cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analogies between the transient momentum and energy equations of particles

Analytical forms of the rectilinear equation of motion and energy equation of particles, droplets or bubbles have been developed for very low Reynolds and Peclet numbers. Some of the early work on the two equations is briefly explored and recent advances are presented in more detail. Particular emphasis is placed on the analogies and similarities between the momentum and energy equations, and the ways the similarities have been utilized in practice. The creeping flow assumption, on which most of the known analytical forms are based, is critically examined. The semiempirical and empirical versions of the momentum and energy equations, which are widely used in engineering practice, are also presented, as well as a numerical method to deal with the history terms. Implicit assumptions on the use of the empirical equations are exposed. An erroneous result pertaining to the droplet flows, and a paradox related to the typical history terms are examined, and their rectification is pointed out. Recent results on the motion and heat transfer at finite Reynolds and Peclet numbers are also exposed. In this case, the momentum and thermal wakes around the particle play an important role in the momentum and energy transport process.
Comparative study of oxygen linked changes in blood pH of several mammalian species

Abstract 1. 1. Whole blood pH was monitored continuously during the generation of oxyhemoglobin dissociation curves with pH electrodes attached to a dissociation curve analyzer. 2. 2. Samples of whole blood drawn from non-smoking human adults showed a non-linear release of protons with a decrease in pH of 0.129 ± 0.008 in going from zero to 100% oxygen saturation. 3. 3. Oxygenation of human blood previously incubated with sodium cyanate produced a decrease in pH only 21.7% that of untreated cells in agreement with the known decrease in the Bohr effect caused by carbamylation of the α chain amino terminals of hemoglobin. 4. 4. The blood of various other mammalian species including pigs, rabbits, dogs and cats was also studied. Cat and rabbit samples demonstrated a significantly lower decrease in pH upon oxygenation than human, dog and pig blood.
Computer-assisted Diagnosis of Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases

Objective. AI/RHEUM is a multimedia expert system developed originally to assist in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases in adults. In the present study we evaluated the usefulness of a modified version of this diagnostic decision support system in diagnosing childhood rheumatic diseases. Methodology. AI/RHEUM was modified by the addition of 5 new diseases to the knowledge base of the system. Criteria tables for each of the diseases included in the knowledge base were modified to suit the needs of children. The modified system was tested on 94 consecutive children seen in a pediatric rheumatology clinic. Results. AI/RHEUM made the correct diagnosis in 92% of the cases when the diagnosis was available in the knowledge base of the system. It was also shown to be effective in the education of pediatric trainees through its multimedia features. Conclusions. AI/RHEUM is an expert system that may be helpful to the nonspecialist as a diagnostic decision support system and as an educational tool.
On the Complexity of Convex Hulls of Subsets of the Two-Dimensional Plane

We investigate the computational complexity of computing the convex hull of a two-dimensional set. We study this problem in the polynomial-time complexity theory of real functions based on the oracle Turing machine model. We show that the convex hull of a two-dimensional Jordan domain S is not necessarily recursively recognizable even if S is polynomial-time recognizable. On the other hand, if the boundary of a Jordan domain S is polynomial-time computable, then the convex hull of S must be NP-recognizable, and it is not necessarily polynomial-time recognizable if P NP. We also show that the area of the convex hull of a Jordan domain S with a polynomial-time computable boundary can be computed in polynomial time relative to an oracle function in #P. On the other hand, whether the area itself is a #P real number depends on the open question of whether NP=UP.
Integrated Energy System Dispatch Optimization

On-site cogeneration of heat and electricity, thermal and electrical storage, and curtailing/rescheduling demand options are often cost-effective to commercial and industrial sites. This collection of equipment and responsive consumption can be viewed as an integrated energy system (IES). The IES can best meet the site's cost or environmental objectives when controlled in a coordinated manner. However, continuously determining this optimal IES dispatch is beyond the expectations for operators of smaller systems. A new algorithm is proposed in this paper to approximately solve the real-time dispatch optimization problem for a generic IES containing an on-site cogeneration system subject to random outages, limited curtailment opportunities, an intermittent renewable electricity source, and thermal storage. An example demonstrates how this algorithm can be used in simulation to estimate the value of IES components.
Founding and Usurping: Equally Efficient Paths to Nesting Success in Osmia lignaria propinqua (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

We examined usurpation of nest holes of four diameters in a greenhouse population of the xylophilous bee, Osmia lignaria propinqua Cresson. Although vacant holes were always in unlimited supply, ≈25% of all nests made were usurped. Of all females, ≈75% usurped at least one nest, 65% lost at least one nest to usurpation, and half were both usurpers and usurpees. Females tended to choose holes of the same diameter and in the same general area as their previous nest whether they were usurping or founding. Females usurped only when they encountered an active, but unattended, nest while they were searching for a new hole. Current occupants of a hole, whether founders or usurpers, were always successful in defending the hole, apparently because of the positional advantage of fighting from within the nest. Although no founder ever succeeded in regaining a nest that had been usurped, all founders contested ownership with intruders intermittently for ≈30 min before conceding defeat. In some cases, founders appeared to incur injury during their assaults on the intruder. The ratio of usurped to founded nests did not differ significantly from the ratio of occupied to vacant holes. Females differed greatly in the proportion of nests that they usurped. Large females were usurpers significantly more often than were small females. Usurping and founding were equivalent ways of producing progeny and either method yielded ≈1.5 live progeny per day.
Unbiased gene expression analysis implicates the huntingtin polyglutamine tract in extra-mitochondrial energy metabolism.

