cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biomass yield equations for short rotation black locust plantations in the central Great Plains

The objective of this research is to develop equations to predict yields for short rotation black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) tree plantations. The data set is from experimental black locust plantation sites located throughout the State of Kansas. Stepwise ordinary least-squares regression techniques are used to derive the equations. The final model selection is based on simplicity of use, statistical accuracy, and consistency with known biological relationships. Two models are selected: both models use precipitation and herbicide treatments as variables, however, one model also includes nitrogen content in the soil. The model predictions are compared to other plantation yield studies in the area and found to give similar yield estimates.
High speed heterostructure avalanche photodiodes

It has been shown recently that the noise and speed characteristics of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) can greatly benefit from the presence of a reasonable amount of initial energy stored in the injected carriers that initiate the avalanche process. The benefits range from reduced excess noise factor, increased abruptness in the breakdown probability, as well as an increase in the bandwidth. The key mechanism for the improved performance is the significant reduction of the first dead space in the ionization process. The dead space is the minimum distance a carrier must travel before acquiring sufficient kinetic energy enabling it to impact ionize. The reduction of the first dead space has the effect of localizing the first impact ionization and forcing it to occur quickly near the edge of the multiplication region. This, in turn, will have the effect of nearly inducing two avalanche processes that run in parallel and whose combination will yield the total gain. In this talk, a theoretical model for the avalanche multiplication is utilized to examine the fundamental limits of the gain-bandwidth product in light of the initial-energy effect in practical APD structures.
The Central American squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii): introduced hybrid or endemic species?

Abstract Although squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp., Primates: Cebidae) are abundant and widespread in South America, the disjunct Central American species, Saimiri oerstedii, has been restricted to the Pacific wet lowlands of Costa Rica and Panama since the earliest historical records. This taxon is now endangered in Costa Rica and nearly extinct in Panama because of habitat loss, development, and the pet trade. Conservation efforts have been hampered because of the influential, but untested, speculation that S. oerstedii represents a hybrid species introduced by prehispanic Amerind traders from multiple localities in South America. Using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among Saimiri from Central and South America, we reexamine the taxonomic status of squirrel monkeys from different geographic regions. The sequence data support P. Hershkovitz's (1984, Am. J. Primatol. 6: 257–281) taxonomy advocating four distinct species. Combining this information with evidence from the fossil record to date the divergence times among sister taxa, we test and reject the hypothesis that Central American squirrel monkeys are the result of human introduction.
Fast and accurate parasitic capacitance models for layout-aware

Considering layout effects early in the analog design process is becoming increasingly important. We propose techniques for estimating parasitic capacitances based on look-up tables and multi-variate linear interpolation. These models enable fast and accurate estimation of parasitic capacitances and are very suitable for use in a synthesis flow. A layout aware methodology for synthesis of analog CMOS circuits using these parasitic models is presented. Results indicate that the proposed synthesis system is fast as compared to a layout-inclusive synthesis approach.
Recent developments in pediatric neuro-oncology.

Although brain tumors represent the second most common malignancy in childhood, there are only 1200 to 1500 children diagnosed with brain tumors each year in the US. Approximately 50% of these children are treated at university or cancer treatment centers. Thus, therapeutic trials by default rather than design have been restricted to small numbers of patients. Information on histopathologic groupings, incidence of various tumor types according to age, general treatment trends and survival statistics are available from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries of the National Cancer Institute. Although survivals in brain tumor cancers are worse than in other forms of childhood cancer, treatment advances in surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have significantly improved survivals in at least one brain tumor of childhood, medulloblastoma. Ironically, this treatment may have significant long-term adverse effects on intellect, endocrine function, and on the development of second malignancies. Prompt recognition of these delayed effects is of clinical importance, as some effects are amenable to treatment and others may be prevented by careful monitoring of drug and radiation administration. Cancer 58:561-568, 1986.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE BENEFITS OF SERIAL SCREENING FOR BREAST CANCER BASED UPON A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF THE DISEASE

A model of breast cancer is developed that consists of hypotheses about the agespecific incidence of the disease, the rate of disease progression, the tendency of the disease to be detected without benefit of regularly scheduled screening examinations, and prognosis related to the extent of disease at treatment. Parameters for the model are estimated from published data. The model is validated by comparing model predictions to data not used in parameterization. The model, under a variety of assumptions, is then used to analyze questions of interest about breast cancer screening strategies. These include the following: the benefits from screening with mammography and clinical examination as a function of the frequency and starting age of screening, the effect of different assumptions about radiation risks on the benefits of screening, the benefits from screening with mammography if yearly clinical examinations are performed, and the benefits from screening with mammography and clinical examination if self-examinations are performed. Cancer 41:1550-1564,1978.
Individual lifetime pollen and nectar foraging preferences in bumble bees

