results Recently, several studies have demonstrated the short-term benefit of asthma DM programs. These studies found that educational intervention programs produce measurable clinical and economic benefits in the intervention group; however, only a small percentage of patients remain compliant. In addition, the benefit of specialty care in asthma has been shown in other studies. Conclusions Although long-term studies are needed to evaluate DM-mediated clinical and cost benefits compared with specialty care, any program that helps improve patient compliance will result in clinical and economic benefits.
Worker reentry into pesticide-treated crops. II. Procedures for the determination of pesticide residues on the soil surface.

the Determination of Pesticide Residues on the Soil Surface' W. F. Spencer Agricultural Research Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Riverside, Calif. 92521 W. W. Kilgore Dept. of Environmental Toxicology University of California Davis, Cafif. 95616 Y. Iwata Department of Entomology University of California Riverside, Calif. 92521 J. B. Knaak California Department of Food and Agriculture Sacramento, Calif. 95814
A Shoulder Health Survey: Correlating Behaviors and Comorbidities With Shoulder Problems

Shoulder pain and loss of shoulder function are common complaints reported by a variety of patients. This article suggests that shoulder pain and loss of function are directly proportional to lifestyle choices, including smoking and obesity. To investigate possible relationships between lifestyle choices and shoulder health, the authors conducted an online survey combining the Oxford Shoulder Questionnaire, the Shoulder Rating Questionnaire, and the Subjective Shoulder Rating System. Data were collected from 166 respondents. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. The data show a statistically significant correlation between decreased shoulder function and cigarette smoking and a similar correlation between decreased shoulder function, elevated cholesterol, and obesity.
Trends in long-term opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain.

Objective To report trends and characteristics of long-term opioid use for non-cancer pain. Methods CONSORT (CONsortium to Study Opioid Risks and Trends) includes adult enrollees of two health plans serving over 1 per cent of the US population. Using automated data, we constructed episodes of opioid use between 1997 and 2005. We estimated age–sex standardized rates of opioid use episodes beginning in each year (incident) and on-going in each year (prevalent), and the per cent change in rates annualized (PCA) over the 9-year period. Long-term episodes were defined as > 90 days with 120+ days supply or 10+ opioid prescriptions in a given year. Results Over the study period, incident long-term use increased from 8.5 to 12.1 per 1000 at Group Health (GH) (6.0% PCA), and 6.3 to 8.6 per 1000 at Kaiser Permanente of Northern California (KPNC) (5.5% PCA). Prevalent long-term use doubled from 23.9 to 46.8 per 1000 at GH (8.5% PCA), and 21.5 to 39.2 per 1000 at KPNC (8.1% PCA). Non-Schedule II opioids were the most commonly used opioid among patients engaged in long-term opioid therapy, particularly at KPNC. Long-term use of Schedule II opioids also increased substantially at both health plans. Among prevalent long-term users in 2005, 28.6% at GH and 30.2% at KPNC were also regular users of sedative hypnotics. Conclusion Long-term opioid therapy for non-cancer pain is increasingly prevalent, but the benefits and risks associated with such therapy are inadequately understood. Concurrent use of opioids and sedative-hypnotics was unexpectedly common and deserves further study. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three-dimensional analysis of the flow in a curved hydraulic turbine draft tube

SUMMARY The three-dimensional turbulent flow in a curved hydraulic turbine draft tube is studied numerically. The analysis is based on the steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations closed with the k--E model. The governing equations are discretized by a conservative finite volume formulation on a non-orthogonal bodyfitted co-ordinate system. Two grid systems, one with 34 x 16 x 12 nodes and another with 50 x 30 x 22 nodes, have been used and the results from them are compared. In terms of computing effort, the number of iterations needed to yield the same degree of convergence is found to be proportional to the square root of the total number of nodes employed, which is consistent with an earlier study made for two-dimensional flows using the same algorithm. Calculations have been performed over a wide range of inlet swirl, using both the hybrid and second-order upwind schemes on coarse and fine grids. The addition of inlet swirl is found to eliminate the stalling characteristics in the downstream region and modify the behaviour of the flow markedly in the elbow region, thereby affecting the overall pressure recovery noticeably. The recovery factor increases up to a swirl ratio of about 0.75, and then drops off. Although the general trends obtained with both finite difference operators are in agreement, the quantitative values as well as some of the fine flow structures can differ. Many of the detailed features observed on the fine grid system are smeared out on the coarse grid system, pointing out the necessity of both a good finite difference operator and a good grid distribution for an accurate result.
Rational solutions of diophantine equations isomorphic to elliptic curves with applications to complex multiplication

