cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pigmentary disorders in ethnic skin

Pigmentary disorders are commonly seen in ethnic skin. They are psychologically problematic in darker skin. Treatment of many of these disorders remains difficult.
Scattering of muonic hydrogen atoms from a gold surface

The scattering of μp atoms in the 1S state from gold atoms was calculated using semi-classical methods. The results were used to write a Monte Carlo program simulating backscattering from a gold surface. For isotropically incident μp of kinetic energy (0.035–10) eV it was found that approximately 5% escape from the surface. The fraction backscattered showed little dependence on the initial μp kinetic energy but increased greatly with incident angle from the normal to the surface.
Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Model

We present here an isothermal, one-dimensional, steady-state model for a complete polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) with a 117 Nation | membrane. In this model we employ water diffusion coefficients electro-osmotic drag coefficients, water sorption isotherms, and membrane conductivities, all measured in our laboratory as functions of membrane water content. The model pre.dicts a net-water-per-proton flux ratio of 0.2 H20/H § under typical operating conditions, which is much less than the measured electro-osmotic drag coefficient for a fully hydrated membrane. It also predicts an increase in membrane resistance with increased current density and demonstrates the great advantage of a thinner membrane in alleviating this resistance problem. Both of these predictions were verified experimentally under certain conditions.
Removal of Dibenzothiophene from Model Diesel by Adsorption on Carbon Aerogels for Fuel Cell Applications

Carbon aerogels (CAs) were studied as adsorbents for the desulfurization of liquid hydrocarbon fuels for fuel cell applications. A synthetic mixture of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and n-hexadecane (n-HD) was used as a model for sulfur contaminated diesel fuel. Carbon aerogels with two different average pore sizes (4 and 22 nm) were synthesized, characterized, and tested for adsorption of DBT at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. The approach-to-equilibrium was monitored, and adsorption isotherms were measured. The CA with the larger average pore size had a higher sulfur adsorption rate and a higher capacity for DBT. The isotherms were best represented by the Freundlich model. According to the Langmuir isotherm, the adsorption capacities of the 4 nm CA and 22 nm CA were 11.2 and 15.1 mg S/g dry CA, respectively. The CAs were found to selectively adsorb DBT over naphthalene, which is a chemically similar but non-sulfur containing organic compound, when both are present in solution. However, the presen...
THE EFFECT OF GLUCOSE ON THE SEDIMENTATION AND CATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF GLYCOGEN PHOSPHORYLASE.

Abstract To understand the role of subunits in enzymic catalysis, it is essential to know the state of aggregation of the protein molecule under the conditions where enzymic activity is measured. The present work shows that glucose, an inhibitor of phosphorylase, (Cori et al . 1943) can also serve as an activator. Since activation and ultracentrifugal experiments are carried out under identical conditions, the data described herein suggest that activation is directly related to enzyme dissociation. Similar conclusions were reached on the basis of kinetic experiments with phosphorylase a in solutions of high ionic strength or low protein concentration ( Wang and Graves, 1964 ).
Impact of medical and nonmedical factors on physician decision making for HIV/AIDS antiretroviral treatment

To examine influences of medical factors (e.g., viral load) and nonmedical factors (e.g., patient characteristics) on treatment decisions for highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), we sent a survey to a random sample of 995 infectious disease physicians who treat patients with HIV/AIDS in the United States in August, 1998. The response rate was 53%. Respondents were asked to report their current practices with respect to antiretroviral treatment and the extent to which each of three medical and 17 nonmedical factors would influence them for or against prescribing HAART to a hypothetical HIV-positive patient. Most reported initiating HAART with findings of low CD4+ cell counts and high viral loads, and weighing CD4+ cell counts, viral load, and opportunistic infection heavily in their decisions to prescribe HAART. Patients' prior history of poor adherence was weighed very much against initiating HAART. Patient homelessness, heavy alcohol use, injection drug use, and prior psychiatric hospitalization were cited by most physicians as weighing against HAART initiation. Thus, most physicians in this sample follow guidelines for the use of HAART, and nonmedical factors related to patients' life situations are weighed as heavily as disease severity in treatment decisions. As HIV increasingly becomes a disease associated with economic disadvantage and other social health problems, it will be essential to develop interventions and care support systems to enable patients experiencing these problems to benefit from HIV treatment advances.
The effect of cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation on the external Ca2+ binding sites of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum

Canine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is known to be phosphorylated by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase on a 22,000-dalton protein, Phosphorylation is associated with an increase in both the initial rate of Ca2+ uptake and the Ca(2+)-ATPase activity which is partially due to an increase in the affinity of the Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase (E) of sarcoplasmic reticulum for calcium. In this study, the effect of cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation on the binding of calcium to the SR and on the dissociation of calcium from the SR was examined. The rate of dissociation of the E x Ca2 was measured directly and was not found to be significantly altered by cAMP-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation. Since the affinity of the enzyme for Ca2+ is equal to the ratio of the on and off rates of calcium, these results demonstrate that the observed change in affinity must be due to an increase in the rate of calcium binding to the Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase of SR. In addition, an increase in the degree of positive cooperativity between the two calcium binding sites was associated with protein kinase phosphorylation.
Gait disorders in the aged.

