cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TOWARDS A MODEL FOR MULTIDATABASE TRANSACTIONS

In many application areas the information that may be of interest to a user is stored under the control of multiple, autonomous database systems. To support global transactions in a multidatabase environment, we must coordinate the activities of multiple Database Management Systems that were designed for independent, stand-alone operation. The autonomy and heterogeneity of these systems present a major impediment to the direct adaptation of transaction management mechanisms developed for distributed databases. In this paper we introduce a transaction model designed for a multidatabase environment. A multidatabase transaction is defined by providing a set of (local) sub-transactions, together with their precedence and dataflow requirements. Additionally, the transaction designer may specify failure atomicity and execution atomicity requirements of the multidatabase transaction. These high-level specifications are then used by the scheduler of a multidatabase transaction to assure that its execution satisfies the constraints imposed by the semantics of the application. Uncontrolled interleaving of multidatabase transactions may lead to the violation of interdatabase integrity constraints. We discuss the issues involved in a concurrent execution of multidatabase transactions and propose a new concurrency control correctness criterion that is less restrictive than global serializability. We also show how the multidatabase SQL can be extended to allow the user to specify multidatabase transactions in a nonprocedural way.
Psychosocial Outcomes After Traumatic Brain Injury: Life Satisfaction, Community Integration, and Distress

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between life satisfaction, community integration, and emotional distress in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD: This was an archival study of a longitudinal data set on the outcome and recovery process of persons with TBI. Participants were 253 consecutive adults with mild complicated, moderate, and severe TBI who were enrolled in a large, longitudinal study of persons with TBI. Main measures included the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Positive Affective and Negative Affective Schedule, the Craig Hospital Assessment and Reporting Technique Short-Form, the Community Integration Measure, and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18. RESULTS: The three-factor model adequately fit the data, and a higher-order model did not necessarily improve model fit but revealed significant relationships with first-order constructs and one second-order construct. CONCLUSIONS: Life satisfaction, community integration, and emotional distress were found to be related yet unique concepts in persons with TBI. Life satisfaction was positively related to community involvement and inversely related to emotional distress. Community integration was inversely related to emotional distress. In addition, these concepts are related to a higher-order concept of psychosocial status, a global representation of subjective and objective functioning. These findings demonstrate the interrelated and dynamic nature of psychosocial well-being after brain injury and highlight the need for integrative and holistic treatment plans. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
History and description of the Everglades Nutrient Removal Project, a subtropical constructed wetland in south Florida (USA)

Abstract The biotic integrity of the Florida Everglades is threatened due to degradation of water quality and hydrologic changes associated with agricultural and urban development in the region. Restoration strategies being implemented by State and Federal governments include building approximately 18,000 ha of treatment wetlands to reduce nutrient loads in runoff before this water enters the Everglades. The South Florida Water Management District (District) built and operated a 1544 ha prototype wetland, the Everglades Nutrient Removal Project (ENRP), to gain the operational experience and design data needed to maximize long-term nutrient removal performance in the larger wetlands. The District conducted extensive research and monitoring in the ENRP from 1994 to 1999. This paper presents a brief history and description of the project and serves as an introduction to this special issue of Ecological Engineering devoted to the ENRP.
Eosinophilic Coronary Periarteritis with Arterial Dissection: The Mast Cell Hypothesis

A subset of coronary arterial dissections is associated with eosinophilic coronary periarteritis (ECPA); however, the pathogenesis of the process remains unclear. Mast cells normally reside in coronary arterial adventitia and are known mediators of eosinophilic inflammatory conditions such as type I hypersensitivity reactions. We report two cases in which coronary arterial dissection with ECPA was detected at autopsy. Tryptase, CD68, CD4, CD8, and CD1a immunohistochemical staining was performed to better characterize inflammation. While eosinophils represented a prominent periadventitial inflammatory cell, there were slightly more lymphocytes: CD4/CD8 ratios were within expected reference ranges. There were moderate numbers of macrophages, and few neutrophils or dendritic cells. Numbers of mast cells in dissected versus nondissected sections were compared: adventitial mast cell densities were threefold higher in dissected portions and showed a trend toward increased degranulation. These findings suggest that mast cells may play a role in orchestrating inflammation in cases of ECPA.
Modeling the business value of information technology

Abstract Modeling and measurement issues have been considered the heart of information technology (IT) productivity paradox problem. By collecting data from seven mortgage firms, this research attempts to shed light on the causal relationships and complementarity properties among IT and performance variables. The result is a multi-level business value model that connects the use of IT to a firm’s profit. It is concluded that although there exists a causal relationship between IT and profit, this relationship is indirect and complex. Due to the complementary nature of the relationships, such a complexity is not reducible. All complementary factors must be in favorable conditions for a positive return of IT investments.
Integrating ancient patterns and current dynamics of insect–plant interactions: Taxonomic and geographic variation in herbivore specialization

