cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The strategic value of a shared understanding of costs

Purpose – To make resource‐related decisions in a way that maximizes an organization's effectiveness and promotes its mission, nonprofit leaders need to have a clear picture of the full costs of operating their programs and services.Design/methodology/approach – The authors studied individual nonprofits and confirmed their findings by interviewing their executives.Findings – While most nonprofits have a good understanding of the direct costs incurred by their programs, many don't account for indirect costs. Full cost data can provide invaluable input to decisions about how to allocate resources among programs, whether to expand into a new location, and what level of funding is required to sustain the organization's operations.Research limitations/implications – Larger studies are needed to confirm whether nonprofit executives conclude that investing in more accurate cost accounting provides a substantial payoff.Practical implications – Resource‐allocation decisions based on accurate cost data present nonp...
Image query and indexing for digital x rays

The web-based medical information retrieval system (WebMIRS) allows interned access to databases containing 17,000 digitized x-ray spine images and associated text data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). WebMIRS allows SQL query of the text, and viewing of the returned text records and images using a standard browser. We are now working (1) to determine utility of data directly derived from the images in our databases, and (2) to investigate the feasibility of computer-assisted or automated indexing of the images to support image retrieval of images of interest to biomedical researchers in the field of osteoarthritis. To build an initial database based on image data, we are manually segmenting a subset of the vertebrae, using techniques from vertebral morphometry. From this, we will derive and add to the database vertebral features. This image-derived data will enhance the user's data access capability by enabling the creation of combined SQL/image-content queries.
Estrogen effects on the forced swim test differ in two outbred rat strains

Abstract Changes in reproductive hormones, such as estrogen, play a role in mood regulation. The present study examined strain differences (Long–Evans vs. Wistar–Hannover) in the behavioral and biochemical effects of estrogen manipulation. Adult ovariectomized female rats were treated with estradiol, vehicle, or withdrawn from estradiol. The two strains demonstrated differential behavioral responses to short-term estradiol administration in the forced swim test; estradiol induced an antidepressant-like effect in Long–Evans rats but not in Wistar rats. Conversely, withdrawal from estradiol resulted in a depressive-like state in the Wistar rats but not in the Long–Evans rats. Western blot analyses found no differences in estrogen receptors α and β within the hippocampus or the frontal cortex, two brain areas strongly implicated in affective disorders. These data demonstrate the importance of strain as a variable when interpreting behavioral effects of estrogen.
Comparison of research quality guidelines in academic and nonacademic environments.

Only 2 medical schools in the United States and Canada of 133 that responded to a survey have policy guidelines that address most of the significant ethical and procedural issues related to misconduct and fraud in biomedical research. Some nonacademic research environments have superior guidelines that offer useful models and deserve examination. Prevention of misconduct and fraud in biomedical research and reporting requires thoughtful, proactive change by academic and clinical institutions. While the causes of misconduct and fraud may be sufficiently complex to engender long debate, the methods for minimizing it are relatively straightforward and start with a clear statement of values and acceptance of responsibility. Otherwise, the failure of the biomedicla research community to meet this challenge forthrightly is soon likely to lead to damaging intervention by government agencies and elected officials. The time to act is now. ( JAMA . 1990;263:1435-1437)
Pelvic exenteration with curative intent for recurrent uterine malignancies.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the outcomes observed with pelvic exenteration with curative intent for recurrent uterine malignancies in the modern era. Methods We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent this procedure at our institution between 1/1997 and 03/2011. Postoperative complications up to 90days after surgery were analyzed and graded as per our institution grading system. Survivals were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results During the study period, 21 patients were identified. Median age at the time of exenteration was 57years (range, 36–75). Median tumor size was 6cm (range, microscopic — 14.5). Tumor histology was: endometrioid, 10 cases; mixed, serous, and carcinosarcoma, 7 cases; and sarcomas, 4 cases. The type of exenteration was: total, 14 cases; anterior, 6 cases and posterior, 1 case. There were no intra- or postoperative mortalities. Seven patients (33%) developed at least one grade 2 complication, and 10 patients (48%) developed at least one grade 3 complication. Five (24%) patients had to be re-operated on in the first 90days post surgery. The median follow up time after exenteration was 39months (range, 5–112). The 5-year survival of the entire cohort was 40% (95% CI: 18–63). An improved survival was observed in patients with endometrioid tumors and sarcomas (5-year survival rates of 50% and 66%, respectively). The presence of pelvic sidewall involvement and/or hydronephrosis did not negatively affect survival. Conclusion Pelvic exenteration for recurrent uterine malignancies can be associated with long-term survival in properly selected patients. A high rate of postoperative complications remains a hallmark of this procedure and should be discussed carefully with patients facing this decision.
Personal reflections on participant observation as a methodology in the social sciences

