cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studying system development methodologies: an examination of research methods

Changes in organizational structures, competitive environments, technologies and economies are altering the types and complexity of computer-based information systems. For methodologies, tools and techniques to evolve to meet these changing needs, research to assess current system development practices would be expected. However, there is little evidence that the evaluation of methodologies and improvement of the systems development process are keeping pace with technological and organizational changes. This paper analyses existing research on system development methodologies and discusses the research needed to provide the information scholars and practitioners will need for the evaluation, selection and development of methodologies in a changing environment.
Clues to the functions of mammalian sleep

The functions of mammalian sleep remain unclear. Most theories suggest a role for non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in energy conservation and in nervous system recuperation. Theories of REM sleep have suggested a role for this state in periodic brain activation during sleep, in localized recuperative processes and in emotional regulation. Across mammals, the amount and nature of sleep are correlated with age, body size and ecological variables, such as whether the animals live in a terrestrial or an aquatic environment, their diet and the safety of their sleeping site. Sleep may be an efficient time for the completion of a number of functions, but variations in sleep expression indicate that these functions may differ across species.
Learning Together: An Interprofessional Program for Medical and Nursing Students Visiting Wards of the Court

This innovative pilot program teamed medical and nursing students to provide an underserved population, more specifically ward of the court, with care. This paper describes the interprofessional competencies selected, the special training provided for students, outcome measures of medical student perceptions, and challenges faced during the planning and implementation of the program.
Stable equivalence and rings whose modules are a direct sum of finitely generated modules

Abstract The representation theory of a ring Δ has been studied by examining the category of contravariant (additive) functors from the category of finitely generated left Δ-modules to the category of abelian groups. Closely connected with the representation theory of a ring is the study of stable equivalence, which is a relaxing of the notion of Morita equivalence. Here we relate two stably equivalent rings via their respective functor categories and examine left artinian rings with the property that every left Δ-module is a direct sum of finitely generated modules.
Stretch and inflation of hyperelastic membranes as applied to blow moldiing

The free and confined inflation of isotropic homogeneous membranes of general shape are considered. The material is assumed to obey the Mooney-Rivlin constitutive model, and the resulting partial differential equations, governing the deformation field, are solved using a Galerkin based finite-element procedure. The method is illustrated through examples of both free and confined inflation, as well as simultaneous stretch and inflation. Measurements were carried out on the final thickness distribution of containers blow-molded in our laboratory. These containers typically cover a wide range of geometry and size, including bottles with handles. Comparison between theory and experiment leads generally to good agreement, despite the limitation of the membrane hypothesis.
Dynamic node reconfiguration in a parallel-distributed environment

Idle workstations in a network represent a significant computing potential. In particular, their processing power can be used by parallel-distributed programs that treat the network as a loosely-coupled multiprocessor. But the set of machines free to participate in load sharing changes over time as users come and go from their workstations. To make full use of the available resources, parallel-distributed applications in the network must reconfigure to adapt to these changes as they run. This paper describes a node reconfiguration facility for Amber, an object-based parallel programming system for networks of multiprocessors. We describe system support that allows a parallel Amber application to adapt to changing network conditions by expanding to make use of new nodes as they become idle, and by contracting as nodes become busy. A key characteristic of Amber’s node reconfiguration is that it is handled at the user level in the Amber runtime system it does not depend on a kernel-level process migration facility. Our experiments with Amber show that node reconfiguration can be implemented easily and efficiently in a
Integration of polymer electro-optic devices on nonplanar silicon-integrated circuits

To demonstrate the feasibility of integrating polymer electro-optic devices on Si circuitry, we have vertically integrated a demonstration slab phase modulator on nonplanar VLSI circuitry. Optical loss measurements for waveguides fabricated on planarized circuits demonstrate that more practical devices like channel phase and Mach-Zehnder amplitude modulators can easily be integrated onto the circuits.
Single-ion scaling and unconventional Kondo behavior in the electrical resistivity of the U 1 − x Th x Pd 2 Al 3 system

We report measurements of the temperature T dependence of the electrical resistivity \ensuremath{\rho} of the ${\mathrm{U}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Th}}_{x}{\mathrm{Pd}}_{2}{\mathrm{Al}}_{3}$ system for thorium concentrations $0.6l~xl~1.0$ in the temperature range $0.02\mathrm{K}l~Tl~300\mathrm{K}.$ These measurements reveal an unconventional Kondo effect with an effective Kondo temperature ${T}_{K}\ensuremath{\approx}20\mathrm{K},$ which is independent of thorium concentration. The $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ data below ${T}_{K}$ scale with U concentration $(1\ensuremath{-}x)$ and ${T}_{K}$ in agreement with the scaling of $C(T)$ and $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$ at low temperature that was previously established. Analysis of the data below 20 K indicates that the electrical resistivity in the non-Fermi-liquid regime saturates as a power law at the lowest temperatures with the form $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)\ensuremath{\sim}1\ensuremath{-}{a(T/T}_{K}{)}^{n}$ with $n\ensuremath{\sim}1.5.$
Global Asset Allocation: Philosophy, Process, and Performance