Foraging specialization plays an important role in the ability of social insects to efficiently allocate labor. However, relatively little is known about the degree to which individual bumble bees specialize on collecting nectar or pollen, when such preferences manifest, and if individuals can alter their foraging preferences in response to changes in the colony workforce. Using Bombus impatiens, we monitored all foraging visits made by every bee in multiple colonies and showed that individual foragers exhibit consistent lifetime foraging preferences. Based upon the distribution of foraging preferences, we defined three forager types (pollen specialists, nectar specialists, and generalists). In unmanipulated colonies, 16–36 % of individuals specialized (≥90 % of visits) on nectar or pollen only. On its first day of foraging, an individual’s foraging choices (nectar only, pollen only, or nectar and pollen) significantly predicted its lifetime foraging preferences. Foragers that only collected pollen on their first day of foraging made 1.61- to 1.67-fold more lifetime pollen foraging visits (as a proportion of total trips) than foragers that only collected nectar on their first foraging day. Foragers were significantly larger than bees that stayed only in the nest. We also determined the effect of removing pollen specialists at early (brood present) or later (brood absent) stages in colony life. These results suggest that generalists can alter their foraging preferences in response to the loss of a small subset of foragers. Thus, bumble bees exhibit individual lifetime foraging preferences that are established early in life, but generalists may be able to adapt to colony needs.
Retroviral promoters in the human genome

Motivation: Endogenous retrovirus (ERV) elements have been shown to contribute promoter sequences that can initiate transcription of adjacent human genes. However, the extent to which retroviral sequences initiate transcription within the human genome is currently unknown. We analyzed genome sequence and high-throughput expression data to systematically evaluate the presence of retroviral promoters in the human genome. Results: We report the existence of 51 197 ERV-derived promoter sequences that initiate transcription within the human genome, including 1743 cases where transcription is initiated from ERV sequences that are located in gene proximal promoter or 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs). A total of 114 of the ERV-derived transcription start sites can be demonstrated to drive transcription of 97 human genes, producing chimeric transcripts that are initiated within ERV long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences and read-through into known gene sequences. ERV promoters drive tissue-specific and lineage-specific patterns of gene expression and contribute to expression divergence between paralogs. These data illustrate the potential of retroviral sequences to regulate human transcription on a large scale consistent with a substantial effect of ERVs on the function and evolution of the human genome. Contact: king.jordan@biology.gatech.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Computerized analysis of 2D INADEQUATE spectra to assign chemical shifts in aromatic compounds

A computerized analysis of a single 2D INADEQUATE spectra assigns all of the 13C chemical shifts in fairly complex aromatic systems. Without the aid of the computer this information is often difficult, if not impossible, to retrieve owing to overlap of the signals in the double quantum dimension. In addition, the use of the computerized analysis allows for the interpretation of INADEQUATE spectra with much lower signal-to-noise ratios than are practical if the analysis were to be done visually. Finally, narrowing the spectral window to a subset of the entire spectrum and the companion advantages are demonstrated. The assignments of the aromatic chemical shifts in 2-methoxydibenzofuran, 6-methylchrysene, 1-decylpyrene, and 7-methylbenzo[a]pyrene illustrate the power of automated pattern recognition methods while supplying previously unavailable chemical shift assignments on these complex fused polycyclic aromatic systems.
Potassium excretion during antinatriuresis: perspective from a distal nephron model

Renal excretion of Na+ and K+ must be regulated independently within the distal nephron, but is complicated by the fact that changing excretion of one solute requires adjustments in the transport o...
Pharmacotherapy of Asthma

The pharmacotherapy of asthma is a complex and evolving topic. A detailed understanding of the pathophysiologic processes involved in the asthmatic response forms the basis for understanding the actions of drugs used to treat this condition. Likewise, a solid comprehension of the medicinal chemistry and pharmacologic properties of the numerous agents involved in the treatment of asthma is critical for rationalizing drug choices and understanding potential side effects. Asthma is addressed at several points in the PharmD curriculum at South University including in the Pathophysiology (quarter 2), Integrated Sequence III (quarter 6), and Critical Care (quarter 9) courses. Various teaching strategies are employed throughout, along with weekly case-based recitations. The content presented here includes a synopsis of the pathophysiology and pharmacology from our Integrated Sequence III block on inflammatory diseases and asthma. A short review of pertinent pathophysiology is followed by a detailed presentation on the various classes of asthma drugs which includes their chemistry, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and interactions. This presentation is designed to prepare students for asthma therapeutics, which follows next in the schedule. The complexities of asthma pharmacotherapy are stressed along with current controversies and future drug development.
PTSD among bereaved parents following the violent deaths of their 12- to 28-year-old children: a longitudinal prospective analysis

