cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An XML Framework for Integrating Continuous Queries, Composite Event Detection, and Database Condition Monitoring for Multiple Data Streams

With advancements in technology over the last ten years, data management issues have evolved from a stored persistent form to also include streaming data generated from sensors and other software monitoring tools. Furthermore, distributed, event-based systems are becoming more prevalent, with a need to develop applications that can dynamically respond to information extracted from data streams. This research is investigating the integration of stream processing and event processing techniques, with expressive filtering capabilities that include queries over persistent databases to provide application context to the filtering process. Distributed Event Processing Agents (DEPAs) continuously filter events from multiple data streams of different formats that provide XML views. Composite events for data streams are expressed using the Composite Event Detection Language (CEDL) and mapped to Composite XQuery (CXQ) for implementation. CXQ is a language that extends XQuery with features from CEDL, including operators for expressing sequence, disjunction, conjunction, repetition, aggregation, and time windows for events. Continuous queries and composite event filters are integrated with techniques for materialized view maintenance and incremental evaluation in condition monitoring to provide efficient ways of enhancing stream filters with database queries. The filtering and event detection load is distributed among multiple DEPAs, with CXQ expressions decomposed to allocate subcomponents of the expression to DEPAs that efficiently communicate in the global detection of composite events. A unique aspect of our research is that it extends XQuery with temporal, composite event features to combine techniques for continuous queries in stream processing, incremental evaluation in condition monitoring, and detection and filtering of composite events, creating an expressive environment for the extraction of meaningful events from multiple data streams with XML views.
Wide-field optical property mapping and structured light imaging of the esophagus with spatial frequency domain imaging.

As the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma continues to rise, there is a need for improved imaging technologies with contrast to abnormal esophageal tissues. To inform the design of optical technologies that meet this need, we characterize the spatial distribution of the scattering and absorption properties from 471 to 851 nm of eight resected human esophagi tissues using Spatial Frequency Domain Imaging. Histopathology was used to categorize tissue types, including normal, inflammation, fibrotic, ulceration, Barrett's Esophagus and squamous cell carcinoma. Average absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of normal tissues were 0.211 ± 0.051 and 1.20 ± 0.18 mm-1 , respectively at 471 nm, and both values decreased monotonically with increasing wavelength. Fibrotic tissue exhibited at least 68% larger scattering signal across all wavelengths, while squamous cell carcinoma exhibited a 36% decrease in scattering at 471 nm. We additionally image the esophagus with high spatial frequencies up to 0.5 mm-1 and show strong reflectance contrast to tissue treated with radiation. Lastly, we observe that esophageal absorption and scattering values change by an average of 9.4% and 2.7% respectively over a 30 minute duration post-resection. These results may guide system design for the diagnosis, prevention and monitoring of esophageal pathologies.
Quality assurance of bioinformatics software: a case study of testing a biomedical text processing tool using metamorphic testing

Bioinformatics software plays a very important role in making critical decisions with in many areas including medicine and healthcare. However, most of the research is directed towards developing tools, and little time and effort is spent on testing the software to assure its quality. In testing, a test oracle is used to determine whether a test is passed or failed during testing, and unfortunately, for much of bioinformatics software, the exact expected outcomes are not well defined. Thus, the main challenge associated with conducting systematic testing on bioinformatics software is the oracle problem. Metamorphic testing (MT) is a technique used to test programs that face the oracle problem. MT uses metamorphic relations (MRs) to determine whether a test has passed or failed and specifies how the output should change according to a specific change made to the input. In this work, we use MT to test LingPipe, a tool for processing text using computational linguistics, often used in bioinformatics for bio-entity recognition from biomedical literature. First, we identify a set of MRs for testing any bio-entity recognition program. Then we develop a set of test cases that can be used to test LingPipe's bio-entity recognition functionality using these MRs. To evaluate the effectiveness of this testing process, we automatically generate a set of faulty versions of LingPipe. According to our analysis of the experimental results, we observe that our MRs can detect the majority of these faulty versions, which shows the utility of this testing technique for quality assurance of bioinformatics software.
Promoting Inclusive Communities in Diverse Classrooms: Teacher Attunement and Social Dynamics Management

Classroom social integration with peers is vital to students’ school success, and all students can benefit from contact with peers who are different in various ways. Teachers are uniquely positione...
Impact of Mobility on Consensus Building in the Leader-Follower Model