The author discusses the value of participant observation as a methodology in the social sciences. From ten years of experience he has culled both academic and personal reflections. The author discusses participant observation as anthropological fieldwork, alterations in perceptions and internalization of methodology, increased self awareness and an increased sense of finiteness.
Spinor Approach to Gravitational Motion and Precession

The translational and rotational equations of motion for a small rigid body in a gravitational field are combined in a single spinor equation. Besides its computational advantages, this unifies the description of gravitational interaction in classical and quantum theory. Explicit expressions for gravitational precession rates are derived.
Shifting the Balance: Equalizing Protection for Both Participants and Beneficiaries of Research

It is difficult to imagine discussing regulations on human research without simultaneously considering historical breaches in bioethics. No matter how trite it might seem to reference Tuskegee or W...
Spiritual pathology and religious coping as predictors of forgiveness

Spiritual pathology, religious coping, and dispositional forgiveness were investigated in two studies with graduate students at a Christian university-based seminary. Spiritual pathology was operationalised using measures of spiritual instability and spiritual grandiosity. Study 1 (N = 194) examined patterns of correlation between positive and negative religious coping items, spiritual pathology, and dispositional forgiveness. Spiritual instability correlated with numerous positive and negative religious coping items while spiritual grandiosity did not. Dispositional forgiveness correlated with more positive than negative religious coping items. Study 2 (N = 214) tested regression models with these variables. Spiritual grandiosity showed a significant quadratic (concave down) effect in predicting dispositional forgiveness while the linear effect was not significant. A hierarchical regression model showed positive religious coping, spiritual instability, and the quadratic effect for spiritual grandiosity e...
Challenging “Best Practices” in Family Literacy and Parent Education Programs: The Development and Enactment of Mothering Knowledge among Puerto Rican and Latina Mothers in Chicago

This article discusses the findings of an ethnographic research study exploring the experiences of Puerto Rican women attending a family literacy program in Chicago. In particular, the study investigated the repositories of knowledge and information available to participating women that figured into the development of their notions about parenting, in the process posing these various trajectories against the types of knowledge and approaches usually promoted within family literacy and parent education programs. [teen mothers, family literacy programs, parent education, Puerto Rican mothers, Chicago, Latino/a communities]
Evolving shapes in wireless sensor networks

We present an implementation of a system for managing evolving shapes in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). A shape is a contiguous region in which the measurements of the sensors detect values above a given threshold. Our system, in its current version, solves two important problems: (1) Detecting and tracking the changes of boundaries; (2) Detecting an occurrence of within distance predicate for two (or more) shapes. A centralized approach (transmitting raw measurements to a dedicated sink) incurs communication overhead, so we developed distributed algorithms for managing the predicates related to evolving shapes. This demo will present the implementation of our solutions in a heterogeneous WSN consisting of TelosB and SunSPOT motes. It will also illustrate the end-user tools: interface for specifying the parameters of the predicates, along with real-time visualization of their evaluation.
Involvement of arginine 143 in nucleotide substrate binding at the active site of adenylosuccinate synthetase from Escherichia coli.

Adenylosuccinate synthetase from Escherichia coli is inactivated in a biphasic reaction by guanosine 5'-O-[S-(4-bromo-2,3-dioxobutyl)thio]phosphate (GMPSBDB) at pH 7.1 and 25 degrees C. Reaction of the enzyme with [8-3H]GMPSBDB results in the incorporation of 2 mol of the reagent/mol of subunit; in the presence of active site ligands the incorporation is reduced to 1 mol of reagent/mol of subunit. GMPSBDB reacts with Cys-291 in the initial rapid reaction which is accompanied by loss of 50% of the enzymatic activity; this reaction is not affected by the presence of active site ligands. In the slower reaction, GMPSBDB inactivates the enzyme by reacting with Arg-143. The inactivation kinetics of the slower phase are consistent with the formation of an enzyme--GMPSBDB complex having a Kd of 42 microM. Active site nucleotides, either adenylosuccinate or IMP + GTP, prevent both slower phase inactivation and labeling of Arg-143. Replacement of Arg-143 with a Leu by site-directed mutagenesis does not change the catalytic constant or the K(m) for aspartate but does significantly impair nucleotide binding: the Michaelis constants for IMP and GTP increase by 60-fold and 10-fold, respectively, in the R143L mutant. The crystal structure of the E. coli enzyme [Poland, B.W., Silva, M.M., Serra, M.A., Cho, Y., Kim, K. H., Harris, E.M.S., & Honzatko, R.B. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 25334--25342] shows that Arg-143 from one subunit projects into the putative active site of the other subunit. These results indicate that both subunits of dimeric adenylosuccinate synthetase contribute to each active site and that Arg-143 plays an important role in nucleotide binding.
Variational scattering theory using a functional of fractional form. I. General theory

We propose a variational method for scattering in which the functional is of a fractional form as for the Schwinger variational principle. However, our functional does not involve the Green's function, but the Hamiltonian and the potential function. This method shows features of both the Schwinger-type variational principles and the Kohn-type standard variational principles. As a result, our method can derive distinct advantages from both of these approaches. The resultant K matrix is symmetric and anomaly-free. Some other properties, including a minimum principle, which is useful in the selection of an optimum basis for the expansion of the scattering functions are also discussed.
Leukocyte-poor red blood cells prepared by the addition and removal of glycerol from red blood cell concentrates stores at 4 C.

