cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential equations: model formulation, nonlinear regression, and model selection

Abstract In this unit, students continue to work through all steps of the modeling process but with a focus on formulating differential equation models, calibrating models with nonlinear regression analysis, and comparing two or more models of a system using the Akaike information criterion. Sliders and heat maps are introduced as a means to explore the parameter space and identify plausible parameter values that minimize the squared residuals between the model output and data, which can then be used as inputs to nonlinear regression functions in R. Two models for leaf decomposition rates are compared across multiple leaf species for soil systems with and without excess nitrogen. Four tumor growth models are calibrated and compared using tumor volume data over time; in addition to selecting the model with the best descriptive power of a particular data set, the best model for forecasting future growth is explored by fitting the models to early data points and comparing the output at a later time. The predator–prey functional response as a function of temperature is explored for two species of freshwater shrimp. In the lab, students obtain and measure the kinetic parameters of the enzyme catechol oxidase with and without inhibitors.
The thermo-wetting instability driving Leidenfrost film collapse

Above a critical temperature known as the Leidenfrost point (LFP), a heated surface can suspend a liquid droplet above a film of its own vapor. The insulating vapor film can be highly detrimental in metallurgical quenching and thermal control of electronic devices, but may also be harnessed to reduce drag and generate power. Manipulation of the LFP has occurred mostly through experiment, giving rise to a variety of semiempirical models that account for the Rayleigh–Taylor instability, nucleation rates, and superheat limits. However, formulating a truly comprehensive model has been difficult given that the LFP varies dramatically for different fluids and is affected by system pressure, surface roughness, and liquid wettability. Here, we investigate the vapor film instability for small length scales that ultimately sets the collapse condition at the Leidenfrost point. From a linear stability analysis, it is shown that the main film-stabilizing mechanisms are the liquid–vapor surface tension-driven transport of vapor mass and the evaporation at the liquid–vapor interface. Meanwhile, van der Waals interaction between the bulk liquid and the solid substrate across the vapor phase drives film collapse. This physical insight into vapor film dynamics allows us to derive an ab initio, mathematical expression for the Leidenfrost point of a fluid. The expression captures the experimental data on the LFP for different fluids under various surface wettabilities and ambient pressures. For fluids that wet the surface (small intrinsic contact angle), the expression can be simplified to a single, dimensionless number that encapsulates the wetting instability governing the LFP.
A survey of the writing instructional practices of Nebraska teachers of students with visual impairments

This paper describes a survey of teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) in Nebraska. Questions addressed their preparation to teach writing, writing practices, and beliefs about writin...
What Women Want: Radical Cystectomy and Perioperative Sexual Function Educational Needs.

Abstract Objective To assess the extent and adequacy of pre-operative sexual function (SF) counseling in females undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) and develop educational material to improve identified deficits. Methods A 10-question survey was electronically delivered to all females who underwent RC at a single institution between 2015 and 2020. 23 of 145 patients responded (15.9%). In addition, women on the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) patient discussion board were also queried. The primary outcome was the development of a patient educational handout based on patient perception of pre-operative SF counseling and self-reported changes in post-operative SF. Results 22 women, 84% of whom were sexually active, met the inclusion criteria. More than half (12/22, 54.5%) reported receiving no pre-operative counseling regarding possible SF changes while another 27.3% (6/22) received some counseling but desired more. Most women rated vaginal preservation as moderate to very important (17/22, 77.3%) and nearly all women noted at least one change in SF, most commonly dyspareunia (13/22, 59.1%). Most also desired more information regarding female sexual health. Separately, the BCAN discussion board was queried regarding patient preference for modality of pre-operative counseling. 77.8% (14/18) preferred a discussion with provider and 13/18 (72.2%) also wanted a written handout. Conclusions Sexual dysfunction is prevalent following RC in women and many desire more pre-operative counseling, regardless of disease stage or receipt of chemotherapy. These findings supported our development of interventions to improve pre-operative education as well as strategies to address post-operative SF changes, such as dyspareunia.
New X-Ray Imaging Strategies: Implication for Cochlear Implantation

