cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Spectra of Some Singular Elliptic Operators of Second Order

The Friedrichs extension of a second order singular elliptic operator is considered on a weighted L 2 w (Ω) space. We consider both the case in which the region Ω is bounded and the case with Ω unbounded. Necessary conditions and sufficient conditions on the coefficients that will insure a discrete spectrum are given with a certain degree of sharpness achieved. The boundary conditions include the Dirichlet, Neumann, and mixed Dirichlet-Neumann boundary value problems.
Enhancing the resilience of energy systems: Optimal deployment of wave energy devices following coastal storms

Isolated coastal areas and remote islands may be particularly vulnerable to damage from powerful storms, storm surges, and flooding. Because wave energy converters are designed to survive rough seas and can be transported by sea, they could potentially play a role in poststorm operations and contribute to power-grid recovery. To that end, this paper addresses questions such as how many devices would need to be deployed and in what sequence, in order to optimize some performance index that includes, as functions of time, both, the energy needed and the energy converted by the device units. In this work, the wave-by-wave dynamics of the devices are controlled to optimize mean power conversion over 20 min, assuming sea-state stationarity over that period. Sea-state variations between 20 min and 13 h are found to be small (relative to variations between 13 and 60 h) for a candidate deployment site near a Caribbean island. Targeting deployment over 5–7 days, two optimization schemes are considered: (i) maximization of the power conversion capacity over a specified time interval and (ii) minimization of the time taken to deploy the desired conversion capacity. With the wave energy devices controlled for optimal conversion over successive 20-min periods, the optimization is carried out over the number of converter units added as a function of time. The results indicate that optimal deployment sequences can be evaluated for given conversion capacity/recovery-time targets and the type of recovery desired [strategies (i) or (ii) above]. However, depending on the energy richness of the “normal” wave climate at the deployment site, cost-effective recovery may require closer consideration of the trade-offs among device configurations, size, and number of units needed for desired capacity. The potential for wave energy devices to power early recovery operations and to support power-grid black-start could be worth considering further as a means to enhance the resilience of coastal and island energy systems.
Learning Rate Sensitivity Model

This paper describes a mechanism to evaluate the realism of learning rate/cost combinations and the cost risk due to uncertainty in the learning rate for high rate production (HRP) space programs based on historical, empirical data from other industries. In the space system cost estimating community, learning curves assuming a fixed learning rate for the production run have long been used to estimate the production cost of a space program. This has been suitable as historically space production runs have been small, of one to four units, and thus the learning rate assumed is not a very large driver in the overall program cost. However, space is changing and many organizations are proposing or interested in unprecedentedly large production runs with hundreds or thousands of units. Large production cost estimates are highly sensitive to the learning rate assumed. Thus, as space moves to large production runs, learning rate assumptions become critical and need to be re-visited. Unfortunately, the learning rate for HRP space systems is one of the least known, unpredictable aspects of the cost estimate. There is little to no historical, empirical data available within the space industry to determine what is a realistic learning rate for HRP space systems. Thus, we look to empirical data from other industries with complex manufacturing processes and large production runs. The Learning Rate Sensitivity Model was constructed with the goal of providing information to the acquisition decision maker as to the realism of learning rate/cost combinations and the sensitivity of a cost estimate to an assumed learning rate. While this process was developed for a space application, it is equally applicable to other manufacturing processes in which large numbers of units are to be built, and can be used to assess cost estimates relative to learning rate assumptions.
Experimental demonstration of target-in-the-loop remote sensing of laser beam and atmospheric turbulence characteristics

A possibility for remote measurement of laser beam and atmospheric turbulence characteristics using the target-in-the-loop atmospheric sensing (TILAS) technique is experimentally demonstrated over a 7 km atmospheric propagation path. The results show that the TILAS approach can be applied for remote sensing of the target-plane intensity scintillations and path-integrated refractive index structure parameter at diverse atmospheric turbulence conditions.
Correction to: Association between furosemide in premature infants and sensorineural hearing loss and nephrocalcinosis: a systematic review

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors notified us that they would like to acknowledge Anjali Gupta for her contribution to the background for this systematic review.
Modeling the effect of health antecedents and social media engagement on healthy eating and quality of life

ABSTRACTHealthy eating is an important health-promoting behavior and maintenance of this behavior has repercussions for long-term quality of life (QoL). Given that psychographic factors are importa...
SoftAir: A software defined networking architecture for 5G wireless systems