This study examined the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among parents bereaved by the violent deaths of their 12- to 28-year-old children. A community-based sample of 171 bereaved mothers and 90 fathers was recruited by a review of Medical Examiner records and followed for 2 years. Four important findings emerged: Both parents' gender and children's causes of death significantly affected the prevalence of PTSD symptoms. Twice as many mothers and fathers whose children were murdered met PTSD caseness (full diagnostic) criteria compared with accident and suicide bereavement. Symptoms in the reexperiencing domain were the most commonly reported. PTSD symptoms persisted over time, with 21% of the mothers and 14% of the fathers who provided longitudinal data still meeting caseness criteria 2 years after the deaths. Parents who met caseness criteria for PTSD, compared with those who did not, were significantly different on multiple study variables. Both theoretical and clinical implications for the findings are discussed.
TREATMENT-RESISTANT BIPOLAR DEPRESSION

Treatment-resistant bipolar depression is a common clinical problem. Unfortunately, in comparison with treatment resistance in unipolar depression, treatment-resistant bipolar depression is poorly defined and largely unstudied. Literature review finds neither a definition for treatment-refractory bipolar depression nor any controlled studies reporting the outcome of treatments for samples of bipolar patients described as treatment refractory. Consensus definitions for recovery, relapse, and recurrence have advanced research on treatment-refractory unipolar depression, but there is no consensus on how to apply these concepts to bipolar illness. Confidence in the assessment of treatment outcome for bipolar depressed patients is limited by the irregular episodic course of the illness, potential for affective switch, and problems inherent to the direct assessment of mood elevation. Defining treatment response on the basis of change in depression rating scales scores can result in mislabeling a clear worsening in a patient's clinical condition as recovery. During the course of antidepressant therapy, some depressed bipolar patients enjoy an apparent remission of depressive symptoms, but they are experiencing manic symptoms rather than euthymia. The resultant lack of clarity is a major obstacle that must be overcome before a clear definition of what constitutes treatment-refractory bipolar depression can be offered and meaningful research can address treatment-resistant bipolar illness. While acknowledging these problems, this article offers a conceptual overview of treatment-refractory bipolar depression and attempts to address the clinical management of refractory bipolar depression.
Surface emissivity and temperature retrieval for a hyperspectral sensor

With the growing use of hyperspectral imagers, e.g. AVIRIS in the visible and short-wave infrared there is hope of using such instruments in the mid-wave and thermal IR (TIR) some day. The author believes that this will enable us to get around using the present temperature-emissivity separation algorithms using methods which take advantage of the many channels available in hyperspectral imagers. A simple fact used in coming up with a novel algorithm is that a typical surface emissivity spectrum is rather smooth compared to spectral features introduced by the atmosphere. Thus an iterative solution technique can be devised which retrieves emissivity spectra based on spectral smoothness. To make the emissivities realistic, atmospheric parameters are varied using approximations, look-up tables derived from a radiative transfer code and spectral libraries. One such iterative algorithm solves the radiative transfer equation for the radiance at the sensor for the unknown emissivity and uses the blackbody temperature computed in an atmospheric window to get a guess for the unknown surface temperature. By varying the surface temperature over a small range a series of emissivity spectra are calculated. The one with the smoothest characteristic is chosen. The algorithm was tested on synthetic data using MODTRAN and the Salisbury emissivity database.
Pairagon+N-SCAN_EST: a model-based gene annotation pipeline

Background: This paper describes Pairagon+N-SCAN_EST, a gene annotation pipeline that uses only native alignments. For each expressed sequence it chooses the best genomic alignment. Systems like ENSEMBL and ExoGean rely on trans alignments, in which expressed sequences are aligned to the genomic loci of putative homologs. Trans alignments contain a high proportion of mismatches, gaps, and/or apparently unspliceable introns, compared to alignments of cDNA sequences to their native loci. The Pairagon+N-SCAN_EST pipeline's first stage is Pairagon, a cDNA-to-genome alignment program based on a PairHMM probability model. This model relies on prior knowledge, such as the fact that introns must begin with GT, GC, or AT and end with AG or AC. It produces very precise alignments of high quality cDNA sequences. In the genomic regions between Pairagon's cDNA alignments, the pipeline combines EST alignments with de novo gene prediction by using N-SCAN_EST. N-SCAN_EST is based on a generalized HMM probability model augmented with a phylogenetic conservation model and EST alignments. It can predict complete transcripts by extending or merging EST alignments, but it can also predict genes in regions without EST alignments. Because they are based on probability models, both Pairagon and N-SCAN_EST can be trained automatically for new genomes and data sets. Results: On the ENCODE regions of the human genome, Pairagon+N-SCAN_EST was as accurate as any other system tested in the EGASP assessment, including ENSEMBL and ExoGean. Conclusions: With sufficient mRNA/EST evidence, genome annotation without trans alignments can compete successfully with systems like ENSEMBL and ExoGean, which use trans alignments.
Linac design study for an intense neutron-source driver