: Since disorders of gait may eventually deprive the aged person of his independence, they should be detected early and treated before the disability becomes irreversible. In the healthy aged, changes in gait may be caused by loss of joint mobility and a decline in the precision of neuromuscular control. More serious gait disorders are caused by neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. Difficulty in walking may be the first manifestation of a stroke, parkinsonism, or a combined system disease. Other disorders such as the small-step senile gait or apraxia of gait are directly related to the aging process. Lesions of the low back or the lower extremities are common causes of gait disturbances. Often overlooked is a deficiency in the low-back and hip extensor mechanism. In the early phases, this condition is at least partially correctable by suitable physical therapy.
NORMALIZING FUNCTIONAL RESIDUAL CAPACITY (FRC) IN RDS

PEEP is used in infants with RDS to counter atelectasis and maintain FRC. FRC is controlled by PEEP yet blood gases, not FRC, are the bases for selecting ventilator settings. To test the hypothesis that maintenance of normal FRC leads to improved pulmonary function and reduced mortality, six paired twin lambs delivered prematurely (125-132 days, term is 147) were ventilated, initially, with peak inspiratory pressures (PIP) of 32 cm H2O, 6 cm H2O PEEP, 0.33 sec inspiratory time and 60 BPM while on 100% O2 and then monitored for 24 hr. In the control group ventilator settings were adjusted using criteria based on arterial blood gas analyses. In the study group, FRC was maintained within normal limits (25±2SE ml/kg) by adjusting PEEP. The study group FRC on the initial PEEP of 6 cm H2O ranged from 9 to 55 ml/ kg. PEEP required adjustment in 5 of these 6 lambs. Mean PIP, PEEP and mean airway pressures (Paw) during the 1st 8 hr of life were 29.6, 5.5 and 7.1 cm H2O (study group) and 40.4, 2.8 and 6.8 cm H2O (control). Of the 12 lambs studied, 6 died before 24 hr; 4 control and 2 from the study group. Even though Paw of the two groups were not different for the 8 hr period, PaO2/FiO2 of the study group was significantly greater than the control group (156±20 vs 112±16 mmHg). Also, the driving pressure (PIP-PEEP) was less in the study group, yet, PaCO2 was significantly less in the study group than the control group (28±2 vs 39±3 mmHg). These preliminary data suggest that the normalization of FRC improves pulmonary function and may reduce mortality of lambs with RDS.
Implantable insulin pump, the first OLED TV, measuring without a ruler...

In this issue, editors Maria Ebling and Mark Corner cover an implantable medical device, a wrist phone, and a new OLED TV. They also cover new dynamic train information available in Japanese trains, a camera-phone-based measurement tool, and a tool that will make creating Web site mashups easier.
K, Rb, Sr and 87Sr/86Sr in rocks from the Mid-Indian Oceanic Ridge

The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios of Mid-Indian Oceanic Ridge (MIOR) basalts are nearly identical (0.7032 to 0.7035), with the exception of one more highly radiogenic sample (0.7043). These values are consistently higher than the strontium isotopic ratios of the ridge basalts from Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, suggesting that the source of the MIOR basalts was depleted in alkalies more recently and/or to a lesser degree than the basalts from other oceans.
Amadori glucose adducts modulate mesangial cell growth and collagen gene expression.

Amadori glucose adducts modulate mesangial cell growth and collagen gene expression. Diabetic serum contains increased concentrations of glycated proteins, which are preferentially transported into the renal glomerulus. We investigated effects of Amadori glucose adducts in serum proteins, the predominant form in which circulating glycated proteins exist in vivo , on glomerular mesangial cells, where the lesion of diabetic nephropathy originates. [ 3 H]-thymidine incorporation by murine mesangial cells was significantly inhibited when cells were grown in the presence of serum glycated by incubation for four days with 28mM glucose or when cells were cultured in microtiter plates that had been precoated with glycated serum. This effect was prevented by a monoclonal antibody immunoreactive with Amadori adducts in glycated albumin, and unreactive with other glycated serum proteins or with advanced glycation end (AGE) products. Glycated serum stimulated Type IV collagen gene expression and increased Type IV collagen secretion, an effect also prevented by monoclonal antibodies reactive with Amadori adducts in glycated albumin. The glycation-induced changes in proliferation, collagen synthesis and collagen gene expression were observed in media containing normal glucose concentration and were exaggerated in media containing high glucose concentration. The data indicate that Amadori products of glycated serum proteins induce mesangial cell abnormalities that are highly relevant to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, and that these effects are accentuated when glycated serum proteins are presented in a hyperglycemic milieu. The data also suggest that mesangial cells specifically recognize Amadori adducts in glycated albumin.
An Analysis of Unmanned Airborne Vehicle Relay Coverage in Urban Environments

