cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forced and natural convection in aggregate-laden nanofluids

A number of experimental and theoretical studies of convective heat transfer in nanofluids (liquid suspensions of nanoparticles, typically with features below 100 nm in size) reveal contrasting results; nanoparticles can either enhance or reduce the convective heat transfer coefficient. These disparate conclusions regarding the influence of nanoparticles on convective heat transfer may arise due to the aggregation of nanoparticles, which is often not considered in studies of nanofluids. Here, we examine theoretically forced and natural convective heat transfer of aggregate-laden nanofluids using Monte Carlo-based models to determine how the aggregate morphology influences the convective heat transfer coefficient. Specifically, in this study, it is first shown that standard heat transfer correlations should apply to nanofluids, and the main influence of the nanoparticles is to alter suspension thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity, density, specific heat, and thermal expansion coefficient. Aggregated particles in suspension are modeled as quasi-fractal aggregates composed of individual primary particles described by the primary particle radius, number of primary particles, fractal (Hausdorff) dimension, pre-exponential factor, and degree of coalescence between primary particles. A sequential algorithm is used to computationally generate aggregates with prescribed morphological descriptors. Four types of aggregates are considered; spanning the range of aggregate morphologies observed in nanofluids. For each morphological type, the influences of aggregates on nanofluid dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity are determined via first passage-based Brownian dynamics calculations. It is found that depending on both the material properties of the nanoparticles as well as the nanoparticle morphology, the addition of nanoparticles to a suspension can either increase or decrease both the forced and natural convective heat transfer coefficients, with both a 51% increase and a 32% decrease in the heat transfer coefficient achievable at particle volume fractions of 0.05. This study shows clearly that the influence of particle morphology needs to be accounted for in all studies of heat transfer in nanofluids.
What makes the bacteriophage λ Red system useful for genetic engineering: molecular mechanism and biological function

Recent studies have generated interest in the use of the homologous recombination system of bacteriophage λ for genetic engineering. The system, called Red, consists primarily of three proteins: λ exonuclease, which processively digests the 5′-ended strand of a dsDNA end; β protein, which binds to ssDNA and promotes strand annealing; and γ protein, which binds to the bacterial RecBCD enzyme and inhibits its activities. These proteins induce a ‘hyper-rec’ state in Escherichia coli and other bacteria, in which recombination events between DNA species with as little as 40 bp of shared sequence occur at high frequency. Red-mediated recombination in the hyper-rec bacterium proceeds via a number of different pathways, and with the involvement of different sets of bacterial proteins, depending in part on the nature of the recombining DNA species. The role of high-frequency double-strand break repair/recombination in the life cycle of the lambdoid phages is discussed.
Stellar perturbations of the cometary cloud

The paper demonstrates that the Oort cloud radius is 100,000 AU, the mean 'thermal' velocity in the cloud is about 110 m/s, and the resulting perihelion distribution in the planetary region is uniform with the number based on the radius of the circle within which the comets are falling. Stars passing through the Oort cloud during the history of the solar system have ejcted a minimum of the initial population and randomized the orbits of the remaining comets leaving little record of their initial state.
An elementary proof of the blow-up for semilinear wave equation in high space dimensions

Abstract This paper concerns the blow-up of solutions to u tt −Δ u =| u | p in high dimensions for n ⩾4 and 1 p p 0 ( n ), where p 0 ( n ) is a critical exponent. We proved that the solutions blow up in finite time by estimating the solutions near the wave front using elementary inequalities.
Variations on two familiar industrial statistics themes

The new visibility of industrial statistics prompts us, in the process of attempting to put recent formulations in perspective, to reflect on some of the familiar themes. Two personal such reflections concern, respectively, Mood's Theorem andcontrol charts.
Shear stress regulates expression of TGF beta and its signal transduction molecules in mouse embryo mesenchymal progenitor cells

Introduction: Recently, we have reported that fluid shear stress promotes endothelial cell differentiation from a mouse embryo mesenchymal progenitor cell line CH310T1/2. However, it is not clear whether the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF) system is associated with shear-induced endothelial differentiation. TGFplays a key role in vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of shear stress on expression of TGFand its signal transduction molecules SMAD3 and SMAD7 in CH10T1/2. Methods: Murine C3H10T1/2 cells were incubated on collagen type I-coated dishes, and subjected to a steady fluid shear stress of 10 dyn/cm2 for 12 hours. After shear stress, total RNA was extracted. The mRNA levels for TGF, SMAD3 and SMAD7 were determined with real-time PCR analysis and normalized with GAPDH mRNA levels. The data were presented as the difference of reaction cycle thresholds (CT) between GAPDH and each of other genes (2CT). Results: Relative mRNA levels of TGFafter normalization with GAPDH were 0.00481 in static cultures and 0.00235 in shear-treated cells. Shear stress significantly reduced TGFexpression by 51% as compared to static controls (p 0.001). In addition, the mRNA levels of SMAD3, a positive signal molecule of TGFaction, was significantly reduced by 99% as compared to static controls (p 0.001). Furthermore, the mRNA levels of SMAD7, a negative signal molecule of TGFaction, was significantly up-regulated by 4.59-fold as compared to static cultures (p 0.001). Conclusion: Fluid shear stress significantly suppresses TGFsystem with down-regulation of TGFand SMAD3 expression and up-regulation of SMAD7 expression in a mouse embryo mesenchymal progenitor cell line CH310T1/2. This study suggests that the negative regulation of TGFsystem may be involved in shear-induced endothelial cell differentiation in CH310T1/2.
Sodium-dependent calcium efflux from single Aplysia neurons