Enhancing the system connectivity in a mobile ad hoc network is a topic that warrants much more research. There are numerous ways to improve the connectivity of a network, but it is important to choose a solution that is optimal as well as cost- efficient. This paper presents a method to enhance connectivity in an aerial network and achieve consensus at a faster rate. Considering a leader- follower structure, it is shown that the rate of node interaction is increased by empowering the leaders with mobility. This not only enhances the system connectivity but also reduces the number of transitions required to reach consensus. As a result, the information propagates in the network at a faster rate. Mobile ad hoc networks are not widely implemented in the real world, even after years of research carried out in this field. Mobility increases the complexity of a network and impacts its performance negatively. Addressing this gap in the literature, this research concentrates on the significance of leaders with random movement in a leader-follower structure with isolated static and mobile nodes. The core of this research is to facilitate leader nodes with different random mobility models and inspecting the behavior of the network in achieving consensus. Three mobility models are considered for this research: Random Walk, Random Waypoint, and Random Direction. The leader-follower model is studied in these models and the impact of their respective mobility patterns is compared and analyzed. These random mobility models are simulated in an open Java software called Bonn- Motion, and the movement data acquired from the simulations are analyzed in MATLAB. Furthermore, these models are compared with respect to the number of transitions for each model. All three models have been simulated with the same parameters and constraints. The results presented in this paper give insight into how mobility improves connectivity of a sensor network under the leader-follower model with mobile leaders.
Bonding Interactions in Uranyl α-Diimine Complexes: A Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Study of the Impacts of Ligand Electronics and Extended Conjugation

Uranyl complexes of aryl-substituted α-diimine ligands gbha (UO2-1a-f) and phen-BIAN (UO2-2a-f) [gbha (1) = glyoxal bis(2-hydroxyanil); phen-BIAN (2) = N,N'-bis(iminophenol)acenaphthene; R = OMe (a), t-bu (b), H (c), Me (d), F (e), and naphthyl (f)] were designed, prepared, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, NMR, UV-vis, and electrochemical methods. These ligand frameworks contain a salen-type O-N-N-O binding pocket but are redox-noninnocent, leading to unusual metal complex behaviors. Here, we describe three solid-state structures of uranyl complexes UO2-1b, UO2-1c, and UO2-1f and observe manifestations of ligand noninnocence for the U(VI) complexes UO2-1b and UO2-1c. The impacts of accessible π-systems and ligand substitution on the axial uranium-oxo interactions were evaluated spectroscopically via the intraligand charge-transfer (ILCT) processes that dominate the absorption spectra of these complexes and through changes to the asymmetric (ν3) O═U═O stretching frequency. This, in combination with electrochemical data, reveals the effects of the inclusion of the conjugated acenaphthene backbone and the importance of ligand electronic structure on uranyl's bonding interactions.
Predictors of Success in Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty

Purpose Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a common procedure to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. However, reports are conflicting regarding what factors contribute to SLT success. The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of SLT success. Design Retrospective case series. Participants All patients treated with SLT between January 1, 2012, and June 30, 2018. Methods Baseline, demographic, procedural, and ophthalmic examination data were recorded at the time of first SLT treatment. Intraocular pressure and medication data were recorded at all follow-up visits. Main Outcome Measures Selective laser trabeculoplasty success was defined as IOP decrease of 20% or more from baseline at the 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits. Eyes were considered to have failed and were censored when additional SLT or glaucoma surgery was performed. Patients were excluded if they had less than 3 months of follow-up. Results A total of 997 eyes from 677 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 70.2±11.5 years. Selective laser trabeculoplasty success was achieved in 227 eyes (22.8%), whereas 770 eyes (77.2%) did not meet success criteria. Intraocular pressure before SLT was 21.9±5.2 mmHg while taking 2.0±1.2 medications in eyes with successful SLT, compared with 19.0±5.0 mmHg (P Conclusions In this large cohort of eyes undergoing SLT, greater IOP and angle pigment before SLT correlated positively with SLT success. Age, total SLT power, severity of glaucoma, and prior treatments were not associated with SLT success or failure.
Moving past antioxidant supplementation for the dietary treatment of multiple sclerosis

Current research has demonstrated the definitive presence of oxidative stress in multiple sclerosis (MS). This finding has led to clinical trial research which has indicated that specific antioxidants have the ability to effectively reduce markers of oxidative stress. However, few interventions testing antioxidant supplements have shown efficacy for reducing the symptom burden in the disorder. This paper quickly reviews what is currently known about oxidative stress and antioxidants in MS, explains which nutrients are critical for the creation and maintenance of the myelin sheath, describes potential negative effectors in the diet which may be contributing to oxidative stress, and how these aspects of diet, combined with current knowledge on antioxidants, may be able to be combined into a whole food dietary intervention which can be tested for efficacy in MS.
Priced on the note: the case of Japanese IPOs

This article examines the pricing of Japanese IPOs: 54.26% are priced in 1,000 Japanese yen increments (The Japanese yen (JPY) has denominations of banknotes and coins. Banknotes are in 1,000, 2,00...
Linking Mosquito Ecology, Traits, Behavior, and Disease Transmission

Mosquitoes are considered to be the deadliest animals on Earth because the diseases they transmit claim at least a million human lives every year globally. Here, we discuss the scales at which the effects of ecological factors cascade to influence epidemiologically relevant behaviors of adult mosquitoes. In particular, we focused our review on the environmental conditions (coarse-scale variables) that shape the life-history traits of larvae and adult mosquitoes (fine-scale traits), and how these factors and their association, in turn, modulate adult behaviors to influence mosquito-borne disease transmission. Finally, we explore the integration of physical, physiological, and behavioral information into predictive models with epidemiological applications.
Interoperable RNA-Seq analysis in the cloud.