The Huntington's disease (HD) CAG repeat, encoding a polymorphic glutamine tract in huntingtin, is inversely correlated with cellular energy level, with alleles over ∼37 repeats leading to the loss of striatal neurons. This early HD neuronal specificity can be modeled by respiratory chain inhibitor 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) and, like 3-NP, mutant huntingtin has been proposed to directly influence the mitochondrion, via interaction or decreased PGC-1α expression. We have tested this hypothesis by comparing the gene expression changes due to mutant huntingtin accurately expressed in STHdhQ111/Q111 cells with the changes produced by 3-NP treatment of wild-type striatal cells. In general, the HD mutation did not mimic 3-NP, although both produced a state of energy collapse that was mildly alleviated by the PGC-1α-coregulated nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf-1). Moreover, unlike 3-NP, the HD CAG repeat did not significantly alter mitochondrial pathways in STHdhQ111/Q111 cells, despite decreased Ppargc1a expression. Instead, the HD mutation enriched for processes linked to huntingtin normal function and Nf-κB signaling. Thus, rather than a direct impact on the mitochondrion, the polyglutamine tract may modulate some aspect of huntingtin's activity in extra-mitochondrial energy metabolism. Elucidation of this HD CAG-dependent pathway would spur efforts to achieve energy-based therapeutics in HD.
Boundary layer models of hydrothermal circulation on Mars and its relationship to geomorphic features

[1] We apply steady state boundary layer theory to single phase, dike-driven hydrothermal systems beneath the surface of Mars to provide estimates of the heat and liquid water outputs over a range of crustal permeabilities and dike dimensions. Model results yielded a heat output of ∼1.8 × 1019 J/yr and a volumetric fluid flow rate of ∼15 km3/yr for a 1000 km long, 1 km tall dike-like intrusion injected into crust with a permeability of 10−11 m2. A similar, 10 km tall dike could generate a heat output of ∼5.6 × 1019 J/yr and ∼46 km3/yr of fluid flow. For dike half-widths of 10 and 100 m, total volume production of fluid ranged between ∼45 and ∼13,800 km3 along one side of the dike over the respective 3 and 300 year half-dike lifetimes. The calculated fluid flow rates are much less than those estimated for production of the outflow channel system, Athabasca Valles; yet, the total fluid volume produced is of the required magnitude. If fluid could be stored in a near surface reservoir until later episodic release(s), the water volume supplied by one side of a single, 100 m half-width, 200 km long, and 10 km tall dike emplaced into a region with permeability equal to 10−11 m2 could form the outflow channel. Hydrothermally generated meltwater from an overlying, near surface ice layer was found to contribute significantly to the fluid flow volume for this system.
Continuous Permeation Sampler for Monocyclic Aromatic Priority Pollutants in Water

A method for continuous monitoring or off-site analysis of monocyclic aromatic priority pollutants in water is described. The monocyclic aromatics permeate through a polymeric membrane and are purged by an inert gas stream into a sampling tube packed with Tenax-TA. The samples are then thermally desorbed into a capillary column gas chromatograph. This sampler has advantages over conventional methods, such as eliminating time-consuming preconcentration procedures and avoiding the need for an organic solvent. Seven monocyclic aromatics with concentration of from low to mid-μg/L can be detected using one hour sampling time.
Detection of prolactin receptor (PRL-R) mRNA in the rat hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Prolactin receptor (PRL-R) mRNAs exist in several tissues where prolactin is known to act including the liver, testes, prostate, ovary, mammary gland, adrenal gland and kidney. PRL also acts at the level of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to feed back and regulate its own secretion and the secretion of other anterior pituitary hormones. Therefore, we hypothesized that PRL-R mRNA would exist in these target tissues as well. Total RNA was extracted from rat anterior and medial basal hypothalamus, anterior and posterior pituitary gland, cerebral cortex, skeletal muscle and liver. After reverse transcribing total RNA with Murine-MLV reverse transcriptase and random or oligo(dT) pmers, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. PCR products were then analyzed by ethidium bromide staining. Using primers that flanked the coding region for the extracellular binding domain we detected PRL-R mRNA in the anterior and medial basal hypothalamus, anterior and posterior pituitary gland, as well as in the li...
Chain scission and plastic deformation in the strained crystalline polymer

