cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Bernoulli and Fixed Feedback Policies for the M/G/1 Queue

We consider an M/G/1 queue with feedback, in which customers, after receiving service, either return to the tail of the queue or depart the system, according to some feedback policy. We derive simple expressions for the expected response time for feedback policies that include Bernoulli feedback and feeding back a fixed number of times. Our results reveal some interesting and nonintuitive properties of the behavior of such feedback policies when the coefficient of variation of service time is varied. One result shows that for the Bernoulli feedback and fixed feedback policies with an equal mean number of visits to the queue, the expected response time for the Bernoulli policy is smaller than for the fixed policy if the coefficient of variation of service time is greater than 1. The relationship reverses if the coefficient of variation is less than 1.
On the approximability of positive influence dominating set in social networks

In social networks, there is a tendency for connected users to match each other's behaviors. Moreover, a user likely adopts a behavior, if a certain fraction of his family and friends follows that behavior. Identifying people who have the most influential effect to the others is of great advantages, especially in politics, marketing, behavior correction, and so on. Under a graph-theoretical framework, we study the positive influence dominating set (PIDS) problem that seeks for a minimal set of nodes $\mathcal{P}$ such that all other nodes in the network have at least a fraction ?>0 of their neighbors in $\mathcal{P}$ . We also study a different formulation, called total positive influence dominating set (TPIDS), in which even nodes in $\mathcal{P}$ are required to have a fraction ? of neighbors inside $\mathcal{P}$ . We show that neither of these problems can be approximated within a factor of (1?∈)lnmax{Δ,|V|1/2}, where Δ is the maximum degree. Moreover, we provide a simple proof that both problems can be approximated within a factor lnΔ+O(1). In power-law networks, where the degree sequence follows a power-law distribution, both problems admit constant factor approximation algorithms. Finally, we present a linear-time exact algorithms for trees.
Limited digestion of RNA polymerase from Escherichia coli by trypsin (effect of rifamycin and DNA on the integrity of sigma subunit).

Abstract A modified polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique is used to separate the polypeptides after digestion of E. coli RNA polymerase with various concentration of trypsin. The subunits β and β′ and two large breakdown products of molecular weight of 147,000 and 141,000 are distinctly separated. At a very low level of trypsin σ and α are not cleaved while two major breakdown products of molecular weights of 110,000 and 43,000 appear from the larger subunits. At a still higher level of trypsin σ is converted to a polypeptide of molecular weight of 86,000 and other small fragments. DNA protects, to some extent, the σ and this polypeptide and also β and the two large breakdown products from trypsin digestion. It is also observed that rifamycin, an inhibitor of RNA synthesis, enhances the tryptic digestion of σ, only in the absence of MgCl2.
Venous Thromboembolism Following Radical Cystectomy: Significant Predictors, Comparison of Different Anticoagulants and Timing of Events

Purpose: We determined the rate, timing and predictors of venous thromboembolism after open radical cystectomy for urothelial bladder cancer. We also compared the use of warfarin (1971 to 2008) and unfractionated heparin (2008 to 2012) as prophylaxis.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 2,316 patients who underwent open radical cystectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection for urothelial bladder cancer with intent to cure at our institution between 1971 and 2012. The rate and timing of symptomatic venous thromboembolism that developed within 3 months of surgery was calculated in the cohort. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to find significant predictors of symptomatic venous thromboembolism and compare the warfarin based and heparin based prophylaxis protocols.Results: A total of 109 symptomatic venous thromboembolism cases developed for a rate of 4.7%, including 2.1% for deep vein thrombosis and 2.6% for pulmonary embolism. Of these cases 57.8% develo...
Fixing the Hubble Space Telescope

A method for correcting flaws in the primary mirror of the HST that is under intense study by NASA is discussed. The proposal is to install corrective optics in front of the existing science instruments using the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR). COSTAR is expected to recover the rated capability of the HST.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Task allocation and path planning for collaborative AUVs operating through an underwater acoustic network

Multiple cooperative vehicles, joined in an acoustic communication network, can perform time-critical, cooperative operations given a robust task allocation mechanism and an efficient path planning model. In this paper, we present solutions for the task-allocation and path-planning problems of the cooperative schema for multiple AUVs: a Location-Aided task Allocation Framework (LAAF) algorithm for multi-target task assignment and the Grid-based Multi-Objective Optimal Programming (GMOOP) mathematical model for finding an optimal vehicle command decision given a set of objectives and constraints. Our research is based on an existing mobile ad-hoc network underwater acoustic simulator and two routing protocols (blind flooding and dynamic source routing). The LAAF and GMOOP controllers combine within a “task-planact” structure to generate an optimized local system output in a timely manner to achieve fleet-wide cooperation. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the location-aided auction strategies perform significantly better than a generic auction algorithm in terms of task-allocation time and network bandwidth consumption. We also demonstrate that the GMOOP path planning technique provides an efficient method for multi-objective tasks by cooperative agents with limited communication capabilities with its results can be referenced in [7]. Prior to this work, existing multi-objective action selection methods were limited to robust networks where constant, reliable communication was available. Both the LAAF and GMOOP algorithms were robust to poor acoustic network conditions and ongoing changing environments. LAAF dynamic task allocation and the GMOOP path planning controller provide an effective solution for cooperative search-classify missions with multiple AUVs under marginal communication conditions.
Buckling and vibration of composite plates using the Levy method

