cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Probabilistic Approach to Inverse Convection-Diffusion

Initial condition inverse problems are ill-posed and computationally expensive to solve. We present a computational approach for solving inverse problems in the realm of onedimensional contaminant transport. The approach employs finite differencing as a forward solver and probabilistic methods for inversion. Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling is used to efficiently recover posterior probabilities. The results show that the Bayesian framework is a robust approach for initial condition inversion. I. Introduction Real-time modeling of accidental or intentional contaminant spread in urban settings is critical to homeland security and environmental safety. Knowing with good confidence where and when to evacuate prior to loss of health or even loss of life is of the utmost importance to decision making organizations. However, before such organizations can take action, knowledge must be obtained concerning both the origin and the evolution of the pollutants. The associated computational problem is inherently ill-posed, as many different inputs can give the same or very similar outputs. This problem is also computationally expensive: just modeling a forward dispersion problem in a realistic urban environment can take several hours using stateof-the-art computational fluid dynamics, and the proposed inverse problem is significantly more expensive. This paper presents a computational framework for probabilistic inversion, in which solutions are given as probability distributions for initial conditions. This paper first presents the theory behind our approach. One-dimensional contaminant transport physics is discussed briefly and finite difference schemes used to numerically solve the linear convection-diffusion equation are detailed. The corresponding inverse problem is then posed in a Bayesian framework, and a Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) algorithm for performing efficient inversions is discussed. Results follow, in an effort to demonstrate the applicability of a probabilistic approach for inverting convectivediffusive processes.
Sound transmission loss of foam-filled honeycomb sandwich panels using statistical energy analysis and theoretical and measured dynamic properties

Comparisons between the experimental and predicted sound transmission loss values obtained from statistical energy analysis are presented for two foam-filled honeycomb sandwich panels. Statistical energy analysis (SEA) is a modeling procedure which uses energy flow relationships for the theoretical estimation of the sound transmission through structures in resonant motion. The accuracy of the prediction of the sound transmission loss using SEA greatly depends on accurate estimates of: (1) the modal density, (2) the internal loss factor, and (3) the coupling loss factor parameters of the structures. A theoretical expression for the modal density of sandwich panels is developed from a sixth-order governing equation. Measured modal density estimates of the two foam-filled honeycomb sandwich panels are obtained by using a three-channel spectral method with a spectral mass correction to allow for the mass loading of the impedance head. The effect of mass loading of the accelerometer is corrected in the estimations of both the total loss factor and radiation loss factor of the sandwich panels.
Linking Clinical Events in Elderly to In-home Monitoring Sensor Data: A Brief Review and a Pilot Study on Predicting Pulse Pressure

Technology has had a tremendous impact on our daily lives. Recently, technology and its impact on aging has become an expanding field of inquiry. A major reason for this interest is that the use of technology can help older people who experience deteriorating health to live independently. In this paper we give a brief review of the in-home monitoring technologies for the elderly. In the pilot study, we analyze the possibility of employing the data generated by a continuous, unobtrusive nursing home monitoring system for predicting elevated (abnormal) pulse pressure (PP) in elderly (PP= systolic blood pressure-diastolic blood pressure). Our sensor data capture external information (behavioral) about the resident that is subsequently reflected in the predicted PP. By continuously predicting the possibility of elevated pulse pressure we may alert the nursing staff when some predefined threshold is exceeded. This approach may provide additional blood pressure monitoring for the elderly persons susceptible to blood pressure variations during the time between two nursing visits. We conducted a retrospective pilot study on two residents of the TigerPlace aging in place facility with age over 70, that had blood pressure measured between 100 and 300 times during a period of two years. The pilot study suggested that abnormal pulse pressure can be reasonably well estimated (an area under ROC curve of about 0.75) using apartment bed and motion sensors.
Accurate local spin‐polarized exchange potential: Reconciliation of generalized Slater and Kohn–Sham methods

Using simple physical arguments, a local spin-polarized exchange potential, Vxσ, is constructed from the single-particle Hartree–Fock (HF) potentials (generalized Slater method) that reduces to the usual Kohn–Sham (KS) result in the uniform gas limit. Numerical results for 10 closed subshell atoms demonstrate that the total energy calculated employing this Vxσ is closer to the exact KS results than those of other standard exchange approximations with electron densities and highest occupied orbital eigenvalues that closely approximate the HF results.
Contact‐Induced Transverse Fractures in Brittle Layers on Soft Substrates: A Study on Silicon Nitride Bilayers