The 1-MW spallation-neutron source under design study at Los Alamos is driven by a linac-compressor-ring scheme that utilizes a large portion of the existing Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) linac, as well as the facility infrastructure. The project is referred to as the National Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). A second phase of the proposal will upgrade the driver power to 5 MW. A description of the 1-MW scheme is given in this paper. In addition, the upgrade path to the substantial increase of beam power required for the 5 MW scenario is discussed. >
Factors Derived From Preeclamptic Placentas Perturb Polarity Protein PARD-3 Expression and Distribution in Endothelial Cells

Objective: This study aimed to examine (1) whether polarity protein partitioning defective-3 (PARD-3) was expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) and contributed to endothelial barrier integrity and (2) whether altered PARD-3 expression and distribution were associated with disturbed endothelial junction protein VE-cadherin expression induced by factors derived from preeclamptic (PE) placentas. Methods: PARD-3 and VE-cadherin expressions were examined by immunofluorescent staining and Western blot in confluent ECs and in ECs treated with normal and PE placental conditioned medium (CM). Protein-protein interactions between PARD-3/VE-cadherin, PARD-3/ atypical protein kinase C (aPKCλ), and VE-cadherin/aPKCλ were examined by immuno-precipitation and immunobloting. Results: Similar to VE-cadherin, PARD-3 is localized at the cell contacts in control ECs. Both PARD-3 and VE-cadherin expressions were markedly reduced in cells treated with PE-CM for 2h, but not in cells treated with normal-CM compared to non-treated controls. Cytosol staining of VE-cadherin and PARD-3 was pronounced in cells after 24h treatment with PE-CM. PARD-3/VE-cadherin and PARD-3/aPKCλ complexes were detected in PE-CM treated cells, but not in untreated control cells and in cells after recovery. In contrast, VE-cadherin/aPKCλ complex was detected in control cells and in cells after recovery, but not in PE-CM treated cells. Conclusions: Polarity protein PARD-3 is localized at cell contacts. Factors-derived from PE placentas not only interrupt junction protein VE-cadherin distribution, but also perturb polarity protein PARD-3 expression and distribution in ECs. The results of PARD-3/VE-cadherin and PARD-3/aPKCλ complexes formation in cells treated with placental CM suggest that factors-derived from placenta could interfere both junction protein and polarity protein functions in ECs.
ANTIGEN BINDING AND CAPPING BY LYMPHOCYTES OF GENETIC NONRESPONDER MICE

Radioautographic study of the binding of GAT-125I to spleen cells of genetic responder and nonresponder mice demonstrates that among mice not injected with antigen all strains have approximately the same number of antigen-binding cells; after injection with antigen the number of antigen-binding cells increases in responders but not in nonresponders. Nonresponders are shown to make antibody after injection with GAT complexed with an immunogenic carrier, demonstrating the presence of potentially functional B cells in responders and nonresponders alike. When incubated in the warm, antigen-binding cells of both responders and nonresponders concentrate antigen at one pole of the cell, forming caps.
Spontaneous splay phases in polar nematic liquid crystals

We discuss theoretically the possibility of a spontaneous nematic splay phase for polar nematogens. This novel liquid crystal phase is similar to the cholesteric phase for chiral nematogens (spontaneous twist), since it is spatially inhomogeneous and breaks translational symmetry, and to the cholesteric blue phases, since it contains defects. In contrast to analogous defect structures in nonpolar nematic liquid crystals, which are enforced by special boundary conditions only, the splay phase is the thermodynamically stable ground state for some temperature interval.
Haste does not always make waste: expertise, direction of attention, and speed versus accuracy in performing sensorimotor skills.

