cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation of solitary internal wave-induced global instability in shallow water benthic boundary layers

Abstract The time-dependent boundary layer induced by a weakly nonlinear solitary internal wave in shallow water is examined through direct numerical simulation. Waves of depression and elevation are both considered. The mean density field corresponds to that typical of the coastal ocean and lakes where the lower fraction of the water column is subject to the stabilizing effect of a diffuse stratification. Sufficient resolution of the “inviscid” dynamics of the boundary layer is ensured through use of a Legendre spectral multidomain discretization scheme in the vertical direction. At higher Reynolds numbers, where the simulations become underresolved, because of restrictions in available computational resources, spectral accuracy and numerical stability at the scales of physical interest are preserved through use of a penalty scheme in the vertical and explicit spectral filtering. Thus, a highly accurate description of the qualitative dynamics of the wave-induced global instability is possible and finesca...
Some parameters of latent inhibition

Abstract In three experiments using the conditioned suppression procedure in rats, we sought to determine the effects of preexposing the conditioned stimulus (CS) for a total of 14,400 s. For different groups, the duration of each CS trial in preexposure was 12, 120, or 720 s. Thus, Groups 12, 120, and 720 received 1200, 120, or 20 CS-preexposure trials, respectively. The duration of the CS during conditioning was 120 s in Experiment 1, 720 s in Experiment 2A, and 12 s in Experiment 2B. In each experiment there was a control group, Group 0, that received no preexposure. The pattern of retarded conditioning in the preexposed groups supported the conclusion that the most important parameter of latent inhibition is the total CS-preexposure time. Similarity in duration of the preexposed and training CS ranked a distant second. The number of preexposure trials appeared to be of little importance when total exposure time was held constant. Thus the importance usually attributed to that number may reflect only its typical confound with total exposure time.
Electron microscopic study of plant-animal cell fusion

Avian erythrocytes and protoplasts isolated from mesophyll cells of tobacco plants were suspended in 1% protease, agglutinated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and subsequently fused upon elution of the PEG. The fusion reaction was monitored by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. SEM studies showed a marked difference in the topography of agglutinated cells. During, and subsequent to fusion, the markedly different surfaces of the two cell types became homogeneous and lines of demarcation between the cells were no longer visible. TEM revealed that adhesion occurred over the entire membrane area between agglutinated cells. Incipient fusion was evidenced by the appearance of vacuoles at the intermembrane surfaces. During initial elution of the PEG, cytoplasmic channels between erythrocytes and protoplasts were evident. With continued elution of the PEG, starch-containing plant chloroplasts and starch grains were seen within erythrocytes and homogenous erythrocyte cytoplasm was present inside plant protoplasts. Cytoplasmic mixing between the two cell types occurred within 3 hours of elution. The frequency of interkingdom fusion was estimated to be 0.5–1%.
On arithmetic inter-relationships and hardware interchangeabiltty of negabinary and binary systems

Recent use of the negabinary system in the application oriented digital hardware, has encouraged the search for suitable arithmetic algorithms in −2 base. These algorithms have been directly utilized in designing logic circuits and several logic implementations have been reported in the literature. The main objective of this paper is to show the close relationship between +2 base addition and −2 base negative addition. Two possible ways of utilizing binary adders for performing negabinary addition and their underlying theories are presented. Two similar techniques of using negabinary adders for binary addition are also considered in detail. An interesting aspect of this investigation about negabinary base is that negative addition (rather than just addition) seems to be the primitive operation from logic complexity and interchangeability of +2 and −2 adders point of view. The technique of adding two numbers in one system by the adders of the other system is extended here for multiple operand addition. This requires inclusion of an additional correction factor. Further, the additive algorithms of this work lead to four simple conversion processes of number from one system to another. This paper seems to be a realistic step towards the use of similar hardware for +2 and −2 bases and hence this allows an instantaneous flexibility on the selection of number system. It is believed that this paper will attract more attention on the use of −2 base system for the design of special purpose digital machines and process controllers.
Generation of Photon Pairs in Green Fluorescent Protein

We demonstrate generation of correlated photon pairs in naturally occurring Green Fluorescent Protein through the process of nondegenerate four-wave mixing. We obtain high purity photon pairs with a maximum coincidence to accidental ratio of ~70.
Modelling impact sound reduction in floating wood floors

Abstract The transmission of footfall-excited impact sound is commonly reduced using floating wood floors. These constructions contain three layers: a load-bearing wood floor, a resilient material and a floating wood slab. For wood construction excited by transient load (e.g. footsteps), sound reduction estimations may contain uncertainties due to inadequate modelling of footsteps and floor components. This paper presents a multiple degree-of-freedom system model using Working Model 2D® (WM2D). The model includes orthotropic behavior of wood and equivalent spring stiffness determination of the resilient layer. Sound reduction is determined and it is shown that larger reductions are possible through the inclusion of floating wood slabs in the load-bearing floor.
Pathways of Carbohydrate Catabolism in Senescent and Non‐senescent Tobacco Leaves