We establish a relationship between the rational solutions (X(t), Y(t)) over K(t), K the algebraic closure of a field K, t transcendental over K; of the diophantine equation E, 4t3X(t)3−g2tX(t)−g3=Y(t)2(4t3−g2t−g2t−g3), g2,g3,∈K and the rational solutions of the elliptic curve E0, Y2=4X3−g2X−g3 . It is found that generally the Z-rank of the group E(K(t)) of rational solutions of E is 1, if E0 has no complex multiplications, 2, if char K = 0 and E0 has complex multiplications, 4, if char K = p and E0 is supersingular. An actual application is made to the case of K equal to a number field. Here the rational solutions of E are derivable from the substitutions x(t)=p(λu+μ)p(u), y(t)=p′(λu+μ)p′(u), t=p(u) , μ=0, ω1,ω2,ω1+ω2=ω3modL{2ω1,2ω1,2ω2} . The paper expands on the work of H. Cohn who dealt with the two diophantine equations, respectively, corresponding to the cases K = Q(√−1) (t = 4p2(u)) and K = Q(√−3) (t = 4p3(u)).
A New Model for ASEE Student Chapters

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) seeks to increase the number of ASEE student chapters. However, about half of the student chapters formed over the past decade have failed to sustain enrollment and activity and are currently inactive. Recent research suggests that sustainability is based on the number of students available to a given chapter. Since the current model of ASEE student chapters is oriented towards graduate students entering academia, schools that do not place many students in faculty positions upon graduation should have different goals for their ASEE student chapters. Thus, we propose a new, more-inclusive model for ASEE student chapters.
Photoluminescence identification of the C and Be acceptor levels in InP

Low dose (5x109-5x1011 cm−2) ion implantations of several ions including C, Be, Mg, and Mn have been performed into high purity epitaxial and bulk InP samples. A comparison of the low temperature (1.7-20 K) photoluminescence spectra of these deliberately doped samples was made to similar spectra of undoped high purity InP grown by LPE, PH3-VPE, and LEC techniques in order to identify the residual acceptors in the undoped samples. Ionization energies obtained for the C, Be, and Mg acceptors (assuming Eg=1.4237 eV) were 44.6 ± 0.3, 41.3 ± 0.3, and 41.0 ± 0.3 megV, respectively. These valu were compared to the ionization energy of the dominant residual acceptor in LPE InP, which also occurs in LEC, polycrystalline, and PH3-VPE material. This acceptor level was first reported in LPE InP by Hesset al. in 1974, who denoted it A1; it has widely been assumed to be C. The value we measure for the ionization energy of A1, which is 41.2 ± 0.3 meV, however, matches that of Mg and Be andnot C. We conclude that C is almost never present as a residual acceptor in undoped InP, and that the residual level in LPE and other material is Mg, or possibly Be. Similar measurements on Si and Sn doped samples showed no evidence of any Si or Sn acceptor level. The Mn acceptor peak was observed to occur at 1.19 eV.
35 atoms that changed the nanoworld

It is 20 years since researchers at IBM spelt out the name of their company with atoms. Chris Toumey looks at the story behind a landmark in nanotechnology.
Fryns syndrome survivors and neurologic outcome

Fryns syndrome is an autosomal recessive multiple congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by diaphragmatic hernia, unusual facies, and distal limb hypoplasia. It was first reported as a lethal condition. We report on a three-year-old survivor with Fryns syndrome, and provide a review on the outcome of other survivors. Patients who survive the neonatal period represent 14% of reported cases. Characteristics of survivors include less frequent diaphragmatic hernia and milder lung hypoplasia, absence of complex cardiac malformation, and neurologic impairment. Multiple central nervous system abnormalities have been reported in Fryns syndrome, including agenesis of the corpus callosum, Dandy-Walker abnormality, cerebellar heterotopias, cerebellar hypoplasia, enlarged ventricles, and hypoplasia of the olfactory bulbs. Our patient exhibited profound mental retardation. He had malformations of gyration and sulcation, particularly around the central sulcus, and hypoplastic optic tracts beyond the optic chiasm. Understanding of long-term outcome of survivors is important for counseling of families with Fryns syndrome. Careful brain examination is advised; however, a normal radiological brain examination does not preclude developmental delay. The spectrum of individual outcome and of associated anomalies indicates that individual evaluation, imaging for structural brain malformation, is strongly advised. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A comparison of teacher referral and pupil self‐referral measures relative to perceived school adjustment