Abstract RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) is currently the leading technology for genome-wide transcript quantification. Mapping the raw reads to transcript and gene level counts can be achieved by different aligners. Here we report an in-depth comparison of transcript quantification methods. Our goal is the specific use of cost-efficient RNA-Seq analysis for deployment in a cloud infrastructure composed of interacting microservices. The individual modules cover file transfer into the cloud and APIs to handle the cloud alignment jobs. We next demonstrate how newly generated RNA-Seq data can be placed in the context of thousands of previously published datasets in near real time. With in-depth benchmarks, we identify suitable gene count quantification methods to facilitate cost-effective, accurate, and cloud-based RNA-Seq analysis service. Pseudo-alignment algorithms such as kallisto and Salmon combine high read quality estimation with cost efficient runtime performance. HISAT2 is the fastest of the classical aligners with good alignment quality. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Transcriptional Profiles and Regulatory Gene Networks edited by Dr. Federico Manuel Giorgi and Dr. Shaun Mahony.
The Impacts of International Rape Laws Upon Official Rape Rates.

Relying on the official rape rates, previous cross-national researchers found a significant and positive relationship between gender equality and the rates of reported rapes, and they used such fin...
A pairwise meta-analytic comparison of aortic valve area determined by planimetric versus hemodynamic methods in aortic stenosis.

Abstract Background Aortic valve area (AVA) is commonly determined from 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE) by the continuity equation; however, this method relies on geometric assumptions of the left ventricular outflow tract which may not hold true. This study compared mean differences and correlations for AVA by planimetric (2-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography [2D TEE], 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography [3D TEE], 3-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography [3D TTE], multi-detector computed tomography [MDCT], and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) with hemodynamic methods (2D TTE and catheterization) using pairwise meta-analysis. Method Ovid MEDLINE®, Ovid EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library (Wiley) were queried for studies comparing AVA measurements assessed by planimetric and hemodynamic techniques. Pairwise meta-analysis for mean differences (using random effect model) and for correlation coefficients (r) were performed. Results Forty-five studies (3014 patients) were included. Mean differences between planimetric and hemodynamic techniques were 0.12 cm2 (95%CI 0.10–0.15) for AVA (pooled r = 0.84; 95%CI 0.76–0.90); 1.36cm2 (95%CI 1.03–1.69) for left ventricular outflow tract area; and 0.13 cm (95%CI 0.07–0.20) for annular diameter (pooled r = 0.76; 95% CI 0.64–0.94); 0.67 cm2 (95%CI 0.59–0.76) for annular area (pooled r = 0.74; 95%CI 0.55–0.86). Conclusions Planimetric techniques slightly, but significantly, overestimate AVA when compared to hemodynamic techniques.
Hunting Sybils in Participatory Mobile Consensus-Based Networks

We focus on detecting adversarial non-existent nodes, Sybils, in anonymized participatory mobile networks where nodes support both a node-to-server and peer-to-peer connection capabilities. As data-driven decisions within such networks typically rely on local consensuses, they are susceptible to adversarial injection attacks which impersonate honest nodes and overpower local data through forgery. First, we propose a scheme wherein nodes validate each other's presence through local peer-to-peer communication. We then observe a fundamental information asymmetry between Sybils and honest nodes, and argue that conventional Sybil detection techniques fail to exploit it. Thereupon, we propose a novel Sybil detection technique tailored to utilizing claimed location data, introduce a probabilistic framework for the problem, and design the statistical approach for finding Sybils. Finally, we compare our detection algorithm with existing methods through complex simulated Sybil scenarios.
A Spectroscopic Analysis of the Eclipsing Short-Period Binary V505 Persei and the Origin of the Lithium Dip

As a test of rotationally-induced mixing causing the well-known Li dip in older mid-F dwarfs in the local Galactic disk, we utilize high-resolution and -signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) Keck/HIRES spectroscopy to measure the Li abundance in the components of the ~1 Gyr, [Fe/H] = -0.15 eclipsing short-period binary V505 Per. We find A(Li) ~ 2.7 ± 0.1 and 2.4 ± 0.2 in the Teff ~ 6500 and 6450 K primary and secondary components, respectively. Previous Teff determinations and uncertainties suggest that each component is located in the midst of the Li dip. If so, their A(Li) are ≥2-5 times larger than A(Li) detections and upper limits observed in the similar metallicity and intermediate-age open clusters NGC 752 and 3680, as well as the more metal-rich and younger Hyades and Praesepe. These differences are even larger if the consistent estimates of the scaling of initial Li with metallicity inferred from nearby disk stars, open clusters, and recent Galactic chemical evolution models are correct. Our results suggest, independently of complementary evidence based on Li/Be ratios, Be/B ratios, and Li in subgiants evolving out of the Li dip, that main-sequence angular momentum evolution is the origin of the Li dip. Specifically, our stars' A(Li) indicates that tidal synchronization can be sufficiently efficient and occur early enough in short-period binary mid-F stars to reduce the effects of rotationally-induced mixing and destruction of Li occurring during the main-sequence in otherwise similar stars that are not short-period tidally-locked binaries.
Longing for the Road Not Taken: The Affective and Behavioral Consequences of Forgone Identity Dwelling

The literature on identity construction argues that employees work to create coherent and distinctive identities that encapsulate individual characteristics and professional and organizational memb...
Preoperative troponin levels and outcomes of coronary surgery following myocardial infarction.

