cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visual metaphors for teaching programming concepts

This paper presents a system of visual metaphors used in a introductory programming course using Pascal. The visual metaphors represent programming concepts (data types, variables, arrays, records, files, modules, module interfaces and parameter passing, and dynamic storage) that are often difficult for beginning students to learn. The metaphors are used to accelerate the students' learning process and improve the overall comprehension of programs as structured objects. The system of metaphors is used in the first course for majors, Foundations of Programming, in the Computer Information Systems curriculum at Bentley College.
Preparation of the internal mammary artery for coronary bypass surgery.

Abstract Preparation of the internal mammary artery (IMA) for coronary bypass grafting is depicted. It is felt that this technique offers a simple, safe method for providing an IMA of maximum caliber and flow that allows not only end-to-side but sequential IMA grafting to a coronary artery. Use of this technique prepares the mammary artery to be used for both in situ and free grafting procedures to allow maximum utilization of the IMA as a superior conduit. The technique described has been used in several thousand operations.
A Model for Pharmacological Research-Treatment of Cocaine Dependence

Major problems for research on pharmacological treatments for cocaine dependence are lack of comparability of results from different treatment research programs and poor validity and/or reliability of results. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, random assignment, experimental designs, using standard intake and assessment procedures help to reduce these problems. Cessation or reduction of drug use and/or craving, retention in treatment, and medical and psychosocial improvement are some of the outcome variables collected in treatment research programs. A model to be followed across different outpatient clinical trials for pharmacological treatment of cocaine dependence is presented here. This model represents an effort to standardize data collection to make results more valid and comparable.
Long-range dependence in the conditional variance of stock returns

Abstract We examine persistence in the conditional variance of U.S. stock returns indexes. Our results show evidence of long memory in high-frequency data, suggesting that models of conditional heteroskedasticity should be made flexible enough to accommodate these empirical findings.
Synthesis and secretion of under-hydroxylated procollagen at various temperatures by cells subject to temporary anoxia

Abstract Cells isolated by enzymic digestion of embryonic tendon were incubated under N2 so that they synthesized and accumulated the unhydroxylated form of procollagen which is known as protocollagen and which is largely comprised of pro-α chains linked by interchain disulfide bonds. The cells were then exposed to O2 so that the intracellular protocollagen was hydroxylated and secreted as procollagen. When the hydroxylation was allowed to proceed at 31° or 34°, the procollagen secreted into the medium was triple-helical but its hydroxyproline content was less than two-thirds and its hydroxylysine content was less than half the control. Even when the hydroxylation was allowed to occur at 37°, the procollagen secreted by the cells was under-hydroxylated by about 15% in terms of its hydroxyproline content and about 45% in terms of its hydroxylysine content. The results may have consequences for collagen synthesis by tendons and similar tissues in vivo , since temporary anoxia in such tissues may well lead to the synthesis of a less stable procollagen or to fibers of decreased tensile strength.
Retinoic acid regulates the expression of dorsoventral topographic guidance molecules in the chick retina

Asymmetric expression of several genes in the early eye anlagen is required for the dorsoventral (DV) and anteroposterior (AP) patterning of the retina. Some of these early patterning genes play a role in determining the graded expression of molecules that are needed to form the retinotectal map. The polarized expression of retinoic acid synthesizing and degrading enzymes along the DV axis in the retina leads to several zones of varied retinoic acid (RA) activity. This is suggestive of RA playing a role in DV patterning of the retina. A dominant-negative form of the retinoic acid receptor α (DNhRARα) was expressed in the chick retina to block RA activity. RA signaling was found to play a role in regulating the expression of EphB2, EphB3 and ephrin B2, three molecules whose graded expression in the retina along the DV axis is important for establishing the correct retinotectal map. Blocking RA signaling by misexpression of a RA degrading enzyme, Cyp26A1 recapitulated some but not all the effects of DNhRARα. It also was found that Vax, a ventrally expressed transcription factor that regulates the expression of the EphB and ephrin B molecules, functions upstream of, or in parallel to, RA. Expression of DNhRARα led to increased levels of RA-synthesizing enzymes and loss of RA-degrading enzymes. Activation of such compensatory mechanisms when RA activity is blocked suggests that RA homeostasis is very strictly regulated in the retina.
Dynamic assessment and instructional strategies for learners who struggle to learn a foreign language.

