cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Telework and gender: implications for the management of information technology professionals

Attracting and retaining highly skilled information technology (IT) professionals has been a difficult task for IT managers since the early 1980s. With over 400,000 unfilled IT positions in the USA today, many IT professionals are moving from job to job looking for higher salaries and more satisfying working arrangements. Since men and women often perceive their professional and domestic roles and responsibilities differently, more flexible working arrangements, which permit them to accomplish these roles and responsibilities in a more satisfactory manner, can be an important motivation for accepting and remaining in a given IT position. The purpose of this study was to investigate the similarities and differences between men and women in the IT industry in terms of their motivations to telecommute, and to discuss the implications for managing IT professionals.
THE Sc-Gd SYSTEM

Abstract The scandium-gadolinium system, studied by thermal and X-ray methods, is characterized by complete solid solubility in the low temperature hexagonal form and in the high temperature b.c.c. form. There are minima in both the solidus and in the temperature of transition from hexagonal to b.c.c. The former occurs at 65 at. % Gd and 1275°C, while the latter occurs at 55 at. % Gd and 1125°C.
Feasibility of Retinal Screening in a Pediatric Population With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Purpose To study the feasibility of using a nonmydriatic camera to screen children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) as young as 2 years for diabetic retinopathy. Methods Prospective pilot imaging study involving children with DM1 aged 2 to 17 years. The screening consisted of: (1) intake form; (2) measurement of blood pressure, pulse, and oximetry; (3) assessment of visual acuity (SIMAV, Padova, Italy); and (4) nonmydriatic color imaging (Canon CX-1 45° 15.1 megapixel camera; Canon Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Images were assessed for signs of diabetic retinopathy and graded for quality on a scale of 1 to 5 by two clinicians. Kappa coefficient was calculated to determine inter-observer agreement. Results One hundred four of 106 (98%) children underwent imaging (mean age: 11.1 years, 51% male, 88% white). One (1%) child had nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and 2 (1.9%) had incidental findings. Only 62% of children had an eye examination within the past year, with children with DM1 for more than 5 years significantly more likely to have done so (P = .03). Children who had an eye examination within the past year were significantly older than their counterparts (P = .01). Images of high quality (grades 4 and 5) were acquired in 178 (86%) eyes, and images of some clinical value (grades ≥ 2) were obtained in 207 (99.5%) eyes. Inter-observer agreement for image quality was 0.896. Conclusions The feasibility of using a nonmydriatic camera to screen children as young as 2 years for changes related to diabetic eye disease was demonstrated. Nonmydriatic imaging may supplement standard dilated clinical ophthalmology examinations for select patient populations.
Managing Change—Engaging Faculty in Assessment Opportunities

Regional accrediting bodies require evidence that higher education institutions are meeting their stated goals. Institutions have answered this call for accountability by assessing student learning. Managing change in order to implement assessment practices is a challenge, however, particularly when autonomy, academic freedom, and shared governance are involved. Leadership theories offer practical strategies for administrators instituting assessment-related change. Using these theories as a guide, this article provides suggestions for leading assessment initiatives, garnering faculty support, and establishing a culture of assessment. The suggestions are organized around a four-frame model based on the premise that leaders must consider multiple perspectives to be successful.
Dislocation density evolution and interactions in crystalline materials

Abstract Dislocation density-based evolution formulations that are related to a heterogeneous microstructure and are physically representative of different crystalline interactions have been developed. The balance between the generation and annihilation of dislocations, through glissile and forest interactions at the slip system level, is taken as the basis for the evolution of mobile and immobile dislocation densities. The evolution equations are coupled to a multiple slip crystal plasticity formulation, and a framework is established that relates it to a general class of crystallographies and deformation modes. Specialized finite element (FE) methodologies have then been used to investigate how certain dislocation density activities, such as dislocation density interactions and immobilization, are directly related to strain hardening and microstructure evolution. The predictions are validated with channel die compressed (CDC) experiments, and are consistent with inelastic deformation modes of fcc metals.
The Effects of Asymmetric Micro Ratchets on Dynamic Contact Angle and Pool Boiling Performance

The dynamic advancing and receding contact angles of 5μl water droplets were experimentally measured via the droplet impingement technique on a polished brass surface, one brass symmetric micro ratchet, and five brass asymmetric micro ratchet samples of varying dimensions. Droplets were released from varying heights (Weber number) and the impacts studied via high speed camera. Equilibrium advancing and receding contact angles were measured by placing a water droplet on the surfaces and tilting it. Contact angle values were then compared to an existing pool boiling model which incorporates the dynamic receding contact angle, surface roughness ratio, and equilibrium contact angle.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Nonlinear variants of biased discriminants for interactive image retrieval