Depending on temperature and load rate an unoriented polymer solid under sufficiently large applied stress either deforms plastically (high temperature, low rate of loading) or undergoes brittle fracture (low temperature, high rate of loading). The fracture proceeds through the areas of minimum strength, i.e., along the boundaries between adjacent spherulites and between parallel lamellae. Very few chains, i.e., interlamella tie molecules and molecules bridging the crack if a crystal lamella is broken, are ruptured during this process. Hence the number of radicals per cm2 of new surface is small, about 1013/cm2. The plastic deformation gradually transforms the sample into the extremely well oriented fiber structure of much higher elastic modulus and strength but of smaller strain to break. The basic element of the fiber structure is the long and narrow microfibril formed by micronecking of the crystal lamella. The microfibril consists of fully oriented folded chain blocks connected by a great many tie molecules obtained by partial chain unfolding in the micronecks. Their number per amorphous layer increases with the draw ratio and so does the tensile strength of the microfibril. Under load the fiber structure breaks at very small strain. The fracture proceeds through the weakest elements of the structure, i.e., through the boundary between adjacent microfibrils and the amorphous layers between subsequent blocks of the microfibrils. With axial stress the fracture must cut at least one full cross section of the fiber and hence rupture about 1014 intrafibrillar tie molecules per cm2. ESR experiments show long before the final break a much higher number of radicals throughout the whole strained sample upto 1017/cm2. The number of broken chains depends on strain and not on stress. One imagines that at every applied strain one breaks the most strained tie molecules which as a consequence of stress concentration have to carry most of the load. The stress concentration caused by the special morphology of the microfibrils and tie molecules reduces the tensile strength of the polymer far below the theoreticall limit calculated for uniform stress field even if one considers that the number of chains passing through the fracture plane is only a fraction of the maximum number calculated with all macromolecules extended and perfectly aligned.
Applying a Market-Based Approach to the Development of a Sharing-Enabled KM Model for Knowledge-Intensive Small Firms

In this paper, we draw on the knowledge market analogy and integrate the considerations of organizational culture and attributes, knowledge management (KM) guiding principles and continuous learning-based systems development into the design of a model for KM initiatives. This model has been implemented in a small medical consulting firm for its KM initiative. The successful implementation of this model indicates the possible applicability of our model to other knowledge-intensive small firms and the feasibility of applying the same concepts used in larger KM implementations to small companies.
Pump‐leak parallelism in sodium‐absorbing epithelia: The role of ATP‐regulated potassium channels

In all Na(+)-absorbing and Cl(-)-secreting epithelia, an increase in the activity of the Na+,K(+)-pump at the basolateral membrane is accompanied by an increase in the K+ conductance of that barrier and vice versa. We have recently identified an ATP-regulated K+ channel, K(ATP), in basolateral membrane vesicles isolated from Necturus maculosa small intestinal epithelial cells that could be responsible for this parallelism between pump activity and leak. Thus, an increase in pump activity would result in a decrease in local ATP activity and an increase in local ADP activity and, in turn, an increase in the open-probability of the channel whereas a decrease in in pump activity would have the opposite effect. Further, the likelihood that the number of pumps far exceeds the number of leaks per unit area of membrane suggests that the ATP and ADP activities that influence K(ATP) channel activity may differ markedly from the "bulk" cytoplasmic values.
The processing and mechanical behavior of an aluminum matrix composite reinforced with short fibers

Abstract An aluminum alloy composite reinforced with chopped Al 2 O 3 fibers randomly oriented in a plane has been produced by a modified squeeze casting process and its mechanical behavior compared with the corresponding behavior of the matrix. The specific characteristics of the compositing process have been examined vis-a-vis the characteristics of liquid metal infiltration into the capillaries of the fiber bundle. The flow stresses in the as-cast composite have been correlated with predictions based on continuum plasticity. Fracture of the fibers has also been characterized and interpreted using a weakest link statistical model, in conjunction with trends in the stress in the fibers. Changes in the composite flow stress caused by such fractures have been addressed. Finally, residual stress effects have been analyzed.
Isotopic and textural discrimination between hypogene, ancient supergene, and modern sulfates at the Questa mine, New Mexico