In this paper the authors discuss how the concept of dynamic (cognitive) assessment and instruction might relate to the assessment and instruction of at-risk foreign/second language learners. They describe its relevance to a diagnostic/prescriptive approach to instruction for teaching a foreign language to students with identified dyslexia and other at-risk students. They explain how to assess learners' knowledge of the native/foreign/second language through questions and guided discovery. Examples in German and English illustrate its application to foreign/second language instruction. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Perspectives on … developing a culture of collaboration: librarian as consultant

Abstract Initiating a consulting model for librarianship in a small college library involved a transition to an organizational model that defines positions by their relationship to constituencies. As a case study of such a transformation demonstrates, such an “outward” looking organization has resulted in an increased number of instruction sessions, increased circulation of materials, and the development of collaborative, collegial relationships with teaching faculty.
Electric Fields in Electronic Structure Calculations: Electric Polarizabilities and IR and Raman Spectra from First Principles

By including an external electric field in first-principles electronic structure calculations we are able to explore a variety of properties of atomic clusters. In this paper we briefly discuss the technique and present several recent examples of its use, including the polarizabilities of Si clusters, the IR spectra of hydrogenated Fe particles, and the Raman spectra of chalcogenide glasses. The common feature in all these applications is that they involve predictions of directly observable properties. The value of the electric field calculations is thus that they produce a closer link between theory and experimental measurements.
Carcinosarcoma of the breast: report of a case and review of the literature

Carcinosarcoma (CS) of the breast is a rare, poorly differentiated, malignant tumor which represents less than 0.1% of all breast cancers. It is strictly defined as a mixed, biphasic neoplasm consisting of a carcinomatous component combined with a malignant nonepithelial element of mesenchymal origin. We present a female patient with breast CS. Relevant literature is briefly reviewed. A 65-year-old-woman was admitted for the management of a palpable mass of the left breast. Mammography depicted a high-density mass with marginal irregularity and pleomorphic calcification. Subsequent excisional biopsy revealed a biphasic metaplastic breast carcinoma, and the patient underwent a left-modified radical mastectomy. The final histopathologic diagnosis was defined as a metaplastic breast carcinoma of CS type, with a squamous cell epithelial component of intermediate and mainly low-grade differentiation. Recent case series describe CS as an uncommon lesion demonstrating an intimate admixture of adenocarcinoma and sarcoma. Current data represent further evidence of the dedifferentiation theory in the origin of CS as it runs a very aggressive course and bears an ominous prognosis. The tumor is characterized by intermingled carcinomatous and sarcomatous areas resembling leaf-like structures of phyllodes pattern. Associated cumulative 5-year survival rate is estimated at 49%.
A longitudinal women's health curriculum: a multi-method, multiperspective needs assessment.

Abstract Objectives: To define critical competencies in women's health for medical student education and to assess the degree to which they are taught. Study Design: A set of competencies in women's health was developed. A multi-method needs assessment was implemented. Results: Faculty and student evaluations revealed no major areas of disagreement but did identify major deficits in the basic sciences including the physiologic influence of estrogen on nongynecologic organ systems and of androgen on various organ systems, nutrition, and alternative medicine and the difference between the sexes in disease processes, presentation, and treatment. In the clinical years, there are important deficits in the teaching of diseases unique to women, limited attention to psychosocial aspects of women's health, and no cohesive teaching of a gender-specific approach to clinical evaluation. Conclusion: In the medical school curriculum, gender's effect on disease is inadequately addressed. An integrated longitudinal approach to gender-specific medicine is needed. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:S12-4.)
Dual-Chamber/Dual-Anode Proportional Counter Incorporating an Intervening Thin-Foil Solid Neutron Converter

Abstract A dual-chamber/dual-anode gas proportional counter utilizing thin solid 6LiF or 10B neutron converters coated on a 2-micon-thick Mylar film that is positioned between the two counter chambers and anodes has been designed, fabricated, and tested using a variety of fill gases—including naturally abundant helium. In this device, neutron conversion products emitted from both sides of the coated converter foil are detected—rather than having half of the products absorbed in the wall of a conventional tube-type counter where the solid neutron converter is deposited on the tube wall. Geant4-based radiation transport calculations were used to determine the optimum neutron converter coating thickness for both isotopes. Solution methods for applying these optimized-thickness coatings on a Mylar film were developed that were carried out at room temperature without any specialized equipment and that can be adapted to standard coating methods such as silk screen or ink jet printing. The performance characteristics of the dual-chamber/dual-anode neutron detector were determined for both types of isotopically enriched converters. The experimental performance of the 6LiF-converter-based detector was described well by modeling results from Geant4. Additional modeling studies of multiple-foil/multiple-chamber/anode configurations addressed the basic issue of the relatively longer absorption range of neutrons versus the shorter range of the conversion products for 6LiF and 10B. Combined with the experimental results, these simulations indicate that a high-performance neutron detector can be realized in a single device through the application of these multiple-foil/solid converter, multiple-chamber detector concepts.
Management of intrarenal vascular malformations.