Abstract The search for pattern in the ecology and evolutionary biology of insect–plant associations has fascinated biologists for centuries. High levels of tropical (low-latitude) plant and insect diversity relative to poleward latitudes and the disproportionate abundance of host-specialized insect herbivores have been noted. This review addresses several aspects of local insect specialization, host use abilities (and loss of these abilities with specialization), host-associated evolutionary divergence, and ecological (including “hybrid”) speciation, with special reference to the generation of biodiversity and the geographic and taxonomic identification of “species borders” for swallowtail butterflies (Papilionidae). From ancient phytochemically defined angiosperm affiliations that trace back millions of years to recent and very local specialized populations, the Papilionidae (swallowtail butterflies) have provided a model for enhanced understanding of localized ecological patterns and genetically based evolutionary processes. They have served as a useful group for evaluating the feeding specialization/physiological efficiency hypothesis. They have shown how the abiotic (thermal) environment interacts with host nutrirional suitability to generate “voltinism/suitability” gradients in specialization or preference latitudinally, and geographical mosaics locally. Several studies reviewed here suggest strongly that the oscillation hypothesis for speciation does have considerable merit, but at the same time, some species-level host specializations may lead to evolutionary dead-ends, especially with rapid environmental/habitat changes involving their host plants. Latitudinal gradients in species richness and degree of herbivore feeding specialization have been impacted by recent developments in ecological genetics and evolutionary ecology. Localized insect–plant associations that span the biospectrum from polyphenisms, polymorphisms, biotypes, demes, host races, to cryptic species, remain academically contentious, with simple definitions still debated. However, molecular analyses combined with ecological, ethological and physiological studies, have already begun to unveil some answers for many important ecological/evolutionary questions.
Alder Canopy Dieback and Damage in Western Oregon Riparian Ecosystems

We gathered baseline data to assess alder tree damage in western Oregon riparian ecosystems. We sought to determine if Phytophthora-type cankers found in Europe or the pathogen Phytophthora alni subsp. alni, which represent a major threat to alder forests in the Pacific Northwest, were present in the study area. Damage was evaluated in 88 transects; information was recorded on damage type (pathogen, insect or wound) and damage location. We evaluated 1445 red alder (Alnus rubra), 682 white alder (Alnus rhombifolia) and 181 thinleaf alder (Alnus incana spp. tenuifolia) trees. We tested the correlation between canopy dieback and canker symptoms because canopy dieback is an important symptom of Phytophthora disease of alder in Europe. We calculated the odds that alder canopy dieback was associated with Phytophthora-type cankers or other biotic cankers. P. alni subsp. alni (the causal agent of alder disease in Europe) was not identified in western Oregon; however, Phytophthora siskiyouensis was isolated from Phytophthora-type cankers which were present on 2% of red alder trees and 3% of white alder trees. The odds of canopy dieback were 5.4 and 4.8 times greater for red and white alder (respectively) with Phytophthora-type canker symptoms than in trees without such cankers. The percentage of trees with canopy dieback was 51%, 32%, and 10% for red, white, and thinleaf alder respectively. Other common damage included wounding, foliar pathogens and insects on red alder. This is the first report of Phytophthora canker of alder in United States forests and first report of P. siskiyouensis isolation from alder in forests anywhere.
Incidence of side-effects associated with high-dose ferric gluconate in patients with severe chronic renal failure

Ferric gluconate complex in sucrose (Ferrlecit) has been associated with less side-effects than iron dextran; however, the recommended dose of 62.5-125 mg per treatment is only suitable for haemodialysis (HD) patients. We retrospectively analysed the incidence of the side-effects associated with a high dose of Ferrlecit infusion (20 treatments in 13 patients; 10 treatments of 250 mg/3-4 h, and 10 treatments of 500 mg/5 h infusion). The patients were in the age range of 32-75 years old, seven with chronic renal failure (CRF), and six on dialysis treatment. One (10%) of the 10 treatments using a 250 mg dose was complicated with severe nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea and a burning sensation in the feet. Three (30%) of the 10 treatments using a 500 mg dose were complicated with: chills, severe nausea/vomiting, hypotension and syncope in one; severe nausea/vomiting, diarrhoea and hypotension in one; and an episode of vomiting in one patient. A single treatment with a 250 mg dose resulted in no significant change in haematological parameters. A single treatment with a 500 mg dose resulted in a significant increase in haemoglobin (Hgb) and haematocrit (Hct), but only a rising trend in serum iron,% transferrin saturation and ferritin pre versus 1-2 months postinfusion. In conclusion, Ferrlecit doses of 250 or 500 mg are complicated with significant untoward reactions in 10-30% of patients, in a dose-dependent fashion.
The congenital diaphragmatic hernia composite prognostic index correlates with survival in left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Purpose We developed the congenital diaphragmatic hernia congenital prognostic index (CDH-CPI) to incorporate all known prognostic variables into a single composite index to improve prognostic accuracy. The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of the CDH-CPI to predict survival in patients with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia and to determine if the index has a stronger correlation with survival than each of the individual components.
Role of stimulus modality in rating ordinary and derived word strings.

