cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overall System Value Maximization for Resource Constrained Heterogeneous Real-Time Systems

Nowadays, many different applications can be consolidated to the same hardware platform, especially as multi-core platforms become mainstream. These applications may have different user perceived values and may or may not share the same composing tasks. When system resources become scarce and not all applications can be executed, how to select and deploy a subset of these applications to maximize the system value is a challenging problem. In this paper, we first formulate the problem as an integer linear programming problem, and then present a computationally efficient heuristic algorithm, i.e., the Max-Min-Min algorithm, to appropriately select applications and map their tasks to different processing elements such that all the timing requirements of the applications are met and the overall system value is maximized. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed heuristic approach provides a good balance between the solution quality and the solution computation cost when compared with the solutions obtained by CPLEX solver and by other commonly used heuristic algorithms, respectively.
Analysis of unbalanced angle-ply rectangular plates

Abstract Unbalanced angle-ply laminated rectangular plates under transverse normal loading are analyzed. By expanding the load and the displacements in single Fourier series the governing partial differential equations are reduced to ordinary differential equations for simple support boundary conditions on two opposite edges and arbitrary boundary conditions on the other two edges. The closed form solution for the ordinary differential equations is obtained for 45° angle-ply laminates. Several numerical examples are solved and their results are presented in graphs. The degree of coupling between stretching and bending depends on the transverse loading, the edge boundary conditions and the aspect ratio of the plate, as well as on the degree of anisotropy of the layers, the angle of orientation and the number of plies in the composite. The type of in-plane boundary condition (movable or immovable) has a significant effect on bending for simply supported plates but not for clamped plates. The Fourier series method discussed in this paper can be used with the method of superposition to solve problems having other edge conditions, as well as transverse loading conditions.
Endogenous pyrogen activity in human plasma after exercise

Plasma obtained from human subjects after exercise and injected intraperitoneally into rats elevated rat rectal temperature and depressed plasma iron and zinc concentrations. The pyrogenic component was heat-denaturable and had an apparent molecular weight of 14,000 daltons. Human mononuclear leukocytes obtained after exercise and incubated in vitro released a factor into the medium that also elevated body temperature in rats and reduced trace metal concentrations. These results suggest that endogenous pyrogen, a protein mediator of fever and trace metal metabolism during infection, is released during exercise.
Model Calculations for the Study of Direct and Superexchange Interactions

Investigations of the two‐atom M2+‐M2+ and the three‐atom M2+‐(F−)‐M2+ systems have been made in order to study both direct and superexchange mechanisms. In these model calculations all electrons are treated explicitly within the framework of the unrestricted Hartree‐Fock procedure; the Fock matrix is evaluated directly by Monte Carlo integration techniques. The effective exchange parameter J is determined at several internuclear distances, and spin densities are exhibited for the ferromagnetic and anti‐ferromagnetic states of the three‐atom system. The AF state lies lower in energy beyond a calculated critical bond length. Localization of the uhf eigenfunctions and the significance of the Mott transition for magnetic ordering are discussed.
A III-nitride Layered Barrier Structure for Hyperspectral Imaging Applications

We report on a novel photodetector structure based on III-nitride materials. A layered configuration is used to create a barrier with voltage-tunable height. The barrier is used as a filter for photoexcited holes and electrons, and could form the basis for a dynamically tunable pixel in a hyperspectral imaging array. This would eliminate the need for external gratings and filters used in conventional hyperspectral instruments. In addition, the tunability of pixels allows a decrease of the array dimension by one. The III-nitride materials family is a good candidate for this device, combining large band offsets with the ability for epitaxial growth. We have demonstrated the feasibility of using III-nitride materials to fabricate layered tunnel barriers and have demonstrated tunability of photodetection using these structures. External quantum efficiencies of > 12% have been achieved with prototype devices.
PREDICTION MODELS TO SUPPORT COST-EFFECTIVE DISEASE MANAGEMENT OF PEDIATRIC ASTHMA • 451

Disease management is believed to hold promise for improving health in populations with chronic conditions like asthma, but little evidence exists about its cost-effectiveness. This study's objective was to determine whether computer-based prediction models could potentially improve the cost-effectiveness of asthma disease management. In this retrospective cohort design, computerized hospital, emergency department, and pharmacy data were used to identify children aged 0-14 with asthma-related utilization in a regional health maintenance organization. Demographic, medication and health services utilization variables from a 6-month baseline period were used to predict hospitalization during the following 12 months.
A Minimally Invasive Method for Retrieving Single Adherent Cells of Different Types from Cultures