Abstract Chemical and mineralogical changes due to pyrite weathering are of interest with respect to understanding long-term physical stability of mine rock piles at the Questa mine, New Mexico. The ability to discriminate between ancient and modern processes is important for establishing the extent of modern weathering within the piles. Initial inventories of sulfur minerals and representative isotope compositions in rocks from orebodies, the hydrothermal alteration zones associated with orebodies, hydrothermal alteration scars, and mine rock piles were determined. Ore body sulfides have δ 34 S CDT of 0 ± 4‰, typical for sulfides formed by magmatic processes in stockwork Mo systems. Pyrite from alteration scars has a wide range of δ 34 S values from 0.0‰ to −13.6‰. Sulfate from the ore body has markedly positive δ 34 S (5–10‰) accompanied by positive δ 18 O SO 4 values (6–15‰) reflecting equilibrium formation from magmatic fluids. Sulfates from alteration scars have δ 34 S values over a broad range, similar to alteration scar pyrites, from −10.6‰ to 0‰ and δ 18 O SO 4 of 0 ± 3‰. Sulfates with fine grained, delicate, and euhedral mineral habits suggesting recent formation within the mine rock piles, have δ 34 S values similar to orebody pyrite and alteration scars but more negative δ 18 O SO 4 values (−3‰ to −10‰). Sulfates from all three sources occur in these piles, and their stable isotope values have proven useful in differentiating them and their environments of formation (i.e., hypogene, ancient supergene, and recent weathering). Correlating the isotopic compositions with textures allows petrographic assessment for the origins of sulfate minerals in the rock piles, but this must be applied with caution because some sulfate mineral recycling has occurred.
Independent activation of subfornical organ and hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system during administration of angiotensin II.

Abstract The autoradiographic deoxyglucose method was employed to investigate: 1) whether the increased glucose utilization in the subfornical organ (SFO) during administration of angiotensin II (AII) depends on the neural inputs to the SFO; and 2) to investigate whether the activation of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system during administration of AII depends on inputs from the SFO. The ventral stalk of the SFO, which contains the majority of efferent and afferent projections of this circumventricular structure, was interrupted with knife cuts three days before the deoxyglucose experiments. Intravenous infusion of AII (2.5 μg/min) for 45 min increased glucose utilization in the SFO and neural lobe in the lesioned animals to the same extent as in the sham-operated animals. Drinking, however, was significantly reduced in lesioned animals. These experiments disclose independent parallel mechanisms responsible for activation of the SFO and the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system by AII.
CONCURRENT VALIDITY OF THE KOPPITZ BENDER-GESTALT EMOTIONAL INDICATORS AMONG WOMEN WITH MENTAL RETARDATION

This study evaluated the concurrent validity of Koppitz' revised Bender-Gestalt Emotional Indicators among 44 women with mental retardation. The concurrent validity of the Emotional Indicator total score was not supported when compared with responses on two widely used and accepted screening inventories, the Reiss Screen and the Inventory for Client and Agency Planning.
LASSII Pulsed Plasma Probe on CRRES

Fig. 3 Spectrograms of the signals from the magnetic (top) and electric (bottom) antennas during the barium chemical release from the CRRES spacecraft at 08:37:07 UT on July 19, 1991. magnetic antenna. The total signal in-band is also averaged and recorded each second. In a separate mode, the signal from the electric antenna is passed from the E-field electronics package to the B-field electronics package as well as to the E-field electronics package as shown in Fig. 1. The combined output then doubles the sampling rate of the signal from the electric antenna to 500 samples/s for a Nyquist frequency of 250 Hz.
Reconstructing reason in the aftermath of deconstruction

Thomas McCarthy has provided a trenchant critique of the deconstructionist turn in recent philosophy and has outlined a program of reconstruction in its aftermath. He develops his version of reconstructionist philosophy against the backdrop of Kant's doctrine of critical reason and the critical theory of Jurgen Habermas. However, McCarthy's reconstructionist design is not simply an appropriation and defense of Habermas. He provides a critical reformulation of the Habermasian position, deftly using Habermas against himself. The author is in accord both with McCarthy's disposition to problematize the premises of deconstruction and his call for philosophical reconstruction. In continuing the conversation, however, he distances himself farther than does McCarthy from the criteriological concept of rationality that was proposed by Kant and which continues to inform Habermas's requirement for the grounding of validity claims. In the process the author proposes a new approach to the resources of reason along the...
Aerobic responses to low level exercise testing following an acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Thirty-four patients who had recently sustained an acute myocardial infarction performed low-level exercise testing with analysis of expired gas 7.1 ± 2.6 days after the event. They were classified as finishers (F) and nonfinishers (NF) of the low-level protocol. The ejection fraction in the NF was 39 ± 14% vs 56 ± 17% in the F ( p p F), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (NF > F), and higher respiratory exchange ratio (NF > F) than did normal subjects. The heart rate responses were higher in the post infarction patients than in normal subjects. The oxygen pulse was significantly lower in the cardiac patients compared to normals. These findings suggest that during the early recovery phase from an acute myocardial infarction, patients, particularly the NF, utillze less oxygen at submaximal work loads than do normal subjects. This suggests that in these patients part of the energy requirements for exercise are met anaerobically. This could be due to abnormal extraction of oxygen by the working muscles or as a result of poor delivery of oxygen due to abnormal left ventricular function.
Molecular structure and magnetic properties of a linear chain compound, Ru2(O2CCMePh2)4Cl

