cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light rail transit and economic recovery: A case of resilience or transformation?

Abstract The ecological concept of “resilience” has been applied to social and economic systems in researchers’ attempts to understand the extent to which those systems recover after calamity. Resilience strictly speaking can mean little more than carrying on as usual after a period of recovery. It can also mean learning from calamity so that while most functions resume, systems are prepared for the next, similar calamity. But transformation can also occur whereby systems are restructured, abandoning the most vulnerable pre-calamity elements while redirecting resources to new elements better able to withstand known and unknown future calamities. We apply the concepts of resilience and transformation to the seven light rail transit (LRT) systems operating in the U.S. before, during and after the Great Recession. Using shift-share analysis across groups of economic sectors, we trace the share and shift in the share of jobs in those sectors during each of the three time periods. We find that economic activity within 0.50-mile of LRT stations was more resilient during the Great Recession than their metropolitan areas as a whole, and those economies appear to have been transformed such that jobs were shifting substantially more to LRT corridors in the post-recession period than before.
Modeling microstructure of drivers’ task switching behavior

Abstract A computational model is created to simulate drivers’ task switching behavior, or dynamic allocation of visual attention, while they are driving and engaging in a secondary task. The model takes the following into account: uncertainty about the roadway, task structure, and individual differences. The first factor, uncertainty, means a lack of information about the roadway that plays a significant role in switching attention back to the roadway. The second factor, task structure, reflects the driver's tendency to switch visual attention from the secondary task to the roadway at subtask boundaries as well as the tendency to continue to perform task to reach subtask boundaries. Lastly, the model considers the variability of performance speed across the driver population. The factors jointly influence the probability of switching attention in the model. We use the ABC-MCMC (Approximate Bayesian Computation – Markov Chain Monte Carlo) method to estimate model parameters that produce the microstructure of task switching. The fitted model generates glance patterns at a micro level that are consistent with those generated by participants in an experiment.
Influence of annealing atmosphere on Li2ZrO3-coated LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 and its high-voltage cycling performance

Abstract Layered Ni-rich oxides have attracted much attention for the positive electrode in lithium-ion batteries due to their low cost and high capacity. However, they still suffer from poor cycling and rate performance, especially at high voltage. In this work, LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 powders are surface-modified by a Li2ZrO3 coating prepared under either dry air or oxygen. The effect of the coating atmosphere on the electrochemical properties of Li2ZrO3/LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 are systematically investigated by multiple structural characterization (synchrotron HRXRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS) and electroanalytical (EIS, SSCV, and GITT) techniques. The Li2ZrO3 coating prepared in oxygen is largely amorphous. It not only provides surface protection against the electrolyte corrosion but also enables faster lithium-ion transport at the interfacial regions. Additionally, oxygen atmosphere facilitates Zr diffusion from the surface coating to the bulk of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2, which stabilizes the crystal structure and enhances lithium-ion diffusion. Consequently, LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 cathodes coated with Li2ZrO3 in oxygen exhibit improved high-voltage cycling stability and high-rate performance.
Graphene coating on nickel as effective barriers against hydrogen embrittlement

Abstract Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) is a significant problem for many metal alloys leading to the degradation of mechanical strength and lifetime. Here we report that a graphene coating deposited by chemical vapor deposition can effectively protect nickel against hydrogen embrittlement. We find the degree of protection depends strongly on the graphene synthesis condition. Using ethanol as the carbon feedstock and a high cooling rate are essential in achieving effective protection. To reveal the mechanism, hydrogen permeation tests are performed, and the permeation current analyzed on different samples. Additional characterization such as optical transmission, Raman spectroscopy, and mechanical strength tests are also performed on the graphene coating. We propose that hydrogen permeates graphene in two alternating steps – transport through in-plane defects and intercalation which expands the interlayer spacing. This work demonstrates that graphene is an effective coating against HE and points out the direction to further improve the protection effectiveness.
Enhancement of convective quenching heat transfer by coated tubes and intermittent cryogenic pulse flows

Abstract This paper reports heat transfer enhancement techniques for the cryogenic quenching process. An experiment was performed to evaluate the enhancement of quenching heat transfer by two techniques: 1. Using intermittent pulse flows and 2. Coating the inner surface of a test tube with layers of low thermal conductivity films. Pulsed liquid nitrogen flows with various duty cycles and periods were applied in the quenching of a room-temperature metal tube coated with four layers of Teflon thin films on the inner surface. In general, the results obtained indicate that the quenching thermal efficiency that measures the effectiveness of heat transfer enhancement increases with decreasing duty cycle, however it is relatively independent of the period. Comparing with non-coated bare surface test tube, the low-conductivity coating substantially improved the thermal efficiency and reduced the total quenching time. Additionally, the thermal efficiency was found to increase with decreasing source inlet pressure or coolant mass flow rate. The savings on the amount of cryogen consumed follow the same trends as those for the thermal efficiency with pulse flows and tube coating.
“I Was Doing a Good Deed”: Exploring the Motivations of Photo Story Subjects in Granting Photojournalists Access*

Sarah Watkin was six, and she was sick. A rare blood cancer had recurred for a third time and her prognosis was scary. Doctors proposed a stem cell transplant that would require spending a month in...
A clinicopathological study of 17 cases of ocular surface xanthogranuloma in dogs.

