cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subungual melanoma—Case report and literature review

Subungual melanoma is an infrequent malignant tumor which, despite its visibility and easy accessibility, is often misdiagnosed and thus inappropriately treated. This delay in recognition often results in a worsened prognosis. All persistent nail lesions which do not respond to conservative treatment, whether pigmented or not, should undergo excisional biopsy and pathologic examination. A case of subungual melanoma is presented to illustrate the typical presentation and clinical characteristics.
Theory use in practice: a national survey of therapists who use the Model of Human Occupation.

Objective This study describes how occupational therapists who reported using the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) actually use the concepts and tools of this model in everyday practice as well as identifies supports and barriers to its use. Method A systematic random sample of 1,000 occupational therapists was surveyed as to what theories they used in their practice. Those using MOHO (430) were sent a detailed questionnaire; 259 therapists (60.2%) responded to the survey questionnaire. Results More than 80% of respondents indicated that they used MOHO in their practice at least some of the time. Therapists reported that MOHO supports holistic, occupation-focused, client-centered, and evidence-based practice. They reported finding MOHO concepts useful for treatment planning and intervention. Most saw the major barrier to using MOHO as their own lack of knowledge. Conclusion Making resources more readily available and accessible to therapists might enhance the extent to which they use conceptual models such as MOHO.
A comparison of analytic and knowledge-based approaches to closed-shop scheduling

This paper compares three different approaches to scheduling in a closed-shop environment, making the case for a knowledge-based approach. A manufacturing example from the food industry is used as a vehicle for the presentation. The first approach attempts to find an optimal solution using a mixed integer linear programming formulation, but the size of the problem renders this approach impractical. The second approach uses a spreadsheet program to obtain feasible solutions, but imbedded assumptions in the heuristics used allow it to be used only for simple demand patterns. The third approach employs expert systems technology. It includes several heuristics and takes all constraints into consideration. The solution obtained may not be optimal, but computational tests suggest that it is far superior to both spreadsheet and manual approaches.
Chemical bonding and crystal field splitting of the Eu3+ 7F1 level in the pyrochlores Ln2B2O7 (Ln = La3+, Gd3+, Y3+, Lu3+; B = Sn4+, Ti4+)

Abstract The crystal field splitting of Eu 3+ 7 F 1 level in the pyrochlore’s Ln 2 Sn 2 O 7 (Ln = La 3+ , Gd 3+ , Y 3+ and Lu 3+ ) and Ln 2 Ti 2 O 7 (Ln = Gd 3+ , Y 3+ and Lu 3+ ) has been systematically examined. Since the splitting of the Eu 3+ 7 F 1 manifold in these materials increases with increasing size of the rare earth cation, the electrostatic point charge model is inadequate to account for the observed splitting. It is pointed out that covalency/ligand polarizability contributions to the crystal field splitting are significant. It is shown that the host lattice dependent changes in the polarizability of the oxygen ions occupying the 48 f sites of the pyrochlore lattice is responsible for the variation in the splitting of the Eu 3+ 7 F 1 manifold in these materials. Further, the splitting of the Eu 3+ 7 F 1 manifold is larger in Ln 2 Sn 2 O 7 than in Ln 2 Ti 2 O 7 . This is explained by the differences in the nature of the chemical bonding between Ti 4+ (3d 0 )/Sn 4+ (4d 10 ) cations and O 2− (2p) ligands. The importance of anion polarization towards the Eu 3+ ion in determining the magnitude of the Eu 3+ 7 F 1 manifold splitting is demonstrated in this work.
Oxidation and oxidation protection of Nd-Fe-B magnets

The corrosion behavior of Nd-Fe-B magnets was studied in oxidizing environments, including dry and humid air at 150°C and room temperature. The kinetics for oxidation of chloride free Nd-Fe-B magnets generally exhibit parabolic weight gain in the given environments, and show much slower (\sim1/10) oxidation rates than those of chloride contaminated Nd-Fe-B magnets. The oxidation rate of the magnets usually decreases as surface finish becomes more polished and clean. The oxidation rate of chloride free Nd-Fe-B magnets at 150°C is substantially reduced from that at room temperature by limiting the formation of iron oxide (or hydroxide) on the surfaces. In severe corrosion environments, such as aerated salt water baths, epoxy coated Nd-Fe-B magnets displayed excellent corrosion resistance.
Effect of nondepleting anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibody (Rib 5/2) plus donor antigen pretreatment in peripheral nerve allotransplantation