During an interactive image retrieval process with relevance feedback, kernel-based or boosted learning algorithms can provide superior nonlinear modelling capability. In the paper, such nonlinear extensions for biased discriminants, or BiasMap are discussed. Kernel partial alignment is proposed as the criterion for kernel selection. The associated analysis also provides a gauge on relative class scatters, which can guide an asymmetric learner, such as BiasMap, toward better class modelling. Two boosted versions of BiasMap are also proposed. Unlike existing approaches that boost feature components or vectors to form a composite classifier, the new scheme boosts linear BiasMap toward a nonlinear ranker which is more suited for small-sample learning during interactive image retrieval. Experiments on heterogeneous image database retrieval in addition to small sample face retrieval are used for performance evaluations.
The physical significance of soil mottling in a Wisconsin toposequence

Abstract Natural moisture regimes were determined during three seasons by measuring groundwater levels and matric potentials in soils of a representative toposequence in Wisconsin. Detailed field descriptions of soil-mottling features in these soils were made to expand the current physical interpretation of soil mottling which associates occurrence of mottles with chromas of two or less with saturation of the soil during some period of the year. Occurrence of high chroma colors inside peds, ped mangans and few iron cutans or nodules, was associated with very short periods of saturation of one day or less, not predicted when using current criteria. Occurrence of chromas of two inside peds, ped ferrans and neoferrans and few manganese cutans or nodules was associated with short periods of saturation not exceeding a few days. However, high matric potentials (low pF values) near saturation occurred for several months. Occurrence of chromas of one inside peds, ped and channel neoalbans and virtual lack of manganese cutans and nodules was associated with periods of continuous saturation for several months. Use of the detailed Brewer system for describing soil morphological features allowed more detailed judgements as to the duration of soil saturation than was possible using the current system (Soil Survey Staff, 1970).
The lowest singlet and triplet excited states of pyrazine

Abstract The phosphoresence, fluorescence and absorption spectra of pyrazine- h 4 and - d 4 have been obtained at 4°K in a benzene matrix. For comparison, those of the isotopically mixed crystal pyrazine- h 4 in d 4 were also taken. All these spectra show extremely sharp and well-resolved lines and reveal detailed vibronic structure. The coincidence of origins of absorption and emission shows that the lowest singlet state is an allowed transition, properly designated as 1 B 3u ← 1 A 1g . The forbidden component 1 B 2 g , predicted by both “exciton” and MO theories to be below the allowed component, must lie higher. Its exact location still remains uncertain. The phosphorescence spectrum, when compared with the singlet-triplet excitation spectrum, indicates that the lowest triplet state is also symmetry allowed, showing a strong 0-0 band and the coincidence of origins of absorption and emission. In accordance with previous work, the triplet state is designated as 3 B 3 u . The vibronic structure of the phosphorescence spectrum is very complicated. The first work on the analysis of this spectrum concluded that a simple progression of ν 6 a exists. Under the high resolution attainable in the present experiments, the supposed ν 6 a progression proves to have a composite structure, starting from the second member of the progression. Not only is the ν 9 a hydrogen-bending mode present as shown by the appearance of the CD bending mode in the d 4 spectrum, but a band assigned as 2 ν 6 b was also identified. The latter's anomalous intensity in the phosphorescence spectrum is interpreted as due to the Fermi resonance with 2 ν 6 a and ν 9 a bands. To help resolve the present controversy over the origin of the phosphoresence spectrum observed in crystalline pyrazine, detailed vibrational analyses of the emission spectra were made. The fluorescence spectrum has essentially the same vibronic structure as the phosphorescence spectrum.
Applied Behavior Analysis and Social Marketing: An Integration for Environmental Preservation

Basic principles of applied behavior analysis and social marketing are reviewed with reference to the development of action plans to protect the environment. Behavior-change procedures that have targeted environmental preservation are categorized as antecedent interventions (including education, prompting, modeling, goal setting and commitment, and engineering and design strategies) or consequence procedures (i.e., reinforcement and punishment). Although past behavior analysis research has demonstrated environmental benefits from applying certain behavior-change interventions, those studies were small-scale and short-lived. This paper offers an integrative model of applied behavior analysis and social marketing as a potential approach to large-scale and long-term intervention for environmental protection. The market analysis and segmentation phases of social marketing, for example, allow for the specialization of behavior-change strategies for particular target groups. This integration requires increased collaboration between behavior analysts and environmental psychologists who study the correlation of individuals' environmental concern and action with their attitudinal, demographic, and personality characteristics. A plea is made to replace armchair theorizing with interdisciplinary and intervention-focused environmental research.
Congenital melanocytic nevi—when to worry and how to treat: Facts and controversies