Glycerol was added to and removed from red blood cells to prepare red blood cells free of white blood cells, platelets, and plasma protein. The red blood cells were stored in the primary polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastic collection bag for up to eight days. Red blood cell concentrates not treated with glycerol were washed either within four to six hours of collection or after seven days of storage at 4 C. Red blood cells mixed with glycerol were either washed immediately after addition or were equilibrated for 15 minutes at room temperature before washing. Leukocyte removal was influenced by the length of storage of the red blood cell concentrate at 4 C after collection and by the equilibration of the red blood cell-glycerol mixture prior to washing. The greatest number of leukocyte was removed when red blood cell concentrates were stored at 4 C for at least five days, mixed with glycerol solution, and the red blood cell-glycerol mixture equilibrated for 15 minutes before washing the Haemonetics Blood Processor 115. Leukocyte-poor red blood cells prepared by this procedure have been shown to be safe and effective in eliminating febrile transfusion reactions.
Dendritic Initiation and Propagation of Spikes and Spike Bursts in a Multimodal Sensory Interneuron: The Crustacean Parasol Cell

Invasion of dendrites by spikes and spike bursts can play a critical role in regulating the output of central neurons by modifying their dynamic input-output relationships. Back-propagating bursts can modulate voltage-gated channels in the short term and can also modify long-term responses to synaptic input. Determining the morphological site of spike initiation and the mode of propagation through the dendritic arbor is therefore crucial to an understanding of a neuron's functional properties. I used electrophysiological methods to study parasol cells in isolated, perfused head preparations of the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii to determine the compartment of origin of orthodromically activated action potentials and bursts that propagate within the dendritic arbor and to examine the identity of low-amplitude, electrotonically recorded spike events that are present in more than one-half of the intracellular recordings obtained from dendrites in these neurons. Experiments using antidromic activation of parasol cell axons indicated that electrotonically recorded spikes probably are generated in neighboring parasol cells, to which the impaled neurons are electrically coupled. Both paired intracellular recordings and extracellular field potential measurements were used to compare arrival times of antidromic and orthodromic spikes at loci in the vicinity of the trunk and the basal branch compartments of parasol cell dendrites. These methods provided consistent results, indicating that synaptically evoked action potentials are initiated at a site on the trunk, from which point they back-propagate into the basal branches within the hemiellipsoid body, and presumably, also orthodromically to the axon. Data are presented suggesting that bursts also arise at a trunk locus, but one that is different from the initiation point of single spikes evoked by excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs). Morphological specializations between the dendritic trunk and basal branches may facilitate back-propagation of spikes and spike bursts into the basal branches.
The Intramolecular Sulfur−Nitrogen Bond in Aqueous 3-(Methylthio)propylamine Radical Cation

Kinetic and structural properties of the intramolecular sulfur−nitrogen bond (>S∴NH2+•−) in aqueous 3-(methylthio)propylamine (3-MTPA) radical cation have been examined as a model for the cyclized ...
A Relaxation Method for Simulating the Kinematics of Compound Nonlinear Mechanisms

This paper describes a relaxation-based method for simulating 2D and 3D compound kinematic mechanisms. The relaxational process iteratively propagates node motions and degrees of freedom throughout a given kinematic mechanism. While relaxation methods were classically used to solve static problems, we show that the propagation of displacements during the calculation process itself reveals the kinematics of the structure. The method is slower than approaches based on solving simultaneous differential equations of motion, but provides several advantages: It achieves a higher level of accuracy, is more robust in handling transient singularities and degeneracies of the mechanism, and can handle more complex compound mechanisms with many links in multiple entangled kinematic chains. It also allows straightforward introduction of linkages with nonlinear behaviors such as wrapping strings, hydraulics, actuators, contacts, and other arbitrary responses. The basic simulation algorithm is presented, and a number of applications are provided including robotics, design, and biomechanics.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of pyrazolopyrimidine-sulfonamides as potent multiple-mitotic kinase (MMK) inhibitors (part I).

