cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavior of the money stock: Is there a puzzle?

Abstract This paper examines the factual and logical bases underlying recent proposals that the Federal Reserve should reduce the attention it attaches to the monetary aggregates and finds these arguments seriously lacking on both counts. By and large the case against the aggregates rests on the finding that some money demand functions have experienced serious difficulties in explaining recent developments. Our results suggest that the problem is not due so much to the instability in the public's asset preferences but rather to the restrictive specifications of the functions employed. Moreover, it is shown that even if the demand function for money has become less predictable, this is not sufficient to justify a reduction in the attention devoted to the aggregates. Finally, we examine the recent performance of a modified version of the St. Louis reduced-form equation for nominal income and find that the relationship that it incorporates between the growth in money and the growth in GNP has remained remarkably stable.
Association of membrane rafts and postsynaptic density: proteomics, biochemical, and ultrastructural analyses

Postsynaptic membrane rafts are believed to play important roles in synaptic signaling, plasticity, and maintenance. However, their molecular identities remain elusive. Further, how they interact with the well-established signaling specialization, the postsynaptic density (PSD), is poorly understood. We previously detected a number of conventional PSD proteins in detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs). Here, we have performed LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry) analyses on postsynaptic membrane rafts and PSDs. Our comparative analysis identified an extensive overlap of protein components in the two structures. This overlapping could be explained, at least partly, by a physical association of the two structures. Meanwhile, a significant number of proteins displayed biased distributions to either rafts or PSDs, suggesting distinct roles for the two postsynaptic specializations. Using biochemical and electron microscopic methods, we directly detected membrane raft-PSD complexes. In vitro reconstitution experiments indicated that the formation of raft-PSD complexes was not due to the artificial reconstruction of once-solubilized membrane components and PSD structures, supporting that these complexes occurred in vivo. Taking together, our results provide evidence that postsynaptic membrane rafts and PSDs may be physically associated. Such association could be important in postsynaptic signal integration, synaptic function, and maintenance.
Facebook and Interpersonal Privacy: Why the Third Party Doctrine Should Not Apply

Do communications over social networking sites such as Facebook merit Fourth Amendment protection? The Supreme Court has not directly answered this question and lower courts are not in agreement. The hurdle is the Third Party Doctrine, which states that a person does not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in any communication voluntarily disclosed to a person or entity. All Internet communications are stored on third party servers or Internet service providers, and thus would seemingly lose Fourth Amendment protection. Numerous scholars have weighed in on the issue — analyzing the nature of the communication or the entity to which the information is disclosed — in an effort to show that these communications continue to merit Fourth Amendment protection. These scholars, however, have largely ignored the overall effect of communications over social networking sites such as Facebook. This Article steps outside traditional Fourth Amendment scholarship and relies on the concept of interpersonal privacy rights as a way to protect communications over social networking platforms. Because social scientists have recognized that these relationships share the same qualitative structure and can be just as “real” as their face-to-face counterparts, this Article makes the argument that the concept of interpersonal privacy should apply to social networking relationships over the Internet. This analysis provides a new way to apply the reasonable expectation of privacy test under the Fourth Amendment — one that avoids the common pitfalls associated with the Third Party Doctrine.
Differences in Amount of Informal Care Received by Non-Hispanic Whites and Latinos in a Nationally Representative Sample of Older Americans

The objective of this study was to evaluate informal (unpaid) care and its broad determinants for Latinos in a nationally representative sample. A cross-sectional analysis of the 1993 Asset and Health Dynamics Study, a national probability sample of 7,443 older adults aged 70 and older, was performed to determine the independent effect of Latino ethnicity on the receipt of informal care by disabled older individuals. Self-reported race/ethnicity was used to predict the mean daily hours of informal care received for activity of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) assistance after adjustment for predisposing, need, and enabling variables. There was a significant association between informal home care and ethnic group, with 44.3% of Latinos receiving informal care, compared with 33.9% of African Americans and 24.6% of non-Hispanic whites (P<.001). After adjustment, Latinos received 11.0 weekly hours of informal care, compared with 7.5 hours for non-Hispanic whites and 6.3 hours for African Americans (P<.001). The results from this nationally representative sample indicate that Latinos receive significantly more hours of informal care on average than African Americans or non-Hispanic whites for ADL and IADL disability. Clinicians should be alert to the significant amount of informal care and possible associated strain in caregivers of older Latinos.
Elastic and quasielastic neutron scattering study of the square lattice antiferromagnet Sr2CuO2Cl2