The field of single-cell analysis has gained a significant momentum over the last decade. Separation and isolation of individual cells is an indispensable step in almost all currently available single-cell analysis technologies. However, stress levels introduced by such manipulations remain largely unstudied. We present a method for minimally invasive retrieval of selected individual adherent cells of different types from cell cultures. The method is based on a combination of mechanical (shear flow) force and biochemical (trypsin digestion) treatment. We quantified alterations in the transcription levels of stress response genes in individual cells exposed to varying levels of shear flow and trypsinization. We report optimal temperature, RNA preservation reagents, shear force and trypsinization conditions necessary to minimize changes in the stress-related gene expression levels. The method and experimental findings are broadly applicable and can be used by a broad research community working in the field of single cell analysis.
Pathophysiology of Experimental Renovascular Hypertension

The genesis of renovascular hypertension follows a continuum from an acute to a chronic phase. Reduction in renal perfusion initiates renin release and angiotensin-mediated systemic vasoconstriction. Aldosterone secretion, sodium and water retention, and expansion of the extracellular volume ensue. Sustained hypertension is further maintained by interacting physiologic mechanisms including increased angiotensin II sensitivity, vasopressin, ouabain-like substance, the sympathetic nervous system, CNS mechanisms, autoregulation, and structural changes.
FT-Raman spectrum and conformational stability of liquid chlorocarbonyl isocyanate

Abstract The FT-Raman spectrum of liquid chlorocarbonyl isocyanate, ClC(O)NCO, has been recorded from 2500 to 75 cm −1 . The observed bands have been assigned in terms of the more stable trans conformer (isocyanate group trans to the carbonyl bond) and less stable cis conformer. Several conformer pairs have been observed which have been used to obtain the enthalpy difference between the conformers from the relative intensities of the conformer peaks. The determined ΔH value is 262 ± 119 cm −1 (749 ± 340 cal/mol) which is in good agreement with the previously reported value of 230 ± 28 cm −1 (658 ± 80 cal/mol) which was obtained from a temperature study of the Raman spectrum. The fundamental Raman frequencies and Raman intensities which have been determined experimentally are compared to those obtained from ab initio Hartree-Fock gradient calculations utilizing the 6-31G* basis set. These results are compared to some previous results on this molecule.
Microcomputer control of a process to regenerate saturated desiccants

Abstract This paper describes a method of data acquisition and process control for a desiccant regeneration system using an Apple IIe microcomputer. It also provides circuit diagrams for multiplexing thermocouples and activating a modutrol motor and a solenoid valve for process control. The main program for data acquisition and control is written in Fortran language and utilizes several subroutines written in Assembly language of the 6502 microprocessor for data collection and control. A flow chart for the algorithm along with some details of system control are provided. Using this technique, over 600 h of data have been collected in steps of 10 min.
A Gaussian Correlation Inequality and its Applications to Small Ball Probabilities

We present a Gaussian correlation inequality which is closely related to a result of Schechtman, Schlumprecht and Zinn (1998) on the well-known Gaussian correlation conjecture. The usefulness of the inequality is demonstrated by several important applications to the estimates of small ball probability.
The Sciences in the Spectrum of Human Knowledge

The content of human minds is extremely complex. It can be classified into the ‘folk knowledge’ of daily life and the ‘scholarly knowledge’ of the humanities and sciences. The taxonomy of scholarly knowledge into disciplines is not always significant. A more significant taxonomy is into platitudes, like the truism of mathematics; the ‘near truisms’ of the sciences, like the laws of thermodynamics; projections (stable space-time patterns), like celestial mechanics; plans, like a genome; evolutionary systems; cybernetic systems, both equilibrium and disequilibrium; creodic processes; probabilistic systems. Each study must seek an appropriate methodology. All disciplines have more secure and less secure areas; this is more important than the distinction between ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ disciplines.
Use of SAR in regional methane exchange studies

Significant sources of uncertainty in global trace gas budgets are due to lack of knowledge concerning the areal and temporal extent of source and sink areas. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is particularly suited to studies of northern ecosystems because of its all-weather operating capability which enables the acquisition of seasonal data. As key controls on methane exchange, the ability to differentiate major vegetation communities, inundation, and leaf area index (LAI) with satellite and airborne SAR data would increase the accuracy and precision of regional and seasonal estimates of methane exchange. The utility of SAR data for monitoring key controls on methane emissions from Arctic and boreal ecosystems is examined.
Decreased protein kinase C (PKC) in platelets of pediatric bipolar patients: effect of treatment with mood stabilizing drugs.

