cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of the Earth's rotation using superfluid phase coherence

It has long been recognized that the macroscopic quantum properties of superfluid helium could form the basis of a technique for measuring the state of absolute rotation of the containment vessel: circulation of superfluid helium is quantized, so providing a reference state of zero rotation with respect to inertial space. Here we provide experimental proof of this concept by detecting the rotation of the Earth using the spatial phase coherence of superfluid ^4He, thus providing independent corroboration of an earlier report that demonstrated the feasibility of making such a measurement. Our superfluid container is constructed on a centimetre-size silicon wafer, and has an essentially toroidal geometry but with the flow path interrupted by partition incorporating a sub-micrometre aperture. Rotation of the container induces a measurable flow velocity through the aperture in order to maintain coherence in the quantum phase of the super-fluid. Using this device, we determine the Earth's rotation rate to a precision of 0.5% with a measurement time of one hour, and argue that improvements in sensitivity of several orders of magnitude should be feasible.
μ-Opioid receptor coupling to Gα(o) plays an important role in opioid antinociception.

Opioid analgesics elicit their effects via activation of the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), a G protein-coupled receptor known to interact with Gαi/o-type G proteins. Work in vitro has suggested that MOR couples preferentially to the abundant brain Gαi/o isoform, Gαo. However, studies in vivo evaluating morphine-mediated antinociception have not supported these findings. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the contribution of Gαo to MOR-dependent signaling by measuring both antinociceptive and biochemical endpoints in a Gαo null transgenic mouse strain. Male wild-type and Gαo heterozygous null (Gαo +/−) mice were tested for opioid antinociception in the hot plate test or the warm-water tail withdrawal test as measures of supraspinal or spinal antinociception, respectively. Reduction in Gαo levels attenuated the supraspinal antinociception produced by morphine, methadone, and nalbuphine, with the magnitude of suppression dependent on agonist efficacy. This was explained by a reduction in both high-affinity MOR expression and MOR agonist-stimulated G protein activation in whole brain homogenates from Gαo +/− and Gαo homozygous null (Gαo −/−) mice, compared with wild-type littermates. On the other hand, morphine spinal antinociception was not different between Gαo +/− and wild-type mice and high-affinity MOR expression was unchanged in spinal cord tissue. However, the action of the partial agonist nalbuphine was compromised, showing that reduction in Gαo protein does decrease spinal antinociception, but suggesting a higher Gαo protein reserve. These results provide the first in vivo evidence that Gαo contributes to maximally efficient MOR signaling and antinociception.
Geoengineering: Encouraging Research and Overseeing Implementation

GEOENGINEERING: ENCOURAGING RESEARCH AND OVERSEEING IMPLEMENTATION An Editorial Comment Ideas on how to engineer Earth’s climate, or to modify the environment on large scales to counter human impacts, do not enjoy broad support from scientists. Ref- ereed publications that deal with such ideas are not numerous nor are they cited widely. Paul Crutzen (2006) analyzes the idea of intentionally injecting sulfur into the stratosphere, to enhance the albedo of Earth, so as to slow the warming of the planet due to greenhouse gases. He notes that such an intervention might become necessary unless the world becomes more successful in limiting greenhouse gas emissions and/or if global warming should proceed faster than currently antici- pated partly due to cleaning the lower atmosphere of sulfur pollution (Andreae et al., 2005; Charlson et al., 1991). I am aware that various individuals have opposed the publication of Crutzen’s paper, even after peer review and revisions, for various and sincere reasons that are not wholly scientific. Here, I write in support of his call for research on geo- engineering and propose a framework for future progress in which supporting and opposing viewpoints can be heard and incorporated. I also propose that research on geoengineering be considered separately from actual implementation, and I suggest a path in that direction. 1. Geoengineering – Past Ideas and Their Results Schelling (1996) has noted that while “geoengineering” is not fully defined, that “it seems to imply something global, intentional and unnatural”. Thus, not all human- caused changes to Earth’s surface, biota and flows of minerals and water would qualify. For example, Vitousek et al. (1986) and Pauly and Christensen (1995) have estimated that humans are using or diverting significant fractions of primary productivity on land and at sea, respectively, and Postel et al. (1995) have shown that humans are using significant fractions of the fresh water available globally from evapotranspiration and runoff, partly through damming of rivers to convert energy of falling water to electricity and for water management. Similarly, large changes to Earth’s surface have occurred due to clearing of forests and grassland for agriculture and pastures, and Brewer (1997) has estimated that adding CO 2 to ocean waters has measurably decreased carbonate ions, increased bicarbonate, lowered pH (see also, SCOR, 2004) and increased oceanic volume. Brewer also noted that the accumulated total production of water from combustion of fossil fuels exceeds the volume of one of the Great Lakes (Erie). Other similar indicators of disturbance Climatic Change (2006) 77: 221–226 DOI: 10.1007/s10584-006-9102-x c Springer 2006
The validity of the South African Triage Scale at a tertiary care centre, Kumasi, Ghana

