cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design Implications of Structural Irregularity

Irregular building designs present special problems to the structural engineer due to their uneven distributions of mass, stiffness, and strength. Because of these factors, irregular structures may have significantly different dynamic performance than a regular structure, which can lead to unanticipated force concentrations, deflections, and subsequent stresses on building members. Irregular building designs, while often more visually and architecturally interesting, are significantly more challenging to engineer for seismic loads. Discontinuities and irregularities in mass, configuration, and form can create many unwanted and unexpected effects when a structure is subjected to seismic forces. The Uniform Building Code (UBC) 1997 edition has addressed this concern by requiring dynamic analysis of irregular building designs greater than five stories in areas with greater seismic activity (seismic zones 3 and 4). The UBC’s requirement of a dynamic lateral force analysis, along with the requirement of a higher base shear force for irregular building designs (regular buildings are given a 10% base shear reduction bonus when dynamic analysis is performed), has made irregular building designs unattractive to structural engineers. Some structural engineers may question whether the UBC provisions are unnecessarily punitive to irregular building analysis, particularly for smaller buildings. To test this hypothesis, this study compares the results of using much simpler static seismic loading analysis with the results obtained from a dynamic analysis on two steel-frame six-story irregular building designs. The first building is irregular due to a type 3 vertical geometric irregularity (specifically a 3-story tower asymmetrically located above the remaining 3 stories). The second building is irregular due to a plan structural irregularity (a large central courtyard which creates diaphragm discontinuities in the top three stories). Both buildings are considered to be located in seismic zone 4, with a forcing input based on the 1997 UBC figure 16-3 used for the dynamic analysis. This study aims to present the design implications of structural irregularity. It seeks to investigate the differences in the calculated seismic forces, deflections, and stresses due to the two different methods of analysis.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Two-body solution of the Newman-Penrose asymptotic equations

The Newman-Penrose nonlinear asymptotic field equations are separated in terms of spin weight spherical harmonics (s.w.s.h.). As an example, the results are used to study the radiation effects on a two-body system. The presence of radiation is manifest through the nonlinear terms in the asymptotic equations. If these terms are assumed to be small, the asymptotic equations can be formally solved by an iteration procedure. For the above example the first step of the iteration procedure is implemented to an accuracy that includes the effects of radiation up to octopole order. The results illustrate the usual internal decay of the orbit as well as an acceleration of the system's center of mass. In favorable cases, the two-body source can reach significant velocities due to the radiation reaction.
ngs.plot: Quick mining and visualization of next-generation sequencing data by integrating genomic databases

Understanding the relationship between the millions of functional DNA elements and their protein regulators, and how they work in conjunction to manifest diverse phenotypes, is key to advancing our understanding of the mammalian genome. Next-generation sequencing technology is now used widely to probe these protein-DNA interactions and to profile gene expression at a genome-wide scale. As the cost of DNA sequencing continues to fall, the interpretation of the ever increasing amount of data generated represents a considerable challenge. We have developed ngs.plot – a standalone program to visualize enrichment patterns of DNA-interacting proteins at functionally important regions based on next-generation sequencing data. We demonstrate that ngs.plot is not only efficient but also scalable. We use a few examples to demonstrate that ngs.plot is easy to use and yet very powerful to generate figures that are publication ready. We conclude that ngs.plot is a useful tool to help fill the gap between massive datasets and genomic information in this era of big sequencing data.
Optimizing Seed Acreage: Decision Making with Production and Utilization Uncertainties

Under yield and utilization uncertainties, optimum planted acreage may be estimated using the concept of disequilibrium costs—those costs incurred when production is not matched with utilization. A model to minimize expected disequilibrium cost is formulated and applied to peanut seed acreage in Georgia. Since larger disequilibrium costs result from underproduction than from overproduction of peanut seed, optimum seed acreage increases substantially when allowances are made for existing yield and utilization uncertainties.
Effect of natural convection on solidification from above and melting from below of a pure metal

Abstract The role of natural convection on the solid-liquid interface motion during melting from above and solidification from below of a pure metal was studied. The measurements of both temperature distributions and temperature fluctuations were used as a qualitative indication of the natural convection flow regimes and structures of melt during phase transformation. The photographs of the solid-liquid interface morphology (after draining the melt from the test cell) revealed complicated time-dependent flow structure in the liquid. The measured (average) and predicted solid-liquid interface positions during solidification from above and of melting from below show reasonably good correspondence.
Heat dissipation in catalytic reactions on supported crystallites

Abstract Local temperatures produced by catalytic reactions on small metal particles on insulating supports are examined. The mode of energy release, the size of the particle, and the thermal boundary resistance at the crystallite support interface are shown to be important in determining temperatures. Explicit solutions are obtained for particles large compared to the mean free path of the heat carriers, using the continuum equation for heat conduction, and also for particles so small that boundary scattering dominates. Numerical results predict significant local temperature increases for conservatively estimated parameters. Heating is found to depend sensitively on particle size and on the properties of the metal-support interface.
An application of fuzzy set theory to the prediction of cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremity

Abstract Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) of the upper extremity are physical ailments of the wrist, arm, and shoulder, caused by the cumulative effect of repeated mechanical stresses. They develop gradually over a period of time and are often believed to be work-related. In this paper, we develop a fuzzy set based methodology to predict the possibility of occurence of CTDs, given the current severity level of the risk factors in a particular work situation. We also use a set covering algorithm to determine the minimum number of CTDs which cover all the risk factors. A learning module is incorporated to constantly update the relationship between CTDs and risk factors, based on real world data. We have developed a prototype computer system and tested the model logic. The results from the initial testing indicate that the proposed methodology provides a good modeling scheme for the prediction problem.
The effect of exercise and restraint on pectoral muscle metabolism in pigeons.

The effect of various activity regimes on metabolism of pigeon pectoralis was examined by measurement of blood lactate following exercise, total lactate dehydrogenase activity of pectoral muscle, and proportions of specific isoenzymes of pectoral muscle lactate dehydrogenase. Sprint-trained birds had the highest pectoral muscle lactate dehydrogenase activity (1409 IU · g−1 wet tissue), while endurance-trained birds had the highest peak lactate levels (287 mg · dl−1, extrapolated from decay curves) and fastest half-time of the lactate response (4.8 min) following exercise, but the lowest lactate dehydrogenase activity (115 IU · g−1 wet tissue). Immobilization of one wing for 3 weeks following endurance training produced a marked increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity of the immobilized muscle, compared to that in the contralateral pectoralis and endurance-trained muscle. Aerobic forms of the lactate dehydrogenase enzyme (that favor conversion of lactate to pyruvate) predominated in pectoral muscle of endurance-trained birds, while cage-confined birds exhibited primarily the anaerobic isoenzymes. These results demonstrate that conversion of pectoral muscle lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes, total lactate dehydrogenase activity, and half-time of lactate response after exercise is dependent on activity regime in pigeons. In this respect, pigeon pectoral muscle responds to training and disuse in a manner similar to that of mammalian skeletal muscle.
Congestive heart failure in the elderly requiring hospital admission

Abstract Fifty consecutive elderly (> 60 years) patients admitted to our department with congestive heart failure (CHF) entered a prospective database, to define their main clinical, instrumental and cognitive characteristics. In addition we evaluated the patterns of drug therapy in this aged population. Eighty percent of this sample had been previously hospitalized for CHF. Two or more associated diseases were present in 92%. Heart disease was ischemic or hypertensive in etiology in 80% of patients. Acute dyspnea was the most common presenting symptom. Atrial fibrillation or flutter were found in 38% of patients. Ultrasound evaluation evidenced left ventricular dysfunction of a systolic type in 49% and of a diastolic type in 28.6% of subjects. Diuretics and cardiac glycosides were the most widely administered drugs, followed by ACE-inhibitors, nitrates and dobutamine. Older ( ≥ 75 years) patients were treated with more agents, with a trend to a lesser use of dobutamine. Moderate to severe mental deficit was present in 20.8% of our sample, while significant depression was more common (54.2%). The main implications of the clinical profile of the elderly patient hospitalized for CHF are discussed.
Kleine operative Eingriffe in der Allgemeinmedizin

Es wird dargelegt, welche operativen Eingriffe in einer grosen, landlichen osterreichischen Allgemeinpraxis in knapp 20 Jahren durchgefuhrt wurden. Nachdem die geburtshilfliche Tatigkeit von den meisten hiesigen Allgemeinmedizinerinnen aufgegeben wurde, sind unter den besonders befriedigenden Tatigkeiten an der ersten arztlichen Linie die kleinen operativen Eingriffe ubriggeblieben. Sie sollten nicht delegiert, sondern in der Praxis durchgefuhrt werden. Nachdem die Zahl der oberflachlichen pyogenen Infektionen seit dem zweiten Weltkrieg stark abgesunken ist, entstehen den Arztinnen dadurch auch keine gewichtigen zeitlichen Mehrbelastungen. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie sind fur den Chirurgieunterricht gedacht, wofur solche Erhebungen aus der Allgemeinpraxis bisher nicht zur Verfugung gestanden sind.
Purification and properties of malic dehydrogenase from Trichomonas gallinae.