An analysis of transverse cracks induced in brittle coatings on soft substrates by spherical indenters is developed. The transverse cracks are essentially axisymmetric and geometrically conelike, with variant forms dependent on the location of initiation: outer cracks that initiate at the top surface outside the contact and propagate downward; inner cracks that initiate at the coating/substrate interface beneath the contact and propagate upward; intermediate cracks that initiate within the coating and propagate in both directions. Bilayers consisting of hard silicon nitride (coating) on a composite underlayer of silicon nitride with boron nitride platelets (substrate), with strong interfacial bonding to minimize delamination, are used as a model test system for Hertzian testing. Test variables investigated are contact load, coating/substrate elastic-plastic mismatch (controlled by substrate boron nitride content), and coating thickness. Initiation of the transverse coating cracks occurs at lower critical loads, and shifts from the surface to the interface, with increasing elastic-plastic mismatch and decreasing coating thickness. This shift is accompanied by increasing quasi-plasticity in the substrate. Once initiated, the cracks pop in and arrest within the coating, becoming highly stabilized and insensitive to further increases in contact load, or even to coating toughness. A finite element analysis of the stress fields in the loaded layer systems enables a direct correlation between the damage patterns and the stress distributions: between the transverse cracks and the tensile (and compressive) stresses; and between the subsurface yield zones and the shear stresses. Implications of these conclusions concerning the design of coating systems for damage tolerance are discussed.
Antimuscarinic potency and functional selectivity of oxotremorine analogs at muscarinic receptor subtypes in the rat.

Abstract The potency of six antimuscarinic oxotremorine analogs at sympathetic ganglionic M 1 and brainstem M 2 muscarinic receptors was compared in the rat. Inhibition of the pressor effects of McNA343 or physostigmine was used as functional indicators of M 1 and M 2 blockade, respectively. 50% inhibitory doses (ID 50 ) were calculated against both cholinomimetics. Of the analogs, PCA-10 was the most potent, with ID 50 values of 0.16 and 0.11 μmol/kg versus McNA343 and physostigmine, respectively. A correlation analysis indicated that these analogs did not functionally discriminate between responses mediated by neuronal M 1 or M 2 muscarinic receptors in vivo . In contrast, these analogs antagonized M 1 ganglionic responses at doses which produced negligible antagonism at cardiac and vascular M 2 receptors.
Comparison of sweep net, D-vac, and absolute sampling, and diel variation of sweep net sampling estimates in lentils for pea aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae), nabids (Hemiptera: Nabidae), lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

Relative accuracy of sweep net sampling was compared with D-vac (D-vac, Riverside, Calif.) and absolute sampling methods for determining population densities of pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), Nabi. s spp., Hippodamia spp., and Chrysopa spp. in lentils ( Lens culinaris Medikus). Relative effects of the a biotic environment, predators, and time of sampling on population estimates also were determined during 2 yr. Original counts, area, and volume adjustments were used to evaluate accuracy of the sampling method. Volume adjustment was most accurate and was used in all subsequent evaluations. Sweep net estimates of pea aphid, Nabis spp., and Hippodamia spp. densities were similar to those obtained with absolute and D-vac sampling methods, although sweep net sampling consistently gave lower population estimates than those found for absolute sampling. In these experiments, the sweep net did not adequately sample the Chrysopa spp. in lentils. The time of sampling was significant when sampling for pea aphid; however, it was not as important for sampling of the three insect predators. Each year, sweep net samples were taken randomly at two locations in two fields every hour for 72 consecutive hours. The a biotic factors studied were light intensity, temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity; Nabis spp., Hippodamia spp., and Chrysopa spp. were the predator groups studied. Light intensity was the only a biotic factor that was significantly correlated with pea aphid numbers over both years, whereas all four a biotic factors had significant correlations at low aphid densities in 1983. The diurnal sine of hour was significantly and positively correlated with number of aphids collected by sweep net each hour, whereas predator densities were significantly and negatively correlated with aphid densities over both years. Optimum sampling time for pea aphids in lentils can depend on the dominant predator group being sampled; however, for pea aphids and all predator groups, a sample taken in late morning is preferable when sweep net samples are taken.
Ectopic expression of VAV1 reveals an unexpected role in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis

Herein, we show that the hematopoietic-specific GEF VAV1 is ectopically expressed in primary pancreatic adenocarcinomas due to demethylation of the gene promoter. Interestingly, VAV1-positive tumors had a worse survival rate compared to VAV1-negative tumors. Surprisingly, even in the presence of oncogenic KRAS, VAV1 RNAi abrogates neoplastic cellular proliferation in vitro and in vivo, thus identifying Vav1 as a growth-stimulatory protein in this disease. Vav1 acts synergistically with the EGF receptor to stimulate pancreatic tumor cell proliferation. Mechanistically, the effects of Vav1 require its GEF activity and the activation of Rac1, PAK1, and NF-kappaB and involve cyclin D1 upregulation. Thus, the discovery of prooncogenic pathways regulated by Vav1 makes it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention.
Effects of Youth Authorship on the Appraisal of Paintings