45Ca2+ efflux from single Aplysia somata was measured. Replacement of external Na with Tris caused a reduction in the efflux following a transient increase. CCMP, a metabolic poison, caused a reversible increase in the efflux. The results suggest that Na+/Ca2+ exchange and mitochondrial uptake can act to regulate Ca2+ inAplysia neurons.
Phase behavior and moisture sorption of deliquescent powders

Abstract Deliquescence lowering was investigated in powder blends of different particle sizes. Deliquescent compounds, widely used in edible products, were used to prepare two model blends: fructose–citric acid anhydrous (M1) and sucrose–sodium chloride (M2). The relationship between the water activity and the composition of each system was measured and used to build phase diagrams, from which information about the eutonic composition (EC) was extracted. Data were evaluated using five models (Raoult’s law, and the Ross, Ferro Fontan–Chirife–Benmergui, Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson, and extended Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson equations), and the extended Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson equation provided the best fit. The effects of formulation, compound ratio, particle size, degree of compaction, and storage RH on moisture sorption profiles were determined and varied for M1 and M2. The EC was 33:67 wt% citric acid:fructose for M1 and 16:84 wt% NaCl:sucrose for M2. Blending powders created sufficient particle intimacy to enable deliquescence lowering in both systems (the mutual deliquescence RH was 44.1% for M1 and 63.6% for M2), and the eutonic composition was the most susceptible to moisture-induced changes. The results of this study show that powder behavior in the presence of moisture can be largely predicted from equilibrium phase diagrams.
Patient-specific ventricular beat classification without patient-specific expert knowledge: A transfer learning approach

We present an adaptive binary classification algorithm, based on transductive transfer learning. We illustrate the method in the context of electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis. Knowledge gained from a population of patients is automatically adapted to patients' records to accurately detect ectopic beats. On patients from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database, we achieve a median sensitivity of 94.59% and positive predictive value of 96.24%, for the binary classification task of separating premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), a type of ectopic beat, from non-PVCs.
Cement viscosity affects the bone-cement interface in total hip arthroplasty.

Quantitative information regarding the interface strength and degree of cement penetration associated with cement viscosity during total hip arthroplasty is limited. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the viscosity of bone cement at the time of implantation on the mechanical integrity of total hip arthroplasty. Cement that was injected at an early, less viscous stage produced greater failure strength in a push-out test than its more viscous counterpart.
Rapid response microsensor for hydrogen detection using nanostructured palladium films

Abstract Most palladium thin film based hydrogen gas sensors have response and recovery times that are too long to make them useful in vehicular and stationary gas leak detection applications. In contrast, a nanostructured palladium thin film based microcantilever (MC) hydrogen gas microsensor is reported herein with near ideal response characteristics for use in these hydrogen economy related applications. Specifically, a 3 s response time and a 10 s recovery time have been measured for these sensors in contrast to previous sensor response measurements of several to tens of minutes using Pd thin film and MC based sensing techniques. The much reduced response time observed in the present study are attributed to a galvanic displacement technique and a gas conditioning protocol that produces a nanostructured, porous film that rapidly adsorbs and desorbs H 2 , allowing rapid equilibration with the H 2 concentration in the surrounding air. The galvanic displacement process and gas phase conditioning offer a novel approach at creating structured surfaces that have not been reported for MC devices. Additionally, these sensors have very low H 2 detection thresholds, wide dynamic range and very good selectivity relative to common interferents.
The asymptotic efficiency of the spatial median for elliptically symmetric distributions

A detailed study of the asymptotic efficiency of the spatial median under elliptically symmetric distributions is presented. In particular, it is shown that its asymptotic relative efficiency with respect to an affinely equivariant version of the spatial median does not exceed one, and consequently the spatial median is asymptotically inadmissible at elliptical distributions. The degree of the inefficiency of the spatial median depends on the true underlying scatter matrix parameter, with its inefficiency being quite severe, but not always severe, when the scatter matrix is far from being proportional to the identity. Finally, a simulation study is presented for the finite sample relative efficiency of the spatial median. This simulation study reveals some curious oscillating patterns in the efficiencies as the sample size increases.
Generality of Disfluency Data Collected from Preschoolers