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are evident in 1% to 6% of neonates. In some studies, nevi with clinical, dermatoscopic, and histologic features identical to CMN have had a prevalence of more than 15% in older children and adults, possibly reflecting the "tardive" appearance of nevi programmed from birth. There is ongoing debate about the magnitude of the risk of melanoma and other complications associated with CMN of various sizes and the best approach to management of these lesions. We review the natural history of CMN, including proliferative nodules and erosions during infancy, neurotization, and spontaneous regression, and features of variants such as speckled lentiginous and congenital blue nevi. The risk of melanoma arising within small-sized ( 20 cm) CMN, with about half of this risk in the first few years of life. Melanoma and neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM) are most likely in patients with CMN that have a final size of >40 cm in diameter, numerous satellite nevi, and a truncal location. One-third of individuals with NCM have multiple medium-sized (but no large) CMN. In patients at risk for NCM, a screening gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, preferably before age 6 months, and longitudinal neurologic assessment are recommended. Management of CMN depends on such factors as the ease of monitoring (more difficult for large, dark, thick nevi) and cosmetic and psychologic benefits of excision or other procedures. CMN require lifelong follow-up. Periodic total body skin examinations are necessary for all patients with large CMN, even when complete resection (often impossible) has been attempted.
Age-related thymic activity in adults following chemotherapy-induced lymphopenia.

Background The potential role of the adult thymus in T-cell homeostasis subsequent to lymphopenia remains the subject of debate. We examined whether thymic activity contributes to reconstitution of the peripheral T-cell pool, a critical process for patients recovering from antineoplastic therapy. Methods In selected patients with various neoplastic diseases we assessed peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets by flow-cytometry, including thymus-derived, CD4+ T cells expressing the CD45RA molecule, and thymic size rebound by CT scan before, and 3, 6 and 12 months after completion of cytotoxic therapy. Results Adult patients (n = 21, mean age of 30 years, range 18–49) had higher baseline numbers of B and lower numbers of NK cells than elderly patients (n = 15, mean age of 79 years, range 70–91), while total T-cell numbers did not differ. Despite the reduction of lymphocyte counts being comparable in the adult (mean of 45%) and elderly (mean of 49%) groups, occurring at, or near, completion of treatment, an enlargement of the previously atrophic thymus was evident in 63% of the adult, but in none of the elderly, subjects. In 22 patients who remained active disease-free during the following year, B cells and NK cells recovered to pretreatment levels as soon as at 3 months, whereas overall T-cell recovery occurred at 6 months post-treatment. Thymic rebound, observed in 11 of 22 patients who were of younger age, correlated significantly with a faster and more complete recovery of CD45RA+ CD4+ (mainly helper-naive) T cells. Conclusion The adult thymus appears capable of regeneration, at least up to middle age, contributing significantly to the reconstitution of the peripheral T-cell pool following chemotherapy-induced lymphopenia. In advanced age, however, although peripheral homeostatic pathways appear intact, regeneration of the naive repertoire is incomplete.
The prognostic value of acute phase reactants in patients with neuroblastoma

As part of a more extensive study of the immune response in children with neuroblastoma, serum immunoglobulin and alpha-glycoprotein levels were measured in 58 patients. Twenty-nine children were studied at diagnosis, 18 at some time during the first 2 years of treatment, and 11 who were apparently cured after treatment had been completed. No correlation was found between the levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM and the clinical status of the patient. The acute phase reactants (alpha-1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, C3 component of complement and orosomucoid) varied with the disease status. Twenty-seven of the 29 patients had elevated levels at the time of diagnosis. Alpha-1-antitrypsin and haptoglobin were the two proteins that most accurately reflection the clinical status; C3 component of complement was not infrequently normal when the disease was active; and orosomucoid was sometimes raised in patients apparently in remission. Serial measurement of alpha-1-antitrypsin and haptoglobin could provide a useful means of detecting early relapse in patients responding to treatment.
Epigenesis of cowbird song: A joint endeavour of males and females.

The role of social stimulation from female cowbirds (Molothrus ater) on male song learning was tested. In this species the females do not sing. However, we have found that both male and female cowbirds contribute to the maintenance of geographic variation in the songs of the two subspecies, Molothrus ater ater (AT) and Molothrus ater obscurus (OB)1,2. We therefore performed two studies using males of the eastern subspecies (AT) reared in complete isolation from male conspecifics. In the first study, AT males, tutored with AT song, were individually housed with other species or with females of the southern M. a. obscurus subspecies (OB). In the second study, naive AT males were housed, without tutoring, with other species or AT or OB females. In both studies the males developed significantly different song repertoires that were biased towards the preferences of their non-singing female companions. These data establish a new, non-auditory, source of vocal instruction: social stimulation from the song's intended recipient.
Oxidation of aluminum-magnesium melts in air, oxygen, flue gas, and carbon dioxide

Oxidation rates of aluminum—1 to 14 pct magnesium melts in air, oxygen, flue gas, and carbon dioxide at temperatures from 600 to 1100°C were measured with an automatic recording balance. For most conditions, a protective amorphous film on the melt surface kept the oxidation rate low initially. After an interval that was shortened by increasing temperature or magnesium content, the film crystallized to magnesium oxide and magnesium aluminate, accompanied by a sudden increase in oxidation rate. Known as breakaway oxidation, this phenomenon could be produced by adding crystalline magnesium oxide or magnesium aluminate seed to melts protected with amorphous oxide. Flue gas or carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, sodium or beryllium in the alloy, or boron dusted on the surface delayed crystallization unless seed was added. Beryllium was the most effective. Flue gas from burning natural gas delayed breakaway oxidation of unseeded melts containing up to about 4 pct magnesium at normal melting furnace temperatures near 750°C. Slow melting of solid aluminum-magnesium alloy concentrated magnesium in the first liquid to melt, sharply decreasing the interval before breakaway oxidation after melting. Rapidly melting the solid increased the protective interval. Homogenizing the solid just below the melting range before rapid melting further extended the interval before the onset of breakaway oxidation.
Colloidal aggregation causes inhibition of G protein-coupled receptors.

