cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the photorefractive crystal based detection system for acousto-optical imaging (AOI) in highly diffuse media

Acousto-optical imaging (AOI) in diffuse media is a hybrid technique that is based on the interaction of multiply scattered laser light with a focused ultrasound beam. A phase-modulated optical field emanates from the interaction region and carries with it information about the local opto-mechanical properties of the insonated media. The goal of AOI is to reveal the optically relevant physiological information while maintaining ultrasonic resolution. Among the state-of-the-art optical detection techniques used for AOI, there is a trade-off between the axial resolution (or ultrasound bandwidth) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this paper, a photorefractive-crystal (PRC) based interferometry system is employed to detect acousto-optical (AO) signals in highly diffuse media. This system allows for the use of short pulses of focused ultrasound and is capable of imaging mm-scale inhomogeneities imbedded inside tissue-mimicking phantoms. One-dimensional (1-D) AO image along the transducer axis is obtained from a single, time-averaged time-domain acousto-optical signal, and the axial resolution is determined by the acoustic spatial pulse length, rather than the longer axial dimension of the ultrasonic focal region (as is the case when using a continuous-wave (CW) ultrasound source). Two-dimensional (2-D) images can be constructed by scanning the transducer in one dimension, which results in a reduction in imaging acquisition time and makes fast acousto-optical imaging possible.
Quantitative Mapping of Hemodynamics in the Lung, Brain, and Dorsal Window Chamber-Grown Tumors Using a Novel, Automated Algorithm

Objective Hemodynamic properties of vascular beds are of great interest in a variety of clinical and laboratory settings. However, there presently exists no automated, accurate, technically simple method for generating blood velocity maps of complex microvessel networks. Methods Here, we present a novel algorithm that addresses the problem of acquiring quantitative maps by applying pixel-by-pixel cross-correlation to video data. Temporal signals at every spatial coordinate are compared with signals at neighboring points, generating a series of correlation maps from which speed and direction are calculated. User-assisted definition of vessel geometries is not required, and sequential data are analyzed automatically, without user bias. Results Velocity measurements were validated against the dual-slit method and against in vitro capillary flow with known velocities. The algorithm was tested in three different biological models in order to demonstrate its versatility. Conclusions The hemodynamic maps presented here demonstrate an accurate, quantitative method of analyzing dynamic vascular systems.
Synthesis of 4-Amino-8-(2, 2-Difluoro-2-Deoxy-β-D-Ribo Furanosyl Amino)Pyrimido [5, 4-D]Pyrimidine (dFARPP). Stability and Cellular Cytotoxicity

Abstract The synthesis of β-dFARPP was accomplished by Mitsunobu coupling of 6-cyanopurine with 2-deoxy-2, 2-difluororibose followed by purine ring-expansion under the action of methanolic ammonia. The title compound inhibited the growth of proliferating human leukemic CCRF-CEM cells at 6.1μg/ml but had no effect on plaque formation by a variety of DNA and RNA viruses.
Differences in forecasting behaviour between large and small firms

If there is any one function managers most despise, it is the art of forecasting. By its very nature it concerns guessing the outcome of future events. Do all firms forecast the same? Compares forecasting behaviour between large and small firms and examines questions such as who does the forecasting, how often do they do forecasts, what areas are forecasted, what techniques are used, why they do it, what results are like from forecasting effort, and are they satisfied or dissatisfied. Examines significant differences in forecasting behaviour and makes conclusions.
Protein Kinase A Activity at the Endoplasmic Reticulum Surface Is Responsible for Augmentation of Human ether-a-go-go-related Gene Product (HERG)