Abstract The malic dehydrogenase (MDH 2 , l -malate: NAD oxidoreductase, E.C. 1,1.1.37) of Trichomonas gallinae was purified 215-fold and characterized. The molecular weight was found to be 72,000 and the enzyme protein contained essential cations and sulfhydryl groups. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis before and after extensive purification yielded a single band of malic dehydrogenase activity strongly suggesting only one molecular form of the enzyme. Analysis of kinetic data yielded the following K m values: oxalocetate, 16 μM ; malate, 200 μM ; NADH 11 μM ; and NAD, 70 μM . The enzyme was absolutely specific for l -malic acid, NAD, and NADH. The enzyme exhibited a broad band of heat stability with an optimum of 51 C. The pH optimum in the direction of oxalacetate reduction was 9.0. The pH optima in the reverse direction were 9.0 and 10.5 A role for this enzyme in T. gallinae metabolism is discussed.
A Small Region Surrounding the Distal Promoter of the hunchback Gene Directs Maternal Expression

While maternally provided factors play essential roles in the earliest processes of embryogenesis, little is known about the control of female germline-specific gene expression. Primer extension analysis and in situ hybridization experiments demonstrate that in adult Drosophila females, transcripts of the gap gene hunchback (hb) are produced only by the distal (P1) promoter and that this expression is largely restricted to the ovarian nurse cells. A deletion analysis of the hb promoter using lacZ reporter constructs defines a 1.2-kb genomic DNA fragment surrounding the P1 promoter that is sufficient to reproduce the wild-type pattern of hb ovarian transcript accumulation. By contrast, the subfragments of this region we have tested fail to direct specific ovarian expression.
What does valve, not myocardial LGE mean? Could it portend post-MI emergence of mitral regurgitation?

Background Post-MI mitral regurgitation is thought to be due to passive, rather than active remodeling of mitral valve apparatus and relationship with other cardiac structures contributing to mitral regurgitation. Standard CMR late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) may be sensitive to non-myocardial pathology involving the mitral valve leaflets. Methods Presence or absence of MVE was noted in patients presenting for routine CMR with MI and non-MI indications requiring LGE. Chi square analysis was performed for non-contiguous variables and SPSS, Chicago software was utilized for statistical analysis. We hypothesize the presence of mitral valve enhancement (MVE) on LGE imaging in post-MI patients is associated with an increased incidence of MR. Results Patients (87; M = 54, F = 33) underwent LGE-CMR studies utilizing 1.5T GE (Milwaukee, WI) scanner with MultiHance (Bracco, Princeton, NJ) gadolinium contrast administration. LGE+ (present) in 68 and LGE- (absent) in 19 studies. Post-MI patterns of LGE+ in 51 and LGE- in 36 pts. MVE+ in 39, MVE- in 48. MR+ present in 67 and MR- in 20 studies. MVE was observed chiefly in post-MI patients (33 of 51; 65%) and infrequently in non-post-MI patients (6 of 36; 17%); c2 = 17.8, p < 0.001, power = 0.995. Further, MR was present more frequently in patients with MVE (36 of 39; 92%) compared to patients without MVE (31 or 48; 65%); c2 = 7.8, p = 0.005, power = 0.814 (see Figure 1). Conclusions MVE is present in a large number of post-MI patients but rarely in non-post-MI patients. Post-MI patients
Blinding in peer review: the preferences of reviewers for nursing journals.

Title. Blinding in peer review: the preferences of reviewers for nursing journals. Aim. This paper is a report of a study to assess the beliefs and preferences of reviewers for nursing journals about blinding of authors to reviewers, reviewers to authors, neither or both. Background. Blinding of author and reviewer names in the manuscript review process has been of interest to nursing editors, but reports that are based on data rather than simply opinion concern the editorial practices of biomedical rather than nursing journals. There has been no study of nursing journal reviewer beliefs and preferences related to blinding. Method. A descriptive web-based survey was conducted. The sample included 1675 anonymous reviewers, recruited through 52 editors of nursing journals from their review panels. Data were collected in 2007. Findings. Double-blinding of reviews was the most common method reported. Ninety per cent of respondents reported that the papers they received to review did not include author names. When author names were blinded, 62% of reviewers could not identify the authors of papers; another 17% could identify authors £10% of the time. Double-blinding was the method preferred by 93AE6% of reviewers, although some identified some advantages to an unblinded open review process. Conclusion. Nursing journal reviewers are generally very satisfied with doubleblinding and believe it contributes to the quality of papers published. Editors or editorial boards interested in a more open review process could consider alternatives such as offering authors and reviewers the option to unblind themselves. Simply announcing that the review process will henceforth be unblinded would probably lead to loss of reviewers.
Treatment of NIDDM With Insulin Agonists or Substitutes

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is a common disorder occurring in 3-6% of adults in most western populations. In the United States, 29% of patients with diabetes take insulin; of these, 76% have NIDDM. Insulin therapy is usually required at some time in NIDDM. Insulin therapy improves the abnormalities of NIDDM (reduced beta-cell function, increased hepatic glucose production, reduced peripheral glucose disposal, lipid abnormalities). Insulin and sulfonylurea agents have comparable effects on mild forms of NIDDM, but for more severe forms, insulin is usually superior. Combination insulin-sulfonylurea treatment may improve the response to sulfonylureas, although long-term well-controlled trials have not been conducted. Short-term insulin treatment may restore response to sulfonylureas. Other promising treatments (human proinsulin, nasal insulin, somatostatin) have not shown any advantage over conventional insulin therapy. Insulin causes hypoglycemia and peripheral hyperinsulinemia. The hazards of hyperinsulinemia, e.g., weight gain and hypoglycemia, have been overstated, and questions about its atherogenic effects remain to be resolved. The effect of glycemic control on macro- and microvascular complications has not been established; however, maintaining fasting blood glucose levels of less than 6.7 mM may protect against progression of retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy and reduce the severity of ischemic stroke. Dosage algorithms generally use intermediate- or long-acting insulin to control basal glycemia, with regular insulin added before meals if needed to control postprandial glycemia. Effective therapy depends on the patient being informed, cooperative, and willing to self-monitor blood glucose. Insulin treatment intermittency increases the risk for immune complications (resistance and allergy). Overall, patients with NIDDM can benefit from insulin therapy.
Phagocytes as carcinogens: malignant transformation produced by human neutrophils