Abstract An analytical study is conducted to determine the stability and vibration characteristics of laminated cross-ply plates using the Levy approach. Included in the plate model are the effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia. Several different boundary conditions in the y-direction are analyzed in conjunction with simply supported boundaries in the x-direction. The y-directed boundaries considered are simple-simple, simple-free, clamped-free and free-free. Solutions are presented for the buckling loads and fundamental frequencies of rectangular, graphite-epoxy plates with a symmetrical ply layup. The results indicate the importance of including transverse effects in a plate's mathematical model.
Grief and Trauma in Children After the Death of a Sibling

Parent loss is understood as a fundamental loss to a child, but less is known about the consequences of a sibling's death. The present study explored self-reported grief and trauma among 26 sibling-bereaved children to help inform effective support interventions. Grief and trauma scores were highly correlated in our sample, and there were no definitive differences based upon type of loss. The main limitation was a small sample, but our results provide ecologically valid information rather than data from children recruited for research purposes. Implications for continued data collection and publication from naturalistic settings and meta-analytic recommendations are discussed.
Regional uptake of neurotoxic and nontoxic amino acids in vivo by the infant mouse brain

Abstract The acidic amino acids, glutamate, cysteate and homocysteate. destroy neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus when administered subcutaneously to infant mice. but alanine. a neutral amino acid, does not, The neurotoxicity of glutamate, cysteate and homocysteate was confirmed in this study. It was further demonstrated that glutamate accumulates in the arcuate nucleus after the administration of glutamate but not after cysteate or homocysteate administration. This rules out the possibility that the neurotoxicity of the latter two compounds is mediated by the conversion in vivo of these compounds to glutamate. It supports the thesis that the similar neurotoxic manifestations of these compounds stem from the similar molecular structure they share. Alanine accumulated in the arcuate and ventromedial nuclei of the hypothalamus and, to a lesser extent, the medial nucleus of the thalamus but had no neuropathologic effects in any brain region. The failure of alanine to damage arcuate neurons is interpreted as evidence that, because of its dissimilar molecular structure. it either does not react or reacts very differently from the acidic neuroloxic amino acids at some receptor locus on neural membranes.
High-grade gliomas and solitary metastases: differentiation by using perfusion and proton spectroscopic MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To determine whether perfusion-weighted and proton spectroscopic MR imaging can be used to differentiate high-grade primary gliomas and solitary metastases on the basis of differences in vascularity and metabolite levels in the peritumoral region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with a solitary brain tumor (33 gliomas, 18 metastases) underwent conventional, contrast material–enhanced perfusion-weighted, and proton spectroscopic MR imaging before surgical resection or stereotactic biopsy. Of the 33 patients with gliomas, 22 underwent perfusion-weighted MR imaging; nine, spectroscopic MR imaging; and two underwent both. Of the 18 patients with metastases, 12 underwent perfusion-weighted MR imaging, and six, spectroscopic MR imaging. The peritumoral region was defined as the area in the white matter immediately adjacent to the enhancing (hyperintense on T2-weighted images, but not enhancing on postcontrast T1-weighted images) portion of the tumor. Relative cerebral blood volumes in these r...
BMP2-induced inflammation can be suppressed by the osteoinductive growth factor NELL-1.

Bone-morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is currently the only Food and Drug Administration-approved osteoinductive growth factor used in clinical settings for bone regeneration and repair. However, the use of BMP2 is encumbered by numerous clinical complications, including postoperative inflammation and life-threatening cervical swelling. Thus, methods to prevent BMP2-induced inflammation would have far-reaching clinical implications toward improving current BMP2-based methods for bone regeneration. For the first time, we investigate the potential role of the growth factor Nel-like molecule-1 (NELL-1) in inhibiting BMP2-induced inflammation. Adult rats underwent a femoral bone onlay procedure, treated with either BMP2 protein (4 mg/mL), NELL-1 protein (4 mg/mL), or both proteins combined. Animals were evaluated at 3, 7, and 14 days postoperatively by histology, histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR for markers of inflammation (TNFα, IL6). The relative levels of TNFα and IL6 in serum were a...
B cell migration and interactions in the early phase of antibody responses