Abstract One of the main building blocks and major challenges for 5G cellular systems is the design of flexible network architectures which can be realized by the software defined networking paradigm. Existing commercial cellular systems rely on closed and inflexible hardware-based architectures both at the radio frontend and in the core network. These problems significantly delay the adoption and deployment of new standards, impose significant challenges in implementing and innovation of new techniques to maximize the network capacity and accordingly the coverage, and prevent provisioning of truly- differentiated services which are able to adapt to growing and uneven and highly variable traffic patterns. In this paper, a new software-defined architecture, called SoftAir, for next generation (5G) wireless systems, is introduced. Specifically, the novel ideas of network function cloudification and network virtualization are exploited to provide a scalable, flexible and resilient network architecture. Moreover, the essential enabling technologies to support and manage the proposed architecture are discussed in details, including fine-grained base station decomposition, seamless incorporation of Openflow, mobility- aware control traffic balancing, resource-efficient network virtualization, and distributed and collaborative traffic classification. Furthermore, the major benefits of SoftAir architecture with its enabling technologies are showcased by introducing software- defined traffic engineering solutions. The challenging issues for realizing SoftAir are also discussed in details.
On-the-fly reduced order modeling of passive and reactive species via time-dependent manifolds

Abstract One of the principal barriers in developing accurate and tractable predictive models in turbulent flows with a large number of species is to track every species by solving a separate transport equation, which can be computationally impracticable. In this paper, we present an on-the-fly reduced order modeling of reactive as well as passive transport equations to reduce the computational cost. The presented approach seeks a low-rank decomposition of the species to three time-dependent components: (i) a set of orthonormal spatial modes, (ii) a low-rank factorization of the instantaneous species correlation matrix , and (iii) a set of orthonormal species modes, which represents a low-dimensional time-dependent manifold . Our approach bypasses the need to solve the full-dimensional species to generate high-fidelity data — as it is commonly performed in data-driven dimension reduction techniques such as the principle component analysis . Instead, the low-rank components are directly extracted from the species transport equation . The evolution equations for the three components are obtained from optimality conditions of a variational principle . The time-dependence of the three components enables an on-the-fly adaptation of the low-rank decomposition to transient changes in the species. Several demonstration cases of reduced order modeling of passive and reactive transport equations are presented.
Guarding a Circular Target By Patrolling its Perimeter

In this paper, the problem of guarding a circular target wherein the Defender(s) is constrained to move along its perimeter is posed and solved using a differential game theoretic approach. Both the one-Defender and two-Defender scenarios are analyzed and solved. The mobile Attacker seeks to reach the perimeter of the circular target, whereas the Defender(s) seeks to align itself with the Attacker, thereby ending the game. In the former case, the Attacker wins, and the Attacker and Defender play a zero sum differential game where the payoff/cost is the terminal angular separation. In the latter case, the Defender(s) wins, and the Attacker and Defender play a zero sum differential game where the cost/payoff is the Attacker’s terminal distance to the target. This formulation is representative of a scenario in which the Attacker inflicts damage on the target as a function of its terminal distance. The state-feedback equilibrium strategies and Value functions for the Attacker-win and Defender(s)-win scenarios are derived for both the one- and two-Defender cases, thus providing a solution to the Game of Degree. Analytic expressions for the separating surfaces between the various terminal scenarios are derived, thus providing a solution to the Game of Kind.
Partner and Process: Conceptual Considerations for Continuous Faculty Development for Service-Learning and Community Engagement at Supportive Institutions

Faculty development programs in service-learning and community engagement have received increased emphasis due to the central role of instructors in institutionalization processes. The purpose of this study was to explore preferences for faculty development categories by faculty members experienced in community engagement at institutions perceived as supportive. Developing community partnerships was identified as the most preferred area of programming emphasis, and the findings support the current call for a more holistic approach to related faculty development efforts. *** Los programas de formacion continua en aprendizaje-servicio y participacion comunitaria han recibido un enfasis creciente debido al papel central de los instructores en los procesos de institucionalizacion. El proposito de este estudio fue explorar las preferencias en materia de formacion continua por parte de los profesores con experiencia en participacion comunitaria en instituciones consideradas de apoyo. El area preferida para destacar en la programacion de formacion continua fue el desarrollo de colaboraciones comunitarias. Los hallazgos respaldan la necesidad actual de practicar un acercamiento mas holistico en relacion con los esfuerzos de formacion del profesorado.
Underrepresentation in Oncology: Identifying and Addressing Structural Barriers.