By continuous and simultaneous table translation, source rotation and data acquisition, spiral CT allows rapid volumetric imaging, and is especially valuable or pre- and post-operative evaluation of cochlear implant patients, despite limited resolution. Compared to radiography, spiral CT provides 3D images of the inner ear with nearly isotropic resolution, allows interactive visualization and quantitative analyses of the individual cochlear anatomy. Compared to other tomographic imaging modalities, spiral CT is the best choice when bony and metallic structures are involved.
Training in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a powerful diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of pancreaticobiliary diseases. The maturation of sophisticated imaging technologies has caused ERCP to become primarily a therapeutic modality. ERCP demands a level of intensity and dedication in training that is rarely feasible during a 3-year general gastroenterology fellowship, and thus the advanced fellowship has become an increasingly popular and endorsed method for ERCP training. This allows training in the full spectrum of techniques in ERCP from the basic to the most complex. Training in ERCP develops competence in its many cognitive and technical components. Of note, data informing training methods or volume are scarce and limited mostly to selective cannulation and sphincterotomy. Use of simulators in ERCP training is a relatively recent development with promising supporting data, and as these devices increase in sophistication, they may become integrated into training programs in a more widespread fashion. Increasing attention to quality indicators in ERCP practice informs the assessment of fellows as they proceed through training and particularly as they approach graduation. The current paradigm focuses on case volume, but a more comprehensive and qualitative approach to assessment of competency may and should be a part of the future of ERCP training.
A Cost Utilization Analysis of Intrathecal Therapy for Refractory Cancer Pain: Identifying Factors Associated with Cost Benefit

Objective Intrathecal therapy (ITT) for cancer pain is characterized by high initial cost followed by low maintenance costs. Non-ITT pain management is associated with steadily increasing cumulative cost that can equal the cost of ITT over time. The intent of this modeling project is to identify factors associated with relatively rapid achievement of cost-benefit with ITT. Design A retrospective chart review was performed on 36 patients with cancer pain who underwent ITT and survived beyond 4 weeks. Methods Data on the cost of conventional opioid therapy prior to ITT and at 4–6 weeks were collected and projected over time. ITT costs included all intrathecal pump implantation and maintenance costs. Pre-ITT opioid regimens were stratified into high-cost conventional (HCC—high-dose, nongeneric, or use of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, N = 12) and low-cost conventional (low-dose or generic, N = 24) regimens. Results The median daily cost of opioid medications pre-ITT was $21.26 (25th–75th percentile $10.31–78.85, range 0–$971.97) vs $0 (25th–75th percentile $0–0.70), P = 0.007, post-ITT. In the HCC group, the median daily cost was $172.47 (25th–75th percentile $67.29–406.20). The median daily cost of ITT medications was $16.01 (25th–75th percentile $9.52–23.23).When these data were used to model costs over the long term, including pump implantation costs, cost-benefit for all patients compared with conventional therapy was predicted at 344 months but at 7.4 months in the HCC group. Seven patients (19%) achieved cost equivalence within 6 months and three of these within the first 3 months. Conclusions In selected patients on high-cost opioid regimens, ITT may become cost-beneficial within 6 months. Factors associated with earlier attainment of ITT cost-benefit include the use of parenteral therapy, high-dose opioids, and the use of nongeneric opioid products.
Diglyceride kinase activity in cell extracts of Rhizobium meliloti : evidence for a diglyceride cycle during cyclic β-1,2-glucan biosynthesis

In this article, we provide evidence for the presence of diglyceride kinase activity in cell extracts of Rhizobium meliloti 1021. Characterization of the rhizobial enzyme revealed that it shares many properties with the diglyceride kinase of Escherichia coli. A possible role for this enzyme during cyclic β-1,2-glucan biosynthesis is discussed.
Advanced Stellarator Power Plants

The stellarator is a class of helical/toroidal magnetic fusion devices. Recent international progress in stellarator power plant conceptual design is reviewed and comparisons in the areas of physics, engineering, and economics are made with recent tokamaks design studies.
The Fur-Regulated Gene Encoding the Alternative Sigma Factor PvdS Is Required for Iron-Dependent Expression of the LysR-Type Regulator PtxR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

We previously identified a novel regulator of the exotoxin A gene (toxA) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, PtxR, that belongs to the LysR family of prokaryotic regulatory proteins. Preliminary data also suggest that PtxR affects the expression of siderophores in P. aeruginosa. Because toxA expression and siderophore production in this organism are coordinately regulated by the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) and the Fur-regulated alternative sigma factor PvdS, regulation of ptxR itself in the context of these regulators was examined. RNase protection analyses of ptxR transcription revealed that there are two independent transcription initiation sites (T1 and T2). While transcription from the promoter of T1 is constitutive throughout the growth cycle of PAO1, transcription from the second promoter (P2) is negatively affected by iron. Transcription from the P2 promoter is constitutive in a fur mutant under microaerobic conditions but still iron regulated during aerobic growth. High concentrations (>100 nM) of the ferric uptake regulatory protein (Fur) failed to bind to either of the promoter regions of ptxR in either gel mobility shift assays or DNase I footprint experiments. These results indicate that Fur indirectly regulates the iron-dependent expression of ptxR. Iron-regulated transcription of ptxR from the P2 promoter, but not constitutive expression from the P1 promoter, was dependent on the Fur-regulated alternative sigma factor gene pvdS, even under aerobic conditions. Consequently, there are two levels of iron-regulated expression of ptxR. The iron-regulated expression of ptxR under microaerobic conditions from the P2 promoter of ptxR is mediated indirectly by Fur through the iron-regulated expression of pvdS. In contrast, pvdS-mediated iron regulation of ptxR under aerobic conditions is Fur independent.
Relative Proliferation Risks for Different Fuel Cycle Arrangements