In the early phase of thymus-dependent antibody responses antigen-engaged B cells rapidly change their localization within the secondary lymphoid organs to access helper T cells. Central to this process is the tightly controlled distribution of chemokines, sphingosine-1-phosphate and other guidance cues within the lymphoid organ, determined in part by the stromal cells, and the changing responsiveness of activated lymphocytes to these cues. Studies that use the emerging technique of real-time two-photon imaging of intact lymphoid organs began to dissect the dynamics of B cell migration before and after antigen engagement in vivo. Recent studies also provided new insight into antigen transport mechanisms in lymphoid organs and examined signaling requirements for B lymphocyte positioning and motility. Taken together, these studies have provided a more detailed map of the steps involved in B cell migration to encounter antigen and helper T cells early during the adaptive immune response.
Androgens augment proximal tubule transport

The proximal tubule contains an autonomous renin-angiotensin system that regulates transport independently of circulating angiotensin II. Androgens are known to increase expression of angiotensinog...
Implementing a Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention: The Importance of Physician Engagement

Evidence-based, well-implemented, and enforced gun policies can reduce gun violence, and this vision can be realized with the help of physicians. As the details of policy proposals unfold and the p...
A Review of “Making Sense of Race, Class, and Gender: Commonsense, Power, and Privilege in the United States”

Commonsense discourses profoundly shape how the public sees the world, providing frameworks with far-reaching implications for social relations, institutions, and policies (Kumashiro 2008). With re...
Extending the DEVS-Scheme knowledge-based simulation environment for real-time event-based control

An implementation of real-time simulation and control in DEVS-Scheme, a knowledge-based, discrete-event environment, is described. A methodology is illustrated in which the plant and its actuators and sensors are described by discrete-event models developed within the event-based control paradigm. A model of the controller is employed to validate its design in a plant/actuator/sensor experimental frame. >
Effects of GnRH antagonist on lymphocyte subpopulations in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues of female mice.

PROBLEM: GnRH analogs are playing an increasing role in the treatment of many clinical disorders. Recent studies have indicated that GnRH agonists suppress immune function in mice in vivo. The present study investigated the effects of GnRH antagonist on functional lymphocyte subsets of mice in vivo. METHOD: Three- and 10-wk old female mice received 10 μg of Nal-Glu daily for 15 and 30 days; changes in the immunophenotypic expression of lymphocytes from thymus, bone marrow, spleen and blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The administration of GnRH antagonist to pre- and postpubertal female mice induced slight increases in lymphocyte subpopulations in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues. These effects are opposite those obtained with GnRH agonist in our earlier studies in mice. CONCLUSIONS: Assuming similar effects in humans and rodents, the gonadal steroid suppression achieved by GnRH antagonist treatment has no apparent suppressive effects on the immune system.
External ventricular drain placement causing upgaze palsy: Case report

External ventricular drainage is a measure employed in a umber of clinical settings including: acute hydrocephalus, subrachnoid hemorrhage, and intraventricular hemorrhage. External entricular drain (EVD) placement is usually performed free hand t the bedside or in the operating room using surface landmarks o guide placement. Routine complications with EVD placement nclude hemorrhage, infection, non-function, and malposition [1]. hile hemorrhage and infection related to EVD placement have een studied extensively in the past, more recently studies have ocused on the accuracy of EVD placement [1–3]. Here we present case report of EVD placement in the tectum at an outside instituion resulting in upgaze palsy, a complication not previously noted t our institution or found in the literature.
Environmental and social-motivational contextual factors related to youth physical activity: systematic observations of summer day camps

Background: Youth risk of obesity is high during the summer months. Summer day camps can be ideal settings for preventing obesity through reducing youth summer sedentary behaviors. However, with limited research on camp settings, the mechanisms by which these programs promote children’s physical activity (PA) remains largely unknown. The current study was designed to take a first step in addressing this gap in research through systematic observations of 4 summer day camps. Methods: Systematic observations of 4 summer day camps was conducted using the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth (SOPLAY) and a social-motivational climate supplemental observation tool founded on Self-Determination Theory and previous research developed by the authors. Teams of two coders observed daily activities for four days across two-week periods at each camp. On 15 minute intervals throughout each day, camps were assessed on level of youth PA (e.g., sedentary, moderate, vigorous), five physical features (e.g., equipment), eight staff interactions (e.g., encourage PA), and six social climate components (e.g., inclusive game). Results: Across the sample, highly engaging games [F(1,329) = 17.68, p < .001], positive peer interactions [F(1,329) = 8.43, p < .01], and bullying [F(1,329)= 9.39, p < .01] were significantly related to higher PA participation rates, and clarity of rules [F(1,329) = 11.12, p < .001] was related to fewer youth participating in PA. Separate analyses for males and females indicated some sex differences with highly engaging games [F(1,329)= 23.10, p < .001] and bullying [F(1,329) = 10.00, p < .01] related to males’ but not females’ PA, and positive peer interactions related to only females’ PA [F(1,329) = 9.58, p < .01]. Small, yet significant physical-environmental effects of temperature [F(1,328) = 1.54, p < .05] and equipment [F(1,328) = 4.34, p = .05] for girls also suggests that activities offered indoors (which was most common during high temperatures), and provision of equipment may also be important considerations for promoting girls’ PA. Staff behaviors were minimally predictive of youth PA. Conclusions: This is the first study to conduct systematic observations of the physical and social resources of summer day camps and contributes to our understanding of the strengths and needs of camps to effectively promote PA in both boys and girls during the summer months when risks for obesity are high.
Ontogeny of Deeveya medix Kornicker, 1990, collected in anchialine and marine caves in the Bahama Islands (Ostracoda: Halocypridae: Deeveyinae)