concerns about the virtue of art and the art evaluation bias. In this study, we asked what specific aspects of children’s artworks contribute to the accentuated aesthetic response. Recent theories suggest that the final evaluation of aesthetics is emotionally driven. We proposed that youth authorship would elicit a stronger positive emotional response from the viewers than prestige authorship. In 4 experiments, we examined the effects of prestigious authorship and emotional authorship on aesthetic, creativity, and proficiency evaluations. Experiment 1 was a survey of expected qualities of artworks by artists of various backgrounds (e.g., famous artists, youth, or athletes). The results served as baselines for discussion in subsequent experiments. In Experiment 2, participants judged artworks presumably produced by famous artists or children. We predicted higher ratings for youth. In Experiment 3, participants judged artworks presumably produced by famous artists or athletes. Assuming that athletes do not receive the same compassion as children, we predicted the ratings to be higher for the famous artists. To emphasize the role of compassion, participants in Experiment 4 judged artworks presumably produced by privileged or underprivileged youth artists. Inconsistent with the emotional hypothesis, artistic preference was equal in these two groups. Alternative explanations are offered.
Anode-Circuit-Breaker Design and Performance Criteria

The arc voltage E B developed by the anode-breaker, together with its early introduction into the circuit following current reversal, constitute the most essential performance criteria. It is shown that a current zero, the first prerequisite for interruption, can be created in the arc-back circuit only by developing a counter current (i B ) which neutralizes the arc-back current (1). This helpful concept is developed in a rigorous quantitative manner. The electromotive force for this counter current is the arc drop of the anode breaker (E B ). Contrary to general belief, the arc energy (k) developed by the anode breaker does not necessarily decrease as the arc voltage is introduced earlier in the circuit For each arc-voltage characteristic there exists a particular time of introduction, (? e ), which gives maximum arc energy. Neither can the point of minimum energy be accepted as the desirable objective due to the relatively high initial recovery voltage (E 1 ) associated with this point. Optimum anode-circuit-breaker performance, in circuits having high rates of current rise, requires establishing the final current zero during the inverse-voltage period (E 1 negative) together with arc energies (k) which avoid the peak of the energy characteristic. The modification of these results as affected by the ratio of the reactive ohms (?L) to the resistance ohms (R) of the circuit is discussed on a quantitative basis. Quantitative variations in the various parameters are presented to study their effect. Certain unique characteristics of anode breakers are explained.
Note on the Kolmogorov statistic for a general discontinuous variable

A simple demonstration of the conservative character of theKolmogorov test in the case of general discontinuous distributions is given.
How can irregular causal generalizations guide practice

In this essay, I shall be concerned with the sort of “irregular” causal generalizations that epidemiologists aim to discover. Examples include “Smoking causes lung cancer,” “HIV viruses cause AIDs,” or “Low dose aspirin prevents strokes.” What do these claims mean and how should they guide action? I argue that philosophers have mistakenly believed that answering these questions calls for a theory of what it is for one event to be a probabilistic cause of another. But this theory fails to provide plausible truth conditions for irregular causal generalizations. Indeed, it implies that most of them are false. I sketch a more plausible view, but point out the risks one takes in relying on these generalizations to guide action.
Charged-Scalar Strong-Coupling Theory

A treatment of the charged-scalar strong-coupling theory is given which employs a somewhat different choice of variables than that usually used; one which is more convenient for a discussion of the effects of quantum mechanical field fluctuations. The expansion parameter of the strong-coupling theory is shown to be $(\frac{1}{{g}^{2}})\mathrm{ln}(\frac{1}{\mathrm{Ka}})$, where $a$ is the source radius. The isobar energy is calculated to order $\frac{1}{{g}^{4}}$, and terms of order $(\frac{1}{{g}^{2}})\mathrm{ln}(\frac{1}{\mathrm{Ka}})$ relative to the leading $\frac{1}{{g}^{2}}$ term are found to appear. Similar terms occur in the charge-renormalization factor. The logarithmic term in the isobar energy is found to be precisely that required to renormalize the charge; that is, the isobar energy, if expressed in terms of the renormalized coupling constant, is explicitly independent of the source radius.
Right Subclavian Artery Aneurysm: An Incidental Finding

Subclavian artery aneurysms are rarely seen in the clinical setting, representing 1% of all peripheral artery aneurysms. The cause of a subclavian artery aneurysm is variable, and the symptoms are sometimes vague. Although other nonsonography imaging modalities are more likely to incidentally diagnose a subclavian artery aneurysm, sonographers must be aware of a subclavian artery aneurysm as a possible incidental finding to help prevent a potential fatal rupture.
Symptom Burden in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Jensen MP, Kuehn CM, Amtmann D, Cardenas DD. Symptom burden in persons with spinal cord injury. Objective To determine (1) the frequency, severity, and reported course of 7 symptoms in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and (2) the association between these symptoms and patient functioning. Design Postal survey. Setting Community. Intervention A survey that included measures of the frequency, severity, and recalled course of pain, fatigue, numbness, weakness, shortness of breath, vision loss, and memory loss, as well as a measure of community integration and psychologic functioning was mailed to a sample of persons with SCI. One hundred forty-seven usable surveys were returned (response rate, 43% of surveys mailed). Main Outcome Measures The frequency and average severity of each symptom was computed, and the frequencies of each type of reported course were noted. Analyses estimated the associations among the symptoms, and between symptom severity and measures of patient functioning. Results The most common symptoms were pain, weakness, fatigue, and numbness. All symptoms were reported to remain the same or to get worse more often than they were reported to improve once they began. Pain, weakness, fatigue, and memory loss were the symptoms most closely associated with patient functioning. Conclusions Patients with SCI must deal with a number of secondary complications in addition to any disability caused by the injury itself. Of 7 symptoms studied, pain, weakness, and fatigue appeared to be most common and most closely linked to patient social and mental health functioning. Research is needed to identify the causal relationships between perceived symptoms and quality of life in patients with SCI and to identify effective treatments for those symptoms shown to impact patient functioning.
The detection and prediction of sea level changes on coastal wetlands using satellite imagery and a geographic information system