Background This study evaluates the impact of peak preoperative troponin level on outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Methods This was a retrospective review of patients undergoing isolated CABG from 2011 to 2018 with the presentation of NSTEMI. Patients were stratified into low- and high-risk groups based on median preoperative peak troponin (1.95 ng/dl). Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and mortality were compared. Multivariable analysis was performed to model risk factors for MACCE and mortality. Results This study included 1211 patients, 607 low-risk (≤1.95 ng/dl) and 604 high-risk (>1.95 ng/dl). Patients were well-matched with respect to age and comorbidity. High-risk patients had lower median preoperative ejection fraction (46.5% [interquartile range {IQR}: 35.0%-55.0%] vs. 53.0% [IQR: 40.0%-58.0%]) and higher incidence of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (15.9% vs. 8.73%). Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were longer in the high-risk group, but increasing troponin level was not associated with prolonged intensive care or hospital length of stay (>4 and >14 days, respectively) after risk adjustment. Postoperative complications and 30-day, 1- and 5-year rates of both MACCE and survival were similar between groups. Peak troponin greater than 1.95 ng/dl was not associated with increased hazards for MACCE, mortality, or readmission in multivariable modeling. In subanalysis, neither increasing troponin as a continuous variable nor peak troponin greater than 10.00 ng/ml were associated with increased hazards for these outcomes. Conclusions Preoperative troponin levels do not appear to be predictive of short- or long-term outcomes following CABG, and clinical decisions regarding surgical revascularization should not be dictated by these measurements.
Limiting Television to Reduce Childhood Obesity: Cost-Effectiveness of Five Population Strategies

Objective: To quantify the potential population-wide costs, number of individuals reached, and impact on obesity of five effective interventions to reduce children's television viewing if implement...
Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Food Waste: Effect of Process Parameters on Product Yields and Chemistry

Increasing food waste generation (1.6 billion tons per year globally) due to urban and industrial development has prompted researchers to pursue alternative waste management methods. Energy valorization of food waste is a method that can reduce the environmental impacts of landfills and the global reliance on crude oil for liquid fuels. In this study, food waste was converted to bio-crude oil via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) in a batch reactor at moderate temperatures (240-295 °C), reaction times (0-60 min), and 15 wt.% solids loading. The maximum HTL bio-crude oil yield (27.5 wt.%), and energy recovery (49 %) were obtained at 240 °C and 30 min, while the highest bio-crude oil energy content (40.2 MJ/kg) was observed at 295 °C. The properties of the bio-crude oil were determined using thermogravimetric analysis, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection, CHNS elemental analysis, and ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectroscopy (FT-ICR MS). FT-ICR MS results indicated that the majority of the detected compounds in the bio-crude oil were oxygen-containing species. The O4 class was the most abundant class of heteroatom-containing compounds in all HTL bio-crude oil samples produced at 240 °C; the O2 class was the most abundant class obtained at 265°C and 295°C. The total FAME content of the bio-crude oil was 15-37 wt.%, of which the most abundant were palmitic acid (C16:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), stearic acid (C18:0), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:3N:3, C18:3N:6).
Histopathological Analysis of Adrenal Glands after Simian Varicella Virus Infection

Latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) has been detected in human adrenal glands, raising the possibility of virus-induced adrenal damage and dysfunction during primary infection or reactivation. Rare cases of bilateral adrenal hemorrhage and insufficiency associated with VZV reactivation have been reported. Since there is no animal model for VZV infection of adrenal glands, we obtained adrenal glands from two non-human primates (NHPs) that spontaneously developed varicella from primary simian varicella virus (SVV) infection, the NHP VZV homolog. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed SVV antigen and DNA in the adrenal medulla and cortex of both animals. Adrenal glands were observed to have Cowdry A inclusion bodies, cellular necrosis, multiple areas of hemorrhage, and varying amounts of polymorphonuclear cells. No specific association of SVV antigen with βIII-tubulin-positive nerve fibers was found. Overall, we found that SVV can productively infect NHP adrenal glands, and is associated with inflammation, hemorrhage, and cell death. These findings suggest that further studies are warranted to examine the contribution of VZV infection to human adrenal disease. This study also suggests that VZV infection may present itself as acute adrenal dysfunction with “long-hauler” symptoms of fatigue, weakness, myalgias/arthralgias, and hypotension.
Linear-time admission control for elastic scheduling