In a study of the relation between chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis, C3H mouse fibroblasts of the 10T 1/2 clone 8 line (10T 1/2 cells) were exposed to human neutrophils stimulated to synthesize reactive oxygen intermediates or to a cell-free enzymatic system generating superoxide (xanthine oxidase plus hypoxanthine). After exposure, the 10T 1/2 cells were either placed in tissue culture or immediately injected into athymic nude mice. Both malignant and benign tumors developed in the mice injected with treated cells, but not in those injected with control cells; in one instance cells grown from one of the benign tumors subsequently developed a malignant phenotype. Malignant transformation was also observed in treated cells in the experiments in vitro.
Welfare families' use of early childhood care and education programs, and implications for their children's development

With recent legislation placing a strong emphasis on the transition of welfare mothers into the workforce, it becomes increasingly important to understand whether and how participation in early childhood care and education programs has implications for the development of children from welfare families. This study focused on a sample of 182 African-American families, all of whom had applied for or were receiving Aid to Families With Dependent Children, and each with a child of between 3 and 5 years of age. We first examined which of a wide range of background characteristics predicted participation in early childhood care and education programs. We then examined whether measures of the children's school readiness and social maturity were predicted by current participation in an early childhood program, above and beyond the background characteristics associated with the use of such a program. Our results indicate that participation in an early childhood program is associated with significantly higher scores on the measure of school readiness.
Repeated names, overt pronouns, and null pronouns in Spanish

In two self-paced, sentence-by-sentence reading experiments we examined the difference in the processing of Spanish discourses with repeated names, overt pronouns, and null pronouns in emphatic and nonemphatic contexts. In Experiment 1, repeated names and overt pronouns caused a processing delay when they referred to salient antecedents in nonemphatic contexts. In Experiment 2, both processing delays were eliminated when an emphatic cleft-structure was used. The processing delay caused by overt pronouns referring to salient antecedents in nonemphatic contexts in Spanish contrasts with previous findings in Chinese, where null and overt pronouns elicited similar reading times. We explain both our Spanish findings and the Chinese findings in a unified framework based on the notion of balance between processing cost and discourse function in line with the informational load hypothesis.
Photoconductivity studies on bis [catena-poly(methylarsenic)]

Photoconductivity studies on single-crystal samples of the organometallic ladder polymer bis[catena-poly(methylarsenic)] (BCPMA), have been made at room temperature in the spectral range 400-1700 nm (0.73-3.1 eV). All samples exhibited intrinsic photoconductivity behavior for photon energies greater than 1.55 eV. This value of the optical energy gap is in excellent agreement with the thermal energy gap found from electrical-conduction studies on the same samples. Below the energy gap substantial impurity photoconduction is seen, having a low-energy threshold at 0.77 eV, with samples exhibiting anomalous negative photoresponses in this region. Impurity photoconduction is sample dependent and is probably due to iodine impurities, this halogen being used in the synthesis of the material. Explanations are suggested for the "flash" photoresponse and the subsequent quenching (negative photoconduction) seen in the impurity region, including deep traps and interimpurity hopping recombination. The photoresponse is found to be field dependent and in the extrinsic region is governed by the bulk-limited Poole-Frenkel effect, with $\frac{\mathrm{ln}{I}_{P}}{V}\ensuremath{\propto}{V}^{\frac{1}{2}}$. This is in direct contrast to the dark current-voltage behavior, which is Ohmic below 1 V and space-charge limited at higher field strengths.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Promotes Escherichia coli Biofilm Formation in Nutrient-Limited Medium

Biofilms have been implicated as an important reservoir for pathogens and commensal enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli in natural and engineered water systems. However, the processes that regulate the survival of E. coli in aquatic biofilms have not been thoroughly studied. We examined the effects of hydrodynamic shear and nutrient concentrations on E. coli colonization of pre-established Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, co-inoculation of E. coli and P. aeruginosa biofilms, and P. aeruginosa colonization of pre-established E. coli biofilms. In nutritionally-limited R2A medium, E. coli dominated biofilms when co-inoculated with P. aeruginosa, and successfully colonized and overgrew pre-established P. aeruginosa biofilms. In more enriched media, P. aeruginosa formed larger clusters, but E. coli still extensively overgrew and colonized the interior of P. aeruginosa clusters. In mono-culture, E. coli formed sparse and discontinuous biofilms. After P. aeruginosa was introduced to these biofilms, E. coli growth increased substantially, resulting in patterns of biofilm colonization similar to those observed under other sequences of organism introduction, i.e., E. coli overgrew P. aeruginosa and colonized the interior of P. aeruginosa clusters. These results demonstrate that E. coli not only persists in aquatic biofilms under depleted nutritional conditions, but interactions with P. aeruginosa can greatly increase E. coli growth in biofilms under these experimental conditions.
TEMPORAL MEDIATORS: SUPPORTING UNIFORM ACCESSES TO HETEROGENEOUS TEMPORAL INFORMATION