Abstract A novel class of pyrazolopyrimidine-sulfonamides was discovered as selective dual inhibitors of aurora kinase A (AKA) and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). These inhibitors were originally designed based on an early lead (compound I). SAR development has led to the discovery of potent inhibitors with single digit nM IC50s towards both AKA and CDK1. An exemplary compound 1a has demonstrated good efficacy in an HCT116 colon cancer xenograft model.
Ising Model with Frustration, Elasticity, and Competing Interactions

The Ising model on a compressible triangular lattice with axial next-nearestneighbor interactions is studied in the mean-field approximation. A representative phase diagram is generated, which exhibits first- and second-order phase transitions to commensurate modulated phases. The crossover point from first to second order transitions is calculated. The stability of the modulated phases is calculated analytically in a low-temperature approximation. These results are very different from the ANNNI model, which exhibits a second-order transition to a continuum of commensurate and incommensurate phases.
Analytical expressions and recursion relations of two-center harmonic oscillator matrix elements of arbitrary functions

The matrix elements of various analytical functions f(X), X being the internuclear separation, are required for the description of transition probabilities and other molecular properties. These matrix elements can be conveniently estimated by assuming vibrational wave functions of two relatively dispalced linear harmonic oscillators of arbitrary frequencies to represent the vibrational levels of two electronic states of a molecule. Using this assumption, analytical expressions for the matrix elements of an arbitrary analytical function f(X) are obtained. Useful recursion relations among these matrix elements are derived and an elegant graphical representation of the recursion relations is obtained. These graphical representations are utilized to obtain new more general recursion relations among matrix elements of the arbitrary function f(X).
Molecular organization of the complex between the muscarinic M3 receptor and the regulator of G protein signaling, Gβ5-RGS7

The complex of the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS), Gbeta(5)-RGS7, can inhibit signal transduction via the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3R). RGS7 consists of three distinct structural entities: the DEP domain and its extension DHEX, the Ggamma-like (GGL) domain, which is permanently bound to Gbeta subunit Gbeta(5), and the RGS domain responsible for the interaction with Galpha subunits. Inhibition of the M3R by Gbeta(5)-RGS7 is independent of the RGS domain but requires binding of the DEP domain to the third intracellular loop of the receptor. Recent studies identified the dynamic intramolecular interaction between the Gbeta(5) and DEP domains, which suggested that the Gbeta(5)-RGS7 dimer could alternate between the "open" and "closed" conformations. Here, we identified point mutations that weaken DEP-Gbeta(5) binding, presumably stabilizing the open state, and tested their effects on the interaction of Gbeta(5)-RGS7 with the M3R. We found that these mutations facilitated binding of Gbeta(5)-RGS7 to the recombinant third intracellular loop of the M3R but did not enhance its ability to inhibit M3R-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization. This led us to the idea that the M3R can effectively induce the Gbeta(5)-RGS7 dimer to open; such a mechanism would require a region of the receptor distinct from the third loop. Indeed, we found that the C-terminus of M3R interacts with Gbeta(5)-RGS7. Truncation of the C-terminus rendered the M3R insensitive to inhibition by wild-type Gbeta(5)-RGS7; however, the open mutant of Gbeta(5)-RGS7 was able to inhibit signaling by the truncated M3R. The GST fusion of the M3R C-tail could not bind to wild-type Gbeta(5)-RGS7 but could associate with its open mutant as well as with the separated recombinant DEP domain or Gbeta(5). Taken together, our data are consistent with the following model: interaction of the M3R with Gbeta(5)-RGS7 causes the DEP domain and Gbeta(5) to dissociate from each other and bind to the C-tail, and the DEP domain also binds to the third loop, thereby inhibiting M3R-mediated signaling.
Genetic and environmental contributions to the associations between intraindividual variability in reaction time and cognitive function

Intraindividual variability (IIV) in reaction time has been related to cognitive decline, but questions remain about the nature of this relationship. Mean and range in movement and decision time for simple reaction time were available from 241 individuals aged 51-86 years at the fifth testing wave of the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging. Cognitive performance on four factors was also available: verbal, spatial, memory, and speed. Analyses indicated that range in reaction time could be used as an indicator of IIV. Heritability estimates were 35% for mean reaction and 20% for range in reaction. Multivariate analysis indicated that the genetic variance on the memory, speed, and spatial factors is shared with genetic variance for mean or range in reaction time. IIV shares significant genetic variance with fluid ability in late adulthood, over and above and genetic variance shared with mean reaction time.
Tunneling measurement of the energy gap in Y-Ba-Cu-O

Superconductor-insulator-normal tunneling measurements have been performed on the high-T/sub c/ superconductor YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 9-//sub delta/ at 4.2 and 77 K. The results indicate an energy gap of magnitude 2..delta../sub 0//k/sub B/T/sub c/approx. =3.9 at T = 0, with a temperature dependence consistent with the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory of superconductivity.
Soil thermal conductivity

(1990). Soil thermal conductivity. Remote Sensing Reviews: Vol. 5, Instrumentation for studying vegetation canopies for remote sensing in optical and thermal infrared regions, pp. 301-310.
Supporting Coordination and Cooperation in Software Processes