Unmanned Airborne Vehicles, UAVs, can be used as radio relay platforms in environments characterized by poor RF connectivity. Those environments can be urban, forested or mountainous regions where no Line of Sight (LOS) exists between ground transmitters and receivers. The effectiveness of a UAV air relay was assessed in an urban area using the ray tracing method. UAVs were placed at various positions and heights over an approximately 500 square meter urban area, and excess path loss relative to unblocked LOS propagation was computed for outdoor receivers. UAV altitudes were 500, 1000 and 2000 meters and frequencies were 400 and 1800 MHZ. Excess path loss is the appropriate metric when UAV transmitter power is limited due to Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) constraints and the need to minimize friendly interference. We found that a UAV at 2000 m provided coverage for over 90% of the ground receivers within 10 dB of LOS path loss. Most of the connectivity was obtained via unblocked LOS paths due to the small urban area considered. Diffraction around buildings played a larger role in providing connectivity than reflections at 400 MHz and the roles were approximately equal at 1800 MHz. The percentage coverage results were found to be stable to within +/-5% when poorly known building and ground electrical properties or ray tracing computational parameters were varied over reasonable values. Channel characteristics for time of arrival, time delay spread and angle of arrival were also computed.
Power Trench MOSFET Devices on Metal Substrates

Power trench MOSFET devices have been accomplished on Cu substrates using a novel silicon-on-metal (SOM) technology. This technology transfers silicon trench MOSFET device layers from SOI wafers to metal substrates. The prototype 30-V (drain-to-source voltage) n-channel SOM device with a pitch of 2.5 mum comprises a 5-mum device layer and an electroplated Cu substrate. These devices are the first of their kind exhibiting a negligible substrate drain contribution to their specific Rdson and have a specific Rdson of 0.198 mOmegaldrcm2 at a gate voltage of 10 V. This specific Rdson is 38% smaller than that of the same device on the silicon substrate. The dc-dc converter with SOM devices shows 11% reduction in device power loss and an energy efficiency of about 2% higher than with the same Si-based devices. The operating temperature of the SOM die in the converter is also 9degC lower than the Si-based die. The ldquocoolerrdquo SOM device is due to primarily improved energy efficiency. The transient thermal resistance of the SOM device is 20degC/W, which is less than half of 57.5degC/W for the Si-based device at a pulse duration of 10 s.
Symmetries, the Zamolodchikov metric and duality in effective string Lagrangians

Abstract The general theory of symmetries in string theory is presented, and used to determine the Kahler potentials of untwisted moduli and matter scalars in ZN orbifolds. The relationship between the Zamolodchikov metric and the metric in the kinetic energy of the effective Lagrangian is discussed. Duality symmetries in the partition functions of closed strings compactfied on torii are shown to be a direct consequence of the field theory duality of the associated 2-dimensional sigma models.
Common Problems and Lessons Learned from Managing Large-Scale US Government IS/IT Projects

To promote sustainable development, many government agencies initiated large-scale government projects. However, managing such government projects to their success is often a challenge to many project managers. Many projects fail because of their large scope and high degree of complexity. The failure of these government projects has significant impact on sustainable development, both at the organizational level and the public at large. To enhance the success of government projects, this study investigates the management of selected government IS/IT projects in the US; identifies common problems; discusses some lessons learned; and provides propositions for future research. The results of this study will provide significant contributions to the literature and implications to practitioners.
Acetabular Revisions Using Trabecular Metal Cups and Augments

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of trabecular metal (TM) shells and augments in acetabular revisions with significant pelvic bone loss. We retrospectively reviewed 97 cases of consecutive loose total hip arthroplasty with a minimum of Paprosky grade IIA pelvic bone loss treated with a TM revision acetabular component with or without modular augments. The average Harris hip score improved from 55 preoperatively to 76 postoperatively. At the most recent radiographic evaluation, 88 cups demonstrated no lucent lines, 1 cup had lucent lines but remained well fixed, and 8 cups underwent resection arthroplasty for infection. One cup was revised for chronic instability. There were no aseptic failures in this series. Trabecular metal acetabular cups and shells with or without the use of modular augments can be effectively used to revise failed acetabular components in patients with substantial pelvic bone loss.
The impact of collaborative commerce and trust in Web services