The pathway (s) of glucose degradation in detached senescent and non-senescent tobacco leaves from plants approximately 100 days old were studied utilizing‘Relabeled carbohydrates. Comparable samples of each tissue were allowed to metabolize glucose-1- and glucose-6-14C and C6/C1 ratios were computed from the radioactivity of 14CO2 collected. Two methods of calculation were compared. Hexose monophosphate pathway activity was also compared in both ages of tissue by measuring 14CO2 respired from substrate ribose-1-, xylose-1- and gluconic acid-6-14C. The results indicate that the hexose monophosphate pathway accounts for approximately 25 percent of the respired CO2 in both senescent and non-senescent tissues. Both types of tissue were equally efficient in degrading HMP shunt intermediates to CO2.
Electron-phonon interaction effects in tantalum

The results of calculations for a number of electron-phonon interaction effects for tantalum are presented. The calculations are based on Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker energy bands, Born--von K\'arm\'an phonons, and the rigid-muffin-tin approximation for the electron-phonon matrix element. The calculated Eliashberg spectral function ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}$F is compared with the earlier tunneling data of Shen and the proximity tunneling data of Wolf et al. The calculated and tunneling transverse-phonon peaks agree well, but the height of the tunneling longitudinal-phonon peak is smaller than the calculated results. The calculated electron-phonon coupling parameter \ensuremath{\lambda} is 0.88, which is larger than the \ensuremath{\lambda} determined from superconducting tunneling and superconducting ${T}_{c}$ measurements, but is slightly smaller than the \ensuremath{\lambda} determined from electronic specific-heat measurements. Calculated phonon linewidths along various symmetry directions are presented. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity due to phonon scattering is calculated in the lowest-order variational approximation and it agrees with experiment. The point-contact spectral function of Kulik, G(\ensuremath{\omega}), is determined and compared with ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}$F(\ensuremath{\omega}). The agreement between calculated and measured electronic specific heat and high-temperature electrical resistivity gives strong support to the validity of the rigid-muffin-tin approximation for electron-phonon matrix elements. The main disagreement between calculated and measured results is for superconducting properties for which an ad hoc Coulomb interaction ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ must be used.
Communication and navigation applications of nonlinear micro/nanoscale resonator oscillators

Micro/nanoscale resonator oscillators offer size, weight, and cost advantages to traditional quartz crystal oscillators. However, they typically cannot produce equivalent performance. Analyses and simulation are used to determine performance thresholds necessary for application of these devices in communication and navigation radios. Micro/nanoscale resonator oscillators have been created which use nonlinearities to improve their phase noise. These devices were used in actual radios to verify analyses and simulation. Measured results have shown radio performance equivalent to a 236 km communication range increase. A microscale oscillator was successfully used as a frequency reference in a navigation radio to acquire and track GPS.
The Consequences of a Floating Exchange Rate for the U.S. Wheat Market

With the introduction of flexible exchange rates in 1971, fluctuations in the value of the dollar have been pronounced. Both the magnitude and frequency of the fluctuations have been much higher than policy makers anticipated. Between 1980 and 1984, the real U.S. exchange rate rose over 40% against its major trading partners' currencies. This rise was accompanied by unprecedented increases in real U.S. interest rates against those in other major trading countries, and sharp declines in U.S. agricultural prices and export volume. U.S. wheat exports fell from 49 million metric tons (mmt) to 38 mmt, even though world trade volume increased over this period. At the same time, production and exports rose in major competing countries. The export shares of Canada, Australia, Argentina, and the European Community (EC) each rose by an average of two to three percentage points between 1981 and 1984, while the U.S. share fell from 48% to 36%. In 1984, Canadian exports constituted about 20% of world wheat trade; Australia, 13%; Argentina, 7%, and the EC, 21% including intra-EC trade. There have been several recent analyses which consider why U.S. wheat exports and prices have declined (e.g., Rausser, Frankel 1984). These tend to focus on how exchange rates and other macroeconomic variables influence agricultural prices and trade. In general, these studies are limited to only the U.S. agricultural sector. They do not incorporate the trade responses of competing countries to changes in the exchange rate and macroeconomic environment. The analyses also tend to assume that the world market is essentially competitive. However, several authors have suggested that the world wheat market is characterized by noncompetitive trade behavior, e.g., McCalla; Alaouze, Watson, and Sturgess; Paarlberg and Abbott; Wilson. These authors have noted that world wheat trade is highly concentrated, with the U.S. and Canada alone accounting for about 50% to 70% of world exports since the 1960s. Traders with market power can directly affect market shares and prices by regulating their export volume. If large wheat exporters can affect price as these authors suggest, then the effects of exchange rate changes might well differ 'from those which would occur in a competitive market.
The Wilsonian Challenge to International Law