This study investigated the relationship between teacher referral and pupil self-referral relative to perceived school adjustment of 417 4th grade pupils. Two major questions were focused upon: (a) To what extent do teachers and pupils agree relative to perceived learning and/or adjustment problems within the classroom? and (b) What are the relationships between teacher referral and pupil self-referral relative to sex of the child and type of problem indicated? The results suggest that a significant relationship exists between teacher referral and pupil self-referral (p <,001). Further, a disproportionate number of males in the sample were referred by their teachers as compared to female students (38% to 12%). However, relative to pupil self-referral, a much higher percentage of females (33%) “referred themselves.” It is suggested that greater consideration should be given by local school districts to including a pupil self-referral component within their overall screening mechanism for the identification of children in need of special education services. Further, school personnel should consider the possibility that their screening results may reflect teacher bias relative to “pupil sex stereotyping” in that males may be over-referred and famales under-referred.
Issues Related to Spirituality and the Search for Truth in Sectarian Institutions of Higher Education.

The foundational spiritual truths of sectarian institutions, often criticized by the secular academy, may provide a basis for a vigorous search for truth in the transition from modern to postmodern society.
Three-dimensional and analytical modeling of microfluidic particle transport in magnetic fluids

We present an analytical model that can predict the three-dimensional (3D) transport of non-magnetic particles in magnetic fluids inside a microfluidic channel coupled with permanent magnets. The magnets produce a spatially non-uniform magnetic field that gives rise to a magnetic buoyancy force on the particles. Resulting 3D trajectories of the particles are obtained by (1) calculating the 3D magnetic buoyancy force exerted on the particles via an analytical distribution of magnetic fields as well as their gradients, together with a nonlinear magnetization model of the magnetic fluids, (2) deriving the 3D hydrodynamic viscous drag force on the particles with an analytical velocity profile of a low Reynolds number ferrohydrodynamic flow in the channel including “wall effect” and magnetoviscous effect of the magnetic fluids, and (3) constituting and solving the governing equations of motion for the particles using the analytical expressions of magnetic buoyancy force and hydrodynamic viscous drag force. We use such a model to study the particles’ trajectories in the channel and investigate the magnitude of their deflections at different flow rates, with different properties of magnetic fluids and different geometrical parameters of the system.
The Structure of Success: How the Internal Distribution of Power Drives Armed Group Behavior and National Movement Effectiveness

When and why do national movements succeed? What explains variation in the use and effectiveness of political violence employed by nationalist groups? Groups pursue common strategic goals against external enemies, such as the founding of a new state, while engaging in zero-sum competition for organizational dominance with internal rivals in their national movement. The distribution of power within a national movement provides its structure, which serves as the key variable for both the internal and external struggle. The hierarchical position of groups within the movement drives their actions, while the number of significant groups in the movement drives its effectiveness. Contrary to existing scholarship that treats nonstate coercers as unitary or suggests that united or fragmented movements perform best, hegemonic movements with one significant group are most likely to succeed. Hegemonic movement structure incentivizes the pursuit of shared strategic goals; reduces counterproductive violent mechanisms a...
Modal interactions in the non-linear response of elastic cables under parametric/external excitation