Underrepresentation of minority groups in the oncology physician workforce is a pressing issue which may contribute to disparities in cancer research, clinical care, and patient outcomes. To address this, we highlight the role of medical culture and institutions in perpetuating a range of barriers that lead to the persistent underrepresentation of minority medical trainees and physicians. These barriers include an exclusionary medical culture, bias in measures of merit, financial barriers to medical subspecialty training, under-recognition of achievement, and poor representation and satisfaction among underrepresented faculty. Furthermore, we suggest a more intentional approach to diversity which values both recruitment of underrepresented undergraduates and early medical students as well as retention of internal medicine trainees, hematology-oncology fellows, and faculty. To counteract deeply embedded structural racism which hampers diversity efforts, this multi-faceted approach will require cultural transformation of our medical institutions at all levels, including increased institutional transparency, mandatory evidence-based bias training, acknowledgement of varied achievements, changes in recruitment practices, and reinvigoration of pipeline development programs with a focus on financial support. Taken in combination, programs should recognize the scope of deterrents to representation and develop program-specific longitudinal interventions to promote more successful diversity initiatives within the field of oncology. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The medical profession recognizes the value of physician workforce diversity in improving the quality of both medical education and patient care. In return, medical schools and training programs invest in recruitment programs focused on candidates who are underrepresented in medicine (UiM). In the field of oncology, where stark racial and ethnic disparities in care and health outcomes are well-defined, measures of minority physician representation remain especially stagnant. Here we clearly define the barriers that limit the effectiveness of such programs as well as provide recommendations to achieve the necessary workforce diversity in oncology.
Historicizing Adaptation: The Age of Innocence in the Context of 1930s Hollywood

This chapter puts Edith Wharton’s most famous novel, The Age of Innocence, in the context of one of its less renowned adaptations for the screen, that of 1934. Offering vital historical background, as well as methods for facilitating student research and discussion, the chapter is structured on the basis of four major pressures that would have shaped any adaptation of Wharton’s novel in the 1930s: (i) the nature of the Hollywood studio system; (ii) the conventions of classical Hollywood narrative; (iii) the Hays Code of 1934, which operated as a preemptive mode of moral censorship; and (iv) the film technology of the time, with particular consideration given to the primitiveness of synchronous sound. To foster instructors’ ensuing discussions of the 1934 film (available free on YouTube), the chapter concludes with an analysis of some of its more salient aspects. Through the above means, instructors will stoke both critical and creative thinking about how contemporary forces, such as commerce, cultural ethos, gender politics, audience expectations, technology, and more can impinge on or inflect the translation of a novel to film.
Change in impulsivity is prospectively associated with treatment outcomes for binge-eating disorder.

Background Impulsivity may be a process underlying binge-eating disorder (BED) psychopathology and its treatment. This study examined change in impulsivity during cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or pharmacological treatment for BED and associations with treatment outcomes. Methods In total, 108 patients with BED (NFEMALE = 84) in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of CBT and/or fluoxetine were assessed before treatment, monthly throughout treatment, at post-treatment (16 weeks), and at 12-month follow-up after completing treatment. Patients completed established measures of impulsivity, eating-disorder psychopathology, and depression, and were measured for height and weight [to calculate body mass index (BMI)] during repeated assessments by trained/monitored doctoral research-clinicians. Mixed-effects models using all available data examined changes in impulsivity and the association of rapid and overall changes in impulsivity on treatment outcomes. Exploratory analyses examined whether baseline impulsivity predicted/moderated outcomes. Results Impulsivity declined significantly throughout treatment and follow-up across treatment groups. Rapid change in impulsivity and overall change in impulsivity during treatment were significantly associated with reductions in eating-disorder psychopathology, depression scores, and BMI during treatment and at post-treatment. Overall change in impulsivity during treatment was associated with subsequent reductions in depression scores at 12-month follow-up. Baseline impulsivity did not moderate/predict eating-disorder outcomes or BMI but did predict change in depression scores. Conclusions Rapid and overall reductions in impulsivity during treatment were associated with improvements in specific eating-disorder psychopathology and associated general outcomes. These effects were found for both CBT and pharmacological treatment for BED. Change in impulsivity may be an important process prospectively related to treatment outcome.
Hydrogen Decoration of Vacancy Defects in Platinum

Recently, perturbed gamma-gamma angular correlations (PAC) has been applied to study the interaction of hydrogen (H) atoms with lattice vacancies [1,2]. It was found that bound states of vacancy defects and PAC probe atoms are strong trapping centers for diffusing H atoms in Ni [1] and W [2], as detected by alterations of the hyperfine interactions of the probe nucleus with its local environment. In this abstract, we summarize results of investigations of H trapping at vacancy complexes in Pt. Pt was chosen as a nonmagnetic analog of fcc Ni, with quadrupole interactions induced by the H atoms being more clearly observable.
Neuroprotective effect of phytic acid in Parkinson's disease