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the proliferation resistance characteristics for different fuel cycle arrangements in the context of a global nuclear energy system using a Markov approach,...
Amphiregulin Is a Critical Downstream Effector of Estrogen Signaling in ERα-Positive Breast Cancer

Estrogen stimulation promotes epithelial cell proliferation in estrogen receptor (ERα)-positive breast cancer. Many ERα target genes have been enumerated, but the identities of the key effectors mediating the estrogen signal remain obscure. During mouse mammary gland development, the estrogen growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand amphiregulin acts as an important stage-specific effector of estrogen signaling. In this study, we investigated the role of amphiregulin in breast cancer cell proliferation using human tissue samples and tumor xenografts in mice. Amphiregulin was enriched in ERα-positive human breast tumor cells and required for estrogen-dependent growth of MCF7 tumor xenografts. Furthermore, amphiregulin levels were suppressed in patients treated with endocrine therapy. Suppression of EGF receptor signaling appeared necessary for the therapeutic response in this setting. Our findings implicate amphiregulin as a critical mediator of the estrogen response in ERα-positive breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of EGF receptor signaling in breast tumor pathogenesis and therapeutic response.
Properties and calculation of multivariate risk measures: MVaR and MCVaR

A recent paper by Prekopa (Ann. Oper. Res. 193(1):49–69, 2012) presented results in connection with Multivariate Value-at-Risk (MVaR) that has been known for some time under the name of p-quantile or p-Level Efficient Point (pLEP) and introduced a new multivariate risk measure, called Multivariate Conditional Value-at-Risk (MCVaR). The purpose of this paper is to further develop the theory and methodology of MVaR and MCVaR. This includes new methods to numerically calculate MCVaR, for both continuous and discrete distributions. Numerical examples with recent financial market data are presented.
Temporal and Contextual Change in the Measurement Structure of Financial Performance: Implications for Strategy Research

This study empirically examines the extent to which the measurement structure of accountingand market-based indicators converge on a financial performance construct by time period and by diversification strategy. In a longitudinal, single-factor model offinancial performance, it wasfound that the relationship of these two types offinancial performance measures changed in periods of stability versus instability andfor related diversifiers versus unrelated diversifiers. It is suggested that meta-analytic studies in strategy research may be able to incorporate situational factors in order to obtain more valid findings. In addition, implications for researchers selecting performance measures for current studies are discussed.
Longitudinal changes in methamphetamine and cocaine use in untreated rural stimulant users: racial differences and the impact of methamphetamine legislation.

AIMS: To examine how race and methamphetamine legislation are associated with changes in cocaine and methamphetamine use among untreated rural stimulant users. DESIGN: A longitudinal study of stimulant users identified through respondent-driven sampling. SETTING: Rural areas of three US states. PARTICIPANTS: Participants at baseline were current users of methamphetamine and/or cocaine. MEASURES: Self-reports of methamphetamine, crack cocaine and powder cocaine use were assessed at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. Generalized estimating equations were performed to account for correlations between the repeated measurements. FINDINGS: Compared to whites, African Americans were much more likely to use crack cocaine, equally likely to use powder cocaine and much less likely to use methamphetamine. Both whites and African Americans reduced their consumption of methamphetamine and both forms of cocaine over 2 years. Exposure to laws restricting the purchase of over-the-counter cold medications containing methamphetamine precursors was not associated with methamphetamine use, but associated with a slight rise in powder and crack cocaine use. CONCLUSIONS: The study yielded disconcerting as well as promising findings regarding the natural history of stimulant use in rural areas. Of some concern is that methamphetamine precursor laws were correlated with increased cocaine consumption, diminishing their net public health benefits. However, despite its insurgence in rural areas of the United States, very few African Americans have initiated methamphetamine use. Regardless of race, many stimulant users stopped using cocaine and methamphetamine without formal substance abuse treatment over 24 months. Language: en
Retrieval and evaluation of symbolic information in dyslexia

A group of 35 reading disabled boy and 35 matched controls were studied over a two-year period in order to evaluate the validity of traditional hypotheses about the causes of serious reading impairment in preadolescent boys for whom the common disadvantages of economic privation, bilingualism and emotional instability were absent. The popular hypothesis of perceptual deficit was not supported by the data, although the finding that most reading disabled boys have a short-term memory deficit was affirmed. The most important new findings was that about one-fourth of the reading disabled boys had serious difficulty in maintaining an efficient set to process and/or evaluate information, especially when that information was contained in oral speech.
NASA Family Science Night: Changing perceptions one family at a time