Last year in this fom I have argued that in any attempt to formalize and enact software processes it is important to distinguish between what I called methods and laws. A method is a voluntary technique for performing a certain task, while a law is a mandatory regulation about the behavior of the entire process. I have also argued that laws are more fundamental than methods, for software development. That is, because the formulation and enactment of methods invariably relies on certain assumptions about the structure of the system at hand, and about the behavior of the various agents participating in the software process. Such assumptions can only be ensured by means of enforced laws. Here I will focus on one type of applications for such laws, which is the support of the great deal of coordination and cooperation which must take place among the participants of any complex software process. Let me illustrate the problem at hand by means of a very simple example. Suppose that we would like to ensure mutual exclusion with respect to a certain operation 0, which may be carried out by any of the agents participating in a given process. Consider the following informally specified protocol: (1) only an agent that possesses a certain token T may perform the operation 0; (2) initially only one agent possesses a token T; and, (3) token T may be transferred from one agent to another, but no agent may make its own copy of T. It is easy to see that this simple protocol guarantees mutual exclusion with respect to operation 0 (ignoring issues of faimess) but how does one make sure that the protocol itself is actually obeyed by all the agents? In particular, how does one make sure that no agent ever makes an extra copy of the token, and that no agent ever performs 0 without possessing this token?
A Data-Mining Technique for Aerosol Retrieval Across Multiple Accuracy Measures

A typical approach in supervised learning is to select an accuracy measure and train a predictor that maximizes it. This can be insufficient in remote-sensing applications where predictor performance is often evaluated over multiple domain-specific accuracy measures. Here, we test the hypothesis that predictors can be trained to maximize performance over multiple accuracy measures. To do this, we evaluate several metalearning algorithms on the problem of aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval. The multiple accuracy measures included mean squared error, correlation, relative squared error, and fraction of satisfactory predictions. The proposed metalearning algorithms have a two-layer architecture, where the first layer consists of multiple neural networks, each trained using a different accuracy measure, and the second layer aggregates decisions of the first layer predictors. To evaluate AOD predictors, we used nearly 70 000 collocated data points whose attributes were radiances, solar and view angles, and terrain elevation from MODerate resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) instrument satellite observations and whose target AOD variable was obtained from the ground-based AEROsol robotic NETwork (AERONET) instruments. The data were collected at 221 AERONET locations over the globe in the period between 2005 and 2007. AOD prediction accuracies of neural networks were compared to the recently developed operational MODIS C005 retrieval algorithm and to several other data-mining methods. Results showed that neural networks are better at reproducing the test data than the operational retrieval algorithm and that predictors obtained by metalearning are robust over multiple accuracy measures.
Transition-State Charge Stabilization through Multiple Non-covalent Interactions in the Guanidinium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Claisen Rearrangement

The mechanism by which chiral arylpyrrole-substituted guanidinium ions promote the Claisen rearrangement of O-allyl α-ketoesters and induce enantioselectivity was investigated by experimental and computational methods. In addition to stabilization of the developing negative charge on the oxallyl fragment of the rearrangement transition state by hydrogen-bond donation, evidence was obtained for a secondary attractive interaction between the π-system of a catalyst aromatic substituent and the cationic allyl fragment. Across a series of substituted arylpyrrole derivatives, enantioselectivity was observed to vary predictably according to this proposal. This mechanistic analysis led to the development of a new p-dimethylaminophenyl-substituted catalyst, which afforded improvements in enantioselectivity relative to the parent phenyl catalyst for a representative set of substrates.
Interactive Effects of Common β2-Adrenoceptor Haplotypes and Age on Susceptibility to Hypertension and Receptor Function

Few studies have examined to what extent genetic variants of the β 2 -adrenoceptor (ADRB2) are involved in the development of hypertension with age, although β 2 -adrenergic receptor responsiveness declines in older subjects. To investigate this, 10 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter and coding regions of the ADRB2 gene were genotyped in an unrelated population consisting of 2 ethnic groups: European American (EA; n=610) and African American (AA; n=420). ADRB2 haplotypes were estimated by expectation maximization (EM) algorithm–based methods. In the general population for EAs and AAs, the variants of the ADRB2 gene, including the individual SNPs and their haplotypes, were not associated with hypertension. However, there was a significant interaction between age and one of the common haplotypes (haplotype 1) in EAs ( P =0.01). Haplotype 1 was associated with protection against hypertension in young (≤50 years of age) but not in old (>50 years of age) EAs (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.27 to 0.91; P =0.02). This age-specific effect was further supported by the observations that young subjects carrying ≥1 copy of haplotype 1 had significantly lower diastolic blood pressure and nearly 2-fold higher ADRB2 binding density than the noncarriers ( P P P
A Simple Empirical Equation to Calculate Cloud Optical Thickness Using Shortwave Broadband Measurements