Introduction Triage is the process of sorting patients based on level of acuity to ensure the most severely injured and ill patients receive timely care before their condition worsens. The South African Triage Scale (SATS) was developed out of a need for an accurate and objective measure of urgency based on physiological parameters and clinical discriminators that is easily implemented in low resource settings. SATS was introduced in the Accident and Emergency Centre (AEC) of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in January 2010. This study seeks to evaluate the accurate use of the SATS by nurses at KATH. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the AEC at KATH in Kumasi, Ghana. Patients 12 and over with complete triage information were included in this study. Each component of SATS was calculated (i.e. for heart rate of 41–50, a score of 1 was given) and summed. This score was compared to the original triage score. When scores did not equate, the entire triage record was reviewed by an emergency physician and an advanced practice emergency nurse separately to determine if the triage was appropriate. These reviews were compared and consensus reached. Results 52 of 903 adult patients (5.8%) were judged to have been mis-triaged by expert review; 49 under-triaged (sent to a zone that corresponded to a lower acuity level than they should have been, based on their vital signs) and 3 over-triaged. Of the 49 patients who were under-triaged, 34 were under-triaged by one category and 7 by two categories. Conclusion While under-triage is a concern to patient care and safety, the under-triage rate of 5.7% in this sample falls within the 5–10% range considered unavoidable by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. SATS has been implemented successfully in the AEC at KATH by triage nurses.
Latent Electro-Static Damage in Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Semiconductor Laser Arrays

We describe a novel type of failure mechanism for arrays of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, such as those used in parallel optical interconnects for clustered computer systems. Conventional failure mechanisms related to electrostatic discharge (ESD) during laser manufacturing will cause multiple lasers in an array to fail at once, shortly after the ESD event. We have found that in some cases, latent ESD damage can occur; the ESD site serves as a nucleation point for dark line defects, which migrate under applied voltage. In this manner, individual elements in the laser array can fail randomly, without affecting adjacent lasers in the same array; furthermore, these failures can occur after 30-40 days of continuous operation. We report empirical data on the failure analysis used to identify this effect, including images of the latent damaged lasers, and recommend procedures for avoiding this damage during manufacturing.
Hypophosphataemia and its consequences in patients following open heart surgery.

Plasma phosphate concentration (Pi), red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations were measured pre-operatively and at intervals after operation for 30 h in twelve patients (nine males and three females, 44--61 years of age), who underwent open heart surgery. All patients received intravenous injections of glucose, insulin and potassium at regular intervals. In all patients studied Pi decreased within hours following operation, remained low for about 6 h and pre-operative values were reached by 18 h. Pi decreased from 1.04 +/- 0.6 mmol/litre (mean +/- s.e. mean) to 0.32 +/- 0.06 mmol/litre. This fall in Pi was accompanied by a small but significant fall in 2,3-DPG (from 14.8 +/- 0.60 mumol/g Hb to 11.2 +/- 0.60 mumol/g Hb). ATP concentration did not change significantly. The calculated P50 (partial pressure of oxygen at which there was 50% saturation of haemoglobin) decreased by 1.2 mmHg. The regular fall in Pi which is probably due to the glucose-insulin-potassium injections was of short duration and had very little effect on red cell 2,3-DPG and ATP.
The Effect of Age at and Methods of Debeaking on Future Performance of White Leghorn Pullets

Abstract Debeaking S.C. White Leghorn pullets at 12 or 16 weeks of age produced carry-over effects into the egg production period of reduced egg size and body size which were considered undesirable. Debeaking at 6 days of age had no significant effect on egg production traits, but significantly reduced feed consumption through 20 weeks of age. Day-old debeaking had no significant effect on egg production traits other than a 5 day increase in sexual maturity. In the groups debeaked at day-old, feed consumed in the period to 20 weeks of age was reduced by 475 grams per pullet and a 118 gram reduction in body weight persisted through 35 weeks of age. Beak regrowth in the 1 and 6 day old and 12 and 16 week of age debeaked groups was not a problem. The two groups debeaked at 6 or 8 weeks of age showed a large number of pullets which required redebeaking at 20 weeks of age.
Amplification of SH waves by an orthotropic basin

Scattering of elastic waves by an orthotropic sedimentary basin is investigated for antiplane strain model using an indirect boundary integral equation approach. Both steady state and transient response were obtained for semicircular and semielliptical basins with different material properties. The results indicate that the basin geometry and the impedance contrast between the half-space and the basin have similar effects on the surface ground motion amplification as for the isotropic case. However, the material anisotropy may change significantly the fundamental resonant frequencies of the basin, resulting in different surface displacement amplification patterns. In addition, it was observed that the arrival time of the main disturbance on the surface strongly depends on material anisotropy for different angles of incidence. The results demonstrate that material anisotropy may be very important in explaining surface ground motion amplification for sedimentary basins. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF UREMIC METABOLITES ON ERYTHROCYTE GLYCOLYSIS.