In two experiments, we examined the attentional mechanisms governing sensorimotor skill execution across levels of expertise. In Experiment 1, novice and expert golfers took a series of putts under dual-task conditions designed to distract attention from putting and under skill-focused conditions that prompted attention to step-by-stePperformance. Novices performed better under skill-focused than under dual-task conditions. Experts showed the opposite pattern. In Experiment 2, novice and expert golfers putted under instructions that emphasized either putting accuracy or speed—the latter intended to reduce the time available to monitor and explicitly adjust execution parameters. Novices putted better under accuracy instructions. Experts were more accurate under speed instructions. In agreement with theories of skill acquisition and automaticity, novice performance is enhanced by conditions that allow for on-line attentional monitoring (e.g., skill-focused or accuracy instructions) in comparison with conditions that prevent explicit attentional control of skill execution (e.g., dual-task or speed constraints). In contrast, the proceduralized skill of experts benefits from environments that limit, rather than encourage, attention to execution.
Double heterozygosity for pseudoachondroplasia and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita

Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) are autosomal dominant forms of short-limb short stature caused by mutations in genes that encode structural components of the cartilage extracellular matrix. PSACH results from mutations in the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) gene, while SEDC is caused by mutations in the gene for type II procollagen (COL2A1). We report a child with a distinct skeletal dysplasia due to the combined phenotypes of PSACH and SEDC. The proband's mother had PSACH and his father had SEDC. The child was suspected of having both phenotypes on the basis of the severity of his clinical and radiographic findings, and this was confirmed by molecular analysis. The COMP gene mutation (C348R), while not previously published, is typical of those in PSACH patients, whereas the COL2A1 mutation (T1370M) is somewhat atypical, as it predicts an amino acid change within the carboxyl-terminal region of the protein. Both mutations segregated with their respective phenotypes within this family. The description and natural history of the double heterozygote phenotype may be useful in counseling families regarding risk and prognosis.
Human Papillomavirus and Disease Status Following Therapy for Cervical Cancer

We enrolled 85 patients with invasive cervical cancer and collected cervicovaginal lavage samples at each clinical visit for diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up. Lavage samples were tested by L1 consensus polymerase chain reaction for human papillomavirus (HPV). Results were compared with HPV demonstrated in tumor tissue and the clinical status at time of sample collection. Sensitivity and specificity of the lavage for detection of tumor HPV, determined on the basis of results of tests on lavage samples collected prior to therapy, were found to be 56% and 76.9%, respectively. The proportion of lavage samples detecting tumor HPV decreased significantly with treatment, from 0.54 at diagnosis to 0.03 at complete response (P < .001). Local treatment failure was associated with increased detection of tumor HPV; however, no samples were positive prior to clinically detected treatment failure. These results suggest that cervicovaginal lavage is not an effective sampling method for epidemiological analysis of HPV in cervical tumors.
Multi-rate convolutional codes using common nonlinear generators for memory order four

This paper presents sets of convolutional codes with memory order four which have maximal free distance and have common nonlinear generating functions. Every code in a set has at least one feedforward coding equation that is nonlinear over a binary Galois Field. Each set has convolutional codes with rates one-half, one-third, and one-fourth. In each set, the generators of the rate one-third code include all the generators of the rate one-half code. In each set, the generators of the rate one-fourth code include all the generators of the rate one-third code. This commonality yields multi-rate code implementations with minimum logic. The focus is nonlinear convolutional codes that achieve Heller-Griesmer bound on maximum free distance.
High-Precision Wafer-Level Cu–Cu Bonding for 3-DICs

A high-precision Cu–Cu bonding system for 3-D ICs (3-DICs) fabrication adopting a new precision alignment methodology is proposed. A new pressure profile control system is applied in the thermocompression bonding process. Experimental results show that the alignment capability is 250 nm or better, with similar overlay accuracy ( $\vert $ average $\vert + 3\sigma )$ for permanent bonding. These developments are expected to contribute to the fabrication of future 3-DICs.
Estimating lifetime of PP, PI and PVDF under artificial void conditions using step-stress tests

Lifetimes of three different capacitor dielectrics. polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), were evaluated under high electric field using a step-stress method. Three layers of the insulating film were used for each dielectric material. To determine the influence of a void in the middle layer, two different configurations were used: with and without an artificial void in the middle layer. Various time intervals for the step-stress test, ranging from 20 s to 120 s, were selected. The inverse power law equation was used in the analysis of the experimental data, with the value of power exponent determined from the step-stress for each material and configuration. The equivalent constant stress lifetime of PP, PI, and PVDF were then estimated for both configurations from the step-stress data. The results show that lifetime becomes significantly shorter in the presence of a void in the middle layer. The constant k for the power model was also found to be influenced by permittivity and dielectric loss of the dielectric films. >
ON THE ORTHO:PARA RATIO OF H+ 3 IN DIFFUSE MOLECULAR CLOUDS*