Tape-recorded speech samples were collected from 10 four-year-old boys, both in their preschool classroom and in a structured interview on each of three days spaced one week apart. The frequency and duration of disfluency were computed for each sample. While the distribution of disfluency types and duration (extent) of disfluency were comparable in the two situations, considerably more disfluency was observed in the structured interview. The magnitude of the systematic situational difference in disfluency frequency suggests that it is risky to assume that a sample of disfluency elicited in a structured interview is representative of the behavior in other, more natural situations.
Reprogramming of EBV-immortalized B-lymphocyte cell lines into induced pluripotent stem cells

EBV-immortalized B lymphocyte cell lines have been widely banked for studying a variety of diseases, including rare genetic disorders. These cell lines represent an important resource for disease modeling with the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. Here we report the generation of iPSCs from EBV-immortalized B-cell lines derived from multiple inherited disease patients via a nonviral method. The reprogramming method for the EBV cell lines involves a distinct protocol compared with that of patient fibroblasts. The B-cell line–derived iPSCs expressed pluripotency markers, retained the inherited mutation and the parental V(D)J rearrangement profile, and differentiated into all 3 germ layer cell types. There was no integration of the reprogramming-related transgenes or the EBV-associated genes in these iPSCs. The ability to reprogram the widely banked patient B-cell lines will offer an unprecedented opportunity to generate human disease models and provide novel drug therapies.
An improved gas--liquid chromatographic procedure for the determination of 3-methylindole in rumen liquor, plasma, and tissue of ruminants.

The procedure for extraction and recovery of 3-methylindole (3MI) from tissue, along with an improved rapid gas—liquid chromatographic method for 3MI analysis, is described. Indole and the methyl ester derivative of indoleacetic acid can also be determined by the same method. The results of this study confirm that recovery of 3MI is adversely affected by evaporating the extract to dryness. The mean recoveries of 3MI from plasma, rumen liquor, liver, and kidney were 98.5, 102.8, 99.6 and 98.1%, respectively, in samples which were not evaporated to dryness. In plasma and lung sample extracts evaporated to dryness the mean recoveries of 3MI were decreased to 83.4% for each. Resolution of 3MI was excellent and the limit of detection for 3MI was approximately 1 ng.
Magnetic characteristics of the aluminum-rich ternary laves phases containing rare earths, nickel and aluminum

Abstract Weiss constants, Curie temperatures, saturation moments and paramagnetic moments are reported for the four ternary systems RAl2 − xNix with R = Gd, Tb, HoandEr. The measurements apply to the primary solid solution phase (C15 structure) based on RA12. For TbAl2 − xNix, the magnetic properties decrease monotonically with increasing x. When R = Gd, HoorEr with increasing x the magnetic properties pass through a maximum at about x = 0.1. The results are discussed in terms of the RKKY interaction. Results for the Gd-, Ho- and Er- containing ternaries suggest KF ≈ 1.4 × 108 cm−1 whereas KF ≈ 1.3 × 108 cm−1 is required to account for the behavior of the TbAl2 based ternaries.
Current child health challenges and opportunities in the United States

Summary This past century has seen a 15-fold decrease in child mortality and a 56% increase in life expectancy in the United States of America. A shift has occurred in morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases to that from unintentional injuries. New morbidities such as obesity, atopic disease and mental health dominate public health discussion. This article reviews factors contributing to these shifts: (1) new patterns in sociodemographic trends for children and families; (2) paradigm shifts in the financing and delivery of child health services; (3) new morbidity and mortality from changing disease patterns; (4) challenges and promise of genetic therapy and (5) E-health. In addition, we speculate on future directions in US child health and the new role of paediatricians in this century.
Seismic velocity constraints on the material properties that control earthquake behavior at the Quebrada-Discovery-Gofar transform faults, East Pacific Rise

[1] Mid-ocean ridge transform faults (RTFs) vary strongly along strike in their ability to generate large earthquakes. This general observation suggests that local variations in material properties along RTFs exert a primary control on earthquake rupture dynamics. We explore these relationships by examining the seismic structure of two RTFs that have distinctly different seismic coupling. We determine the seismic velocity structure at the Gofar and Quebrada faults on the East Pacific Rise (EPR) using P wave traveltime tomography with data from two active-source wide-angle refraction lines crossing the faults. We image low-velocity zones (LVZs) at both faults, where P wave velocities are reduced by as much as 0.5–1.0 km/s (∼10–20%) within a several kilometer wide region. At the Gofar fault, the LVZ extends through the entire crust, into the seismogenic zone. We rule out widespread serpentinization as an explanation for the low velocities, owing to the lack of a corresponding signal in the locally measured gravity field. The reduced velocities can be explained if the plate boundary region is composed of fault material with enhanced fluid-filled porosity (1.5–8%). Local seismic observations indicate that the high-porosity region lies within a ∼10 km long portion of the fault that fails in large swarms of microearthquakes and acts as a barrier to the propagation of large (M ∼ 6.0) earthquakes. Tomographic images of fault structure combined with observed earthquake behavior suggest that EPR transform segments capable of generating large earthquakes have relatively intact gabbro within the seismogenic zone, whereas segments that slip aseismically or via earthquake swarms are composed of highly fractured, ≥2 km wide damage zones that extend throughout the crust.
How informative are parent reports of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms for assessing outcome in clinical trials of long-acting treatments? A pooled analysis of parents' and teachers' reports.