Abstract Attempts have been made to study the effect of uremic metabolites upon erythrocyte glycolysis. In blood from uremic persons, the rate of disappearance of glucose is normal. However, the ultrafiltrate of uremic blood produces inhibition of glucose utilization by normal erythrocytes. The failure to observe this in uremic blood may be due to the younger erythrocyte population. The mechanism and possible significance of this inhibition remain to be shown.
A pilot study of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis in childhood and adolescent allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients.

Abstract Tacrolimus (FK506)/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been demonstrated to be an effective salvage therapy for steroid-resistant chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), but its effectiveness as prophylaxis for acute GVHD (aGVHD) is unknown. We investigated the safety and efficacy of FK506/MMF in preventing aGVHD and sparing the use of methotrexate and methylprednisolone in childhood and adolescent allogeneic stem cell transplant (AlloSCT) recipients. Thirty-four childhood and adolescent patients (median age, 7 years; range, 0.5–21 years; 24 males and 10 females) undergoing 37 AlloSCTs for malignant (n = 22) and nonmalignant (n = 12) disorders received FK506 (0.03 mg/kg/d by continuous intravenous infusion) and MMF (15 mg/kg per dose orally or intravenously twice daily). Stem cell sources included 22 umbilical cord blood donors (21 unrelated and 1 related), 6 related bone marrow donors, and 9 related peripheral blood donors. Malignant diagnoses included 7 acute lymphoblastic leukemias, 3 acute myeloid leukemias, 1 acute promyelocytic leukemia, 2 non-Hodgkin lymphomas, 4 Hodgkin diseases, 3 chronic myeloid leukemias, and 2 neuroblastomas; nonmalignant diagnoses included 2 β-thalassemias, 1 sickle cell disease, 4 aplastic anemias, 1 Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, 1 Hurler syndrome, 2 hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses, and 1 myelodysplastic syndrome. The probability of developing grade ≥II aGVHD was 45.4% ± 9.7% (7 related bone marrow/related peripheral blood; 5 umbilical cord blood), and for chronic GVHD it was 38.1% ± 19.7%. FK506/MMF was well tolerated. Three patients had grade III to IV neurotoxicity (disorientation and leukoencephalopathy); 4 patients developed grade III to IV nephrotoxicity (all received concomitant nephrotoxins). Patients who achieved target mycophenolic acid levels (1.0–3.5 μg/mL) before day +30 had a significantly reduced incidence of developing grade ≥II aGVHD (16.7% ± 15.2% versus 100%; P
Determination of imaging performance of a photostimulable phosphor system for digital mammography

Quantitative analysis of a prototype photostimulable phosphor system for digital mammography was performed. The pre-sampled MTF, noise power spectrum (NPS), noise equivalent quanta (NEQ), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were measured at 26 and 32 kVp to assess the imaging performance of a commercial computed radiography system dedicated for mammographic imaging. The pre-sampled MTF demonstrated 5 percent modulation at 8 lp/mm with a small dependence on kVp, and noise power estimates indicated x-ray quantum-limited spectral characteristics from 2 mR up to approximately 30 mR incident exposure. Maintenance of x-ray information content up to approximately 500,000 quanta/mm2 based upon NEQ measurements was demonstrated. DQE (0 mm-1) was 30-50 percent, DQE (2.5 mm-1) was 15-25 percent, and DQE (4 mm-1) was 5-15 percent, depending on kVp, incident exposure, and readout direction. A significant increase in DQE compared to previous CR mammography implementations was found. In addition to the quantitative measurements, qualitative experience suggests that CR mammography is essentially equivalent to state-of-the-art mammography screen-film detector systems.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mitochondrial remodeling in mice with cardiomyocyte-specific lipid overload

Background Obesity leads to metabolic heart disease (MHD) that is associated with a pathologic increase in myocardial fatty acid (FA) uptake and impairment of mitochondrial function. The mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in MHD, which results in oxidant production and decreased energetics, is poorly understood but may be related to excess FAs. Determining the effects of cardiac FA excess on mitochondria can be hindered by the systemic sequelae of obesity. Mice with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the fatty acid transport protein FATP1 have increased cardiomyocyte FA uptake and develop MHD in the absence of systemic lipotoxicity, obesity or diabetes. We utilized this model to assess 1) the effect of cardiomyocyte lipid accumulation on mitochondrial structure and energetic function and 2) the role of lipid-driven transcriptional regulation, signaling, toxic metabolite accumulation, and mitochondrial oxidative stress in lipid-induced MHD.
Slow Histidine H/D Exchange Protocol for Thermodynamic Analysis of Protein Folding and Stability Using Mass Spectrometry