Abstract This research summarizes the use of remote sensor data and high resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) to predict the effect of sea level rise on the Fort Moultrie coastal region near Charleston, South Carolina. In situ and remotely sensed data were used to construct and densify the DEM. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images obtained on multiple dates were used to inventory the Spartina alterniflora and other land cover in the region. It was then possible to a) determine the effect of tidal stage on remotely sensed classification/change detection products, and b) predict the impact of various sea level rise scenarios on the coastal region. This study used several geographic information system (GIS) functions to predict the effects of sea level rise. The research also demonstrates the utility of using remotely sensed data for detecting water level changes, using both visual interpretation and change detection techniques.
Using process evaluation for program improvement in dose, fidelity and reach: the ACT trial experience

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how formative program process evaluation was used to improve dose and fidelity of implementation, as well as reach of the intervention into the target population, in the "Active by Choice Today" (ACT) randomized school-based trial from years 1 to 3 of implementation. The intervention integrated constructs from Self-Determination Theory and Social Cognitive Theory to enhance intrinsic motivation and behavioral skills for increasing long-term physical activity (PA) behavior in underserved adolescents (low income, minorities). ACT formative process data were examined at the end of each year to provide timely, corrective feedback to keep the intervention "on track". Between years 1 and 2 and years 2 and 3, three significant changes were made to attempt to increase dose and fidelity rates in the program delivery and participant attendance (reach). These changes included expanding the staff training, reformatting the intervention manual, and developing a tracking system for contacting parents of students who were not attending the after-school programs regularly. Process outcomes suggest that these efforts resulted in notable improvements in attendance, dose, and fidelity of intervention implementation from years 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 of the ACT trial. Process evaluation methods, particularly implementation monitoring, are useful tools to ensure fidelity in intervention trials and for identifying key best practices for intervention delivery.
Stabilizing the integrin αM inserted domain in alternative conformations with a range of engineered disulfide bonds

Conformational movement of the C-terminal α7 helix in the integrin inserted (I) domain, a major ligand-binding domain that adopts an α/β Rossmann fold, has been proposed to allosterically regulate ligand-binding activity. Disulfide bonds were engineered here to reversibly lock the position of the α7 helix in one of two alternative conformations seen in crystal structures, termed open and closed. Our results show that pairs of residues with Cβ atoms farther apart than optimal for disulfide bond stereochemistry can be successfully replaced by cysteine, suggesting that backbone movement accommodates disulfide formation. We also find more success with substituting partially exposed than buried residues. Disulfides stabilizing the open conformation resulted in constitutively active αMβ2 heterodimers and isolated αM inserted domains, which were reverted to an inactive form by dithiothreitol reduction. By contrast, a disulfide stabilizing the closed conformation resulted in inactive αMβ2 that was resistant to activation but became activatable after dithiothreitol treatment.
Pair housing for female longtailed and rhesus macaques in the laboratory: behavior in protected contact versus full contact.

Pair housing for caged macaques in the laboratory generally allows unrestricted tactile contact but, less commonly, may involve limited contact via grooming-contact bars or perforated panels. The purpose of using this protected contact housing, which prevents entry into pair-mates' cages, typically is to accommodate research and management requirements. The study used behavioral data collected on 12 pairs of female longtailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) at the Washington National Primate Research Center and 7 pairs of female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) housed at the Tulane National Primate Research Center to assess the relative benefits of protected versus full protected contact. The study collected data in stable pairs housed first in protected contact followed by full contact. Species combined, the study found the presence of the panel was associated with lower levels of social grooming and higher levels of self-grooming, abnormal behavior, and tension-related behavior. Within species, only the ...
Effect of soft white wheat addition to alfalfa-grass forage on heifer gain, diet digestibility and in vitro digestion kinetics