Abstract The linear-chain compound Ru2(O2CCMePh2)4Cl was prepared by reaction of Ru2(O2CCH3)4Cl with 2,2-diphenylpropionic acid. The compound has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and magnetic susceptibility measurements from ca 2 to 300 K. The chloride ligands bridge the dinuclear units into linear chains. The RuRu′, RuO (carboxylate) and RuCl distances are 2.2893(9), 2.030(5) and 2.5016(6) A, respectively. There is an antiferromagnetic electronic interaction between dinuclear units with J (coupling constant) = −10.9 cm−1. The magnetic moment of Ru2(O2CCMePh2)4Cl at 300 K is 4.4 μB, which indicates three unpaired electrons in each dinuclear unit.
Blue Ribbon Abstract Award

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Hospitalization is a major risk factor for Clostridium difficile (C. diff) -associated disease (CDAD). A traditional definition of hospital-acquired infection is onset greater than 48 hours after admission. A high number of previously hospitalized patients (pts) are diagnosed with CDAD within 48 hours of admission to our 1400 bed tertiary care teaching hospital. An expanded definition of hospital-acquired CDAD was tested, including pts with CDAD diagnosed within 48 hours of admission who were hospitalized in the previous 60 days. METHODS: All pts with diarrhea who tested positive for C. diff toxin A/B from 1/04 through 12/05 and were admitted to one of three general medicine floors were identified using electronic medical records. Cases were categorized by which definition of hospital-acquired CDAD they met. Repeat positive assays within 45 days were considered recurrent and excluded. Time to onset was calculated from admission date for cases meeting the traditional definition or from discharge date of the prior hospitalization for cases that met the expanded definition. Chi-square analysis was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Using the traditional definition, including only patients who are diagnosed more than 48 hours after admission, rates for all three units were comparable (unit A: 57 cases/31,221 pt days, rate = 1.8; unit B: 54 cases/31,827 pt days, rate = 1.7; unit C: 37 cases/29,485 pt days, rate = 1.3), p = 0.18 for the difference between each unit. Using the expanded definition, rates increased by at least half (unit A: 27 additional cases, rate = 2.7, p = .02 for the difference between definitions for unit A; unit B: 43 additional cases, rate=3.0, p CONCLUSIONS: Using this expanded definition, the amount of hospital-acquired CDAD increases significantly. The traditional definition greatly underestimates the burden of CDAD. We intend to use the expanded definition for CDAD surveillance at our institution to better capture true incidence.
Bridging Needs and Resources: Collaborating with the Library of Congress to Support the East Asian Studies Program at Dickinson College

ABSTRACT East Asian Studies has become a fast growing field among U.S. higher education institutions, including primarily undergraduate liberal arts colleges. Yet, for lack of resources, it has been a challenge for college libraries to provide adequate support to the relatively new academic program. This article describes a successful collaborative program at Dickinson College to address the issue of how to bridge the gap between limited library resources and the growing need of East Asian Studies faculty and students. The same idea can also be applied to library support for other area studies or relatively limited interdisciplinary programs.
Fibrillations in lumbosacral paraspinal muscles of normal subjects

Although paraspinal muscle fibrillations and positive sharp waves (PSWs) are used to help identify neuromuscular disorders, the frequency of these abnormalities in normal subjects is uncertain. We performed lumbosacral paraspinal electromyography in 65 normal subjects. Twenty-seven (42%) had fibrillations and/or PSWs, with the prevalence of these findings increasing with age (r = 0.830, P = 0.040). These data suggest isolated fibrillations and PSWs in lumbosacral paraspinal muscles, especially of older subjects, are nonspecific findings.
Manipulating Statistical Hypotheses and Tests as Boolean Functions

Abstract Statistical hypotheses and test statistics are Boolean functions that can be manipulated using the tools of Boolean algebra. These tools are particularly useful for exploring multiple comparisons or simultaneous inference theory, in which multiparameter hypotheses or multiparameter test statistics may be decomposed into combinations of uniparameter hypotheses or uniparameter tests. These concepts are illustrated with both finite and infinite decompositions of familiar multiparameter hypotheses and tests. The corresponding decompositions of acceptance regions and rejection regions are also shown. Finally, the close relationship between hypothesis and test decompositions and Roy's union—intersection principle is demonstrated by a derivation of the union—intersection test of the univariate general linear hypothesis.
Development of on-line EDXRF to monitor actinide contaminated waste streams

A commercially available on-line energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) system has been modified for glove box operations and installed on the Advanced Testing Line for Actinide Separations (ATLAS) at Los Alamos. The goal is to quantitatively monitor actinides and metal impurities in an anion-exchange effluent to obtain near-real-time chemical information. Because of recent compliance issues, metals listed in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and other low level radioactive components are also being analyzed. Initial experiments on how pre concentration techniques can be applied to on-line EDXRF measurements for improved detection limits have also been conducted. An overview of these developments is presented in this paper.
A computer simulation approach for planning in hospital ancillary services