Abstract The management of any intrarenal vascular malformation requires precise radiologic identification of the type, location, and size of the lesion in addition to knowledge of its natural history. With few exceptions, surgical correction of these lesions should be performed at the time of diagnosis. A surgical technique utilizing transabdominal exposure, hilar dissection, selective hypothermia, and Doppler localization is outlined that should allow repair of most of these lesions with maximum renal preservation.
Molecular dynamics characterization of the contact between clean metallic surfaces with nanoscale asperities

We use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to characterize the tensile strength of contacts formed between various clean platinum surfaces with nanoscale asperities. Both commensurate contacts between (001) and (111) surfaces and incommensurate (001) ones are considered over a wide range of asperity sizes. In cyclic closing and opening, fresh asperities that form contacts for the first time show significant plastic deformation; this leads to a reduction in the effective contact area during the first few cycles, after which steady state is achieved both in terms of contact size and the pull-out force necessary to open the contacts. As is the case for commensurate surfaces [H. Kim and A. Strachan, Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 215504 (2010)], the strength of the metallic bridges that form in incommensurate contacts exhibit strong size effects; their strength increases with decreasing size until a length of \ensuremath{\sim}5 nm, below which weakening is observed. Commensurate contacts lead to stronger bridges than incommensurate ones but only during the initial closing events; after steady state is achieved, commensurate and incommensurate (001) surfaces lead to bridges of similar strengths.
SU‐GG‐T‐522: Investigation of Intracranial Localization for SRS and SRT Using MV‐CBCT

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy and precision of Mega‐Voltage Cone Beam Computed Tomography (MV‐CBCT) localization for intracranial stereotactic treatment deliveries. Method and Materials: A Rando head phantom containing a metal ball bearing (BB) was mounted with a head frame. A treatment plan targeting the BB was generated and three localization methods were compared. The first, was the standard technique using laser micro‐alignment to the isocenter projected onto target positioning sheets. Second, a standard MV‐CBCT was acquired, using skull based registration with the treatment planningCT and millimeter precision correction using the motorized treatment couch. For the third, a micro‐adjustment of the head frame position using a Vernier scale was used to apply the MV‐CBCT correction with a 0.1 mm accuracy. After localization with each method was achieved, a series of 1.0 × 1.0 cm fields from gantry angles 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees was used to asses target alignment by measuring the BB position relative to the beam central axis. Results: The standard localization technique resulted in an average displacement of the BB with respect to the beam central axis of 1.2 ± 0.1 mm. Skull‐based localization with MV‐CBCT using millimeter precision couch offsets resulted in a displacement of the BB with respect to the beam central axis of 2.3 mm. Localization with MV‐CBCT and micro‐adjustment resulted in a displacement of the BB with respect to the beam central axis of 1.2 ± 0.2 mm. Conclusion: After modifications were applied to the MV‐CBCT localization technique, accuracy was as good as the standard approach for head frame cases. When MV‐CBCT localization is applied to a frameless case, the anatomy‐based alignment eliminates the variability of interfraction patient positioning within the immobilizing mask. Conflict of Interest: Research partially funded by Siemens Medical Solutions.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation of ectopic atrial tachycardia using paced activation sequence mapping

Abstract Objectives . Although ectopic atrial tachycardia is infrequent, it can be an important clinical challenge. We sought to define an alternative therapeutic approach to this refractory problem. Background . Radiofrequency energy catheter ablation has been used to treat a variety of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias but has not been proved afficacious in the management of ectopic atrial tachycardia. Methods . Ten patients (14 to 47 years of age) referred with refractory ectopic atrial tachycardia were studied. Mapping techniques included identification of earliest atrial activation, confirmation of concordance of P wave configuration during spontaneous tachycardia and pacing from the ablation catheter, and paced activation sequence mapping. The paced activation sequence mapping compared the activation sequence at multiple atrial sites during spontaneous tachycardia with that recorded during pacing from the ablation catheter. The catheter was steered to a point where pacing reproduced the spontaneous activation sequence. Results . Foci were right atrial in eight patients and left atrial in two. In 8 of 10 patients, 514 ± 97 (SE) J and 5.7 ± 2.3 (SD) J radiofrequency energy applications ablated the ectopic focus. Seven of these eight patients presented with one focus and one had two discrete and stable foci. Ablation was unsuccessful in two patients with multiple foci. No complications occurred. An arrhythmia focus recurred in two patients and one patient underwent successful repeat ablation. The other patient was managed medically. All seven patients with successful ablation are symptom free after (6.5 ± 3.8 months. Conclusions . Our preliminary experience suggests that with the use of both paced activation sequence mapping and standard techniques, radiofrequency ablation of ectopic atrial tachycardia may be a safe and effective form of therapy.
Intra-articular injection of tumor necrosis factor-α in the rat: an acute and reversible in vivo model of cartilage proteoglycan degradation