Disrupted iron metabolism and excess iron accumulation has been reported in the brains of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Because excessive iron can induce oxidative stress subsequently causing degradation of nigral dopaminergic neurons in PD, we determined the protective effect of a naturally occurring iron chelator, phytic acid (IP6), on 1-methyl-4phenylpyridinium (MPP) induced cell death in immortalized rat mesencephalic/dopaminergic cells (N27 cells). Cell death was induced with MPP in normal and iron-excess conditions and cytotoxicity was measured by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT assay) and trypan blue staining. Apoptotic cell death was also measured with caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation, and Hoechst nuclear staining. IP6 (30 μmol/L) increased cell viability by 19% (p<0.05) and decreased cell death by 22% (p<0.05), compared to MPP treatment. A 3-fold increase in caspase-3 activity (P<0.001) and a 2-fold increase in DNA fragmentation (P<0.05) with MPP treatment was decreased by 55% (P<0.01) and 52% (P<0.05), respectively with IP6. IP6 (30 and 100 μmol/L) increased cell survival by 18% (p<0.05) and 42% (p<0.001), respectively in iron-excess conditions. Based on caspase-3 activity, a 40% and 52% (P<0.001) protection with 30 μmol/L and 100 μmol/L 34 IP6, respectively was observed in iron excess. Similarly, a 45% reduction (P<0.001) in DNA fragmentation was found. In addition, Hoechst nuclear staining results confirmed the protective effect of IP6 against apoptosis. Collectively, our results demonstrate a significant neuroprotective effect of phytate in a cell culture model of PD.
Statistical tests of contingent-claims asset-pricing models

Abstract A new methodology for statistically testing contingent-claims asset-pricing models based on asymptotic statistical theory is proposed. It is introduced in the context of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, for which some illustrative estimation, inference, and simulation results are also presented. The proposed methodology is then extended to arbitrary contingent claims by first considering the estimation problem for general Ito processes and then deriving the asymptotic distribution of a general contingent claim which depends upon such Ito processes.
DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN YOUNG DIABETIC PATIENTS IN RELATIONSHIP TO LEVEL OF CONTROL

The level of control, as well as the duration of the disease is an important factor influencing degenerative changes and good control will delay and possibly prevent degenerative changes. Our present knowledge makes it not only possible but practicable to maintain a high level of control of diabetes in children living in a well adjusted home. Until more knowledge concerning the treatment of childhood diabetes is available, a high level of control appears to offer the best means of averting or delaying chronic degenerative changes. Additional knowledge is needed to understand the pathologic physiology of various levels of noncontrol. An optimistic rather than a pessimistic outlook is warranted.
Review article: oesophageal dilation in adults with eosinophilic oesophagitis

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33: 748–757 Summary Background Eosinophilic oesophagitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the oesophagus, characterised by the proton pump inhibitor-refractory accumulation of eosinophils in the oesophageal epithelium (>15 intraepithelial eosinophils/high powered field). Adults present with solid food dysphagia and recurrent food impactions. Oesophageal remodelling produces the characteristic endoscopic feature of adult eosinophilic oesophagitis including strictures, rings and a narrow calibre oesophagus. Aim To evaluate the safety and efficacy of oesophageal dilation as the initial therapy for adults with eosinophilic oesophagitis. Methods Medline search from 1975 to November 2010 for all reports of the treatment of patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis using search words: eosinophilic oesophagitis treatment, dilation and eosinophilic oesophagitis, steroids and eosinophilic oesophagitis. Results Our systematic review found that 92% of patients treated with oesophageal dilation had improvement in their dysphagia symptoms for up to 1–2 years. Three case series clearly showed clinical resolution of dysphagia symptoms, independent of the degree of eosinophil infiltration, which was unchanged after dilation. Postprocedure pain for several days is common, due to some degree of mucosal tear, but true perforation very rare (<0.1%). Conclusions Oesophageal dilation is an acceptable option for healthy adult eosinophilic oesophagitis patients with anatomic narrowing, possibly followed by a course of topical steroids to reduce inflammation and retard remodelling. Future studies should include a head-to-head comparison of topical steroids and oesophageal dilation, bougie vs through-the-scope balloon dilation and maintenance topical steroids compared with on-demand treatment.
Diel cycling of DNA staining and nifH gene regulation in the unicellular cyanobacterium Crocosphaera watsonii strain WH 8501 (Cyanophyta)

Crocosphaera watsonii WH 8501 is a marine unicellular cyanobacterium that fixes nitrogen primarily during the dark phase of a light-dark (LD) cycle. Circadian clocks modulate gene transcription and cellular activity in many, if not all, cyanobacteria. A model for circadian control has been proposed in cyanobacteria, called the oscilloid model, which is based on topological changes of nucleoid DNA which in turn regulates gene transcription. In this study, the marine unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacteria C. watsonii WH 8501 and Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 were found to have daily fluctuations in DNA staining using Hoechst 33342 and SYBR I Green fluorescent dyes. Up to 20-fold decreases in DNA fluorescence of Hoechst-stained cells were observed during the dark phase when cultures were grown with a 12:12 LD cycle or under continuous light (LL). The variation in DNA staining was consistent with changes in DNA topology proposed in the oscilloid model. The abundance of nifH transcripts in C. watsonii WH 8501 was rhythmic under LD and LL cycles, consistent with a circadian rhythm. Cycles of DNA fluorescence and photosynthetic efficiency were disrupted when cultures were shifted into an early dark phase; however, nifH transcripts predictably increased in abundance following the premature transition from light to darkness. Thus, nifH gene expression in C. watsonii WH 8501 appears to be influenced by both circadian and environmental factors.
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING SYNTHETIC SYSTEMS WITH PEA RIBOSOMES.