In order to support uniform access to heterogeneous temporal information, we introduce the concept of a temporal mediator. A temporal mediator consists of three components: (i) a repository for windowing functions and conversion functions, (ii) a time granularity thesaurus and (iii) a query interpreter. There are two types of windowing functions: one associates each time point to a set of tuples, and the other associates each tuple to a set of time points. A conversion function transforms information in terms of one time granularity into that in terms of another time granularity. The time granularity thesaurus stores the knowledge about time granularities (e.g., names of time granularities and relationships among them). Users pose queries using the windowing functions and in terms of desired time granularities. (A query language, which can be used to form such queries, is given in the paper.) To answer such a user query, the query interpreter first employs the windowing functions together with the time granularity thesaurus to retrieve needed temporal data from the underlying databases and then uses the time granularity thesaurus to select suitable conversion functions which convert the responses to the desired time granularities. Thus, a temporal mediator provides a simple interface that supports uniform accesses to heterogeneous temporal databases.
Functional pathways in the elasmobranch retina

The visual system of elasmobranchs has recently been utilized as a model to decipher how information flows in the retina. Neurotransmitter-specific pathways have been found that convey specific types of information. These pathways can be distinguished from one another not only by the neurotransmitter used by the cells, but by the functional properties of the cells themselves. This work reviews recent findings concerning the localization and function of neurotransmitters in the retinas of various elasmobranch species.
Women's Relationship to Feminism: Effects of Generation and Feminist Self-Labeling

The relative importance to feminism of generation and feminist self-labeling was explored in a sample of 667 women riding buses to a 1992 March on Washington for Reproductive Rights. Specifically, generational (Generation X vs. Baby Boomers) and feminist self-labeling (strong feminists vs. weak feminists vs. nonfeminists) similarities and differences were examined in definitions of feminism, associations with the feminist label, feminist attitudes, gender consciousness, and activism. Generation Xers were more generally politically active than Baby Boomers when activism was corrected for age. There were many differences by feminist self-labeling. Weak feminists somewhat identified with the feminist label, endorsing some of the attitudes and outlooks of strong feminists but less of their commitment. Feminist self-labeling was more important in explaining women's relationship to feminism than was generation, implying that exposure to a shared ideology can unite members of a group across generations. Weak fem...
New Particle Formation in the Remote Troposphere: A Comparison of Observations at Various Sites

Measurements show that new particles are formed by homogenous nucleation over a wide range of conditions in the remote troposphere. In our studies, large nucleation events are found exclusively in regions of enhanced sulfuric acid vapor (H2SO4g) concentrations, with maximum concentrations never exceeding 5×107 molecules cm−3. Although these data suggest that H2SO4g participated, comparisons between ambient conditions in regions of nucleation to conditions necessary for binary H2SO4 water (H2O) nucleation indicate that the mechanism may vary with elevation. In remote marine regions, at altitudes greater than ∼4 km above sea level, observations of nucleation in clear air along cloud perimeters are in fair agreement with current classical binary nucleation models. In these regions, the low temperatures associated with high altitudes may produce sufficiently saturated H2SO4 for the production of new H2SO4/H2O particles. However, uncertainties with current binary nucleation models limit decisive comparisons. In warmer regions, closer to the earth's surface, measured H2SO4 concentrations are clearly insufficient for binary nucleation. Conditions at these sites are similar to those observed in an earlier study where there was circumstantial evidence for a ternary mechanism involving H2SO4, H2O, and ammonia (NH3) [Weber et al., 1998], suggesting that this may be a significant route for particle production at lower altitudes where surface-derived species, like NH3, are more apt to participate.
MG-ADL: still a relevant outcome measure.