Nelson, M.L. and Finley, J.W., 1989. Effect of soft white wheat addition to alfalfa-grass forage on heifer gain, diet digestibility and in vitro digestion kinetics. Anim: Feed Sci. Technol., 24: 141150. The effects of soft white wheat addition to forage diets were studied in three trials. Level of wheat (0, 25 or 50%), in an alfalfa-grass haylage diet fed to heifers in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design, linearly (P<0.05) increased average daily gain from 0.61 to 0.75 kg day-: and linearly (P< 0.05) decreased dry matter intake (DMI) from 6.1 to 6.0 kg day-: and feed/gain ratio (P < 0.10) from 10.4 to 8.2. Level of wheat (0, 25, 50 or 75% ), in an alfalfa-grass hay diet fed to wethers in a 4 × 4 Latin square design digestion trial, quadratically (P< 0,05) increased starch digestibility from 86.6 to 97.9%, and linearly (P< 0.05) increased dry matter digestibility from 65.4 to 74.5 % and energy digestibility from 63.0 to 72.3 %. However, level of wheat linearly (P < 0.05) decreased cellulose digestibility from 62.8 to 25.4% and acid detergent fiber digestibility from 55.1 to 19.0%. Level of wheat (0, 25, 50, 75 or 100%) addition to alfalfa-grass hay quadratically increased (P<0.05) in vitro rate (from 0.034 to 0.050 h -1) and extent of neutral detergent fiber digestion (from 59.8 to 75.0% ). These data are interpreted to indicate that large negative associative effects on cellulose and acid detergent fiber digestibility occurred at 75% wheat addition to an alfalfa-grass hay. However, small positive associative effects on digestibility of dry matter, starch and energy, and in vitro rate of neutral detergent fiber occurred when small amounts of wheat were added to an alfalfa-grass forage.
The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Educator Stress and Well-Being: Results from a Pilot Study

We assessed the effectiveness of an adapted mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on educator stress and well-being. The study included 36 high school educators who participated in either an 8-week adapted MBSR program or a waitlist control group. Results suggested that educators who participated in MBSR reported significant gains in self-regulation, self-compassion, and mindfulness-related skills (observation, nonjudgment, and nonreacting). Significant improvements in multiple dimensions of sleep quality were found as well. These findings provide promising evidence of the effectiveness of MBSR as a strategy to promote educator’s personal and professional well-being. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Effect of Total Body Irradiation on Rabbit Pituitary as Measured by Gonadotropin Response in Chicks.

SummaryRabbit pituitaries from animals exposed to 750 and 1100 r of total body Cobalt-60 gamma irradiation showed an early suppression of gonadotropin principles as measured by the chick gonad response. The 750 r group showed the depression on the 8th day after irradiation while in the 1100 r group the suppression was evident by day one and was sustained through day 7. After this time the gonadotropin activity in both groups returned to the normal level.
Strongly Interacting Plasmon Nanoparticle Pairs: From Dipole−Dipole Interaction to Conductively Coupled Regime

We have investigated the optical response of periodic arrays of metallic (gold) nanoparticles composed of a pair of particles on each lattice site. By varying the interparticle separation within the pairs from dielectric proximity to conductive contact on a nanometer scale, we observe an abrupt, large renormalization as well as a splitting of the surface plasmon polariton energy. These spectral anomalies are ascribed to a transition whereupon the interparticle dipole−dipole interaction is shunted and the plasmon polaritons exhibit multipolar behavior, including a very high local concentration of electromagnetic energy in the vicinity of their conductive contact.
Experience with a three-point method for planning rhinoplasty.

Three aesthetic parameters, based entirely on nasal surface soft tissue morphology, can be used to formulate a practical rhinoplasty strategy. They are, in order of ascending importance: (1) skin thickness and distribution, (2) tip lobular configuration, and (3) the balance between nasal base size and bridge height. These three parameters, chosen because of their broad ramifications for a successful rhinoplasty result, help determine the need and method for dorsal and tip reduction or augmentation, and recognize the constancy of preoperative skin sleeve distribution, particularly at the nasal base. The strategy is equally useful in primary and secondary rhinoplasty. Because their effects are regional, all other decisions (e.g., osteotomies, alar wedge resection, nasal shortening, valvular reconstruction) are secondary and can be made independently.
Nets with channels of unlimited diameter

Three-dimensional nets and polyhedra1,2 present an unlimited mathematical challenge, and systematic enumeration of the infinite series of four-connected nets is just developing3–10 using selected algorithms. Several framework structures were solved and classified by invention of new nets (see refs 11–13). The four-connected nets of low density are of practical interest because their nodes may correspond with the tetrahedrally-coordinated atoms of aluminosilicate zeolites14, some silica polymorphs15, aluminophosphates16,17 and other molecular sieves. The nets can be classified by circuit symbols1–7 and coordination sequences18,19. Each oxygen atom of a zeolite and other tetrahedral frameworks lies near the midpoint of a branch connecting two tetrahedral nodes, and the empty volume between the close-packed oxygen atoms is important for molecular sorption. The largest ring in a natural zeolite or synthetic molecular sieve involves 12 tetrahedra11,14, but larger rings and sphere packings of lower density are known12,20–24. We report here two new infinite series of four-connected three-dimensional nets which contain channels of unlimited diameter.
Stabilized heteropolyacid/Nafion® composite membranes for elevated temperature/low relative humidity PEFC operation