Abstract Neutron scattering and magnetic susceptibility η versus temperature T measurements are reported for a single crystal of the spin - 1 2 square lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet Sr2CuO2Cl2. Neutron Bragg diffraction measurements of the antiferromagnetic ( 1 2 1 2 0 ) peak showed that the Neel temperature is TN = (256 ± 6) K, whereas the η(T) for magnetic field applied parallel to the c-axis, ηc(T), showed a broad minimum at Tc0 ∼ 330 K, with no obvious feature at TN. The two-dimensional (2D) quasielastic neutron scattering intensity, integrated across the ( 1 2 1 2 l ) 2D magnetic scattering rod, I(T), was found to increase approximately linearly with T from 10 to ∼ 240 K, consistent with expectation from spin-wave theory. A broad maximum in I(T) was found above TN at Tc0 ≈ 300 K. Following B.J. Suh et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 75 (1995) 2212], we infer that this maximum and the corresponding broad minimum in ηc(T) at Tc0 > TN reflect a crossover from Heisenberg to XY-like behavior upon cooling below Tc0 ∼ 300 K. A simple model for I(T) supports this interpretation.
Effects of Dietary Fiber and Protein Concentration on Growth, Feed Efficiency, Visceral Organ Weights and Large Intestine Microbial Populations of Swine

Finishing barrows (average initial weight 55.5 +/- 2.4 kg) were used to determine the effects of high dietary fiber or protein on performance, visceral organ weights and large intestine microbial populations and to monitor the duration of regression of swine visceral organ mass and microbial populations to control values following transfer from the high fiber or high protein diet to the control diet. Four pigs from each diet were killed on d 17, 34, 48 and 66. From d 34 until slaughter 14 and 32 d later, all remaining pigs were fed the control diet ad libitum. High fiber resulted in significantly higher relative weight of the total gastrointestinal tract after 34 d and higher relative stomach weight up to d 48. Compared with the control diet, the high protein diet resulted in increased relative liver and kidney weights up to d 48. The number of proteolytic and cellulolytic bacteria increased in the colon contents of pigs fed a high protein or high fiber diet, respectively, but declined to below control values within 14 d of transferring pigs from the high protein or high fiber diet to the control diet. The results indicate that diet composition plays a more specific role in visceral organ hypertrophy than can be explained by the normal relative changes in organ size as body weight increases. Thus, high dietary fiber and protein may indirectly increase the animal's maintenance requirement by causing a repartitioning of nutrients from the edible carcass to the visceral organs.
Linear DNA Does Not Form Chromatin Containing Regularly Spaced Nucleosomes

The topological state of DNA may play a role in regulating chromatin structure and gene expression in eucaryotes. To test this hypothesis, the arrangements of nucleosomes on circular and unit-length linear simian virus 40 (SV40) DNAs incubated in nuclei of Xenopus oocytes were determined by (i) analyzing changes in the electrophoretic properties of the DNAs and (ii) examining the patterns of DNA fragments resulting from digestions with micrococcal nuclease. Whereas circular DNA became associated with nucleosomes that were arranged along the DNA at regular intervals of approximately 195 base pairs, linear DNA failed to reconstitute into chromatin containing regularly spaced nucleosomes. DNA that failed to form proper chromatin was gradually degraded, indicating that histone proteins in proper association with DNA may be the cellular component that normally protects chromosomal DNA from endonucleolytic attack. When either circular or linear DNA was incubated in an in vitro transcription system made from a whole-cell extract of HeLa cells, most of the molecules did not associate with histone proteins to form regularly spaced nucleosomes. Furthermore, linearization of mRNA-encoding DNAs, including SV40, reduces their transcriptional activity in Xenopus oocytes to a level comparable to that obtained with the in vitro transcription system employed here. Therefore, proper association of DNA with appropriate cellular chromosomal factors may be a prerequisite for proper transcription by RNA polymerase II.
Allergic contact dermatitis from methylisothiocyanate in soil disinfectants

Observations on nine patients with occupational dermatitis from methylisothiocyanate (MITC) lead to the following conclusions: 1. MITC causes primarily a toxic dermatitis, but as a strong sensitizer it induces sensitization as well. 2. Cross reactions between MITC and benzylisothiocyanate, the active agent of Sulbentin antimycotics, were not seen. 3. In patient a MITC acid burn on one foot and leg caused systemic poisoning from absorption with reversible damage to the liver parenchyma.
Predatory publishing is just one of the consequences of gold open access

This article examines the ways the gold open-access model is negatively affecting scholarly communication.
Some New Continuous-Time Parameter Estimators with Application to the Adaptive Control of a Space Launch Vehicle

The traditional parameter estimation techniques of adaptive control are quite effective for plants that have "slow" dynamics and essentially constant (unknown) parameters and disturbances. However, many aerospace applications involve time-stressed situations in which plants must respond quickly to commands, in the face of unknown, time-varying plant parameters and external disturbances. Traditional parameter estimation techniques of adaptive control may be ineffective for such applications. In this paper, we introduce several new continuous-time (differential equation type) parameter estimation algorithms for the adaptive control of "quick-response" plants that must operate in the face of unknown, time-varyng plant parameters and disturbance. An application of the results to the control of a "space launch vehicle" is outlined.
Correlation for prediction of latent heat of pure components incorporating renormalization group formulations with corresponding-states principle