After the Great War, Woodrow Wilson challenged the foundations of international law based on fully sovereign states. “Wilsonianism” as elaborated in the Fourteen Points, and in other speeches, rested on a logic that made a universalized liberal individual the locus of sovereignty in the new world order. The truly radical implications of Wilsonianism had no sterner critic than Robert Lansing, Wilson's secretary of state and one of the founders of the American Journal of International Law. Lansing held tenaciously to a positivist paradigm of international law as it had evolved by the early twentieth century. This article reconsiders the conflict between Wilson and Lansing not so much as a duel between individuals as a duel between conflicting conceptions of sovereignty and the purpose of international law in the new world order.
Adverse Engineering Properties of Banxi Group Slatealong Changsha Metro Line 2

For comprehensive study the adverse engineering properties of Banxi Group slate along Changsha Metro Line 2, slate samples were tested and analyzed to research their mineral composition, physical and mechanical properties, weathered properties and disintegration. Test results show that sandy slate and argillite interbedded with each other, the main minerals of slate are quartz and clay minerals, the oxide are SiO2、Al2O3, the natural compressive strength of sandy slate is five to eight times that of argillite, its softening coefficient is less than 0.75, slate is easy to soften, argillite is easy to disintegration and the disintegration of sandy slate is medium grade. The adverse engineering characteristics lead to slate rock mass uneven with hard-soft. Differential weather of slate causes there are some bedrock weathered slots along Changsha Metro Line 2. So during construction, appropriate process and tool must be selected, control the tunnel oriented, strengthen the protection and shorten the bare time of rock mass.
Surface modification of silver nanofilms for improved perchlorate detection by surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

Abstract Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as one of the most sensitive spectroscopic analysis methods, has been investigated extensively for the detection of environmental contaminants in recent years. In this work, we reported the new development of robust SERS substrates for rapid and sensitive sensing of aqueous perchlorate, a widespread environmental contaminant. The fabrication of the substrates consisted of two simple steps: (a) formation of Ag nanofilms on Cu and surface-roughened Cu foils (Ag/Cu and Ag/rCu nanofilms) using a controllable and inexpensive one-step electroless plating process, and (b) surface modification of the Ag nanofilms with cysteamine (Cys) self-assembly monolayer (SAM) (Cys-Ag/Cu and Cys-Ag/rCu substrates). Due to the strong affinity of – NH 3 + groups of the Cys molecules for perchlorate ions, the rapid SERS detection of perchlorate has been realized with a limit of detection (LOD) down to 5 μg L−1 (ppb) for aqueous samples without need for drying. Various calibration curves with good linear relationships were obtained, indicating the quantification potential of SERS analysis of perchlorate using these new substrates. It was found that the neutral pH yielded the maximum SERS signals, and 85% of original sensitivity was remained in 5 days of storage time in the air, indicating the substrates are fairly stable. Within 10 regeneration-reuse cycles, the SERS signals of perchlorate kept in the range of 85–105% of the original value, verifying its reusability.
Evidence that bone resorption of young men is not increased by high dietary phosphorus obtained from milk and cheese

Abstract Our study consisted of two 10-day periods. In period 1, seven young men (22–31 yrs; average weight of 70 kg) were fed food items providing 800 mg P, 1200 mg Ca, 11.7 MJ and 14.5 g nitrogen. In period two, diet phosphorus was doubled to 1600 mg by addition of cheese and milk. Dietary nitrogen and calcium were equalized for the two periods. Comparison of period 2 with 1 showed that serum intact parathyroid hormone tended to increase suggestive of increased bone turnover, but this possibility was not supported by the bone resorption marker, urinary deoxypyridinoline. High dietary phosphorus increased urinary ammonia N excretion which may play a small role in the mechanism of the hypocalciuric effect of P. We conclude that the high phosphorus intake typical of many diets does not promote bone resorption if the calcium to phosphorus ratio is
Population relaxation of CO(v = 1 ) vibrations in solution phase metal carbonyl complexes

Abstract Picosecond infrared saturation-recovery experiments were performed to obtain measurements of the vibrational energy lifetimes ( T 1 ) of CO( v = 1) vibrations ( v ≈ 1920-1985 cm −1 ) of carbonyl-containing metal complexes in dilute, room-temperature solutions. For relaxation of the F 1u CO-stretching vibration of W(CO) 6 in CCl 4 , CHCl 3 , n -hexane and benzene, T 1 , was found to be T 1 = 800±200, 480±50, 140±15 and 60±6 ps, respectively, while the same mode of Cr(CO) 6 , in these solvents gave T 1 = 440±70, 295±30, 145±25 and 59±6 ps. Monocarbonyl complexes with coordinated triphenylphosphine groups (TPP) have shorter CO( v = 1 ) lifetimes. These observations are rationalized in terms of molecular structure, intramolecular bonding, solvent interaction, and energy accepting vibrational modes.
The radical chemistry of t-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) - Part - further studies on hydrocarbon activation