Abstract Parents and families have the greatest influence on children’s attitudes towards education and career choices. If students’ attitudes towards science, particularly the physical sciences, are not influenced positively by parental/familial attitudes, efforts to improve the quality of content and teaching of these subjects in school may be futile. Research shows that parental involvement increases student achievement outcomes, and family-oriented programs have a direct impact on student performance. Based on this premise, the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center started a series of Family Science Nights for middle school students and their families. The program provides a non-threatening venue for families to explore the importance of science and technology in our daily lives by engaging in learning activities that change their perception and understanding of science – making it more practical and approachable for participants of all ages. Family Science Night strives to change the way that students and their families participate in science, within the program and beyond.
Upper limit on D production in Proton-Nucleon interactions

The null results from measurements of the polarization of prompt muons produced by 400-GeV protons indicate an upper limit B/sub ..mu../sigma/sub D/0 + B/sub ..mu../sigma/sub D/+ < 6.7 x 10/sup -/31 cm/sup 2/ may be placed upon the production cross section for D particles, where B/sub ..mu../ is the branching ratio for its three-body decay into a meson, neutrino, and muon. Recent measurements suggest B/sub ..mu../ approx. = 0.07 which indicates sigma/sub D/ < 7 x 10/sup -/31 cm/sup 2/.
Factor Analysis of Breadth and Depth Dimensions on Wechsler's Similarities and Vocabulary Subscales.

Previous research (Bailey, Lazar, & Edinger, 1977) has indicated the presence of Breadth and Depth factors on the Similarities subscale of the WAIS. The present study (N = 102) analyzed these two factors further, by using measures of Breadth and Depth on both the Similarities and Vocabulary subscales. Several other measures also were studied, including a Comprehension index, SAT scores, and GPA. Results of a factor analysis with oblique rotation revealed distinct Breadth and Depth factors, which strongly supported the theoretical rationale of the study. The Breadth factor seems to reflect broad-range skills of the type required on conventional IQ tests, while the Depth factor is less theoretically clear. It is suggested that Depth involves an effort component as well as ability because the S is required to provide more than a single correct answer for a given item.
Abstract 3696: Effect of dietary omega-3/omega-6 ratio on mammary carcinogenesis, circulating biomarkers and molecular regulators in rats

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Available evidence indicates that diets enriched in the ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids have a broad range of health-related benefit; however, the epidemiological and preclinical data for breast cancer risk are mixed. The majority of animal carcinogenesis experiments have been done using diets that were high in the percent of dietary calories provided from fat (40 to 50%) and few studies have investigated the impact of the n-3/n-6 ratio despite the fact that considerable emphasis has been placed on this ratio in hypothesized mechanisms of action. The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of a wide range of dietary n-3/n-6 ratios on mammary carcinogenesis, on plasma levels of cancer associated growth factors and cytokines and on molecular regulators in mammary carcinomas using a pre-clinical rat model for breast cancer. Female Sprague Dawley rats were injected with 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (50 mg/kg) and 7 days thereafter randomized to groups (n=30/group) in which the n-3/n-6 ratio varied widely and diets were fed in the presence or absence of tamoxifen treatment. Rats were fed a modification of the AIN-93G diet formulation that contained 30% of dietary calories from fat (currently recommended in the US Dietary guidelines). It was observed that mammary cancer incidence, cancer multiplicity and tumor burden were reduced when the dietary ratio of n-3/n-6 was > 5:1. Cancer inhibition was observed in both the presence and absence of tamoxifen. The protective dietary n-3/n-6 ratio was associated with significant reductions in plasma IGF-1, insulin, and leptin and increased adiponectin compared to rats fed the control diet (n-3/n-6=1:1, p<0.05), effects that were not modified by tamoxifen treatment. Carcinomas induced in the protected animals were smaller in mass with altered levels of proteins in the PPAR-NFkB pathway. This work was supported by grant KG081632 from the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3696. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3696
Phytoremediation of small organic contaminants using transgenic plants

The efficacy of transgenic plants in the phytoremediation of small organic contaminants has been investigated. Two principal strategies have been pursued (1) the manipulation of phase I metabolic activity to enhance in planta degradation rates, or to impart novel metabolic activity, and (2) the enhanced secretion of reactive enzymes from roots leading to accelerated ex planta degradation of organic contaminants. A pair of dehalogenase genes from Xanthobacter autotrophicus was expressed in tobacco resulting in the dehalogenation of 1,2-dichloroethane, which was otherwise recalcitrant. A laccase gene from cotton was overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana resulting in increased secretory laccase activity and the enhanced resistance to trichlorophenol in soils. Although the results to date are promising, much of the work has been limited to laboratory settings; field demonstrations are needed.
Intracellular Trafficking Considerations in the Development of Natural Ligand-Drug Molecular Conjugates for Cancer