Abstract Ribosome suspensions have been prepared by the methods of Webster and Raacke from batches of peas (var. Alaska) from different sources. Such preparations are capable of amino acid incorporation at a very low level ( i.e. tracer levels) but are not capable of achieving the level of protein synthesis described by Webster and Raacke for this variety of pea. Possible reasons for this are discussed.
Cellular Immunity in Q Fever: Specific Lymphocyte Unresponsiveness in Q Fever Endocarditis

Human infection with the rickettsia Coxiella burnetii presents as acute influenza-like primary Q fever, subacute granulomatous hepatitis, or chronic endocarditis with hepatitis. To investigate whether persistent infection is associated with a possible immunologic defect, we tested lymphocyte proliferation specific for Coxiella in vitro in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients and controls. All four patients with endocarditis had profound lymphocyte unresponsiveness to Coxiella antigens with normal proliferation to control antigens. Hepatitis and primary Q fever were associated with vigorous responses in vitro to Coxiella antigens. Suppression of lymphocyte unresponsiveness was in part mediated by an antigen-nonspecific, glass-adherent cell. We hypothesize that specific T cell unresponsiveness is an important factor in persistent infection with C. burnetii and offer in vitro lymphocyte stimulation as a more specific diagnostic test to distinguish cases of endocarditis among those with chronic hepatitis due to Q fever.
A modeling technique for STOVL ejector and volume dynamics

New models for thrust augmenting ejector performance prediction and feeder duct dynamic analysis are presented and applied to a proposed Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft configuration. Central to the analysis is the nontraditional treatment of the time-dependent volume integrals in the otherwise conventional control-volume approach. In the case of the thrust augmenting ejector, the analysis required a new relationship for transfer of kinetic energy from the primary flow to the secondary flow. Extraction of the required empirical corrections from current steady-state experimental data is discussed; a possible approach for modeling insight through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is presented.
The serotonin-1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 modifies fluoxetine's antidepressant-like profile on the differential reinforcement of low rates 72-s schedule in rats.

Rationale: Recent preclinical and clinical data suggest that co-administration of a serotonin-1A (5-HT-1A) receptor antagonist with an antidepressant drug has greater therapeutic efficacy than when the antidepressant drug is administered alone. Objective: The purpose of the present experiment was to determine whether pretreatment with the selective 5-HT-1A receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(pyridinyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY-100635; 0.003, 0.03, 0.3 mg/kg, s.c.) would alter the effects of the antidepressant fluoxetine (2.5– 10 mg/kg, i.p.) on the differential reinforcement of low-rate 72-s (DRL 72-s) schedule. The DRL 72-s schedule is a behavioral screen selective and sensitive to antidepressant drugs. Results: WAY-100635 had no behavioral effects on its own. The lower doses of fluoxetine (2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) had no effects, but 10 mg/kg increased reinforcement rate without affecting response rate. The increase in reinforcement rate was blocked by pretreatment with 0.03 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg WAY-100635, although the combination of fluoxetine and WAY-100635 also significantly reduced response rate. Interestingly, 0.003 mg/kg or 0.03 mg/kg WAY-100635 administered with 5.0 mg/kg fluoxetine increased reinforcement rate, even though this dose of fluoxetine had no effect on performance. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that the behavioral effects of fluoxetine are modified by 5-HT-1A receptor blockade.
Relying on time synchronization for security in ad hoc networks

Mobile Ad hoc networks are networks composed of mobile computing devices with wireless connections and no fixed infrastructure. The unique attributes of these networks cause new security problems. Some security protocols, such as the Timed, Ef£cient, Streaming, Loss-tolerant Authentication Protocol, TESLA [2], rely on loose time synchronization for security. These protocols have not fully analyzed the implications of relying on time synchronization in this environment. This paper looks into some of the difficulties in time synchronization and points out further areas for research.
Accuracy of pedicle screw placement for lumbar fusion using anatomic landmarks versus open laminectomy: a comparison of two surgical techniques in cadaveric specimens.