Objective To evaluate the clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features of 17 cases of ocular surface xanthogranuloma (OSX) in dogs. Methods Archived records from the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin (COPLOW) were searched for cases of canine OSX. Cases were evaluated for lipid-laden macrophages and Touton giant cells. Seventeen cases matching those criteria were identified (1993-2018). Clinical and epidemiological data were collected from the submission forms and additional follow-up survey. Results Ocular surface xanthogranuloma in dogs presented as small bland nodules. OSX commonly occurred at the limbus (8/17) or cornea (4/17). Three of 17 affected animals were less than 1-year-old and the average age was 6.9 years (range 0.7-14 years). Fourteen of 17 cases did not report any lipid or metabolic abnormalities. Histologically, lesions were composed mainly of dense sheets of vacuolated lipid-laden macrophages and Touton giant cells with scant additional inflammatory cells and an intact overlying epithelium. No recurrence was noted in cases where complete surgical resection was achieved, and medical treatment either pre or post-resection led to only partial resolution. Conclusions Xanthogranulomas are histiocytic lesions characterized by abundant lipid-laden macrophages. The authors use the term, ocular surface xanthogranuloma, to describe nodules with rigidly defined cellular characteristics. Although these lesions share characteristics with human limbal xanthogranulomas, further investigation is needed to suggest the different subsets that have been reported in the medical literature. Complete surgical excision is the most effective treatment for OSX in dogs, and intralesional triamcinolone and topical steroids can be useful adjunctive therapies to surgery.
Public Bank—Bank of North Dakota

BND is a unique institution combining elements of banking, fiduciary, investment management services, and other financial services, and state government with a primary role in financing economic development. The bank offers commercial financing programs for farming, ranching, small business, start-up enterprises, community development, and other areas. The Bank of North Dakota rarely makes direct loans; instead, when a community bank wants to give a sizable loan but lacks the capital, the state bank will partner on the loan and provide a backstop.
Compliance with cancer screening and influenza vaccination guidelines in non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivors.

Compliance with US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) age-appropriate cancer screening and immunization guidelines in lymphoma survivors is not known. We sought to measure compliance in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors and identify any differences based on patient, disease, and treatment characteristics. Eligible NHL survivors were identified from the Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER) prospective cohort study. Survivors self-reported colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer screening and influenza immunization in a questionnaire 3 years post-diagnosis (FU3). The USPSTF guidelines were used to define compliance. Chi-square tests were used to compare characteristics of compliant versus non-compliant survivors. A total of 1833 MER participants from 2005 to 2012 completed a FU3. Rates of breast and prostate cancer screening were 96% and 72%, respectively. No differences in compliance based on patient or disease characteristics or treatment were observed. Ninety-two percent of survivors were compliant with colorectal cancer screening. Older age, indolent lymphoma histology, and 2008–2012 year of diagnosis were associated with higher compliance. Eighty-two percent of survivors were compliant with influenza vaccination and older age was associated with higher compliance. NHL survivors have high compliance with USPSTF recommendations for cancer screening and immunization. Survivors who are younger or have aggressive lymphomas are less likely to meet the colorectal cancer screening guidelines. Older survivors are more likely to receive influenza vaccination. Measures to further improve preventive care for NHL survivors, especially those younger in age, are necessary.
Size-independent mRNA synthesis and chromatin-based partitioning mechanisms generate and maintain constant amounts of protein per cell

Summary Cell size and biosynthesis are inextricably linked. As cells grow, total protein synthesis increases in proportion to cell size so that protein concentrations remain constant. As an exception, the budding yeast cell-cycle inhibitor Whi5 is synthesized in a constant amount per cell cycle, so that it is diluted in large cells to trigger division. Here, we show that this size-independent expression of Whi5 results from size-independent transcription. A screen for similar genes identified histones as the major class of size-independent transcripts during the cell cycle, consistent with histone synthesis being coupled to genome content rather than cell size. However, during asymmetric division size-independent transcription is insufficient for size-independent protein expression and chromatin-binding ensures equal amounts of protein are partitioned to unequally sized cells to maintain size-independent protein amounts. Thus, specific transcriptional and partitioning mechanisms determine size-independent protein expression to control cell size.
The impact of adverse childhood experiences on healthcare utilization in children.