Objective. The validity of parent reports of children’s attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms has been questioned, especially in clinical trials. Some advocate the exclusive use of teacher reports, maintaining that parent reports are not sensitive to changes in ADHD symptoms. This study compares the ability of parent and teacher reports to document change during clinical trials of long-acting treatments. Methods. We conducted a literature search of Medline to identify any published clinical trials in pediatric ADHD that met the following criteria: 1) used a randomized design, 2) examined the efficacy of long-acting agents or standard formulations using 3-times-a-day dosing, and 3) used both parent and teacher reports of the same measure of ADHD symptoms as a study outcome. For each measurement of ADHD symptoms, we calculated effect sizes for parent and teacher reports. Results. Three large, randomized, controlled clinical trials were identified ( N = 1445 subjects). For every outcome for which teacher reports documented significant improvement, parent reports did also. Pooled analysis revealed a larger effect captured by the parent report relative to the teacher report. Conclusion. Results suggest that parent reports are at least as sensitive to detecting change in ADHD symptoms as teacher reports in clinical trials that assess the efficacy of long-acting agents. These results suggest that parent reports are informative for detecting change during treatment of children with ADHD.
Amplatzer occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections.

Background: Children with complex congenital heart disease often require staged palliation to regulate systemic and pulmonary blood flow. Accessory sources of pulmonary blood flow including aortopulmonary collaterals, aortopulmonary shunts, and ventriculopulmonary connections following Glenn or Fontan palliation can be associated with elevated central venous pressures and persistent pleural drainage. Occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in this setting has traditionally been accomplished surgically. Objective: To review the efficacy of Amplatzer devices in transcatheter occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in children with complex congenital heart disease. Methods: Patients were identified and their records retrospectively reviewed for indication, procedural details, and clinical efficacy and outcome. Results: Between December 2004 and March 2008, seven patients underwent occlusion of accessory ventriculopulmonary connections using an Amplatzer Septal Occluder (3), an Amplatzer Duct Occluder (3), or an Amplatzer Vascular Plug (1). Underlying single ventricle physiology was present in six of these patients. The site of occlusion was the right ventricle to pulmonary artery (Sano) conduit in two patients, the native main pulmonary artery in three patients, the pulmonary valve in one patient, and a left ventricle to pulmonary artery homograft in one patient with biventricular physiology. There were no complications associated with these procedures. Conclusions: Amplatzer occlusion devices provide a safe and effective means of eliminating accessory ventriculopulmonary connections in children who have undergone surgical palliation of congenital heart disease. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electrochemical de-intercalation, oxygen non-stoichiometry, and crystal growth of NaxCoO2−δ

Abstract We report a detailed study of de-intercalation of Na from the compound NaxCoO2−δ using an electrochemical technique. We find evidence for stable phases with Na contents near the fractions x ≃ 1 / 3 , 1/2, 5/8, 2/3, and 3/4. Details regarding the floating-zone crystal growth of Na0.75CoO2 single crystals are discussed as well as results from magnetic susceptibility measurements. We observe the presence of significant oxygen deficiencies in powder samples of Na0.75CoO2−δ prepared in air, but not in single crystal samples prepared in an oxygen atmosphere. The oxygen deficiencies in a Na0.75CoO2−δ sample with δ∼0.08 remain even after electrochemically de-intercalating to Na0.3CoO2−δ.
Clinical Grade “SNaPshot” Genetic Mutation Profiling in Multiple Myeloma

Whole genome sequencing studies have identified several oncogenic mutations in multiple myeloma (MM). As MM progresses, it evolves genetically underscoring the need to have tools for rapid detection of targetable mutations to optimize individualized treatment. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has developed a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-approved, high-throughput, genotyping platform to determine the mutation status of a panel of known oncogenes. Sequence analysis using SNaPshot on DNA extracted from bone marrow and extramedullary plasmacytomas is feasible and leads to the detection of potentially druggable mutations. Screening MM patients for somatic mutations in oncogenes may provide novel targets leading to additional therapies for this patient population.
Calbindin D28k, parvalbumin, and calretinin immunoreactivity in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs of the gray short-tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica.