Abstract This investigation was concerned with the following propositions: (1) how can the number of service units requested in hospital ancillary departments be estimated? and (2) can a model be designed to link service demands to resource requirements (manpower, equipment, floor space, costs and revenues)? A methodology that utilized multiple regression analysis and computer simulation was developed and evaluated at a short-term general teaching hospital. Discussions with hospital management were an integral part of the research process.
The use and abuse of consumer credit: Application of psychological theory and research

Abstract This study explored whether theory and research in consumer behavior, psychology, and substance abuse can distinguish between consumers who can or cannot use consumer credit effectively. The goal of this study was to develop an integrative profile of people with credit-related problems, with particular interest paid to the additional predictive ability of psychological variables beyond that provided by background characteristics and adverse life events. Unsuccessful credit users (N = 69) displayed greater external locus of control, lower self-efficacy, viewed money as a source of power and prestige, took fewer steps to retain their money, displayed lower risk-taking and sensation-seeking tendencies, and expressed greater anxiety about financial matters than successful users (N = 62). Furthermore, it was found that psychological variables significantly increased the ability to identify group membership correctly. Recommendations are made regarding how the development of credit-related problems may be studied in order to predict and perhaps prevent their occurrence.
Detecting redundant tuples during query evaluation

Query languages provide the users of a database the ability to extract information from stored data. It is desirable that a query language be declarative. While the relational query languages are declarative, they have been found to have inadequate expressive power. The query language Datalog extends the querying abilities of the relational languages. Bottom-up evaluation techniques have been developed to compute datalog queries. During bottom-up evaluation of a datalog query, stored tuples as well as tuples generated during the evaluation of the query, are accessed. However, in the course of the evaluation, many tuples become redundant, i.e., they are no longer needed for the remainder of the evaluation. The detection of redundant tuples can be useful for enhancing concurrency and memory utilization. In this thesis, we provide a framework for detecting redundant tuples during bottom-up evaluation of datalog queries. We show that by a set of auxiliary runtime tests that extend a bottom-up evaluation, we can detect redundant tuples at runtime. We also discover that by a compile-time analysis, we can determine the datalog queries for which detecting redundant tuples is attractive. We present a formal definition of redundant tuples that is appropriate for bottom-up model of evaluation. We propose a set of auxiliary runtime tests. We define two properties, emptiness and used-at-most-once, of datalog queries. For the queries that satisfy either of these compile-time properties, the detection of redundant tuples is attractive. We present algorithms and complexity results for the problem to decide whether a datalog program satisfies either of the two properties. We have shown a relationship between the complexity of deciding these properties and that of deciding the equivalence of a recursive and a nonrecursive datalog program. We provide the complexity results for the equivalence problem as well.
Raman scattering cross-section and non-linear optical response of lead borate glasses

Lead borate glasses in the system xPbO · (10 - x)B2O3(5 ⩽ x ⩽ 9) have been studied by Raman scattering and Z-scan non-linear optical measurements. It is found that both Raman scattering cross-section and non-linear refractive index, n2, of glasses increase significantly with increasing lead oxide content. The increase in Raman cross-section is dominated by an increase in the low-frequency Raman scattering. The results indicate that both electronic and nuclear responses contribute to the observed optical non-linearity which is further enhanced by two-photon resonance effects for glasses with x ⩾ 80 mol%. The nuclear response is attributed to low-frequency vibrational modes and the electronic response to highly polarizable lead cations in the glass matrix.
The biochemical and energetic composition of somatic body components of echinoderms from the northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract 1. 1. The biochemical and energetic compositions of the somatic body components of seven species of asteroids, one ophiuroid, and four echinoids from the northern Gulf of Mexico (30–95 m depth) were ascertained. 2. 2. Levels of ash were high (68.5–90.8% dry wt) in all body-wall tissues, with the exception of the asteroid Echinaster modestus (51.6% dry wt). Levels of ash were low in the pyloric cecae (nutrient storage organ) of asteroids (4.6–30.8% dry wt). 3. 3. Levels of lipid (8.1–34.5% dry wt), soluble protein (15.9–28.7% dry wt), and insoluble protein (18.1–48.6%, dry wt) were high in the pyloric cecae of all asteroids, but generally low in ophiuroid and echinoid body-wall tissues. High protein levels (28.5–44.5% dry wt) in the body-wall of the asteroids Echinaster modestus and Anthenoides piercei suggest it may play a role in nutrient storage. 4. 4. All somatic tissues contained low levels of carbohydrate (0.2–1.4% dry wt). 5. 5. Levels of energy in pyloric cecal tissues (12.99–26.05 kJ/g dry wt) were 4–8 times higher than in echinoderm body-wall tissues (2.92–11.91 kJ/g dry wt). 6. 6. The biochemical and energetic compositions of echinoderms from the northern Gulf of Mexico are similar to those of species from other latitudes and depths.
Believing in Biotech Farmers' Perceptions of the Credibility of BGH Information Sources

The bovine growth hormone (BGH) issue offers a good opportunity to study the credibility of information sources promoting a controversial technology to a public user group, in this case, dairy farmers. It also provides a context in a naturalistic conflict situation for examining the expertise and trustworthiness components of credibility, and how those relate to attitude similarity and extremity. The authors investigated farmers' uses of information sources in evaluating BGH, the credibility attached to various sources, and factors affecting that credibility. As hypothesized, the farmers clearly distinguished between the expertise and trustworthiness attached to BGH information sources. They also rated sources that they perceived as having attitudes similar to their own as more trustworthy but not more expert. Farmers with more extreme attitudes toward BGH significantly downgraded the trustworthiness of several institutional sources and the expertise of a broader range of sources, including certain mass m...
Opioid and other substance misuse, overdose risk, and the potential for prevention among a sample of OEF/OIF veterans in New York City.