Summary Objective To develop an in vivo model for rapid assessment of cartilage aggrecan degradation and its pharmacological modulation. Design Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) was injected intra-articularly (IA) in rat knees and aggrecan degradation was monitored at various times following challenge. Articular cartilage was assessed for aggrecan content by Safranin O staining and by immunohistochemistry for the NITEGE epitope. Synovial fluids (SFs) were analyzed for sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) using the dimethylmethylene blue dye assay and for aggrecan fragments generated by specific cleavage at aggrecanase-sensitive sites by Western blot analysis with neoepitope antibodies. Indomethacin, dexamethasone, and an aggrecanase inhibitor were evaluated for their ability to modulate TNFα-induced proteoglycan degradation in vivo . Results (1) IA injection of TNFα in the knee joint of rats resulted in transient aggrecan degradation and release of aggrecanase-generated aggrecan fragments from the articular cartilage into the SF; (2) a correlation was observed between histologically assessed depletion of aggrecan from the articular cartilage and the appearance of specific neoepitopes in the SF; (3) aggrecan degradation was inhibited by an aggrecanase inhibitor as well as by dexamethasone, but not by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), indomethacin. Conclusion TNFα injection in the knee joints of rats results in rapid transient cartilage proteoglycan degradation, mediated by cleavage at the aggrecanase sites. Biomarker read-out of specific neoepitopes in the SF enables the use of this mechanism-based model for rapid evaluation of aggrecanase-mediated aggrecan degradation in vivo .
Specific antagonism of the behavioral effects of chlordiazepoxide and pentobarbital in the rat.

Abstract o 1. Stimulus control was established in rats with 5 mg/kg chlordiazepoxide and saline by employing a two-lever response choice task and an FR10 schedule of food reinforcement. 2. Once trained, administration of chlordiazepoxide doses different from the training dose produced dose-responsive discrimination responding and the chlordiazepoxide discriminative cue was observed to transfer to pentobarbital. 3. Pretreatment with the convulsant bemegride antagonized the pentobarbital transfer but not the chlordiazepoxide cue, whereas the specific benzodiazepine antagonist R015-1788 decreased the chlordiazepoxide cue in a dose-response manner without attenuating the pentobarbital transfer. 4. Results confirm and expand upon other recent studies that suggest different mechanisms of action for chlordiazepoxide and pentobarbital.
Platelet transfusions have a negative impact on liver transplant survival.

Background Intraoperative transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) is associated with adverse outcome after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Although experimental studies have shown that platelets contribute to reperfusion injury of the liver, the influence of allogeneic platelet transfusion on outcome has not been studied in detail. In this study, we evaluate the impact of various blood products on outcome after OLT. Methods Twenty-nine variables, including blood product transfusions, were studied in relation to outcome in 433 adult patients undergoing a first OLT between 1989 and 2004. Data were analyzed using uni- and multivariate stepwise Cox's proportional hazards analyses, as well as propensity score-adjusted analyses for platelet transfusion to control for selection bias in the use of blood products. Results The proportion of patients receiving transfusion of any blood component decreased from 100% in the period 1989-1996 to 74% in the period 1997-2004. In uni- and multivariate analyses, the indication for transplantation, transfusion of platelets and RBC were highly dominant in predicting 1-yr patient survival. These risk factors were independent from well-accepted indices of disease, such as the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score and Karnofsky score. The effect on 1-yr survival was dose-related with a hazard ratio of 1.377 per unit of platelets (P = 0.01) and 1.057 per unit of RBC (P = 0.001). The negative impact of platelet transfusion on survival was confirmed by propensity-adjusted analysis. Conclusion This retrospective study indicates that, in addition to RBC, platelet transfusions are an independent risk factor for survival after OLT. These findings have important implications for transfusion practice in liver transplant recipients.
Research methodology and youth mentoring

Mentoring programs for youth have grown tremendously in popularity in recent years and in many important respects reflect core principles of community psychology. Mentoring of youth is a complex phenomenon, however, with a range of significant processes occurring at the levels of individual youth and their mentors, youth–mentor relationships and other interpersonal systems, programs, and the larger policy context. The research methods used to study youth mentoring need to be well suited to capturing this complexity. In this article, we argue, furthermore, that investigations of youth mentoring relationships and programs should be tailored to address concerns associated with each major phase of the intervention research cycle (i.e., preintervention, intervention, and preventive service systems research). Existing research pertinent to these differing phases frequently has not employed state-of-the-art methodology in the areas of sampling, design, assessment, and analysis. We also find that there are important gaps in the types of research conducted, and that in many instances, needed linkages across phases of the research cycle are lacking. Recommendations for strengthening future research on youth mentoring are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SU‐EE‐A4‐05: Effects of Cone‐Beam CT Noise and Cupping Artifacts On Deformable Image Registration