Abstract Four juvenile instars of Deeveya medix (Instars I, II, III, and V) from marine caves and blue holes in the Bahamas are described and illustrated. The ontogeny of the species is compared with that of D. spiralis Kornicker & Iliffe, 1985, and D. bransoni Kornicker & Palmer, 1987 and found to be similar. Criteria are presented for identifying stages of species of Deeveya. Each lamella of the furca of known species of Deeveya bears 3 claws on instar I, 4 on instar II, 5 on instar III, 6 on instar IV, and 7 on instar V and the adult.
Factors in the cycle of violence: Gender rigidity and emotional constriction.

A sample of 595 men were administered self-report assessments of childhood sexual and physical abuse, perpetration history, gender rigidity and emotional constriction. Including noncontact forms of sexual abuse, 11% of the men reported sexual abuse alone, 17% reported physical abuse alone, and 17% reported both sexual and physical abuse. Of the 257 men in the sample who reported some form of childhood abuse, 38% reported some form of perpetration themselves, either sexual or physical; of the 126 perpetrators, 70% reported having been abused in childhood. Thus, most perpetrators were abused, but most abused men did not perpetrate. Both sexually and physically abused men who perpetrated manifested significantly more gender rigidity and emotional constriction than abused nonperpetrators. Men who reported abuse but not perpetration demonstrated significantly less gender rigidity, less homophobia and less emotional constriction than nonabused men.
Approximate Optimal Control of Distributed Parameter Systems

An approximation technique for determining the optimal control of distributed parameter systems is developed. Treated explicitly, to illustrate the basic algorithm, are systems with a single state variable and control variables which appear linearly. The system partial differential equation may be nonlinear. Extension can be made to systems with more than one state variable and/or nonlinear control variables. The basis of the approach involves the intro- duction of a finite Chebyshev series approximation for the state variable. State and control variable constraints are treated using penalty functions. Numerical results are obtained for a representative example involving the optimal heating of a metal slab. The computational results obtained compare favorably with results presented by other authors. vI" approximation technique for determining the optimal control of distributed parameter systems is given in this paper. The technique represents an extension of one used by Johnson1 for a finite-thrust trajectory problem involving the solution of ordinary differential equations. The basis of the approach developed here involves the introduction of a finite Chebyshev series approximation for the state variable. The coefficients of the approximation are determined by insisting that the state variable approximation be equal to specified values of the true state variable at the finite set of nonuniformly distributed Chebyshev points. The values of the state variable at the Chebyshev points become the free parameters of the problem. Since a closed form analytic expression for the state variable is available it is possible to eliminate all numerical differentiation and integration. Consequently a problem with a functional performance index is transformed into one involving minimization of an ordinary function of many variables. Optimization of the performance index takes place when the values of the state variable are manipulated using one of the well known mathematical programming algorithms. Thus for the sake of computation, the roles of the state and control variable are reversed, from that prevalent in most common optimization techniques. To illustrate the basic algorithm to be developed, a one- dimensional heat conduction problem is considered. 2-3 It should be noted that this problem was chosen for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a limitation on the type of distributed parameter system for which the technique is applicable.
Requirements for automatically generating multi-modal interfaces for complex appliances

Several industrial and academic research groups are working to simplify the control of appliances and services by creating a truly universal remote control. Unlike the preprogrammed remote controls available today, these new controllers download a specification from the appliance or service and use it to automatically generate a remote control interface. This promises to be a useful approach because the specification can be made detailed enough to generate both speech and graphical interfaces. Unfortunately, generating good user interfaces can be difficult. Based on user studies and prototype implementations, this paper presents a set of requirements that we have found are needed for automatic interface generation systems to create high-quality user interfaces.
Potential Coverage of Alternative Fuel Industries Under EPACT Section 501