The Internet has accelerated the adoption of collaborative commerce among businesses to form Web services. Web services refer to modular Internet‐based business functions that perform specific business tasks to facilitate business interactions within and beyond the organization. Firms are embedded in networks of collaborative relationships that influence the flow of resources among the stakeholders (requesters, providers, users and employees). Collaboration with Web services creates trust in the technological dimensions of Web services. Technology trust refers to the subjective probability by which organizations believe that the underlying technology infrastructure is capable of facilitating transactions according to their confident expectations. In this paper we examine the role of facilitating conditions in technology trust and its relationship with Web services. We provide a set of guidelines for early adopters and discuss the theoretical and practical implications of Web services and directions for future research.
A model for receptor-regulated calcium entry

A model is proposed for the mechanism by which activation of surface membrane receptors causes sustained Ca2+ entry into cells from the extracellular space. Reassessment of previously published findings on the behavior of receptor-regulated intracellular Ca2+ pools leads to the conclusion that when such pools are empty, a pathway from the extracellular space to the pool is opened; conversely when the pool is filled, the pathway is closed and it becomes relatively stable to depletion by low Ca2+ media or chelating agents. The biphasic nature of agonist-activated Ca2+-mobilization is thus seen as an initial emptying of the intracellular Ca2+ pool by inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate, followed by rapid entry of Ca2+ into the pool and, in the continued presence of inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate, into the cytosol. On withdrawal of agonist, inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate is then rapidly degraded, the pathway from the pool to the cytosol is closed, and rapid entry from the outside continues until the Ca2+ content of the pool reaches a level that inactivates Ca2+ entry. This capacitative model allows for Ca2+ release and Ca2+ entry to be controlled by a single messenger, inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions of k-point boundary value problems for ordinary differential equations

For boundary value problems for linear differential equations in which the boundary conditions are linear, the uniqueness of solutions implies the existence of solutions. This is not the case in general for nonlinear differential equations, but in the past several years a number of results of the “uniqueness implies existence” type for boundary value problems for nonlinear equations have been proven, for example, [ 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 111. In this paper we prove some additional results of this type. We will be concerned with boundary value problems
Ugly little angels: deliberately uneven construction quality in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence

Upon entering the basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence one is immediately impressed by the nave arcades, those rhythmic, monumental assemblages of columns, entablature blocks and arches that in the first half of the fifteenth century established a benchmark of elegance and refinement for all subsequent architecture of the Renaissance [1]. Cool, orderly and restful yet, like springs coiled in compression, full of energy, the nave arcades are works of tremendous artistic power. By functioning so strongly as complete compositions, the nave arcades suppress the individuality of their component parts: viewed from ground level, the repeated bays all appear to be identical, even though when viewed up close the capitals and other carved details betray notably uneven levels of quality in both design and execution. This variation in quality constitutes a rich and largely untapped source of evidence pertaining to the construction history and original meaning of this pivotal work in the history of architecture.
Thermal radio emission from the major planets.

The use of long-wavelength radio measurements of brightness temperature to remotely measure the thermal structure of the atmospheres of the major planets at great depths is discussed. Data are presented which show that the gross features of Jupiter's and Saturn's microwave spectra, as determined from ground based observations, can be explained in terms of thermal emission from ammonia in deep convective atmospheres of He and H2.
Complex powers of differential operators on manifolds with conical singularities

We construct the complex powersAz for an elliptic cone (or Fuchs type) differential operatorA on a manifold with boundary. We show thatAz exists as an entire family ofb-pseudodifferential operators. We also examine the analytic structure of the Schwartz kernel ofAz, both on and off the diagonal. Finally, we study the meromorphic behavior of the zeta function Tr(Az).
Circadian-Dependent Effect of Sodium Chloride Intake on the Development of Hypertension in Rats

The possibility that circadian phase of NaCl intake may play a role in the development of hypertension was evaluated with the use of DOCA-implanted rats, receiving either saline (1%) or water as follows: Group I, saline ad libitum; Group 11, saline from 6 PM to 6 AM; Group 111, saline from 6 AM to 6 PM; Group IV, water ad libitum. All animals were kept on a 12: 12 light schedule (lights on from 6 AM to 6 PM) and regular rat chow ad libitum. The mean daily fluid intake (my100 g body wt/24 hr) during the first 2 weeks of the experi- ment was: 57 5 1.5; 59 * 1; 45 2 1; and 25 * 1.6 for Groups I, 11, 111, and IV, respectively. On the third experimental week, the mean systolic BP (mm Hg) 5 SE was as follows: Group I, 154 f 4.1; Group 11, 140 2 3; Group 111, 154 5 5; Group IV, 132 & 4.5. The data suggest that hypertension develops more readily among rats ingesting excessive salt loads while at rest (circadian phase of low natriuresis) than among those doing so during the active phase (circadian phase of high natriuresis) of their day. -
Why do we need to know more about mixed Plasmodium species infections in humans