Abstract Further aspects of the chemistry of TBHP in the presence of FeII and FeIII species have been investigated. Now all the results previously reported with TBHP can be understood in terms of radical chemistry. Oxidation states of iron higher than FeIII are not involved. Further aspects of the chemistry of TBHP in the presence of FeII and FeIII species have been investigated. Now all the results previously reported with TBHP can be understood in terms of radical chemistry. Oxidation states of iron higher than FeIII are not involved.
Coulomb-drag effect between two quantum wires: integrable models with long-range potentials

The exact solution of the one-dimensional Calogero–Sutherland models with spin-exchange and sinh− 2(r) and r − 2 interactions, and the supersymmetric t–J-model with long-range exchange interaction is used to calculate the drag current between two parallel quantum wires. The critical exponent for the drag current at low temperatures is obtained by means of the mesoscopic energy spectrum and conformal field theory. Since the interaction in the above models is repulsive, the drag current is opposite to the driving current.
A novel multivalent nanomaterial based hydrogen peroxide sensor

Abstract Most of the H 2 O 2 biosensors developed till date are based on enzymes and proteins causing them to have a limited lifetime. Moreover, complex procedures are followed for sensor fabrication. Therefore an inorganic material based sensor, with a simple design and longer shelf-life is highly desirable. In this work, an electrochemical microsensor has been designed, fabricated and tested for hydrogen peroxide detection. The 3–5 nm, non-agglomerated cerium oxide particles were synthesized and integrated with the microsensor. This greatly increases the sensor lifetime, sensitivity and robustness. The sensor is characterized and tested using samples from 1 μM to 30 mM H 2 O 2 range and a linear response is observed. Miniaturization, low detection limits, high sensitivity as well as ease of fabrication are some of the advantages of this work. Same principle could be extended for the detection of other free radicals as well.
Gauge invariance and the electromagnetic current of composite pions.

The Global Color-symmetry Model of QCD is extended to deal with a background electromagnetic field and the associated conserved current is identified for the finite size q\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}q pion modes at tree level. We work within a well-defined truncation that factorizes the bilocal pion field into a local field variable and a hadronic form factor having a ladder Bethe-Salpeter content. The associated pion charge form factor is formulated. These developments are used to provide an illustration of how an effective hadronic action containing form factors may be electrmagnetically coupled in a gauge invariant way that is accountable to its field substructure. In particular, the Ward-Takahashi identity for the photon vertex appropriate to the localized pion fields is seen to contain the hadronic form factors. In this context, gauge invariance of the effective hadronic action also requires recognition of the fact that the free inverse propagator for the localized pion field gauge transforms due to the substructure field content that has been absorbed into it.
The effects of Holocene barrier-island evolution on water-table elevations, Hatteras Island, North Carolina, USA

On Hatteras Island, North Carolina, USA, complex stratigraphy results from surficial sediments being superimposed on an inherited Pleistocene platform. Numerical simulations used to simulate water-table profiles on the island illustrate the influence that the complex stratigraphy has on water-table elevations. Field data consist of water-table profiles collected from a cross-island transect of wells. These profiles show unusually high water-table elevations in the south-central portion of Hatteras Island. Geophysical data are used to constrain the subsurface stratigraphy. Simple analytical solutions to the groundwater flow equation using laterally varying recharge rates cannot match mean water-table profiles. More complex numerical simulations, which do match the profiles, indicate that the elevated water levels result from a low-permeability unit that extends several kilometers along the longitudinal axis of the island. Island geomorphology and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data suggest that this unit is a former interdunal wetland that has been buried by a series of parabolic dunes.
Selective population of ionic states produced in photoionization by linearly polarized light

The elements of the statistical tensors describing the anisotropy of an ionic state are calculated for photoionization induced by linearly polarized light. Depending on the orbital angular momentum of the ionized subshell, there are some special photoelectron emission angles that correspond to selective population of a magnetic sublevel. We point out that, if only one magnetic substate is populated, then the elements of the statistical tensor depend only on a geometric factor that is independent of the orbital angular momentum of the photoelectron.
On the critical exponent for random walk intersections

The exponent {zeta}{sub d} for the probability of nonintersection of 2 random walks starting at the same point is considered. It is proved that 1/2 < {zeta}{sub 2} {<=} 3/4. Monte Carlo simulations are done to suggest {zeta}{sub 2} = 0.61{hor ellipsis} and {zeta}{sub 3} {approx} 0.29.
A systematic analysis of septal deviation associated with rhinosinusitis