The Energy Policy Act (EPACT) has the goal of replacing 10 percent of transportation petroleum fuel with alternative fuels and replacement fuels by the year 2000 and 30 percent by 2010. Sections 501 and 507 of EPACT mandate use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) in fleet applications. In particular, Section 501 requires that certain percentages of new light-duty vehicles (LDVs) acquired by alternative fuel providers be AFVs. The first step in estimating the effects of these mandates entails identifying affected fleets that are covered by the act. An assessment of potential fleet coverage of Section 501 is presented. This assessment concludes that a limited number of companies in the methanol, ethanol, propane, and hydrogen industries are likely to be covered by this mandate. On the other hand, many of the large crude-oil producers, petroleum refiners, natural-gas producers and transporters, and natural gas and electric utilities are likely to be subject to this mandate.
Benefits of wavelength translation in all-optical clear-channel networks

In this paper, we study the benefits of wavelength translation in all-optical networks providing clear channel circuit-switching among users. We first establish approximate analytical models for a static-routing circuit-switched network with an arbitrary topology, both with and without wavelength translation. We then study the performance of the nonblocking centralized switch, the mesh-torus network and the ring network, using the analytical models and simulation results. It is shown that the analytical models match the simulation results very well in the case of the centralized switch and the mesh network. The results of our study also show that the benefits of wavelength translation are modest for the centralized switch and the ring network. On the other hand, the results show that wavelength translation can significantly improve the performance of a large mesh-torus network.
Robust Precoder Design for Mimo Packet Retransmissions Over Imperfectly Known Flat-Fading Channels

This work investigates the design of robust precoders for ARQ packet retransmissions in Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) systems under channel uncertainty. In practice, it is common for transmitters to only have imperfect Channel State Information (CSI). More specifically the channel uncertainty is characterized by the Frobenius norm between the actual and estimated channel. Given a known bound on the channel knowledge error, our objective is to sequentially design the robust precoder for each (re)-transmission that minimizes the Mean Square Error (MSE) for the worst case channel within CSI error bound. This min-max problem is solved by Lagrangian optimization. The robust precoders are proposed in this paper with simulation results demonstrating the worst case performance gain.
Generalizing the Blondel-Park transformation of electrical machines: necessary and sufficient conditions

It is well known that the position-dependent nonlinear state equations of certain electrical machines with linear magnetic characteristics can be transformed to a form in which the position dependence disappears. This so-called Blondel-Park (BP) transformation greatly simplifies the analysis of such machines. The authors extend the classical BP transformation to a more general class of electrical machines, present necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of such a state transformation, give the explicit expression for all possible transformations, and discuss some of the consequences of their characterization. Several specific machine examples are used to illustrate the results. >
Security against hardware Trojan through a novel application of design obfuscation

Malicious hardware Trojan circuitry inserted in safety-critical applications is a major threat to national security. In this work, we propose a novel application of a key-based obfus-cation technique to achieve security against hardware Trojans. The obfuscation scheme is based on modifying the state transition function of a given circuit by expanding its reachable state space and enabling it to operate in two distinct modes — the normal mode and the obfuscated mode. Such a modification obfuscates the rareness of the internal circuit nodes, thus making it difficult for an adversary to insert hard-to-detect Trojans. It also makes some inserted Trojans benign by making them activate only in the obfuscated mode. The combined effect leads to higher Trojan detectability and higher level of protection against such attack. Simulation results for a set of benchmark circuits show that the scheme is capable of achieving high levels of security at modest design overhead. Categories and Subject Descriptors B.6.1 [Logic Design]: Design Styles-sequential circuits; K.6.5 [Management of Computing and Information Systems]: Security and Protection-physical security General Terms Design, Security
Mudskipper pectoral fin kinematics in aquatic and terrestrial environments

SUMMARY Mudskippers use pectoral fins for their primary mode of locomotion on land and pectoral fins in conjunction with the axial musculature and caudal fin to move in water. We hypothesized that distinct pectoral fin movements enable effective locomotion in each environment. Additionally, we made three functional predictions about fin movements during locomotion on land versus water: the pectoral fin is depressed more on land than in water; the pectoral fin will have greater changes in fin area between propulsive and recovery phases in water versus land; anterior and posterior excursions will be greater on land than in water. Locomotion was recorded in each environment using a high-speed digital-imaging system and kinematic variables were calculated from digitized landmark points. Variables were analyzed using principal components analysis and matched pairs t -tests. Mudskippers produce distinct kinematic patterns across environments ( P <0.003), although only some of our predictions were supported. The magnitude of fin depression is the same across habitats. However, depression occurs during the propulsive phase on land (by –0.60 cm), whereas during the propulsive phase in water the fin is elevated (by +0.13 cm). We were unable to support the hypothesis that fin orientation differs between environments. Lastly, anterior extension of the fin is greater on land (1.8 cm, versus 1.3 cm in water), creating a larger stride length in this environment. We posit that the mudskipper pectoral fin may facilitate stability in water and thrust production on land, and suggest that the robust fin morphology of the goby lineage may predispose species within this group to terrestrial locomotion.
Cerebral edema, intracranial pressure, and herniation syndromes