Introduction: The aim of this analysis was to examine the performance of the Myasthenia Gravis-specific Activities of Daily Living scale (MG-ADL) during a multicenter scale validation study. Methods: Consecutive MG patients were assessed with several MG outcome measures, including the MG-ADL. Statistical tests included descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and sensitivity/specificity. Results: Eighty-seven patients completed the MG-ADL, MG Composite (MGC), and MG 15-item Quality of Life scale (MG-QOL15) on the first visit, and 76 returned for the second visit. At the first visit, there was a strong positive correlation between MG-ADL and MGC (r ¼ 0.85, P < 0.0001) and MG-QOL15 (r ¼ 0.76, P < 0.0001). Cor- relation of the delta MG-ADL score and physician impression of change between the visits was strong (r ¼ 0.70, P < 0.0001). A 2-point improvement in the MG-ADL best predicted clinical improvement. Test-retest analysis demonstrated a high reliabil- ity coefficient. Conclusions: The MG-ADL correlates strongly with newer, validated MG outcome measures. A 2-point improvement in the MG-ADL indicates clinical improvement. The MG-ADL is useful as a research tool and in routine clinical management. Muscle Nerve 44: 727-731, 2011
Pipeline and batch sharing in grid workloads

We present a study of six batch-pipeline scientific workloads that are candidates for execution on computational grids. Whereas other studies focus on the behavior of single applications, this study characterizes workloads composed of pipelines of sequential processes that use file storage for communication and also share measurements of the memory, CPU, and I/O requirements of individual components as well as analyses of I/O sharing within complete batches. We conclude with a discussion of the ramifications of these workloads for end-to-end scalability and overall system design.
Analysis of gamma-ray circular polarization with transmission magnets

Abstract The results of Monte Carlo type calculations of multiple scattering in iron transmission magnets used to measure γ-ray circular polarization are presented. These calculations show that the effects of multiple scattering (differential cross section) are of the same order as those of pure transmission (integral cross section) and thus can appreciably alter the interpretation of polarization measurement data. Several experiments were performed using polarizer and analyzer magnets and their results are compared to the calculations.
Concordance of residual dipolar couplings, backbone order parameters and crystallographic b-factors for a small α/β protein : A unified picture of high probability, fast atomic motions in proteins

Using ensemble refinement of the third immunoglobulin binding domain (GB3) of streptococcal protein G (a small alpha/beta protein of 56 residues), we demonstrate that backbone (N-H, N-C', Calpha-Halpha, Calpha-C') residual dipolar coupling data in five independent alignment media, generalized order parameters from 15N relaxation data, and B-factors from a high-resolution (1.1A), room temperature crystal structure are entirely consistent with one another within experimental error. The optimal ensemble size representation is between four and eight, as assessed by complete cross-validation of the residual dipolar couplings. Thus, in the case of GB3, all three observables reflect the same low-amplitude anisotropic motions arising from fluctuations in backbone phi/psi torsion angles in the picosecond to nanosecond regime in both solution and crystalline environments, yielding a unified picture of fast, high-probability atomic motions in proteins. An understanding of these motions is crucial for understanding the impact of protein dynamics on protein function, since they provide part of the driving force for triggered conformational changes that occur, for example, upon ligand binding, signal transduction and enzyme catalysis.
Diffusion-weighted imaging in the evaluation of intracranial lesions

Conventional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is able to show pathology early on and to provide the radiologist with some degree of lesion characterization based on the relaxation time of different tissues. Many times, however, conventional MR imaging is not capable of depicting abnormalities at a time when early therapy may be successful, or of differentiating among different types of lesions before surgery. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), a technique that is relatively new, is rapidly gaining popularity. Its increased use stems from the fact that many of the newer MR units are echo-planar capable. Although DWI may be obtained without echo-planar techniques, most DWI is now obtained by using gradients capable of very fast rising times. Echo-planar DWI may be obtained in a matter of seconds and, thus, is much less sensitive to bulk motion than other imaging techniques. Although DWI has been used extensively for the evaluation of acute cerebral infarctions, new uses for it are being explored constantly. In this article we address the nature of DWI and its use in the stroke patient as well as in other clinical situations where we believe it is useful.
On “Too Fast” Baroclinic Planetary Waves in the General Circulation

Abstract Recent altimetric observations of the ocean surface reveal signatures of long planetary waves near the annual frequency band. Comparisons of the observed wave speeds and those predicted by standard linear theory suggest that the latter is inadequate as it yields different westward speeds than those measured; in the extratropical latitudes the predicted speeds are typically slower than the observations. Here the problem of long, baroclinic wave propagation in a forced, stratified ocean is considered theoretically with a view toward explaining these observations of “too fast” planetary waves. From a quasigeostrophic analysis, it is argued that baroclinic waves in a sheared environment are accelerated to the west via their interactions with both the mean advective field and the mean potential vorticity field. Conditions under which the ratio of actual to linear phase speeds matches the observed ratio are computed and found to be typical of the open ocean. Extensions of these ideas to continuously st...
Ignoring the Lessons of History: How the "Open Borders" Myth Led to Repeated Patterns in State and Local Immigration Control