The excitation temperature T 01 derived from the relative intensities of the J = 0 (para) and J = 1 (ortho) rotational levels of H2 has been assumed to be an accurate measure of the kinetic temperature in interstellar environments. In diffuse molecular clouds, the average value of T 01 is ~70 K. However, the excitation temperature T(H+ 3) derived from the (J, K) = (1, 1) (para) and (1, 0) (ortho) rotational levels of H+ 3 has been observed to be ~30 K in the same types of environments. In this work, we present observations of H+ 3 in three additional diffuse cloud sight lines for which H2 measurements are available, showing that in four of five cases T 01 and T(H+ 3) are discrepant. We then examine the thermalization mechanisms for the ortho:para ratios of H+ 3 and H2, concluding that indeed T 01 is an accurate measure of the cloud kinetic temperature, while the ortho:para ratio of H+ 3 need not be thermal. By constructing a steady-state chemical model taking into account the nuclear spin dependence of reactions involving H+ 3, we show that the ortho:para ratio of H+ 3 in diffuse molecular clouds is likely governed by a competition between dissociative recombination with electrons and thermalization via reactive collisions with H2.
Acceptance of the Dana Medal of the Mineralogical Society of America for 2006

Alex, thank you for your kind words—all the more meaningful coming from a good friend and colleague. Concerning the UNM English major and the poetry contest, he went to Edinburgh and finished third. More importantly, he now has a new perspective on the relation of science to literature. Every research group should have a poet laureate. This is a moment when one reflects on their career and whom they should thank. For me, it is certainly the collaborators from different disciplines over many years. Some are here today in this first session—Alex Navrotsky, Lumin Wang, Bill Weber and Allison MacFarlane. Each of these four come from a different sub-discipline—and each have added considerable breadth to our research interests and capabilities. Other colleagues and collaborators will appear in later sessions—all were important to our research program. I certainly want to acknowledge the talented group of graduate students and post-docs who have been members of the research group. Bryan Chakoumakos was the first post-doctoral fellow, followed Takashi Murakami, Janusz Janeczek Wiliang Gong, Peter Burns, Mostafa Fayek, Shixin Wang, Donggao Zhao, Keld Jensen, Satoshi Utsunomiya, and Jie Lian. The first Ph.D. graduates were Mike Jercinovic and Greg Lumpkin, followed by Mark Miller, Ray …
Multiagent hybrid system design using game theory and optimal control

A methodology for designing hybrid controllers for large scale, multiagent systems is presented. Our approach is based on optimal control and game theory. The hybrid design is seen as a game between two players: the control, which is to be chosen by the designer and the disturbances that encode the actions of other agents (in a multi-agent setting), the actions of high level controllers or the usual unmodeled environmental disturbances. The two players compete over cost functions that encode properties that the closed loop hybrid system needs to satisfy (e.g., safety). The control "wins" the game if it can keep the system "safe" for any allowable disturbance. The solution to the game theory problem provides the designer with continuous controllers as well as sets of safe states where the control "wins" the game. The sets of safe states are used to construct an interface to the discrete domain that guarantees the safe operation of the combined hybrid system. The design methodology is illustrated by means of examples.
A Model for the Scattered Light Contribution and Polarization of the Diffuse Hα Galactic Background

We present Monte Carlo simulations of the diffuse Hα Galactic background. Our models comprise direct and multiply scattered Hα radiation from the kpc scale height warm ionized medium and midplane H II regions. The scattering is off dust that is assumed to be well mixed with the gas, with an axisymmetric density distribution taken from the literature. The results of our simulations are all-sky Hα images that enable us to separate out the contributions of direct and scattered radiation. We also determine how far the model Hα photons have traveled, i.e., how far we see into the Galaxy at Hα. Our models reproduce the overall characteristics of the observed Hα background and predict that the scattered Hα intensity at high latitudes is in the range 5%-20% of the total intensity, in agreement with estimates based on [S II]/Hα and [O III]/Hα line ratio measurements. The polarization arising from dust scattering of Hα from midplane H II regions is predicted to be less than 1% at high latitude.
Hypercalcaemia secondary to Hypervitaminosis A in a patient with chronic renal failure

Vitamin A toxicity is a well-described medical condition with a multitude of potential presenting signs and symptoms. It can be divided into acute and chronic toxicity. Serum vitamin A concentrations are raised in chronic renal failure even with ingestion of less than the usual toxic doses. Hypercalcaemia can occasionally be associated with high levels of vitamin A but it is rare. In this report, we describe a 67- year old female patient with chronic kidney disease who was taking vitamin A supplements for approximately 10 years. The patient had worsening of her chronic kidney disease over the last years and developed chronic hypercalcaemia. Her vitamin A level was elevated with a daily intake of 7000 IU. The vitamin A supplement was stopped. A few months later, vitamin A level diminished substantially and serum calcium levels returned to normal.
HISTORY AND CURRENT DEVELOPMENT OF A PARADIGM OF PREDATION IN ROCKY INTERTIDAL COMMUNITIES