Objectives/Hypothesis: Rhinosinusitis might have many etiologies that lead to a common presentation of inflammation and impaired mucociliary clearance. Anatomic factors were once thought to play a large role in the pathogenesis of rhinosinusitis, and septal deviation was examined in multiple studies with conflicting results. With the more recent appreciation that the development of rhinosinusitis is likely multifactorial, it is appropriate to re-examine possible anatomic etiologies. A systematic analysis of septal deviation and rhinosinusitis was therefore performed to better define this association and describe possible etiologic mechanisms. Examination of a large sample, accomplished through systematically identifying and combining previous studies, may compensate for the several shortcomings of these separate analyses. A systematic analysis was therefore performed to answer the question, is septal deviation associated with rhinosinusitis? Study Design: Systematic analysis of previously published studies. Methods: Following a structured literature search, articles examining the association of septal deviation and rhinosinusitis were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Based on the quantitative results, a septal deviation angle (SDA) cutoff of 10° was chosen for distinguishing positive from negative for septal deviation in the qualitative analysis. Results: Of over 300 references initially identified, 13 articles comprised the basis of this review. Increasing angles of septal deviation were associated with increasing prevalence of rhinosinusitis in multiple studies. Combining the results of five previous studies on this subject demonstrated significant association of septal deviation and rhinosinusitis (P = .0004, χ2 analysis). The clinical effect was found, however, to be modest with an odds ratio of 1.47. Interestingly, in all studies that examined the laterality of rhinosinusitis associated with septal deviation, inflammation was found bilaterally. Based on the data from this analysis, it appears that many of the previous analyses were insufficiently powered to detect an association between rhinosinusitis and septal deviation. Others failed to find an association by examining subjects with small SDAs. Conclusions: Septal deviation is associated with an increased prevalence of rhinosinusitis, although the impact of this anatomic anomaly is limited. It appears to be one of many possible factors that might lead to the development of rhinosinusitis. Laryngoscope, 2010
Quinoxalinone inhibitors of the lectin DC-SIGN

The C-type lectin dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3–grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) can serve as a docking site for pathogens on the surface of dendritic cells. Pathogen binding to DC-SIGN can have diverse consequences for the host. DC-SIGN can facilitate HIV-1 dissemination, but the interaction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with DC-SIGN is important for host immunity. The ability of pathogens to target DC-SIGN provides impetus to identify ligands that can perturb these interactions. Here, we describe the first stable small molecule inhibitors of DC-SIGN. These inhibitors were derived from a collection of quinoxalinones, which were assembled using a tandem cross metathesis-hydrogenation sequence. To assess the ability of these small molecules to block DC-SIGN-mediated glycan adhesion and internalization, we developed a sensitive flow cytometry assay. Our results reveal that the quinoxalinones are effective inhibitors of DC-SIGN–glycan interactions. These compounds block both glycan binding to cells and glycan internalization. We anticipate that these non-carbohydrate inhibitors can be used to elucidate the role of DC-SIGN in pathogenesis and immune function.
The short-term effects of acupuncture on myofascial pain patients after clenching.

Aim: Short-term pain reduction from acupuncture in chronic myofascial pain subjects was evaluated using an 11-point (0 to 10) numeric rating scale, visual analog scale (VAS), and pain rating of mechanical pressure on the masseter muscle. Methods: A single-blind, randomized, controlled, clinical trial with an independent observer was performed. Fifteen chronic myofascial pain subjects over the age of 18 were randomly assigned into groups: nine subjects received real acupuncture; six subjects received sham acupuncture. Each subject clenched his/her teeth for 2 minutes. Acupuncture or sham acupuncture was administered at the Hegu Large Intestine 4 acupoint. Sham acupuncture was conducted by lightly pricking the skin with a shortened, blunted acupuncture needle through a foam pad, without penetrating the skin. The foam pad visually conceals the needle's point of the entry, so that the subject cannot discern which technique is being used. The subjects rated their general pain on a numeric rating scale. A mechanical pain stimulus was applied with an algometer and the subject rated his/her pain on a VAS. Statistical analysis was performed using the repeated measures anova, paired t-tests, and Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in pain tolerance with acupuncture (P = 0.027). There was statistically significant reduction in face pain (P = 0.003), neck pain (P = 0.011), and headache (P = 0.015) with perception of real acupuncture. Conclusion: Pain tolerance in the masticatory muscles increased significantly more with acupuncture than sham acupuncture.
The direction of evolution in the Drosophila melanogaster species subgroup based on functional analysis of the crystal cells