OBJECTIVE: We determined whether the accuracy of lumbar pedicle screw placement is optimized by performing a laminectomy before screw placement with screw entry point and trajectory being guided by pedicle visualization and palpation (Technique 1). This technique was compared with a technique using anatomic landmarks for pedicle screw placement (Technique 2). The biomechanical stability of the instrumented constructs, in the absence and presence of a laminectomy, was also compared. METHODS: Twelve L1-L3 specimens were harvested from fresh cadavers. The intact laminectomy and instrumented spines were biomechanically tested in flexion and extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Laminectomies were performed in six of the 12 specimens before pedicle screw placement using Technique 1. The remaining six specimens underwent pedicle screw and rod fixation using Technique 2. Computed tomographic images were obtained for all instrumented specimens. Deviation of the screws from the ideal entry point or trajectory was analyzed to quantitatively compare the two techniques. RESULTS: Computed tomographic analysis of the specimens showed that all screw placements were within the pedicles. Scatter plot analysis demonstrated that screws placed using Technique 2 were more likely to have the combination of entry points and trajectories medial to the ideal entry point and trajectory. Laminectomy did not weaken the final pedicle screw and rod-fixated constructs. CONCLUSION: All screw placements were grossly within the confines of the pedicles, regardless of technique, as evidenced by computed tomographic analysis. Furthermore, the anatomic landmark technique and the open laminectomy technique yielded biomechanically equivalent pedicle screw and rod-fixated constructs.
Internal waves measured at three stations

Series of measurements of the depth of an isothermal layer made with bathythermographs or thermocouples simultaneously at three stations indicate strongly the existence of internal waves in the ocean. The properties of the internal waves found in this way are: (1) The wave length is of the order of a few hundred yards; (2) the shorter periods are of the order of a few minutes up to a few hours; and (3) the speed in all cases observed thus far is less than one knot.
Recent progress toward understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle mass

The maintenance of muscle mass is critical for health and issues associated with the quality of life. Over the last decade, extensive progress has been made with regard to our understanding of the molecules that regulate skeletal muscle mass. Not surprisingly, many of these molecules are intimately involved in the regulation of protein synthesis and protein degradation [e.g. the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (eIF2B), eukaryotic initiation factor 3f (eIF3f) and the forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factors]. It is also becoming apparent that molecules which sense, or control, the energetic status of the cell play a key role in the regulation of muscle mass [e.g. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 α (PGC1α)]. In this review we will attempt to summarize the current knowledge of how these molecules regulate skeletal muscle mass.
Biomedical engineering specifications for epidural spinal cord stimulation to augment motor performance.

Stimulating electrodes were placed in the posterior portion of the epidural space in the upper thoracic spinal region in 28 patients with upper motor neuron disorders. Parameters of stimulation commonly used for chronic stimulation were a 200 microsecond pulse width, 33 Hz repetition rate, and 5 ma amplitude. Using a 16 gauge Touhy needle, platinum electrodes were passed between the posterior vertebral processes into and up the spinal epidural space to upper thoracic locations. Passive implanted receivers, powered and controlled by external RF transmitter/pulse-generator devices, were employed to provide the stimulus current to the electrodes. A description of available systems, problems and diagnosis of problems, and future directions is presented. This is based on studies in patients with stimulation systems implanted for more than six months.
A model for ocean-floor metamorphism, seismic layering and magnetism

Ocean-floor metamorphism, which overprints the pseudo-stratigraphy of ophiolite complexes in southern Chile, is best explained by a combination of hydrothermal and contact metamorphism associated with igneous activity at a spreading centre. Such metamorphism may be more important than igneous processes in producing the observed seismic layering and magnetic properties of the ocean floor.
Fatigue sensitivity analysis using complex variable methods

Abstract The sensitivity of the computed cycles-to-failure and other lifing estimates to the various input parameters is a valuable, yet largely unexploited, aspect of a fatigue lifing analysis. Two complex variable sensitivity methods, complex Taylor series expansion (CTSE) and Fourier differentiation (FD), are adapted and applied to fatigue analysis through the development of a complex variable fatigue analysis software (CVGROW). The software computes the cycles-to-failure and the sensitivities of the computed cycles-to-failure with respect to parameters of interest such as the initial crack size, material properties, geometry, and loading. The complex variable methods are shown to have advantages over traditional numerical differentiation in that more accurate and stable first and second order derivatives are obtained using CTSE and more accurate and stable higher order derivatives are obtained using FD.
Social adjustment in the offspring of parents with bipolar affective disorder

The social adjustment of the adolescent offspring of parents with bipolar affective disorder (n=41) was compared to that of the offspring of parents with nonaffective psychiatric disorders (n=22) and the offspring of normal controls (n=26). In addition, the relationship between social adjustment and cyclothymia in offspring was determined. Social adjustment was assessed using the Life Activities Inventory, a new measure developed to assess social functioning in adolescents and young adults. Cyclothymia was assessed with the General Behavior Inventory. As a group, the offspring of bipolar parents did not differ significantly from either control group on social adjustment. However, the cyclothymic offspring of bipolar parents exhibited significantly poorer social adjustment than the noncyclothymic offspring of bipolars and the offspring of psychiatric and normal controls. These findings suggest that poor social functioning in the adolescent offspring of parents with bipolar illness may be associated with the early manifestations of affective disorder. In addition, these data indicate that despite its subsyndromal intensity, cyclothymia can result in significant social impairment.
Utilization of outpatient care for psoriasis