This paper describes veterans’ overdose risks and specific vulnerabilities through an analysis of qualitative data collected from a sample of recently separated, formerly enlisted OEF/OIF veterans in the New York City area. We illustrate how challenges to the civilian readjustment process such as homelessness, unemployment, and posttraumatic stress disorder can render veterans at increased risk for negative health consequences and then present veterans’ perspectives as they outline several innovative solutions to these obstacles. We conclude by discussing several overdose prevention efforts currently underway and how they might be adapted to meet the opioid and substance misuse challenges veterans face.
Cluster analysis and typology construction; the case of small‐scale tobacco farmers: A research note

Many studies have sought to describe the complexity and diversity among small‐scale farms by means of typologies. Now appropriate methodological techniques must be identified or developed to complement theoretical concerns about heterogeneity among small‐scale farmers. Using data from a panel study on small‐scale tobacco producers from the Piedmont area of North Carolina, an empirically based typology is generated via cluster analysis. Senior agriculturalist, full‐time, and part‐time smallholders are the descriptive names given to the types identified. The value of cluster analysis for typology creation is demonstrated through an analysis of which farm operators left agriculture during the drought and low‐farm‐income crisis of 1981 to 1983. The results show that part‐time farmers are less likely than either senior agriculturist or full‐time farmers to continue as active farm operators.
Recent advances in checkpoint/recovery systems

Checkpoint and recovery (CPR) systems have many uses in high-performance computing. Because of this, many developers have implemented it, by hand, into their applications. One of the uses of checkpointing is to help mitigate the effects of interruptions in computational service (both planned and unplanned) In fact, some supercomputing centers expect their users to use checkpointing as a matter of policy. And yet, few centers provide fully automatic checkpointing systems for their high-end production machines. The paper is a status report on our work on the family of C/sup 3/ systems for (almost) fully automatic checkpointing for scientific applications. To date, we have shown that our techniques can be used for checkpointing sequential, MPI and OpenMP applications written in C, Fortran, and several other languages. A novel aspect of our work is that we have not built a single checkpointing system, rather, we have developed a methodology and a set of techniques that have enabled us to develop a number of systems, each meeting different design goals and efficiency requirements.
Cyp26 enzymes are required to balance the cardiac and vascular lineages within the anterior lateral plate mesoderm

Normal heart development requires appropriate levels of retinoic acid (RA) signaling. RA levels in embryos are dampened by Cyp26 enzymes, which metabolize RA into easily degraded derivatives. Loss of Cyp26 function in humans is associated with numerous developmental syndromes that include cardiovascular defects. Although previous studies have shown that Cyp26-deficient vertebrate models also have cardiovascular defects, the mechanisms underlying these defects are not understood. Here, we found that in zebrafish, two Cyp26 enzymes, Cyp26a1 and Cyp26c1, are expressed in the anterior lateral plate mesoderm (ALPM) and predominantly overlap with vascular progenitors (VPs). Although singular knockdown of Cyp26a1 or Cyp26c1 does not overtly affect cardiovascular development, double Cyp26a1 and Cyp26c1 (referred to here as Cyp26)-deficient embryos have increased atrial cells and reduced cranial vasculature cells. Examining the ALPM using lineage tracing indicated that in Cyp26-deficient embryos the myocardial progenitor field contains excess atrial progenitors and is shifted anteriorly into a region that normally solely gives rise to VPs. Although Cyp26 expression partially overlaps with VPs in the ALPM, we found that Cyp26 enzymes largely act cell non-autonomously to promote appropriate cardiovascular development. Our results suggest that localized expression of Cyp26 enzymes cell non-autonomously defines the boundaries between the cardiac and VP fields within the ALPM through regulating RA levels, which ensures a proper balance of myocardial and endothelial lineages. Our study provides novel insight into the earliest consequences of Cyp26 deficiency that underlie cardiovascular malformations in vertebrate embryos.
DNA From A to Z & Back Again: A Primer on Genomics & Molecular Medicine for...Everyone. Carol A. Holland and Daniel H. Farkas. Washington, DC, AACC Press, 2008, ISBN: 9781594250880