In this overview of global asset allocation opportunities, the authors tout the “three Ps:” philosophy, process, and performance. The questions they examine along the way include: the performance of global asset allocation; whether equity market correlations have been increasing; the relationship of investment horizons to the benefit of international diversification; country-industry and value-growth comparisons; and optimal currency hedging strategies. “Only by studying world equity markets in conjunction with the economic, social, and political aspects of world affairs” can portfolio managers be informed on this issue, they say.
A 50-year-old man with hepatitis C and cirrhosis needing liver transplantation

DR SHIP: Mr G is a 50-year-old man who has had liver disease for about 12 years. He lives near Boston with his wife and children and is a partner in a small industrial firm. He has managed care insurance. During a routine life insurance evaluation in 1991, Mr G was found to have abnormal liver function test results and was diagnosed with non-A, non-B hepatitis. Liver biopsy showed mild periportal inflammation. In 1995, he was found to have antibodies to hepatitis C. He was treated with interferon and ribavirin but did not improve. A liver biopsy in 2001 revealed grade II to III inflammation, stage IV fibrosis. He was subsequently treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin and again did not improve. In 2001, he developed transient ascites and encephalopathy, with unsteady gait and forgetfulness. In 2002, Mr G bled from esophageal varices and underwent a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure, requiring revision 1 week later. Since that time, he has been on the liver transplant waiting list. Currently, Mr G feels relatively well. Fatigue and abdominal swelling have abated, and his occasional symptoms are mitigated by medication. He describes mental deterioration as his most significant symptom. He has great difficulty focusing and concentrating, makes errors, and forgets things easily. Because of this and fatigue, he has been placed on disability recently and goes to work only intermittently. He finds it difficult to exercise. Mr G has mild hypertension and a distant 7 pack-year smoking history. He has not drunk alcohol since 1995. His medications include vitamin E (400 IU twice daily), calcium (500 mg twice daily), lactulose (30 mg as needed), nadolol (20 mg/d), ursodeoxycholic acid (600 mg twice daily), vitamin D (50000 units once weekly), spironolactone (25 mg/d), clotrimazole (5 times a day), and zaleplon (as needed). He has been vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, pneumococcus, and influenza. He follows a 1.5-L fluid restriction daily and a no-salt-added diet. On examination, Mr G appears well, anicteric, and is alert and oriented, with normal vital signs and no asterixis. His liver edge is palpable 2 finger breadths below the costal margin. There is no palpable splenomegaly and no ascites detectable clinically. His skin shows a few spider angiomata and mild palmar erythema. Laboratory test results reveal that he is mildly anemic and has a normal platelet count. His serum electrolyte and creatinine levels are normal; other laboratory values are as follows: serum urea nitrogen, 67 mg/dL (23.9 mmol/L); international normalized ratio, 1.5; aspartate aminotransferase, 131 U/L; alanine aminotransferase, 82 U/L; alkaline phosphatase, 209 U/L; total bilirubin, 5.4 mg/dL (92.3 μmol/L); albumin, 2.7 g/dL; and -fetoprotein, 9.9 ng/mL. Mr G’s model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score is 18.
Aphid deterrence by glucose esters in glandular trichome exudate of the wild tomato,Lycopersicon pennellii

Settling of the potato aphid,Macrosiphum euphorbiae, on feeding membranes was deterred by methanolic leaf rinses ofLycopersicon pennellii, or of its F1 with tomato,L. esculentum. The active compounds in theL. pennellii rinsates were identified as 2,3,4-tri-O-acylglucoses bearing short to medium chain length fatty acids. These compounds are localized in the glandular exudate of the type IV trichomes and may accumulate to levels in excess of 400 μg/cm2. In choice assays, purified glucose esters fromL. pennellii reduced aphid settling at concentrations as low as 25 μg/cm2; at concentrations of 150 μg/cm2 or more, all aphids avoided treated areas. Glucose esters were also active in deterring aphid settling in no-choice assays. At 100 μg/ cm2, these esters resulted in increased levels of mortality after 48 hr.
Overcoming Drugs: A Program for Action

(1972). Overcoming Drugs: A Program for Action. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 5, Drug Abuse 1972, pp. 94-95.
Clinical correlates of blood serotonin levels in patients with mastocytosis.