Summa~y.-Four types of word strings were presented either visually or auditorily and rated for grammaticaiity and meaningfulness. The string types were normal sentences, syntactically deviant strings, semantically deviant strings, and strings both syntactically and semantically deviant. Results for the auditory mode conform to expectations based upon the linguistic competence of the native speaker but results for the visual mode do not. The results are discussed in terms of the inferiority of visual over auditory short-term memory for verbal information and atrentional strategies. A number of investigations seeking the behavioral correlates of concepts utilized by linguists have focused upon the distinction made between syntax and semantics (Maclay & Sleator, 1960; Hill, 1961; Coleman, 1963; Miller & Isard, 1963; Marks & Miller, 1964; Coleman, 1965; Martin, 1968). Syntax refers to the rules for word order in sentences acceptable to native speakers of a language. Semantics refers to the content reference of words and sentences. The psychologist usually calls these two aspects of language grammar and meaning. One set of operations has been used which is successful in manipulating syntax and semantics independently in the same set of stimulus materials (Marks & Miller, 1964). Grammatically deviant strings in which the semantic elements remain unchanged are produced by permuting the word order of ordinary sentences, producing anagram strings. Semantically deviant strings are produced by diagonalizing over a set of sentences of the same syntactic form, using the first word of sentence one, the second word of sentence two, and so on, to form syntactically correct but semantically anomalous strings in which the original grammatical structure (form-class sequence) of the sentences is retained while changing the semantic structure and decreasing the word-association frequencies. Anagrammatization of the semantically deviant anomalous strings produces syntactically and semantically deviant strings called word-list strings. Thus, four types of strings can be generated from the original set of sentences: normal sentences (grammatical and meaningful), anagram strings (meaningful but not grammatical), anomalous strings (grammatical but not meaningful), and word-list strings (neither grammatical nor meaningful). Restricting the original set of sentences to words of low frequency minimizes the possible redundancy between grammar and meaning inherent in word order.
Hydrodynamic sorting in a coastal marine skeletal assemblage

In this paper I evaluate the effects of wave and tidal erosion on element-specific measures of phenotypic variability. Previous research has found a high correlation between skeletal weight, shape, and density and the transport potential of an element exposed to hydrodynamic forces. However, no previous studies have attempted to address the issue of within-element sorting based on selective removal of only the smallest members of a given element class. I evaluate this hypothesis using a human skeletal sample from Bird Island (8DI52) located in Dixie County, Florida. This sample comprises two components, an eroded sample that was exposed during severe storm and tidal activity, and an uneroded sample excavated from primary context. The measurement-specific means for the subcomponents were compared using Student's t and Wilcoxon tests and variability differences were evaluated based on standard deviations, coefficients of variation, and maximum/minimum indices. The data included maxillary and mandibular tooth dimensions and postcranial metrics. No evidence for selective winnowing based on within-element size was found in this data set. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pathology of Experimental Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Rhesus Monkeys

Rhesus monkeys were inoculated intravenously or intraperitoneally with various numbers of Rickettsia rickettsii. Monkeys that were given more than 10(4) organisms intravenously died on days 3-6 after inoculation, whereas those given less than 10(3) intravenously or more than 10(4) intraperitoneally died on day 7 or later. There was no significant difference in incidence of lesions between the early- and late-death groups. Vasculitis and thrombosis occurred most frequently in the nares, pinna of the ear, scrotal skin, and testicle. Adrenal cortical necrosis was caused by capillary thrombosis. Rickettsiae, estimated by plaque formation in culture, were most numerous in the lung and spleen.
Melanoma knowledge, perception, and awareness in ethnic minorities in Chicago: recommendations regarding education