The vertebrate main and accessory olfactory bulbs (MOB and AOB) are the first synaptic sites in the olfactory pathways. The MOB is a cortical structure phylogenetically well conserved in its laminar structure and overall synaptic organization, while the AOB has significant species variation in size. In order to better understand signal processing in the two olfactory systems and the species differences, immunocytochemical staining and analysis were done of the neuronal expression patterns of the calcium-binding proteins calbindin D28k (CB), parvalbumin (PV), and calretinin (CR) in the MOB and AOB in a marsupial species, the gray short-tailed opossum, Monodelphis domestica. In the MOB, antibody to CB labeled periglomerular cells, superficial short axon cells / Van Gehuchten cells; antibody to PV labeled Van Gehuchten cells; and antibody to CR immunostained periglomerular cells, superficial short axon cells / Van Gehuchten cells, and granule cells. In the AOB, CB immunoreactivity was detected in periglomerular cells and a subpopulation of granule cells; antibody to PV labeled the superficial short axon cells / Van Gehuchten cells and granule cells; and antibody to CR labeled a small number of periglomerular cells, superficial short axon cells / Van Gehuchten cells, and granule cells. These results showed that the patterns of CB, PV, and CR expression differ in the opossum main and accessory olfactory bulbs and differ from that in other animal species. These varying patterns of neuronal immunostaining may be related to the different functions of the main and accessory olfactory bulbs and to the differing signal processing features. J. Morphol. 259:271–280, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modified maxillary submucosal vestibuloplasty

Abstract The literature during the past few decades is replete with methods to improve denture retention and stability. The maxillary submucosal vestibuloplasty is a relatively simple, yet effective method of increasing the functional alveolar ridge with a minimum of post-operative morbidity. This article presents a modification of the maxillary submucosal vestibuloplasty originally described by O bwegesser 3 . The procedure is indicated for edentulous patients who experience unsatisfactory denture retention and stability due to muscle and mucosal attachments located near the maxillary alveolar crest, have adequate bone height, and healthy vestibular mucosa. The modifications presented herein provide improved surgical exposure, improved vestibular depth, and a comfortable, hygienic and esthetic removable interim prosthesis.
Multiple-access performance of slightly frequency-shifted reference UWB communications

Transmitted reference (TR) ultra-wideband (UWB) systems have been proposed to alleviate the implementation issues of UWB Rake receivers due to channel estimation and the need for a large number of Rake fingers. However, the wideband analog delay line used in TR receivers is difficult to implement in practice as well. A slightly frequency-shifted reference (FSR) UWB system has been introduced to retain the benefits of TR UWB systems while avoiding the analog delay line of TR systems. The single-link performance of FSR systems has been investigated in the literature. In this paper, the multiple-access (MA) performance of FSR UWB systems is derived under both AWGN and multipath channel conditions. The power delay profile (PDP) of the multipath channel is incorporated in the analysis of the MA interference power. A theoretical comparison between FSR and TR UWB systems in a multiuser environment is given. We show that FSR UWB systems support fewer users than TR UWB systems given the same data rate and Eb/N0.
Procedural C++ That Extends Pascal

Equipped with the C++ subset that covers Pascal, one can write any program in C++ that could have been written in Pascal. Reading code that others have written, however, leads to a discovery of additional operators, the use of dynamic allocation to enable the definition of nonlocal variables (i.e., nonlinked storage with a lifetime exceeding that of the function), and new capabilities of functions beyond those in Pascal. These are the topics discussed in Sections 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3, respectively. The purpose of this chapter is not to provide an exhaustive survey of the entire nonobject part of C++ (which includes C). The aim is to highlight those useful language structures that are characteristic of C++ that lack direct analogues in Pascal.
Tests of second-generation and third-generation density functionals for thermochemical kinetics

We report tests of second- and third-generation density functionals, for pure density functional theory (DFT) and hybrid DFT, against the BH6 representative barrier height database and the AE6 representative atomization energy database, with augmented, polarized double and triple zeta basis sets. The pure DFT methods tested are G96LYP, BB95, PBE, mPWPW91, VSXC, HCTH, OLYP, and OPW91 and the hybrid DFT methods tested are B1B95, PBE0, mPW1PW91, B97-1, B98, MPW1K, B97-2, and O3LYP. The performance of these methods is tested against each other as well as against first-generation methods (BP86, BLYP, PW91, B3PW91, and B3LYP). We conclude that the overall performance of the second-generation DFT methods is considerably better than the first-generation methods. The MPW1K method is very good for barrier height calculations, and none of the pure DFT methods outperforms any of the hybrid DFT methods for kinetics. The B1B95, VSXC, B98, OLYP and O3LYP methods perform best for atomization energies. Using a mean mean unsigned error criterion (MMUE) that involves two sizes of basis sets (both with polarization and diffuse functions) and averages mean unsigned errors in barrier heights and in atomization energy per bond, we find that VSXC has the best performance among pure functionals, and B97-2, MPW1K, and B1B95 have the best performance of all hybrid functionals tested.
Addressing, routing, and broadcasting in hexagonal mesh multiprocessors

A family of six-regular graphs, called hexagonal meshes or H-meshes, is considered as a multiprocessor interconnection network. Processing nodes on the periphery of an H-mesh are first wrapped around to achieve regularity and homogeneity. The diameter of a wrapped H-mesh is shown to be of O(p/sup 1/2/), where p is the number of nodes in the H-mesh. An elegant, distributed routing scheme is developed for wrapped H-meshes so that each node in an H-mesh can compute shortest paths from itself to any other node with a straightforward algorithm of O(1) using the addresses of the source-destination pair only, i.e. independent of the network's size. This is in sharp contrast with those previously known algorithms that rely on using routing tables. Furthermore, the authors also develop an efficient point-to-point broadcasting algorithm for the H-meshes which is proved to be optimal in the number of required communication steps. The wrapped H-meshes are compared against some other existing multiprocessor interconnection networks, such as hypercubes, trees, and square meshes. The comparison reinforces the attractiveness of the H-mesh architecture. >
RAPID DEGENERATION OF AMPULLARY ELECTRORECEPTOR ORGANS AFTER DENERVATION