Abstract A corresponding-states correlation has been developed using renormalization group theory, phenomenological scaling theory and Pitzer et al.'s (1955) three-parameter corresponding-states principle to predict latent heats of vaporization for simple fluids (aliphatic and atomatic hydrocarbons, including complex coal-liquid model compounds) from the freezing point to the critical point. The resulting correlation consists of an expansion in the acentric factor which is truncated after the second term, in accordance with the linear dependence observed for experimental data. The dimensionless latent heat of vaporization defined as L * = L/RT c is given by L * = L (0) * + ω * L (1) * , where L * is a nonanalytic function (Torquato and Stell, 1982). Subsequent tests of the ability of this correlation to predict latent heats of vaporization over a board domain of reduced temperatures for a large number of different types of compounds have confirmed the validity of the present approach. The results show root-mean-square deviations between reported and predicted latent heats of vaporization in the range 0.46–6.93% for aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons including one-, two- and three-ring coal-liquid model compounds in the range of reduced temperatures 0.02 T c T )/ T c
Decreased response to catecholamines in the newborn: effect on glucose kinetics in the lamb.

Abstract Epinephrine, a catecholamine with both alpha (α) and beta (β) adrenergic effects, may produce hyperglycemia in adults by increasing glucose production and decreasing glucose clearance. To document the degree of sensitivity and characterize maturation of neonatal glucose control, glucose kinetics were measured in 14 term newborn lambs (weight 4.5 ± 0.3 kg [mean ± SEM] and aged 4.1 ± 0.4 days). Following infusion of 0.9% NaCl at 0.06 mg · kg −1 min −1 plus 100 μCi/kg D[6- 3 H] glucose by prime plus constant infusion, rate of production (Ra) and glucose clearance were measured during administration of epinephrine. The responses in the newborns were compared with those in six adult sheep. Under conditions of epinephrine infusion, the plasma glucose concentration in the newborn lambs increased to 129 ± 18 mg/dL (50 ng · kg −1 min −1 epinephrine), P −1 min −1 epinephrine), P −1 min −1 (50 ng · kg −1 min −1 epinephrine), P = NS, and 18.5 ± 3.0 mg · kg −1 min −1 (500 ng · kg −1 min −1 epinephrine), P −1 min −1 (controls, no epinephrine). In the adult sheep (3 to 4 months old) plasma glucose concentration increased (130 ± 10 mg/dL v 71 ± 6 mg/dL), P −1 min −1 v 2.5 ± 0.1 mg · kg −1 min −1 ), P −1 min −1 epinephrine was infused, compared with controls (no epinephrine). Glucose clearance was not changed by epinephrine infusion in either the newborn or adult. Evaluation of glucose kinetics suggests that there may be decreased epinephrine response influencing glucose homeostasis in the newborn compared with the adult.
Dominant Alleles Identify SET Domain Residues Required for Histone Methyltransferase of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2

Polycomb gene silencing requires histone methyltransferase activity of Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which methylates lysine 27 of histone H3. Information on how PRC2 works is limited by lack of structural data on the catalytic subunit, Enhancer of zeste (E(Z)), and the paucity of E(z) mutant alleles that alter its SET domain. Here we analyze missense alleles of Drosophila E(z), selected for molecular study because of their dominant genetic effects. Four missense alleles identify key E(Z) SET domain residues, and a fifth is located in the adjacent CXC domain. Analysis of mutant PRC2 complexes in vitro, and H3-K27 methylation in vivo, shows that each SET domain mutation disrupts PRC2 histone methyltransferase. Based on known SET domain structures, the mutations likely affect either the lysine-substrate binding pocket, the binding site for the adenosylmethionine methyl donor, or a critical tyrosine predicted to interact with the substrate lysine e-amino group. In contrast, the CXC mutant retains catalytic activity, Lys-27 specificity, and trimethylation capacity. Deletion analysis also reveals a functional requirement for a conserved E(Z) domain N-terminal to CXC and SET. These results identify critical SET domain residues needed for PRC2 enzyme function, and they also emphasize functional inputs from outside the SET domain.
Dissipation signatures of the normal and superfluid phases in torsion pendulum experiments with He 3 in aerogel

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation grants: DMR-1202991 and DMR-1103625.
Accelerating SVMs by integrating GPUs into MapReduce clusters