Abstract In this paper, an empirical equation is presented that can be used to estimate shortwave cloud optical thickness from measurements and analysis of shortwave broadband irradiances. When applied to a time series of broadband observations, this method can predict cloud optical thickness distributions that are very similar to those obtained using the algorithm of Min and Harrison (henceforth the Min algorithm). For a given site, medians of the Min algorithm–derived and empirically derived distributions differ by less than 10%. This level of agreement holds over a wide geographical range of sites. The equation is designed for fully overcast skies, surface albedos less than 0.3, and a cosine of the solar zenith angle greater than 0.15.
Detailed Boundary Layer Measurements on a Turbine Stator Vane at Elevated Freestream Turbulence Levels

High freestream turbulence levels have been shown to greatly augment the heat transfer on a gas turbine airfoil. To better understand these effects, this study has examined the effects elevated freestream turbulence levels have on the boundary layer development along a stator vane airfoil. Low freestream turbulence measurements (0.6 percent) were performed as a baseline for comparison to measurements at combustor simulated turbulence levels (19.5 percent). A two-component LDV system was used for detailed boundary layer measurements of both the mean and fluctuating velocities on the pressure and suction surfaces. Although the mean velocity profiles appeared to be more consistent with laminar profiles, large velocity fluctuations were measured in the boundary layer along the pressure side at the high freestream turbulence conditions. Along the suction side, transition occurred further upstream due to freestream turbulence.
On loop-impedance matrix formulation of feedback amplifier theory

Abstract It is shown that there exists a strong similarity between the loop-impedance matrix and the indefinite-admittance matrix in the calculation of the network functions, return differences, null return differences and sensitivities. Useful identities are derived, which help interpret physically some algebraic definitions used in feedback amplifier theory.
Local structure of nanoporous carbons

The local atomic structure of nanoporous carbons produced by pyrolysis of poly(furfuryl alcohol) at various temperatures has been studied using neutron diA raction. Atomic pair distribution functions (PDFs) were obtained from the neutron data. Structure models have been ® tted to the PDFs to understand the ® ne features of atomic ordering. It has been found that carbons produced at 800 and 12008C are made of stacked graphene sheets, that are more or less curved. The 4008C-processed carbon has a heavily distorted nonplanar structure. For each sample we have determined the extent of the structural coherence, the average density within the structurally coherent regions and the proportion of carbon atoms, which are trigonally coordinated. We have also produced microscopic models for the local structure of the nanoporous carbons investigated.
Earnings Management Surrounding New Debt Issues

We examine whether firms manage earnings before issuing bonds to achieve a lower cost of borrowing. We find significant income-increasing earnings management prior to bond offerings. We also find that firms that manage earnings upward issue debt at a lower cost, after controlling for various bond issuer and issue characteristics. Our results are consistent with studies that report earnings management around equity issuance. The results indicate that, like equity holders, bondholders fail to see through the inflated earnings numbers in pricing new debt.
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older: United States, 2014*

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) presents the recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older for 2014. This schedule has been approved by the ACIP, Ameri...
Antisoliton model for fission modes

Antisolitons traveling on the surface of a nucleus are shown to generate highly deformed shapes. The dynamics is based on solutions of the non-linear Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation. The theory is used to model the onset of nuclear fission. Aspects of the dynamics, its relation to fluid mechanics, and some conceptual problems arising from the application of the theory are also discussed.
Systems challenges of media collectives supporting media collectives with adaptive MDC

With the rise of social networking as an on-line paradigm, we are also witnessing the birth of unstructured, unmanaged, "media collectives" in which hundreds, thousands, or even millions of users create, share, tag, link, and reuse media objects (i.e., pictures, audio, and video). The level of redundancy and repurposing within these collectives is reasonably high. For example, the same video clip (or portions of it) may appear in a variety of different contexts and formats. This redundancy and diversity serve to preserve popular media objects in a completely decentralized and unmanaged manner as a result of individuals optimizing for their own interests and goals. On the other end of the spectrum, however, is a long heavy-tail of media objects which may in fact be the only copy of its kind in the entire world. This paper addresses some of the systems issues which may be at play in dealing with such an extremely bimodal distribution and speculates that there may be opportunities to leverage these media collectives while preserving the autonomy of individual users in order to increase efficient use of networking and storage resources as well as providing richer capabilities to those who participate. The main idea behind our approach is to view adaptation through the lens of multiple description coding in order to expose coding structure and compactly specify how different versions of the same media object relate to each other.
Upward and downward social comparisons can decrease prosocial behavior