This book is the 3rd update of Dr. Farkas’s original text, DNA Simplified: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to DNA (AACC Press, 1996). The previous updates were Hitchhiker II (1999) and DNA from A to Z (2004). For this edition, Dr. Farkas has enlisted a coauthor, Dr. Carol Holland, Technical Marketing Manager, Beckman-Coulter, Inc. As was the case with previous efforts, DNA From A to Z & Back Again is an alphabetical list of definitions of terms and concepts routinely encountered in molecular diagnostics. And like the previous efforts, the writing style is brisk, informal, and highly entertaining. In reading this book, one almost feels as if one is having a cup of coffee with a couple of witty colleagues and chatting about the latest thing in the laboratory. Particularly clever analogies from previous editions remain (PCR: creating a “haystack full of needles”), and …
Antivirulence Potential of TR-700 and Clindamycin on Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus Producing Phenol-Soluble Modulins

Staphylococcus aureus strains (n = 50) causing complicated skin and skin structure infections produced various levels of phenol-soluble modulin alpha-type (PSMα) peptides; some produced more than twice that produced by the control strain (LAC USA300). TR-700 (oxazolidinone) and clindamycin strongly inhibited PSM production at one-half the MIC but exhibited weak to modest induction at one-fourth and one-eighth the MICs, primarily in low producers. Adequate dosing of these agents is emphasized to minimize the potential for paradoxical induction of virulence.
Throughput Optimal Switching in Multichannel WLANs

We observe that in a multichannel wireless system, an opportunistic channel/spectrum access scheme that solely focuses on channel quality sensing measured by received SNR may induce users to use channels that, while providing better signals, are more congested. Ultimately the notion of channel quality should include both the signal quality and the level of congestion, and a good multichannel access scheme should take both into account in deciding which channel to use and when. Motivated by this, we focus on the congestion aspect and examine what type of dynamic channel switching schemes may result in the best system throughput performance. Specifically, we derive the stability region of a multiuser multichannel WLAN system and determine the throughput optimal channel switching scheme within a certain class of schemes. We also empirically examine the impact of considering congestion in addition to signal quality in making channel selection decisions.
Generalized constitutive relations for metamaterials based on the quasi-static Lorentz theory

This paper presents a method of calculating the elements of the generalized matrix representation of the macroscopic constitutive relations for a three-dimensional (3-D) array of non-magnetic inclusions with arbitrary shape. The derivation is based on the quasi-static Lorentz theory and the inclusions are represented by electric and magnetic dipole moments. The 6/spl times/6 constitutive relation matrix is expressed in terms of the interaction matrix and the polarizability matrix, which can be numerically calculated using the sum and the difference of opposing plane wave excitations. Numerical examples are given for split ring resonators and a chiral medium consisting of an array of helices to illustrate the usefulness of the formula and to verify the consistency constraint and reciprocity relations for a bianisotropic medium.
Impact of mitral insufficiency on reoperative coronary artery surgery in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients.

Objective: To determine the impact of mitral insufficiency on survival after reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients. Methods: We retrospectively studied 891 (Initial 708, Redo 183) consecutive CABG patients (1993‐ 2002) with ejection fraction (EF) 35% or less. Patient characteristics: mean ageZ67.0G10.5 yrs, menZ77.1%, EFZ26.4G7.4%, mean CCSZ3.47G0.73, mean NYHAZ3.50G0.68. There were 180 (Initial 141, Redo 39) patients with 3/4Cmitral regurgitation (MR). Late survival statistics of cohorts were compiled using National Death Index. Results: At a mean follow-up period of 3 years, reoperative CABG with MR (Redo/MRC) survival was 41.7G9.2% (nZ39), which was worse than reoperative CABG without MR (Redo/MRK) survival of 71.8G4.1% (nZ144, PZ0.0003), initial CABG with MR (Initial/MRC) survival of 68.5G4.2% (nZ141, PZ0.014) and initial CABG without MR (Initial/MRK) survival of 76.2G2.0% (nZ567, P!0.0001). By multivariate analysis, congestive heart failure (PZ0.029), 3/4CMR (PZ0.044) were independent predictors of Redo late mortality. In contrast, renal failure on dialysis, stroke, no angina, age O65 yrs, absence of hypercholesterolemia, EF!26% but not 3/4CMR were independent predictors of Initial late mortality. In subset analysis, adverse impact of 3/4CMR on late survival was greatest in Redo with EF!26%. The 3- and 5-yr late survival were only 44.4 and 26.8% (PZ0.041). Concomitant mitral valve repair (MVrep) was performed in 100 (Initial 75, Redo 25) patients. MVrep in Initial/MRCpatients achieved similar late survival as Initial/MRK patients. MVrep did not produce the same late survival benefit in Redo/MRC patients. Conclusions: (1) Mitral insufficiency has a greater survival impact on redo than initial CABG patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. (2) Mitral insufficiency and congestive heart failure are the primary independent predictors of late survival following redo CABG. (3) Mitral repair has less neutralizing effect on late survival in redo than initial CABG patients. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.