The uninterrupted growth of information repositories has progressively lead data-intensive applications, such as MapReduce-based systems, to the mainstream. The MapReduce paradigm has frequently proven to be a simple yet flexible and scalable technique to distribute algorithms across thousands of nodes and petabytes of information. Under these circumstances, classic data mining algorithms have been adapted to this model, in order to run in production environments. Unfortunately, the high latency nature of this architecture has relegated the applicability of these algorithms to batch-processing scenarios. In spite of this shortcoming, the emergence of massively threaded shared-memory multiprocessors, such as Graphics Processing Units (GPU), on the commodity computing market has enabled these algorithms to be executed orders of magnitude faster, while keeping the same MapReduce based model. In this paper, we propose the integration of massively threaded shared-memory multiprocessors into MapReduce-based clusters creating a unified heterogeneous architecture that enables executing Map and Reduce operators on thousands of threads across multiple GPU devices and nodes, while maintaining the built-in reliability of the baseline system. For this purpose, we created a programming model that facilitates the collaboration of multiple CPU cores and multiple GPU devices towards the resolution of a data intensive problem. In order to prove the potential of this hybrid system, we take a popular NP-Hard supervised learning algorithm, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and show that a 36x – 192x speedup can be achieved on large datasets without changing the model or leaving the commodity hardware paradigm.
The Steiner problem on the regular tetrahedron

The Steiner problem involves finding a shortest path network connecting a specified set of points. In this paper, we examine the Steiner problem for three points on the surface of a regular tetrahedron. We prove several important properties about Steiner minimal trees on a regular tetrahedron. There are infinitely many ways to connect three points on a tetrahedron, so we present a way to eliminate all but a finite number of possible solutions. We provide an algorithm for finding a shortest network connecting three given points on a regular tetrahedron. The solution can be found by direct measurement of the remaining possible Steiner trees.
Carpet bezoar obstruction of the small intestine

Bezoars are food or fiber concretions of the alimentary tract, which infrequently cause intestinal obstruction. The authors describe a case of a 7-year-old child with pica in whom a synthetic fiber bezoar obstruction of the small intestine developed at the site of a previously stapled intestinal anastomosis.
A logic of categorization

The reasoning system known as NARS constitutes a model of categorization. NARS is designed to be an adaptive system that works under the constraint of insufficient knowledge and resources. It consists of a categorical language, an experience-grounded semantics, a set of syllogistic inference rules, a dynamic memory structure, and a control mechanism that manages asynchronized parallel inference. In the system, reasoning and categorization are two aspects of the same underlying process. As a model of categorization, NARS unifies several existing theories.
Real-time fault diagnosis for transmission systems

This paper has described the development and testing of AHFA (alarm handling and fault analysis), a real-time fault diagnosis expert system. AHFA has made a good start and proved to be extensible to cope with nontrivial types of fault and other situations. AHFA is viewed as a possible component of a proposed higher-level monitoring system for national control, possibly integrated with a shared real-time object-oriented database. (4 pages)
Automation and Robotics for Road Construction and Maintenance

With rising road construction and maintenance costs and the lack of productivity improvement, automated road construction and maintenance equipment will provide an attractive alternative for the execution of routine work tasks in the future. This paper reviews the typical tasks applicable to this domain, as well as existing and future automated equipment for task execution. The distinction between numerically controlled (NC) machines and autonomous equipment is discussed based on task requirements and machine capabilities. Core technologies for automated equipment are reviewed. Examples of existing numerically controlled equipment are presented. Economic feasibility issues and work safety aspects of automated road construction and maintenance equipment are outlined. The paper concludes that road construction and maintenance tasks have a significant potential for gradual automation due to the repetitiveness and relatively moderate sensory requirements of many tasks. Ultimately, integrated, multitask systems should be feasible once single-purpose automated equipment proves successful.
Effect of structure on the deformation and failure of oriented polymer films

This study compares the effect of anisotropic structure on the room temperature (23°C) deformation and failure behavior of two distinctly different polymers. One a single phase nematic polymer, PMDA-ODA polyimide [PI] with a glass transition, T g , near 400°C; the other a previously studied anisotropic two phase molecular polymer composite, isotactic polypropylene [IPP] with a glass transition near 14°C. Although isotactic polypropylene has a two phase crystal-noncrystalline structure its deformation behavior is controlled by the noncrystalline phase. A series of oriented PMDA-ODA polyimide [PI] films are fabricated and their orientation characterized. The present study investigates whether the deformation and failure behavior of these anisotropic single phase nematic PMDA-ODA polyimide films (tested at a very low strain rate at room temperature) is similar to that previously observed for isotactic polypropylene at its low strain rate failure envelope limit.
Exploratory Simulation of Pedestrian Crossings at Roundabouts