Abstract Organic/inorganic composite membranes with different inorganic heteropolyacid (HPA) additives maintain sufficient proton conductivities for atmospheric pressure elevated temperature (>100 °C) polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) operation. However, membrane and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) processing is severely curtailed because of the solubility of the HPA additives in aqueous media. Composite membranes with the HPA (phosphotungstic acid; PTA) additive rendered insoluble by ion exchanging protons with larger cations such as Cs+, NH4 +, Rb+ and Tl+ were fabricated. The additive loss in aqueous media was lowered from nearly 100% (unmodified HPA) to about 5% (modified HPA). The membranes were robust, and demonstrated low H2 crossover currents of around 2 mA/cm2 for a 28 μm thick membrane. All membranes were evaluated at high temperatures and low relative humidities in an operating fuel cell. The conductivities of the composite membranes at 120 °C and 35% relative humidity were on the order of 1.6 × 10−2 S/cm.
Modeling sedimentation and scour in small urban lakes

Abstract Lower Shaker Lake is a small urban lake in the Doan Brook Watershed of Cleveland, Ohio. Due to an unusual sequence of events, a “dry dredging” project resulted in the lake being drained and dried without sediment removal. This led to questions about the sedimentation balance of the lake and questions about unusual features such as a submerged channel and sediment island. This manuscript discusses the hydraulic modeling that was conducted to answer these questions. The modeling effort was based on RMA2 hydraulic model solutions, SMS post-analysis field variable mapping and a simple experimental test developed to quantify sediment scour thresholds. Procedures and results are illustrated using Lower Shaker Lake as a case study. Results indicate that the existing sedimentation state of the lake was a dynamic equilibrium balanced between dry weather sediment accumulation and storm flow scour. Drying the lake may have disrupted this balance. Results also provided a hydraulic explanation for the existence of the sediment island that had incorrectly been assumed to be evidence of rapid sediment accumulation. The modeling approach proved to be very useful in uncovering the systems at work in Lower Shaker Lake and may be helpful in evaluating remediation strategies for other small urban lakes.
Localization of point targets from cortical waves using ARMA models

Visual stimuli elicit waves of activity that propagate across the visual cortex of turtles. It is believed that these activity waves encode features of the visual stimuli, viz. position and velocity of targets. An important problem is to estimate the target location from the activity waves of the visual cortex. In this paper, we have used a large scale model of the turtle visual cortex to simulate the response of the cortex to stationary and moving visual stimuli. Subsequently, we have estimated the position and velocity of the target from the neural activities of the cortex by constructing an autoregressive and moving average (ARMA) Model. The input to the model is the neuronal response suitably smoothed by a low pass filter. The output of the ARMA model is precisely the prediction of the cortical inputs. This paper illustrates the role of ARMA models in deciphering the location and velocity of visual targets from the associated cortical waves.
Principles and Controversies in CPT Coding in Surgical Pathology

This article explores basic principles of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding in the text of the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT manual’s surgical pathology section. The sequence of actions in CPT code assignment in a surgical pathology practice is presented. The main controversial issues, as specimen vs container, bundling/unbundling, lymph node regional resection, tissue/procedure vs diagnosis, were discussed. The 1 container 1 specimen compromise at the accession stage is suggested as an assurance of specimen identification integrity. A table of colon specimens’ CPT coding is presented as an example of practical applications. “Frontline” surgical pathology practitioners (ie, accession staff, histotechnologists, pathologists’ assistants, and pathologists) are the article’s targeted audience. Professional coders might extract from the materials a better understanding of the clinical part of the CPT coding in surgical pathology. * CPT : Current Procedural Terminology AMA : American Medical Association HCFA : Health Care Financing Administration HCPCS : Health Care Common Procedural Coding System HIPAA : Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act PC : professional component TC : technical component LIS : laboratory information system EPIC : Electronic Privacy Identification Center CAP : College of American Pathologists MUE : medically unlikely edits
THE RESISTANCE OF MARINE ZOOPLANKTON OF THE CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH ATLANTIC TO CHANGES IN SALINITY1

It is generally assumed that plankton of the open seasregions which exhibit relatively constant high salinitiesare stenohalinc. This paper reports a preliminary investigation of the tolerance of Caribbean and and South Atlantic marine zooplankton to both increases and decreases in salinity. The majority of forms studied will withstand salinity changes much greater than they would be expected to encounter in their normal environment, thus suggesting that salinity may not be a limiting factor in their distribution. The forms studied are listed in the order of their ability to resist salinity change.
Task decomposition, dynamic role assignment, and low-bandwidth communication for real-time strategic teamwork