Peripheral nerve allotransplantation allows the reconstruction of injuries with long nerve gaps that are otherwise unsalvageable. In this study, the efficacy of anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) combined with donor antigen pretreatment in prolonging the survival of short peripheral nerve allografts was investigated in a rodent model. Such an approach could potentially avoid the need for systemic immunosuppression and its concomitant morbidities. Buffalo rats received either nerve isografts or nerve allografts from Lewis rats. Untreated isograft and allograft groups were used as controls. Allograft recipients received either a single dose of RIB 5/2, a nondepleting anti-CD4 mAb, a single dose of Lewis splenocytes, or both antigen and RIB 5/2, 7 days prior to transplantation. Flow cytometric analysis verified that the T-lymphocyte population was maintained, while CD4 expression was downregulated by RIB 5/2. Histologic evaluation demonstrated better regeneration in the allograft recipients receiving both donor antigen and antibody, compared to recipients of untreated allografts or treatment with antigen or antibody alone.
GPU-Monte Carlo based fast IMRT plan optimization

Purpose: Intensity-modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) plan optimization needs pre-calculated beamlet dose distribution. Pencil-beam or superposition/convolution type algorithms are typically used because of high computation speed. However, inaccurate beamlet dose distributions, particularly in cases with high levels of inhomogeneity, may mislead optimization, hindering the resulting plan quality. It is desire to use Monte Carlo (MC) methods for beamlet dose calculations. Yet, the long computational time from repeated dose calculations for a number of beamlets prevents this application. It is our objective to integrate a GPU-based MC dose engine in lung IMRT optimization using a novel two-steps workflow. Methods : A GPU-based MC code gDPM is used. Each particle is tagged with an index of a beamlet where the source particle is from. Deposit dose are stored separately for beamlets based on the index. Due to limited GPU memory size, a pyramid space is allocated for each beamlet, and dose outside the space is neglected. A two-steps optimization workflow is proposed for fast MC-based optimization. At first step, a rough dose calculation is conducted with only a few number of particle per beamlet. Plan optimization is followed to get an approximated fluence map. In the second step, more accurate beamlet doses are calculated, where sampled number of particles for a beamlet is proportional to the intensity determined previously. A second-round optimization is conducted, yielding the final result. Results: For a lung case with 5317 beamlets, 105 particles per beamlet in the first round, and 108 particles per beam in the second round are enough to get a good plan quality. The total simulation time is 96.4 sec. Conclusion : A fast GPU-based MC dose calculation method along with a novel two-step optimization workflow are developed. The high efficiency allows the use of MC for IMRT optimizations. -------------------------------- Cite this article as: Li Y, Tian Z, Shi F, Jiang S, Jia X. GPU-Monte Carlo based fast IMRT plan optimization. Int J Cancer Ther Oncol 2014; 2 (2):020244. DOI: 10.14319/ijcto.0202.44
Plants, selenium and human health

Selenium is an essential nutrient for animals, microorganisms and some other eukaryotes. Although selenium has not been demonstrated to be essential in vascular plants, the ability of some plants to accumulate and transform selenium into bioactive compounds has important implications for human nutrition and health, and for the environment. Selenium-accumulating plants provide unique tools to help us understand selenium metabolism. They are also a source of genetic material that can be used to alter selenium metabolism and tolerance to help develop food crops that have enhanced levels of anticarcinogenic selenium compounds, as well as plants that are ideally suited for the phytoremediation of selenium-contaminated soils.
Identification of sulphur volatiles and GC-olfactometry aroma profiling in two fresh tomato cultivars

Ten sulphur volatiles were observed in two Florida tomato cultivars ('Tasti-Lee' and 'FL 47') harvested at three maturity stages (breaker, turning, and pink) using gas chromatography with a pulsed flame photometric detector (GC-PFPD). Eight PFPD peaks were identified using retention values from authentic sulphur standards and GC-MS characteristic masses. Seven were quantified using an internal standard combined with external calibration curves. Dimethyl sulphide, dimethyl disulphide, dimethyl trisulphide 2-propylthiazole and 2-s-butylthiazole were newly identified in fresh tomatoes. Principal component analysis of sulphur volatiles indicated that there were appreciable maturity stage differences clustered in separate quadrants. GC-olfactometry (GC-O) identified 50 aroma-active compounds in 'Tasti-Lee', with 10 reported as odorants in fresh tomatoes for the first time. Four sulphur volatiles exhibited aroma activity, including two of the newly-reported fresh tomato sulphur volatiles, 2-s-butylthiazole and dimethyl sulphide. GC-O aroma profiling indicated that the most intense aroma category was earthy-musty, followed by fruity-floral, green-grassy, sweet-candy and sweaty-stale-sulphurous.
Large-format long-wavelength GaAs/AlGaAs multiquantum well infrared detector arrays for astronomy

A long-wavelength large format Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (QWIP) focal plane array has been successfully used in a ground based astronomy experiment. QWIP arrays afford greater flexibility than the usual extrinsically doped semiconductor infrared arrays. The wavelength of the peak response and cutoff can be continuously tailored over a range wide enough to enable light detection at any wavelength range between 6 - 20 micrometers .
The Similarity Theory Applied to the Analysis of Multiphase Flow in Gas-Condensate Reservoirs