Abstract A theoretical model is derived which describes the non-linear response of a suspended elastic cable to small tangential oscillations of one support. The support oscillations, in general, result in parametric excitation of out-of-plane motion and simultaneous parametric and external excitation of in-plane motion. Cubic non-linearities due to cable stretching and quadratic nonlinearities due to equilibrium cable curvature couple these motion components in producing full, three-dimensional cable response. In this study, a two-degree-of-freedom approximation of the model is employed to examine a class of in-plane/out-of-plane motions that are coupled through the quadratic non-linearities. A first-order perturbation analysis is utilized to determine the existence and stability of the planar and non-planar periodic motions that result from simultaneous parametric and external resonances. The analysis leads to a bifurcation condition governing planar stability and results highlight how planar stability is reduced and non-planar response is enhanced whenever a “two-to-one” internal resonance condition exists between a pair of in-plane and out-of-plane cable modes. This two-to-one resonant behavior is clearly observed in experimental measurements of cable response which are also in good qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions.
The relationship of psychopathology and hyperhidrosis

SummaryBackground Hyperhidrosis is a common yet poorly understood disease that is often exacerbated by emotional stress. While a psychiatric explanation of causality is frequently offered, there is little evidence to support or reject the view that the condition is primarily an anxiety-based disorder. Objectives To quantify objectively the degree of psychopathology in patients with hyperhidrosis. Methods Forty-two patients diagnosed as having hyperhidrosis were examined prior to endoscopic sympathectomies. All patients took the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before surgery. Results were compared with established norms. Results The group scored well within established norms on both psychometric measures. On scales measuring anxiety, depression and conversion phenomena, 88% of the MMPI-2 profiles lacked elevations, and 86% of the patients lacked elevations on the STAI State and Trait Anxiety scales. Personality variables were not associated with postsurgical outcome. Conclusions Most individuals suffering from essential hyperhidrosis lack overt psychopathology. While some patients subjectively describe symptoms of anxiety, mild depression and social isolation, these complaints appear often to be in reaction to or superimposed upon an organic disease process and not the primary cause of their condition.
Reasons for changing caffeinated coffee consumption: the Rancho Bernardo Study.

To determine patterns of lifetime caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee use, focusing on frequency and determinants for curtailing caffeinated coffee.Residents of Rancho Bernardo, a white, upper-middle class Southern California community, were surveyed about their lifetime coffee-drinking behavior; completed questionnaires were received from 69% (n = 2955; mean age was 64 years, age range: 30-105 years). Chi-square tests of differences between proportions in categorical data and t-tests for continuous data were used. Due to the large number of comparisons, statistical significance was defined as p<or=0.01.Respondents began drinking caffeinated coffee around age 20, and decaffeinated coffee around age 50. A few gender-related differences were observed; more women than men curtailed caffeinated coffee (p<0.001), or did so due to sleep problems (p<0.01), while more men curtailed coffee because their spouses stopped drinking it (p<0.001). Most who curtailed caffeinated coffee did so on their own initiative (80...
A network and functional investigation of illicit drugs and their targets

The use of illicit drugs places a large burden on the American healthcare system due to their detrimental effects on patients and their families. Network pharmacology is a novel approach to investigate drug actions. This study seeks to investigate illicit drugs and their targets in the context of a drug-protein network to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of abused drugs. We extracted 188 illicit substances from the DrugBank database. Among them, 86 drugs had 74 unique human targets, which formed a drug-target network specific for illicit drugs. We then analyzed the network by superimposing enriched pathways of these targets, drug categories, and network clusters. We found that four sub-networks corresponded to three major medication categories: depressants, stimulants, and narcotics & analgesics. The results not only provide novel insights on illicit drug actions but also illustrate that the methods utilized here can identify important drugs and targets. This study represents the first systematic investigation of drug-target interactions in drug addiction.
Local and regional‐scale responses of ant diversity to a semiarid biome transition

The locations of biome transitions and ecotones are frequently defined by the rapid shift from one form of dominant vegetation to another. The composition of animal taxa is predicted to shift in parallel with that of dominant plants and species diversity is predicted to be greater in transitional zones than in adjacent areas. We asked whether ant species diversity and composition supported these predictions across a biome transition between shortgrass steppe and Chihuahuan desert vegetation. Neither species richness nor diversity was highest at the biome transition region as a whole, or within habitats in the biome transition. The biome transition region was not intermediate in ant species composition or in the representation of different faunal complexes. The community similarity between matched habitats shared between the biome transition zone and adjacent regions was less than that between distinct habitats occurring within regions. A zoogeographic transition for ants may occur to the north of the phytogeographic transition and may be coincident with the northern limits of monsoonal precipitation patterns. In contrast, the phytogeographic transition may be related to less extreme climatic variation within the monsoonal region occurring further south.
Group velocity and characteristic wave curves of Lamb waves in composites: Modeling and experiments