Described here is a mass spectrometry-based protocol to study the thermodynamic stability of proteins and protein–ligand complexes using the chemical denaturant dependence of the slow H/D exchange reaction of the imidazole C2 proton in histidine side chains. The protocol is developed using several model protein systems including: ribonuclease (Rnase) A, myoglobin, bovine carbonic anhydrase (BCA) II, hemoglobin (Hb), and the hemoglobin–haptoglobin (Hb–Hp) protein complex. Folding free energies consistent with those previously determined by other more conventional techniques were obtained for the two-state folding proteins, Rnase A and myoglobin. The protocol successfully detected a previously observed partially unfolded intermediate stabilized in the BCA II folding/unfolding reaction, and it could be used to generate a Kd value of 0.24 nM for the Hb–Hp complex. The compatibility of the protocol with conventional mass spectrometry-based proteomic sample preparation and analysis methods was also demonstrated...
Extracting respiratory information from seismocardiogram signals acquired on the chest using a miniature accelerometer

Seismocardiography (SCG) is a non-invasive measurement of the vibrations of the chest caused by the heartbeat. SCG signals can be measured using a miniature accelerometer attached to the chest, and are thus well-suited for unobtrusive and long-term patient monitoring. Additionally, SCG contains information relating to both cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In this work, algorithms were developed for extracting three respiration-dependent features of the SCG signal: intensity modulation, timing interval changes within each heartbeat, and timing interval changes between successive heartbeats. Simultaneously with a reference respiration belt, SCG signals were measured from 20 healthy subjects and a respiration rate was estimated using each of the three SCG features and the reference signal. The agreement between each of the three accelerometer-derived respiration rate measurements was computed with respect to the respiration rate derived from the reference respiration belt. The respiration rate obtained from the intensity modulation in the SCG signal was found to be in closest agreement with the respiration rate obtained from the reference respiration belt: the bias was found to be 0.06 breaths per minute with a 95% confidence interval of??0.99 to 1.11 breaths per minute. The limits of agreement between the respiration rates estimated using SCG (intensity modulation) and the reference were within the clinically relevant ranges given in existing literature, demonstrating that SCG could be used for both cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring. Furthermore, phases of each of the three SCG parameters were investigated at four instances of a respiration cycle?start inspiration, peak inspiration, start expiration, and peak expiration?and during breath hold (apnea). The phases of the three SCG parameters observed during the respiration cycle were congruent with existing literature and physiologically expected trends.
A cognitive-behavioral investigation of anger among college students

The purpose of the present study was to conduct a multicomponent examination of anger among college students based on Novaco's (1978) model of anger. A total of 204 subjects participated in a study specifically examining whether high-angry students differed from low-angry students in the intensity and frequency with which they experienced aversive college events, in their endorsement of irrational beliefs through which these events might be perceived, and in their manner of expressing anger. It was found that, as hypothesized, high-angry as compared to low-angry students (1) rated typical aversive college events as significantly more frequent and intense elicitors of anger, (2) endorsed irrational beliefs to a significantly greater degree, and (3) were significantly more likely to express and suppress anger. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
An Ecological Model of the Habitat Mosaic in Estuarine Nursery Areas: Part II-Projecting Effects of Sea Level Rise on Fish Production

Abstract Understanding the response of fish populations to habitat change mediated by sea level rise (SLR) is a key component of ecosystem-based management. Yet, no direct link has been established between habitat change due to SLR and fish population production. Here we take a coupled modeling approach to examine the SLR-habitat-fish relationship based on projections of habitat change resulting from a 0.26 m increase in sea level by 2100 as input for a spatially-explicit individual-based model (SEIBM) of juvenile fish growth and mortality. This coupled modeling approach allows for an examination of both mechanistic and behavioral responses to habitat change, as well as the projected impact of these responses on population production. Habitat changes described with the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM 6.0.1) in response to SLR included a conversion of marsh and higher elevation habitat types into other structural types and open water, and an increase in overall fragmentation. These habitat changes were combined with measures of temporal change in dynamic habitat variables to form a habitat mosaic. The impact of changes in this mosaic on juvenile fish growth and mortality was largely dependent on movement strategy employed in the SEIBM followed by changes in dynamic habitat, and then changes in structural habitat projected by the SLAMM model. Movement strategy and SLR effects interacted strongly, which suggests that how fish respond to habitat change is a critical factor to understanding population-level effects. Overall, projected SLR effects on fish distribution most consistent with field data were initially negative for net fish production, but became net positive by the terminal year of SLR as the positive effects of fragmentation became most important. These results are consistent with empirical studies of coastal marsh production in the Gulf of Mexico and demonstrate the importance of incorporating a holistic measure of habitat quality and fish behavioral responses into any projection of SLR effects on estuarine fish production.
Wind in the willows: Lyric prose into music

(1982). Wind in the willows: Lyric prose into music. Literature in Performance: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 64-68.
Nutrition in alcoholic liver disease.