An important part of the world's hydrocarbon reserves is constituted of gas-condensate deposits, and as such, they have been the subject of intensive research over the years. Gas-condensate reservoirs are complex systems, and their performance analysis involves the handling of highly nonlinear partial differential equations and sophisticated thermodynamic models. For the case of noncondensing natural gas reservoirs, analytical solutions based on the exponential integral function are readily available for the analysis of infinite-acting behavior in production and injection wells. No such tool is available for the analysis of infinite-acting behavior in gas-condensate reservoirs, and the associated analysis of well deliverability is a topic of continuous research. This paper investigates the implementation of the similarity variable theory in the context of the analysis of depletion behavior in natural gas reservoirs. The main objective of this work is to present a novel application of the similarity theory...
The determination of lead in whole blood by laser enhanced ionization using a combination of electrothermal vaporizer and flame

Abstract A system for electrothermal vaporization — laser enhanced ionization spectrometry (ETV-LEIS), developed in this laboratory, was used for the determination of lead concentrations in whole blood. Blood standards from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) were diluted 21:1 with ultrapure water and analyzed. Good agreement was found between the CDC and NIST standards. A linear analytical curve was obtained with a detection limit (3σ) of 8.9 × 10 −3 μ g dl −1 (890 fg absolute) for lead in whole blood. This compares favorably with other current methods for blood-lead determinations including isotope dilution inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ID-ICP-MS) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS).
Probing the mechanistic role of glutamate residue in the zinc-binding motif of type A botulinum neurotoxin light chain.

Type A botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT/A) is a zinc endopeptidase that contains the consensus sequence HEXXH (residues 223−227) in the toxic light chain (LC). The X-ray structure of the toxin has predicted that the two histidines of this motif are two of the three zinc-coordinating ligands and that the glutamate is a crucial amino acid involved in catalysis. The functional implication of E224 in the motif of LC was investigated by replacing the residue with glutamine and aspartate using site-directed mutagenesis. Substitution of Glu-224 with Gln (E224Q) resulted in a total loss of the endopeptidase activity, whereas substitution with Asp (E224D) retained about 1.4% of the enzymatic activity (kcat 140 vs 1.9 min-1, respectively). However, Km values for wild-type and E224D BoNT/A LC were similar, 42 and 50 μM, respectively. Global structure, in terms of secondary structure content and topography of aromatic amino residues, Zn2+ content, and substrate binding ability are retained in the enzymatically inactive mut...
Individuality in vulnerability: influences on physical health.

The relation between personality traits, environmental stressors and their impact, coping behaviors, and health status was examined, as were pathways through which health is influenced by these individual difference variables. It was hypothesized that personality predicts susceptibility to stressors and coping mechanisms that modify the cognitive and affective reactions that influence health status. Two hundred and eighty- four university students completed self-report questionnaires. Ego resilience, low neuroticism, hardiness, internal locus of control, and extraversion loaded on a factor moderately related, indirectly, to health status. A path analysis testing sexes separately revealed that men with a vital personality (i.e. emotionally calm but flexible, self-reliant, and hardy) reported perceiving fewer environmental threats, using more efficacious coping behaviors, and experiencing lower levels of negative affect and better health status than did less self-possessed persons. Similar results emerged f...
Monte Carlo calculation of phase separation in a two-dimensional Ising system

Monte Carlo calculations were carried out for a two-dimensional Ising model of a binary alloy with nearest-neighbor attractive interactions between like atoms. The pair correlation observed had the form of an exponentially damped cosine function with parameters varying as the one-sixth power of the time.
Biochemistry: The ylide has landed

The enzyme co-substrate SAM has long been known to have two chemically distinct roles. A study of the CmoA enzyme suggests that SAM has a third trick up its sleeve — it forms species known as ylides. See Letter p.123 Many of the small molecules that are the ultimate mediators of the cell's processes remain undescribed and unreported, as their identities may not emerge from conventional techniques that chart metabolic pathways. Jungwook Kim et al. have identified one such molecule, carboxy-S-adenosyl-L-methionine (Cx-SAM). The previously unknown metabolite was found during a structural study of the Escherichia coli enzyme CmoA, a member of the SAM-dependent methyltransferase superfamily. Cx-SAM was buried in the active site of CmoA. The authors have determined the biosynthetic pathway of Cx-SAM, which proceeds through an unusual reactive ylide intermediate, and show that the metabolite has a role in tRNA modification in a wide range of bacteria. This work highlights the potential of structural genomics for the discovery of novel metabolites and pathways.
How information technology is transforming corporate planning

Abstract This article illustrates the importance of the use of information technology in planning and control in an automobile company and outlines the possibilities and limitations in the use of different forms of information systems. It discusses the demands the user places on the new systems and what problems and implementations requirements arise in operational practice, within the framework of planning and control.
Decreasing Problem Behavior Associated with a Walking Program for an Individual with Developmental and Physical Disabilities.

In the current investigation, a functional analysis suggested that positive reinforcement in the form of physical contact maintained the self-injurious behavior of a girl with developmental and physical disabilities. We used the information obtained from the functional analysis to develop a treatment for noncompliance with walking in which a therapist removed physical interaction following inappropriate behavior during walks.
Preparation of radioactive L-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate.