Abstract Background: Little is known about the utilization of medical services for psoriasis. Objective: Our purpose was to quantify the medical resources utilized in the United States for the treatment of psoriasis. Methods: By utilizing data tapes from the National Center of Health Statistics we estimated the number of outpatient visits to physicians for psoriasis and the types of drugs prescribed. Results: Visits to physicians in the United States made principally for psoriasis average 1.5 million per year. Topical steroids are most often prescribed. At less than 10% of visits are systemic therapies (methotrexate, psoralen, oral retinoids) prescribed. Conclusion: Although substantial medical resources are utilized in the treatment of psoriasis, the majority of affected persons make less than one visit per year to a physician for treatment.
Frequency domain photon migration measurements of dense monodisperse charged lattices and analysis using solutions of Ornstein Zernike equations

Abstract Isotropic scattering coefficient measurements were made of monodisperse polystyrene lattices of two different diameters of 144 nm and 223 nm and at volume fractions ranging from 0.15 to 0.22, using frequency domain photon migration measurements at wavelengths of 660, 685, 785 and 828 nm. The isotropic scattering coefficient measurements were shown to be sensitive to the changing ionic strength (0.5–4 mM, NaCl equiv.) of the dispersions exhibiting hindered scattering owing to structure at the lowest ionic strength values. Monte Carlo simulations and numerical solution of the Ornstein Zernike equations were used to compute isotropic scattering coefficients for comparison to measured values. The interaction potential was modeled as a hard sphere Yukawa potential and the Hypernetted Chain closure was used to solve the OZ equation. Effective particle charges were found after renormalization of the bare particle charge and used to predict the isotropic scattering coefficient. The model data were found to follow similar trends as experimental measurements. The refractive index of the particles has found to be an important factor for predicting experimental isotropic scattering coefficient values.
Frequency and Determinants of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Deployment Among Primary Prevention Candidates With Subsequent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the Community

Background—The prevalence rates and influencing factors for deployment of primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) among subjects who eventually experience sudden cardiac arrest in the general population have not been evaluated. Methods and Results—Cases of adult sudden cardiac arrest with echocardiographic evaluation before the event were identified from the ongoing Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study (population approximately 1 million). Eligibility for primary ICD implantation was determined from medical records based on established guidelines. The frequency of prior primary ICD implantation in eligible subjects was evaluated, and ICD nonrecipients were characterized. Of 2093 cases (2003–2012), 448 had appropriate pre– sudden cardiac arrest left ventricular ejection fraction information available. Of these, 92 (20.5%) were eligible for primary ICD implantation, 304 (67.9%) were ineligible because of left ventricular ejection fraction >35%, and the remainder (52, 11.6%) had lef...
Systemic population control in the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic: inferences based on contemporary hunter-gatherers.

Abstract Since reproductive cycles are shorter than life cycles every species tends towards overpopulation and must be subject to population control. Since man, the dominant life form in the ecosystem, adapts primarily through culture, his culture must include, as part of its adaptive scheme, a subsystem to control population growth. A systemic model of population control is presented involving female infanticide which regulates the excess females and produces a shortage of adult women. Because of their scarcity, conflicts over women are the cause of most primitive warfare through which the excess males are regulated. This model is tested cross‐culturally on a sample of ninety‐nine populations representing thirty‐seven contemporary hunter‐gatherer societies by demonstrating the effects of infanticide and warfare on the age‐sex structure of these populations. Inferences are made as to the presence of this system among prehistoric hunters and it is speculated that this system of population control first evo...
Phase relationships and crystallography in the pseudobinary system Gd5Si4Gd5Ge4

Abstract A study of phase relationships and crystallography in the pseudobinary system Gd5(SixGe1−x)4 revealed: (1) that both terminal binary compounds Gd5Si4 and Gd5Ge4 crystallize in the Sm5Ge4-type orthorhombic structure, and (2) the appearance of an intermediate (ternary) phase with a monoclinic crystal structure which is similar to both Gd5Si4 and Gd5Ge4. The formation of the monoclinic phase at 0.24≤x≤0.5 [between Gd5(Si0.96Ge3.03)≅Gd5(Si1Ge3) and Gd5(Si2Ge2)] is probably due to the large difference in bonding characteristics of Si and Ge in the Gd5Si4-Gd5Ge4 pseudobinary system which limits the ability of the mutual substitution of Si for Ge and vice versa without a change of the crystal structure. For the composition Gd5(Si2Ge2) the lattice parameters of the monoclinic structure (space group P1121/a) are a=7.580865), b=14.802(1), c=7.7799(5) A , γ=93.190(4)°. A distinct difference in the magnetic behaviors of the alloys from three different phase regions in this system follows the distinct difference in the crystal structures observed for the alloys from the three phase regions.
On the turbulence models and turbulent Schmidt number in simulating stratified flows