Abstract Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is a major public health concern, however, its neurobiology is poorly understood. We, therefore, studied the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the pathophysiology of bipolar illness. We determined PKC activity and immunolabeling of various PKC isozymes (i.e., PKC α, PKC βI, PKC βII, and PKC δ) in the cytosol and membrane fractions of platelets obtained from PBD patients and normal control subjects. PKC activity and PKC isozymes were also determined after 8 weeks of pharmacotherapy of PBD patients ( n = 16) with mood stabilizers. PKC activity and the protein expression of PKC βI and βII, but not PKC α or PKC δ, were significantly decreased in both membrane as well as cytosol fractions of platelets obtained from medication-free PBD patients compared with normal control subjects. Eight weeks of pharmacotherapy resulted in significantly increased PKC activity but no significant changes in any of the PKC isozymes in PBD patients. These results indicate that decreases of specific PKC isozymes and decreased PKC activity may be associated with the pathophysiology of PBD and that pharmacotherapy with mood stabilizing drugs results in an increase and normalization of PKC activity along with improvement in clinical symptoms.
Modern methods for measurement of basilar membrane displacements.

Basilar membrane displacements in response to sound at threshold intensities are in the fractional Angstrom range. Visual measurements, as used by Be-kesy in his pioneering studies, are by definition limited to values above 10 000 A. The present paper discusses a number of modern techniques capable of taking measurements at lower Angstrom levels: One-point methods (capacitive probe, Mossbauer effect, laser interferometry, and optical heterodyne spectroscopy) and pattern-assessing methods (time-averaged and real-time holography). Advantages and disadvantages of these methods are being discussed.
Ithaka Boston Forum

On December 6, 2011, Ithaka S+R hosted an Ithaka Forum in Boston. Presenters from Ithaka S + R updated attendees on new initiatives at JSTOR, forthcoming Books at JSTOR, the JSTOR Current Scholarsh...
Establishment of two distinct protein domains in blue crab Callinectes sapidus metallothionein-I through heteronuclear (1H-113Cd) and homonuclear (1H-1H) correlation NMR experiments

Metallothionein is a cysteine-rich metal-binding protein whose biosynthesis is closely regulated by the level of exposure of an organism to zinc, copper, cadmium, etc., metal salts. The metallothionein from the crab Callinectes sapidus is known to bind six divalent metal ions. The 113Cd NMR spectrum of the 113Cdsubstituted protein shows six distinct 113Cd resonances spanning a chemical shift range of 620–665 ppm, indicating the presence of six distinct tetrahedrally coordinated divalent metal ion binding sites. Heteronuclear 1H113Cd correlation experiments revealed all the metal-to-cysteine connectivities present in this protein and the 2X(2113Cd)-;filtered COSY experiment revealed that six cysteines are involved in the ligation of two Cd2+ ions. Additionally, following the complete sequential resonance assignment of the 1H NMR data, the two separate Cd3Cys9 metal binding clusters can be shown to reside in two distinct protein domains.
The Stoichiometry of the Cytochrome P-450-catalyzed Metabolism of Methoxyflurane and Benzphetamine in the Presence and Absence of Cytochrome b5

The complete stoichiometry of the metabolism of the cytochrome b5 (cyt b5)-requiring substrate, methoxyflurane, by purified cytochrome P-450 2B4 was compared to that of another substrate, benzphetamine, which does not require cyt b5 for its metabolism. Cyt b5 invariably improved the efficiency of product formation. That is, in the presence of cyt b5 a greater percentage of the reducing equivalents from NADPH were utilized to generate substrate metabolites, primarily at the expense of the side product, superoxide. With methoxyflurane, cyt b5 addition always resulted in an increased rate of product formation, while with benzphetamine the rate of product formation remained unchanged, increased or decreased. The apparently contradictory observations of increased reaction efficiency but decrease in total product formation for benzphetamine can be explained by a second effect of cyt b5. Under some experimental conditions cyt b5 inhibits total NADPH consumption. Whether stimulation, inhibition, or no change in product formation is observed in the presence of cyt b5 depends on the net effect of the stimulatory and inhibitory effects of cyt b5. When total NADPH consumption is inhibited by cyt b5, the rapidly metabolized, highly coupled (approximately equal to 50%) substrate, benzphetamine, undergoes a net decrease in metabolism not counterbalanced by the increase in the efficiency (2-20%) of the reaction. In contrast, in the presence of the slowly metabolized, poorly coupled (approximately equal to 0.5-3%) substrate, methoxyflurane, inhibition of total NADPH consumption by cyt b5 was never sufficient to overcome the stimulation of product formation due to an increase in efficiency of the reaction.
Optimization of a building's cooling plant for operating cost and energy use

An optimal neural network-based controller for an ice thermal storage system has been developed and tested. The controller consists of four neural networks, three of which map equipment behavior and one that acts as a global controller. The controller self-learns equipment responses to the environment and then determines the control settings required to minimize operating cost. It has the advantage over other controllers in that it always remains calibrated. Since it does not rely upon rules or assumptions, it is able to provide optimal control under any utility pricing and operating condition. Although originally designed to minimize operating costs, simulation and optimization techniques often determine minimum energy use as well.
Arsenic redistribution between sediments and water near a highly contaminated source.