Abstract Uniformly labeled l -Ga3P- 14 C was prepared in 30% yield from uniformly labeled d -fructose- 14 C by a combination of enzymic, chemical, and microbiological procedures.
Beckstrand's concept of practice theory: a critique.

This article sets forth objections to Beckstrand's (1978a, 1978b, 1980) claim that the knowledge required for nursing practice is reducible to the knowledge of science, ethics, and logic. Her view overlooks the role of knowledge of individuals and of moral ideals in nursing, neither of which fits her conceptions of science and ethics. We conclude there are questions unique to nursing that a practice theory must address.
Monozygotic twinning after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment is not related to advanced maternal age, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, assisted hatching, or blastocyst transfer.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of assisted reproductive techniques on the incidence of monozygotic twins (MZT) and the associated pregnancy outcomes. Materials and methods This was a retrospective study of all in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with MZT pregnancies in our center from January 2001 to December 2011. The diagnosis of MZT pregnancies with their respective placental configurations was based on the results of ultrasonographic examinations performed during either the first or second trimester. The treatment characteristics and outcomes of each IVF cycle were recorded and stored in a computer database. Results A total of 17 cycles with MZT pregnancies were identified, resulting in an overall incidence of MZT of 1.3%. The incidence of MZT for women aged p = 0.319). The incidence was not significantly different between ICSI and non-ICSI cycles (1.4% vs. 1.0%; p = 0.620). In addition, the incidence was not increased in the assisted hatching (AH) group compared to those without AH (0.9% vs. 2.1%; p = 0.103). Finally, cycles with embryo transfer at the blastocyst stage had an MZT incidence that was not significantly different from those transferred at the cleavage stage (1.4% vs. 1.3%, respectively; p = 1.000). The incidence of each type of chorionicity, dichorionic–diamniotic, monochorionic–diamniotic, and monochorionic–monoamniotic, was 33.3%, 46.7%, and 20.0%, respectively. A total of 11 of 39 (28%) monozygotic babies and 16 of 19 (84%) coexisting heterozygotic babies were born alive. Conclusion Until definite conclusions are drawn from larger trials, patients receiving IVF should not be overly concerned about the increase in MZT risk when proceeding to various assisted reproductive procedures (i.e., ICSI, AH, and blastocyst transfer). However, there is some evidence that the incidence of monochorionic–monoamniotic twins may be significantly increased after IVF/ICSI cycles. Patients should be informed about the possible obstetric complications regarding this rare type of MZT.
Placental pathology in patients using cocaine: An observational study

Abstract Objective: Although retroplacental hemorrhage is a major cause of fetal death, its etiology often remains obscure. In some reports, cocaine use by pregnant women has been associated with retroplacental hemorrhage and clinical abruptio placentae. This study was designed to assess the occurrence of chorionic villus hemorrhage, an entity shown recently to be associated with retroplacental hemorrhage, in the placentas of cocaine users. Methods: Twenty-nine placentas from cocaine users and 15 placentas from drug-free controls, as determined by questionnaire and urine toxicology screen, were examined prospectively, and pathological findings documented. The prevalence of retroplacental hemorrhage, chorionic villus hemorrhage, edema, chorioamnionitis, funisitis, infarction, fetal vessel thrombosis, and intervillus hemorrhage was examined in the two groups. Results: Chorioamnionitis was the most frequent finding in both groups (58% of cocaine users, 66% of controls). Edema of moderate severity or greater was found only in the cocaine-using group (17%). The prevalence of chorionic villus hemorrhage among women using cocaine also was 17%. Conclusion: Cocaine use during pregnancy may be associated with chorionic villus hemorrhage and villus edema, even in the absence of clinical abruptio placentae. The relationship between abnormal placental morphology and adverse perinatal outcomes remains to be determined.
Community Engagement: An Essential Component of Well-Being in Older African-American Adults:

Active engagement in life is a critical factor for successful aging. Research indicates that community engagement is strongly associated with health and well-being in late life. However, less is understood regarding the influence of neighborhood conditions on health and well-being, particularly in older African-American adults. The current study describes a convenience sample of older African Americans (N = 501, mean age = 70.7 [range 55-95] years) living in Detroit. The specific goal is to examine the relationships between their perceptions of neighborhood conditions, level of community engagement, and their health and well-being. Survey findings reveal a sample of highly engaged older African Americans in reasonable health who perceive their neighborhoods favorably. Regression analysis results indicate that community engagement is closely associated with both neighborhood perceptions and well-being in this sample. We propose that community engagement or "participation" mediates the relationship between neighborhood conditions and well-being for older African Americans living in Detroit.
Utility of the 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidinato Ligand, (hpp)−, in Stabilizing Uranium Metallocene Mono-Alkyl and “Tuck-in” Complexes