This experiment addressed whether upward or downward social comparisons can affect people’s prosocial behavior toward the comparison targets. Undergraduates (N = 123) completed an inkblot test and then were randomly assigned to conditions in which they were told that their performance was either inferior or superior to their peers. A control group was given no performance feedback. Participants’ self-reported prosocial behaviors were measured 2 days later. Results indicated that both the upward and downward comparison groups engaged in significantly less prosocial behavior than did the control group and that empathy toward their peers mediated this effect. Our findings suggest that upward or downward comparison can make people feel less empathic toward the targets and thus less inclined to help them.
Reflections on Measuring Recreation and Travel Spending

This article reviews problems encountered in using visitor surveys to measure travel spending. Lack of consistency in question wording, spending categories, and units of analysis makes it difficult to compare results across studies. Spending results can be quite sensitive to a number of data-handling issues, in particular, the treatment of outliers, contaminants, and missing spending data. It is recommended that spending averages be estimated for narrowly defined visitor segments so they can be validated with engineering approaches and common sense. Further research evaluating alternative designs for measuring spending is needed to address a host of methodological issues.
Comparison of Pinus taeda L. whole-tree wood property calibrations using diffuse reflectance near infrared spectra obtained using a variety of sampling options

A necessary objective for tree-breeding programs, with a focus on wood quality, is the measurement of wood properties on a whole-tree basis, however, the time and cost involved limits the numbers of trees sampled. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy provides an alternative and recently, it has been demonstrated that calibrations based on milled increment cores and whole-tree data can provide good estimates of whole-tree properties. Several options exist for sampling standing trees and the aim of this study was to compare wood property calibrations based on NIR spectra collected from samples obtained using different sampling methods. Calibrations for whole-tree lignin and basic specific gravity based on NIR spectra from whole-tree chips (milled or intact) had the strongest statistics, calibrations based on NIR spectra from milled increment cores were similar. Other options for sampling the tree (drill shavings, etc.) gave errors that were too large for practical applications. If an increment core is going to be used to estimate whole-tree properties, it is recommended that it be dried and milled prior to analysis.
Luminescence and Photoconductivity in Silver Chloride with Laser Excitation

In zone refined AgCl, luminescence can be excited by ruby laser light through two-photon processes, while the photoconductivity is a result of ionization of donors. The luminescence spectrum shows some phonon structure not observed with steady uv excitation.
DICYEMENNEA CANADENSIS N. SP. (PHYLUM DICYEMIDA) FROM BATHYPOLYPUS ARCTICUS (MOLLUSCA: CEPHALOPODA: OCTOPODA)

Dicyemennea canadensis n. sp. is described from a bathyal octopus collected off Canada in the Bay of Fundy. The dicyemid is a small species that rarely exceeds 600 μm in length. The vermiform stages are further characterized as having 17–23 peripheral cells, a conical-shaped calotte, an axial cell that extends to the base of the propoplar cells, and no abortive axial cells. Infusoriform embryos consist of 37 cells. There is 1 nucleus in each urn cell, and refringent bodies are absent. This is the first dicyemid to be described from the cephalopod Bathypolypus arcticus (Prosch, 1847), and the first dicyemid reported from Canada. In addition, it is the first species of Dicyemennea from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean to be described.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases of the Elderly

Geriatric patients frequently present with perplexing multiple disorders and complaints, and it is often difficult to differentiate those symptoms related to disease from those due to aging.1 This is particularly important in deciding whether, for a suspected clinical syndrome, the clinician should start therapy with corticosteroids, a group of drugs that if not given cautiously, even in younger patients, may result in significant side effects. From our experience with administration of steroids in the treatment of neuromuscular diseases in the elderly, it has been clear that corticosteroids can be lifesaving and prevent permanent disability in those patients who have one of the corticosteroid-responsive neuromuscular disorders. There is, however, quite significant variability in the clinical response of these patients to administered corticosteroids with often a wide range in pharmacological doses needed for therapeutic benefit even for the same neuromuscular illness. Some patients can be managed with small doses of corticosteroids whereas others require much higher doses; in addition, others exhibit multiple severe complications whereas others have relatively little adverse effects despite similar doses (M. C. Dalakas, unpublished observation).
The use of pembrolizumab for the treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma.

9010 Background: Uveal melanomas are a rare type of melanoma with only 5-7 cases per 1 million persons diagnosed each year. Patients with metastatic melanoma of uveal origin, tend to have lower res...
Comparing the Teaching Efficacy of Two Video Modeling Programs Delivered in a Group Format in Special Education Classrooms to Improve Expressive Language

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of two video modeling programs, one using discrete video modeling and another using standard video modeling, to teach expressive vocabulary words to in...
Catalysts Examined by Electron Spin Resonance-Examples from Hydrodesulfurization Catalysis

The utility of electron spin resonance (ESR) for catalyst characterization is illustrated for the desulfurization catalysts used to remove sulfur, nitrogen, and organically bound metals from petroleum. These catalysts consist of active metals (Mo, W, Co, Ni) in mixed oxide and sulfide phases on high surface area alumina supports. Coordinated studies of unsupported sulfide and oxide model systems determine the chemical form and number of defect sites on the actual catalysts. Parallel catalysis studies correlate ESR defects and catalytic activity for many reactions.
Conformational Properties of a Polymer in an Ionic Liquid: Computer Simulations and Integral Equation Theory of a Coarse-Grained Model.