Overexpressed receptors, characteristic of many cancers, have been targeted by various researchers to achieve a more specific treatment for cancer. A common approach is to use the natural ligand for the overexpressed receptor as a cancer-targeting agent which can deliver a chemically or genetically conjugated toxic molecule. However, it has been found that the therapeutic efficacy of such ligand-drug molecular conjugates can be limited, since they naturally follow the intracellular trafficking pathways of the endogenous ligands. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the intracellular trafficking properties of these ligands can lead to novel design criteria for engineering ligands to be more effective drug carriers. This review presents a few commonly used ligand/receptor systems where intracellular trafficking considerations can potentially improve the therapeutic efficacy of the ligand-drug molecular conjugates.
Tunneling current and electroluminescence in InGaN: Zn,Si/AlGaN/GaN blue light emitting diodes

We investigate electrical and optical characteristics of Nichia NLPB-500 double-heterostructure blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs), measured over a wide temperature range from 10 to 300K. Current-voltage characteristics have complex character and suggest involvement of at least two different tunneling mechanisms. The peak energy of the optical emission follows the applied bias for voltages between 2.3–2.6 V and can be tuned in large spectral range from 2.3 up to 2.8 eV (yellow to blue). This behavior can be understood invoking the photon-assisted tunneling model which was previously successfully applied to highly doped GaAs LEDs. Even at the lowest temperatures, light emission still continues while the increase in the series resistance does not exceed a few tens of kΩ, which indicates absence of complete carrier freeze-out.
Relationship between neurological and functional status after acute spinal cord injury: an epidemiological study.

This paper examines the relationships between motor and sensory neurological function and functional status as defined by four activities of daily living (ADLs) after acute spinalcord injury. Patients (n = 192) were from a 5-yr prospective study in Connecticut. Motor function improved significantly during hospitalization (p < 0.0001), and between discharge and 1 yr follow-up (p = 0.002). Improvement in sensory function occurred equally during treatment and rehabilitation but was only significant when considered over the entire first post-injury year (p = 0.01). Sensory loss was three times more common than motor loss after hospital discharge. Even using a highly sensitive neurological measure 45% of patients were unchanged on motor function during hospitalization; this figure rose to 65.5% using a more traditional four-point scale. Motor and sensory function were highly correlated and this increased from hospital admission to discharge to 1 yr follow-up due principally to relatively greater improvement in motor vs sensory function. Four ADL scores all showed significant improvement (p < 0.0001) between discharge and 1 yr. Walking and selfcare activities depended on both the independent and the additive effects of motor and sensory function. Movement of limbs and transfer ability depended more on motor function alone and on its combined effect with sensory function.
Exposure of the tryptophyl residues of metmyoglobin in solution

The exposure of the two tryptophyl residues of metmyoglobin in aqueous solution has been investigated by coupling solvent difference spectroscopy experiments with experiments involving selective N-bromosuccinimide oxidation of the tryptophyl residues. In native metmyoglobin both tryptophyl residues appear to be partially exposed to selected spectral perturbants. The extent of exposure varied with the molecular dimensions of the perturbants, being greatest for D2O (a small perturbant) and smallest for sucrose (a large perturbant). In acid-denatured metmyoglobin both residues appear to be completely exposed.
Energetics of Aluminum Combustion

Aluminum continues to be of great interest as a fuel in propellant formulations. Quantitative modeling of the multistep ignition and combustion processes requires considerable thermodynamic and kinetic data, some of which are currently not available or not reliable. We have accordingly carried out CBS-QB3 calculations of the enthalpies and free energies, at 298 and 2000 K, of atoms and molecules that are likely to be involved in the combustion of aluminum-based propellants. These have been used to find the respective heats of formation, as well as the heats of reaction and equilibrium constants for numerous possible steps in the ignition/combustion processes. In a few instances, we also determined transition states and activation barriers. Certain interesting aspects of the results are discussed in greater detail.
A hybrid cognitive/reactive intelligent agent autonomous path planning technique in a networked-distributed unstructured environment for reinforcement learning