Monoalkyl uranium chemistry has been probed by reacting the metallocene chloride complex (C5Me5)2(hpp)UCl, 1, (hpp)− = 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidinato, with alkyl lithium reage...
Strong-coupling semiclassical methods. The average approximation for atom- -atom collisions

Calculations on the $2p{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{u}\ensuremath{-}2p{\ensuremath{\pi}}_{u}$ excitation in proton-hydrogen collisions demonstrate that strongly coupled radial equations may be solved using simple semiclassical approximations at the turning points. A theoretical justification of the best of these methods is based on an extension of the large-mass high-energy approximation into the turning-point region. Other model problems are solved to illustrate properties of this new average approximation.
REVERSAL OF FATIGUE IN THE ADRENALECTOMIZED RAT BY GLUCOSE AND OTHER AGENTS1

THE RAT loses its ability to perform a normal amount of work within a few hours after its adrenal cortices are removed (I). The ability to work can be partially restored by treatment with certain of the secretory products of the adrenal cortex (2, 3). The purpose of this study was to investigate the reversibility of the fatigue of the adrenalectomised rat under certain conditions by treatment with substances regulated by adrenal cortical hormones and especially to compare the efficacy of intravenous infusions of glucose, sucrose and sodium chloride solutions at equivalent isomolar concentrations. The results emphasize the apparently greater importance of changes in carbohydrate metabolism rather than in electrolyte metabolism in so far as the ability of the adrenalectomized rat to perform muscular work is concerned under the conditions of these experiments. The animals used in these experiments were male rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain having a body weight of 180±2 gm. Purina Dog Chow was used as a main...
Characterization of auto shredder residue — a Canadian perspective

Abstract Auto Shredder Residue (ASR) the solid wastes produced by the Canadian Ferrous metal Shredding Industry has been found to be an extremely heterogeneous material. By employing a systematic cone and quartering procedure on a sufficiently large representative sample, reasonably consistent and repeatable results can be obtained regarding the chemical and physical composition of the material. Although some variability was observed between samples from one operation the data obtained for the most part was consistent. Surprisingly the variation from operation to operation was not large and when differences in specific properties were noted they could be attributed to specific operational conditions noted at the time of sampling. Essentially, a typical sample of ASR from a Canadian shredding operation has a bulk density of 405 kg/m3 and contains 6% moisture. 18% of the material will have a particle size greater than 25.5 mm, with 37% fines less than 2 mm. The split between the organic and inorganic fraction as determined by ashing is 42% to 58% with the material having a calorific value of 11.8 MJ/kg. After iron: zinc and copper were the principle heavy metals present in the material at concentrations of about 1%. Lead at a concentration of about 0.25% was the next major heavy metal present. Concentrations of cadmium and chromium meanwhile were less than 0.05%. In terms of the leachability of these heavy metals from the ASR when measured by the Quebec test protocol, zinc was found to be the most leachable at concentrations of about 250 mg of Zn per litre of leachant. Cadmium, chromium and copper meanwhile leach out at levels usually less than 1 mg/l. When evaluated by the Quebec test protocol the leachability of lead from ASR is a potential problem with an average concentration of 7.0 mg/l, which exceeds the allowable limit of 5 mg/l.
Use of computers in the engineering geology of the urban renewal of London's docklands

Abstract A systematic collation of geotechnical information has given engineering geology an important role in the renewal of London9s docklands. It has provided a ready source of information to other parties and allowed an improvement in the understanding of the regional engineering geology of the area. A microcomputer database, termed GEODASY, was devised specifically to store the data. This allowed for a projected 10 000 boreholes and holds both stratigraphic as well as field and laboratory test data. The data can be retrieved in a variety of formats. The basic output is a tabulated format which collates and unifies the presentation of the data. Other graphical output produces scaled plans or long sections while preprocessing by the system during enquiry gives X-Y plots allowing a high level of interpretation of the data. The approach could be similarly used wherever there is a strongly defined area of interest.
Cortical Thickness and Neurocognition in Adolescent Marijuana and Alcohol Users Following 28 Days of Monitored Abstinence

Objective:Adolescent marijuana use continues to increase in prevalence as harm perception declines. Better understanding of marijuana’s impact on neurodevelopment is crucial. This prospective study aimed to investigate cortical thickness and neurocognitive performance before and after 28 days of monitored abstinence in adolescent marijuana and alcohol users.Method:Subjects (N = 54; >70% male) were adolescent marijuana users (ages 15–18 years) with regular alcohol use (MJ + ALC; n = 24) and non-using controls (CON; n = 30) who were compared before and after 4 weeks of sequential urine toxicology to confirm abstinence. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging, neuropsychological assessment, and substance use assessment at both time points. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance was used to look at the main effects of group, time, and Group × Time interactions on cortical thickness and neurocognitive functioning. Bivariate correlations estimated associations between cortical thickness, substance u...
Code aware resource management