Background Mastocytosis is a clonal disorder associated with an increased mast cell burden. We have recently demonstrated the ability of human mast cells to express and be activated through multiple serotonin receptors; to synthesize and release serotonin; and that mastocytosis patients may have abnormal serotonin levels. As serotonin has been implicated in the genesis of clinical symptoms found in association with some chronic diseases, we have now determined the whole blood serotonin levels in 29 patients diagnosed with mastocytosis, and correlated these levels with multiple clinical and laboratory parameters.
Cosmic radiation exposure of aircraft occupants on simulated high-latitude flights during solar proton events from 1 January 1986 through 1 January 2008

Abstract From 1 January 1986 through 1 January 2008, GOES satellites recorded 170 solar proton events. For 169 of these events, we estimated effective and equivalent dose rates and doses of galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and solar cosmic radiation (SCR), received by aircraft occupants on simulated high-latitude flights. Dose rate and dose estimates that follow are for altitudes 30, 40, 50, and 60 kft, in that order. Mean SCR dose rates were highest 20 January 2005: to an adult, dose rates were 0.10, 0.35, 0.87, and 1.7 mSv/h; to a conceptus, doses rates were 0.11, 0.37, 0.89, and 1.6 mSv/h. GCR + mean SCR doses were highest 29 September 1989 and 20 January 2005: to an adult, highest doses in 1 h were 0.048, 0.16, 0.42, and 0.90 mSv; to an adult, highest doses in 10 h were 0.20, 0.57, 1.3, and 2.6 mSv; to a conceptus, highest doses in 1 h were 0.050, 0.17, 0.44, and 0.83 mSv; to a conceptus, highest doses in 10 h were 0.22, 0.63, 1.4, and 2.4 mSv. GCR + anisotropic-high SCR doses were highest 29 September 1989 and 20 January 2005: to an adult, highest doses in 1 h were 0.15, 0.52, 1.3, and 2.6 mSv; to an adult, highest doses in 10 h were 0.29, 0.87, 2.0, and 4.0 mSv; to a conceptus, highest doses in 1 h were 0.16, 0.55, 1.3, and 2.4 mSv; to a conceptus, highest doses in 10 h were 0.31, 0.94, 2.1, and 3.7 mSv. The dose to an adult was always less than the 20 mSv (5-y average) occupational annual limit recommended in 1990 by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The dose to a conceptus sometimes exceeded the 0.5 mSv monthly limit recommended in 1993 by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a new linalool synthase.

Abstract Mentha citrata Ehrh. (bergamot mint; Lamiaceae) produces an essential oil containing only the acyclic monoterpenol (−)-3R-linalool and its acetate ester. A cloning strategy based upon the assumption that the responsible monoterpene synthase would resemble, in sequence, monoterpene cyclases from this plant family yielded a cDNA encoding the (−)-3R-linalool synthase. The nucleotide sequence of this monoterpene synthase is similar to those of several monoterpene cyclases from the mint (Lamiaceae) family (62–72% identity), but differs substantially from that of 3S-linalool synthase from Clarkia (41% identity; this composite gene appears to be of recent origin) and from that of 3R-linalool synthase from Artemisia (52% identity; the functional role of this gene is uncertain). Heterologous expression in Escherichia coli of a truncated version of the cDNA (in which the plastidial transit peptide was deleted) allowed purification and characterization of the enzyme, which was shown to possess most properties similar to other known monoterpene cyclases, but with a Km value for the natural substrate, geranyl diphosphate, of 56 μM with kcat of 0.83 s−1. These kinetic constants for this 3R-linalool synthase are higher than those of any defined monoterpene cyclase, but the kinetic efficiency does not approach that reported for the 3S-linalool synthase from Clarkia. Although linalyl diphosphate is an enzyme-bound intermediate of monoterpene cyclase reactions, this tertiary allylic isomer of the geranyl substrate is not an efficient precursor of linalool with the M. citrata synthase. Modeling of the active site of this linalool synthase from Mentha and comparison to the modeled active sites of phylogenetically related monoterpene cyclases revealed structural differences in the binding of the diphosphate moiety which initiates the ionization step of the electrophilic reaction sequence and in the access of water to the active site to permit stereoselective quenching of the initially formed carbocationic intermediate to produce 3R-linalool.
Mesh refinement for uncertainty quantification through model reduction

We present a novel way of deciding when and where to refine a mesh in probability space in order to facilitate uncertainty quantification in the presence of discontinuities in random space. A discontinuity in random space makes the application of generalized polynomial chaos expansion techniques prohibitively expensive. The reason is that for discontinuous problems, the expansion converges very slowly. An alternative to using higher terms in the expansion is to divide the random space in smaller elements where a lower degree polynomial is adequate to describe the randomness. In general, the partition of the random space is a dynamic process since some areas of the random space, particularly around the discontinuity, need more refinement than others as time evolves. In the current work we propose a way to decide when and where to refine the random space mesh based on the use of a reduced model. The idea is that a good reduced model can monitor accurately, within a random space element, the cascade of activity to higher degree terms in the chaos expansion. In turn, this facilitates the efficient allocation of computational sources to the areas of random space where they are more needed. For the Kraichnan-Orszag system, the prototypical system to study discontinuities in random space, we present theoretical results which show why the proposed method is sound and numerical results which corroborate the theory.
Magnetism and growth of ultrathin Co films grown epitaxially on Ru(0001)