Colloidal aggregation is the dominant mechanism for artifactual inhibition of soluble proteins, and controls against it are now widely deployed. Conversely, investigating this mechanism for membrane-bound receptors has proven difficult. Here we investigate the activity of four well-characterized aggregators against three G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) recognizing peptide and protein ligands. Each of the aggregators was active at micromolar concentrations against the three GPCRs in cell-based assays. This activity could be attenuated by either centrifugation of the inhibitor stock solution or by addition of Tween-80 detergent. In the absence of agonist, the aggregators acted as inverse agonists, consistent with a direct receptor interaction. Meanwhile, several literature GPCR ligands that resemble aggregators themselves formed colloids, by both physical and enzymological tests. These observations suggest that some GPCRs may be artifactually antagonized by colloidal aggregates, an effect that merits th...
The Monroe Doctrine and International Law: 1933-1941

To speak of the development of international law brings to mind the picture of an ever-increasing proportion of international relationships being governed by rules of conduct which states feel bound to observe, and do generally observe.' The world trend has been in the direction of such development, in spite of occasional grave lapses which cause thoughtless persons to decry "the breakdown of international law."2 The fact is that the increasing complexity of international relationships makes some kind of regulation necessary. It is to the interest of all sovereign, independent states to conduct their intercourse with one another in accordance with those rules which custom and voluntary agreement have prescribed. We may say, then, that as long as there are sovereign, independent states in the world, having relations with one another, there will be international law. As long as there are sovereign, independent states in the Western Hemisphere, having relations with one another, there will be international law. What of its prospective development? As world conditions change, as the ties which bind states together are heightened or decreased, new rules are formulated and many of the old rules are modified. A state may adopt the new or modified rule through tacit acquiescence, or it may do so expressly, as by treaty. International legislation is most nearly approximated when representatives of a large number of states frame law-making treaties which are later ratified. In this discussion we are concerned with the development of international law in the Western Hemisphere as affected by the Monroe Doctrine. Briefly speaking, the Doctrine is generally recognized as a traditional policy of the United
No effect of an L-arginine-enriched medical food (HeartBars) on endothelial function and platelet aggregation in subjects with hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract Background Providing l -arginine as a precursor for nitric oxide has been proposed to improve endothelial function in populations at high risk for cardiovascular events. We studied the effects of dietary l -arginine supplementation with HeartBars (a medical food rich in L-arginine, Cooke Pharma, Belmont, Calif) on flow-mediated dilation and markers of endothelial function in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Methods We randomly assigned 47 subjects with hypercholesterolemia to receive one HeartBar containing 3.3 g l -arginine each, or a placebo bar, consumed twice daily for 2 weeks. Flow-mediated dilation, platelet aggregation studies, and soluble levels of endothelial and platelet adhesion molecules were obtained before and after the 2-week treatment period. Results Baseline and follow-up levels of l -arginine were 78.5 ± 28.2 μmol/L and 80.7 ± 26.7 μmol/L, respectively (P = .54). The HeartBar group had no improvement in flow-mediated dilation; changes in brachial artery diameter at baseline and follow-up were 5.52% ± 3.32% and 4.96% ± 2.39%, respectively. There were also no changes in the soluble levels of E-selectin and P-selectin by treatment group. Conclusions In our study, 2 weeks of HeartBar supplementation in subjects with hypercholesterolemia showed no favorable effects on endothelial or platelet function. (Am Heart J 2003;145:e15.)
Comparative analysis of marker-assisted and phenotypic selection for yield components in cucumber

Theoretical studies suggest that marker-assisted selection (MAS) has case-specific advantages over phenotypic selection (PHE) for selection of quantitative traits. However, few studies have been conducted that empirically compare these selection methods in the context of a plant breeding program. For direct comparison of the effectiveness of MAS and PHE, four cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.; 2n = 2x = 14) inbred lines were intermated and then maternal bulks were used to create four base populations for recurrent mass selection. Each of these populations then underwent three cycles of PHE (open-field evaluations), MAS (genotyping at 18 marker loci), and random mating without selection. Both MAS and PHE were practiced for yield indirectly by selecting for four yield-component traits that are quantitatively inherited with 2-6 quantitative trait loci per trait. These traits were multiple lateral branching, gynoecious sex expression (gynoecy), earliness, and fruit length to diameter ratio. Both MAS and PHE were useful for multi-trait improvement, but their effectiveness depended upon the traits and populations under selection. Both MAS and PHE provided improvements in all traits under selection in at least one population, except for earliness, which did not respond to MAS. The populations with maternal parents that were inferior for a trait responded favorably to both MAS and PHE, while those with maternal parents of superior trait values either did not change or decreased during selection. Generally, PHE was most effective for gynoecy, earliness, and fruit length to diameter ratio, while MAS was most effective for multiple lateral branching and provided the only increase in yield (fruit per plant).
A fast-valve system for characterizing effusive-flow properties of vapor-transport systems: RIB applications