Multithreaded programs coordinate their interaction through synchronization primitives like mutexes and semaphores, which are managed by an OS-provided resource manager. We propose algorithms for the automatic construction of code-aware resource managers for multithreaded embedded applications. Such managers use knowledge about the structure and resource usage (mutex and semaphore usage) of the threads to guarantee deadlock freedom and progress while managing resources in an efficient way. Our algorithms compute managers as winning strategies in certain infinite games, and produce a compact code description of these strategies. We have implemented the algorithms in the tool Cynthesis. Given a multithreaded program in C, the tool produces C~code implementing a code-aware resource manager. We show in experiments that Cynthesis produces compact resource managers within a few minutes on a set of embedded benchmarks with up to 6 threads.
A receiver–signaler equilibrium in the evolution of communication in noise

Communication in noise differs in a fundamental way from communication without noise, because a receiver faces four possible outcomes every time it checks its input. These outcomes present inevitable trade-offs for a receiver in adjusting its threshold for response. A signaler also faces trade-offs, in this case between costs and benefits as the exaggeration of signals increases. Furthermore, a receiver’s and signaler’s performances are mutually interdependent. The utility of a receiver’s threshold depends on the signaler’s exaggeration (the level of the signal in relation to the level of noise), and the utility of a signaler’s exaggeration depends on the receiver’s threshold. Diminishing returns for both receiver and signaler suggest the possibility of a joint evolutionary equilibrium for a receiver’s threshold and a signaler’s exaggeration. The present analysis combines previous expressions for the utility of a receiver’s threshold ( U r ) and the utility of a signaler’s exaggeration ( U s ) in order to explore the possibility of this joint equilibrium. Utilities for both parties are expressed as survival × fecundity, an approximate measure of the spread of genes associated with a phenotype. Thus, U r and U s , as functions of both the receiver’s threshold (t) and the signaler’s exaggeration (e), represent the adaptive landscapes for each party, and the reciprocal partial derivatives of these utilities, ∂ U r ∕ ∂ e and ∂ U s ∕ ∂ t , approximate the selection gradients for the receiver’s threshold and the signaler’s exaggeration. With parameters for both the receiver’s and the signaler’s performances set to plausible values for many cases of mate choice, the resulting analysis shows that there exists a joint optimum for the receiver’s threshold and the signaler’s exaggeration. This optimum is a Nash equilibrium at which neither party can do better by a unilateral change in behavior. In some conditions, the equilibrium for communication in mate choice occurs at a higher threshold and higher exaggeration than the equilibrium for communication with warning signals. In general, these results indicate that the normal situation for communication in noise is honesty with deception — honesty on average but with instances of disadvantageous outcomes for receivers or signalers. Furthermore, the relationship between honesty and costs is more complex than currently recognized. Most important, the joint optimum for receiver and signaler indicates that communication in noise cannot escape the problems created by noise. Noise is an inevitable component of communication, and perfection in communication is not expected in natural conditions.
Dynamic programming with shape-preserving rational spline Hermite interpolation

Numerical methods for dynamic programming often use value function iteration and interpolation. We present a novel shape-preserving rational spline approximation method that improves value function iteration in terms of both stability and accuracy compared to more common methods.
A risk-based planning method for N-1-1 contingency analysis of transmission systems

A risk-based method is introduced for assessing the transient stability characteristics of electric power systems under N-1-1 contingency analysis. It is shown that the risk and corresponding severity depend on factors including the pre-fault load-flow, the clearing time of circuit breakers and the timing of the second fault. To illustrate the assessment of transient stability of a power system, the method is applied to 68-bus, 16-machine IEEE benchmark system. Simulation results using MATLAB-Simulink with repeated random trials are included to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method for a statistically large set of sample cases.
Intrusive Sandstone Dykes in the Siamo Slate near Negaunee, Michigan

Sandstone dykes up to 15cm wide and more than 3 m long transect the bedding and are parallel to the cleavage in the Siamo Slate of the Marquette synclinorium. These clastic dykes are common in slates of very low metamorphic grade east of Negaunee, and are composed of fine-grained sandstones commonly containing a higher proportion of iron-rich carbonate than the host rocks. The cleavage in both the slates and the interbedded sandstones is produced by parallel orientation of thin pelitic foliae. Individual cleavage foliae can be traced from one pelitic layer, through a sandy lamination and into the next pelitic layer. Microstructures in disrupted sandy laminations indicate that the sandstone dykes formed penecontemporaneously with the cleavage. Both the cleavage foliae and sandstone dykes are interpreted as having formed by intrusion accompanying tectonic dewatering of the Siamo Slate during late diagenesis or very low-grade metamorphism.
Anomalous Seismic Amplitudes Measured in the Los Angeles Basin Interpreted as a Basin-Edge Diffraction Catastrophe