Mechanisms controlling arsenic partitioning between sediment, groundwater, porewaters, and surface waters were investigated at the Vineland Chemical Company Superfund site in southern New Jersey. Extensive inorganic and organic arsenic contamination at this site (historical total arsenic >10 000 μg L-1 or >130 μM in groundwater) has spread downstream to the Blackwater Branch, Maurice River, and Union Lake. Stream discharge was measured in the Blackwater Branch, and water samples and sediment cores were obtained from both the stream and the lake. Porewaters and sediments were analyzed for arsenic speciation as well as total arsenic, iron, manganese, and sulfur, and they indicate that geochemical processes controlling mobility of arsenic were different in these two locations. Arsenic partitioning in the Blackwater Branch was consistent with arsenic primarily being controlled by sulfur, whereas in Union Lake, the data were consistent with arsenic being controlled largely by iron. Stream discharge and arsenic...
Estimation of Quantiles for the Sampling Distribution of the rWG within Group Agreement Index

The James, Demaree, and Wolf within-group agreement index (rwG) may be used to assess interrater agreement when two or more individuals ("judges") provide ratings on one or more items ("targets"). Although the James et al. index is increasingly being used to assess whether the aggregation of data is justified for higher levels of analysis, the sampling distribution of rWG has not been delineated, and therefore it has not been possible to conduct tests of the statistical significance of obtained results. As a consequence of this current deficiency in knowledge about rWG, a Monte Carlo simulation program (AGREESIM) was developed to estimate selected quantiles for the sampling distribution of rWG under any user-specified null distribution of judges' scores. The output is in the form of quantiles and their 95% confidence intervals (showing the precision of the quantile estimates).
Parent Beliefs about Technology and Innovative Mathematics Instruction

Parent beliefs about roles of education, teachers, computers, and innovative mathematics instruction were examined through factor analysis. Strong relationships between parent beliefs regarding teacher and computer roles were found. The beliefs of parents about the similar roles of teachers and computers in education may impact the implementation of innovations in mathematics education and the uses of computers in education. Reciprocally, the ways computers are implemented in education may impact the beliefs parents have about the purposes of education.
Regional Application of an Index of Biotic Integrity Based on Stream Fish Communities

Abstract The recently proposed index of biotic integrity (IBI) was evaluated for several watersheds throughout the midwestern United States. Five of the community metrics comprising the IBI depend on the number of fish species present and must be adjusted for changes in expected species richness with stream size or zoogeography. We use basic relationships of fish species richness versus stream size, calculated from historical fish community data for seven watersheds, to define lines of maximum species richness. These lines are used to predict attributes of “excellent” fish communities, the basis of comparison for assigning scores to 5 of 12 IBI metrics. When zoogeographic and stream-size factors were accounted for in assigning scores, the IBI accurately reflected watershed and stream conditions. As partial tests of the IBI, we found that the index conforms to knowledge of biologists familiar with several watersheds, is independent of stream order in homogeneous watersheds, and is not biased upwards in gen...
Recruitment of active glycogen synthase kinase-3 into neuronal lipid rafts

Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β has emerged as a key molecule that regulates neuronal apoptosis. To examine the molecular mechanism(s) through which GSK-3β regulates this process, we studied the subcellular localization of GSK-3β following exposure of the cells to well-characterized apoptotic stimuli. Here, we report that the induction of apoptosis by withdrawal of serum and potassium triggers dephosphorylation of GSK-3β at serine 9 and subsequent translocation of these molecules into neuronal lipid raft microdomains. Inhibition of GSK-3β by small molecule inhibitors blocks specific phosphorylation of lipid raft associated protein Tau. Consistent with the notion that the lipid raft domains may serve as a platform for the cellular signaling complexes, disruption of lipid rafts protected neurons from apoptosis induced by withdrawal of serum and potassium as well as by HIV-1 Tat. Our observations reveal novel interaction of GSK-3β and raft domains, and suggest that such interaction could contribute to neuronal apoptosis.
Infrared spectroscopy and polymer structure

The power of infrared spectroscopy as a tool in studying the structure of small molecules is well known. This insight into structure results largely from our ability to analyse the spectrum theoretically by means of a normal coordinate analysis. This technique consists of calculating the normal vibration frequencies of a molecule from information on its structure and internal force field. From such a calculation we obtain the values of the frequencies and the forms of the vibrations of the molecule which can be observed in infrared absorption and in Raman scattering. By comparing such calculated frequencies with the observed spectrum it is possible to evaluate our assumptions concerning the structure and force field of the molecule.
Infrared Spectroscopic Studies of Mono-, Di-, and Trihydrido C-H Insertion Complexes Formed in Reaction of Ethylene with Laser-Ablated Hafnium Atoms and Isolated in a Solid Argon Matrix