There is presently much debate over the issue of pedestrian access to highway facilities, particularly for those who are blind or function with low vision. This issue is now the focus of current United States Access Board draft recommendations, which propose that signalization is necessary to ensure safe access for blind pedestrians at roundabouts. The objective of this research was to capture the gap acceptance behavior for both sighted and blind pedestrians near roundabouts (revealed from a parallel research effort) and integrate that behavior into a microscopic simulation model of pedestrian and vehicular traffic operations at a roundabout. This process enables the quantification of the mutual impact of pedestrian crossing behavior on vehicle operation, and of motorized traffic impact on pedestrian access (or delay). In addition, it allows the conduct of experiments targeted at evaluating various pedestrian treatments at or in the vicinity of the roundabout. The simulation results indicated that pedestrian delay increases in a nonlinear fashion as vehicle volume increased. In addition, while there was a small difference in sighted pedestrian delays at the entry and exit legs, that difference was more pronounced for blind pedestrians who experienced higher delays on the exit side. Finally, an analysis of pedestrian crossing treatments indicated that placing a pedestrian-actuated, signalized crossing upstream/ downstream of the roundabout results in delays to blind pedestrians that are comparable to those experienced by sighted pedestrians that cross at the unsignalized splitter island. The location of the crossing was assessed on the basis of queue spillback probabilities onto the roundabout exit leg.
HIV Risk Factors, HIV Antibody Testing, and AIDS Knowledge Among Older Americans

Abstract This study uses data from the 1992 AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes Supplement to the National Health Interview Survey to assess AIDS knowledge, prevalence of HIV testing, and HIV risk factors among 6,266 persons age 55 years to 75+. The results revealed that nearly 1% of the respondents reported an HIV risk factor; of these, 34% had been tested for HIV. Overall, the respondents were very knowledgeable about the major modes of transmission, but they still had misconceptions about the likelihood of transmission through casual contact. Prevention programs aimed at older Americans should focus on dispelling misconceptions about the transmission of HIV through casual contact, and enhancing their knowledge about the effectiveness of condoms in preventing the spread of AIDS.
Normativity, Agency, and Life

There is an immense philosophical literature dealing with the notions of normativity and agency, as well as a sizeable and rapidly growing scientific literature on the topic of autonomous agents. However, there has been very little cross-fertilization between these two literatures. As a result, the philosophical literature tends to assume a somewhat outdated mechanistic image of living things, resulting in a quasi-dualistic picture in which only human beings, or the higher animals, can be normative agents properly speaking. From this perspective, the project of 'naturalizing normativity' becomes almost a contradiction in terms. At the same time, the scientific literature tends to misuse 'normativity,' 'agency,' and related terms, assuming that it is meaningful to ascribe these concepts to 'autonomous agents' conceived of as physical systems whose behavior is to be explained in terms of ordinary physical law. From this perspective, the true depth of the difficulty involved in understanding what makes living systems distinctive qua physical systems becomes occluded. In this essay, I begin the attempt to remedy this situation. After some preliminary discussion of terminology and situating of my project within the contemporary philosophical landscape, I make a distinction between two different aspects of the project of naturalizing normativity: (1) the 'Scope Problem,' which consists in saying how widely in nature our concept of normative agency may properly be applied; and (2) the 'Ground Problem,' which consists in rationalizing the phenomenon of normative agency in terms of the rest of our knowledge of nature. Then, in the remainder of this paper, I argue that the Scope Problem ought to be resolved in favor of attributing normative agency, in the proper sense of those words, to living things as such. The Ground Problem will be discussed in a companion paper at a later time.
Autothermal partial oxidation of butanol isomers

Abstract The four isomers of butanol offer an interesting platform from which to study the reaction pathways of alcohols in an autothermal partial oxidation system, as they comprise one tertiary, one secondary, and two primary alcohols with the same number of carbon atoms. We demonstrate high yields of syngas or unsaturated molecules at contact times on the order of 10 ms, and investigate the reaction pathways of each isomer over Rh, RhCe, Pt, and PtCe catalysts for a range of carbon-to-oxygen (C/O) ratios. For each isomer, conversion to equilibrium syngas products is essentially complete at C/O = 0.8. As C/O ratio increases, the major product from the primary and secondary butanols switches to the corresponding carbonyl, producing butyraldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, and butanone from 1-butanol, isobutanol and 2-butanol, respectively. Selectivity to the carbonyls approached 30–50% as C/O approached 2.0. Dehydration to the corresponding butenes is relatively minor in comparison, representing less than 20% selectivity at C/O = 2.0. tert -butanol reacted differently, selecting mainly for the dehydration product isobutene. Acetone was the main carbonyl product from tert -Butanol, but selectivity to acetone was always ≤10%. Global mechanisms in an autothermal reactor, based on pyrolysis, combustion and surface science literature, are proposed for each alcohol. Surface chemistry likely accounts for much of the syngas formation and heat generation, while the carbonyls and alkenes may be formed primarily through homogeneous routes.
Geothermal exploration in Nicaragua

Abstract This summary report presents the general organization of a geothermal project in Nicaragua, the techniques employed and tentative results.
Clarie Collins Harvey: the Transformative Vision of a World Citizen

This article examines the life and activism of Clarie Collins Harvey—entrepreneur, civil rights activist, and ecumenical leader. Despite her significant contributions to various aspects of American life, Harvey has not received the kind of scholarly attention she deserves. This essay offers a holistic presentation of Harvey's life in an effort to demonstrate not only the dynamic vision that guided her leadership, but also the significance of her work locally, nationally, and internationally. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of Black women's activism in movements for social justice.
TU‐D‐L100F‐04: Current NIH and NCI Initiatives Using Imaging Biomarkers