Abstract Low-energy electron diffraction and Auger spectroscopy have been used to determine that ultrathin films of Co grow pseudomorphically on Ru(0001) at room temperature in an island structure. Co thicknesses of 1–14 MLE (monolayer equivalents) were explored. The expanded Co lattice relaxes to its bulk spacing after a 500°C anneal. In-situ surface magneto-optic Kerr-effect measurements show ferromagnetic hysteresis loops with in-plane easy axes of magnetization for film thicknesses > 4 MLE. Thinner films are presumably affected by superparamagnetism. Annealing or Au coating the thicker films induces an out-of-plane easy axis of magnetization.
Lumbrical muscle incursion into the carpal tunnel during finger flexion

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the many so-called cumulative trauma disorders thought by some to be related to the performance of repetitive tasks in the work-place. The cause of this disorder is unknown. We have observed lumbrical muscle incursion into the carpal tunnel during finger flexion. This study was conducted to determine the amount of this incursion in normal wrists. Five cadaver upper limbs were analyzed radiographically with radiopaque markers on the flexor retinaculum and the lumbrical muscle origins in four finger positions: full extension, 50% flexion, 75% flexion, and 100% finger flexion. The lumbrical muscle origins were an average of 7.8 mm distal to the carpal tunnel in full finger extension. They moved an average of 14 mm into the carpal tunnel with 50% finger flexion, 25.5 mm with 75% flexion, and 30 mm with 100% flexion. Abnormal lumbrical muscles have been cited as a possible cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. These findings suggest that lumbrical muscle incursion during finger flexion is a normal occurrence and is a possible cause of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome.
Studies of radiation damage to CAMEX64 preamplifiers exposed to γ-rays at the Cornell high energy synchrotron source

Abstract CAMEX64 preamplifiers, developed at the MPI-Munich for use in the readout of silicon strip detectors, have been exposed to well-measured doses of monochromatic γ-rays from the Cornell high energy synchrotron source (CHESS) and measurements of the resulting radiation damage have been made. Silicon strip detectors with their associated CAMEXes will be installed close to the interaction region in the CLEO-II experiment at Cornell University, where they will be exposed to both charged particle and photon fluences. Powered and unpowered CAMEXes were irradiated and after each exposure measurements of pedestals, gains, coherent and incoherent noise were made, until the devices could no longer be read out. Results are quoted for noise and gain degradation as a function of dose.
Absence of long term pulmonary sequelae after mild meconium aspiration syndrome

To assess residual damage from meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), we studied 12 children, ages 6 to 9 years, an average of 7.4 years after injury. Our sample consisted of mildly affected patients, only one having required intubation and mechanical ventilation in the acute phase of illness. In each child we measured FVC, FEV1, PEFR, MMEFR, VisoV, lung volumes by plethysmography, DLCO and calculated FEV1/FVC and RV/TLC. Methacholine bronchial challenge was performed and the PD20 was calculated. These results were compared with those obtained from a group of 12 normal children studied in our laboratory. No significant difference was found for pulmonary function parameters studied, except for VisoV which was greater in MAS patients than normals (P less than 0.02). Given the inherent high degree of variability with VisoV, we were not able to ascribe this isolated finding to be indicative of small airway disease in these asymptomatic patients. We conclude that patients with mild to moderate initial insult from MAS show an absence of pulmonary sequelae when tested at an average of 7.4 years of age.
Cyclical mitochondrial ΔΨM fluctuations linked to electron transport, F0F1 ATP-synthase and mitochondrial Na+/Ca+2 exchange are reduced in Alzheimer's disease cybrids

Abstract Reduced complex IV, increased oxidative stress and beta amyloid peptide secretion in Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be replicated in cybrid models. We characterized cyclical mitochondrial ΔΨ M fluctuations (‘flickering’) in neuroblastoma cells and AD/CTL cybrids. Flickering was blocked by ATP-synthase inhibition, was not observed in rho 0 cells and was not blocked by antioxidant treatment. Flickering was not affected by the Ca +2 uniporter antagonist Ru360 but was eliminated by BAPTA or CGP37137 blockade of the mitochondrial Na + /Ca +2 exchanger. AD cybrid mitochondria showed reduced flickering. Flickering seems to represent coupling of ΔΨ M to F 0 F 1 ATP-synthase; reduction of flickering in AD cybrids suggests dysfunction of this coupling.
U.S. Deportation Policy, Family Separation, and Circular Migration

Since the mid-1990s the United States has enacted a series of laws that make it easier to deport noncitizens. Drawing on findings from interviews with a random sample of 300 Salvadoran deportees, we examine how family relations, ties, remittance behavior, and settlement experiences are disrupted by deportation, and how these ties influence future migration intentions. We find that a significant number of deportees were long-term settlers in the United States. Many had established work histories and had formed families of their own. These strong social ties in turn influence the likelihood of repeat migration to the United States.
Platelet and vascular function during coronary thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator.