Four Plasmodium species cause malaria in humans. Most malaria-endemic regions feature mixed infections involving two or more of these species. Factors contributing to heterogeneous parasite species and disease distribution include differences in genetic polymorphisms underlying parasite drug resistance and host susceptibility, mosquito vector ecology and transmission seasonality. It is suggested that unknown factors limit mixed Plasmodium species infections, and that mixed-species infections protect against severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Careful examination of methods used to detect these parasites and interpretation of individual- and population-based data are necessary to understand the influence of mixed Plasmodium species infections on malarial disease. This should ensure that deployment of future antimalarial vaccines and drugs will be conducted in a safe and timely manner.
CHANGES IN HEPATIC STRUCTURE IN RATS PRODUCED BY BREATHING PURE OXYGEN

The livers of rats exposed to pure oxygen were examined electron microscopically to study toxic effects of oxygen in a metabolically sensitive organ. Pressures of 1/3 (258 mm Hg), 1 (760 mm Hg), and 3 (2280 mm Hg) atmospheres were used, with exposures up to 90 days with the lowest pressures. The first changes in the hepatocytes were loss of glycogen and enlargement of mitochondria with development of mitochondria with bizarre shapes which were seen after 3 days at 258 mm, 1 day at 760 mm, and 3 hours at 2280 mm. These changes were followed by formation of increased numbers of cristae, membranes surrounding mitochondria, autophagic vacuoles, and polyribosome clusters. After 2 weeks at 258 mm, which is the pressure of the atmosphere of space cabins, numerous mitochondrial myelin figures appeared but the mitochondrial enlargement had begun to regress. After 90 days at 258 mm, the liver cells appeared almost normal except that many pigment granules had accumulated in the pericanalicular zones. The changes were non-specific and seemed to parallel biochemical alterations recorded elsewhere. They are not considered the result of toxicity but rather of adaptation. These atmospheres, which are used in clinical medicine and in space travel, appear to have no permanent deleterious effects on the liver in rats under the conditions of this experiment.
Changing Minds or Changing Channels?: Partisan News in an Age of Choice Kevin Arceneaux and Martin Johnson. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2013.

Changing Minds or Changing Channels?: Partisan News in an Age of Choice Kevin Arceneaux and Martin Johnson. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2013.In an era of partisan television news networks and ideologically-driven hosts, commentators, and analysts, it comes as no surprise that many blame the highly polarized nature of American politics on mainstream media. Yet, in Changing Minds or Changing Channels?: Partisan News in an Age of Choice, Kevin Arceneaux and Martin Johnson challenge this widely held perception. With so many viewing options today, Arceneaux and Johnson suggest that partisan news media actually have a very small effect on the general public because most people simply avoid the news and only a small self-selected group of individuals gravitates towards partisan news programs.This trend, which is described by Arceneaux and Johnson, is a relatively new phenomenon caused by the changing media landscape. In the years before widespread cable and Internet access, television news programs attracted large audiences simply because there were so few options. Today, however, ninety percent of American homes are connected to cable or satellite television, and the average person now has access to more than 130 channels. With so many non-news programs available, the audience for highly partisan news networks is relatively small, even among politically involved individuals. As Arceneaux and Johnson point out, while about 130 million Americans voted in both the 2008 and 2012 Presidential elections, the four top-rated cable news shows draw just 7.5 million viewers on an average day.To advance this premise, Arceneaux and Johnson present a new active audience theory. Based on the uses and gratifications approach of Elihu Katz, Jay G. Blunder, and Michael Gurevitch and the minimal media effects perspective of scholars including Bernard Berelson, Paul Lazarsfeld, William McPhee, and Joseph Klapper, active audience theory suggests that the viewing public is not "an inert mass, passively and unquestioningly soaking in the content to which they are exposed" (3). Instead, Arceneaux and Johnson suggest that the viewing public is comprised of active participants, whose decisions, regarding what they view and how they interpret it, mitigate the potential effect of media content.To test their theory, the authors conducted a series of eleven experiments, which they present and explain throughout this book. After a general overview of the topic in the first chapter, a history of media effects research and the rise of partisan cable news in the second chapter, and a discussion about how television viewers actively engage with the programs they choose to watch in the third chapter, the authors dive into their findings. …
Charisma and Integration: an Eighteenth-century North American Case

The renewed interest in the phenomenon of charisma, which was first given coherent conceptual form by Max Weber, shows little sign of abating.1 It is probably the most easily comprehensible, possibly the most popular and certainly the most dramatic model which can be utilized in interdisciplinary studies. Moreover, the theory has the apparent attractiveness of enabling students to intensively study one leader and his movement and then draw more general conclusions about that leader's impact on the society in which he operated. In an article written in 1966, Claude Ake gave a timely warning to practitioners who made grandiose deductions from evidence about one leader and then drew firm conclusions about his total
Approximate Floor Acceleration Demands in Multistory Buildings. II: Applications