Imaging as a biomarker for drug response is becoming an increasing important area of research. There are many sources of uncertainty in the use of imaging as a biomarker for the assessment of drug response. For example, biological variability is a factor that is drug, organ,tumor and patient dependent and thus best addressed through carefully designed clinical trials such as those proposed using and NCI and an NIH wide biomarker initiatives. http://www.fda.gov/oc/mous/domestic/FDA‐NCI‐CMS.htm). http://www.fnih.org/Biomarkers%20Consortium/Biomarkers_home.shtml. However there is also measurement variability associated with the imaging data collection and analysis across different commercial platforms and uncertainty in the performance of different software tools employed to measure therapy response, such as the measurement of change in image‐relatedcomputer extracted features over time. These hardware and software sources of uncertainty often force an increase in the size of clinical drug trials, and ideally should not be a variable in measurement of drug response. The development of standardized methods to physically characterize these sources of uncertainty would stimulate the development of improved imaging methods and software tools as recommended by a recent Trans Agency Workshop organized by NIST: http://usms.nist.gov/workshops/bioimaging.htm. This presentation will review current and potential funding opportunities for medical physicists to become engaged in the development of imaging systems and methods and related imaging standards that have the potential of being used in imaging trials for drug and therapy response.
Direct measurement of the diffusive sublayer at the deep sea floor using oxygen microelectrodes

THE diffusive sublayer is the region of fluid next to a solid surface, where turbulence is suppressed and molecular diffusion dominates transport of solutes. Diffusive impedance of solute exchange across the benthic sublayer in the deep sea can limit the rates of some diagenetic reactions in the sediment. We present the first direct in situ measurements of the thickness of the diffusive sublayer for dissolved oxygen in the deep sea. The positions of 17 oxygen microelectrode profiles relative to the visible sediment/water inter-face reveal that the sublayer is 0.5–1.5 mm thick, with measurements ranging to 3.5 mm. The sublayer reduces the diffusive flux of oxygen into the sediments by ∼10% in these environments. Also, the diffusive flux of isotopically light carbon through the sublayer should cause the 13C content at the interface of typical deep-sea sediments to be ∼0.1%> lighter than the bottom-water value, setting a limit on the precision of the record of past bottom-water given by the carbon isotope composition of the shells of benthic foraminifera.
Effects of pharmacologic reductions in salivary flow on taste thresholds in man

The effects of short-term salivary flow reductions on human taste thresholds were measured. Recognition and detection thresholds were obtained from 65 subjects during periods of both normal and reduced salivary flow. Decreased salivary flow was achieved by oral administration of either Elavil, Benadryl or atropine. Thresholds were measured for NaCl, citric acid, quinine sulphate and sucrose with a traditional series of aqueous solutions as well as with a series of dry taste stimuli using a filter-paper base. Whole mouth resting flow and stimulated salivary flow were measured before and after taste testing. The pharmacologic agents produced depressions in salivary flow ranging between 30 and 75 per cent of normal levels. The large decreases in flow produced no measurable changes in taste thresholds with the exception that an increased sensitivity to aqueous and dry citric acid stimuli consistently was observed following atropine administration. Changes in salivary bicarbonate levels, produced by atropine, may have mediated the observed shifts in oral sensitivity to citric acid.
Conrad Gessner on the spelling of his name

ABSTRACT For 250 years, the vernacular spelling of the family name of the polymath Conrad Gessner of Zurich (1516–1565) has been in doubt, owing to an erroneous analogy with the Latin spelling, which does not require a double s. The history of this error is presented, followed by an examination of Gessner's own usage throughout his life, as it appears in autograph documents and works printed under his direction. Posthumous evidence and evidence from other members of the family and the community are also adduced to demonstrate consistency in the vernacular spelling of Gessner's name.
Abstract 1559: Targeting the PH domain of Tiam-1 to inhibit breast cancer metastasis