Platelet activation may limit the response to tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) during coronary thrombolysis in humans. As an index of platelet activation, we assessed thromboxane A2 biosynthesis during coronary thrombolysis with intravenous t-PA in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Urinary 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B2, a metabolite of thromboxane A2, was increased to a peak of 3,327 +/- 511 pg/mg creatinine (n = 12) following administration of intravenous t-PA and remained elevated for 48 hours. This increase was abolished by pretreatment with aspirin 325 mg orally (n = 6), indicating de novo biosynthesis of thromboxane A2 rather than washout of preformed metabolites during reperfusion. Prostacyclin (PGI2) biosynthesis, determined by excretion of 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha, also increased after t-PA administration. However, this increase was less pronounced in patients who reperfused (28 +/- 3.3 ng.hr/mg creatinine) than in patients who failed to reperfuse (118 +/- 30 ng.hr/mg creatinine, p less than 0.05). These data provide evidence of platelet activation during coronary thrombolysis with t-PA. In patients who reperfuse, the reduction in PGI2 biosynthesis may be a marker of reperfusion injury to the vasculature and may further amplify platelet activation.
The Pursuit of Status in Social Groups

Status differences are ubiquitous and highly consequential. Yet with regard to human social groups, basic questions persist about how status differences de- velop. In particular, little is known about the processes by which individuals pursue status in social groups. That is, how do individuals compete and jockey for status with their peers? The current paper reviews recent research that helps fill this gap in our knowledge. Specifically, studies of a variety of face-to-face groups show that indi- viduals pursue status by enhancing the apparent value they provide to their group. Individuals compete for status not by bullying and intimidating others, as some theorists have proposed, but by behaving in ways that suggest high levels of competence, generosity, and commitment to the
High Bandwidth Applications Of Photonics

High-bandwidth analog applications are a new and very promising area of photonics. Photonics is fast becoming the lead technology in the study of single-shot, rapid-transient phenomena because the photonic equivalent of a conventional diagnostic system offers unsurpassed performance and value.© (1986) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In-plane structure of ferecrystalline compounds

This work provides a review on the in-plane structure of a recently established subgroup of misfit layer compounds, namely ferecrystals. While misfit layer compounds can be described as layered intergrowths of two distinct substructures in which only one axis of the subunits remains incommensurate, for ferecrystals both constituents retain independent in-plane crystalline structures. This is accompanied by extensive rotational disorder, a key feature of ferecrystals. Our comparison of the in-plane structures of misfit layer compounds and ferecrystals suggests that the weaker registration between the subunits in ferecrystals allows the synthesis of a wider variety of compounds, varying both the range of constituents, their mismatch and their thicknesses. The in-plane structures of the individual constituents in ferecrystalline compounds exhibit interesting features such as 2D-symmetry, size induced structural transformation, misfit parameters that depend on the component thicknesses, and pairing distortions of constituent layers.
Mindfulness Training for Elementary School Students: The Attention Academy

Abstract Mindfulness is the cognitive propensity to be aware of what is happening in the moment without judgment or attachment to any particular outcome. This concept flies in the face of modern, Western philosophical outcomes-based thinking about events and activities. This article presents results of a formative evaluation of whether participation in a mindfulness training program affected first, second, and third grade students' outcomes on measures of attention. The training was designed and intended to help students learn to focus and pay attention. The 24-week training employed a series of exercises including breathwork, bodyscan, movement, and sensorimotor awareness activities. Results from three attentional measures administered to the students show significant differences between those who did and did not participate in mindfulness practice training. Results are discussed and recommendations are made for future work in this developing field of interest.
Usefulness of an individualized balance and gait intervention programme based on the problem-oriented assessment of mobility in nursing home residents.

Purpose : To examine the usefulness of an individualized balance and gait training proramme according to the specific problems identified from the problem-oriented assessment of mobility (POAM) in residents of a nursing home. Method : The clinical records of 74 NH residents (49 female, 25 male) who were consecutively referred to physical therapy for problems related to poor balance or gait or a recent fall in a 2 year period were reviewed retrospectively for the study. According to the medical charts, patients had received a four week (20 sessions) problem-oriented exercise programme that specifically targeted balance and gait deficits identified from the POAM and the retest had been done after four weeks of training. Results : The mean initial and final balance scores were 8.47 &#45 3.80, and 10.77 &#45 3.37, respectively, and the mean gait scores were 6.73 &#45 2.30 initially and 7.71 &#45 1.95 finally. A Wilcoxon signed-rank comparison of the initial and final POAM indicated that significant improvemen...
Bazett and Fridericia QT correction formulas interfere with measurement of drug-induced changes in QT interval