No doubt local efforts to control immigration are on the rise. Arizona 's Senate Bill 1070 is the most well-known example of this trend, though other examples exist as well. Most existing criticism attacks such efforts as violating the supposed "exclusive" federal control of the immigration sphere Yet, such arguments, in part, are based upon a myth that the United States historically had "open borders" with no immigration regulation. Instead, significant local controls existed prior to the first federal immigration legislation in 1870. Despite some scholarly efforts to debunk the myth of "open borders, " it pervades and persists. Local immigration controls exist in various forms, including laws criminalizing illegal immigration status and penalizing businesses, as well as cooperative arrangements between local and federal governments. By contrast, many local governments also offer "sanctuary" to unauthorized immigrants. History reveals similar patterns in local efforts to deal with immigration. In fact, historically such controls were considered primarily a matter of state and local power. Such historical laws were largely ineffectual and often racially/ethnically discriminatory, though. Yet, as the old adage goes, if we ignore history, we are doomed to repeat it. And, we are doing just that. This Article will examine our historical local immigration laws and how the persistence of the "open borders" myth led us to ignore and repeat the patterns of some of these laws. The United I Visiting Associate Professor, University of Memphis School of Law (2012-2013), University of Oregon School of Law (2011-2012). Professor Slack thanks Daniel M. Philpott, J.D. 2012, University of Oregon School of Law, for his valuable research assistance. Likewise, Professor Slack thanks the editorial staff of the Journal of Civil Rights and Economic Development for inviting her to participate in its 2012 Symposium on Immigration Law and Policy and for assisting in the subsequent publication of this Article. 468 JOURNAL OF CIVIL RIGHTS & ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT [Vol. 27:3 States Supreme Court recent decision in Arizona v. United States offered an opportunity for the Court to remember history and learn the lessons it has to teach. Yet, only Justice Scalia's dissent acknowledged this history and its impact on the issues before the Court. Apparently, some of these lessons must still be learned.
Mutagenicity and Acute Toxicity Evaluation of 2-Dodecylcyclobutanone

Mutagenicity and acute toxicity of 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-DCB), a unique radiolytic product, were evaluated. Mutagenicity was evaluated by the Ames assay using 5 standard Salmonella tester strains with S9 enzyme activation and 5 concentrations of 2-DCB. Sodium azide (NaN 3 ), fenaminosulf, and 2-aminofluorene (2-AF) served as positive controls. The Ames assay showed no difference between the 5 concentrations of 2-DCB and the controls, including samples incubated with S9. The results indicate that 2-DCB does not produce point or frameshift mutations in Salmonella and is not activated by S9. Acute toxicity of 2-DCB was evaluated by the Microtox acute toxicity system and compared with cyclohexanone and 2-nonenal (both GRAS additives). The effective concentrations that caused a 50% reduction in light emission by Vibrio fischeri cells (EC 50 ) were; 21.72 6 14.57 ppm for 2-DCB, 37.40 6 0.45 ppm for cyclohexanone, and 1.65 6 0.26 ppm for 2-nonenal. The maximum number of cells affected by 2-DCB was 65% 6 4%, while it reached 90% to 100% for the other 2 compounds. Our results suggest that even though the EC 50 for 2-DCB is lower than that for cyclohexanone, it was not toxic enough to decrease light emission of V. fischeri beyond 60% to 70%. These results indicate that the potential risk from 2-DCB, if any, is very low.
Physical mapping of the Mycoplasma gallisepticum S6 genome with localization of selected genes

We report the construction of a physical map of the Mycoplasma gallisepticum S6 genome by field-inversion gel electrophoresis of DNA fragments generated by digestion of genomic DNA with rare-cutting restriction endonucleases. The size of the M. gallisepticum S6 genome was calculated to be approximately 1,054 kb. The loci of several genes have been assigned to the map by Southern hybridization utilizing specific gene probes.
VLAN-Based Routing Infrastructure for an All-Optical Circuit Switched LAN

Exploring the use of all-optical MEM switches on Local Area Network (LAN) to increase bandwidth and reduce energy cost has received increasing attention. Compared to traditional electronic switches, an all-optical switch provides higher bandwidth, less energy cost and cheaper wiring. Once the optical port count per switch becomes a resource constraint, an all-optical switched core can change the network topology dynamically to redistribute bandwidth resources between computing hosts. This feature is particularly useful for stream processing systems whose communication patterns vary over time and where rebalancing of networking resource is needed periodically. The work we present in this paper is a practical solution for high level software systems to route through a reconfigurable optical MEM switched LAN. Our solution can be readily applied on commercial switches with standard Layer-2 protocols. Network reconfiguration time and round-trip delay are measured. Our implementation is validated with the IBM System S stream processing system.
Large-deformation image registration using fluid landmarks

For each patient receiving definitive treatment for cervix cancer, several CT/MR imaging studies need to be registered in order to specify the total physical or biological dose to each fixed tissue voxel in an organ system. This turns out to be a difficult problem due to large localized deformations and displacements of bladder, rectum, vagina, uterus and paracervical tissues due to tumor regression, bladder and rectal filling variations, and especially insertion of the applicator itself. This paper explores the utility of using the fluid landmark image registration method to register images before and after insertion of the brachytherapy applicator in order to track radiation dose from one treatment to the next.
Performance and durability of a generator set CI engine using synthetic and petroleum based fuels for military applications