Stratified flows are prevalent in indoor and outdoor environments. To predict these flows, this investigation evaluated the performance of seven turbulence models by comparing the simulation results with the experimental data of both weakly and strongly stratified jets. The models tested included six Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes models and one large eddy simulation (LES) model. The velocity, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and Reynolds stress distributions were examined. For the weakly stratified jet, all seven models could predict well the mean velocity, but for the strongly stratified jet, the Reynolds stress model and LES models overpredicted the velocity in the unstable stratification region. The Shear Stress Transport (SST) model was the best. This paper also introduced a new dynamic turbulent Schmidt number model which can improve the prediction of density distribution. In addition, this investigation analysed the computing costs of the models as well as the vorticity and entrainment ratios predi...
Initiation of RNA decay in Escherichia coli by 5’ pyrophosphate removal

The common belief that endonucleolytic cleavage is the initial, rate-determining step of mRNA decay in Escherichia coli fails to explain the influence of 5' termini on the half-lives of primary transcripts. We have re-examined the initial events of RNA degradation in that organism by devising an assay to probe the 5' phosphorylation state of RNA and by employing a self-cleaving hammerhead ribozyme to investigate the degradative consequences of an unphosphorylated 5' end. These studies have identified a previously unrecognized prior step in decay that triggers subsequent internal cleavage by the endonuclease RNase E and thereby governs RNA longevity: the rate-determining conversion of a triphosphorylated to a monophosphorylated 5' terminus. Our findings redefine the role of RNase E in RNA degradation and explain how unpaired 5'-terminal nucleotides can facilitate access to internal cleavage sites within primary transcripts. Moreover, these results reveal a striking parallel between the mechanisms of mRNA decay in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
Intelligent support for specifications transformation

The authors describe an expert system, the Specification-Transformation Expert System (STES), which is to translate requirements specifications into design specifications automatically during the development phase of the software life cycle. STES accepts as input a software-requirements specification expressed in terms of dataflow diagrams. Using rules that embody a structured design methodology, STES translates this specification into a template describing a structure chart. STES consist of a knowledge base and an inference engine. The knowledge base contains information on the structured-design methodology and heuristic guidelines to help determine when certain methods should be applied. Given a target software system's requirements specification, the STES inference engine can perform intelligent decision-making and determine a suitable architectural design specification for the software system being designed. STES was originally implemented in OPS5 on a VAX11/780 computer. It has since been ported to an Apollo DN 3000 workstation and integrated with a commercial CASE tool. >
The effect of interface plate compliance on dynamometers incorporating octagonal strain rings

This paper reports on the design, calibration, and accuracy check of a six-load component dynamometer incorporating octagonal strain rings. The dynamometer was designed using the computer-aided design procedure described in an earlier article by Kroencke and Hull1. The accuracy check revealed inaccuracy which was traced to non-linearity in cross-sensitive load-strain relations. Interface plate compliance was determined as the cause of the nonlinearity by means of finite-element analysis. From this analysis two methods for avoiding the nonlinearity were identified. One is to insure that the interface plates are much stiffer than the octagonal strain rings and the other is to connect the interface plates to the environment so that the boundary conditions are identical for both plates.
Fast-Tracking GENI Experiments Using HyperNets

Although the underlying network resources needed to support virtualized networks are rapidly becoming available, the tools and abstractions needed to effectively make use of these virtual networks is severely lacking. Although networks like GENI are now available to experimenters, creating an experimental network can still be a daunting and error-prone task. While virtual networks enable experimenters to build tailored networks from the "ground up", starting from scratch is rarely what an experimenter wants to do. Moreover, the challenges of incorporating real-world users into GENI experiments make it difficult to benefit real users or obtain realistic traffic. In this paper we describe a new service designed to simplify the process of setting up and running GENI experiments while at the same time adding support for real-world users to join GENI experiments. Our approach is based on a network hypervisor service used to deploy "HyperNets": pre-defined experimental environments that can be quickly and easily created by experimenters. To illustrate the utility and simplicity of our approach, we describe two example HyperNets, and show how our network hypervisor service is able to automatically deploy them on GENI. We then present some initial performance results from our implentation on GENI. Because our network hypervisor is itself a client of GENI (i.e., it calls the GENI AM APIs to create HyperNets), we briefly discuss our experience using GENI and the challenges we encountered mapping HyperNets onto the GENI framework.