The C-H insertion reaction of laser-ablated Hf atoms with ethylene in excess argon has been carried out during codeposition at 7 K, and the reaction products have been investigated by means of infrared spectroscopy. Parallel to the case of Zr, mono-, di-, and trihydrido C-H insertion complexes are identified. Among them, the mono- and dihydrido C-H insertion complexes are reaction intermediates of hydrogen elimination from ethylene by second-row transition-metal atoms presumed in previous reaction dynamics studies. The higher Hf-H stretching frequencies and shorter Hf-H and C-Hf bond lengths of the hafnium C-H insertion products than those of the zirconium products are attributed to the shortened bonds of the heavier metal atom by relativistic effects.
Separation and identification of DMPO adducts of oxygen-centered radicals formed from organic hydroperoxides by HPLC-ESR, ESI-MS and MS/MS

Many electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) radical adducts from the reaction of organic hydroperoxides with heme proteins or Fe2+ were assigned to the adducts of DMPO with peroxyl, alkoxyl, and alkyl radicals. In particular, the controversial assignment of DMPO/peroxyl radical adducts was based on the close similarity of their ESR spectra to that of the DMPO/superoxide radical adduct in conjunction with their insensitivity to superoxide dismutase, which distinguishes the peroxyl adducts from the DMPO/superoxide adduct. Although recent reports assigned the spectra suggested to be DMPO/peroxyl radical adducts to the DMPO/methoxyl adduct based on independent synthesis of the adduct and/or 17O-labeling, 17O-labeling is extremely expensive, and both of these assignments were still based on hyperfine coupling constants, which have not been confirmed by independent techniques. In this study, we have used online high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC or LC)/ESR, electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to separate and directly characterize DMPO oxygen-centered radical adducts formed from the reaction of Fe2+ with t-butyl or cumene hydroperoxide. In each reaction system, two DMPO oxygen-centered radical adducts were separated and detected by online LC/ESR. The first DMPO radical adduct from both systems showed identical chromatographic retention times (tR=9.6 min) and hyperfine coupling constants (a N=4.51 G, a H β=10.71 G, and a H γ=1.32 G). The ESI-MS and MS/MS spectra demonstrated that this radical was the DMPO/methoxyl radical adduct, not the peroxyl radical adduct as was thought at one time, although its ESR spectrum is nearly identical to that of the DMPO/superoxide radical adduct. Similarly, based on their MS/MS spectra, we verified that the second adducts (a N=14.86 G and a H β=16.06 G in the reaction system containing t-butyl hydroperoxide and a N=14.60 G and a H β=15.61 G in the reaction mixture containing cumene hydroperoxide), previously assigned as DMPO adducts of t-butyloxyl and cumyloxyl radical, were indeed from trapping t-butyloxyl and cumyloxyl radicals, respectively.
Results from an integrated AOTF-LDTOF spectrometer suite for planetary surfaces

On future landed missions to Mars and small solar system bodies, efficient sample prescreening will be necessary to select interesting targets for further analysis by analytical instruments with very limited time and power resources. Near infrared spectroscopy is well suited for rapid and non-invasive identification of mineral classes, and for determining the possible presence of organic molecules. Here we describe a miniature acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) point spectrometer that is tunable from ∼1.6 – 3.6 µm. It identifies minerals associated with aqueous environments at sample scales of ∼ 1 mm, as well as organic molecules and volatiles. The AOTF point spectrometer was integrated with a laser desorption time-of-flight (LDTOF) mass spectrometer developed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, and can be used to prescreen samples for evidence of organics before the laser desorption step and subsequent mass spectrometer measurement. The LDTOF mass spectrometer provides pulsed-laser desorption and analysis of refractory organic compounds up to 150,000 Da on a spatial scale of 50–100 µm, determined by the laser spot size at the target. The recent integration of the two instruments allowed for coincident spectral measurements of geologic samples; follow-up measurements from the LDTOF were taken from an identical region on the samples of interest, allowing for a direct comparison between the two complementary data sets. We present measurements of a standard sample suite consisting of sulfates, carbonates, clay minerals, and iron oxides. We also compare AOTF and LDTOF spectra of calcite, as well as gypsum doped with phthalic acid and valine, and discuss the relationship between reflectance spectra acquired by the AOTF and the LDTOF mass spectra. Finally, we discuss measurements made of irradiated ices such as those found in areas of high astrobiological interest like Europa.
Effect of Fine Particle Migration on the Small-Strain Stiffness of Unsaturated Soils

The paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of fine particle migration from pore body to the pore throat and toward the contact between particles and its effect on skeleton stiffness of granular materials. We hypothesize that the suspended colloids in the pore fluid migrate and deposit on the contact surface between the skeleton-forming particles and change the magnitude of the soil stiffness. Three specimens were prepared using uniform spherical glass particles that were saturated with deionized water and kaolinite or silt-base slurries. The specimens were drained by evaporation which retained the fines in the soil while increasing the matric suction. Changes in soil dynamic stiffness were evaluated using piezoelectric transducers while the migration of fines and the changes of the properties of the pore fluid were monitored using synchrotron X-ray microcomputed tomography (SMCT) on identical specimens. The wave propagation experiments show that the stiffness of the tested specimens i...
Discussion Board: A Learning Object

This paper argues that a discussion board as an integral part of e-learning is a learning object worthy of scrutiny. It explores how current praxis and theory on learning objects can be used to improve the development and application of discussion boards. Implications for discussion board as learning objects are discussed. They include: (1) accessing learning objects via discussion boards, (2) using and sharing learning objects via discussion boards, (3) creating a cycle of composition and decomposition of learning objects via discussion boards, and (4) using computer agents to improve access and communication of the data archived in discussion boards. Recommendations for future research are made.
In vitro activity and spectrum of LY333328, a novel glycopeptide derivative.

Reference methods were used to determine the potency of LY333328, a semisynthetic glycopeptide derivative with a key N-alkylation substitution, against 833 strains (393 gram-positive strains and representative gram-negative bacilli) with various defined resistance mechanisms. The MICs at which 90% of the isolates are inhibited (MIC90S) (in micrograms per milliliter) of LY333328 and the percentages of strains at or = 16 micrograms/ml) against more than 400 representative strains of Enterobacteriaceae, pseudomonads, Acinetobacter spp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, pathogenic Neisseria spp., and anaerobic gram-negative bacilli. Gram-positive anaerobes were LY333328 susceptible (MICs, < or = 2 micrograms/ml). Test methods and conditions may have affected MICs of LY333328, with most (species variation) agar dilution MICs being greater than the broth microdilution MICs.
Wave spectra, wave conversion device performance, and integration into electricity markets

Electricity production from ocean waves has the theoretical advantages of higher capacity factor, lower short-term variability, and longer forecasting horizons, when compared to wind and photovoltaic sources. Potential applications of wave-generated energy, in light of these advantages, include: energy services; regulating reserves; and contingency reserves. To provide these services reliably and economically, the time variability of the wave energy resource must be clearly understood. Also, these services are provided in the context of real-time or day-ahead energy markets. The objective of this work is to assess whether the typical properties of wave energy converters, possibly enhanced with small amounts of energy storage, can result in energy products that have high value in these markets, providing highly reliable, constant power over predictable periods. We examine wave spectra from National Data Buoy Center buoys and convert them to representative time series. The wave time series are input to a generic wave converter model to generate output power characteristics. Some power takeoff devices inherently contain energy storage of small capacity; the smoothing effect of these is examined, along with larger amounts of storage. Finally the economic implications of variability and storage are calculated using recent, typical wholesale electricity prices. Investment in energy storage equivalent to 5 minutes' worth of nameplate capacity is found to pay off in less than two years.
Efficient sensitivity analysis of PERT network performance measures to significant changes in activity time parameters

Using a Program Evaluation and Review Technique network model of a project schedule, a method is presented to estimate the effects of changes to the probability distribution for any activity time on several project schedule measures. Computational results show this method to be significantly faster and more accurate than a previously published approach, which estimated the effects of changes to the means of normally distributed activity times on expected project completion time and activity criticality. In addition, the new method allows more flexibility to model changes to activity times, including independent changes to parameters and even changes in the distributional form. Finally, the new method estimates the effects of these changes on several additional performance measures, including the probability of meeting a specified due date and a project (penalty) cost function. All desired estimates are obtained from a single set of simulation runs.
Biology of Delphacodes lutulenta (Homoptera: Delphacidae)

The biology of Delphacodes lutulenta (Van Duzee) was studied in a greenhouse and laboratory under controlled conditions. Eighteen different species or cultivars of plants proved to be host plants; the planthopper produced more progeny on Triticum aestivum L. var. Abe than on any other plant tested. Fifteen females produced an average of 243 progeny per female. The sex ratio was 1:1. Average longevities for the male and female were (mean ± SE) 27 ± 2.4 and 33.9 ± 3.3 days, respectively. Average fecundity of nine females was 430 ± 6.9 eggs per female. Unmated females did not produce viable eggs. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in oviposition between brachypterous and macropterous females. Development was completed in five (n = 20) or six (n = 4) instars by both males and females. The times required for development of the male (33.4 ± 0.8 days) and female (34.2 ± 0.7 days) were not significantly different (P > 0.05).
Hospital Management Principles Applicable to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital

The Skills, Knowledge, Aptitude, and Attitude (SKA) Subcommittee of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) has identified the need for veterinary teaching hospitals (VTH) to be at the forefront of progressive business management to serve as a model for both students and practitioners to emulate. To provide a foundation for developing a model, this study reviewed pertinent literature applicable to the management of a VTH. Much of the literature relevant to VTH management relates to work completed for the human side of medicine (academic health centers, or AHCs) or to the private sector. This review explores management practices in strategic planning, financial management, human resource management, marketing, pricing, operations, and legal issues. It is concluded that strategic management is important to provide the foundation for success in the VTH. In addition, periodic financial reports are recommended, as are the development and use of benchmarks for financial management. Establishing positive, motivating human resource practices is also suggested, along with development of a marketing plan based on a clear understanding of VTH core competencies and the market’s specific needs.
Biology of Invasive Monk Parakeets in South Florida

Abstract Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) have been in Florida for >40 yrs, having been imported by the thousands for the pet trade. This conspicuous, charismatic species is now widely established, but relatively little is known about its population biology outside South America. We examined 845 parakeets from 385 nests from nest removals and collections by utility company personnel in 2003/2004 and 2006/2007 to document body size and aspects of reproductive biology and primary molt. Body measurements confirm Monk Parakeets in south Florida belong to the monachus subspecies. Adult males averaged 1.5 to 3.5% larger than females, but the body mass of females exceeded that of males during March–May, the period of egg development. The breeding season in south Florida commences in late winter/early spring with fledglings first appearing in the second week of June. Nest contents (eggs plus nestlings) averaged 5.6 for multiple-entry nests compared to 4.9 for single-entry nests. Over 94% of the adults we exam...
Cardioselective dominant-negative thyroid hormone receptor (Δ337T) modulates myocardial metabolism and contractile efficiency

Dominant-negative thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) show elevated expression relative to ligand-binding TRs during cardiac hypertrophy. We tested the hypothesis that overexpression of a dominant-nega...
Structure and semi-fluid motion analysis of stereoscopic satellite images for cloud tracking

Time-varying multispectral observations of clouds from meteorological satellites are used to estimate cloud-top heights (structure) and cloud winds (semi-fluid motion). Stereo image pairs over several time steps were acquired by two geostationary satellites with synchronized scanning instruments. Cloud-top height estimation from these image pairs is performed using an improved automatic stereo analysis algorithm on a massively parallel Maspar computer with 16 K processors. A new category of motion behavior known as semi-fluid motion is described for modeling cloud motions and an automatic algorithm for extracting semi-fluid motion is developed to track cloud winds. The time sequential dense estimates of cloud-top height depth maps in conjunction with intensity data are used to estimate local semi-fluid motion parameters for cloud tracking. Both stereo disparities and motion correspondences are estimated to sub-pixel accuracy. The Interactive Image SpreadSheet (IISS) is a new versatile visualization tool that was enhanced to analyze and visualize the results of the stereo analysis and semi-fluid motion estimation algorithms. Experimental results using time-varying data of the visible channel from two satellites in geosynchronous orbit is presented for the Hurricane Frederic. >
Today’s Student and Virtual Schooling: The Reality, the Challenges, the Promise…

In 2008 I was approached to deliver a keynote address at the biennial conference of the Distance Education Association of New Zealand (DEANZ) in Wellington on the topic of today’s student and K–12 distance education. Several months ago, Mark Nichols asked me if I would be interested in putting some of the ideas that I discussed as a part of that August 2008 presentation into a manuscript for the Journal of Distance Learning. This paper represents my best efforts to summarise and expand on those ideas.
Moisture Absorption by Various Polyamides and Their Associated Dimensional Changes

The dimensional changes associated with moisture absorption were examined for various polyamides (PAs). Plaques of varying thickness were compression-molded or injection-molded and then immersed in water. Periodically, the plaques were removed from water and their mass and dimensions were measured. This was continued until they were completely saturated. The more polar PA46 absorbed more water than less polar PA6 and PA66 and therefore, was more susceptible to moisture-induced dimensional growth. For a given polymer, it was found that the thicker samples took longer to reach saturation, but had the same diffusion coefficient as thinner ones. Changes in dimensions coincided with changes in mass. Sorption and swelling followed slightly different paths, but arrived at their respective equilibrium values at the same time. Within experimental error, dimensional expansion due to water absorption was the same in all directions. Injection-molded samples absorbed slightly more water than compression-molded ones, but their absorption rates were equal. Equilibrium water absorption data were used to approximate the dimensional changes associated with the swelling of the PAs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Digoxin-specific antibody treatment of digitalis toxicity: Update