Purpose:Image‐guided adaptive radiotherapy proposes to use sequential CT studies to track anatomical change during treatment via deformable image registration. These CT studies can be acquired with either conventional fan‐beam CT systems or more novel cone‐beam CT techniques. However, cone‐beam CTimages can have higher noise levels and more imaging artifacts than fan‐beam CT, which might impact registration accuracy. We have investigated the effect of these image quality differences on the deformable registration of fan‐beam and simulated cone‐beam CTs. Method and Materials: Our study used two fan‐beam CT studies of a prostate patient, taken ten days apart. A deformable image registration process was used to register the two studies and then transfer treatment planning contours from one CT to the other. The accuracy of the automatically‐transferred contours (and thus of the deformable registration process) was assessed by comparing them to manual contours, with the differences evaluated with respect to inter‐observer variability in the manual contours. Then one of the fan‐beam CTs was modified to include higher noise and cupping artifacts characteristic of cone‐beam CT and the tests were repeated. Changes in registration accuracy were detected by monitoring changes in the automatically‐transferred contours. Results: We found that the additional noise and the cupping artifact caused no appreciable loss of registration accuracy at magnitudes up to and exceeding what would normally be found in an actual cone‐beam CT.Conclusions: We conclude that deficiencies in cone‐beam CT quality that might reduce manual contouring accuracy do not necessarily reduce image registration and automatic contouring accuracy.
The Role of Effortful Attention in Effective Spatial Training

The objective of this study will be to identify the components of a 3-D puzzle game (BlockOut) that influence gain in spatial ability. Training with video games has been shown to improve spatial ability in ways that are both transferable (Terlecki, Newcombe & Little, 2008) and long-lasting (Feng, Spence & Pratt, 2007), but results for different games are mixed. It is hypothesized that one component of games, the need for maximal attention, will influence spatial ability improvement. To test this hypothesis, 24 participants will play BlockOut for 10 hours under either a rotation-only or a maximal attention condition. It is predicted that participants in the attentional-limit condition will show more improvement on a battery of tests than participants in the rotation-only condition. Potential applications include targeted training approaches to improving spatial ability.
Influence of Anisotropic Substrate Stiffness on Cell Behavior

It is known that various cell types can sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their microenvironment. Specifically, cells have been known to spread more when cultured on stiff substrates and are able to match their internal stiffness to that of the substrate. Recent work [1] has shown that epithelial cells and fibroblasts can be induced to spread on micropillared substrates. Furthermore, this work has shown that these cells tend to spread preferentially along the stiff axis of anisotropic substrates [1]. Building on earlier models [2,3], we present a model and invoke arguments based on energetics that explain why anisotropic substrates encourage some cells to spread more easily along the stiff axis and why these cells can match their internal stiffness to external stiffness more efficiently than others.Reference:
MDSplus remote collaboration support-internet and world wide web

Abstract The consolidation of fusion research into fewer major experiments has motivated the fusion community to study methods of improving the efficiency in which these experiments produce scientific results. One mechanism for increasing the scientific output of these facilities is through remote collaboration. To make the best use of existing facilities, scientists must be able to participate in the day to day operation of these facilities from anywhere in the world as easily and effectively as if they were present in the control room of the experiment. It is not sufficient to just make the scientific measurements available to more scientists. Remote collaborators must be able to provide input and communicate closely with all members of the experimental team. The rapid improvements in network technology are beginning to make this goal achievable. The increase in network bandwidth along with platform-independent web based software technologies such as Java, are providing the infrastructure for truly networked fusion research. This paper will discuss some of the networked applications developed or employed at MlT s Plasma Science and Fusion center to improve the research environment for remote collaborators who work as part of the Alcator C-Mod experimental team.
Directional acoustic underwater thruster

This paper described a novel directional underwater thruster which could change thrust directions without any moving parts. When the underwater thruster moved along a non-vertical angle, it could produce straight backward thrust of 2.3mN and lateral thrust of 0.6mN in parallel on the device surface, with the total thrust/weight ration of 2∶1. Water jet was streamed out by high intensity acoustic beam due to acoustic streaming effect [1] to push the device itself oppositely. To enhance the acoustic streaming effect, a self-focusing acoustic transducer (SFAT) with air reflectors was used to focus the acoustic beam.
A tale of two species: Neural integration in zebrafish and monkeys

Selection of a model organism creates tension between competing constraints. The recent explosion of modern molecular techniques has revolutionized the analysis of neural systems in organisms that are amenable to genetic techniques. Yet, the non-human primate remains the gold-standard for the analysis of the neural basis of behavior, and as a bridge to the operation of the human brain. The challenge is to generalize across species in a way that exposes the operation of circuits as well as the relationship of circuits to behavior. Eye movements provide an opportunity to cross the bridge from mechanism to behavior through research on diverse species. Here, we review experiments and computational studies on a circuit function called "neural integration" that occurs in the brainstems of larval zebrafish, primates, and species "in between". We show that analysis of circuit structure using modern molecular and imaging approaches in zebrafish has remarkable explanatory power for details of the responses of integrator neurons in the monkey. The combination of research from the two species has led to a much stronger hypothesis for the implementation of the neural integrator than could have been achieved using either species alone.
A reexamination of apomorphine induced stereotypy in the rat in light of self administration experiments.