Decay losses, associated with the times required for particles to diffuse from ISOL production targets and to effusively-flow to an ion source, must be reduced to as low as practically achievable levels in order to deliver useful beam intensities of short-lived isotopes for research at ISOL based Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB) facilities. We have developed a fast-valve system and complementary 3-D Monte-Carlo code which can be used separately or in combination to assess the effusive-flow properties of vapor-transport systems, independent of size, geometry and chemical properties of the transport species. In this report, we describe the fast valve and present time spectra and characteristic time data for noble gases flowing through serial- and parallel-coupled vapor-transport systems similar in geometry but longer than those used for RIB generation at the HRIBF with and without target coating matrices.
Increasing the Efficacy of School-Based Directly Observed Therapy: From Needs Assessment to Program Implementation

In 1995, 43 Essex County, New Jersey, children received school nurse directly observed therapy (DOT) for tuberculosis. School-year adherence was 78.5% compared to summer adherence at 93.5%. The only nurse-involved adherence enhancement was individualized education. In early 1996, nurses completed a questionnaire determining DOT challenges. A cross-sectional study later emphasized nurse characteristics and DOT problems and successes. Problems were categorized as student, student’s family, school administration, and school environment. The assessment elicited problem resolutions as education, skills training, and resources; 26% of nurses indicated eliminating school DOT. There were statistically insignificant relationships between nurses’ personal characteristics or reported barriers and student adherence. Resulting interventions included needs-appropriate individual and group education, pediatric nurse case management, and dosing procedure changes. As a result, the 1996 school-based DOT adherence rate incr...
16. Suicide in epilepsy: How to treat it?

(AD), and epilepsy/seizure disorder (epil/sz). Indication of each neurological condition was determined by ICD-9 codes and/or from Section I of the MDS. Results: Considering each of the neurological conditions separately, of the 2,218,597 residents 94,220 (4.25%) had PD, 200,366 (9.03%) had AD, 451,416 (20.35%) had stroke, 7821 (0.35%) had MS, 1955 (0.09%) had skull fracture, 7854 (0.35%) had head injury, 2512 (0.11%) had PBT, 1649 (0.07%) had SBT, and 86,342 (3.89%) had epil/sz. We examined the percent of residents with each of these conditions who also had an indication of epil/sz: 5714 (6.06%) of those with PD also had epil/sz indication, 11,904 (5.94%) for AD, 36,311 (8.04%) for stroke, 482 (6.16%) for MS, 129 (6.60%) for skull fracture, 1027 (13.08%) for head injury, 715 (28.46%) for PBT, and 264 (16.01%) for SBT. Conclusions/relevance: This study demonstrates that epilepsy often accompanies other neurological conditions, especially Alzheimer’s. A recent model of AD suggests that the earliest changes in ADmay involve subtle temporal lobe seizures causing neuronal reorganization leading to memory loss followed by the amyloid accumulation. Rapid cycling AD may be due to unrecognized CP seizures, and VPA may decrease progression of AD. Study supported by: ASPH/CDC #S-3822 NIH NIA-1R01AG02639001A2. Presented in part at the American Academy of Neurology 2009 annual meeting.
Evidence that nigral substance P controls the activity of the nigrotectal GABAergic pathway.

The unilateral intranigral application of either of two substance P (SP) analogs with antagonist properties ([dPro2,d-Phe7,d-Trp9]-SP and [d-Pro2,d-Trp7,9]-SP) induced a significant (37%) decrease in GABA turnover in the target region of the nigrotectal projections, namely the deep layers of the superior colliculus in the homolateral hemisphere, and was without any effect in the superficial layers. This action was not prevented by coinjection of the GABA antagonist bicuculline-methiodide. There was no effect of these SP analogs on GABA turnover in the deep layers of superior colliculus when they were microinjected in the ipsilateral median forebrain bundle or in the contralateral substantia nigra. These results are consistent with the proposal that nigral SP exerts a tonic excitatory action on efferent GABAergic projections from pars reticulata of substantia nigra.
Structure determination of amorphous Ge, GeO2 and GeSe by fourier analysis of extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS)☆

Abstract Fourier inversion of EXAFS data is a powerful new technique for structural investigation of non-crystalline materials with the unique capability to determine the near neighbor environment of each type of atom in a complex material. The radial structure function so obtained contains information on the number, distance, and distribution of atoms surrounding the absorbing atom. The data on Ge and GeO 2 generally agree with previous findings but with added detail. The environment of both Ge and Se in amorphous GeSe show a significant change from the crystalline material with evidence for local satisfaction of the directed bonding tendencies of each atomic species.
Multimedia Modules for Electromagnetics Education.