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a pathological state that can complicate large, space-occupying strokes (Table 1). There is room within the cranial vault for normal volumes of three components: brain, intravascular blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Because of the rigid, noncompliant nature of the skull, any condition that causes increased intracranial volume can potentially lead to intracranial hypertension. Progressive addition of volume to the intracranial vault exponentially increases ICP, as depicted in Figure 1. Accordingly, therapy for intracranial hypertension is either directed toward reducing the volume of the intracranial contents (e.g., CSF drainage, hyperventilation, and diuretics) or increasing the intracranial volume (i.e., craniectomy and duraplasty). The normal range of ICP is 5 to 20 cm H20 or 3 to 15 mm Hg (1.36 cm H20 = 1 mm Hg). Elevations beyond these levels can rapidly lead to brain damage or death by two principal mechanisms. Global hypoxic-ischemic injury results from reduction of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). CPP is defined as mean arterial blood pressure (MAP.) minus ICP. Mechanical compression, distortion, and herniation of brain tissue, the second mechanism of injury, occurs primarily in patients with space-occupying lesions and compartmentalized ICP gradients. Because highly elevated ICP can rapidly lead to brain damage or death, prompt recognition and treatment is essential. With present technology, only invasive monitoring of ICP can make this possible. Although traditional neurological practice depends on changes in the patient's examination as the primary monitoring technique, this approach is inadequate in critically ill patients with
Differentiating Spontaneous from Drug-Induced Vascular Injury in the Dog

When vascular injury is observed in dogs used in preclinical toxicology studies, careful evaluation of the lesions is warranted, especially when differentiating drug-induced vascular changes from spontaneous findings, such as idiopathic canine polyarteritis. The clinical signs as well as th e nature and distribution of lesions can often be distinguishing, as is the case with vasoactive drugs, including vasodilators and/or positive inotro pes (hydralazine, minoxidil, endothelin receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase III inhibitors). For most types of vasodilator-induced vascul ar injury, the lesion is often restricted to coronary arteries, whereas in idiopathic canine polyarteritis, arterial lesions not only involve coronary arteri es, but also medium to small arteries of other organs. In addition, the nature of the changes in vessels yields important clues. Medial and adventitial hemorrhage is generally associated with vasodilator-induced arterial lesion, whereas hemorrhage is generally absent in idiopathic polyarteritis. Although id iopathic canine polyarteritis can generally be differentiated from vasoactive-induced vascular injury in dogs, there are increasing incidences of this typ eo f polyarteritis in dogs receiving any 1 of a number of unrelated classes of compounds, suggestive of an exacerbation of the spontaneous disease. Therefore, in order to differentiate drug-induced injury from idiopathic canine polyarteritis, it is critical that examination of the vascular pat hology be conducted with good understanding of clinical, pharmacological, and mechanistic data associated with the drug.
Teaching simulation using case studies

We have developed and implemented a case-based approach for introducing discrete event simulation to undergraduate and graduate manufacturing engineering students. Students learn only the simulation methods necessary to support the case studies. Case studies are derived from topics of interest to practicing manufacturing engineers. Cases are organized into four modules: basic systems organizations, systems operating strategies, material handling, and supply chain management. Course instruction is based on active learning. Tutorials and laboratories assist students in comprehending the simulation methods. Courses are taught in a computer-aided teaching studio, so that the mix of passive and active learning can be adjusted as appropriate to each class meeting. An industry-based project serves as the course capstone.
Cholinergic blockade inhibits gastro-oesophageal reflux and transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation through a central mechanism

BACKGROUND Atropine, an anticholinergic agent with central and peripheral actions, reduces gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in normal subjects and patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) by inhibiting the frequency of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxation (TLOSR). AIMS To compare the effect of methscopolamine bromide (MSB), a peripherally acting anticholinergic agent, with atropine on the rate and mechanism of GOR in patients with GORD. METHODS Oesophageal motility and pH were recorded for 120 minutes in 10 patients with GORD who were studied on three separate occasions. For the first two recording periods, either atropine (15 μg/kg bolus, 4 μg/kg/h infusion) or saline were infused intravenously. MSB (5 mg orally, four times daily) was given for three days prior to the third recording period. RESULTS Atropine significantly reduced basal LOS pressure (12.6 (0.17) mm Hg to 7.9 (0.17) mm Hg), and the number of TLOSR (8.1 (0.56) to 2.8 (0.55)) and reflux episodes (7.0 (0.63) to 2.0 (0.43)) (p 0.05). CONCLUSION In contrast to atropine, MSB has no effect on the rate of TLOSR or GOR in patients with GORD. Atropine induced inhibition of TLOSR and GOR is most likely mediated through a central cholinergic blockade.
Surface Analysis of Diamond Nucleation on Silicon and Electron Microscopy of the Diamond/Silicon Interface