The crystal cells in the hemolymph of Drosophila melanogaster contain paracrystalline inclusions and phenol oxidase. Melanization of this type of blood cell can be induced by treatment of larvae with hot water. By using this functional criterion to establish cell homology we compared the shape of the inclusions in the crystal cells of the D. melanogaster species subgroup and a number of distantly related species of Drosophila. The crystal cell inclusions in four of the sibling species (simulans, erecta, mauritiana, yakuba) are the same as those found in D. melanogaster. In the fifth species, D. teissieri, the crystal cell inclusions resemble those found in the hemocytes of the other larval drosophilids that were examined rather than those of D. melanogaster. On the basis of these observations and the phylogenetic relationships deduced from analysis of chromosomal inversions by Lemeunier and Ashburner ('76), we propose that D. teissieri is closer to the ancestral form or is the ancestral species of the melanogaster species subgroup of Drosophila. This is the first instance in which a hemocyte type has been used to determine the direction of evolution within a subgroup of insect species.
American Gastroenterological Association Medical Position Statement on the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Medical Position Panel consisted of the authors of the technical review, a community-based gastroenterologist (Stephen W. Hiltz, MD, MBA, AGAF), an insurance provider representative (Edgar Black, MD, Medical Director, Policy Resources Technology Evaluation Center, BlueCross BlueShield Association), a general surgeon (Irvin M. Modlin, MD), a patient advocate (Gregory Lane), a primary care physician (Steve P. Johnson, MD), a gastroenterologist with expertise in health services research (Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD), the Chair of the AGA Institute Clinical Practice and Quality Management Committee (John Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF), and the Chair of the AGA Institute Practice Management and Economics Committee and the AGA Institute CPT Advisor (Joel V. Brill, MD, AGAF).
Protein-ligand binding detected using ultrafiltration Raman difference spectroscopy.

Abstract A new ultra-filtration-Raman-difference (UFRD) method facilitates the tag-free screening and quantitation of protein–ligand binding constants. The method relies on drop-coating-deposition-Raman (DCDR) combined with ultrafiltration and difference spectroscopy. Ultrafiltration is used to remove free (unbound) ligands from pre-equilibrated protein/ligand solutions. Difference DCDR spectroscopy is used to detect binding-induced vibrational spectral changes obtained from proteins with and without a bound ligand. The capabilities of the UFRD method are demonstrated using the binding of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) to transthyretin (TTR), as well as preliminary measurements in several other systems. The UFRD results clearly reveal DNP spectral features induced by binding to TTR and confirm that only a 1:1 complex is formed even under 10-fold excess DNP conditions. The UFRD method is shown to be most useful when applied to strongly Raman active ligands (such as aromatic compounds). Weakly Raman-active ligands (such as sugars) are typically not compatible with UFRD detection (unless they produce a sufficiently large binding-induced change in protein secondary structure). Theoretical predictions suggest that UFRD may be used to screen binding events with a dissociation constant cut-off of the order of 10 μM, and perhaps also to quantify dissociation constants in the 100 nM to 100 μM range.
A course on smartgrid networks

Engineering curricula are still designed to give the impression that Power systems, Control theory on the one hand and Computing and Communication Networks on the other, are continuing to evolve in parallel tracks. The myths are that the application space is irrelevant in the study of communication and computer networks, and that controls and power applications can use communications and computations as commodities. Media transmission, cellular communications, web, database servers communications are important applications that permeate networking curricula. Why not considering power delivery as the application of interest instead? We describe here a new course that is aimed at engaging students that are interested in the kind of computer and machine to machine communications that will be found Smart Grid networks. The aim is to develop an new kind of researcher and engineer that has the tools to creatively think about Smart Grid networking solutions. The time is ripe for this change, as an increasing finding technical solutions that will help delivering sustainable energy.
Characterizing wave coherence with satellite-based synthetic aperture radar

Abstract A critical issue in the design of large floating structures, such as those being considered in the mobile off-shore base effort currently being pursued by the US Navy, is the nature of the ocean-wave field, viewed on scales of 2 km or more. Of prime concern is the ability to assess the spatial ‘coherence’ of the wave field, or the probability of occurrence of long, unbroken wave crests for various environmental conditions. This paper will describe an effort to use satellite-based synthetic-aperture radar images to determine the crest-length statistics for ocean waves. It summarizes work in determining the appropriate measures to apply to the sea surface, and how they can be applied to SAR data.
Library services and the Web

Abstract Traditionally the astronomy librarian's role has been to (1) select, collect and maintain the materials needed by observational astronomers and/or theoretical astrophysicists to pursue their research; (2) to organize the materials in such a way that they are easily accessible and retrievable; and (3) to help library users locate the information they need. The advent of computerized information systems hasn't really changed the librarian's role described above; but it has surely changed the format of the materials we select, whether or not we collect them, and how we maintain our links to this information. Computers in libraries have also changed the methods we use to retrieve information, and the kind and amount of instruction we must provide our users. This paper will examine how, in a very short time, the World-Wide Web has revolutionized astronomy libraries, and will continue to do so as the electronic versions of our traditional books and journals become more widely available and more accepted by library users.
The budget deficit and the arbitrage pricing theory

Abstract Non-linear SUR techniques are used to demonstrate that the budget deficit is a priced factor in the Arbitrage Pricing Theory. The results also indicate that unexpected increases in the deficit lower stock prices.
Effect of surface termination on the electrical conductivity and broad-band internal infrared reflectance of a diamond (110) surface