Multimedia technology provides a valuable resource to enhance the teaching and learning experience. The ability to combine practical applications, visualization of complex mathematical and abstract subjects, virtual labs, and guided use of simulation software is among the advantages of technology-based education. In this article we describe the main features of several multimedia tutorials for electromagnetics education developed by the Computer Applications in Engineering Education Center at the University of Utah. The electromagnetics CD-ROM includes lessons on vectors and coordinate systems, electrostatics, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, dielectric materials, and transmission lines. Several virtual labs were developed and software packages on electrostatic, transient and steady-state analysis of transmission lines, and two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation code are included. Tutorials can be used both as standalone tutors and as demonstrations to complement classroom lectures. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 5: 257–267, 1997
Synthesis and characterization of 9-(cycloheptatrienylidene)fluorene derivatives: acid-triggered "switch on"of fluorophores.

A series of 9-(cycloheptatrienylidene)fluorene derivatives were synthesized in good yields through the Suzuki or Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions. Fluorescence “off-on” behaviors of these compounds were investigated on the basis of variable acid concentrations. These compounds were shown to be acid-sensing fluorophores with utility as indicators in acidic environments.
Colic in geriatric compared to mature nongeriatric horses. Part 1: Retrospective review of clinical and laboratory data.

Summary Reason for performing study: It is the impression of some surgeons that geriatric horses have a lower survival rate compared to mature nongeriatric horses following colic surgery. One possible reason for this is that geriatric horses may be more critically ill at admission and have more severe disease than mature nongeriatric horses. Objective: To compare admission historical, physical examination and laboratory data for geriatric and mature nongeriatric horses referred for signs of colic. Methods: Medical records of horses admitted with a presenting complaint of colic between 2000 and 2006 were reviewed. Geriatric horses 16 years (n = 300) and mature nongeriatric horses 4–15 years (n = 300). Information obtained included duration of colic prior to admission, admission level of pain, heart rate, intestinal borborygmi, packed cell volume (PCV), plasma creatinine and blood lactate concentrations and peritoneal fluid total protein. Data were analysed using a Chi-squared test or an analysis of variance. Level of significance was P<0.05. Results: There was no difference between geriatric and mature horses in the duration of colic prior to admission or in admission heart rate, PCV, or plasma creatinine or blood lactate concentrations. However, geriatric horses were more likely to be moderately painful and less likely to be bright and alert than mature horses; and less likely to have normal intestinal borborygmi than mature horses. Peritoneal fluid total protein concentration was higher in geriatric than mature horses. Conclusions and potential relevance: Geriatric horses presenting with signs of colic had a similar admission cardiovascular status based on heart rate, PCV, and plasma creatinine and blood lactate concentration to mature horses. Geriatric horses, however, may have different causes of colic, which may be more serious than mature horses based on pain, lack of intestinal borborygmi and peritoneal fluid total protein concentration.
An L-arginine-dependent mechanism mediates Kupffer cell inhibition of hepatocyte protein synthesis in vitro.

The hepatic failure associated with severe sepsis is characterized by specific, progressive, and often irreversible defects in hepatocellular metabolism (1). Although the etiologic microbe can often be identified, the direct causes and mechanisms of the hepatocellular dysfunction are poorly understood. We have hypothesized that Kupffer cells (KC), which interact with ambient septic stimuli, respond by providing signals to adjacent hepatocytes (HC) in sepsis . Furthermore, we have provided evidence (2, 3) that KC activated by LPS from Gram-negative bacteria can induce profound changes in the function of neighboring HC in coculture. In our model, coculture of either KC (2) or peritoneal macrophages (Mφ)(3) with HC normally promotes HC protein synthesis ([(3)H]leucine incorporation). The addition of LPS or killed Escherichia colt' to such cocultures induces a profound decrease in HC protein synthesis, as well as qualitative changes ([(35)S]methionine, SDS-gel electrophoresis) in protein synthesis without inducing HC death (2, 3) . In this report we show that the inhibition in protein synthesis is mediated via an L-arginine-dependent mechanism. The metabolism of L-arginine by activated Mφ to substances with cytostatic and even lethal effects on target cells is a relatively recent discovery. After the description by Stuehr and Marletta (4, 5) that LPS- triggered Mφ produced nitrite/nitrate (NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-)), Hibbs et al. (6, 7) and Iyengar et al. (8) demonstrated that L-arginine was the substrate for the formation of both these nitrogen end products and citrulline. A role for the arginine-dependent mechanism in Mφ tumor cytotoxicity (6, 7) and microbiostatic activity (9) has been suggested. However, the in vivo functions of this novel Mφ mechanism have not yet been defined, but it is possible that there are both physiologic as well as pathologic roles. Our in vitro results raise the possibility that some metabolic responses to microbial invasion maybe partially mediated by the L-arginine-dependent mechanism. What other metabolic responses are affected and the possible pathologic consequences remain to be studied.
Transient increase in serum creatine kinase isoenzyme BB activity after prostatectomy in a patient with massive benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The activity of creatine kinase isoenzyme BB (CK-BB) in serum is rarely abnormally high (i.e., detectable). An increase in immunoreactive CK-BB or CK-BB activity in patients with prostatic disease has been proposed as an indication of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Here we report the case of an elderly man with massive benign prostatic hyperplasia but no clinical or pathological evidence of prostatic adenocarcinoma, whose serum CK-BB activity was found by agarose gel electrophoresis to be 1 U/L (normal: 0%), 10% of his total CK activity. Serum CK-BB activity was further increased to 16 U/L (20% of total CK activity) 1 h after prostatectomy, but became undetectable by the second day after the operation. The findings suggest that: (a) the source of the serum CK-BB activity was the enlarged prostate gland; (b) abnormally high CK-BB activity in serum of men with prostatic disease does not necessarily indicate the presence of prostatic adenocarcinoma; and (c) myocardial injury could be erroneously diagnosed postoperatively in prostatectomy patients if CK isoenzyme methods are used that do not consistently separate "heart-specific" CK-MB from CK-BB.
Translational Research in Nicotine Dependence