Abstract Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are related to long-term negative outcomes. The impact of these experiences on healthcare utilization in children has been understudied. Objective To examine the impact of ACEs on children’s healthcare utilization, medical diagnoses, and pharmacological treatment. Participants and setting Children aged 6 months to 17 years who were screened for ACEs in the Behavioral Health Department or in primary care locations as part of an initial consultation visit and who had at least one subsequent healthcare visit during the study period were included in the study. Methods Adverse childhood experiences were measured using the ACE screening questionnaire designed by Felitti et al. (1998). Data from the year following administration of the ACE screening tool were retrospectively extracted from the electronic health record. Results Overall, 1,183 children met study inclusion criteria. Children with any reported ACEs were more likely to no show appointments (1−3 ACEs incidence rate ratio (IRR) [95 % confidence interval (CI)]: 1.40 [1.11–1.77]; 4+ ACEs IRR [95 % CI]: 1.41 [1.08–1.84]) and to use emergency services (1−3 ACEs IRR [95 % CI]: 1.24 [1.00–1.53]; 4+ ACEs: IRR [95 % CI]: 1.42 [1.11–1.81) than children with no ACEs. Those with 4+ ACEs used the telephone nurse advisor less frequently (1−3 ACEs IRR [95 % CI]: 0.67 [0.53–0.84]; 4+ ACEs IRR [95 % CI]: 0.69 [0.53–0.90]). Although ACE scores were associated with healthcare utilization, insurance status was more robustly associated with healthcare utilization than ACE score. Conclusions Healthcare systems may employ results from this study to adopt trauma-informed care initiatives. Ensuring that all patients have insurance may be a first step toward improving healthcare utilization.
“Spanish Citizenship and Responsibility for the Past: The Case of the Sephardim, Moriscos, and Saharawis”

In 2015, Spain passed a law expediting citizenship for the descendants of the Sephardic Jews expelled in 1492, but not to the descendants of the Moriscos expelled in 1609. In this essay, I use Spai...
Oxytocin Receptor Activation Rescues Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression by Systemic Fentanyl in the Rat

Opioid overdose intervention by naloxone, a high affinity receptor antagonist, reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) and analgesia by displacing opioids. Systemic naloxone stimulates release of the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin, which has analgesic properties and participates in cardiorespiratory homeostasis. To test the hypothesis that oxytocin can reverse OIRD, we assessed the rescue potential of graded doses (0, 0.1, 2, 5, 10, 50 nmol/kg, i.v.) of oxytocin to counter fentanyl (60 nmol/kg, i.v.)–induced depression of neural inspiration indexed by recording phrenic nerve activity (PNA) in anesthetized (urethane/α-chloralose), vagotomized, and artificially ventilated rats. Oxytocin dose-dependently rescued fentanyl OIRD by almost immediately reversing PNA burst arrest (P = 0.0057) and restoring baseline burst frequency (P = 0.0016) and amplitude (P = 0.0025) at low but not high doses, resulting in inverted bell-shaped dose-response curves. Oxytocin receptor antagonism (40 nmol/kg, i.v.) prevented oxytocin reversal of OIRD (arrest: P = 0.0066, frequency: P = 0.0207, amplitude: P = 0.0022). Vasopressin 1A receptor (V1aR) antagonism restored high-dose oxytocin efficacy to rescue OIRD (P = 0.0170 to P SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Oxytocin receptor activation produces analgesia. Here, we demonstrate that activation by the US Food and Drug Administration–approved agonist oxytocin and the nonpeptide partial agonist WAY-267464 can each reverse fentanyl cardiorespiratory depression. Selective targeting of oxytocin receptors for resuscitation from opioid overdose, alone or in combination with an opioid antagonist, could eliminate or attenuate negative side effects associated with traditional opioid receptor antagonism.
Location of Subcortical Microbleeds and Recovery of Consciousness After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Background In patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), coma is associated with impaired subcortical arousal mechanisms. However, it is unknown which nuclei involved in arousal (arousal nuclei) are implicated in coma pathogenesis and are compatible with coma recovery. Methods We mapped an atlas of arousal nuclei in the brainstem, thalamus, hypothalamus, and basal forebrain onto 3 tesla susceptibility-weighted images (SWI) in 12 patients with acute severe TBI who presented in coma and recovered consciousness within 6 months. We assessed the spatial distribution and volume of SWI microbleeds and evaluated the association of microbleed volume with the duration of unresponsiveness and functional recovery at 6 months. Results There was no single arousal nucleus affected by microbleeds in all patients. Rather, multiple combinations of microbleeds in brainstem, thalamic, and hypothalamic arousal nuclei were associated with coma and were compatible with recovery of consciousness. Microbleeds were frequently detected in the midbrain (100%), thalamus (83%), and pons (75%). Within the brainstem, the microbleed incidence was largest within the mesopontine tegmentum (e.g., pedunculotegmental nucleus, mesencephalic reticular formation) and ventral midbrain (e.g., substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area). Brainstem arousal nuclei were partially affected by microbleeds, with microbleed volume not exceeding 35% of brainstem nucleus volume on average. Compared to microbleed volume within nonarousal brainstem regions, the microbleed volume within arousal brainstem nuclei accounted for a larger proportion of variance in the duration of unresponsiveness and 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended scores. Conclusion These results suggest resilience of arousal mechanisms in the human brain after severe TBI.
Synthesis and characterization of 5-(2-fluoro-4-[11C]methoxyphenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[2,3-b]pyridine-7-carboxamide as a PET imaging ligand for metabotropic glutamate receptor 2