Objectives: To assess the level of melanoma awareness and risk perception among ethnic minorities and to identify ways to enhance the relevance of melanoma educational materials for ethnic minorities. Methods: Twelve focus groups composed of participants from a single ethnicity [African-American (n=40), Hispanic (n=40), and Asian (n=40)], participated in a 2 h discussion on melanoma and skin cancer and commented on an educational brochure by the American Cancer Society and reacted to photographs of melanoma on ethnic skin. Participants also evaluated the ability to sunburn and tan and the skin cancer risk of images of celebrities before and after the discussion. Additionally, participants assessed the skin tone of celebrities as very fair, fair, olive, light brown, dark brown, and very dark. The audiotape recordings of the 12 focus groups were transcribed and analyzed with the Non-numerical Unstructured Data Indexing Searching and Theorizing software for common themes. Results: The common themes were (1) lack of relevance of skin cancer to ethnic people, (2) understanding of skin cancer risk terminology is based on personal experience and what is acquired from the media, and (3) sources of health information for ethnic minorities are fragmented and physicians are not the primary source of information. Celebrity images representing the six skin tones were selected. Conclusions: Relevance of melanoma education to ethnic people may be improved by using ‘melanoma skin cancer’, photographs of early melanoma in people with dark skin, and providing guidance on how to inspect hands and feet for suspicious moles. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transverse mechanical properties of BSCCO/Ag multifilamentary tapes

In a motor or magnet coil, the conductor experiences stresses both longitudinally and transversely to its length. Longitudinal tension is the most familiar stress configuration because of the well-known Lorentz force or hoop stress. Tension perpendicular to the flat face of a tape, termed c-axis tension, can result from Lorentz stresses in a potted pancake coil structure. While much is known about the response of multifilamentary BSCCO tapes to longitudinal tension, relatively little work has been done on the response to transverse stress. We report here measurements of the strength under c-axis tension at room temperature and 77 K of multifilamentary BSCCO-2223 tape, and a 3-ply reinforced tape.
Dependence of tissue histamine content on local histidine decarboxylase activity.

Abstract 1. 1. The histidine decarboxylase activity of mammalian tissues has been estimated by measuring the increase in histamine content of tissue homogenates during incubation in a histidine-containing solution. The incubation was carried out at pH 9.2 in the presence of a strong reducing agent to prevent histaminase activity. The histidine decarboxylase activity so measured varied over a hundred-fold range in the tissues investigated. 2. 2. The histidine decarboxylase activity of tissues varied in general in proportion to the histamine content of the tissues. Since there is strong evidence that histamine is localized almost exclusively in mast cells, these are probably also the locus of histidine decarboxylase. 3. 3. The distribution of histaminase activity was found not to be related either directly or inversely to the histamine content of tissues. 4. 4. The amount of combined histamine in the tissues was less than the amount of free histamine and bore little relation to the amount of combined histamine produced during incubation with histidine.
Molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 proviral latency

While great strides have been made in the treatment of HIV infection with highly active antiretroviral therapy, an actual cure remains out of grasp. One confounding factor is the persistence of a small population of infected cells containing transcriptionally silent but reactivatable HIV proviruses. Following cessation of highly active antiretroviral therapy, these latently-infected cells serve as an inoculum for re-establishing an active infection. Recent progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV proviral latency will be reviewed. Recent advances in the study of transcriptional regulation and the completion of the Human Genome Project underscore the role of chromatin and the site of viral integration on HIV transcription. Finally, experimental therapies designed to eliminate the latent population will be highlighted.
Response surface study on production of explosively-welded aluminum-titanium laminates

This research was undertaken to produce strong and stiff, aluminum-titanium, multi-layered composites (laminates) by explosive welding, for applications requiring light-weight. The purpose of lamination is to create a material with superior mechanical properties resulting from plastic deformation produced by shock wave passage throughout each layer and from the presence of the explosively welded interfaces. A response surface study was performed on these laminates to investigate the mechanical behavior of the laminates with changes in two characteristic variables, abundance of interfaces and volume percentage of the more ductile component. For this purpose, a total of eighteen laminates, nine of which were the basis of a central composite design, were produced. One-step welding of these laminates was achieved by explosives-introduced pressuring; the material was supported by thicker steel plates on both sides to reduce the harmful effects of detonation and to produce smooth top and bottom surfaces. Yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation data were collected from tensile tests. A second-order model was fitted and a three dimensional response surface was built to define the relationship among the mechanical properties (yield strength) of the laminates and two design variables. The fitted second-order model clearly shows that the mechanical properties of the laminates depend strongly on the relative amounts of the components but only weakly on the abundance of interfaces within the selected operability region.
Coronary venous imaging with electron beam computed tomographic angiography: three-dimensional mapping and relationship with coronary arteries.