The liver plays an important role in the metabolism, synthesis, storage, and absorption of nutrients. Patients with cirrhosis are prone to nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition, with a higher prevalence among patients with decompensated disease. Mechanisms of nutritional deficiencies in patients with liver disease are not completely understood and probably multifactorial. Malnutrition among patients with cirrhosis or alcoholic liver disease correlates with poor quality of life, increased risk of infections, frequent hospitalizations, complications, mortality, poor graft and patient survival after liver transplantation, and economic burden. Physicians, including gastroenterologists and hepatologists, should be conversant with assessment and management of malnutrition and nutritional supplementation.
The integrated communication 2 draw (IC2D): a drawing program for the visually impaired

This paper addresses the problem of computer-aided drawing for the visually impaired without using special purpose external devices. We introduce the Integrated Communication 2 Draw (IC2D) system, which has a user interface that enables navigation and drawing on the screen using audio feedback. Navigation and point selection are done via a new recursive scheme based on the layout of the telephone keypad.
Short‐term forecasting of the daily load curve for residential electricity usage in the Smart Grid

We propose a model of the daily load curve for residential electricity usage, including in particular the effects of dynamic price incentives on the demand response, a topic of considerable interest in the emerging Smart Grid. The model is based on a time series and stochastic regression framework in which the observed daily load curve is represented in terms of a set of periodic smoothing-spline basis functions, with the basis function coefficients evolving according to a linear Gaussian state-space model that incorporates level shifts, day of the week and holiday adjustments, and weather effects, as well as the dynamic price-incentive effects mentioned earlier. Model parameters are estimated from observational time-series data using maximum-likelihood methods, with the computations being efficiently carried out using Kalman filtering recursions. The resulting fitted model can be used for short-term load forecasting by providing a forward sequence of price-incentive signals and weather projections over the forecast period. This proposed modeling and forecasting methodology have many advantages over competing methods in the literature, including the ability to model intraday load-substitution effects that are induced by the specified dynamic pricing schedules, the ability to use fine-grained (5–15 min interval) observational data without greatly increasing the computational cost of the estimation and forecasting procedures, the ability to use informative prior distributions for any model parameters that cannot be reliably estimated from the available observational data, and the ability to update model forecasts based on the latest sequence of partial observational data without having to store the entire time-series history. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perfusion-assisted direct coronary artery bypass provides early reperfusion of ischemic myocardium and facilitates complete revascularization

Abstract Background Perfusion-assisted direct coronary artery bypass (PADCAB) was developed to initiate early reperfusion of grafted coronary artery segments during off-pump operations to resolve episodes of myocardial ischemia and avoid its sequelae. This case series outlines intraoperative findings and clinical outcomes of our first year clinical experience with PADCAB. Methods From November 1999 to November 2000, 169 PADCAB and 358 off-pump coronary artery bypass procedures were performed at the Emory University Hospitals. The decision to use PADCAB was predicated on surgeon preference. Perfusion pressure and flow, amount of intracoronary nitroglycerin, and total perfusion time and volume were recorded at the time of operation. Results One off-pump coronary artery bypass patient required emergent conversion to cardiopulmonary bypass. Two PADCAB patients had ischemic ventricular arrhythmias during target vessel occlusion that resolved once active perfusion had begun. Perfusion pressure in PADCAB grafts was on average 44% higher than mean arterial pressure ( p p p Conclusions PADCAB can provide suprasystemic perfusion pressures and a means to add vasoactive drugs to target coronary vessels. PADCAB provides early reperfusion of ischemic myocardium and facilitates complete revascularization of severe multivessel coronary artery disease.
Some remarks on definable equivalence relations in O-minimal structures

Let M be an O-minimal structure. We use our understanding, acquired in [KPS], of the structure of definable sets of n-tuples in M, to study definable (in M) equivalence relations on Mn. In particular, we show that if E is an A-definable equivalence relation on Mn (A ⊂ M) then E has only finitely many classes with nonempty interior in Mn, each such class being moreover also A-definable. As a consequence, we are able to give some conditions under which an O-minimal theory T eliminates imaginaries (in the sense of Poizat [P]).If L is a first order language and M an L-structure, then by a definable set in M, we mean something of the form X ⊂ Mn, n ≥ 1, where X = {(a1…,an) ∈ Mn: M ⊨ϕ(ā)} for some formula ∈ L(M). (Here L(M) means L together with names for the elements of M.) If the parameters from come from a subset A of M, we say that X is A-definable.M is said to be O-minimal if M = (M, <,…), where < is a dense linear order with no first or last element, and every definable set X ⊂ M is a finite union of points, and intervals (a, b) (where a, b ∈ M ∪ {± ∞}). (This notion is as in [PS] except here we demand the underlying order be dense.) The complete theory T is said to be O-minimal if every model of T is O-minimal. (Note that in [KPS] it is proved that if M is O-minimal, then T = Th(M) is O-minimal.) In the remainder of this section and in §2, M will denote a fixed but arbitrary O-minimal structure. A,B,C,… will denote subsets of M.
Love and War: An Argument for Extending Dependent Benefits to Same-Sex Partners of Military Service Members