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2) is a therapeutic target for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders and conditions. The role of mGluR2 function in etiology could be unveiled by in vivo imaging using positron emission tomography (PET). In this regard, 5-(2-fluoro-4-[11C]methoxyphenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[2,3-b]pyridine-7-carboxamide ([11C]13), a potent negative allosteric modulator (NAM), was developed to support this endeavor. Radioligand [11C]13 was synthesized via the O-[11C]methylation of phenol 24 with a high molar activity of 212 ± 76 GBq/µmol (n = 5) and excellent radiochemical purity (> 99%). PET imaging of [11C]13 in rats demonstrated its superior brain heterogeneity, particularly in the regions of striatum, thalamus, hippocampus, and cortex. Accumulation of [11C]13 in these regions of interest (ROIs) was reduced with pretreatment of mGluR2 NAMs, VU6001966 (9) and MNI-137 (26), the extent of which revealed a time-dependent drug effect of the blocking agents. In a nonhuman primate, [11C]13 selectively accumulated in mGluR2-rich regions, especially in different cortical areas, putamen, thalamus, and hippocampus, and resulted in high-contrast brain images. The regional total volume of distribution (VT) estimates of [11C]13 decreased by 14% after the pretreatment with 9. Therefore, [11C]13 is a potential candidate for translational PET imaging studies of mGluR2 function.
Enhancing Social Entrepreneurship Education With Dark Side Theory to Frame Social Enterprises

Entrepreneurship, even social entrepreneurship, is not unequivocally good despite perceptions otherwise. This article puts forth a case for incorporating dark side theory into entrepreneurship educ...
The rapid anti-suicidal ideation effect of ketamine: A systematic review.

Abstract In many countries suicide rates have been trending upwards for close to twenty years–presenting a public health crisis. Most suicide attempts and deaths are associated with psychiatric illness, usually a depressive disorder. Subanesthetic ketamine is the only FDA-approved antidepressant that works in hours not weeks—thus potentially transforming treatment of suicidal patients. We reviewed all randomized controlled trials of the effect of ketamine on suicidal ideation to determine if ketamine rapidly reduces suicidal ideation [SI] in depressed patients and how long the benefit persists after one dose and if the route of administration or dose affects the outcome. A systematic review was conducted as per PRISMA [preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses] criteria. PubMed search inclusive of “ketamine” and “suicide” yielded 358 results. Papers (N = 354) were then read by at least two authors, identifying 12 meeting eligibility requirements and eleven RCTs examining whether ketamine treatment ameliorated SI. Four of five RCTs examined racemic ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) given intravenously and found an advantage for ketamine over control for rapid reduction in SI in acutely depressed patients. Two studies examined intranasal esketamine in depressed suicidal patients and found no advantage over saline. One study examined outcome six weeks after a single intravenous dose of ketamine and found benefit for SI sustained relative to 24 h post-dose. Further research is warranted into: optimal dosing strategy, including number and frequency; and long-term efficacy and safety. Ultimately, it remains to be shown that ketamine's benefit for SI translates into prevention of suicidal behavior.
Chapter 1 - Apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis in health and disease: an overview of molecular mechanisms, targets for therapeutic development, and known small molecule and biologic modulators