The propagation characteristics of Lamb waves in composites, with emphasis on group velocity and characteristic wave curves, are investigated theoretically and experimentally. In particular, the experimental study focuses on the existence of multiple higher-order Lamb wave modes that can be observed from piezoelectric sensors by the excitation of ultrasonic frequencies. Using three-dimensional (3-D) elasticity theory, the exact dispersion relations governed by transcendental equations are numerically solved for an infinite number of possible wave modes. For symmetric laminates, a robust method by imposing boundary conditions on the mid-plane and top surface is proposed to separate symmetric and anti-symmetric wave modes. A new semi-exact method is developed to calculate group velocities of Lamb waves in composites. Meanwhile, three characteristic wave curves: velocity, slowness, and wave curves are adopted to analyze the angular dependency of Lamb wave propagation. The dispersive and anisotropic behavior of Lamb waves in a two different types of symmetric laminates is studied in detail theoretically. In the experimental study, two surface-mounted piezoelectric actuators are excited either symmetric or anti-symmetric wave modes with narrowband signals, and a Gabor wavelet transform is used to extract group velocities from arrival times of Lamb wave received by a piezoelectric sensor. In comparison with the results from the theory and experiment, it is confirmed that multiple higher-order Lamb waves can be excited from piezoelectric actuators and the measured group velocities agree well with those from 3-D elasticity theory.
Stable Walking Pattern for an SMA-Actuated Biped

In this paper, a walking pattern filter for shape-memory-alloy (SMA)-actuated biped robots is presented. SMAs are known for their high power-to-mass ratio as well as slow response. When used as actuators, the SMA speed limitation can potentially lead to stability problems for biped robots. The presented filter adapts the human motion such that an SMA biped robot maintains a stable walking pattern. The zero moment point (ZMP) is used as the main criterion of the filter to guarantee the stability of the motion. The SMA actuators are designed based on the dynamics and kinematics of the motion. The response time of each SMA actuator is modeled in order to estimate the behavior of the actuator in realizing the given trajectory. After applying the delay times to the motion, the new trajectories are generated and evaluated by the filter for the ZMP criterion. Using simulations, it is shown that the filter can generate smooth trajectories for the SMA-actuated biped robots. The filter furthermore guarantees the stability of a robot mimicking the human walking motion.
A Composite Free Layer for High Density Magnetic Random Access Memory with Low Writing Field

In this work, a new approach is demonstrated to effectively lower the magnetic random access memory (MRAM) writing field while the memory cell thermal stability is still maintained at a safe level. The soft layer is an FeSiO granular layer and the hard layer is a CoFe/Pt multilayer.
Easily scalable algorithms for dispersing autonomous robots

This paper describes three new algorithms for dispersing a swarm of bots throughout a search space. We assume that the bots do not have a central coordinating agent and we want to have no (or few) inter-bot communications so that the algorithms can scale to large swarm sizes. We simulated the three new dispersion algorithms plus two other random-walk based dispersion algorithms on five different search spaces. Each of the five algorithms was tested with swarm sizes from three to fifty bots. For swarm sizes larger than ten, we found that the minimize-intensity algorithm, which is based on decaying signal strengths, worked best. For small swarm sizes, the dispersion algorithm based on the dispersion of gas particles performed best.
Multidisciplinary training in cardiovascular fellowship programs.

The management of complex cardiovascular disease is rapidlyshifting from individual physician based practice towards a multidisci-plinary team approach. The plethora of scientiﬁc data and the develop-ment of new strategies of care led to the wide adoption of the ‘HeartTeam’ or the ‘Cardiovascular Team’ concept, where cardiologists workclosely with cardiacsurgeons, vascular surgeons, neurologists, anesthe-siologists, radiologists, interventional radiologists and other specialiststo deliver a high-quality cardiovascular care. The importance of this‘patient-centered’ and not ‘specialty-centered’ approach is well recog-nizedbymultiplesocietiesanditsadoptionisthereforestronglyrecom-mended in most contemporary guidelines [1]. The evolution of thiscollaborative team approach has transformed how cardiovascularspecialists interact and provide patient care, and possibly resultedin improved outcomes. Unfortunately, educational models have notkept pace with these changes. In most cardiovascular fellowshiptraining programs, fellows' exposure to other key specialtiesislimit-ed to didactic lectures, and scattered patient-care related interac-tions. In the era of multispecialtyteam approach, this exposure ofcardiovascular fellows to their future team collaborators is far fromadequate.The most recent guidelines for Training in Adult CardiovascularMedicine acknowledge the importance of multidisciplinary trainingbutdonotprovidespeciﬁcrecommendationswithregardtoitsapplica-tion [2]. The guidelines states that ‘specialists in cardiovascular diseasemust interact with generalists and specialists in other areas and haveknowledge of other specialties to provide excellent patient care. Close
A Computational Study of Molecular Diffusion and Dynamic Flow through Carbon Nanotubes