Background The QT interval on the ECG is prolonged by more than 50 marketed drugs, an effect that has been associated with syncope and/or sudden cardiac death due to an arrhythmia. Because changes in heart rate also change the QT interval, it has become standard practice to use a correction formula, such as the Bazett formula, to normalize the QT interval to a heart rate of 60 bpm, that is, the rate-corrected QT or QTc. Numerous other formulas have been devised to make this correction, including the Fridericia, Hodges, and Framingham formulas. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate how the Bazett formula and three other formulas influence assessment of the QT-prolonging effect of the potassium channel-blocking drug ibutilide. Methods Using a standardized physical activity protocol, the QT interval was assessed over a broad range of heart rates before and after an infusion of ibutilide (4.75 microg/kg) that produced a stable 15- to 20-ms QT prolongation in consenting normal subjects (9 men and 9 women). The QT interval was measured digitally over a range of heart rates from 60 to 120 bpm, and then four correction formulas (Bazett, Fridericia, Framingham, or Hodges) were applied. The uncorrected change in QT interval due to ibutilide was compared with the change using each of the formulas by repeated measures analysis of variance. Results At heart rates from 60 to 120 bpm, the Bazett and Fridericia correction formulas overestimated the change in QT in both men and women (P Conclusion Rate correction of QT intervals using the standard Bazett and Fridericia formulas can introduce significant errors in the assessment of drug effects on the QT interval. This has implications for the clinical assessment of drug effects and for the safety assessment of new drugs under development.
Flow classification using clustering and association rule mining

Traffic classification has become a crucial domain of research due to the rise in applications that are either encrypted or tend to change port consecutively. The challenge of flow classification is to determine the applications involved without any information on the payload. In this paper, our goal is to achieve a robust and reliable flow classification using data mining techniques. We propose a classification model which not only classifies flow traffic, but also performs behavior pattern profiling. The classification is implemented by using clustering algorithms, and association rules are derived by using the “Apriori” algorithms. We are able to find an association between flow parameters for various applications, therefore making the algorithm independent of the characterized applications. The rule mining helps us to depict various behavior patterns for an application, and those behavior patterns are then fed back to refine the classification model.
Sounds in the Ocean at 1-100 Hz

Very-low-frequency sounds between 1 and 100 Hz propagate large distances in the ocean sound channel. Weather conditions, earthquakes, marine mammals, and anthropogenic activities influence sound levels in this band. Weather-related sounds result from interactions between waves, bubbles entrained by breaking waves, and the deformation of sea ice. Earthquakes generate sound in geologically active regions, and earthquake T waves propagate throughout the oceans. Blue and fin whales generate long bouts of sounds near 20 Hz that can dominate regional ambient noise levels seasonally. Anthropogenic sound sources include ship propellers, energy extraction, and seismic air guns and have been growing steadily. The increasing availability of long-term records of ocean sound will provide new opportunities for a deeper understanding of natural and anthropogenic sound sources and potential interactions between them.
Transitioning childhood cancer survivors to adult-centered healthcare: insights from parents, adolescent, and young adult survivors.

Objective: To determine Latino adolescent and young adults (AYA) cancer survivors' perceived barriers or facilitators to transition from pediatric to adult-centered survivorship care and to also assess the parents' perspective of care. Methods: Partnering with a community-based organization that serves Latino survivors, we conducted a qualitative, constant comparative analytic approach exploring in-depth themes that have salience for Latino pediatric cancer survivors seeking care in the adult healthcare setting. Twenty-seven Latino AYA survivors (⩾15 years of age) completed key informant interviews and 21 Latino parents participated in focus groups. Results: Both AYA survivors and parents identified two major facilitative factors for survivorship care: Involvement of the nuclear family in the AYA's survivorship care in the adult healthcare setting and including symptom communication in late effects discussions. Barriers to care included: perceived stigma of a cancer history and continued emotional trauma related to discussions about the childhood cancer experience. Conclusions: Barriers to survivorship care include cancer stigma for both patient and nuclear family, which can impact on seeking survivorship care due to constraints placed on discussions because it remains difficult to discuss ‘cancer’ years later. Future research can evaluate if these findings are unique to Latino childhood cancer survivors or are found in other populations of AYA cancer survivors transitioning to adult-centered healthcare. This community-based participatory research collaboration also highlights the opportunity to learn about the needs of childhood cancer survivors from the lens of community leaders serving culturally diverse populations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epidemiology and Morbidity of Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. Primary lymphedema due to an anomalous lymphatic system is rare, afflicting 1/100,000 individuals. Secondary lymphedema from injury to a normally developed lymphatic system is the most common cause of the disease and affects approximately 1/1,000 Americans. The two most frequent problems caused by lymphedema are decreased self-esteem and infection. Other complications include difficulty using the extremity, skin changes, and rarely malignant transformation.
Photoperiodic Adjustments in Immune Function Protect Siberian Hamsters from Lethal Endotoxemia