The accuracy of an approximate method to estimate floor acceleration demands in multistory buildings responding elastically or practically elastic when subjected to earthquake ground motion is investigated. Modal analysis is used in combination with approximate dynamic characteristics computed using a simplified continuous model that is fully defined with only four parameters. The accuracy of the method is first evaluated by comparing the response computed with the approximate method to that computed with response history analyses of complete finite element models of two generic buildings available in the literature. A comparison of exact and approximate dynamic characteristics is presented. Approximate peak floor acceleration demands and its variation along the height of the buildings are compared to exact demands when the buildings are subjected to an ensemble of 20 ground motions. The accuracy of the method is then evaluated by comparing floor acceleration demands computed with the approximate method to those recorded in four instrumented buildings in California. Results show that the approximate method produces good results with a very small computational effort.
Finite-difference computation of transient electromagnetic waves for cylindrical geometries in complex media

We present two novel, fully three-dimensional (3-D) finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) schemes in cylindrical coordinates for transient simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation in complex (inhomogeneous, dispersive, and conductive) and unbounded media. The proposed FDTD schemes incorporate an extension of the perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary condition (ABC) to three-dimensional (3-D) cylindrical coordinates. Dispersion on the media is modeled by using the piecewise-linear recursive convolution (PLRC) algorithm, accounting for multiterm Lorentz and/or Debye models. Split-field and unsplit (anisotropic medium) formulations of the cylindrical PML-PLRC-FDTD schemes are implemented and compared in the time domain. The comparison includes the late-time stability properties of the update schemes. Numerical simulations of subsurface electromagnetic problems are included. Because the proposed schemes retain the nearest-neighbor property of the ordinary FDTD, they are well suited for implementation on massively parallel computers.
Social science research related to wildfire management: an overview of recent findings and future research needs

As with other aspects of natural-resource management, the approach to managing wildland fires has evolved over time as scientific understanding has advanced and the broader context surrounding management decisions has changed. Prior to 2000 the primary focus of most fire research was on the physical and ecological aspects of fire; social science research was limited to a small number of studies. However, as more people moved into fire-prone areas interest grew in understanding relevant social dynamics. This growing interest was supported by increased funding for fire research overall with the creation of the Joint Fire Science Program in 1998 and the National Fire Plan in 2000. In subsequent years,a significant bodyof researchhasdeveloped on the humandimensionsof wildland firecoveringdiverse topics including: attitudes towards pre-fire mitigation, social acceptability of fire and fuels management, community preparedness, public response during fires, citizen-agency communications and post-fire recovery. This paper reports on twoaspectsofaJointFireScienceProgramprojectintendedtotakestockofthekeysocialsciencelessonsprovidedtodate: a basic review of findings in the non-economic fire social science literature and identification of future research needs.
Measurement of Biaxial Displacement by a Speckle Correlation Method at High Temperature

Biaxial displacement of a buttonhead tensile-torsional specimen surface was measured by a speckle correlation method at 800°C. A high-power argon gas laser of 488 nm wavelength and band-pass filters were used to improve the signal/noise ratio at high temperature. In the case of displacement parallel to a specimen axis, calculated values by the speckle correlation agreed with the displacement measured with a dial gauge. For the perpendicular direction, agreement was also obtained, taking into account an additional correction. These biaxial displacements were measured in real time.
Melanistic diversity in the Maritime Gartersnake, Thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus , in Nova Scotia, Canada

We describe an unusual diversity of melanistic conditions in populations of the Maritime Gartersnake, Thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus , in Nova Scotia: pure melanism, melanism, nigrismus (predominantly melanistic), abundismus (mosaic melanism). This variability is widespread in Nova Scotia, and it includes coastal islands.
Multilevel wavelet feature statistics for efficient retrieval, transmission, and display of medical images by hybrid encoding

Many common modalities of medical images acquire high-resolution and multispectral images, which are subsequently processed, visualized, and transmitted by subsampling. These subsampled images compromise resolution for processing ability, thus risking loss of significant diagnostic information. A hybrid multiresolution vector quantizer (HMVQ) has been developed exploiting the statistical characteristics of the features in a multiresolution wavelet-transformed domain. The global codebook generated by HMVQ, using a combination of multiresolution vector quantization and residual scalar encoding, retains edge information better and avoids significant blurring observed in reconstructed medical images by other well-known encoding schemes at low bit rates. Two specific image modalities, namely, X-ray radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have been considered as examples. The ability of HMVQ in reconstructing high-fidelity images at low bit rates makes it particularly desirable for medical image encoding and fast transmission of 3D medical images generated from multiview stereo pairs for visual communications.
Water Transport Through Nafion 112 Membrane in DMFCs

Water management has emerged as a significant challenge in portable direct methanol fuel cells, DMFCs. Excessive water crossover through the membrane causes water loss in the anode and flooding in the cathode. We report anovel DMFC design based on Nafion 112 and a cathode gas-diffusion layer coated with a microporous layer. This DMFC operated with ambient air yielded a stable power density of 56 mW/cm 2 at 60°C, while the net water transport coefficient was only 0.64 compared to a typical value of 3 for Nafion 117 membranes. In addition, the fuel efficiency was about 74-92%.
Ovarian blood flow throughout the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in sows.