Abstract 1. 1. Apomorphine is known to both elicit stereotypy and to support behavioral self administration. The present report examined a possible contribution of stereotypy to self administration. 2. 2. Non-contingent intraperitoneal injection of apomorphine in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats immediately prior to their placement in an experimental chamber significantly elevated bar-pressing above operant rates. 3. 3. This indicates a novel dopamine induced behavior which may play a role in determining self administration behavior. 4. 4. The data suggest three interpretations of previous self administration experiments.
Community Health and Socioeconomic Issues Surrounding Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

A consensus of the Workgroup on Community and Socioeconomic Issues was that improving and sustaining healthy rural communities depends on integrating socioeconomic development and environmental protection. The workgroup agreed that the World Health Organization’s definition of health, “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity,” applies to rural communities. These principles are embodied in the following main points agreed upon by this workgroup. Healthy rural communities ensure a) the physical and mental health of individuals, b) financial security for individuals and the greater community, c) social well-being, d ) social and environmental justice, and e) political equity and access. This workgroup evaluated impacts of the proliferation of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on sustaining the health of rural communities. Recommended policy changes include a more stringent process for issuing permits for CAFOs, considering bonding for manure storage basins, limiting animal density per watershed, enhancing local control, and mandating environmental impact statements.
Transforming the social order: the role of the university in social change

The contemporary multicultural and secular university in the United States is experiencing an array of value transitions as well as ideological contradictions. The present dilemmas and challenges confronting the academy appear to emanate from the preoccupation with new schools of explanation and interpretation and from arbitrarily defined appropriate speech. In the social sciences and in the humanities, value neutrality and traditional constructs are viewed as strategies for concealing and promoting anachronistic standards of conduct. Faculty interviewed express concern and skepticism about the direction and future of the American university in a postindustrial and a postmodernistic era. Many perceive the university as not assuming a leading role in constructive social change. This results from its absorption with political symbols and selectively perceived meanings of varied cultural interests. Some faculty sense a major transformation in the way the university and its culture are produced and arranged. The social sciences and humanities have the potential for coping with the current paradoxes.
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteremia

Objective. The aim of this study was to review the clinical features, laboratory findings and the risk factors associated with invasive group A streptococcal infections in children admitted to our institution over a 9-year period (January 1, 1990 through December 31, 1999).Methods: Medical records of children who had a positive blood culture for group A betahemolytic streptococci and children who had this organism isolated from any other sterile site were identified and retrospectively reviewed.Results: Forty-one children with invasive GAS were identified, of whom 15 (36%) were diagnosed between 1990 and 1994, while the balance (26 patients, 63%) were diagnosed between 1995 and 1999 (p 15,000/ mm3) occurred in 21 (51 %) patients, while leukopenia (A white blood cell count < 5000/ mm3) occurred in 2 patients. Parenteral crystalline penicillin G followed by oral penicillin or amoxicillin were the most common antibiotics administered. The mean hospital length of stay was 8 days (range: 6–32 days). All, but one patient survived. The one patient who died had malnutrition and died from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.Conclusion: More cases of invasive GAS were diagnosed during the second half of the study period, however, the overall rate of occurrence of bacteremia during the study period was consistent with previous reports. Primary varicella infection was the most common predisposing factor for invasive GAS infections. The low occurrence of toxic shock syndrome and fatalities among children with invasive GAS infections are consistent with other pediatric but not with adult series.
The Attitudes Toward Women Scale for Adolescents (AWSA): A study of reliability and validity

This study describes the development of the Attitudes Toward Women Scale for Adolescents (AWSA), an instrument based on the short form of the Spence-Helmreich Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS). The AWSA has been tested in four samples of adolescents. Internal consistency estimates and test-retest stability indicated high reliability. Hypotheses formulated to test the construct validity of the scale were largely supported. AWSA permits the examination of how boys' and girls' attitudes toward women influence the life paths that adolescent girls begin to pursue.
MAP DISPLAY DESIGN