Large variations in the broad-band reflectance (\ensuremath{\sim}3.4% per reflection at 5000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$) were observed in the multiple-internal-reflection infrared spectrum of a diamond (110) surface upon surface chemical modification. Larger changes in reflectivity were observed for s than for p polarization, consistent with a reflectivity change that resulted from modification of the surface. The effect of surface termination on the electrical conductivity of the diamond (110) surface was measured in vacuo. The bare surface was most conductive (1.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{7}$ \ensuremath{\Omega}/\ensuremath{\square}), followed by the hydrogenated surface (\ensuremath{\sim}6.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{7}$ \ensuremath{\Omega}/\ensuremath{\square}), and the highly insulating oxidized surface (\ensuremath{\gtrsim}${10}^{12}$ \ensuremath{\Omega}/\ensuremath{\square}). The internal reflectance of diamond decreases as the surface becomes more conductive.
Calculation of Rate Constants for Proton Transfer between Tethered Oxygens

To model proton transfer in biological systems, we consider a modified H5O2+ system, in which each of the two outermost hydrogens (H*) is assigned a large mass in order to represent a backbone. For...
Parallel schedule synthesis for attribute grammars

We examine how to synthesize a parallel schedule of structured traversals over trees. In our system, programs are declaratively specified as attribute grammars. Our synthesizer automatically, correctly, and quickly schedules the attribute grammar as a composition of parallel tree traversals. Our downstream compiler optimizes for GPUs and multicore CPUs.We provide support for designing efficient schedules. First, we introduce a declarative language of schedules where programmers may constrain any part of the schedule and the synthesizer will complete and autotune the rest. Furthermore, the synthesizer answers debugging queries about how schedules may be completed.We evaluate our approach with two case studies. First, we created the first parallel schedule for a large fragment of CSS and report a 3X multicore speedup. Second, we created an interactive GPU-accelerated animation of over 100,000 nodes.
Effect of Learner-Centered Teaching on Motivation and Learning Strategies in a Third-Year Pharmacotherapy Course

Objectives. To develop, implement, and assess a learner-centered approach to teaching a third-year pharmacotherapy course in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program. Methods. The pharmacotherapy course was restructured according to the learner-centered approach. The Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) was administered to students before and after taking the course, and changes in MSLQ subscales from baseline were evaluated. Students' response to the learner-centered approach and characteristics associated with MSLQ scores were also evaluated. Results. Compared to baseline, students' intrinsic goal orientation control of learning beliefs, self-efficacy, critical thinking, and metacognitive self-regulation improved after taking the course. Students responded positively to the learner-centered approach. Additionally, students with a clinical practice career orientation or who prepared frequently for classes scored higher on several MSLQ domains. Conclusions. The learner-centered approach was...
Listening for UHE Neutrinos with the ANITA LDB instrument

The Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna, ANITA is a balloon-borne array of sensitive antennas that will listen over the Antarctic continent for radio Cherenkov emissions caused by the interaction of ultra high energy neutrino particles due to the Askaryan effect in the Antarctic ice. These GZK neutrinos provide a unique opportunity to probe the ultra-high energy universe as they are not subject to interactions with or scattering off magnetic or radiation fields like the CMB. ANITA has been selected to fly on a NASA long duration balloon currently set for launch in December 2006.
Muscle cramps: quinine derivatives likely to be effective but not recommended for routine use due to toxicity; vitamin B complex, naftidrofuryl and calcium channel blockers possibly effective

Commentary on: HD Katzberg, AH Khan, YT So. Assessment: symptomatic treatment for muscle cramps (an evidence-based review): report of the therapeutics and technology assessment subcommittee of the American academy of neurology. Neurology2010;74:691–6.
Electronic and dielectric properties of insulating Zr 3 N 4

The electronic structures and dielectric functions of ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}{\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ were studied by a first-principles density-functional method. Three different structure models were used: (1) ZrN in a rocksalt structure with an ordered Zr vacancy, or ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}\ensuremath{\square}{\mathrm{N}}_{4},$ (2) $c\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}{\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ in the cubic spinel structure and (3) $o\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}{\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ in the orthorhombic structure. All three structures of ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}{\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ are found to be insulators with small indirect band gaps. This appears to be consistent with experimental observation that ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}{\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ is an insulator. Total-energy (E) calculations show that ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}\ensuremath{\square}{\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ has an expanded lattice constant compared to ZrN by about 0.75%, and that $E({\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}\ensuremath{\square}{\mathrm{N}}_{4})lE(o\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}{\mathrm{N}}_{4})lE(c\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}{\mathrm{N}}_{4})$ which indicates that the ordered defect model for ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}{\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ is valid. It is further demonstrated that past calculations showing ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}\ensuremath{\square}{\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ to be a metal were caused by the failure to relax the vacancy structure. The electronic structures and the optical dielectric functions for all three models were calculated and analyzed in detail. The ${\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}\ensuremath{\square}{\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ model again shows the best overall agreement with available experimental data. All three structures have relatively large optical dielectric constants at zero frequency. Possible implications from these calculations are discussed.
To boldly go where no learner has gone before Independent inquiry, educational technology, and society in science fiction