Electroreceptors (ampullary organs) of the transparent catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhus) lie in the epidermis, and contain spherical receptor cells that receive purely afferent innervation from the lateral line nerve. Section of this nerve causes rapid degenerative changes to occur in the receptors. Fine structural alterations occur in the receptor cell synapses and nerve fiber 6–12 h postoperatively. Disruption of the receptor cells begins by 18 h and most are lost by 48 h. By 72 h supporting cells and secretory cells also show marked degeneration, and by 96 h they may be totally lost. The rapid degeneration of the electroreceptor organs of Kryptopterus should make them a useful preparation for analysis of neurotrophic functions.
Herbivory by an invasive snail increases nitrogen fixation in a nitrogen-limited stream.

Despite anthropogenic nitrogen contributions, nitrogen fixation contributes half of biosphere inputs but has rarely been quantified in streams. Herbivory controls algal biomass and productivity in ...
Towards a Complete Theory of K Electron Ejection During β Decay: An Examination of the Direct Collision Mechanism

It has been long known that nuclear 3 decay is sometimes accompanied by the ionization of a member of the electron cortege of the daughter atom. This process, known as internal ionization during 3 decay, was first studied by Feinberg1 and Migdal2 almost forty years ago. In their pioneering work, the two principal mechanisms by which this process can occur, known as shake-off (SO) and direct collision (DC), were first identified. Also, it was concluded, on the basis of various estimates, that the dominant contribution to the internal ionization probability is, under most circumstances, from SO, with DC contributing a small correction at most. Consequently, the focus of subsequent theoretical work has been the SO process, with detailed calculations usually restricted to the determination of PK(SO), the total K-shell internal ionization probability per β decay due to SO alone. The DC contribution has either been totally ignored or compensated for through the use of Born approximation-like results or simple ad hoc prescriptions based on Feinberg’s estimates.
On the Strong Semantical Completeness of the Intuitionistic Predicate Calculus

In Kripke [8] the first-order intuitionjstic predicate calculus (without identity) is proved semantically complete with respect to a certain model theory, in the sense that every formula of this calculus is shown to be provable if and only if it is valid. Metatheorems of this sort are frequently called weak completeness theorems—the object of the present paper is to extend Kripke's result to obtain a strong completeness theorem for the intuitionistic predicate calculus of first order; i.e., we will show that a formula A of this calculus can be deduced from a set Γ of formulas if and only if Γ implies A. In notes 3 and 5, below, we will indicate how to account for identity, as well. Our proof of the completeness theorem employs techniques adapted from Henkin [6], and makes no use of semantic tableaux; this proof will also yield a Lowenheim-Skolem theorem for the modeling.
Women’s primary health care and the search for quality

These remarks will address the subject of primary care for women and current efforts to improve the quality of that care. My perspective on this issue reflects the different aspects of my own work in women’s health, including primary care physician, medical group practice director, health services researcher, teacher of physicians, and patient educator. We will consider some of the current thinking on how to define and measure quality in women’s primary care, and the influence of health systems and technology in the quest for quality improvement.
Dark Cell Pathology in Meniere's Disease

The dark cells in the cristae of the semicircular canals were studied histopathologically in 9 temporal bones from individuals with Meniere's disease (MD group), 7 temporal bones with endolymphatic hydrops from individuals without a history of Meniere's disease (non-MD hydrops group), and 10 normal temporal bones (control group). The density of the dark cells was significantly lower in specimens in the MD group versus the non-MD hydrops group (Wilcoxon's ranking test, t = 90.5, p less than 0.01) and control group (Wilcoxon's ranking test, t = 50.0, p less than 0.01), and many of the dark cells were found to be abnormal in the specimens from the MD group. The difference in dark cell density between the non-MD hydrops group and control group, however, was not significant (Wilcoxon's ranking test, t = 75.0), and few cells in these groups were abnormal. It is speculated that the differences in density and the abnormalities in dark cell morphology might be either factors in the etiology of endolymphatic hydrops or results of Meniere's disease. Other, unknown, factors must be postulated to produce endolymphatic hydrops in ears with hydrops but without MD.
NEITHER EQUAL NOR JUST: THE RATIONING AND DENIAL OF LEGAL SERVICES TO THE POOR WHEN LIFE AND LIBERTY ARE AT STAKE