We study the conformational properties of polymers in room temperature ionic liquids using theory and simulations of a coarse-grained model. Atomistic simulations have shown that single poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) molecules in the ionic liquid 1-butyl 3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF4]) are expanded at room temperature (i.e., the radius of gyration, Rg), scales with molecular weight, Mw, as Rg ∼ Mw0.9, instead of the expected self-avoiding walk behavior. The simulations were restricted to fairly short chains, however, which might not be in the true scaling regime. In this work, we investigate a coarse-grained model for the behavior of PEO in [BMIM][BF4]. We use existing force fields for PEO and [BMIM][BF4] and Lorentz–Berthelot mixing rules for the cross interactions. The coarse-grained model predicts that PEO collapses in the ionic liquid. We also present an integral equation theory for the structure of the ionic liquid and the conformation properties of the polymer. The theory is in exce...
Abstract 4304: A microfluidic invasion assay to investigate the mechanisms involved in prostate cancer metastasis to bone

Background: The majority of cancer patient mortality can be attributed to the spread of the cancer to secondary sites. Bone represents one of the most preferential sites for metastases from prostate and other cancers. While there has been much investigation into the underlying mechanisms involved in the homing of prostate cancer metastases to bone, there is still much that remains to be elucidated. Methods: We present a microfluidic invasion assay that can be used to investigate the mechanisms by which prostate cancer cells metastasize to bone. The assay uses a controlled microenvironment with a simple readout to observe the formation of cellular protrusions during invasion. By flowing fluid through an extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel in a microfluidic channel, an ECM hydrogel with a continuous lumen patterned through the microfluidic channel can be formed. Cancer cells can then be seeded into the lumen and invasion of the cells into the ECM hydrogel can be quantitatively analyzed using microscopy after 24 hours. The assay can be altered to model invasion in different microenvironments by altering the ECM hydrogel composition and pre-seeding the channels with cell representative of a secondary site before the ECM coating is formed. Results: In cocultures of LNCaPs (a prostate cancer cell line) or C4-2B (a bone metastatic LNCaP derived prostate cancer cell line) in the lumen with MC3T3s (osteoblast cell line) pre-seeded on the side of the microchannel, the C4-2Bs invaded more readily than LNCaPs. When C4-2Bs in the lumen are cultured with MC3T3-E1s on the side of the microchannel an 8-fold increase in the percentage of invasive C4-2Bs was observed compared to C4-2B alone. A 5-fold increase in invasiveness was observed when C4-2Bs were cultured with conditioned media from a mixed culture of C4-2Bs and MC3T3-E1s. Conclusions: These results indicate that cross-talk between prostate cancer cells and osteoblasts could play a role in the targeting of prostate cancer metastases to bone. This assay offers several advantages over traditional macroscale invasion assays (e.g. transwell assays) including the capability to control and vary the matrix composition and to perform the assay with a smaller number of cells. The microchannels can be arrayed allowing many different conditions to be tested in a single platform. Additionally, the assay set-up can be performed with automated liquid handling systems further increasing the ability to assay different conditions in a high-throughput manner. These capabilities will allow in vitro studies not previously possible which could yield new insights into the mechanisms controlling prostate cancer cell homing to bone. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4304. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4304
Bilateral Transfer of Inhibition in The Motor Learning of Schizophrenics and Normals

Bilateral transfer of the effects of massed practice in motor learning was evaluated for an adjusted sample of 36 chronic undifferentiated schizophrenics and 36 normal controls. Ss were trained and tested on a rotary pursuit task under two bilateral transfer conditions-Rest and No-Rest- and one non-transfer Control condition. Normal Ss demonstrated positive reminiscence scores in the Rest condition and significant transfer of inhibitory effects in the No-Rest condition. Schizophrenics, on the other hand, showed no significant transfer of inhibition. The results were discussed as supporting the hypothesis of a proprioceptive deficit in schizophrenia involving central integrating mechanisms. Such findings also suggested that a proprioceptive deficit might be a significant underlying factor in the cognitive dysfunction and body image disturbances of schizophrenia, processes which also can be explained by impairment in central integrating mechanisms.
RI and PI after R-S recall of overlearned material

Retroactive and proactive inhibition (RI and PI) of backward (R-S) associations, following an A-B, A-C paradigm of learning, were investigated. Insuring equivalent availability of the recall items in the control condition, the A-items were overlearned. A backward RI effect was found over three R-S trials; PI was not.