Nicotine addiction accounts for 4.9 million deaths each year. Furthermore, although smoking represents a significant health burden in the United States, at present there are only three FDA-approved pharmacotherapies currently on the market: (1) nicotine replacement therapy, (2) bupropion, and (3) varenicline. Despite this obvious gap in the market, the complexity of nicotine addiction in addition to the increasing cost of drug development makes targeted drug development prohibitive. Furthermore, using combinations of mouse and human studies, additional treatments could be developed from off-the-shelf, currently approved medication lists. This article reviews translational studies targeting manipulations of the cholinergic system as a viable therapeutic target for nicotine addiction.
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis Extracytoplasmic-Function Sigma Factor SigL Regulates Polyketide Synthases and Secreted or Membrane Proteins and Is Required for Virulence

Mycobacterium tuberculosis sigL encodes an extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factor and is adjacent to a gene for a membrane protein (Rv0736) that contains a conserved HXXXCXXC sequence. This motif is found in anti-sigma factors that regulate several ECF sigma factors, including those that control oxidative stress responses. In this work, SigL and Rv0736 were found to be cotranscribed, and the intracellular domain of Rv0736 was shown to interact specifically with SigL, suggesting that Rv0736 may encode an anti-sigma factor of SigL. An M. tuberculosis sigL mutant was not more susceptible than the parental strain to several oxidative and nitrosative stresses, and sigL expression was not increased in response to these stresses. In vivo, sigL is expressed from a weak SigL-independent promoter and also from a second SigL-dependent promoter. To identify SigL-regulated genes, sigL was overexpressed and microarray analysis of global transcription was performed. Four small operons, sigL (Rv0735)-Rv0736, mpt53 (Rv2878c)-Rv2877c, pks10 (Rv1660)-pks7 (Rv1661), and Rv1139c-Rv1138c, were among the most highly upregulated genes in the sigL-overexpressing strain. SigL-dependent transcription start sites of these operons were mapped, and the consensus promoter sequences TGAACC in the -35 region and CGTgtc in the -10 region were identified. In vitro, purified SigL specifically initiated transcription from the promoters of sigL, mpt53, and pks10. Additional genes, including four PE_PGRS genes, appear to be regulated indirectly by SigL. In an in vivo murine infection model, the sigL mutant strain showed marked attenuation, indicating that the sigL regulon is important in M. tuberculosis pathogenesis.
Noise-Enhanced Detection of Subthreshold Signals With Carbon Nanotubes

Electrical noise can help pulse-train signal detection at the nanolevel. Experiments on a single-walled carbon nanotube transistor confirmed that a threshold exhibited stochastic resonance (SR) for finite-variance and infinite-variance noise: small amounts of noise enhanced the nanotube detector's performance. The experiments used a carbon nanotube field-effect transistor to detect noisy subthreshold electrical signals. Two new SR hypothesis tests in the Appendix also confirmed the SR effect in the nanotube transistor. Three measures of detector performance showed the SR effect: Shannon's mutual information, the normalized correlation measure, and an inverted bit error rate compared the input and output discrete-time random sequences. The nanotube detector had a threshold-like input-output characteristic in its gate effect. It produced little current for subthreshold digital input voltages that fed the transistor's gate. Three types of synchronized white noise corrupted the subthreshold Bernoulli sequences that fed the detector. The Gaussian, the uniform, and the impulsive Cauchy noise combined with the random input voltage sequences to help the detector produce random output current sequences. The experiments observed the SR effect by measuring how well an output sequence matched its input sequence. Shannon's mutual information used histograms to estimate the probability densities and computed the entropies. The correlation measure was a scalar inner product of the input and output sequences. The inverted bit error rate computed how often the bits matched between the input and output sequences. The observed nanotube SR effect was robust: it persisted even when infinite-variance Cauchy noise corrupted the signal stream. Such noise-enhanced signal processing at the nanolevel promises applications to signal detection in wideband communication systems and biological and artificial neural networks
Vertical paxos and primary-backup replication