Background The coronary venous system can provide vascular access for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Visualization of the coronary veins and their relationship to other cardiac structures may play an important role in facilitating these procedures. We sought to assess the ability of electron beam computed tomographic angiography (EBCTA) to characterize 3-dimensional (3-D) coronary venous anatomy. Methods Two hundred thirty-one consecutive EBCTA coronary studies were analyzed. The coronary venous system was mapped and analyzed using 2- and 3-D images with definition of diameter and angulations of branch vessels and distance from CS os. Results The coronary sinus (CS), great cardiac, middle cardiac, left ventricular (LV) anterior interventricular, LV marginal, LV posterior, left atrial, and right atrial veins were visualized in 100%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 78%, 81%, 6%, and 8% of the studies, respectively, with definition of diameter and angulations of branch vessels and distance from CS os. There was a significant linear correlation between CS diameter and right atrial end systolic volume ( R = 0.244, n=81, P Conclusions EBCTA can provide 3-D visualization of most components of the coronary venous system and definition of the spatial relationships with coronary arteries. EBCTA may potentially serve as a useful noninvasive tool for coronary venous imaging for procedures involving coronary veins, such as resynchronization therapy.
Mapping family stress: The application of family adaptation theory to post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract This articel examines the role of interpersonal factors in the maintenance of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suggests a need for clinicans to conceptualize PTSD within a family systems context. A case study illustrates the use of Family Adaptation Theory as a model for assessment and intervention.
Opposition Strategy and Survival in Praetorian Brazil, 1964-79

Opposition groups in authoritarian political systems are constrained not only by the presence of coercive forces, but also by the indeterminate and uncertain application of repression. This article suggests the use of Albert Hirschman's rational model of dissent as an analytic framework for the study of interest articulation within mixed regimes. After deriving several behavioral attributes associated with dissent, the article then explores the utility of the Hirschman model within the Brazilian context. Several political strategies that allowed opposition forces to survive more than a decade of severe repression by the praetorian regime are examined. Political "safety zones" that permit opposition forces to avoid or neutralize repressive constraints also are identified. The article concludes with an assessment of the framework's potential for comparative research.
Citrulline levels following proximal versus distal small bowel resection

Abstract Purpose Citrulline, a nonprotein amino acid synthesized by enterocytes, is a biomarker of bowel length and the capacity to wean from parenteral nutrition. However, the potentially variant effect of jejunal versus ileal excision on plasma citrulline concentration [CIT] has not been studied. This investigation compared serial serum [CIT] and mucosal adaptive potential after proximal versus distal small bowel resection. Methods Enterally fed Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sham operation or 50% small bowel resection, either proximal (PR) or distal (DR). [CIT] was measured at operation and weekly for 8 weeks. At necropsy, histologic features reflecting bowel adaptation were evaluated. Results By weeks 6–7, [CIT] in both resection groups significantly decreased from baseline (P Conclusion [CIT] effectively differentiates animals undergoing major bowel resection from those with preserved intestinal length. The region of intestinal resection was not a determinant of [CIT]. The remaining bowel in the PR group demonstrated greater adaptive potential histologically. [CIT] is a robust biomarker for intestinal length, irrespective of location of small intestine lost.
Mechanism of Hydroxyl Radical‐Induced Breakdown of the Herbicide 2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4‐D)

Oxidative transformations by the hydroxyl radical are significant in advanced oxidation processes for the breakdown of organic pollutants, yet mechanistic details of the reactions are lacking. A combination of experimental and computational methods has been employed in this study to elucidate the reactivity of the hydroxyl radical with the widely used herbicide 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid). The experimental data on the reactivity of the hydroxyl radical in the degradation of the herbicide 2,4-D were obtained from gamma-radiolysis experiments with both (18)O-labeled and unlabeled water. These were complemented by computational studies of the (.)OH attack on 2,4-D and 2,4-DCP (2,4-dichlorophenol) in the gas phase and in solution. These studies firmly established the kinetically controlled attack ipso to the ether functionality as the main reaction pathway of (.)OH and 2,4-D, followed by homolytic elimination of the ether side chain. In addition, the majority of the early intermediates in the reaction between the hydroxyl radical and 2,4-DCP, the major intermediate, were identified experimentally. While the hydroxyl radical attacks 2,4-D by (.)OH-addition/elimination on the aromatic ring, the oxidative breakdown of 2,4-DCP occurs through (.)OH addition followed by either elimination of chlorine or formation of the ensuing dichlorophenoxyl radical.
Delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy.