The Los Angeles Basin Passive Seismic Experiment (LABPSE) involved the installation of an array of 18 seismic stations along a line crossing the Los Angeles basin from the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains through the Puente Hills to the coast. At 3-5 km spacing between stations the array has much higher resolution than the permanent network of stations in southern California. This resolution was found to be important for analyzing the factors that govern the amplitude variation across the basin. We inverted spectra of P- and S-body-wave seismograms from local earthquakes (ML 2.1-4.8) for site effects, attenuation, and corner frequency factor using a standard model that assumes geometric spreading varying as inverse distance, exponential attenuation, and an x 2 source model. The S-wave attenuation was sep- arable into basin and bedrock contributions. In addition to the body-wave analysis, S-wave coda were analyzed for coda Q and coda-determined site effects. We find S- wave Q (QS) in bedrock is higher than in the basin. High-frequency QS is higher than low-frequency QS. Coda Q (Qc) is higher than QS. P-wave Q (QP) was not separable into basement and bedrock values, so we determined an average value only. The corner frequencies for P and S waves were found to be nearly the same. The standard model fit over 97% of the S-wave data, but data from six clustered events incident along the basin edge within a restricted range of incidence and azimuth angles gen- erated anomalous amplitudes of up to a factor of 5 higher than predicted. We test whether such basin-edge focusing might be modeled by catastrophe theory. After ruling out site, attenuation, and radiation effects, we conclude a caustic modeled as a diffraction catastrophe could explain both the frequency and spatial dependence of the anomalous variation.
Radiation plus local hyperthermia versus radiation plus the combination of local and whole-body hyperthermia in canine sarcomas

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of increasing intratumoral temperatures by the combination of local hyperthermia (LH) and whole body hyperthermia (WBH) on the radiation response of canine sarcomas. Methods and Materials : Dogs with spontaneous soft tissue sarcomas and no evidence of metastasis were randomized to be treated with radiation combined with either LH alone or LH + WBH. Dogs were accessioned for treatment at two institutions. The radiation dose was 56.25 Gy, given in 25 2.25 Gy daily fractions. Two hyperthermia treatments were given ; one during the first and one during the last week of treatment. Dogs were evaluated after treatment for local recurrence, metastasis, and complications. Results : Sixty-four dogs were treated between 1989 and 1993. The use of LH+WBH resulted in statistically significant increases in the low and middle regions of the temperature distributions. The largest increase was in the low temperatures with median CEM 43 T90 values of 4 vs. 49 min for LH vs. LH + WBH, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no difference in duration of local tumor control between hyperthermia groups (p = 0.59). The time to metastasis was shorter for dogs receiving LH + WBH (p = 0.02) ; the hazard ratio for metastatic disease for dogs in the LH + WBH group was 2.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.4) with respect to dogs in the LH group. Complications were greater in larger tumors and in tumors treated with LH + WBH. Conclusion : The combination of LH + WBH with radiation therapy, as described herein, was not associated with an increase in local tumor control in comparison to use of LH with radiation therapy. The combination of LH + WBH also appeared to alter the biology of the metastatic process and was associated with more complications than LH. We identified no rationale for further study of LH + WBH in combination with radiation for treatment of solid tumors.
College Students' Common Beliefs about Psychology.

An extension of Vaughan's study verifies that student beliefs change very little, even those teachers believe they have corrected.
The flexlab approach to realistic evaluation of networked systems

Networked systems are often evaluated on overlay testbeds such as PlanetLab and emulation testbeds such as Emulab. Emulation testbeds give users great control over the host and network environments and offer easy reproducibility, but only artificial network conditions. Overlay testbeds provide real network conditions, but are not repeatable environments and provide less control over the experiment. We describe the motivation, design, and implementation of Flexlab, a new testbed with the strengths of both overlay and emulation testbeds. It enhances an emulation testbed by providing the ability to integrate a wide variety of network models, including those obtained from an overlay network. We present three models that demonstrate its usefulness, including "application-centric Internet modeling" that we specifically developed for Flexlab. Its key idea is to run the application within the emulation testbed and use its offered load to measure the overlay network. These measurements are used to shape the emulated network. Results indicate that for evaluation of applications running over Internet paths, Flexlab with this model can yield far more realistic results than either PlanetLab without resource reservations, or Emulab without topological information.
Nursing models and the idea of nursing

The Wittgensteinian idea of family resemblances and meaning is explained. The idea of nursing is examined from this standpoint as are the knowledge claims of several influential nursing models. It is argued that the task of building a general model of nursing is theoretically impossible. The political and educational implications of the above argument are developed.
Explain me visually: exploring information design through multimedia

To convey a complex piece of information, we often use devices such as maps, graphs, and charts. Edward Tufte (1983), in his book Visual Display of Quantitative Information, points out that these devices help us convey information with multiple dimensions. Tufte holds that to convey a complex piece of information, one needs to break away from the analogies of reality and to maintain distance from illusionary representations of objects. This research project aims at analyzing visual communication devices such as maps, charts, graphs, and dance notations that are abstract in nature. Through an interactive multimedia program, the project helps users explore individual concepts as well as their relevance to one another. The content of this multimedia program is structured to better assist users to explore relationships between the concepts mentioned above and to form their own connections in the process.
Greenhouse gases in intensive agriculture: contributions of individual gases to the radiative forcing of the atmosphere.