Seasonal changes in day length enhance or suppress components of immune function in individuals of several mammalian species. Siberian ham- sters (Phodopus sungorus) exhibit multiple changes in neuroendocrine, reproduc- tive, and immune function after exposure to short days. The manner in which these changes are integrated into the host response to pathogens is not well understood. The present experiments tested the hypothesis that short-day changes in immune function alter the pathogenesis of septic shock and survival after challenge with endotoxin. Male and female Siberian hamsters raised in long-day photoperiods were transferred as adults to short days or remained in their natal photoperiod. Six to 8 weeks later, hamsters were injected i.p. with 0, 1, 2.5, 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (the biologically active constituent of endotoxin), and survival was monitored for 96 h. Short days significantly improved survival of male hamsters treated with 10 or 25 mg/kg LPS and improved survival in females treated with 50 mg/kg LPS. Transfer from long to short days shifted the LD50 in males by approximately 90%, from 5.3 to 9.9 mg/kg, and in females from 11.1 to 15.0 mg/kg (+35%). Long-day females were more resistant than were males to lethal endotoxemia. In vitro production of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα in response to LPS stimulation was signifi- cantly lower in macrophages extracted from short-day relative to long-day ham- sters, as were circulating concentrations of TNFα in vivo after i.p. administration of LPS, suggesting that diminished cytokine responses to LPS in short days may mitigate the lethality of endotoxemia. Adaptation to short days induces changes in immune parameters that affect survival in the face of immune challenges.
Vaginal delivery simulation in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology clerkship.

Summary Background Although simulation is now used in other areas of obstetrics and gynaecology, its utility in the training of an uncomplicated vaginal delivery is surprisingly under-explored. Here we describe our experience integrating simulation into the third-year Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GYN) clerkship. Methods In 2013/14, at the start of each 4-week OB/GYN clerkship, each third-year student participated in a 90-minute vaginal delivery simulation session using the Noelle® simulator. Upon completion of the clerkship, they were surveyed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire (1, inferior; 5, superior) to assess self-perceived training adequacy, clinical preparedness and number of deliveries performed during the clerkship. Students who completed the clerkship in 2012/13, before the introduction of the simulation, were also surveyed to serve as a comparison group. Survey scores and number of deliveries performed were compared between the two cohorts of students. Results The 2013/14 cohort (n = 98) who received simulation training gave their training in vaginal deliveries an average rating of 4.1, versus 2.7 for the 2012/13 cohort that did not receive the simulation (n = 80; p < 0.001). Self-perceived preparedness to perform a vaginal delivery was 4.0 in the 2013/14 cohort, versus 3.0 in the 2012/13 cohort (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the number of deliveries performed between the cohorts. Discussion Students that received simulation rated their training adequacy and readiness to perform a vaginal delivery higher than students that did not receive training. Simulation did not increase participation in real-life deliveries. The utility of simulation in the training of an uncomplicated vaginal delivery is under-explored
Preparation of sub-100-nm β-lactoglobulin (BLG) nanoparticles

Sub-100-nm nanoparticles were prepared from β-lactoglobulin (BLG) with a narrow size distribution by a desolvation method using glutaraldehyde for cross-linking. With pre-heating of the BLG solution to 60°C and subsequent pH readjustment to 9.0, nanoparticles of 59 ± 5 nm were obtained with improved uniformity. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles, prepared under similar conditions for comparison, were larger and less uniform. The half-width of 80% particle distribution was used to compare the uniformity of particle size distribution. The stability of the nanoparticles was investigated by degradation tests at neutral and acidic pHs with and without proteolytic enzymes, trypsin and pepsin. The degradation time, determined by a graphical approach, was used to compare the relative stabilities of BLG and BSA nanoparticles. The particles of BLG were more stable than those of BSA in acidic and neutral media with and without added enzymes.
A SUGGESTED TECHNIQUE FOR QUANTITATIVE PRECIPITATION FORECASTING

Abstract The theory and computation of integrated water vapor transport vectors are described and it is shown how the synoptic analysis of these vectors may be used for quantitative precipitation forecasting. An example of the vector field and the precipitation forecast is given. Although the prognostic formula does not give correct point values of the precipitation, reasonably good agreement is found between the distributions of forecast and observed precipitation. The technique is probably too laborious for daily forecasting routine but may be useful in the evaluation of rainmaking experiments.
Interlayer electrodynamics of high-Tc superconductors: an experimental overview

An astonishing feature of underdoped high-Tc superconductors is that the energy scale associated with the formation of superconducting condensate dramatically exceeds the energy gap and appears to be of the interband caliber. This effect can be interpreted in terms of lowering of the electronic kinetic energy at T < Tc and thus points to a mechanism of superconductivity radically departing from the Bardeen — Cooper — Schrieffer (BCS) theory. This nontrivial superconducting state electrodynamics appears to be directly connected to anomalies of cuprates observed in the normal state, including the pseudogap, and to the lack of well-defined quasiparticles.
n-3 and n-6 Fatty Acids Reduce Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) of both the n-3 and n-6 families have been extensively studied in a wide variety of disease conditions, but in none more than cardiovascular disease (CVD). The principal n-6 fatty acid in the diet is linoleic acid, and for the n-3 family, the plant-derived alpha-linoleic acid and the major marine-derived eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Current evidence indicates that higher vs. lower intakes of both families of fatty acids reduce risk for CVD. This review examines the latest evidence to support that claim. Sources of both families of fatty acids, their mechanisms of action, and the utility of blood fatty acid testing are also discussed.
PREVENTION OF RECURRENT PERICARDITIS WITH COLCHICINE: AN UPDATED META-ANALYSIS