A paradigm is a set of mutually supportive hypotheses that provides a frame of reference within a field. In 1962, Kuhn proposed that paradigms form within the dual contexts of empirical evidence and intellectual history. Facts potentially contradictory to a paradigm may not be recognized until they are observed repeatedly and incorporated as supportive evidence into a new theory. Support for this interpretation can be found in the history of a paradigm of predation in rocky intertidal communities. Hypotheses were developed in the contexts of innovative field experiments and historical arguments of competition theory. The resulting paradigm proposed that predators restrict populations of competitively dominant prey to refuges. Different types of refuge, or no refuge, prevail in different areas of the intertidal zone, accounting for patterns of prey distribution, the coexistence of natural enemies, and the local maintenance of diversity. An ensuing period of criticism made reference to potential contradictions. Rather than by predation alone, prey abundances are determined largely by an interplay of varying rates of predation and prey production. Furthermore, prey refuges are neither necessary nor sufficient to explain all observed instances of local coexistence of predators and prey. We present a model in which intertidal boundaries of prey are set by equilibria between predation and prey production. Predation and prey productivity vary with environmental gradients and with explicit spatial configurations of the prey. This synthesis relies on insights of the original paradigm, incorporates the contradictory observations, and depends on novel capabilities afforded by spatially explicit computer simulations. The resulting synthesis provides explanations for distinctive aspects of zonation, including abrupt prey boundaries in continuous gradients of predation, and converging upper and lower prey boundaries in gradients of decreasing wave exposure.
Hydrogen-Bond Assisted Assembly of Organic and Organic-Inorganic Solids

The ability to predict and control the assembly of molecular and ionic species into ordered networks has become an important target area in chemistry, biochemistry and materials science. In this context, the strength, selectivity and directionality of the hydrogen bond have been instrumental in the preparation of distinctive and predictable structural aggregates, and the use of hydrogen bonding as a steering force has emerged as the most important strategy in crystal engineering.
All the Classroom's a Stage: Student Temperament and the Effectiveness of Role Playing Simulations

Assessment of the use of simulations in the classroom often focus on whether this technique is able to engage students in learning more deeply and therefore achieve gains in information retention, critical thinking, written and oral communication, problem solving, or the ability to understand complex systems and abstract concepts. Hidden by the measures of aggregate student achievement are the differences among students in their response to active learning methodologies. In particular, when simulations are used one might expect differences in both degree of enjoyment and in learning according to student personality traits, in particular their level of extroversion or introversion.Using preliminary research on the use of a Reacting to the Past simulation game of political transition in post-apartheid South Africa in an introductory comparative politics class, this paper explores how simulation-based learning affects students differently. It examines in particular whether student success in and comfort with this simulation breaks down according to characteristics associated with introversion or extroversion assessed via student responses to a survey on their learning preferences. Ultimately, it considers how students who find simulation exercises more foreign to their learning style may be supported more effectively while engaging in them.
Climate Chaos, Ecopsychology, and the Maturing Human Being

Our relationship with nature is being called into question urgently and ominously. It has never before happened quite like this. A chronic history of ill-advised solutions to environmental problems has led to the predictable result that we are faced with the possibility of unprecedented natural catastrophe. The way we live our everyday lives is putting us in danger of rendering the planet uninhabitable, and the way we live thrives on experienced alienation from the rest of nature. We pay a high psychological price for our presumed separateness; dodging growth toward maturity as individuals and as a species never serves us well. Will this terrifying predicament hasten the demise of the anthropocentric posture which gave rise to sustainability problems in the first place, ushering in a new era of mature human–nature intimacy? Can we muster the maturity and wisdom necessary to meet this challenge? And why is our relationship with nature so difficult to question, so easy for us to be in denial about? It is argued that we move toward greater levels of psychological health, maturity, and wisdom by relating with nature in a more ecocentric (rather than anthropocentric) way. Ecocentric relating leads invariably to a deeply felt inclination toward the responsible environmental actions necessary for sustainability. Ecocentric awareness derives in large part from a certain kind of experience—the experience of self as part of nature. Phenomenological research into this experience shows that the lack of intimacy with nature is associated with habitually constricted and impermeable self boundaries, psychological overdefendedness, and fearfulness—these are experienced independent of perceived external dangers: We are not fearful because of dangers “out there,” we are fearful when we are psychologically overdefended. This surplus defendedness and fearfulness affects our psychological health, the way we treat each other, and the way we treat nature.
Placental transport of an active enzyme, invertase