This paper proposes a path planning technique for autonomous agent(s) located in an unstructured networked distributed environment, where each agent has limited and not complete knowledge of the environment. Each agent has only the knowledge available in the distributed memory of the computing node the agent is running on and the agents share some information learned over a distributed network. In particular, the environment is divided into several sectors with each sector located on a single separate distributed computing node. We consider hybrid reactive-cognitive agent(s) where we use autonomous agent motion planning that is based on the use of a potential field model accompanied by a reinforcement learning as well as boundary detection algorithms. Potential fields are used for fast convergence toward a path in a distributed environment while reenforcement learning is used to guarantee a variety of behavior and consistent convergence in a distributed environment. We show how the agent decision making process is enhanced by the combination of the two techniques in a distributed environment. Furthermore, path retracing is a challenging problem in a distributed environment, since the agent does not have complete knowledge of the environment. We propose a backtracking technique to keep the distributed agent informed all the time of its path information and step count including when migrating from one node to another. Note that no node has knowledge of the entire global path from a source to a goal when such a goal resides on a separate node. Each agent has only knowledge of a partial path (internal to a node) and related number of steps corresponding to the portion of the path that agent traversed when running on the node. In particular, we show how each of the agents(s), starting in one of the many sectors with no initial knowledge of the environment, using the proposed distributed technique, develops its intelligence based on its experience and seamlessly discovers the shortest global path to the target, which is located in a different node, while avoiding any obstacle(s) it encounters in its way, including when transitioning and migrating from one distributed computing node to another. The agent(s) use (s) multiple-token-ring message passing interface (MPI) to perform internode communication. Finally, the experimental results of the proposed method show that single and multiagents sharing the same goal and running on the same or different nodes successfully coordinate the sharing of their respective environment states/information to collaboratively perform their respective tasks. The results also show that distributed multiagent sharing information increases by an order of magnitude the speed of convergence to the optimal shortest path to the goal in comparison with the single-agent case or noninformation sharing multiagent case.
Remote-Controlled, Continuously Operating GPS Anomalous Event Monitor

The observation, capture, and analysis of GPS anomalies is vital for verifying its quality and integrity for safety-of-life applications. Clearly, it is difficult to obtain detailed insight into observed anomalies using only the handful of outputs such as range measurements and tracking status available from a regular GPS receiver. The GPS anomalous event monitor (GAEM) captures a raw sampled-signal data record centered on suspected anomalous GPS events. These files are accessed remotely via the Internet and analyzed in detail by clients using software radio processing methods. Three GAEM systems were installed in geographically diverse locations in the United States and have been in continuous operation for the last two years. This paper describes the development and architectural details of the system. In addition, processed results from significant observed events are also presented.
Synthesis of novel imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid derivatives

A convenient general method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid derivatives is described. The key intermediates are 5,10-dioxo-5H,10H-diimidazo[1,5-a:1′,5′-d[pyrazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid, -1,6-dicarboxylic ester and -1,6-dicarboxamide.
Frequency tuning of THz quantum cascade lasers

This paper introduces the continuously tunable THz radiation through sideband generation of a free running and solidnitrogen- cooled THz quantum cascade laser. The 2.324 THz QCL operating in a single longitudinal mode (SLM) in continuous-wave (cw) was mixed with a swept synthesized microwave signal by a THz Schottky-diode-balanced mixer. Through sideband generation, two frequency branches were observed at low and high frequency, characterized with a Fourier-transform spectrometer. At low frequency, the sideband generates frequencies from -50 GHz to +50 GHz. At high frequency, it generates sideband frequencies from 70 GHz to 115 GHz. The total ±100 GHz tuning range can be further expanded with higher frequency millimeter wave amplifier/multiplier source. The sideband generates total 1 μW of output power at both upper and lower frequency with 200 μW of driven power from the THz QCL, showing a power conversion efficiency of 5 × 10 -3 . The demonstration of this SM, continuously tunable THz source enables its applications where SM, spatially coherent beam is required.
Do mesogranules exist

The application of spatial and temporal averaging techniques to several long sequences of Dopplergrams obtained at the solar disk center and near the limb confirmed the persistent supergranule velocity pattern. After excluding the 5-min oscillation and supergranule velocity fields from the disk center Doppler data, it is found that the velocity structure shows a typical scale of 7 Mm, consistent with the scale of mesogranules found by November, Toomre, and Gebbie (1981) and November et al. (1982). However, this velocity pattern does not show properties of the cellular convection. It is proposed that the mesogranule velocity structure found by November et al. might be the uncorrected part of the 5-min oscillations and granule velocity.
Synthesis of optimal heat-induced separation networks

Abstract In this work we introduce the novel problem of synthesizing heat-induced separation networks (HISENs). The essence of HISEN synthesis is to reduce the concentration of a certain component in a number of rich (typically waste) streams from a set of supply compositions to a set of target compositions by using a number of heat-induced separators. A heat-induced separator is any indirect contact unit which employs an energy-separating agent (ESA) to affect separation via phase change. Examples of these systems include condensation, crystallization, vaporization and drying. By combining phase-equilibrium data with enthalpy balances, we develop pinch diagrams that can be used to determine the minimum operating cost of the system. There are two distinctive characteristics associated with the pinch diagrams for the HISENs. First, the location of the pinch point is not restricted to the supply temperatures of streams. Second, heat-induced separators may straddle the pinch point even for networks featuring the minimum cost of energy-separating agents. A systematic procedure is presented to address these characteristics and to synthesize a cost effective network of heat-induced separators. The problem is formulated as an optimization program. A solution procedure that is guaranteed to identify the global solution is devised to solve the problem. In addition, a slightly revised formulation is developed to incorporate the effect of stream bypass/mixing. Several case studies are tackled using the proposed procedures.
Moho structure across the San Jacinto fault zone: Insights into strain localization at depth