TIAM-1 (T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis-inducing protein-1) is a highly conserved guanine nucleotide exchange factor and contains an N-terminal pleckstrin homology domain (PHn) and a Dbl homology (DH)/C-terminal PH domain (PHc). While no crystal structure exists for the PHn of TIAM-1, the crystal structure of DH-PHc of TIAM-1 in complex with Rac-1 has been reported. TIAM-1 has been found to be over-expressed in breast, colon and prostate cancers. An increase in TIAM-1 expression has been shown to be associated with increased metastatic potential of breast cancer cell lines. TIAM-1 is thus an ideal PH domain drug target directly related to cancer progression, metastasis and patient survival. In this study, we have identified novel small molecule inhibitors targeting the phosphoinositide (PtdIns) lipid binding PHc domain of TIAM-1 in order to selectively inhibit cell migration and survival. Utilizing an In Silico screen of our internal and Maybridge library and the crystal structure of TIAM-1, we have found 29 compounds that bind to PHc TIAM-1. In vitro assays have revealed that compound PH-210 and #10 significantly reduced the amount of active Rac1 and binds to PHc-TIAM-1 with high affinity (KD in the micromolar range) using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectrometry. Both compounds displace PtdIns-3,4,5-P3 in a SPR competitive binding assay. Ongoing in vivo studies using MDA-231 breast cancer cell lines will determine the anti-tumor activity of these compounds. Overall, these novel compounds could exhibit the ability to significantly reduce breast cancer metastasis by binding to PHc-TIAM-1 and could have the potential to be used with other chemotherapeutic compounds as part of an effective breast cancer treatment regimen. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1559.
Generalized Ramsey theory for graphs IV, the Ramsey multiplicity of a graph

A Proper graph G has no isolated points. Its Ramsey number r(G) is the minimum p such that every 2-coloring of the edges of Kp contains a monochromatic G. The Ramsey multiplicity R(G) is the minimum number of monochromatic G in any 2-coloring of Kr(G). With just one exception, namely K4, we determine R(G) for proper graphs with at most 4 points. For the stars K1,n, it is shown that R = 2n when n is odd and R = 1 when n is even. We conclude with the conjecture that for a proper graph, R(G) = 1 if and only if G = K2 or K1,n with n even.
The Obliquebanded Leafroller and Cenopis pettitana Infesting Maple Buds in Michigan

The obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaccana (Harris), is found on a wide variety of deciduous and coniferous hosts (Chapman and Lienk 1971); Cenopis pettitana (Robinson) feeds primarily on basswood, Tilia americana L., and sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marshall (MacKay 1952). During late April in upper Michigan the early-stage larvae of both species bore into and feed on enlarging buds of sugar maple. Dissection of 59 buds revealed that following entry, the larvae feed on developing tissue. If a caterpillar consumed leaf tissue and molted, it was capable of feeding on the shoot also; if the bud opened before the leaf tissue was consumed, generally the caterpillar moved to other leaves, allowing the shoot to elongate normally. Depending upon the intensity of feeding, shoots were killed, stunted, or unaffected.
An interactive method for bicriteria integer programming

An efficient interactive solution framework for bicriteria integer programming is developed. The proposed methodology follows the implicit utility maximization approach. The decision maker's underlying utility function is assumed to be pseudoconcave and nondecreasing, and the problem is solved using an interactive branch-and-bound methodology. Several new concepts on bicriteria integer programming that offer great efficiency in the solution process are developed. The framework has been tested extensively, and results with problems having up to 80 variables and 40 constraints are presented. The results show that the methodology is an effective approach to solving practical bicriteria problems. >
6.4.1 On the Use of Knowledge Modeling Tools and Techniques to Characterize the NOAA Observing System Architecture

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States has a very broad charter that includes making “observations” of environmental phenomena worldwide. These observing systems are used to provide accurate and timely information to various stakeholders who depend on this information to make critical decisions about farming, construction, fishing, military operations, traffic safety, and so on. This paper describes a project to develop the NOAA Observing System Architecture to assist NOAA in formulating its strategic plans and invest its funding more effectively. We used “knowledge modeling” as the basic approach to capture information about the systems and other entities associated with the architecture. We are using the Metis enterprise architecture tool along with DOORS for requirements, NOAA Forge for team collaboration, and ArcIMS for geospatial data visualization.
Regression model for LPE film property control

Empirical regression equations permit the calculation of liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) film properties from film growth parameters. Numerical differentiation of these equations facilitates examination of the sensitivities of film properties to fluctuations in growth conditions and the development of depletion-compensating growth strategies. Regression equations for nominal 3-µm bubble size CaGe and Ga films have been generated and used for quantitative comparisonos f the growth behavior of the two systems. A real time feedback control scheme has been applied to the Ga system resulting in 70 percent of the as-grown films falling within ±1 percent of the target collapse field.
Customer context server application enabling customer-focused e-commerce

Fragmentation of customer data across internal product based systems is preventing a meaningful customer dialog across channels. This problem is compounded further by the addition of new Internet and customer-facing applications from multiple vendors.The typical clicks and mortar company has dozens of e-commerce and product-based systems containing millions of records with customer information without the ability to consolidate the data into a common customer view. Maintaining profitable customer relationships in such an environment requires a new approach.The Customer Context Server application uses a set of frameworks and subsystems operating on an object database to assemble and deliver, within a second, a continuously updated Customer Context to all customer touchpoints even in extremely high volume situations.The Customer Context Server application enables customer conversations to continue where they left off in a multi-vendor environment. The heart of the Customer Context Server application is the scalable Update Stream Processori (USP), which performs asynchronous contention-free updates on hundreds of processors concurrently. Several of the subsystems will be demonstrated including the active modeling and mapping systems used to refine the customer-relationship object mode] and assemble objects from record-based input data.
WAXS Studies of the Structural Diversity of Hemoglobin in Solution