Possibilities for a different form of education have provided rich sources of inspiration for science fiction writers. Isaac Asimov, Orson Scott Card, Neal Stephenson, Octavia Butler, and Vernor Vi...
Observing Play Activity: The Children’s Developmental Play Instrument (CDPI) with Reliability Studies

The Children’s Developmental Play Instrument is a multidimensional tool intended for use in observing the play activity of mainstream children. The instrument consists of scales to segment a child’s activity and to analyze the child’s play activity into Affective, Cognitive, Narrative and Developmental Components. Subsequently, the Functional Analysis is used to rate the Engagement of the child, the Use of Symbols by the child and the child’s Play Style. Two reliability studies reveal predominantly good to excellent levels of consensus between raters. These positive findings suggest the need for additional research to gather further data with groups of children from varying chronological ages and social groups. These play activity ratings, used in conjunction with other ratings of the child’s mileau, can serve as indicators of the general well-being of the child.
Preparation and functionalization of reactive monodisperse macroporous poly(chloromethylstyrene‐co‐styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) beads by a staged templated suspension polymerization

Reactive monodisperse porous poly(chloromethylstyrene-co-styrene-co-di-vinylbenzene) beads have been prepared by a staged templated suspension polymerization method with different concentrations of linear polystyrene porogen and chloromethylstyrene in the polymerization mixture. The presence ofa small amount of linear polystyrene in the polymerization mixture leads to a dramatic increase in both the pore size and the pore volume of the resulting beads. In contrast, addition of chloromethylstyrene leads to lower surface areas and smoother surfaces due to the reduced compatibility between the polystyrene porogen and the newly formed crosslinked chains. The modification of chloromethylstyrene beads by Gabriel synthesis to obtain aminated beads has also been studied. The final number of primary amino groups is related to the starting concentration of functional benzyl chloride moieties rather than to the porous properties. Both π-basic and π-acidic type chiral selectors, (R)-I-( 1-naphthyl )-ethylamine and (R)-N-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl)phenylglycine, respectively, have been attached to the amino functionalized beads, and the resulting chiral beads have been used in the model HPLC separations of enantiomers.
Effects of ethnicity and insurance status on outcomes after thoracic endoluminal aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR).

Background Thoracic endoluminal aortic aneurysm repair (TEVAR) is associated with improved outcomes compared with open thoracic aortic aneurysm repair. This study was designed to better characterize TEVAR outcomes in a large population, and to determine if outcomes are independently influenced by patient ethnicity and insurance status. Methods Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, we selected patients who underwent TEVAR between 2001 and 2005. Ethnicity and insurance type were independently evaluated against the outcome variables of mortality and postoperative complications. Age, gender, hospital region, hospital location, hospital size, and comorbidities were controlled as cofounders. Results Between 2001 and 2005, 875 patients underwent TEVAR. There was a significantly greater proportion of Caucasians (n = 650) compared with African Americans (n = 104) or Hispanics (n = 49). Patients had a male preponderance, and most procedures were elective. The overall mortality was 13.3% (n = 117), and spinal cord ischemia was 0.8% (n = 7), with no differences between patients of varied ethnicity or payer status. Significant differences were noted among the races including gender ( P = .003), income ( P P P = .013), and insurance type ( P P P = .009), income ( P = .003), race ( P P Conclusions Mortality after TEVAR remains high in the US, although this may be associated with its early introduction during the study period. Nonetheless, the incidence of spinal cord ischemia is very low. Ethnicity and insurance type do not appear to influence TEVAR outcomes.
Parallel algorithms for maximal monotone operators of local type

This paper presents general algorithms for the parallel solution of finite element problems associated with maximal monotone operators of local type. The latter concept, which is also introduced here, is well suited to capture the idea that the given operator is the discretization of a differential operator that may involve nonlinearities and/or constraints as long as those are of a local nature. Our algorithms are obtained as a combination of known algorithms for possibly multi-valued maximal monotone operators with appropriate decompositions of the domain. This work extends a method due to two of the authors in the single-valued and linear case.
A womanist approach to understanding and assessing the relationship between spirituality and mental health

Mental health is a growing concern for Black women. Issues of gender, race, and class contribute to Black women's mental health status. Over-burdened and over-extended, Black women are continuously...
Interface Volume As A Possible Diagnostic Of The Quality Of Protein-protein Docking

The correlation between the volumes of the interface between decoy structures with the RMSD from the experimental structure will be presented for a set of 84 protein dimers with known crystal structure. The interface volume is calculated with a so-called crude Monte Carlo technique: uniformly distributed random points are generated in a rectangle around the interface and the fraction of these points fond to lie in the interface will give the volume. The filters for being in the interface include simultaneous proximity of atoms belonging to both proteins and a filter based on the circular variance that was shown to be a effective diagnostic of being inside/outside of set of points of irregular shape.