Ten years of teleseismic earthquakes recorded by broadband seismic instruments from the Anza network–USArray stations around the San Jacinto fault were used to create P receiver function images of the lithospheric structure beneath this major strike-slip fault. Analyses of back-azimuthal variation and location of the conversion points near the fault suggest an ∼8 km vertical offset of the Moho directly beneath the San Jacinto fault. This implies that the fault extends through the entire crust and into the mantle lithosphere, supporting the idea that the strain in the lower crust is localized within a narrow zone. The Moho offset and surface trace of the San Jacinto fault zone are coincident with a compositional boundary in the Peninsular Ranges batholith previously identified in potential field geophysical data and Sr isotope analyses. The position of the offset with respect to this relict geologic feature, which predates the pluton emplacement that formed the batholith, may be a controlling factor in strain location and plate-boundary fault initiation.
Optical light scatter imaging of cellular and sub-cellular morphology changes in stressed rat hippocampal slices.

Optical imaging, such as transmission imaging, is used to study brain tissue injury. Transmission imaging detects cellular swelling via an increase in light transmitted by tissue slices due to a decrease in scattering particle concentration. Transmission imaging cannot distinguish sub-cellular particle size changes from cellular swelling or shrinkage. We present an optical imaging method, based on Mie scatter theory, to detect changes in sub-cellular particle size and concentration. The system uses a modified inverted microscope and a 16-bit cooled CCD camera to image tissue light scatter at two angles. Dual-angle scatter ratio imaging successfully discriminated latex microsphere suspensions of differing sizes (0.6, 0.8, 1 and 2 μm) and concentrations. We applied scatter imaging to hippocampal slices treated with 100 μM N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) to model excitotoxic injury or −40 mOsm hypotonic perfusion solution to cause edema injury. We detected light scatter decreases similar to transmission imaging in the CA1 region of the hippocampus for both treatments. Using our system, we could distinguish between NMDA and hypotonic treatments on the basis of statistically significant (P<0.0003) differences in the scatter ratio measured in CA1. Scatter imaging should be useful in studying tissue injuries or activity resulting in brain tissue swelling as well as morphological changes in sub-cellular organelles such as mitochondrial swelling.
Expositio vocabulorum: A medieval English glossary as archival aid

Un glossaire juridique du 13 e siecle a ete utilise pendant deux siecles par les experts de la cour royale d'Angleterre pour interpreter certains termes anglo-saxons et aider a la lecture des nombreux codes legislatifs anglo-saxons. Ce manuscrit latin a connu plusieurs versions, dont la plus commune est presentee ici
Experimental study of transient natural convection in an inclined rectangular enclosure

Abstract Simultaneous quantitative measurements are made of both the temperature and velocity fields for two-dimensional transient natural convection in an inclined rectangular enclosure using calibrated multichannel electronic interferometry and digital particle image velocimetry. The transient boundary conditions are initiated impulsively by heating and cooling two opposing walls. The evolution of the flow to steady-state is determined for a Prandtl number of 6.38, a Rayleigh number of 1.5 × 10 5 and an aspect ratio of 1.0, at angles of inclination of π/4, π/2 and 3π/4.
Maximum surface concentration of SO2 from a moderate-size steam-electric power plant as a function of power plant load

Using the reported effluent characteristics from a moderate-size power plant, a simulation of the maximum ground-level concentrations of SO2 was conducted using a simple Gaussian plume model. The results suggest that high surface concentrations can occur even when the SO2 emission rate is significantly reduced by lowering the power load of the power plant.
Binding of insecticides to lipophorin and arylphorin, two hemolymph proteins of Heliothis zea.

The binding of different insecticides to hemolymph proteins of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea, was studied by an analytical isoelectric focusing technique. Two proteins capable of binding hydrophobic substrates were discovered and identified as lipophorin and arylphorin. Lipophorin, the major lipoprotein of Heliothis zea, demonstrated rather unspecific binding of xenobiotics of different hydrophobicities. Arylphorin, a putative storage protein, revealed strong affinity for compounds of medium polarity, binding only weakly to insecticides of higher or lower polarity.
Treatment of foveal pigment epithelial detachments with contiguous extrafoveal choroidal neovascular membranes.