Abstract Regulated cell death (RCD) plays important roles in health and diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying several major forms of RCD including apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis have been well defined. They are triggered by distinct cell death stimuli, operate through separate intracellular machinery, and exert different physiological impacts. These forms of cell death are also intricately interconnected. The roles of these cell death modalities in normal physiology and pathophysiology have been extensively studied. Resistance to apoptosis underlies tumorigenesis and failure of cancer therapy, whereas dysregulated necroptosis and pyroptosis are implicated in diverse pathologies ranging from infectious diseases, acute and chronic inflammation, and cancer etiology and progression. The discovery of key players in RCD pathways provides ample molecular targets for drug developments for treating a broad spectrum of diseases. Apoptosis is regarded as the major form of RCD during animal development and the maintenance of homeostasis. Caspase-dependent apoptosis is estimated to account for about 90% of billions of cell death events in homeostasis. Apoptosis has been a major focus of drug discovery for many years, resulting in the approval of the BCL-2 inhibitor ABT-199 (also known as venclexta and venetoclax) by the Food and Drug Administration for treating CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and SLL (small lymphocytic lymphoma) in 2016, and many drug candidates targeting apoptosis are in clinical studies. Necroptosis and pyroptosis are lytic form of RCD triggered by infections with pathogens and in response to inflammatory stimuli. Necroptotic and pyroptotic cells release cellular contents known as damage-associated molecular patterns as well as intracellular pathogens in infected cells and associated products known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns which lead to further inflammation. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying necroptosis and pyroptosis has attracted resurgent research interests and some key regulators and their functional roles have been identified and defined in recent years. Because of implications of necroptosis and pyroptosis in diverse human diseases, the development of agents that block or activate necroptosis and pyroptosis has gained intense interest aimed at treating different diseases ranging from inflammatory maladies, infectious diseases to cancer. This chapter succinctly summarizes the key molecular features of apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis, their dysregulation in human diseases, and major small molecule inhibitors and biologics that modulate these forms of cell death for therapeutic applications.
TextAdaIN: Paying Attention to Shortcut Learning in Text Recognizers.

Leveraging the characteristics of convolutional layers, neural networks are extremely effective for pattern recognition tasks. However in some cases, their decisions are based on unintended information leading to high performance on standard benchmarks but also to a lack of generalization to challenging testing conditions and unintuitive failures. Recent work has termed this "shortcut learning" and addressed its presence in multiple domains. In text recognition, we reveal another such shortcut, whereby recognizers overly depend on local image statistics. Motivated by this, we suggest an approach to regulate the reliance on local statistics that improves text recognition performance. Our method, termed TextAdaIN, creates local distortions in the feature map which prevent the network from overfitting to local statistics. It does so by viewing each feature map as a sequence of elements and deliberately mismatching fine-grained feature statistics between elements in a mini-batch. Despite TextAdaIN's simplicity, extensive experiments show its effectiveness compared to other, more complicated methods. TextAdaIN achieves state-of-the-art results on standard handwritten text recognition benchmarks. Additionally, it generalizes to multiple architectures and to the domain of scene text recognition. Furthermore, we demonstrate that integrating TextAdaIN improves robustness towards more challenging testing conditions.
Network Architecture and Principles

This chapter introduces the network architecture by describing the basic components, network model and assumptions. Then we look into the principles in wireless rechargeable sensor networks from the theoretical aspects and derive several important properties.
Physisorbed Helium Monolayers and Bulk Helium Surfaces

As might be gathered from the title of the talk, the message that I wish to bring to this Symposium is that the problems concerning physisorbed helium monolayers and bulk helium surfaces are in many ways one and the same.
Novel piezoelectric polyimide MEMS

We have demonstrated a fabrication process for fabricating MEMS cantilever and bridge structures using a novel high-temperature piezoelectric polyimide as the structural material. The process consists of conventional lithography and metallization processes and uses a sacrificial layer of photoresist. Electrodes are fabricated on the upper and lower surfaces of the suspended structures and a self-test electrode is fabricated underlying each suspended component for testing. Particular attention is paid to the baking and curing of the polymer films used for structural, sacrificial and lithography layers in order to maintain the structural integrity of the devices throughout the fabrication process. A key aspect to accomplishing this is the use of a chemically imidized polyimide solution to eliminate the high curing temperature normally required to form polyimide. Using this approach, the entire process sequence, through the removal of the sacrificial layer, is kept below 125/spl deg/C. This process has application to building a variety of microelectromechanical sensors and actuators.
Stable Carbon Isotope Fractionation by Methanosarcina barkeri during Methanogenesis from Acetate, Methanol, or Carbon Dioxide-Hydrogen.

Methanosarcina barkeri was cultured on methanol, H2-CO2, and acetate, and the 13C/12C ratios of the substrates and the methane produced from them were determined. The discrimination against 13C in methane relative to substrate decreased in the order methanol > CO2 > acetate. The isotopic fractionation for methane derived from acetate was only one-third of that observed with methanol as the substrate. The data presented indicate that the last enzyme of methanogenesis, methylreductase, is not the primary site of isotopic discrimination during methanogenesis from methanol or CO2. These results also support biogeochemical interpretations that gas produced in environments in which acetate is the primary methane precursor will have higher 13C/12C ratios than those from environments where other substrates predominate.
Semantic-based grouping of search engine results using WordNet

Terms used in search queries often have multiple meanings. Consequently, search results corresponding to different meanings may be retrieved, making identifying relevant results inconvenient and time-consuming. In this paper, we propose a new solution to address this issue. Our method groups the search results based on the different meanings of the query. It utilizes the semantic dictionary WordNet to determine the basic meanings or senses of each query term and similar senses are merged to improve grouping quality. Our grouping algorithm employs a combination of categorization and clustering techniques. Our experimental results indicate that our method can achieve high grouping accuracy.
pARMS: A Package for Solving General Sparse Linear Systems on Parallel Computers