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the flow of methane, ethane, and ethylene through carbon nanotubes at room temperature. The interatomic forces in the simulations are calculated using a classical, reactive, empirical bond-order hydrocarbon potential coupled to Lennard−Jones potentials. The simulations show that the intermolecular and molecule−nanotube interactions strongly affect both dynamic molecular flow and molecular diffusion. For example, molecules with initial hyperthermal velocities slowed to thermal velocities in nanotubes with diameters less than 36 A. In addition, molecules moving at thermal velocities are predicted to diffuse from areas of high density to areas of low density through the nanotubes. Normal-mode molecular thermal diffusion is predicted for methane for nearly all the nanotube diameters considered. In contrast, ethane and ethylene are predicted to diffuse by normal mode, single-file mode, or at a rate that is transitional between normal-mode and single-file diffusi...
SENSITIVITY OF SOME PLANT MATERIAL TO MAGNETIC FIELDS.

The effects of magnetic fields on the growth and development of organisms have been studied for over a century. A variety of plant material has been used in such experiments, including both vascular and nonvascular plants. These studies have been largely concerned with growth responses, rather than anatomical effects. The investigations described in this chapter include not only growth responses of a filamentous alga and the adventitious roots of several angiosperms, but also the effects of heterogeneous magnetic fields of 500–4500 Oe on the activity and anatomy of root meristems and the morphogenesis of the derivative cells and tissues of these meristems.
The clinical significance of neuropsychological changes following bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease

Despite the clinical importance of the question, a number of methodological issues have limited firm conclusions regarding the cognitive safety of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Amongst these issues, studies have generally failed to consider the postoperative changes that occur within individual patients. This study utilized reliable change indices (RCIs) derived from a PD sample to determine the frequency of clinically significant postoperative decline on a battery of neuropsychological measures. This approach addresses measurement reliability, potential practice effects, and disease progression. The proportion of patients experiencing clinically significant postoperative decline on measures of list learning and verbal fluency was greater than expected based on disease progression; however, the majority of patients (55%) did not experience a significant decline in performance on any of the cognitive tests administered, and only one experienced decline on more than one test. Therefore, the statistically significant declines on measures of list learning and verbal fluency observed in the sample as a whole were the result of clinically significant declines experienced by a minority of participants.
CENTRAL BANKS AND PRICE STABILITY: IS A SINGLE OBJECTIVE ENOUGH?

Current developments in monetary theory, coupled with the recent practical experience of many and diverse central banks, suggest a number of basic tenets that could be regarded as effective guideposts in the search for successful practices that could contribute to attain and to sustain macroeconomic stabilization. While common sense, the myriad of accompanying circumstances within which policies and institutions develop, tend to confound their significance and to blur their basic meaning and implications. The purpose of this paper is to review and revisit, in the light of prevailing experience, the state of the art regarding monetary and central banking policies and analyze, by outlining these experiences in the form of seven basic principles, their significance for the achievement and the maintenance of macroeconomic stabilization. While each of these principles can be reviewed independently, they are, of course closely linked. The paper first scrutinizes the manner in which the literature has dealt with these issues and, in light of recent experiences, attempts to integrate them into an unified framework and to draw a number of policy lessons and theoretical implications.
Growth of infants' length, weight, head and arm circumferences in relation to low levels of blood lead measured serially.