Prior algorithms that have been proposed for the uniprocessor implementation of systems of elastic tasks have computational complexity quadratic ( $$O(n^2)$$ ) in the number of tasks n, for both initialization and for admitting new tasks during run-time. We present a more efficient implementation in which initialization takes quasilinear ( $$O(n\log n)$$ ), and on-line admission control, linear (O(n)), time.
Ultrasonic Detection of Interstitial Aluminum in Silicon

In aluminum-doped float-zone silicon the primary defects produced by low-temperature electron irradiation are isolated vacancies and interstitial aluminum. Interstitial silicon, produced along with the vacancy in the initial damage event, is assumed to migrate even at 4.2 K under the influence of ionizing electron irradiation and to displace substitutional aluminum, knocking it into an interstitial position [1].
Combining Uni-Modal Classifiers to Improve Learning

One of the key ideas in both robotics and neuroscience (and emphasized in this volume) is that complex behaviour can arise from the interaction of many cooperating simple agents or modules. However, while intelligent behaviour is thought to be obtained from combining modules, it has been common practice to study the development of individual modules or systems in isolation. In this paper we argue that combining modules during learning can help solve the teaching signal dilemma and allow the system to learn without an external teaching signal.
Controlling production firing: the FCL language

While implementing a diagnostic expert system, FAITH, we have developed a new language, FCL, for controlling the firing of productions. FCL greatly simplifies the task of the user to direct this firing in a coherent and purposeful way without sacrificing some of the main advantages enjoyed by production systems. One of the interesting features of the language is the use of declarative forms to direct the firing of proper production sequences in a diagnostic expert system. Declarative forms which represent circuit diagrams and problem families control goal-directed processes like tracing through circuits and searching for symptoms to confirm or deny closely related problems. Because we have the FCL facility at our disposal, we have been able to incorporate a larger than usual number of diagnostic strategies in FAITH, with the assurance that they will be employed under the right circumstances.
Polarization-independent and contrast-ratio-enhancing module for all-optical wavelength shifting using SOAs

Summary form only given. In this paper, we demonstrate a polarization independent and contrast-ratio-enhancing wavelength shifting module, which consists of two polarization-dependent semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). With proper polarization alignment, we perform 1 Gbit/s wavelength upshifting over 19 nm and reduce the power penalty for the shifter module from 5 dB to 1.5 dB and polarization dependence from 3.5 dB to 0.5 dB in comparison to a wavelength shifter compost of a single SOA.
Between Foraging and Farming

Over the last decade, a number of surprising findings have been reported about the origins of agriculture in Mexico and the southwestern United States. In his Perspective, Smith discusses results reported in the same issue by Hard and Roney in which accelerator mass spectrometry was used to date maize plants from Cerro JuanaqueA±a, Chihuahua, Mexico. The results indicate the existence of a massive terraced village complex 3000 years before the present.
Metals and Alloys

The metal atoms are held together by the interactions of the valence electrons (outermost electrons) and the positive metallic ions. The electrons are free to move throughout the solid (sea of electrons) because the valence electrons are not bound between metal ions. Such an arrangement is called the metallic bond, to distinguish it from the covalent bond, in which electrons are shared between one another (Fig. 4–1).
Urban Population Trends in Kazakhstan during the 1990s

An American geographer specializing in population change and urbanization in the countries of the former USSR examines urban population change in Kazakhstan over the period 1989-1998. The focus is on trends in urbanization, urban population growth, and changes in the populations of individual urban centers, with discussion of the latter emphasizing locational patterns and economic functions of the centers. The analysis is based on materials from the 1989 USSR census, official 1995-1998 population estimates, and preliminary results from the 1999 Kazakhstan census, with extensive coverage devoted to the availability of information in a variety of Kazakh statistical sources and other publications. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O18, R12, R23. 3 figures, 4 tables, 69 references.
Hierarchy, information, and power: cities as corporate command and control centers. Special issue in honor of James O. Wheeler

This collection of papers was originally among several presented in the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers in New York honoring James O. Wheeler (1938–2010). Jim Wheeler...
Relationship of Pathogenicity to Tobacco Leaves and Toxicity to Chicks of Isolates of Alternaria longipes

One hundred thirty-seven single-conidium isolates of Alternaria longipes were tested for pathogenicity to tobacco leaves and for toxicity to 1-day-old chicks. Of 58 isolates pathogenic to tobacco, 43 (74.3%) had a significant effect on test chicks. Of 79 nonpathogenic isolates, 59 (74.7%) were nontoxic, 7 were toxic, and 13 were lethal. A relationship between pathogenicity and toxicity is suggested.
Lifelong Pathways to Longevity: Personality, Relationships, Flourishing, and Health