This paper presents a cognitive model of a pilot's navigation task and describes an experiment comparing a visual momentum map display to the traditional track-up and north-up approaches. The data show the advantage to a track-up map is its congruence with the ego-centered forward view; however, the development of survey knowledge is hindered by the inconsistency of the rotating display. The stable alignment of a north-up map aids the acquisition of survey knowledge, but there is a cost associated with the mental rotation of the display to a track-up alignment for ego-centered tasks. The results also show that visual momentum can be used to reduce the mental rotation costs of a north-up display.
Asymptotic stability for an integrodifferential reaction-diffusion system☆

Abstract A reaction-diffusion system involving an integrodifferential linear parabolic equation and a nonlinear ordinary differential equation is studied, under third type boundary conditions. Such a system may be used to describe the evolution of a class of man-environment epidemics. Conditions are given for the existence and the asymptotic stability of a unique nontrivial equilibrium solution, by using monotone iteration techniques.
Periodic oscillations in a model of thermal convection

Periodic oscillations are found in a one-dimensional model of thermal convection. The model consists of a fluid-filled tube bent into rectangular shape and standing in a vertical plane. The fluid is heated at the centre of the lower horizontal segment and cooled at the centre of the upper horizontal segment. When a certain parameter exceeds unity, a periodic motion of the fluid is found in which the flow is always in the same direction but in which the speed varies. Inertia is unimportant for this oscillation, which depends upon the interplay between frictional and buoyancy forces.
An efficient harmonic balance method for unsteady flows in cascades

Abstract In this paper, nonlinear unsteady flows in cascades arising from self-excited blade vibrations are investigated using a mixed time/frequency domain harmonic balance technique. The time-periodic flow is computed at several sub-time levels that are equally spaced over a single period. The time derivative term in the unsteady Navier–Stokes equations is approximated by a pseudo-spectral operator, which couples solutions at different sub-time levels. Compared to the classical time-accurate approach, the present technique enjoys an improved computational efficiency. In addition, using complex periodic boundary conditions, the computational domain can be reduced to a grid spanning only a single blade in the cascade, which further improves the computational efficiency. With the use of the pseudo-spectral operator and pseudo-time marching, the problem can be treated as steady state and convergence acceleration techniques such as local time stepping, implicit residual smoothing and multigrid can be used. To demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the technique, we present results for the Tenth Standard and the Eleventh Standard Configurations.
Nonparametric adaptive detection in fading channels based on sequential Monte Carlo and Bayesian model averaging

Recently, a Bayesian receiver for blind detection in fading channels has been proposed by Chen, Wang and Liu (200,IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory,46, 2079–2094), based on the sequential Monte Carlo methodology. That work is built on a parametric modelling of the fading process in the form of a state-space model, and assumes the knowledge of the second-order statistics of the fading channel. In this paper, we develop a nonparametric approach to the problem of blind detection in fading channels, without assuming any knowledge of the channel statistics. The basic idea is to decompose the fading process using a wavelet basis, and to use the sequential Monte Carlo technique to track both the wavelet coefficients and the transmitted symbols. Moreover, the algorithm is adaptive to time varying speed/smoothness in the fading process and the uncertainty on the number of wavelet coefficients (shrinkage order) needed. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed blind adaptive receivers.
Reducing uncertainty in estimates of frequency distribution parameters using composite likelihood approach and copula‐based bivariate distributions

[1] Conventional multivariate hydrological frequency analysis utilizes only the concurrent parts of data sets, leaving a lot of nonconcurrent data unutilized. Simultaneous inclusion of such nonconcurrent data can significantly reduce uncertainty in hydrologic design estimates. The methodology proposed in this paper allows varied length multivariate data to be combined and analyzed in an integrated framework through a “Composite Likelihood Approach.” The method employs copula-based multivariate distributions in order to provide necessary flexibility of admitting arbitrary marginals. The paper presents the theoretical basis of the approach and highlights its advantages through two applications. A significant reduction in uncertainty in design flood quantiles of a relatively shorter flood series is achieved by utilizing an associated downstream flood data. The advantage of the methodology is further demonstrated by establishing significant information gain for six different combinations of Gaussian and non-Gaussian marginals. The proposed approach marks a paradigm shift in hydrologic design procedures, particularly for partially gauged basins, wherein a higher precision in hydrologic designs is achieved by leveraging associated information that has hitherto remained unutilized. It is opined that the approach will enable offsetting the impact of dwindling hydrological observation networks around the world by enhancing information that is derivable from existing networks.
Robust adaptive event detection in non-intrusive load monitoring for energy aware smart facilities

This paper presents a robust adaptive goodness-of-fit (GOF) χ2 test event detector for non-intrusive load monitoring applications. We derive a closed form for the decision threshold and a guideline for choosing the size of the detection data window. Using real-world power data collected in residential buildings, the proposed GOF detector shows superior performance compared to the conventional generalized likelihood ratio detector.
Tardiness Bounds for FIFO Scheduling on Multiprocessors