Fourteen eyes of 14 patients who had subfoveal retinal pigment epithelial detachments and extrafoveal contiguous choroidal neovascular membranes associated with age-related macular degeneration underwent laser photocoagulation treatment directed solely to their choroidal neovascular membrane. In eight of 14 eyes (57%), photocoagulation treatment resulted in closure of the choroidal neovascular membrane with subsequent collapse of the pigment epithelial detachment. Six of the eight eyes also had visual improvement. In six of 14 eyes (43%), the neovascular membrane eventually progressed into the fovea with resultant visual loss. The results of our study suggest that photocoagulation of extrafoveal choroidal neovascular membranes associated with foveal detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium may preserve and even improve visual function in affected patients.
Role for corticoids in mediating the response of Rana pipiens tadpoles to intraspecific competition.

Competition is known to decrease growth and development rate in tadpoles, but the physiological basis for this phenomenon is poorly understood. We hypothesized that competition results in increased production of stress hormones and that these hormones are responsible for the suppression of growth and development. To test this hypothesis, we measured whole-body corticosterone content in premetamorphic Leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles raised at two different population densities and three different food levels. Whole body corticosterone content was elevated in tadpoles subjected to either limited food (at low density) or high density. Within the low and intermediate food treatments, high density reduced tadpole growth and slowed development. Limited food slowed growth and development at all densities. Blocking corticoid synthesis by treating tadpoles with metyrapone (MTP) reversed the growth suppression caused by high density (tested in the intermediate food level treatment) but did not alter the effect of density on development rate. MTP treatment did not alter the depressive effect of limited resources on growth or development. Our results suggest that elevated corticoid biosynthesis mediates the negative effect of increased population density (i.e., increased intraspecific competition) on tadpole growth.
REACTION MODELS FOR MESON PRODUCTION REACTIONS IN THE NUCLEON RESONANCE REGION

Reaction models for extracting nucleon resonance parameters from the data of meson production reactions are reviewed. The dynamical coupled-channel analysis at the Excited Baryon Analysis Center at Jefferson Laboratory is reported.
Sampling Theory for Functions with Fractal Spectrum

We investigate in greater detail a sampling formula given by the first author for functions whose spectrum lies in a Cantor set $K$ of a special type introduced by Jorgensen and Pedersen, where the sampling set is extremely thin, and the sampling function is quite different from the usual sinc function. We obtain new properties of the sampling function, and we give approximate descriptions of both local and global behavior of functions with spectrum in $K$. Some experimental results are described, and more can be found at http://mathlab.cit.cornell.edu/tillman.
Focusing of wave-induced flow through a submerged disk with a tubular opening

Abstract This study is on the vertical wave-induced velocity through an opening in a fixed, submerged and impervious horizontal disk, that is positioned near the free surface. Piercing this body is a tubular section, having an opening flush with the top surface and extending completely through the body. Experiments are conducted in a wave flume, where monochromatic waves propagate over the submerged surface of a free-standing disk model. Wave elevation is recorded using a capacitive-type wave gauge. The oscillating wave-induced flow through the submerged surface is measured by a particle image velocimetry (PIV) laser. Numerically, the flow within the opening of the submerged surface is modeled by use of the Green function method within the confines of linear potential theory. Both the experimental and numerical results of this phenomenon are compared. The outcome is pertinent to the development of a new wave energy converter.
Clinical significance of bacterial cultures from 28 autologous islet cell transplant solutions.

Purpose: Total pancreatectomy and autologous islet cell transplantation are being investigated as a novel surgical treatment for patients with chronic pancreatitis. Preliminary data has demonstrated the presence of enteric bacteria in solutions used to harvest islet cells. Subsequently, we started culturing autologous islet solutions to determine whether any concordance existed between these cultures and postoperative infectious complications. Methods: A retrospective analysis evaluated microbiologic cultures between July 2000 and November 2003; 33 patients underwent total or completion pancreatectomy and islet cell transplantation. Five patients were excluded due to incomplete culture data. Aerobic, anaerobic and fungal cultures were performed on all islet preparation solutions. Patient charts were examined for postoperative infectious complications. Microbiologic data from these infections was compared to pretransplant islet cultures. Islet cells from each patient were tested in vitrofor both function and viability. Results: Of the 28 patients, 25 (89.3%) had bacterial culture-positive media solutions. Only 4 patients (14.3%) had an infectious complication from which bacteria was isolated that corresponded to bacteria in their islet cell preparation. In vitro islet cell viability was greater than 95% in the pretransplant aliquots. Conclusion: These results suggest that transplantation of bacterial-positive islet cell solutions does not appear to increase the risk of postoperative infectious complications or impact islet cell viability. Therefore, prolonged antibiotic treatment against these specific bacteria beyond the perioperative period does not seem warranted.