The ration of legal services for the poor person accused of a crime has been remarkably thin in most of the United States. Despite the constitutional right to counsel established over thirty-five years ago in Gideon v. Wainwright, many states have yet to provide capable lawyers to represent the accused, and the resources necessary to conduct investigations and present a defense. A poor person may be without counsel when bail is set or denied, and during critical times for pretrial investigation. He or she may receive only perfunctory representation--sometimes nothing more than hurried conversations with a court-appointed lawyer outside the courtroom or even in open court--before entering a guilty plea or going to trial. The poor person who is wrongfully convicted may face years in prison, or even execution, without any legal assistance to pursue avenues of post-conviction review. While in prison, he or she may endure practices and conditions which violate the Constitution, but have no access to a lawyer to seek remedies for those violations.In contrast, the person with adequate resources may secure a lawyer who will make a case for and perhaps obtain release on bail, work closely with the client in conducting an immediate and thorough investigation, present a vigorous defense at trial, pursue all available avenues of post-conviction relief, and challenge any constitutional violations that occur in prison. Attorney General Janet Reno recently observed that if justice is available only to those who can pay for a lawyer, "that's not justice, and that does not give people confidence in the justice system." Yet little is being done to remedy this denial of equal justice. Indeed, the situation is deteriorating in many parts of the country.This article examines the availability and quality of legal services for poor persons accused of crimes at each stage of the criminal justice process--from arrest through trial, appeal, and post-conviction proceedings--and for those convicted of crimes, who languish in prisons and jails in need of access to the courts for protection of their constitutional rights. It will discuss the indifference to injustice on the part of judges, lawyers, legislators, and a public that allows a country with over a million lawyers to leave many of those most in need of legal assistance without counsel at all, and too often with grossly inadequate counsel when any is provided. Finally, it discusses the need for law schools and the legal profession to respond to these grave deficiencies in the system of justice and see that we do not give up on the unfulfilled quest for equal justice.
RELATIONSHIP OF WHOLE BLOOD CLOTTING TIME TO PHYSIOLOGICAL VARIATIONS IN CIRCULATING SATURATED FREE FATTY ACIDS.

SummaryWhole blood clotting times without glass contact and saturated free fatty acid concentrations of serum were determined in 9 normal human subjects in the fasting state and 1 1/2 hours after ingestion of dextrose. The mean concentration of saturated free fatty acids after carbohydrate fell to one-half the fasting value. The mean whole blood clotting times did not change.
Context dependence of elk (Cervus elaphus) vigilance and wolf (Canis lupus) predation risk

To assess the relationship between predation risk perceived by elk (Cervus elaphus L., 1758) as evidenced by vigilance, we conducted focal animal observations in elk winter range. We stratified our observations in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA, and Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada, in valleys with three wolf (Canis lupus L., 1758) population levels (Saint Mary Valley: no wolf; Waterton Valley: moderate wolf; North Fork Valley: high wolf). Although the lowest elk vigilance occurred in Saint Mary and the highest in the North Fork, our analysis revealed a complex picture. Our model included distance to forest edge, group size, distance to road, social class, and impediments to detecting and escaping wolves. In Saint Mary, none of the variables were significant. In Waterton, vigilance decreased as elk group size increased (p < 0.00001) and increased as impedi- ments increased (p = 0.0005). In the North Fork, vigilance increased as group size increased (p = 0.03), bulls were more vigilant (p = 0.02), and the interaction between group size and impediments was significant (p = 0.03). Where a high wolf population existed, elk did not exhibit uniform or expected response to predation risk factors. High wolf presence may necessitate adaptive elk behaviour that differs from response to moderate wolf presence.
Sampling short lattice vectors and the closest lattice vector problem

We present a 2/sup O(n)/ time Turing reduction from the closest lattice vector problem to the shortest lattice vector problem. Our reduction assumes access to a subroutine that solves SVP exactly and a subroutine to sample short vectors from a lattice, and computes a (1+/spl epsi/)-approximation to CVP As a consequence, using the SVP algorithm from (Ajtai et al., 2001), we obtain a randomized 2[O(1+/spl epsi//sup -1/)n] algorithm to obtain a (1+/spl epsi/)-approximation for the closest lattice vector problem in n dimensions. This improves the existing time bound of O(n!) for CVP achieved by a deterministic algorithm in (Blomer, 2000).
ASSET PRICING AND INVESTOR RISK IN SUBORDINATED LOAN SECURITISATION

As a sign of ambivalence in the regulatory definition of capital adequacy for credit risk and the quest for more efficient refinancing sources collateral loan obligations (CLOs) have become a prominent securitisation mechanism. This paper presents a loss-based asset pricing model for the valuation of constituent tranches within a CLO-style security design. The model specifically examines how tranche subordination translates securitised credit risk into investment risk of issued tranches as beneficial interests on a designated loan pool typically underlying a CLO transaction. We obtain a tranchespecific term structure from an intensity-based simulation of defaults under both robust statistical analysis and extreme value theory (EVT). Loss sharing between issuers and investors according to a simplified subordination mechanism allows issuers to decompose securitised credit risk exposures into a collection of default sensitive debt securities with divergent risk profiles and expected investor returns. Our estimation results suggest a dichotomous effect of loss cascading, with the default term structure of the most junior tranche of CLO transactions (“first loss position”) being distinctly different from that of the remaining, more senior “investor tranches”. The first loss position carries large expected loss (with high investor return) and low leverage, whereas all other tranches mainly suffer from loss volatility (unexpected loss). These findings might explain why issuers retain the most junior tranche as credit enhancement to attenuate asymmetric information between issuers and investors. At the same time, the issuer discretion in the configuration of loss subordination within particular security design might give rise to implicit investment risk in senior tranches in the event of systemic shocks.
European clerical envoys to the Mongols: Reports of Western merchants in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, 1231–1255