Building upon decades of research with the lifelong (nine-decade) Terman Life Cycle Study, we present a life pathway model for understanding human thriving that accounts for long-term individual difference in health and longevity, with a particular focus on child personality and adult social relationships. Developing data derived and supplemented from the Terman study (N = 570 males, 451 females), we employed regression and survival analyses to test models of childhood personality predicting adult psychosocial factors (subjective well-being, family relationships, community involvement, subjective achievement, hardships) and subsequent longevity. Child personality differentially related to midlife social relationships, well-being, and hardships. Conscientiousness and good social relationships predicted longer life, whereas subjective well-being was unrelated to mortality risk. Examining multiple life factors across long time periods uncovers important pathways through which personality relates to premature mortality or longevity. Typical stress-and-illness models are untenable and should be replaced with life span trajectory approaches.
Synthesis of Potent Cyclic Hexapeptide NK-1 Antagonists. Use of a Minilibrary in Transforming a Peptidal Somatostatin Receptor Ligand into an NK-1 Receptor Ligand via a Polyvalent Peptidomimetic

The endogenous peptides somatostatin (SRIF) and substance P comprise very different structures. Although both bind G-protein-coupled receptors, the SRIF receptors (SSTR 1−5) recognize SRIF and related peptides which retain its β-turn such as the potent cyclic hexapeptide SRIF agonist L-363,301 (6a), but not substance P. Conversely the NK-1 receptor binds substance P but not the above ligands. In contrast, the β-d-glucosides 1 and 2, designed to mimic the β-turn of 6a, bind both receptors. This observation led us to attempt the conversion of 6a into the first potent, selective cyclic hexapeptide ligand for the NK-1 receptor. To this end, we combined design with a minilibrary approach. The goal was accomplished with surprising ease, leading to the NK-1 receptor antagonist 9 (IC50 2.0 ± 0.4 nM). This demonstrates that peptidomimetics, incorporating in this case the promiscuous β-d-glucose scaffold, can provide valuable clues about receptor similarities not revealed by their endogenous ligands. In addition, t...
Treating the patient as a person

A PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS OF MEDICAL PRACTICE: TOWARD A PHILOSOPHY AND ETHIC OF THE HEALING PROFESSIONS. By Edmund D. Pellegrino and David C. Thomasma. New York: Oxford University Press, 1981; pp. xv + 342. $19.95. THE SILENT WORLD OF DOCTOR AND PATIENT. By Jay Katz. New York: The Free Press, 1984; pp. xxi + 263. $15.95. ROUTINE COMPLICATIONS: TROUBLES WITH TALK BETWEEN DOCTORS AND PATIENTS. By Candace West. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1984; pp. xiv + 199. $27.50. TALKING WITH PATIENTS, VOLUME 1: THE THEORY OF DOCTOR‐PATIENT COMMUNICATION. By Eric J. Cassell. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 1985; pp. xiii + 223. $9.95 paper. TALKING WITH PATIENTS, VOLUME 2: CLINICAL TECHNIQUE. By Eric J. Cassell. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 1985; pp. xii + 200. $9.95 paper.
The Need for Power Debugging in the Multi-Core Environment

Debugging an application for power has a wide array of benefits ranging from minimizing the thermal hotspots to reducing the likelihood of CPU malfunction. In this work, we justify the need for power debugging, and show that performance debugging of a parallel application does not automatically guarantee power balance across multiple cores. We perform experiments and show our results using two case study benchmarks, Volrend from Splash-2 and Bodytrack from Parsec-1.0.
Dynamic cell adhesion and viscoelastic signatures distinguish normal from malignant human mammary cells using quartz crystal microbalance.

Abstract During transformation of a normal cell to a cell capable of forming a cancerous growth, cellular morphology, the cytoskeleton, and focal contacts undergo significant changes. These changes should be capable of being characterized via real-time monitoring of the dynamic cell adhesion process and viscoelastic properties of cells. Here, we describe use of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to distinguish the dynamic cell adhesion signatures of human normal (HMEC) versus malignant (MCF-7) mammary epithelial cells. The significantly reduced QCM responses (changes in frequency [Δf] and motional resistance ΔR) of MCF-7 cells compared with those of HMECs mirror the cancer cells’ morphological features as observed via optical microscope. We analyzed the initial 2-h cell adhesion kinetics, suggesting cell–cell cooperativity for HMECs and no or weak cell–cell interactions for MCF-7 cells. We propose that changes of the ΔR/Δf ratio, which we term the cell viscoelastic index (CVI), reflect the establishment of cytoskeleton structure and dynamic viscoelastic properties of living cells. The CVI decreases significantly on initiation of cell to surface interactions as cells establish their cytoskeletal structures. During the cell adhesion process, MCF-7 cells were consistently softer, exhibiting up to a 2.5-fold smaller CVI when compared with HMECs.
Renormalization of Derivative Coupling Theories