Received June 1, 2000; revised June 28, 2001; accepted July 2, 2001. From the Neuropsychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Lee, Osler 327, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287–5371. Copyright 2001 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. The syndrome of delayed neurologic deterioration with cerebral demyelination has been reported in the literature several times as occurring in the setting of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, this syndrome is now more commonly seen in the context of drug overdose with heroin or benzodiazepine and in other situations that lead to severe hypoxia. It is well known that anoxic or hypoxic injury produces acute neurologic deficits. It is less well known that severe neurologic consequences may be delayed for days or weeks after the injury and that the corresponding radiological findings may be delayed even later. This case report illustrates a case of delayed-onset leukoencephalopathy due to hypoxic injury. Generally, a psychiatrist encounters post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy in an inpatient setting as a consulting physician for a patient who has just been subjected to an extensive medical workup. The goal is to demonstrate how the temporal separation between the injury and the neuropsychiatric sequelae and/or radiological findings presents a diagnostic challenge for the clinician. Also, two recent reports on delayed post-hypoxic demyelination suggest an association with pseudodeficiency of arylsulfatase A as a predisposing factor. As far as we know, this is the second report of a patient with normal arylsulfatase A activity who developed delayed post-hypoxic demyelination.
A Simple Tool for the Design of Passive Solar Buildings

The design tools that are presently available for use by designers of passive solar heating or cooling systems include detailed simulation codes, correlations derived from the detailed codes, and simulations that may be used for short-term analyses using programmable handheld calculators or desktop computers. An alternative method is based on classical frequency response techniques and yields results that are in close agreement with those that are obtained from detailed computer simulations. The method may be used to quickly determine the average temperature and the magnitude of the diurnal temperature variation in a passive solar building. The effects of parameter changes may also be quickly and easily determined by this method. The method is described in the paper and results are presented for a salb-on-grade building having a thermal storage wall and a thermal storage floor incorporating off-peak load management.
The Value of School Facility Investments: Evidence from a Dynamic Regression Discontinuity Design

Author(s): Cellini, Stephanie Riegg; Ferreira, Fernando; Rothstein, Jesse | Abstract: Despite extensive public infrastructure spending, surprisingly little is known about its economic return. In this paper, we estimate the value of school facility investments using housing markets: standard models of local public goods imply that school districts should spend up to the point where marginal increases would have zero effect on local housing prices. Our research design isolates exogenous variation in investments by comparing school districts where referenda on bond issues targeted to fund capital expenditures passed and failed by narrow margins. We extend this traditional regression discontinuity approach to identify the dynamic treatment effects of bond authorization on local housing prices, student achievement, and district composition. Our results indicate that California school districts underinvest in school facilities: passing a referendum causes immediate, sizable increases in home prices, implying a willingness to pay on the part of marginal homebuyers of $1.50 or more for each $1 of capital spending. These effects do not appear to be driven by changes in the income or racial composition of homeowners, and the impact on test scores appears to explain only a small portion of the total housing price effect. (c) 2010 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology..
Peak groundwater depletion in the High Plains Aquifer, projections from 1930 to 2110

Abstract Peak groundwater depletion from overtapping aquifers beyond recharge rates occurs as the depletion rate increases until a peak occurs followed by a decreasing trend as pumping equilibrates towards available recharge. The logistic equation of Hubbert's study of peak oil is used to project measurements at a set of observation wells, which provide estimates of saturated thickness and changes in groundwater storage from 1930 to 2110. The annual rate of depletion in High Plains Aquifer of the central USA is estimated to have peaked at 8.25 × 109 m3/yr in 2006 followed by projected decreases to 4.0 × 109 m3/yr in 2110. The timing of peaks follows a south–north progression, with peaks occurs in 1999 for Texas, 2002 for New Mexico, 2010 for Kansas, 2012 for Oklahoma and 2023 for Colorado; peaks do not occur before 2110 for Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. The manifestation of peak groundwater depletion contributes towards the more comprehensive understanding necessary to assess potential vulnerabilities in the water-food nexus posed by aquifer depletion.
Synchronous Process Cooperation

Synchronous cooperation results among two or more processes when executing a joint activity during a finite time interval called the cooperation interval. For the processes to carry out the joint activity, the simultaneous participation of the processes is required during the time interval of cooperation. At the end of this joint activity, the processes will continue independently with their individual activities. This chapter discusses the principles of synchronous cooperation among processes, and presents a case study with a simulation model that implements synchronous communication among a set of sender and receive processes.
Needle-type lactate biosensor.

Abstract A needle-type lactate biosensor has been developed for continuous intravascular lactate monitoring. The sensor employs poly(1,3-phenylenediamine) as the inner layer on the platinum electrode in order to eliminate the interference from oxidizable physiological substances. Cross-linking with glutaraldehyde was used for enzyme immobilization. Dithiothreitol was used as the stabilizer of lactate oxidase. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) was chosen as the external diffusion control membrane. Sensor performance was evaluated in vitro and the sensor shows a sensitivity of 10–15 nA/mM, and a linear range from 1 mM to at least 15 mM lactate. Evaluation of the sensor response in blood plasma showed similar sensitivity and linear range as indicated by the calibration curves obtained in buffer solution. The sensor has a short response time of approximately 1 minute. The sensors were operated continuously for 7 days in phosphate buffer containing solution with a concentration at the physiological lactate level. No significant change in sensor sensitivity and its linear range has been observed. Sensors show a minimum change in its performance when stored in buffer at 4°C for at least 9 months.
E-prescribing: One giant leap toward pharmacy practice integration

The experience of a number of health care organizations has shown that ineffective communication of medication-related information at transitions in care is responsible for as many as 50% of all medication errors and up to 20% of adverse drug events in the hospital setting.[1][1] Researchers have
The Cleveland Clinic Alcohol Rehabilitation Program: a treatment outcome study. A preliminary report.