Specific ligation states of hemoglobin are, when crystallized, capable of taking on multiple quaternary structures. The relationship between these structures, captured in crystal lattices, and hemoglobin structure in solution remains uncertain. Wide-angle X-ray solution scattering (WAXS) is a sensitive probe of protein structure in solution that can distinguish among similar structures and has the potential to contribute to these issues. We used WAXS to assess the relationships among the structures of human and bovine hemoglobins in different liganded forms in solution. WAXS data readily distinguished among the various forms of hemoglobins. WAXS patterns confirm some of the relationships among hemoglobin structures that have been defined through crystallography and NMR and extend others. For instance, methemoglobin A in solution is, as expected, nearly indistinguishable from HbCO A. Interestingly, for bovine hemoglobin, the differences between deoxy-Hb, methemoglobin and HbCO are smaller than the corresponding differences in human hemoglobin. WAXS data were also used to assess the spatial extent of structural fluctuations of various hemoglobins in solution. Dynamics has been implicated in allosteric control of hemoglobin, and increased dynamics has been associated with lowered oxygen affinity. Consistent with that notion, WAXS patterns indicate that deoxy-Hb A exhibits substantially larger structural fluctuations than HbCO A. Comparisons between the observed WAXS patterns and those predicted on the basis of atomic coordinate sets suggest that the structures of Hb in different liganded forms exhibit clear differences from known crystal structures.
Management of burns of the head and neck

Burns of the head and neck with or without respiratory tract injury remain a serious and complex problem. Care of patients with this injury requires astute frequent clinical examinations, repeated laryngoscopy or flexible bronchoscopy, and serial laboratory investigations. Superb monitoring and care by the entire burn team with frequent dialogue among the individuals with specialized knowledge, mature clinical judgement in regard to therapy, the long-term follow-up help burn victims survive the injury and achieve the best possible functional ability and cosmetic appearance. There are no simple answers or rote decisions in the management of these injuries. The challenge requires the most innovative and creative care coupled with large amounts of hard work. Many of the recent advances in the management of burns of the head and neck have permitted these patients to survive and have helped them to return as functioning members of society.
Ethical dilemmas and professional roles in occupational medicine

Abstract Occupational medicine presents ethical dilemmas between worker health and corporate goals, for both physicians and managers. Physicians in occupational practice recognize conflict between ‘moralist’ and ‘utilitarian’ ethical positions. This paper analyzes the relation of professional roles to ethical interpretations by occupational physicians, based on their own and medical ethicists' formulations of dilemmas. Physicians' conflicting responsibilities to workers as patients and to corporate practices and policy are reviewed in the context of occupational risk and the critical anthropology of health.
On the validity of language: Speaking, knowing and understanding in medical geography

Abstract This essay examines methodological problems concerning the conceptualization and operationalization of phenomena central to medical geography. Its main argument is that qualitative research can be strengthened if the differences between instrumental and apparent validity are better understood that the current research in medical geography suggests. Its premise is that our definitions of key terms and concepts must be reinforced throughout the design of research should our knowledge and understanding be enhanced. In doing so, the paper aims to move the methodological debate beyond the simple dichotomies of quantitative vs qualitative approaches and logical positivism vs phenomenology. Instead, the argument is couched in a postmodernist hermeneutic sense which questions the validity of one discourse of investigation over another. The paper begins by discussing methods used in conceptualizing and operationalizing variables in quantitative and qualitative research design. Examples derive from concepts central to a geography of health-care behavior and well-being. The latter half of the essay shows the uses and misuses of validity studies in selected health services research and the current debate on national health insurance.
Improving Diagnosis Through Failing Behavior Identification

Logic diagnosis analyzes the observed failing circuit responses to derive the potential defect sites. This paper describes a method for improving diagnosis through failing behavior identification (FBI). FBI captures defect behavior (i.e., activation conditions of the defect) by identifying the signal lines related to defect activation. This additional information allows the root cause to be estimated in order to improve yield, design quality, and test quality, as well as guide PFA to perform faster defect localization. FBI is accomplished by: 1) deriving the neighborhood states of the defect site, i.e., the actual values on the signal lines within logical or physical proximity to the defect site, and 2) identifying the signal lines that are most relevant to defect activation. The efficacy of FBI is validated using circuit-level and logic-level simulation experiments. The results show that FBI achieves an average accuracy of 94% in identifying signal lines that are relevant to defect activation, a 28% improvement over an existing approach. Moreover, by analyzing the neighborhood states of each defect site reported by logic diagnosis, sites that are not likely to be defective can be eliminated, which leads to improvement in diagnosis resolution. Experiment results show that with little influence on diagnosis accuracy, the number of incorrect defective sites reported by logic diagnosis can be reduced by 64%, on average.