The method of functional integrals is applied to the problem of meson theories with derivative couplings. In the static limit, solutions in closed form can be exhibited. The infinities occurring in the theory are found to be removable in terms of Z_2 and mass renormalizations, contrary to the conclusions of perturbation analysis. The divergences occurring here have the form of essential singularities, in contradistinction to the branch-point behavior of the usual "renormalizable" theories. The lack of validity of the perturbation expansion is thereby accounted for. These techniques can be extended to treat the full recoil neutral ps(pv) problem omitting closed loops. The theory is represented in terms of an exponential coupling which permits a nonperturbation series solution for the various propagators. Two infinite renormalizations are again required. The resultant functions are given meaning by analytic continuation procedures which are adapted to the four-dimensional nature of the problem. The form of the effective coupling suggests a rearrangement of the answer in terms of exponentials of the meson propagator. As a result mass operator-like structures can be defined. These explicitly exhibit the transcendental nature of the coupling and generalized equivalence theorems with ps(ps) theory can be generated. In a similar fashion, effective interaction operators for the two-nucleon and meson-nucleon Green's functions are derived. The possible applicability of these quantities to questions of physical interest such as nuclear potentials and multiple meson production is briefly mentioned. In an appendix, a model of beta coupling is discussed in connection with the renormalization question there.
Factors influencing cross-national news treatment of a critical national event A comparative study of six countries' media coverage of the 1989 Chinese student demonstrations

This study is designed to assess four factors which may account for differences in the six countries/areas' media coverage of the 1989 Chinese student demonstrations.Four major findings emerge from...
QUAL: A microcomputer system for qualitative simulation

The field of qualitative simulation and reasoning is rapidly becoming a sought after means for modeling physical systems. However, much is yet to be explored within this field. The central feature of qualitative modeling is the use of qualitative variable descriptions and logic rules for manipulat ing variable values between systemic states. In this paper, the development and applica tion of a generic qualitative simulation environment named QUAL is provided. This environment assists the user in setting up a qualitative model, executing it, and forming a decision tree of the results. The use of qualitative reasoning in a microcom puter simulation context is presented and used to identify limitations of a purely qualitative modeling environment.
Drilling and Completion Technique Selection Methodology for Coalbed Methane Wells

Geographically, coal-bed methane exploration or development has occurred on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Worldwide, many different completion techniques have been utilized to develop coal-bed methane reservoirs. These techniques range from vertical well multi seam completions to multiple lateral wellbores drilled into a single coal seam. Stimulation techniques include open-hole under-ream, cavity creation, and hydraulic fracturing. A number of factors influence the selection of completion techniques including proximity to established oil and gas infrastructure, depth, number and thickness of coal seams, permeability, gas content, composition, and saturation, porosity, etc. The purpose of this paper is to survey the various techniques that have been utilized, to provide the rationale for utilization of each technique, to comment on the commercial success of the various techniques, and to propose a general selection criteria approach that may be useful in the selection of a drilling and completion technique.
On the displacement of leisure items by food during multiple-stimulus preference assessments.

Previous studies have demonstrated that when food and leisure stimuli are combined in multiple-stimulus preference assessments, individuals typically select food more often, although the leisure stimuli also have known reinforcing properties. The purpose of the current study was to replicate this effect and determine its durability by examining the effect after mealtimes. Four adults who had been diagnosed with severe mental retardation were given three initial multiple-stimulus (without replacement) preference assessments (i.e., food, leisure stimuli, and combined). All participants selected food items as the most preferred stimuli in the combined assessments. Combined assessments were then administered immediately before and after the evening meal for each participant for 1 week. The results showed similar data both before and after mealtimes.
Magnetic Resonance Enterography: The Test of Choice in Diagnosing Intestinal “Zebras”

Small bowel tumors and other rare intestinal disorders are often exceedingly difficult to identify. Even cutting-edge technologies, such as push enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy, can fail to determine the cause of a patient's symptoms. At our institution magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has become an increasingly reliable tool in the difficult-to-diagnose or difficult-to-monitor patient. In this retrospective case series, we discuss four patients with four rare intestinal disorders that were successfully diagnosed using MRE after failing to be diagnosed using more routine technologies, such as CT scans and flexible sigmoidoscopies. With the discussion of these four cases we demonstrate that MRE is a useful diagnostic modality in patients whose surveillance is difficult or to diagnose rare colorectal disease phenomena, colloquially referred to as "zebras."
Bachmann's bundle: does it play a role in atrial fibrillation?

Background: Cardiac anatomists have known the presence of a group of specialized fibers connecting the right and left atrium for years. However, only recently have clinical cardiologists come to recognize the potential importance of this specialized conduction system. Anatomical and microscopic studies have shown that the Bachmann's bundle (BB) represents a distinct structure similar to the atrio-ventricular node and the His-Purkinje conduction system but without any insulating tissue. Results: BB cells have specialized electrophysiological properties like supernormal excitability and faster longitudinal conduction that can facilitate more rapid impulse transmission compared to the normal atrial tissue. Experimental blockage of this pathway causes prolongation and widening of the P wave, which is associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation. Atrial pacing is effective in reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation by preventing bradycardia, synchronizing the atria, limiting anisotropy and reducing the dispersion of refractoriness. Various animal and human studies have shown pacing near the right atrial insertion of BB to have a beneficial effect in patients with interatrial conduction delay and atrial tachyarrhythmias. This mode of atrial septal pacing is convenient, safe, reliable, and clinically as effective as multisite pacing. Conclusion: This article is an effort to define the special properties of BB and its possible role in prevention of atrial fibrillation by permanent pacemakers.
Transthoracic Needle Biopsy of Lung in Nonhospitalized Patients