The nucleation of diamond films grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition on silicon substrates has been examined by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron microscopy. Furthermore, cross sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM) was utilized to examine the diamond/silicon interface. The immediate (< 5 minutes) formation of a cubic SiC buffer layer was observed prior to the growth of a detectable diamond film. This SiC layer was too thin to be observed (< 10 monolayers) in XTEM when methane concentrations in the feedgas were relatively high (2.0%) but was observable via AES and XPS even at 3.0% CH4. At low concentrations (0.3% CH4) the SiC layer was relatively thick (∼5OA) and easily observed in XTEM.
To bridge Gödel’s gap

In “Mathematical Truth,” Paul Benacerraf raises an epistemic challenge for mathematical platonists. In this paper, I examine the assumptions that motivate Benacerraf’s original challenge, and use them to construct a new causal challenge for the epistemology of mathematics. This new challenge, which I call ‘Godel’s Gap’, appeals to intuitive insights into mathematical knowledge. Though it is a causal challenge, it does not rely on any obviously objectionable constraints on knowledge. As a result, it is more compelling than the original challenge. It is also more general; the challenge applies equally to platonistic and non-platonistic accounts of mathematical truth. And it can be generalized beyond the case of mathematical knowledge to pose a challenge for, e.g., moral knowledge.
Vague upper-extremity symptoms? Consider thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a brief commonly missed cause of upper-extremity pain and musculoskeletal symptoms. Understanding the anatomy of the cervicoaxillary canal and proximal limb, etiology of...
Variation in inpatient tonsillectomy costs within and between US hospitals attributable to postoperative complications

Background:Tonsillectomy is the second most common inpatient procedure in US children. However, the factors that influence tonsillectomy-related costs are unknown.Objective:The objective of the study was to describe variation in US inpatient tonsillectomy costs and examine whether postoperative comp
Doing Digital: An Assessment of the Top 25 U.S. Media Companies and their Digital Strategies

AbstractThis study examines how major U.S. media companies are developing their digital strategies in the context of earlier work on convergence. Through rare interviews with media leaders and other sources, the ways that media corporations have coped with digital innovation following the dot-com crash are explored, including its delivery and the styles of leadership. The authors posit that media firms fall into three categories: leaders, learners and laggards.
Nature of the Water-Soluble Metabolites of Carbaryl in Bean Plants and Their Fate in Rats

Carbaryl injected into bean plants was metabolized into some persistant products that were water soluble in nature, and others that could not be extracted from plant tissues. Standard analytical methods employed for the detection of carbaryl residues cannot be used directly or simply modified for the measurement of these metabolites. When the water-soluble metabolites of carbaryl from bean plants were fed to rats as a single dose, they Were almost entirely excreted within 96 hours; 86% of the dose was eliminated in the urine and 8% in the feces.
Old Wine, New Bottle? Comparing Interpersonal Bullying and Cyberbullying Victimization.

This study uses a large nationally representative sample to compare and contrast interpersonal bullying and cyberbullying by asking the following questions: (a) How does the prevalence of cyberbull...
SECULAR ENLIGHTENMENT FROM 1998 RAINSTORM-LANDSLIDE,COLLAPSE AND MUDROCK FLOW IN POYANG WATER SYSTEM BASIN:ON THE HARMONIOUS COEXISTING RELATION BETWEEN NATURE AND MANKIND

Based on an analysis of the factors causing landslide,collapse and mudrock flow triggered by rainstorm in Poyang water system basin in 1998,this paper deals with three important aspects in hazard prevention and mitigation work. Let hazard teaches mankind:Let's take action together,to prevent the recurrence of secular hazard and to handle correctly the harmonious coexisting relation between nature and mankind.
Using Argumentation-Based Dialogues for Distributed Plan Management.