Military dependent benefits should be extended to the same-sex partners of gay soldiers in order to promote key elements of military effectiveness such as unit cohesion, military readiness, recruitment, and retention. Congress has deemed these elements so critical that they were once at the heart of the debate over “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”; during both enactment and repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Congress members based their decisions on whether they believed the open presence of gay soldiers would affect key elements of military effectiveness. In addition, the need to ensure that the key elements of military effectiveness were achieved led to the creation of many of the dependent benefits available presently. Research has shown that these benefits increase the military’s efficacy; the availability of military support for the spouse and family has a direct impact on unit cohesion, military readiness, recruitment, and retention. Thus, by denying this very support to the same-sex partners of gay soldiers, Congress is hindering the military’s ability to succeed in its mission. The military withholds these benefits because the Defense of Marriage Act defines a spouse as a man and women, and the definition of dependent, which is the eligibility requirement for many of the benefits, includes spouse. Therefore, in order to grant same-sex partners of soldiers these benefits, Congress must either change the Defense of Marriage Act or craft a legislative work around; this Comment presents a proposal for the latter. By implementing this suggestion, Congress will lessen the inequality that now exists between heterosexual and homosexual soldiers and their families, which in turn will promote military objectives.
Constellation randomization (CoRa) for outage performance improvement on MIMO channels

This work studies a new concept, "constellation randomization" (CoRa), for performance improvement of transmission over quasi-static (block fading) multidimensional ("MIMO") channels with small signal constellations. The motivation behind CoRa is to reduce some of the mutual information penalty associated with the use of a finite input alphabet for signalling on a static, possibly ill-conditioned, channel. We show, both via information-theoretic considerations, and via Monte-Carlo simulation of the frame-error-rate (FER) of a coded system, that CoRa can offer a lower outage probability than a conventional spatial multiplexing system that uses a fixed signal constellation. In our examples the improvement offered by CoRa is comparable to that offered by linear (complex-field) precoding. This is interesting, because the performance gain of CoRa comes at virtually no computational expense.
Two-wavelength quantitative phase unwrapping of dynamic biological processes

We present two-wavelength phase unwrapping system designs on asynchronous and dynamic phase microscopy techniques developed in our laboratory. The use of two wavelengths in these systems enables quantitative phase imaging without 2π-ambiguities.
Non‐planar 3D crack growth by the extended finite element and level sets—Part I: Mechanical model

A methodology for solving three-dimensional crack problems with geometries that are independent of the mesh is described. The method is based on the extended finite element method, in which the crack discontinuity is introduced as a Heaviside step function via a partition of unity. In addition, branch functions are introduced for all elements containing the crack front. The branch functions include asymptotic near-tip fields that improve the accuracy of the method. The crack geometry is described by two signed distance functions, which in turn can be defined by nodal values. Consequently, no explicit representation of the crack is needed. Examples for three-dimensional elastostatic problems are given and compared to analytic and benchmark solutions. The method is readily extendable to inelastic fracture problems. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GAIA: framework annotation of genomic sequence.

As increasing amounts of genomic sequence from many organisms become available, and as DNA sequences become a primary reagent in biologic investigations, the role of annotation as a prospective guide for laboratory experiments will expand rapidly. Here we describe a process of high-throughput, reliable annotation, called framework annotation, which is designed to provide a foundation for initial biologic characterization of previously unexamined sequence. To examine this concept in practice, we have constructed Genome Annotation and Information Analysis (GAIA), a prototype software architecture that implements several elements important for framework annotation. The center of GAIA consists of an annotation database and the associated data management subsystem that forms the software bus along which other components communicate. The schema for this database defines three principal concepts: (1) Entries, consisting of sequence and associated historical data; (2) Features, comprising information of biologic interest; and (3) Experiments, describing the evidence that supports Features. The database permits tracking of annotation results over time, as well as assessment of the reliability of particular results. New framework annotation is produced by CARTA, a set of autonomous sensors that perform automatic analyses and assert results into the annotation database. These results are available via a Web-based query interface that uses graphical Java applets as well as text-based HTML pages to display data at different levels of resolution and permit interactive exploration of annotation. We present results for initial application of framework annotation to a set of test sequences, demonstrating its effectiveness in providing a starting point for biologic investigation, and discuss ways in which the current prototype can be improved. The prototype is available for public use and comment at http://www.cbil.upenn.edu/gaia.
Serological Detection of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Positive and High-Risk HIV-Negative Women