This paper presents an overview of pARMS, a package for solving sparse linear systems on parallel platforms. Preconditioners constitute the most important ingredient in the solution of linear systems arising from realistic scientific and engineering applications. The most common parallel preconditioners used for sparse linear systems adapt domain decomposition concepts to the more general framework of "distributed sparse linear systems". The parallel Algebraic Recursive Multilevel Solver (pARMS ) is a recently developed package which integrates together variants from both Schwarz procedures and Schur complement-type techniques. This paper discusses a few of the main ideas and design issues of the package. A few details on the implementation of pARMS are provided.
M(in)BASE: an upward-tailorable process wrapper framework for identifying and avoiding model clashes

MBASE (Model-Based [System] Architecting & Software Engineering) is a framework that can be wrapped around any software development process to deal with project failures caused by “model clashes.” Existing MBASE guidelines have all been designed to cover large classes of projects, and are intended to be tailored down, based on risk considerations, to the project at hand. Experience has shown that tailoring down is quite hard to learn and apply; based upon this observation, we are developing M(in)BASE, a minimal version of MBASE intended to be tailored up. In this paper, we review the fundamentals of MBASE, discuss, in detail, the reasons for creating M(in)BASE, and describe M(in)BASE.
230/115 GHz Electron Paramagnetic Resonance/Double Electron–Electron Resonance Spectroscopy

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and double electron-electron resonance (DEER) spectroscopies are powerful and versatile tools for studying local structures and dynamic properties of biological molecules. Similar to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, EPR/DEER spectroscopies become more advantageous at higher frequencies and higher magnetic fields because of better spectral resolution as well as higher spin polarization. Here, we describe development of a high-frequency (HF) EPR/DEER spectrometer operating in the frequency range of 107-120 and 215-240 GHz and in the magnetic field range of 0-12.1 T, which has unique experimental capabilities such as enabling the complete spin polarization and wide-band DEER spectroscopy. Emphasis is given on the application of HF EPR/DEER techniques, and specific examples of HF EPR spectroscopy to drastically increase spin coherence in nanodiamonds as well as HF DEER spectroscopy to extract spin concentration in a diamond crystal are presented.
3‐Methyl‐3‐buten‐1‐ynylcopper(I)

[56964-06-8] C5H5Cu (MW 128.65) InChI = 1S/C5H5.Cu/c1-4-5(2)3;/h2H2,3H3; InChIKey = OMFVEGMYPBCISH-UHFFFAOYSA-N (coupling agent for introduction of the isopropenyl group;2 nucleophilic species which effects decarbonylative ring contraction of bicyclic lactones3) Alternate Name: copper(I) isoprenylacetylide. Physical Data: bright yellow solid; mp 120–200 °C (dec);2 IR (KBr) 3095, 3003, 2970, 2921, 1932, 1603, 1440, 1428, 1380, 1363, 1255, 895, 878, 709, 552, 525 cm−1.4 Solubility: sol pyridine, DMF, ethanol; insol water. Preparative Method: Hydroxylamine hydrochloride reduction of Copper(II) Sulfate in aq ammonium hydroxide followed by addition of isopropenylacetylene in ethanol.2 Drying: solid dried under P2O5 in vacuo. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: all solid copper(I) acetylides are potentially explosive. Use in a fume hood.
Union Schism in Perspective: Flexible Doctrines, Double Standards, and Projected Answers

T HE dramatic ouster of the Teamsters, Bakery Workers, and other corrupt unions from the AFL-CIO, for all its historic significance, created no substantial legal problem. The tie that binds an international union to the federation is but a flimsy thread easily severed, even by such an unceremonious act as John L. Lewis' curt telegram to William Green, "We disaffiliate." International unions such as the United Mine Workers and the International Association of Machinists have moved fitfully in and out of federations, but their legal right to sever the affiliation ties has never been challenged.' Ousting of internationals by the federation, although done less casually and with more ritual, has produced little litigation. In 1907 the AFL expelled the Brewery Workers,2 and in 1926 expelled the Railway Clerks,3 both for alleged failure to comply with jurisdictional awards. In 1937 the AFL ousted nine internationals for alleged dual unionism and refusal to follow federation policies.4 These unions became the core of the CIO, which in 1949 and 1950 ousted eleven internationals for claimed adherence to communist purposes rather than the objectives and principles of the CIO.5 All of these ousters generated but one reported case, and it upheld the federation's right to expel.6
Effect of epidermal growth factor on the synthetic activity of human fibroblasts