In (Tang & Parsons 2005) we introduced a form of argumentation-based dialogue that generates distributed plans. This paper recaps the results of that work, sketching the way a dialogue proceeds, and describing how the underlying framework may be used for plan management. Argumentation and planning We use the framework introduced in (Parsons, Wooldridge, & Amgoud 2003b), which assumes a set of agents A1, A2, . . . , An. Each agent has a knowledge base Σi containing formulae in some logical language L, and these formulae express all the facts the agent knows about the world and its knowledge about how to create plans. In addition to its knowledge base, each agent has a commitment store, CSi, which contains all the formulae that the agent has asserted during a given dialogues. Commitment stores are so named (Hamblin 1970) because by placing a formula in its commitment store, an agent is committing itself to defend that formula if another agent challenges its validity. Such a challenge is met by the assertion of the reason, the argument, that led the asserting agent to believe the formula was worth asserting. Commitment stores are public, accessible to all agents in the dialogue. We consider a dialogue to start with the agents having agreed upon a goal for which they need a plan. One agent, Ai, then formulates what it believes to be a relevant, achievable sub-plan that will help towards the overall goal. The analogy here is when a group of people sit around trying to come up with a plan to do X , one person may start by saying “I could do Y ”, or “Bob could do Z” which helps to focus planning by identifying some sequence of actions that the agents believe will help towards the overall goal, and can be used to focus the remainder of the planning process. In accordance with the rest of the argumentation-based dialogue literature, we think of Ai constructing a plan p by inference on what the agent knows, so:
A method to distinguish morphologically similar Peromyscus species using extracellular RNA and high-resolution melt analysis.

A method applying high-resolution melt (HRM) analysis to PCR products copied and amplified from extracellular RNA (exRNA) has been developed to distinguish two morphologically similar Peromyscus species: Peromyscus leucopus and Peromyscus maniculatus. P. leucopus is considered the primary reservoir host of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent for Lyme disease in North America. In northern Minnesota the habitat ranges of P. leucopus overlaps with that of P. maniculatus. Serum samples from live mice of both species were collected from cheek bleeds, total extracellular RNA (exRNA) was extracted, copied using reverse transcription and amplified by PCR followed by HRM analysis. A circulating ribosomal RNA (rRNA) was identified which differed at seven nucleotides between the two species and a method of HRM analysis was developed allowing rapid species confirmation. In the future, this HRM based method may be adapted for additional species.
Student feedback on learning and teaching: The value of focus groups

Traditional methods of student feedback at both individual unit and program level consist of a range of online or paper survey instruments. Frequent systematic evaluations of this nature are carried out by all higher education institutions to meet quality assurance requirements. Evaluation reports, alongside students’ evaluations of teaching effectiveness (SETs) also provide evidence for academic tenure and promotion. Likert-style survey items with limited open-ended response categories are often used for student feedback on survey instruments. Feedback is generally categorised by content, resources and organisation of the unit as well as evaluating the learning and teaching activities and quality of delivery. Feedback is often undertaken just prior to or immediately upon completion of a unit of study, thus little is gained regarding the longer-term outcomes, as perceived by students, from the whole of unit experience. Therefore, it may be questioned whether current feedback systems provide timely, detailed information that ultimately enhances future student learning. The literature presents varied arguments on the role, process and perceived benefits of SETs. It includes evidence that feedback of this nature, in isolation, is not useful for improving teacher effectiveness, whereas SETs combined with external consultation has been shown to improve outcomes (Marsh, 2007). This has led us to consider whether unit evaluation processes, in isolation of additional consultation, are optimal for improving unit offerings and subsequent student learning.
Lung Cancer: A Wily Genetic Opponent

In two companion reports, the TRACERx consortium investigates tumor heterogeneity and evolution in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. The studies highlight the prognostic value of copy-number heterogeneity assessment in tumor biopsies and circulating tumor DNA detection in plasma and suggest that tracking the evolution of lung cancers might aid clinical practice.
(Trans)Gender Threats in a 9/11 Era

In this chapter Lugo-Lugo and Bloodsworth-Lugo examine contemporary articulations of sexuality and gender as entities that require vigilance. For this, they use the figure of Amanda Simpson, President Obama’s appointee to the position of senior technical advisor within the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, and a white, out transgender woman, as their starting point. The authors examine how Simpson became uniquely positioned between mainstream reactions to transgender women and a specific set of 9/11 American anxieties involving perceived threats to the safety and security of “America” and its citizenry. By becoming the first transgender appointee within the first black presidency, Simpson’s appointment became a double threat in an era where Americans have been trained to seek out and identify threats to the security of the nation.
Quantifying Soiling Loss Directly From PV Yield

Soiling of photovoltaic (PV) panels is typically quantified through the use of specialized sensors. Here, we describe and validate a method for estimating soiling loss experienced by PV systems directly from system yield without the need for precipitation data. The method, termed the stochastic rate and recovery (SRR) method, automatically detects soiling intervals in a dataset, then stochastically generates a sample of possible soiling profiles based on the observed characteristics of each interval. In this paper, we describe the method, validate it against soiling station measurements, and compare it with other PV-yield-based soiling estimation methods. The broader application of the SRR method will enable the fleet scale assessment of soiling loss to facilitate mitigation planning and risk assessment.