After the first 18 months of operation of the Cleveland Clinic Alcohol Rehabilitation Program, a treatment outcome study was performed to determine demographic characteristics of the patient population and effectiveness of treatment. Overall, 65.1% of alcohol abusers and 78.4% of drug abusers achieved favorable outcomes. Treatment modalities that correlated with positive outcomes included inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient psychotherapy, current activity in Alcoholics Anonymous, and taking disulfiram. The multimodality treatment approach was shown to be highly beneficial in helping people achieve stable avoidance of drugs or alcohol.
Electrophysiology of Bacterial Translocons

Protein-translocating channels, or translocons, are ubiquitous membrane proteins found in all cell types as well as intracellular organelles. In bacteria, they often constitute one of the components of molecular machines that participate in membrane biogenesis, assembly of surface exposed appendages, and the secretion of protein substrates across the cell envelope. Their pore-forming properties make them directly amenable to electrophysiology, even though ionic movement is not their natural function. Several bacterial translocons have been investigated by patch-clamp or planar lipid bilayer electrophysiology. These studies have revealed that bacterial translocons are often dynamic channels, capable of sampling a large conformational landscape, and thus displaying multiplicity of conductance states. They typically form large pores, but are often gated by internal plug elements that limit the flow of ions and molecules in the resting state. Combined with structural data, electrophysiological studies have allowed the discovery of structure-function relationships that shed light on functional mechanisms. In some cases, the channel properties have been investigated in the presence of natural substrates to understand the molecular steps involved in translocation itself. This review highlights the electrophysiological investigations of SecYEG, BamA, TolC, secretins, ushers, type III secretion translocons, autotransporters and two-partner secretion systems.
Tree genetics strongly affect forest productivity, but intraspecific diversity–productivity relationships do not

Summary Numerous studies have demonstrated biodiversity–productivity relationships in plant communities, and analogous genetic diversity–productivity studies using genotype mixtures of single species may show similar patterns. Alternatively, competing individuals among genotypes within a species are less likely to exhibit resource-use complementarity, even when they exhibit large differences in their effects on ecosystem function. In this study, we test the impact of genotype diversity and genetic identity on ecosystem function using an ecosystem-scale common garden experiment. Distinct tree genotypes were collected across the entire natural range of the riparian tree Populus fremontii in the USA, and grown in 1–16 genotype combination forest stands. Due to the warm climate and irrigation of the planting location along the Colorado River (AZ, USA), mature forest physiognomy with trees up to 19 m tall was achieved in just five years. Several key patterns emerged: (i) genotype richness did not predict forest productivity, suggesting a lack of net biodiversity effects; (ii) we found differences among genotype monoculture stands comparable to differences in average productivity across all forest biomes on Earth; (iii) productivity was predicted based on genetic marker similarity in trees; (iv) genetic-based differences in leaf phenology (early leaf-on and late leaf-fall timing) were correlated with >80% of the variation in tree and forest productivity irrespective of home-site conditions. Large differences in productivity among genotypes can result in dramatic differences in forest productivity without resulting in diversity–productivity relationships that are present in species-scale biodiversity studies.
Endovascular Treatments in the Field

The use of endovascular techniques to treat traumatic vascular injuries was first reported by Marin et al in 1993. In this report, seven vascular injuries to the superficial femoral artery or subclavian arteries were treated using transluminally placed covered stents. These grafts were successfully inserted percutaneously or through open arteriotomies that were remote from the site of vascular trauma. Endovascular treatment of these traumatic injuries resulted in decreased blood loss, reduced requirements for anesthesia, and limited need for extensive dissection in the traumatized field.
Effect of whole flax seed and carbohydrase enzymes on gastrointestinal morphology, muscle fatty acids, and production performance in broiler chickens.