Agriculture plays a major role in the global fluxes of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. From 1991 to 1999, we measured gas fluxes and other sources of global warming potential (GWP) in cropped and nearby unmanaged ecosystems. Net GWP (grams of carbon dioxide equivalents per square meter per year) ranged from 110 in our conventional tillage systems to -211 in early successional communities. None of the annual cropping systems provided net mitigation, although soil carbon accumulation in no-till systems came closest to mitigating all other sources of GWP. In all but one ecosystem, nitrous oxide production was the single greatest source of GWP. In the late successional system, GWP was neutral because of significant methane oxidation. These results suggest additional opportunities for lessening the GWP of agronomic systems.
Controlled formulation of doxorubicin-polylactide nanoconjugates for cancer drug delivery

We report here the synthesis of doxorubicin-polylactide conjugate via doxorubicin-initiated lactide polymerization.
Cost-effective Screening for Acoustic Neuroma with Unenhanced MR: A Clinician's Perspective

In this era of managed care, clinicians andradiologistsalikeshareacommongoalofre-ducingthecostofdiagnosticendeavors.Adop-tion of any new “cost-effective” algorithmshouldtakeplaceonlyafteritsdiagnosticaccu-racyhasbeendeterminedandanydegradationin diagnostic capability has been weighedagainstthepotentialsavings.Threestudiesinthisissueof
Effects of an oncology elective on first‐year medical students' knowledge and attitudes about cancer

This study examined cognitive knowledge and attitudes about cancer for three consecutive classes of first-year medical students who were enrolled in an elective oncology course. Analyses of the data indicated that knowledge about oncologic anatomy and cancer spread patterns increased and attitudes about various aspects of cancer tended to be positive; however, the two parameters were not correlated. Our observations and findings led us to believe that although we did not attempt to "teach" attitudes, factors in addition to cognitive skills could be associated with students' attitudes about cancer. Exposure to cancer patients in an appropriate setting may be as important as instruction. These findings are discussed and placed within the context of the literature. Further research is suggested to compare this group to students who may have similar exposure to cancer patients, but no didactic presentations.
Phosphatase PP2A is requisite for the function of regulatory T cells

Homeostasis of the immune system depends on the proper function of regulatory T cells (T(reg) cells). Compromised suppressive activity of T(reg) cells leads to autoimmune disease and graft rejection and promotes anti-tumor immunity. Here we report a previously unrecognized requirement for the serine-threonine phosphatase PP2A in the function of T(reg) cells. T(reg) cells exhibited high PP2A activity, and T(reg) cell-specific ablation of the PP2A complex resulted in a severe, multi-organ, lymphoproliferative autoimmune disorder. Mass spectrometry revealed that PP2A associated with components of the mTOR metabolic-checkpoint kinase pathway and suppressed the activity of the mTORC1 complex. In the absence of PP2A, T(reg) cells altered their metabolic and cytokine profile and were unable to suppress effector immune responses. Therefore, PP2A is required for the function of T(reg) cells and the prevention of autoimmunity.
Density gradient system. I. Formation and fractionation of density gradients.

Abstract The instrumentation of a precise yet flexible system for the formation and fractionation of linear density gradients is described. The use of a special peristaltic pump and gradient-forming chambers permits the rapid formation of both dilute and concentrated solutions into ca. 5 to 300 ml of gradient. This gradient can be delivered to a single centrifuge tube or equally apportioned to as many as 24 tubes. The special peristaltic pump, which is described in the paper that follows, delivers the concentrated solution into the gradient-forming chamber as well as conveying the gradient from the chamber to the special centrifuge tube. A capillary in the wall of the tube conveys the gradient to the bottom, where it is dispersed into 18 equidistant orifices. This dispersion permits the rapid formation and fractionation of the gradient without disruption. A presettable counter coupled to the peristaltic pump permits the gradients to be apportioned into equal volume fractions. Results obtained with both dilute and concentrated gradients are presented.
The role of azoles in the treatment of invasive mycoses: review of the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines

Purpose of reviewThe antifungal armamentarium for invasive mycoses has increased in recent years. Understanding the appropriate roles of standard and newer antifungals in the management of the various invasive mycoses encountered in clinical practice is critical for optimal patient care. This review
Use Of Retail Clinics: The Authors Reply

Use Of Retail Clinics: The Authors Reply We thank James Bowman for his comments about our article (Mar 2016). In our analyses we did not find that a small group of “high utilizers” accounted for the majority of the increased visits to retail clinics. Our sampling method likely made this impossible. We focused only on patients who first visited a retail clinic in 2011 or 2012. In previous analyses using older data, we found few patients who visited a retail clinic numerous times. Nonetheless, this might change in the future as retail clinics become more popular. We completely agree with Bowman that health plans’ care management teams should be monitoring use of retail clinics just as they monitor use at other care sites.