Multi-agent domains consisting of teams of agents that need to collaborate in an adversarial environment offer challenging research opportunities. In this article, we introduce periodic team synchronization (PTS) domains as time-critical environments in which agents act autonomously with low communication, but in which they can periodically synchronize in a full-communication setting. The two main contributions of this article are a flexible team agent structure and a method for inter-agent communication. First, the team agent structure allows agents to capture and reason about team agreements. We achieve collaboration between agents through the introduction of formations. A formation decomposes the task space defining a set of roles. Homogeneous agents can flexibly switch roles within formations, and agents can change formations dynamically, according to pre-defined triggers to be evaluated at run-time. This flexibility increases the performance of the overall team. Our teamwork structure further includes pre-planning for frequently occurring situations. Second, the communication method is designed for use during the low-communication periods in PTS domains. It overcomes the obstacles to inter-agent communication in multi-agent environments with unreliable, single-channel, high-cost, low-bandwidth communication. We fully implemented both the flexible teamwork structure and the communication method in the domain of simulated robotic soccer, and conducted controlled empirical experiments to verify their effectiveness. In addition, our simulator team made it to the semi-finals of the RoboCup-97 competition, in which 29 teams participated. It achieved a total score of 67–9 over six different games, and successfully demonstrated its flexible teamwork structure and inter-agent communication.
Analysis of coplanar waveguide by the time-domain finite-difference method

An analysis of coplanar waveguides (CPW) by the time-domain finite-difference method is discussed. The waveforms propagating along a coplanar waveguide excited by a Gaussian pulse are found in the time domain. After the time-domain computation is done, the frequency-domain parameters, such as the effective dielectric constant and the complex characteristic impedance, are calculated by Fourier transformations. The results agree well with the available theoretical and experimental data over a wide frequency range. >
College Student Drug Prevention: A Review of Individually-Oriented Prevention Strategies.

The current paper highlights the college years as a risk period for development, continuation, and escalation of illicit substance use and substance use disorders and reviews the literature related to the prevention and treatment of these disorders in college populations. Despite widespread implementation of college drug prevention programs, a review of the literature reveals few controlled trials targeting this population. However, alcohol prevention has been extensively studied, and many efficacious interventions for college drinking share theoretical and methodological underpinnings with interventions shown to be efficacious in drug prevention and treatment with other populations (i.e., school-based prevention, adolescent and adult drug treatment). These interventions could be adapted to target drug prevention on college campuses. Barriers to implementation and evaluation of these interventions on campus are discussed, and suggestions are made for future research and programmatic directions.
Baseline characteristics and Latino versus non-Latino contrasts among Bronx A1C study participants

We describe baseline demographic and psychosocial characteristics of low-income, diverse diabetes adults enrolled in a telephonic intervention trial. Environment for the study was New York City (NYC) A1C Registry program. Baseline data were analyzed from 941 participants randomized to either telephonic/print or print-only intervention to improve glycemic control. Summary statistics for key variables were calculated; we highlight baseline contrasts between Latino and non-Latino participants. There were high proportions of Latino (67.7%) and non-Latino Black (28.0%) participants from South Bronx. Mean age was 56.3 years, almost 70.0% were foreign born, and 55.8% preferred Spanish language. Mean A1C was 9.2% and mean body mass index (BMI) 32.1 kg/m(2). There were significant contrasts between Latino and non-Latino participants for behavioral and psychosocial variables. This telephonic intervention study succeeded in randomizing a large number of low-income, diverse participants with poor diabetes control who are under-represented in studies. Latino versus non-Latino differences at baseline were striking.
Pregnancy in the woman with epilepsy: Maternal and fetal outcomes

Pregnancy in women with epilepsy is associated with increased obstetric risks and increased adverse neonatal outcomes. Prior to conception, folic acid should be administered and the antiepileptic drug (AED) regimen should be optimized. Effective control of maternal seizures with the least risk to the fetus is the goal, preferably using AED monotherapy. Periodic monitoring of total and free AED levels is recommended. The "fetal anticonvulsant syndrome" has been described with all of the AEDs and includes major malformations, minor anomalies, microcephaly, cognitive impairment, intrauterine growth retardation, and infant mortality. The most common major malformations are cleft lip/palate, heart defects, and neural tube defects. Prenatal screening should be offered. Supplemental vitamin K(1) should be given to the mother and newborn to prevent neonatal hemorrhagic disorder. Careful planning and management of any pregnancy in women with epilepsy are essential to increase the likelihood of a healthy outcome for the mother and infant.
Incremental positivity nonpreservation by stability multipliers

It is proved that stability multipliers, such as Zames-Falb (1968) multipliers, Popov (1961) multipliers and RL/RC multipliers, known to preserve the positivity of monotone memoryless nonlinearities, do not, in general, preserve their incremental positivity. Our result implies that stability results based on these multipliers should be interpreted with caution, since, without incremental positivity, the continuity of the closed-loop system's input-output relation may not be assured.
Improving Student Confidence through Metacognative Learning

This is a continuing series of quarterly articles on lessons learned and best practices in civil engineering education. The intent of the series is to reinforce good practices, describe new or developing practices, and provide a forum for what works well and what does not. It is hoped that this series will be an important quarterly read for all civil engineering educators and all those interested in what’s going on in civil engineering education today. Writers and topics will vary from issue to issue. Contact the Associate Editor, Mark Evans, at mark.evans@usma.edu if you wish to contribute to an upcoming issue. Improving Student Confidence through Metacognative Learning
A framework for assessing uncertainties in simulation predictions