Abstract Flax seed is a rich source of α-linolenic acid (18:3 n-3). Feeding broiler birds flax seed can increase n-3 fatty acids in meat tissues. However, non-starch polysaccharides in flax seed decrease nutrient digestibility and can have a negative impact on bird performance and muscle fatty acid content. Addition of carbohydrase enzymes to flax-based broiler diets can decrease the anti-nutritive effects of non-starch polysaccharides. An experiment was conducted to investigate on the effect of flax seed and carbohydrase enzyme foregut morphology, muscle tissue, fatty acids, and bird performance. A total of 112 five-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to one of four treatments: Flax10 (corn-soybean meal basal diet adjusted for 10% flax), Flax15 (basal diet adjusted for 15% flax), Flax10E (Flax10 + 0.05% enzyme), and Flax15E (Flax 15 + 0.05% enzyme). Addition of enzyme led to large increases in villi height and villi width in the jejunum of birds fed Flax10 and increases in crypt depth in the jejunum of birds fed Flax15 (P 0.05).
Direct, Indirect, and Signal Transduction Response Modeling

Based on the paradigm of mechanistic modeling, three types of pharmacodynamic models are introduced: direct effect, indirect response, and signal transduction. The underlying pharmacological and biological assumptions about the model structures and operations are provided along with examples of their applications. A brief historical perspective is introduced for each model class. Mathematical equations defining the model are presented and explored to link model parameters with model characteristics such as the shape of the response curve. The impact of dose on the time courses of pharmacodynamic responses is evaluated for large doses and exemplified with computer simulations. A common theme is the extent of delay between drug pharmacokinetics and response. When relevant, alternative parameterizations and parameter identifiability are discussed. Only the simplest forms of models are provided with some guidelines on how to build more complex models based on a systems pharmacology approach.
Expression of tumor biomarkers in HIV-infected patients with head and neck cancer.

6086 Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals are at increased risk for head and neck cancer (HNC). Poor survival is associated with low CD4 counts, larynx/hypopharynx si...
High-Throughput of Polymer Derived Carbon Nanopillar Arrays for Enhanced Energy Storage Performance

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was printed into a nanostructured carbon nanopillar arrays using a quick, simple, and highly efficient method called spin-on nanoprinting (SNAP). The mold used to print PAN nanostructures could easily be reproduced via printing an inverse replica of carbon nanopillar arrays. The as-printed carbon nanopillar arrays were further prepared as supercapacitor electrodes. As a result, these nanostructured carbon electrodes display an order of magnitude enhancement in specific capacitance compared to non-nanostructured carbon electrodes.
Paul Halmos: Words More than Numbers

Let us begin in the Halmos fashion by considering a problem. What word best fits in the three blank spaces below?
Biosynthesis of an Opine Metallophore by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bacterial pathogenesis frequently requires metal acquisition by specialized, small-molecule metallophores. We hypothesized that the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa encodes the enzymes nicotianamine synthase (NAS) and opine dehydrogenase (ODH), biosynthesizing a new class of opine metallophore, previously characterized only in the unrelated Gram-positive organism Staphylococcus aureus. The identity of this metallophore, herein named pseudopaline, was determined through measurements of binding affinity, the in vitro reconstitution of the biosynthetic pathway to screen potential substrates, and the confirmation of product formation by mass spectrometry. Pseudopaline and the S. aureus metallophore staphylopine exhibit opposite stereochemistry for the histidine moiety, indicating unique recognition by NAS. Additionally, we demonstrate SaODH catalysis in the presence of pyruvate, as previously shown, but also oxaloacetate, suggesting the potential for the production of a variant form of staphylopine, while...
An anatomy of trust in public key infrastructure

Public key infrastructure (PKI) is a critical component of information infrastructure, which has strong impacts through cybersecurity to the whole system of interconnected independent critical infrastructures, particularly in the context of fast growth of Internet of Things, where traditional critical infrastructure systems are transforming into smart cyber-physical systems. PKI is a mechanism of trust to support identity authentication, digital certification, secure communication, and privilege authorization. This paper investigates the trust mechanism used in PKIs, and we found that the major PKI specification documents do not precisely define what trust exactly means in PKIs, and there are implicit trust assumptions in the real practice of PKIs. Some assumptions may not be always true. Those implicit trust assumptions may cause different parties particularly relying parties to have different understanding about the meaning of certificates and trust; thus possibly causing misuse of trust. This paper attempts to have an in-depth analysis to PKI trust mechanism.
Definitions and Basic Quality Concepts

Communications in any field depend upon mutually understood definitions which reflect the basic concepts of that field. The definitions of some of the key quality terms found in the glossaries of t...
Compact inertial confinement fusion multireactor concepts

Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) commercial-applications plant-optimum driver pulse repetition rates may exceed reactor pulse-repetition-rate capabilities. Thus, more than one reactor may be required for low-cost production of electric power, process heat, fissionable fuels, etc., in ICF plants. Substantial savings in expensive reactor containment cells and blankets can be realized by placing more than one reactor in a cell and by surrounding more than one cavity with a single blanket system. There are also some potential disadvantages associated with close coupling in compact multicavity blankets and multireactor cells. Tradeoffs associated with several scenarios have been studied.