FIFO scheduling is often considered to be inappropriate for scheduling workloads that are subject to timing constraints. However, FIFO is implemented in many general-purpose OSs, and is more widely supported than other priority-based scheduling methods. In this paper, we show that, when the global FIFO scheduling algorithm is used to schedule sporadic real-time tasks on a multiprocessor, deadline tardiness is bounded. This result shows that global FIFO may in fact be useful for scheduling soft real-time workloads.
SIZE CHARACTERISTICS OF STONES INGESTED BY COMMON LOONS

Abstract Common Loon (Gavia immer) carcasses recovered in New England had more stones of greater combined mass in their stomachs than loons from the southeastern United States. Stones retained in sieves with mesh sizes between 4.75 and 8.00 mm accounted for the greatest percentage (by mass) of grit in loon stomachs. The median longest dimension of the largest single stone in each stomach was 12.5 mm in loons from New England and 10.7 mm in loons from the southeast (maximum = 23.1 mm and 16.8 mm, respectively). A recent national proposal to restrict the use of certain fishing weights in the United States called for a ban on lead fishing sinkers of 25.4 mm or less in any dimension. Our findings suggest it is unlikely that Common Loons would ingest lead fishing weights greater than 25.4 mm in any dimension, if such ingestion was solely the result of their search for replacement stones for their stomachs. However, this does not preclude the possibility that loons may ingest larger fishing weights under other ...
Immunochemistry of Fungal Antigens (Part A)

This chapter reviews some recent developments in the characterization of antigens that are potentially or actually useful as probes of the immune response in the primary systemic mycoses. Other sources should be consulted for a broader perspective.1–4 A species-specific immunodominant protein exocellular antigen (“exoantigen”) has been identified for each of the systemic fungi. Procedures for purifying these proteins have become available Most of these antigens have been adapted to primary binding immunoassays to detect antibodies in patients.
Student-Faculty Research: Collaboration in a Liberal Arts College

Doing field research as an undergraduate, mentored by my professor, sold me on anthropology as a career. Consequently, I have been convinced that the experience of field research is nearly essential for learning to use anthropology, whether in an academic or non-academic context. My purpose in this essay is three-fold: (1) to sketch a narrative of some of the ways I have encountered and developed opportunities for research collaboration with my students and former students, (2) to outline the differences I see between the role relations of student-teacher and research collaborator-mentor and (3) to elaborate on some of the roles of the researcher in relation to the wider community.
HPV Infections in Adolescents

Adolescents who are sexually active have the highest rates of prevalent and incident HPV infection rates with over 50-80% having infections within 2-3 years of initiating intercourse. These high rates reflect sexual behavior and biologic vulnerability. Most infections are transient in nature and cause no cytologic abnormality. However, a small number of adolescents will not clear the infection. Persistence of HPV is strongly linked to the development of high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions (HSIL) and invasive cancer. The HSIL detected, however, does not appear to progress rapidly to invasive cancer. Understanding the natural history of HPV in adolescents has shed light into optional treatment strategies which include watchful observation of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and low grade (LSIL). The association between age of first intercourse and invasive cancer cannot be ignored. Consequently, initiating screening at appropriate times in this vulnerable group is essential. In addition, with the advent of the HPV vaccine, vaccination prior to the onset of sexual activity is critical since most infections occur within a short time frame post initiation.
Relaxation and dephasing in open quantum systems time-dependent density functional theory: Properties of exact functionals from an exactly-solvable model system

Abstract The dissipative dynamics of many-electron systems interacting with a thermal environment has remained a long-standing challenge within time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Recently, the formal foundations of open quantum systems time-dependent density functional theory (OQS-TDDFT) within the master equation approach were established. It was proven that the exact time-dependent density of a many-electron open quantum system evolving under a master equation can be reproduced with a closed (unitarily evolving) and non-interacting Kohn–Sham system. This potentially offers a great advantage over previous approaches to OQS-TDDFT, since with suitable functionals one could obtain the dissipative open-systems dynamics by simply propagating a set of Kohn–Sham orbitals as in usual TDDFT. However, the properties and exact conditions of such open-systems functionals are largely unknown. In the present article, we examine a simple and exactly-solvable model open quantum system: one electron in a harmonic well evolving under the Lindblad master equation. We examine two different representitive limits of the Lindblad equation (relaxation and pure dephasing) and are able to deduce a number of properties of the exact OQS-TDDFT functional. Challenges associated with developing approximate functionals for many-electron open quantum systems are also discussed.
Ensuring that difficult decisions are honored--even in school settings.

The utter devastation of the realization that your child will predecease you is nearly unimaginable. The decisions that we force upon parents in this situation can compound their grief and distress...