To confirm the safety of transthoracic needle biopsy of the lung (TNB) in the outpatient setting, we reviewed our experience with 106 such procedures over three years. We compared the operating characteristics and morbidity with the 65 similar procedures we were asked to perform on hospitalized patients during the same period. Outpatients did not differ from inpatients in mean age, sex, incidence of clinically apparent COPD, size and location of lesion, or number of needle passes. The operating characteristics of the biopsy were the same for the two groups. Pneumothorax occurred in 29 (27 percent) of 106 outpatient and 26 (40 percent) of 65 inpatient TNBs. Few pneumothoraces not present upon completion of biopsy developed during four hours of observation or later. The requirement for chest tube drainage was similar for both groups, 5.7 and 4.6 percent, respectively. With appropriate caution, TNB can be performed safely on an outpatient basis and the cost of an uncomplicated procedure reduced by 27 percent.
Enhanced aortic macrophage lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in LDL receptor null mice fed an atherogenic diet.

The effect of an atherogenic diet on inflammatory response and elicited peritoneal macrophage (Mϕ) cholesterol accumulation in relation to aortic lesion formation was assessed in LDL receptor null (LDLr−/−) mice. Mice were fed an atherogenic or control diet for 32 weeks. The atherogenic relative to control diet resulted in significantly higher plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations, more aortic wall Mϕ deposition, higher serum non HDL-cholesterol concentrations and total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratios, and greater accumulation of both aortic free and esterified cholesterol. Elicited peritoneal Mϕ selectively accumulated longer chain unsaturated fatty acids in their membrane, independent of the dietary fatty acid profile. Elicited peritoneal Mϕ isolated from mice fed the atherogenic relative to control diet had significantly less arachidonic acid levels, accumulated significantly higher esterified cholesterol, had significantly higher mRNA levels and secretion of MCP-1, and mRNA and protein levels of ATP-binding cassette A1. Diet treatment had no significant effect in elicited peritoneal Mϕ on TNFα and IL-6 mRNA levels and secretion. These data suggest that the atherogenic relative to control diet resulted in higher plasma inflammatory factor concentrations, less favorable lipoprotein profile, higher elicited peritoneal Mϕ cholesterol accumulation and inflammatory factor secretion, and more aortic wall Mϕ deposition, which in turn were associated with greater aortic cholesterol accumulation.
Lambert and Mercator map projections in geology and geophysics

Abstract Lambert and transverse Mercator map projections are used for topographic maps published by the U.S. Geological Survey, for the American State Plane coordinate system, and for the UTM grid system. The properties and mathematical equations for these projections are summarized. Utility computer programs in FORTRAN that accurately calculate latitude and longitude from Lambert or Mercator coordinates, or the inverse, are presented.
Creating fee‐based online services: a new role for academic librarians

Although much has been written about the impact of the Internet and the Web on libraries and librarianship, relatively little attention has been devoted to the subject of librarians as creators and even marketers of new online services. The present article describes two fee‐based online services at the University of Illinois Library at Urbana‐Champaign: the online version of the American Bibliography of Slavic and East European Studies (ABSEES); and the IRIS suite of funding‐information services. The author discusses the pros and cons of in‐house content‐creation and concludes that academic libraries have the raw materials and the know‐how to create valuable new online services, especially reference services.
Regional localization of human M-BCR gene to chromosome 23 band q11 in the great apes

We hybridized a human M-BCR DNA probe to the chromosomes of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), gorilla (Gorilla gorilld) and orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) by FISH-technique. The human M-BCR gene was localized to chromosome 23 band q11 (23q11), which is equivalent to the human chromosome 22 band q11 in all three species. The conservation of M-BCR gene in higher primates at the corresponding human chromosome locus provides phylogenetic clues concerning the evolution of genes.
Using Literature to Support Low Literate Parents as Children’s First Literacy Teachers

Parents are viewed as children’s first literacy teachers. As such, they are often encouraged to book share and read with their young children. Low literate parents may lack not only basic reading skills, but also second order skills related to sharing books successfully. Early childhood professionals are encouraged to form a dynamic, reciprocal relationship with parents wherein everyone learns and supports the literacy needs of children. Seventeen current children’s books are reviewed and recommended for sharing with children and families.
Electrophoresis and heat inactivation of lactate dehydrogenase isozymes in amphibia.

Abstract 1. 1. The LDH isozymes of skeletal muscle and heart from several species of amphibia have been studied with respect to overall electrophoretic pattern, and to tissue specific predominance and relative heat sensitivity of individual isozymes. 2. 2. In four of the nine species studied, the principal isozymes of skeletal muscle and heart exhibited the reversed order of relative mobility. 3. 3. In general, the relative heat sensitivity of individual isozymes could be correlated with predominance in skeletal muscle.