Digoxin antibody fragments (Digibindtm, Wellcome) have now been used in 97 patients with suspected life threatening digoxin or digitoxin toxicity. In most cases therapeutic response has been prompt and complete. There have been no unexpected side effects noted in these very sick patients. Several patients developed worsened heart failure after treatment, which may have been secondary to digitalis withdrawal or may have been caused by changes in concomitant drug therapy, fluid administration, or a combination of these factors. Potassium concentrations usually fell after administration of the antibody fragments, in­dicating reversal of digitalis induced inactivation of (Na+K+)-ATPase. In some patients, frank hy­pokalemia developed after rapid reversal of digitalis effects with the antibody fragments.
Enabling laboratory demonstrations of multi-object adaptive optics with linearity calibrations

We present a method of calibrating nonlinear Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors to enable open-loop wavefront sensing of atmospheric turbulence. Involving a two-dimensional raster scan of a point source behind a telescope's primary, this method is robust to aliasing, non-common path errors, linearity error, and truncation error. We have implemented this technique on the UCO/Lick Laboratory for Adaptive Optics Multi-Conjugate AO (MCAO) and Multi-Object AO (MOAO) testbed. This testbed has 5 laser guide stars with star-oriented Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors that have 4x4 pixel subapertures. We show that the disagreement between these multiple wavefront sensors on a simulated 10 meter telescope is decreased from 0.80 radians to 0.30 radians RMS for a full atmosphere (0.6" seeing) with our linearity calibration. This linearity calibration enables simulation of open-loop MOAO with good Strehl (36% with a simulated science wavelength of 950 nm on-axis) on a 10 meter aperture. We present a complete error budget for this case, with all budget terms empirically verified through interferometric methods. We verify that the tomographic error (due to blind modes) as empirically measured on the testbed is consistent with that predicted by tomographic reconstructions of simulated atmospheres.
Infectious swine hepatitis E virus is present in pig manure storage facilities on United States farms, but evidence of water contamination is lacking.

ABSTRACT Fresh feces, manure slurry (from earthen lagoons and/or concrete pits), and drinking and surface water samples were collected from 28 pig farms in the Midwestern United States. All samples were tested for hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA by reverse transcription-PCR. Seven of 28 farms had fecal samples that contained HEV. Of 22 farms where pit samples were accessible, 15 contained HEV, and of 8 farms that had lagoons, 3 contained HEV. The highest virus titers were 10 and 103 genome equivalents per 60 ml of manure slurry in lagoon and pit samples, respectively. None of the water samples tested HEV positive. To determine the infectivity of the HEV found in the positive farm 19 lagoon (designated L19) or farm 12 pit (designated P12) samples, pigs were inoculated either intravenously (n = 3) or orally (n = 3) with the L19 or P12 manure slurry. Four pigs inoculated intravenously with prototype swine HEV served as positive controls. All positive-control pigs shed HEV in feces and 3 of 4 developed anti-HEV antibodies. Two pigs in the intravenously inoculated P12 group shed HEV in feces, and one of the pigs seroconverted to anti-HEV antibodies. None of the pigs in the negative-control, L19 oral, L19 intravenous, or P12 oral group shed HEV in feces. The findings indicate that HEV found in pig manure slurry was infectious when inoculated intravenously. Pit manure slurry is a potential source of HEV infection and for contamination of the environment. Contamination of drinking or surface water with HEV was not found on or near the pig farms.
Rapid generation of high‐frequency internal waves beneath a wind and wave forced oceanic surface mixed layer

[1] High-frequency internal waves generated by Langmuir motions over stratified water may be an important source of turbulent mixing below the surface mixed layer. Large eddy simulations of a developing mixed layer and inertial current are employed to investigate this phenomena. Uniform surface wind stress and parallel Stokes drift wave forcing rapidly establishes a turbulent mixed-layer flow, which (as the inertial motion veers off the wind) generates high-frequency internal waves in the stratified fluid below. The internal waves evolve such that their vector phase velocity matches the depth-averaged mixed-layer velocity that rotates as an inertial oscillation. The internal waves drain energy and momentum from the mixed layer on decay time-scales that are comparable to those of near-inertial oscillations. The high-frequency waves, which are likely to be trapped in the transition layer, may significantly contribute to mixing there and thus provide a potentially important energy sink for mixed-layer inertial motions.
Clinical Encounters with Immigrants: What Matters for U.S. Psychiatrists.

Approximately 3.2% of the global population consists of migrants. Today, unprecedented numbers of people are relocating to the United States; more than ever, psychiatrists are caring for immigrant patients. International migration is a multilayered issue that often has implications for the mental health of migrants. Thus, there is an increasing interest in understanding how the different factors associated with migration processes affect the mental health outcomes of immigrants. The authors group these factors into three categories: immigrant process, clinical encounter, and mental health services. When possible, the authors incorporate a gendered and life span perspective and suggest avenues for including what they know regarding the care of children, adults, and elderly psychiatric patients with immigrant backgrounds. This study pays special attention to the immigrant paradox literature, which explains why some immigrants are healthier when they start their journey, and why their mental health deteriora...