Colchicine has been suggested to be beneficial in preventing recurrent pericarditis. The goal of this study was to review all randomized controlled trials that assess the effects of colchicine to prevent recurrence of pericarditis or post-pericardiotomy syndrome. We performed a meta-analysis of the
Steady deflagration of HMX with simple kinetics - A new modeling paradigm

A new paradigm is presented for modeling steady combustion of energetic solids, in particular HMX. A simplified chain reaction kinetic mechanism is employed. Specifically, a zero-order, high activation energy initiation/branching reaction in the condensed phase followed by a second-order low activation energy recombination/termination reaction in the gas phase is assumed. A closed-form solution is obtained based on activation energy asymptotics in the condensed phase and the zero activation energy limit in the gas phase. Comparisons between the model and a variety of experimental observations over a wide range of pressures and initial temperatures are given to demonstrate the validity of the approach. The model provides excellent agreement with burning rate (including sensitivity to pressure and initial temperature) and temperature profile data (in particular, the gas phase), suggesting that in the realm of simplified approximate kinetics modeling of energetic solids, the low gas-phase activation energy limit is a more appropriate modeling paradigm than the classical high activation energy limit or heuristic flame sheet models. The model also indicates that the condensed phase reaction zone plays an important role in determining the deflagration rate of HMX, underscoring the need for better understanding of the chemistry in this zone. (Author)
A Sociological Reflection on Confucianism as Religion

Confucianism as a kind of state religion collapsed along with the fall of the Imperial Qing Dynasty.All the attempts to make Confucianism a religion ended up in failure after the establishment of the Republic of China. However,the spirit of Confucianism is still alive.In the future,it is perhaps possible and necessary to construct Confucianism into a public teaching or civil religion.But this endeavor must avoid three wrong paths—recognizing it as the sixth religion,malting it the state religion,or constructing a pseudo religion.Instead,efforts should be made to develop its notion of the transcendental Tian and to affirm the inclusive spirit in the history of China.Christianity has become a major religion among the Chinese,and it has important ideal and institutional resources.Its ideals enable creative transformations of traditional culture,its institution makes it possible to pass on Confucian ideals, and its tension with society accords with a mean course.
Neonatal Polycythemia and Hyperviscosity

The authors examine the diagnostic and management problems posed by infants with neonatal polycythemia and/or hyperviscosity, with special emphasis on the recently recognized complications of polycythemia in an attempt to address the question of which infants with polycythemia-hyperviscosity are likely to have neonatal symptoms and which infants, symptomatic or asymptomatic, will have sequelae.
Intertribal Warfare as the Precursor of Indian-White Warfare on the Northern Great Plains

nO ne hundred and seventy-five years ago Alexander Henry, Northwest Company trader, built a post on Park River, a western tributary of the Red River near the present international boundary in eastern North Dakota. Looking westward from that isolated post on September 18, 1800, he saw the plains covered with buffalo as far as he could see. This practical businessman wrote in his journal for that day: "This is a delightful country, and were it not for perpetual wars, the natives might be the happiest people on earth." 1 What Henry observed of the Park River region might have been said of the entire northern Great Plains at that time. The region between the Mississippi and Red River on the east to the Rocky Mountains, and from the valley of the Saskatchewan southward toward the Platte, was rich in buffalo and other natural resources for the support of an Indian population that numbered considerably less than one person per square mile. That Indian population was divided and subdivided into a host of small societies in which the major political unit was the tribe. The sedentary, horticultural tribes were further divided into politically autonomous villages, and the nomadic tribes into hunting bands, each with its chief or chiefs. The individual Indian owed his loyalty to his tribe. He boasted, "I am a Crow," or, "I am a Cree", depending upon his tribal membership. The roots of intertribal warfare in this region can be found in the very nature of tribalism itself-in the common disposition of the members
A Primer Discussion for the Application of Automatic Control to Assist Coastal Land-Water Management in the Mekong Delta

Abstract Effective coastal land management is important to the livelihood of its local inhabitant. This challenge is especially important in developing nations. In this paper, we report our effort toward using automatic control to aid the coastal land-water management issues in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. The report focuses on augmenting the governing dynamics of the existing VRSAP simulation of the MK Delta hydrology such that it would be manageable by a feedback control loop. Steady state linearization and analysis of the governing equations is performed in the general term of the parameters. This technique makes obvious the relationship of each parameter to the formulation of the control problem allowing the engineer to wisely choose an effective parameter for model calibration. An adaptive scheme is then developed to calibrate the chosen control parameter of lateral inflow. Initial experiments from a artificially generated data shows promising results.