The long term performance and durability evaluation of a compression ignition (CI) engine of a diesel power generator using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) and Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene, (S-8) fuels have been investigated under military specifications. The brake specific fuel consumptions (BSFC) were 0.308 ± 0.013 and 0.267 ± 0.019 kg/kW-h for ULSD and S-8, respectively. The corresponding brake thermal efficiencies (BTE) were 0.287 ± 0.002 and 0.309 ± 0.005. Degradation of engine performance or engine part wear was not observed during these test periods. Analysis of lubricating oil suggests negligible engine part wear. The frequency and power output of the generator, however, were not as stable with S-8 as those with ULSD. These power and frequency instabilities can be attributed to higher volatility and lower density and viscosity of S-8, all of which affect the fuel injection characteristics.
A high-speed, low-power divide-by-4 frequency divider implemented with AlInAs/GaInAs HBT's

The authors describe the first frequency divider demonstrated using AlInAs/GaInAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs). The divider (a static 1/4 divider circuit) operates up to a maximum frequency of 17.1 GHz, corresponding to a gate delay of 29 ps for a bilevel current-mode logic (CML) gate with a fan-out of 2, and a total power consumption of 67 mW (about 4.5 mW per equivalent NOR gate). These results demonstrate the potential of AlInAs/GaInAs HBTs for implementing low-power, high-speed integrated circuits. >
The emergence of toxicogenomics: a case study of molecularization.

This paper describes the efforts of scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and their allies in the National Toxicology Program to molecularize toxicology by fostering the emergence of a new discipline: toxicogenomics. I demonstrate that the molecularization of toxicology at the NIEHS began in a process of ‘co-construction’. However, the subsequent emergence of the discipline of toxicogenomics has required the deliberate development of communication across the myriad disciplines necessary to produce toxicogenomic knowledge; articulation of emergent forms, standards, and practices with extant ones; management of the tensions generated by grounding toxicogenomics in traditional toxicological standards and work practices even it transforms those standards and practices; and identification and stabilization of roles for toxicogenomic knowledge in markets and service sites, such as environmental health risk assessment and regulation. This paper describes the technological,...
A cell decomposition approach to online evasive path planning and the video game Ms. Pac-Man

This paper presents an approach for optimizing paths online for a pursuit-evasion problem where an agent must visit several target positions within a region of interest while simultaneously avoiding one or more actively-pursuing adversaries. This is relevant to applications such as robotic path planning, mobile-sensor applications, and path exposure. The methodology described utilizes cell decomposition to construct a modified decision tree to achieve the objective of minimizing the risk of being caught by an adversary and maximizing a reward associated with visiting the target locations. By computing paths online, the algorithm can quickly adapt to unexpected movements by the adversaries or dynamic environments. The approach is illustrated through a modified version of the video game Ms. Pac-Man which is shown to be a benchmark example of the pursuit-evasion problem. The results show that the approach presented in this paper runs in real-time and outperforms several other methods as well as most human players.
Technology and policy review for homeland security

This article looks at information, and information technology in general, to show how certain aspects are so critical to all the homeland security mission areas that, on their own, they may determine whether the outcome is a failure or a success. From preparing for to preventing a threat and from managing, responding, and recovering from an attack, the timely delivery of information has become the centerpiece to achieving success. The existing interrelations among all critical infrastructures (that currently support our way of life) are such that only with a carefully planned and executed systems-approach, both for technology and policy as well, we will be able to address homeland security effectively. Some current evolving new policies for homeland security and proposed legislation are briefly reviewed here as well because of their criticality. As we create and apply new tools, techniques, and devices to help solve our problems at hand, a set of new procedures will need to be instilled and followed, and new policies will supply the required direction and financial support needed to be enacted.
Pessary complications in the management of uterine prolapse

Abstract Two cases illustrating pessary complications in the management of uterine prolapse have been presented. The second case was particularly unusual and nearly catastrophic. The current literature has been specifically reviewed for the purpose of listing pessary mishaps. No other instance of intravaginal strangulation of a prolapsed uterus through a pessary was found. A listing of the factors necessary for the rational and safe employment of the pessary in the management of uterine prolapse has been presented.
Pharmacological Characterization of Insecticide-Binding Domains of the Voltage-Sensitive Sodium Channel

The voltage-sensitive sodium channel mediates the transient sodium permeability of the cell membrane that is associated with action potentials in vertebrate and invertebrate nerves and vertebrate skeletal muscle. Since this channel is gated by changes in cell membrane potential rather than by the binding of a ligand, it is not considered to be a “receptor” as that term is understood by neurobiologists. Nevertheless, the voltage-sensitive sodium channel has been shown to possess binding domains for a variety of potent neurotoxins, and it is implicated as the principal molecular target for the action of pyrethroid insecticides and DDT and its analogs. More recent studies have suggested that synthetic analogs of naturally-occurring N-alkylamide insecticides may also act at the sodium channel. In this paper, we summarize current information on the number and properties of neurotoxin binding domains on the voltage-sensitive sodium channel and review recent studies from this laboratory that implicate the involvement of these and other binding domains in the action of insecticides.