The first intercultural and diplomatic contact between Christian Europe and Mongol Asia occurred within a few decades of the Mongol invasion of Central Europe in the 1240s. The primary purpose of the study is to locate and identify all references to merchants in the Latin sources written by the seven earliest Western envoys (sent between the 1230s and 1250s) while the Mongols were still steppe nomads. These diplomatic accounts reveal that the envoys seldom referred to members of the mobile merchant community, as they received most of their information from Western captives and craftsmen living among the Mongols. When merchants are mentioned, they are listed primarily as witnesses who could attest to the travels and veracity of the envoys' reports. While the diplomatic sources occasionally refer to European merchants in contact with their Russian, Byzantine, and Turkish counterparts, they contain little information on direct trade between Christian Europe and Mongol Asia. The Western envoys provided little...
INCREASING OFF-LABEL USE OF ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES, 1995-2008

Objective To evaluate patterns of antipsychotic use. Design, setting, and measurements We used nationally representative data from the IMS Health National Disease and Therapeutic Index to describe outpatient antipsychotic use. The primary outcome was the volume of visits where antipsychotics were used for specific indications (treatment visits). We also quantified use without U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval (off-label use) and off-label use with compendium data suggesting an uncertain evidence base. Results Antipsychotic use increased from 6.2 million (M) treatment visits (95% CI, 5.4–7.0) in 1995 to 16.7 M visits (15.5–18.2) in 2006, then declined to 14.3 M visits (13.0–15.6) by 2008. A shift occurred from typical agents in 1995 (84% of all antipsychotic visits) to atypical agents by 2008 (93%). As they declined, typical medications shifted toward use in schizophrenia (30% in 1995 to 48% 2008). In contrast, use of atypical agents expanded for bipolar affective disorder (10 to 34%), remained stable for depression (12 to 14%), and declined for schizophrenia (56 to 23%). Overall, antipsychotic use for indications without FDA approval increased from 4.4 M visits in 1995 to 9.0 M in 2008. The estimated cost associated with off-label use in 2008 was US$6.0 billion. Conclusions Atypical use has grown far beyond substitution for the now infrequently used typical agents. Antipsychotics are increasingly used for conditions where FDA approval and associated clinical evidence is less certain. Despite the value of innovation, the benefits of widening atypical antipsychotic use should be weighed against their cost, regulatory status, and incomplete nature of available evidence. Copyright # 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Needed action in health literacy

Insights for action in the relatively new field of health literacy have been constrained by the emphasis on the literacy skills of the individuals. Early studies into the relationship between literacy and health outcomes were not appropriately balanced with examinations of individuals' skills and health system demands. Most studies focused on the measures of patients' reading skills without due attention to the health tasks undertaken, the health materials used, or the skills of providers with whom patients were interacting. Furthermore, public health is founded on the epidemiologic notion of the reciprocal relationship between individuals and environments. Early studies in health literacy did not attend to context-the physical and social environment of health-care settings. New initiatives in health literacy must bring attention to the demands and expectations of health systems and to the proficiencies of the various health professionals who prepare documents and information for the public and who interact with communities and patients.
Prolonged length of stay in ED psychiatric patients: a multivariable predictive model.

Abstract Background We aimed to evaluate factors associated with prolonged emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) among psychiatric patients and to develop a multivariable predictive model to guide future interventions to reduce ED LOS. Methods Electronic health records of ED patients receiving a psychiatric consultation and providing research authorization were reviewed from September 14, 2010, through September 13, 2013, at an academic hospital with approximately 73000 visits annually. Prolonged LOS was defined as ≥8 hours. Results We identified 9247 visits among 6335 patients; median LOS was 4.1 hours, with 1424 visits (15%) with prolonged LOS. In the multivariable model, characteristics associated with an increased risk of a prolonged LOS included patient age 12 to 17 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.43; P P =.007); male gender (OR, 1.24; P =.002); Medicare insurance coverage (OR, 1.34; P =.008); use of restraints (OR, 2.25; P =.006); diagnoses of cognitive disorder (OR, 4.62; P P P P P P =.006), April (OR, 1.66; P =.002), and May (OR, 1.54; P =.007). Conclusions Many psychiatric patients had a prolonged ED LOS. Understanding the multiple, patient-specific, ED operational, and seasonal factors that predict an increased LOS will help guide allocation of resources to improve overall ED processes and patient care.