We introduce a class of Paxos algorithms called Vertical Paxos, in which reconfiguration can occur in the middle of reaching agreement on an individual state-machine command. Vertical Paxos algorithms use an auxiliary configuration master that facilitates agreement on reconfiguration. A special case of these algorithms leads to traditional primary-backup protocols. We show how primary-backup systems in current use can be viewed, and shown to be correct, as instances of Vertical Paxos algorithms.
Echocardiographic insights into atrial and ventricular mechanisms of functional tricuspid regurgitation.

Background The etiology of functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is thought to be annular dilatation and tethering of tricuspid valve (TV) leaflets. However, mechanisms of leaflet tethering are incompletely understood. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the relationships between TV annular dilatation and leaflet tethering with the severity of functional TR and to investigate factors that influence these TV deformations. Methods Two hundred forty-five patients with functional TR had 2-dimensional echocardiography. Echocardiographic investigations focused on the ventricles and on the TV. Ventricular measurements included left ventricular (LV) volume, right ventricular (RV) area, and RV spherical index. Valvular measurements included systolic TV annular dimension and apical displacement (tethering height), as well as severity of TR (vena contracta width). Results Tethering height ( r 2 = 0.25) was related to the severity of TR ( P Conclusions Tethering of TV leaflets, a determinant of functional TR, is associated with changes in right-sided cavity size as well as RV sphericity and LV function, emphasizing the impact of changes in ventricular geometry and function on the severity of functional TR.
Use of Under-Five Mortality Rate As an Indicator for Vitamin A Deficiency in a Population

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is an important problem in many developing countries. If population data are unavailable or outdated for common indicators of VAD, a surrogate indicator may suggest whether a problem is likely and full-scale assessment is necessary. The Global Vitamin A Initiative report suggests that the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) might serve that purpose; a U5MR >70 indicates that VAD of public health importance is likely. Should the U5MR be used as a surrogate indicator? If so, is 70 the appropriate cutoff? U5MR data were collected for countries where the United Nations Children's Fund supports programs, along with unpublished vitamin A survey data from the World Health Organization. U5MR distribution was compared in countries with and without VAD. Sensitivity and specificity using U5MR cutoffs of 70 and 50 were calculated and compared with the presence of VAD as proven by a survey. Countries with a U5MR >40 have a VAD problem, about 70% of countries with a U5MR between 20 and 50 have VAD, and about 25% of countries with a rate 50 likely has a VAD problem that requires immediate or continuing action. These actions include proper, formal assessment of the vitamin A status of the population, vitamin A capsule distribution and other program actions. Countries with a U5MR between 20 and 50 should assume they have a VAD public health problem until surveys prove otherwise.
Biomolecular processes in the fast lane

Most processes in biology occur relatively slowly; even molecular level ones such as isomerization or ligand binding or enzyme turnovers generally occur on time scales between microseconds and seconds. There are a few well-characterized ultrafast events in nature—these include rhodopsin isomerization, light harvesting in the antenna complex of photosynthetic structures, electron transfer in photosynthetic reaction centers, and certain interprotein electron transfers. These ultrafast behaviors occur in the picosecond and subpicosecond range and have become featured problems for understanding ultrafast biological processes.
SYNCBIST: SYNthesis for concurrent built-in self-testability

We present a system which synthesizes, from a behavioral description, an RTL circuit which is testable with a high degree of test concurrency. The system produces a datapath containing test registers, and a BIST test plan for the testing of the chip. All design decisions are made using an estimate of test conflicts, which is based on an analysis of the reachability of each component port from I/O pins and test registers. Chip testing according to the partial-intrusion BIST methodology is assumed. Empirical results show the effect of test conflicts on the test application time, and highlight the benefit of using the proposed synthesis approach for test conflict reduction. >
Low-complexity feedforward symbol timing estimator using conditional maximum-likelihood principle

A low complexity feedforward symbol-timing estimator based on the conditional maximum-likelihood principle is proposed. An approximation is applied to the Fourier series expansion of the conditional maximum-likelihood function such that implementation complexity is greatly reduced. It is shown that the proposed estimator can be viewed as a generalization of the well-known square nonlinearity estimator proposed by Oerder and Meyr in 1988. Simulation results show that the performance of the proposed estimator is very close to the conditional Cramer-Rao bound and is better than that of the square nonlinearity estimator.
Introduction to manufacturing applications

This tutorial introduces manufacturing applications of simulation through three illustrative example applications. These examples illustrate the additional understanding of system behavior gained by the use of simulation models. Individuals using simulation should use a structured process in applying simulation. The second example illustrates this structured process. The examples also illustrate the use of both stochastic and deterministic variables in modeling manufacturing systems.