Serial measurement of antibodies has not been used to provide evidence of active viral replication of human papillomavirus (HPV). Serum specimens from sequential study visits contributed by 642 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and 116 HIV-negative participants enrolled in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study were used to detect significant rises in HPV type 16 (HPV-16) antibody levels. Factors associated with a significant rise were identified using multivariable logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations. Among HIV-positive women, 8.3% of 1,997 pairs showed antibody rises, compared to 6.1% of 361 pairs among HIV-negative women (P 0.191). For HIV-positive women, rises were associated with current (odds ratio [OR], 23.4; P < 0.001) or past (OR, 8.9; P < 0.001) HPV-16 infection relative to never being HPV-16 infected and with CD4 cell counts (OR per 100-cell increase, 0.8; P < 0.001) but not with sexual behavior. For HIV-negative women, rises were associated with past (OR, 10.9; P 0.033) HPV-16 infection relative to no HPV-16, current cigarette smoking (OR, 5.0; P 0.029) relative to no smoking history, and having 6 to 10 lifetime sexual partners compared to 0 to 5 partners (OR, 9.9; P 0.036). Serial measurement of HPV-16 serum antibodies is a useful tool for identifying active HPV-16 viral replication. Rises among HIV-positive women may more often result from reactivation of a latent HPV infection in the context of HIV-induced immunosuppression, while rises among HIV-negative women may more often result from reinfection with HPV.
Bond coating issues in thermal barrier coatings for industrial gas turbines

Thermal barrier coatings are intended to work in conjunction with internal cooling schemes to reduce the metal temperature of critical hot gas path components in gas turbine engines. The thermal resistance is typically provided by a 100--250 {mu}m thick layer of ceramic (most usually zirconia stabilized with an addition of 7--8 wt% of yttria), and this is deposited on to an approximately 50 {mu} thick, metallic bond coating that is intended to anchor the ceramic to the metallic surface, to provide some degree of mechanical compliance, and to act as a reservoir of protective scale-forming elements (Al) to protect the underlying superalloy from high-temperature corrosion. A feature of importance to the durability of thermal barrier coatings is the early establishment of a continuous, protective oxide layer (preferably {alpha}-alumina) at the bond coating-ceramic interface. Because zirconia is permeable to oxygen, this oxide layer continues to grow during service. Some superalloys are inherently resistant to high-temperature oxidation, so a separate bond coating may not be needed in those cases. Thermal barrier coatings have been in service in aeroengines for a number of years, and the use of this technology for increasing the durability and/or efficiency of industrial gas turbines is currently ofmore » significant interest. The data presented were taken from an investigation of routes to optimize bond coating performance, and the focus of the paper is on the influences of reactive elements and Pt on the oxidation behaviour of NiAl-based alloys determined in studies using cast versions of bond coating compositions.« less
Data analysis in supersaturated designs

Supersaturated designs (SSDs) can save considerable cost in industrial experimentation when many potential factors are introduced in preliminary studies. Analyzing data in SSDs is challenging because the number of experiments is less than the number of candidate factors. In this paper, we introduce a variable selection approach to identifying the active e1ects in SSD via nonconvex penalized least squares. An iterative ridge regression is employed to 3nd the solution of the penalized least squares. We provide both theoretical and empirical justi3cations for the proposed approach. Some related issues are also discussed. c � 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Gene expression profiling, genetic networks, and cellular states: an integrating concept for tumorigenesis and drug discovery

Genome-wide expression monitoring, a novel tool of functional genomics, is currently used mainly to identify groups of coregulated genes and to discover genes expressed differentially in distinct situations that could serve as drug targets. This descriptive approach, however, fails to extract "distributed" information embedded in the genomic regulatory network and manifested in distinct gene activation profiles. A model based on the formalism of boolean genetic networks in which cellular states are represented by attractors in a discrete dynamic system can serve as a conceptual framework for an integrative interpretation of gene expression profiles. Such a global (genome-wide) view of "gene function" in the regulation of the dynamic relationship between proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis can provide new insights into cellular homeostasis and the origins of neoplasia. Implications for a rational approach to the identification of new drug targets for cancer treatment are discussed.
Continuous queries in oracle

This paper describes Continuous Queries (CQ) in Oracle RDBMS, a feature that incorporates stream and complex event processing into an RDBMS, the first such attempt in commercial databases. The feature is based on the concept of query difference and allows us to monitor real time changes to the query as the result of changes to its underlying tables. The result of a continuous query can be deposited into historical tables or queues for further asynchronous de-queuing, or can invoke a synchronous trigger for procedural processing. The main contribution of our CQ engine is that it allows us to react to complex scenarios of changes to data such as mixed INSERT, DELETE and UPDATE changes, unlike the existing stream processing systems that deal with INSERTS only. We support a wide range of query shapes including inner, semi and anti-joins, aggregates and window functions. More details are given to the efficient computation of query difference for general cases and their optimizations based on semantic constraints. They are shown to improve the response time for practical cases by more than an order of magnitude. We also show how delaying CQ re-computation can improve its performance by batch processing the changes to the base tables.
Advances in Understanding the Urine-Concentrating Mechanism