Abstract The influence of epidermal growth factor on DNA and protein synthesis by human gingival fibroblasts was studied. Synchronized cells treated with epidermal growth factor synthesized considerably greater amounts of DNA relative to 10% fetal calf serum and the peak of synthesis occurred 6 h later than with serum. Epidermal growth factor caused a dose-dependent stimulation of protein synthesis (proline incorporation). Collagen synthesis remained unaffected and, as a result, the proportion of collagen synthesized decreased with increasing epidermal growth factor concentration. Aspirin and indomethacin did not abrogate these effects, indicating that prostaglandins may not be involved.
Understanding genomic alterations in cancer genomes using an integrative network approach

Abstract In recent years, cancer genome sequencing and other high-throughput studies of cancer genomes have generated many notable discoveries. In this review, novel genomic alteration mechanisms, such as chromothripsis (chromosomal crisis) and kataegis (mutation storms), and their implications for cancer are discussed. Genomic alterations spur cancer genome evolution. Thus, the relationship between cancer clonal evolution and cancer stems cells is commented. The key question in cancer biology concerns how these genomic alterations support cancer development and metastasis in the context of biological functioning. Thus far, efforts such as pathway analysis have improved the understanding of the functional contributions of genetic mutations and DNA copy number variations to cancer development, progression and metastasis. However, the known pathways correspond to a small fraction, plausibly 5–10%, of somatic mutations and genes with an altered copy number. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the function of these genomic alterations in cancer, an integrative network framework is proposed and discussed. Finally, the challenges and the directions of studying cancer omic data using an integrative network approach are commented.
Neonatal Informatics—Dream of a Paperless NICU: Part Four: Integrating Caregiving, Automated Process Management, and Clinical Decision Support

Bedside physicians, neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs), clinical bedside nurses, respiratory therapists, and unit clerks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) work as the team primarily responsible for integrating clinical data, updating diagnoses, judging infant stability, acting on treatment decisions, and placing orders in their individual areas of professional expertise. Current hospital computerization is fragmented, with poorly integrated, department-based computer systems communicating by local programming workarounds or by human-to-computer retyping. Existing clinical installations are unnecessarily time-consuming, create serious distractions, and disrupt real-time, “multisynchronicity” (N)ICU workflows. (1)(2) Critical results must be communicated to the proper caregiver in time to effect care changes. Situational communication delays occur because of the time of day (physician and nursing shift change), hospital information system (HIS) downtimes, patient admission surges in the larger hospital, and local unit emergencies (eg, stat delivery of preterm triplets). Automating and streamlining processes could help caregivers avoid problems that contribute to suboptimal patient care, such as relieving critical caregivers of time-consuming clerical work involving data gathering from multiple fragmented systems and aggregating all “electronically charted” information into cognitively meaningful clinical formats. Clinical decision support for complex clinical systems can help prevent system breakdowns that occur when nurses, doctors, and ancillary support staff are distracted by more acutely urgent situations. Time-pressured clinicians need systems that have been designed using human factors engineering principles, tested for usability, and monitored for ongoing system performance. (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7) Human factors-based failures occur when context-based reconciliation jobs are bypassed in laboratory and drug ordering loops by poorly designed and implemented computerized physician order entry, nurse charting, or other hospital systems, especially ones that slow caregivers’ workflow during emergencies. (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11) Changes in complex systems reverberate, altering outcomes. Therefore, change responses must involve solutions that improve critical care computerization, patient care, and safety and lower costs of wasted resources (staff time, products, length of stay, and quality measures derived from administratively defined modeling methodologies). Effective systems change is important for overall integrity of the United States health-care system.
The acquired immune deficiency syndrome: an international health problem of increasing importance.

The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a new disease which first appeared in human populations about 1979. The disease is defined by the development of unusual types of cancer (e.g. Kaposi's sarcoma), or severe cellular immunodeficiency manifested by opportunistic infections (e.g. Pneumocystis carinii infection), or both. Although the etiology of AIDS is unknown, the epidemiologic evidence is consistent with an infectious agent transmitted by blood (e.g. transfusion, needle sharing) or sexual intercourse. Over three-quarters of the cases have been in homosexual or bisexual males and in intravenous drug abusers; about 5% of cases do not have recognized risk factors. A small number of cases have resulted from transfusion of blood or blood products. The early clinical manifestations are non-specific, and may include asymptomatic skin lesions, dyspnea and dry cough, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and focal and non-focal central nervous system findings. Treatment for the associated cancers and opportunistic infections may be successful in individual instances, but the underlying immunosuppression of AIDS appears to progress inexorably and the fatality rate approaches 100% within a few years from diagnosis. Although nosocomial transmission has not been documented, infection control guidelines have been developed by analogy with hepatitis B infection.
Radiation risks and dirty bombs

For many, the thought of terrorists detonating a dirty bomb—a radiological dispersal device—is frightening. However, the radiation health risks from such an occurrence are small. For most people directly involved, the exposure would have an estimated lifetime health risk that is comparable to the he
Fostering data quality in food composition databases: applications and implications for public health