SummaryInvertase activity was identified in the rat fetus and amniotic fluid following multiple intravenous injections of the enzyme on days 14 and 15 of pregnancy. Single injections of the enzyme were given on day 13 of pregnancy and samples of conceptuses were taken over an 8-hour time interval. Enzyme analyses showed a low but consistent amount of invertase in the fetus, a gradual decrease in enzyme concentration in the amniotic fluid over the time period studied, a gradual increase in the yolk sac and a relatively stable concentration in the placental labyrinth. Invertase was present in the 12-day fetus 2 hours after injection.
The Specific Precipitin Reaction of the Muscle Hemoglobin of the Dog

Preparation of Muscle Hemoglobin.-The method of preparing muscle hemoglobin may be described as follows: The animal is freed from blood by the technic used in other experiments to wash out plasma proteins. Under ether anesthesia cannulas are tied into the carotid and jugular vessels. A Ringer's solution with 5% glucose at body temperature is injected by gravity into the jugular vein at the same speed as blood is drawn from the carotid. By slow and careful simultaneous bleeding and transfusion one can reduce the red cell hematocrit from 50% (or normal) to very low values of '2 to 3%. When the heart stops the thorax is opened immediately, a cannula placed in the first part of the aorta, the right auricle incised and gravity perfusion continued freely at a pressure of about 100 cm. of solution for a few minutes, utilizing 3 to 4 liters of perfusate. The two instances in which the muscle hemoglobin solutions gave slight precipitin reactions for dog blood hemoglobin were experiments in which this gravity perfusion was omitted. The procedure obviously washes out the last traces of circulating blood. Massage of trunk, back, thorax and extremities is continued during the last perfusion period. Then the thoracic and abdominal viscera are rapidly removed and further massage of the muscles is continued to remove any traces of perfusate. The various muscles are then dissected free with no loss of time, rinsed and massaged in physiologic salt solution. The tissue is then dried with a towel and care is taken to remove any gross fat or fascia. The bloodfree muscles are ground in a meat grinder and the tissue diluted with four volumes by weight of distilled water or 0.4% ammonia solution. The ammonia solution gives more complete extraction of the hemoglobin from the muscle. The mixture is thoroughly stirred and placed in an icebox (2 to 4 C.) over night. This red solution is now strained through cloth and cleared in large part by centrifugalization which also remove troublesome fat, then filtered through paper. The solution may then be passed through a coarse Berkefeld filter and finally through a finer one to remove any bacteria remaining. This last procedure removes a good deal of muscle hemoglobin but is necessary for certain experiments. The solutions of muscle hemoglobin used in these experiments contained from 600 to 800 mgm. muscle hemoglobin per 100 gmin. muscle. The sterile clear red solution was then shipped in sealed containers by mail for the precipitin tests to be described. A general description of the various methods used for analysis is given in a recent paper.'
Precise predictions for B→Xsℓ+ℓ− in the large q2 region

The inclusive B -> Xs l+ l- decay rate in the large q2 region (q2> m_psi'2) receives significant nonperturbative corrections. The resulting uncertainties can be drastically reduced by normalizing the rate to the B -> Xu l nu rate with the same q2 cut, which allows for much improved tests of short distance physics. We calculate this ratio, including the order 1/m_b3 nonperturbative corrections and the analytically known NNLO perturbative corrections. Since in the large q2 region an inclusive measurement may be feasible via a sum over exclusive states, our results could be useful for measurements at LHCb and possibly for studies of B -> Xd l+ l-.
Data Analytics Framework for A Game-based Rehabilitation System

Stroke is a major cause of hemiparesis in United States. Constraint--Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy) is an effective treatment for upper extremity hemiparesis; however it is inaccessible to most patients. To make it more accessible, we developed a game-based rehabilitation system incorporating the major rehabilitation principles from CI therapy. We introduce a data analytics framework for our rehabilitation system in this paper that can provide objective measures of motor performance during gameplay. We design techniques of preprocessing collected data and propose a series of kinematic measurements, which are used to assess the motor performance and supplement in-clinic measures of therapeutic effect. We also present contextual filtering techniques to enable comparing movement production under different conditions, e.g., self-paced versus game-paced movement. We apply our data analytics framework on data collected from several participants. Our analysis shows that participants' motor movement improves over the period of treatment, with different participants showing different patterns of improvement, e.g., speed versus range of motion. Results of kinematic measurements during gameplay are highly consistent with in-clinic performance based on the Wolf Motor Function Test. Moreover, our fine-grained trend analysis reveals potential to detect fatigue, which is related to the duration of gameplay.