The association between ovarian arterial blood flow (OBF), as measured with electromagnetic blood-flow transducers, and the concentrations of progesterone, estrone and estradiol-1 7� in systemic blood were determined throughout the estrous cycle and the first 21 days of pregnancy in four sows (first day of estrus or mating=Day 0). Changes in OBF were positively correlated (P 0.10) during early pregnancy. In nonpregnant sows, OBF was lowest at estrus, highest during the luteal phase, and declined precipitously after Day 14 in association with declining concentrations of progesterone and increasing concentrations of estrogens in systemic blood. Patterns of OBF and progesterone during the subsequent pregnancy of each sow were similar to those observed during the estrous cycle until Day 12. Between Days 12 and 15 of pregnancy, blood flow to the ovary and progesterone in systemic blood exhibited transient rises of 26% (P<0.O1) and 20% (P<0.05), respectively. Both an ovarian vasodilatory and luteotropic effect of the conceptuses was demonstrated on days critical for maintenance of the corpora lutea during early pregnancy in this species.
The development of children's concepts of invisibility

a b s t r a c t One of the most striking examples of appearance-reality discrep- ancy is invisibility—when something has no appearance yet still exists. The issue of invisibility sits at the juncture of two founda- tional ontological distinctions, that between appearance and reality and that between reality and non-reality. We probed the invisibility concepts of 47 3-7-year-olds using two sets of tasks: (1) an entity task, in which children were queried about the visibility and reality status of a variety of both visible and invisible entities, and (2) two standard appearance-reality tasks. Results showed that children's concepts of visibility and reality status are intertwined, and that an understanding that some entities are impossible to see develops between the ages of 3 and 7.
HAVING A BABY: Some Predictions of Maternal Employment Around Childbirth

This analysis tests the influence of personal, job, and family status characteristics on maternal employment. We use the Merged Child/Mother File from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to examine employment patterns of mothers who gave birth between 1979 and 1986. Logistic regression is used to estimate the probabilities; proportional hazards techniques are used to estimate rates of leaving and return to employment after childbirth. We find that family status factors and the proportion of the family income the mother earns are consistently important in predicting maternal employment. Human capital factors are more significant in predicting employment exits and the rate of exit than the rate of return or employment status one year after a birth.
A 600 watt four stage phase-shifted-parallel DC-to-DC converter

This paper introduces an unconventional SMPS power stage architecture which is developed as four 150w buck-boost or flyback type switching stages which are operated in phase-shifted-parallel (PSP). The flybacks are operated in the continuous mode with intersecting conduction on both input and output sides; they are switched in cyclic sequence with one-fourth of a switching period following turn-on of one stage before turn-on of the next stage. PSP operation provides substantial improvements in intermediate power level SMPS for spacecraft applications.
A modular architecture for real-time feature-based tracking

A modular architecture for real-time feature-based tracking is presented. This architecture takes advantage of temporal and spatial information contained in a video stream, combining robust classifiers with motion estimation to achieve real-time performance. The relationship among features is exploited to obtain a robust detection and a stable tracking. The effectiveness of this architecture is demonstrated in a face tracking system using eyes and lips as features. A pre-processing stage based on skin color segmentation, density maps and low intensity characteristics of facial features reduces the number of image regions that are candidates for eyes and lips. Support vector machines are then used in the classification process, whereas a combination of Kalman filters and template matching is used for tracking.
National trends in US hospital admissions for hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia among Medicare beneficiaries, 1999 to 2011.