Public health practitioners and policy makers are critical end-users of food composition data. Public health applications of food composition data include assessing food and nutrient availability and intakes in populations; evaluation of programs to protect and improve nutritional status; research in diet and disease interrelationships; health education and promotion activities; assessment of risk from food-borne contaminants; preserving information on traditional foods; and predicting and evaluating the effects of policy decisions that affect the food supply. All of these applications require making assumptions about the quality of data available. When users of the data begin to explore the validity of the numbers, they quickly become aware of the need for transparent and thorough documentation of quality-related variables. The cost of developing country-specific food composition data is high, and may be prohibitive for developing countries; thus data are borrowed, adapted to local realities, and added to as information is available. Attention to non-nutrient biologically active compounds in foods and continually evolving laboratory techniques are continually improving the scope and quality of available data. The needs for high-quality data are world-wide and increasingly urgent; investing in this area will have significant payoff in terms of ability to protect and improve the public's health over the next decades.
Wide Dynamic Range CCD Camera

A liquid crystal attenuator (LCA) operated as a variable neutral density filter has been attached to a charge-coupled device (CCD) imager to extend the dynamic range of a solid-state TV camera by an order of magnitude. Many applications are best served by a camera with a dynamic range of several thousand. For example, outside security systems must operate unattended with "dawn-to-dusk" lighting conditions. Although this can be achieved with available auto-iris lens assemblies, more elegant solutions which provide the small size, low power, high reliability advantages of solid state technology are now available. This paper will describe one such unique way of achieving these dynamic ranges using standard optics by making the CCD imager's glass cover a controllable neutral density filter. The liquid crystal attenuator's structure and theoretical properties for this application will be described along with measured transmittance. A small integrated TV camera which utilizes a "virtual-phase" CCD sensor coupled to a LCA will be described and test results for a number of the camera's optical and electrical parameters will be given. These include the following camera parameters: dynamic range, Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), spectral response, and uniformity. Also described will be circuitry which senses the ambient scene illuminance and automatically provides feedback signals to appropriately adjust the transmittance of the LCA. Finally, image photographs using this camera, under various scene illuminations, will be shown.
Numerical Simulation of Drag Reducing Turbulent Flow in Annular Conduits

Inadequate transport of rock cuttings during drilling of oil and gas wells can cause major problems such as excessive torque, difficulty to maintain the desired orientation of the drill string, and stuck or broken pipe. The problem of cuttings transport is aggravated in highly inclined wellbores due to the eccentricity of the annulus which results in nonuniformity of the flowfield within the annulus. While optimum cleaning of the borehole can be achieved when the flow is turbulent, the added cost due to the increased frictional losses in the flow passages may be prohibitive. A way around this problem is to add drag-reducing agents to the drilling fluid. In this way, frictional losses can be reduced to an acceptable level. Unfortunately, no model is available which can be used to predict the flow dynamics of drag-reducing fluids in annular passages. In this paper, a numerical model is presented which can be used to predict the details of the flowfield for turbulent annular flow of Newtonian and non-Newtonian, drag-reducing fluids. A one-layer turbulent eddy-viscosity model is proposed for annular flow. The model is based on the mixing-length approach wherein a damping function is used to account for near wall effects. Drag reduction effects are simulated with a variable damping parameter in the eddy-viscosity expression. A procedure for determining the value of this parameter from pipe flow data is discussed. Numerical results including velocity profiles, turbulent stresses, and friction factors are compared to experimental data for several cases of concentric and eccentric annuli.
Ozone Measurements near Sunrise

OZONE is not distributed uniformly in the atmosphere and the maximum concentration occurs in the lower stratosphere. At present its distribution is monitored routinely by balloon sondes1,2 up to an altitude of 30 to 35 km, but observations above this level are rare. Total ozone measurements are made from ground-based stations with a spectrophotometer3 and this instrument is also utilized in the determination of the ozone distribution above balloon altitudes.
Rotating solid radiative coolant system for space nuclear reactors

The RING power system described in this paper is proposed as a primary or emergency heat rejection system for advanced space reactor power applications. The system employs a set of four (4) counter-rotating, 90 degree offset, coolant-carrying rings. The rings (segmented, corrugated, finned, thin-walled pipes, filled with liquid lithium) pass through a cavity heat exchanger and reradiate the absorbed heat to the space environment. 25 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.
Quadriceps weakness predicts risk for knee joint space narrowing in women in the MOST cohort.

Summary Objective Quadriceps weakness has been reported with incident but not progressive knee osteoarthritis (OA) in longitudinal studies. This study examined the relationship between quadriceps strength and worsening of knee joint space narrowing (JSN) over 30 months. Methods Longitudinal, observational study of adults aged 50–79 years with OARSI JSN score Results 3856 knees (2254 females and 1602 males) with JSN score Conclusions In women but not in men, quadriceps weakness was associated with increased risk for tibiofemoral and whole knee JSN.