To determine whether levels of blood lead during gestation and infancy that are below the CDC action level of 10 μg/dl affect infant growth, we studied 211 disadvantaged mother–infant pairs from Albany, NY. Mothers' lead levels were low (second trimester = 2.8 μg/dl) as were infants' ( = 3.3 μg/dl at 6 months; 6.4 μg/dl at 12 months). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that second trimester lead levels were related to reduced head circumference at 6 and 12 months. Infants of mothers with second trimester lead at or above the median (≥3 μg/dl) exhibited negative associations between blood lead and head circumference at 6 and 12 months, and with weight-for-age, weight-for-length, and upper arm circumference at 6 months, but those below the median did not. Infants' 6-month lead level was related to head circumference at 12 months in the total sample, and in the subsample of infants whose blood lead was above the infants' 6-month blood lead median. Infants were also grouped by changes in their relative blood lead status, that is, above vs. below the median, from second trimester to 12 months of age. Infants whose lead levels changed from above to below the median were larger than infants whose lead levels went from below to above the median. The results suggest that lead may affect some dimensions of infant growth at levels below 10 μg/dl, but effects of lead levels less than 3 μg/dl are not evident in this sample. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Joint sensing and power allocation in nonconvex cognitive radio games: Quasi-nash equilibria

In this paper, we propose a novel Nash problem for cognitive radio (CR) networks wherein each secondary user (player) aims to maximize his own opportunistic throughput by choosing jointly the sensing duration, the detection thresholds, and the power allocation over a multichannel link. The formulation contains constraints on the transmit power (and possibly spectral masks) as well as (probabilistic) average interference tolerable at the primary receivers. A new decision model for energy detectors that is robust against device-level uncertainties and system-level uncertainties is also proposed. The resulting players' optimization problems are nonconvex, which presents a new challenge for the analysis of this class of Nash games that cannot be addressed using mathematical tools from the game theory literature. To deal with the nonconvexity of the game, we introduce new relaxed equilibrium concepts, the Quasi-Nash Equilibrium (QNE) and Local Nash Equilibrium (LNE) and study the main properties of these equilibria, their connection, and their performance. Quite interestingly, the proposed joint optimization of the sensing and transmission parameters is shown to yield a considerable performance improvement with respect to current designs of CR systems, which validates the proposed new concept of QNE.
Adjustable supply voltages and refresh cycle for process variations and temperature changing adaptation in DRAM to minimize power consumption

In this paper, we propose an approach to dynamically adjust supply voltages and refresh cycle in Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). With this approach, we can save the chip power consumption with an awareness of process variations and temperature changing. While DRAM systems are generally designed for the worst case condition, they seldom operate under those scenarios. Thus, we can exploit the design slack when operating under more favorable conditions to save power. Simulations showed that it is possible to save power consumption by as much as 40%.
Full-Scale Application of Stochastic DLV Method for Highway Bridge Health Monitoring

Structural health monitoring (SHM) has drawn significant attention lately for public safety as well as efficient infrastructure asset management. Over three decades, numerous SHM algorithms have been developed for bridge health monitoring. Research on full-scale damage detection on in-service bridges under operational loads is challenging and limited. In this paper, a practical application of a flexibility-based damage detection algorithm, the stochastic damage locating vector (SDLV) method, is developed and implemented for full-scale health monitoring of an in-service highway bridge. The test bed is a curved box-girder bridge in Connecticut. Based on long-term acceleration and temperature data measured for 5 years, statistical modal analysis has been conducted. During the measurement period, a permanent tilt was reported possibly by expansion joint misalignment due to permanent tilts of the pier. Potential damage locations are determined using the SDLV method with a sparse array of sensors before and aft...
From Sequences to Insights in Microbial Ecology

s4-3 Rapid declines in the cost of sequencing have made large volumes of DNA sequence data available to individual investigators. Now, data analysis is the rate-limiting step: providing a user with sequences alone typically leads to bewilderment, frustration, and skepticism about the technology. In this talk, I focus on how to extract insights from 16S rRNA data, including key lab steps (barcoding and normalization) and on which tools are available to perform routine but essential processing steps such as denoising, chimera detection, taxonomy assignment, and diversity analyses (including detection of biological clusters and gradients in the samples). Providing users with advice on these points and with a standard pipeline they can exploit (but modify if circumstances require) can greatly accelerate the rate of understanding, publication, and acquisition of funding for further studies.