Importance The increasing intensity of diabetes mellitus management over the past decade may have resulted in lower rates of hyperglycemic emergencies but higher rates of hospital admissions for hypoglycemia among older adults. Trends in these hospitalizations and subsequent outcomes are not known. Objective To characterize changes in hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia hospitalization rates and subsequent mortality and readmission rates among older adults in the United States over a 12-year period, and to compare these results according to age, sex, and race. Design, Setting, and Patients Retrospective observational study using data from 33 952 331 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries 65 years or older from 1999 to 2011. Main Outcomes and Measures Hospitalization rates for hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, 30-day and 1-year mortality rates, and 30-day readmission rates. Results A total of 279 937 patients experienced 302 095 hospitalizations for hyperglycemia, and 404 467 patients experienced 429 850 hospitalizations for hypoglycemia between 1999 and 2011. During this time, rates of admissions for hyperglycemia declined by 38.6% (from 114 to 70 admissions per 100 000 person-years), while admissions for hypoglycemia increased by 11.7% (from 94 to 105 admissions per 100 000 person-years). In analyses designed to account for changing diabetes mellitus prevalence, admissions for hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia declined by 55.2% and 9.5%, respectively. Trends were similar across age, sex, and racial subgroups, but hypoglycemia rates were 2-fold higher for older patients (≥75 years) when compared with younger patients (65-74 years), and admission rates for both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia were 4-fold higher for black patients compared with white patients. The 30-day and 1-year mortality and 30-day readmission rates improved during the study period and were similar after an index hospitalization for either hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia (5.4%, 17.1%, and 15.3%, respectively, after hyperglycemia hospitalizations in 2010; 4.4%, 19.9%, and 16.3% after hypoglycemia hospitalizations). Conclusions and Relevance Hospital admission rates for hypoglycemia now exceed those for hyperglycemia among older adults. Although admissions for hypoglycemia have declined modestly since 2007, rates among black Medicare beneficiaries and those older than 75 years remain high. Hospital admissions for severe hypoglycemia seem to pose a greater health threat than those for hyperglycemia, suggesting new opportunities for improvement in care of persons with diabetes mellitus.
Comparative Psychology’s Relevance to a Liberal Arts Education and Personal Development

The purpose of a liberal arts education is to enhance critical thinking and to facilitate personal growth through knowledge and understanding of oneself and one’s relationship with the rest of the environment. Akin to this educational process is comparative psychology’s comprehensive perspective, characterized by concepts such as continuity, emergence and a Levels of Analysis approach to understanding. Comparative psychology is a model central to the purpose and value of a liberal arts education and, as such, has the potential to enhance that process and the consequent worth of our daily lives.
Spectrographic Description of Vocalizations in Captive Otolemur garnettii

To advance knowledge of the vocal communication associated with close proximity social interactions in Garnett's greater bush baby (Otolemur garnettii), we measured acoustic and temporal properties of vocalizations from videotaped recordings of captives in two main social contexts: mother-infant interactions and adult male-female pair introductions and reintroductions. We used a real-time sonagraph or software program to display, edit, and analyze vocal waveforms, and to provide wideband and narrowband spectrograms. Vocalization characteristics measured include fundamental frequency (via inspection of harmonics) and spectral features such as formant frequency, intensity, and duration. The vocal repertoire contained 4 major types of vocalizations: 1) barks and complex multiple bark sequences, 2) low frequency flutter/hums and growls, 3) high frequency clicks and spits, and 4) noisy shrieks. We describe several vocalizations for the first time and provide a clear classification of some of them on the basis of call durations (long/short growls). Complex bark sequences, previously described as distant communication calls, were invariant and were not often emitted by individuals when in close proximity. When classified spectrographically, the remaining 3 call types, which occurred when individuals were in close proximity, were less stereotypical, and gradations within call types were apparent. Our results show that although nocturnal and non-gregarious, complex communicatory signals of bush babies constitute a vocal repertoire formerly thought to be characteristic only of diurnal, gregarious primates.
A physical interpretation of the He´non map

Abstract The orientation-preserving Henon map is shown to be equivalent to the period one return map of a periodically kicked harmonic oscillator with a suitable nonlinear coupling to the kicking term. The conservative, dissipative, and extremely dissipative (logistic limit) cases are each considered. All can be derived from a single differential equation describing the kicked oscillator system. In each case explicit coordinate and parameter transformations are given relating the return map of the kicked harmonic oscillator to a standard form of the Henon map. In the dissipative case two studies are presented with periodic kicking replaced by a smooth periodic function. Each is found to yield a “Henon-like” chaotic attractor.
Evaluation of multigrid solutions for turbulent flows

A multigrid methodology has been recently developed in a NASA solver, FUN3D, and successfully applied for a wide range of turbulent flows, from simple two-dimensional geometries to realistic three-dimensional configurations. The methodology is applicable to structuredand unstructured-grid solutions and includes both regular and agglomerated coarse meshes. Significant speed-ups over single-grid computations have been demonstrated. In the current work, we report on a detailed evaluation of the solver performance in computing benchmark turbulent flows. For those benchmark computations, multigrid solutions are compared with the corresponding single-grid solutions in terms of time-tosolution characteristics measured in the same computing environment. Multigrid efficiency enables a detailed grid-refinement study of a turbulent flow around an airfoil that is reported in the Appendix.
The Spread of Va Mycorrhizal Fungal Hyphae in the Soil: Inoculum Types and External Hyphal Architecture

Different forms of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculum are found in soil patches with differing histories. These inoculum types include spores, infected root fragments, and extramatric...