The renal medulla produces concentrated urine through the generation of an osmotic gradient that progressively increases from the cortico-medullary boundary to the inner medullary tip. In the outer medulla, the osmolality gradient arises principally from vigorous active transport of NaCl, without accompanying water, from the thick ascending limbs of short- and long-looped nephrons. In the inner medulla, the source of the osmotic gradient has not been identified. Recently, there have been important advances in our understanding of key components of the urine-concentrating mechanism, including (a) better understanding of the regulation of water, urea, and sodium transport proteins; (b) better resolution of the anatomical relationships in the medulla; and (c) improvements in mathematical modeling of the urine-concentrating mechanism. Continued experimental investigation of signaling pathways regulating transepithelial transport, both in normal animals and in knockout mice, and incorporation of the resulting information into mathematical simulations may help to more fully elucidate the mechanism for concentrating urine in the inner medulla.
Steinernematid and Heterorhabditid Nematodes for Control of Larval European Chafers and Japanese Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Potted Yew

Four species of entomogenous nematodes (Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev) (=Neoaplectana carpocapsae Weiser) ('All' strain), S. glaseri (Steiner), Heterorhabditis he­ liothidis (Khan, Brooks & Hirschmann), and Heterorhabditis sp. ('Holland' strain)) were compared with two insecticides (chlorpyrifos and isofenphos) for control of third- (last-) instar larval Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica Newman) and European chafers (Rhizotrogus majalis (Razoumowsky)) in potted Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata Siebold & Zuccarini). Efficacy was evaluated 17-21 d after treatment. Heterorhabditis sp. ('Holland' strain) at 92 nematodes per cm2 of soil surface and H. heliothidis at 192 nematodes per cm2 provided >90% control of Japanese beetles compared with 71% for chlorpyrifos (9.0 kg (AI)/ha) and 84% for isofenphos (4.5 kg (AI)/ha). S. glaseri provided 84 and S. feltiae 29% control (both at 385 nematodes per cm 2 ). Both nematodes and insecticides were less effective in controlling European chafer larvae. Control with nematodes ranged from 46 to 59% with S. glaseri, H. heliothidis, and Heterorhabditis sp. at 385 nematodes per cm 2 , whereas S. feltiae at 385 nematodes per cm 2 did not significantly reduce larval survival compared with the untreated control. Chemical control of European chafer larvae resulted in reductions of 44 and 62% with isofenphos and chlorpyrifos, respectively.
Coronary endothelial dysfunction and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in type 2 diabetic mice

Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is implicated in cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes. The decrease in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability is the hallmark of endothelial dysfunction, and it ...
Synthesis and Thermal Expansion of Polycrystalline Cesium Minerals

CsAlSi2O6, CsAlGe2O6, CsFeSi2O6, CsFeGe2O6, and CsBSi2O6 were prepared by reaction of Cs2CO3 and oxides and by a base-exchange method. The compounds were characterized by optical examination and X-ray diffraction. Dilatometric measurements of the linear thermal expansions of the cubic silicate pollucites gave relatively low coefficients, but the expansion of the germanate analogs is considerably higher. Attempts at synthesis of CsCrSi2O6 and CsCrGe2O6 and the special nature of CsBSi2O6 are briefly described.
Relations Existing between Voltage Impulses of Exponential Form and the Response of an Oscillating Circuit

The superposition integral is used to express the voltage produced in the inductance of a tuned circuit in response to a voltage impulse of exponential form. The expression is given in terms of the voltage and time constant of the impulse and the frequency and decrement of the oscillating circuit. This method is more direct and more easily manageable than the conventional method which expresses the relations in terms of the current produced in the secondary or oscillating circuit in terms of the voltage applied to this circuit by the primary or exciting source. The conventional equation, Ldi/dt+Ri+q/C=E may be quite troublesome with certain forms of voltage E. Comparisons are made between oscillograms of an experimental circuit and curves calculated from theory. A simple graphical method is given for determining the constants of an exponential impulse from the response curve and known constants of the oscillating circuit. General conclusions are drawn which are of interest relative to radio interference.
Death-is-Different Jurisprudence and the Role of the Capital Jury

In Ring v. Arizona, 536 U.S. 584 (2002), the Supreme Court concluded that all essential fact-finding necessary to impose the death penalty must be done by juries. However, the Court stopped short of mandating that the ultimate decision of whether to impose the death penalty on a convicted person must be left to the jury. This article argues that, given the moral nature of the ultimate decision, the jury is best equipped to render the judgment of the conscience of the community.
Options Trading Strategies in a Student Managed Investment Fund

Student managed investment funds provide students the opportunity to manage a portfolio of real dollar investments and earn academic credit. Student managed funds typically benefit a University through improved course offerings within the field of finance where academic knowledge and practical experience are developed simultaneously. One area that has not been developed in the literature is the use of option trading strategies in a student managed fund. This paper seeks to fill that void by providing examples of how covered calls and protective puts can be evaluated and implemented in a student managed fund.