Abstract A probabilistic framework is presented for assessing the uncertainties in simulation predictions that arise from model parameters derived from uncertain measurements. A probabilistic network facilitates both conceptualizing and computationally implementing an analysis of a large number of experiments in terms of many intrinsic models in a logically consistent manner. This approach permits one to improve one’s knowledge about the underlying models at every level of the hierarchy of validation experiments.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Series of New Chiral-at-Metal Ruthenium Allenylidene Complexes

New chiral-at-metal ruthenium indenyl PPh3 phosphoramidite allenylidene complexes have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Through thermal ligand-exchange reactions with [RuCl(Ind)(PPh3)2], the phosphoramidite ligands (R)-binol-N,N-dimethylphosphoramidite (5a), (R)-binol-N,N-dibenzylphosphoramidite (5b), (R,S)-binol-N-benzyl-N-α-methylbenzylphosphoramidite (5c), and (R)-catechol-2-methylpyrrolidinephosphoramidite [(R)-10] were converted into the complexes [RuCl(Ind)(PPh3)(L)] [L = 5a, 79 %; 5b, 87 %; 5c, 80 %, (R)-10, 67 %]. The complexes [RuCl(Ind)(PPh3)(5b)] and [RuCl(Ind)(PPh3)(5c)] were obtained diastereomerically pure and, by reaction with propargylic alcohols, subsequently converted into the allenylidene complexes [Ru(Ind)(PPh3)(5b)(=C=C=CRR′)]+ PF6– (R = R′ = Ph, 85 %; R = Ph, R′ = Me, 66 %; R = 2-furyl, R′ = Me, 94 %; R = R′ = 4-fluorophenyl, 76 %; R = 4-methoxyphenyl, R′ = Me, 66 %) and [Ru(Ind)(PPh3)(5c)(=C=C=CRR′)]+ PF6– (R = R′ = Ph, 91 %; R = Ph, R′ = Me, 72 %; R = 2-furyl, R′ = Me, 93 %), which were also obtained diastereomerically pure. Complex [RuCl(Ind)(PPh3)(5b)] and three of the new allenylidene complexes were characterized structurally, which showed that the chiral information was transferred from the precursor complex to the corresponding allenylidenes. Dynamic NMR experiments showed that during the synthesis of allenylidene complexes only one diastereomer was formed. The research presented herein has an impact on the chemistry of chiral allenylidene complexes as catalysts and as potential intermediates in propargylic substitution reactions.
ROUGH LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE FROM BRUCELLA ABORTUS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI DIFFERENTIALLY ACTIVATES THE SAME MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE SIGNALING PATHWAYS FOR TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA IN RAW 264.7 MACROPHAGE-LIKE CELLS

The intracellular, gram-negative pathogen Brucella abortus establishes chronic infections in host macrophages while downregulating cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). When producing TNF-α, Brucella abortus rough lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activates the same mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways (ERK and JNK) as Escherichia coli LPS, but Brucella LPS is a much less potent agonist.
Pretransplant tumor antigen-specific immunization of allogeneic bone marrow transplant donors enhances graft-versus-tumor activity without exacerbation of graft-versus-host disease.

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) causes a beneficial graft-versus-tumor (GVT) immune response that is often associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). There is substantial interest in developing therapeutic strategies that augment GVT without GVHD. We have demonstrated recently that immunization of BMT donors with cellular tumor vaccines leads to curative GVT but induces unacceptable GVHD because of the presence of recipient minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAgs) in whole-cell tumor vaccines. This study tested the hypothesis that immunization of BMT donors against a defined tumor-specific antigen with a vaccine not containing recipient mHAgs would help to separate the two responses by enhancing GVT activity without exacerbating GVHD, even when cellular vaccines were used after BMT. Recipient strain C57BL/6 fibrosarcoma cells engineered to express the well-characterized model tumor antigen, influenza nucleoprotein (NP), were used in these studies. C3H.SW donors were immunized against NP prior to BMT, and cytolytic T cells were transferred along with bone marrow into irradiated H-2-matched, mHAg-mismatched C57BL/6 recipients with established micrometastatic 205-NP tumors. Donor immunization led to a significant increase in GVT activity, as measured by reduction in tumor growth and enhanced survival. However, deaths in recipients of tumor antigen-specific immune BMT ultimately occurred because of the growth of antigen-loss variants; such tumor growth did not occur in animals receiving BMT from donors treated with whole-cell vaccines. Donor immunization did not lead to an exacerbation of GVHD, even when BMT recipients received additional immunization after BMT with a 205-NP "whole" tumor cell vaccine (which was shown to induce fatal GVHD when used for donor immunization). In conclusion, immunization of allogeneic BMT donors against a tumor-specific antigen significantly enhances GVT activity without an associated exacerbation of GVHD.