Human ether-a-go-go-related gene product (HERG) is a cardiac potassium channel commonly implicated in the pathogenesis of the long QT syndrome, type 2 (LQT2). LQT2 mutations typically have incomplete penetrance and affect individuals at various stages of their lives; this may mirror variations in intracellular signaling and HERG regulation. Previous work showed that sustained protein kinase A (PKA) activity augments HERG protein abundance by a mechanism that includes enhanced protein translation. To investigate the subcellular site of this regulation, we generated site-specific probes to the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the presumed locale of channel synthesis. Real-time FRET-based indicators demonstrated both cAMP and PKA activity at the ER. A PKA inhibitor targeted to the ER surface (termed p4PKIg) completely abolished PKA-mediated augmentation of HERG in HEK293 cells as well as rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. Immunofluorescence co-localization, targeted FRET-based PKA biosensors, phospho-specific antibodies, and in vivo phosphorylation experiments confirmed that p4PKIg is preferentially active at the ER surface rather than the plasma membrane. Rerouting this inhibitor to the outer mitochondrial membrane diminishes its ability to block cAMP-dependent HERG induction. Our results support a model where PKA-dependent regulation of HERG synthesis occurs at the ER surface. Furthermore, reagents generated for this study provide novel experimental tools to probe compartmentalized cAMP/PKA signaling within cells.
Oxidation of 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-methyl-d-glucose with alkaline hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Treatment of 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -methyl- d -glucose with 10 molar equivalents ofn 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide and 2 molar equivalents of potassium hydroxide afforded, after chromatographic separation, 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -methyl- d -gluconolactone. 1- O -formyl-2,3,5-tri- O -methyl- d -arabinose methyl hemiacetal (7) , 2,3,5-tri- O -methyl- d -arabinonolactone, methyl 2,3,5-tri- O -methyl- d -arabinoside, O -(2,4-di- O -methyl- d -erythrose)-(1'→3)-2,4-di- O -methyl- d -erythronic acid, and O -(2,4-di- O -methyl- d -erythrose)-(1′→2)-3- O -methyl- d -glyceraldehyde. The proportions of the products depended on the reaction conditions, especially the time, temperature, and the presence or absence of magnesium hydroxide. Formation of the products is explained by a series of reactions beginning with the addition of hydrogen peroxide to the carbonyl form of the methylated sugar. The adduct, with the help of superoxide radical and a molecule of hydrogen peroxide, breaks up in two ways, giving 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -methyl- d -gluconic acid and 7 . The formic ester, on hydrolysis, gives 2,3,5-tri- O -methyl- d -arabinose, which undergoes a similar series of reactions, affording 2,3,5-tri- O -methyl- d -arabinonic acid, and presumably, 1- O -formyl-2,4-di- O -methyl- d -erythrose methyl hemiacetal. Apparently, the latter compound, on hydrolysis, forms a dimer, which, with alkaline hydrogen peroxide, undergoes a similar series of reactions, ultimately affording O -(2,4-di- O -methyl- d -erythrose)-(1→3)-2,4-di- O -methyl- d -erythronic acid and O -(2,4-di- O -methyl- d -erythrose)-(1→2)-3- o -methyl- d -glyceraldehyde. With a larger amount of alkali, under more-severe conditions, oxidation of 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -methyl- d -glucose proceeds further, with production of up to 3 moles of formic acid per mole of methylated sugar.
Thermo-optic properties of laser crystals in the 100-300 K temperature range: Y 3 Al 5 O 12 (YAG), YAlO 3 (YALO) and LiYF 4 (YLF)

Spectroscopic and thermo-optic properties of laser crystals are needed for solid-state laser performance modeling. Here we present a brief report on the measurement of key thermo-optic properties: thermal conductivity (κ), coefficient of thermal expansion (α), and thermal coefficient of refractive index (dn/dT). κ was measured using laser-flash method. α was measured using a 632.8-nm He-Ne Michelson laser interferometer. dn/dT was determined at 1064 nm, using measured values of α and the thermal coefficient of the optical path length. An extended paper containing more detailed results will be submitted to the Journal of Applied Physics.
Predictors of CT colonography utilization among asymptomatic medicare beneficiaries.

BACKGROUND Although the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) denied coverage for screening computed tomography colonography (CTC) in March 2009, little is understood about whether CTC was targeted to the appropriate patient population prior to this decision.
Ultracompact highly reliable all-solid-state photopolarimeter

In this paper, an ultra compact highly reliable all solid state photopolarimeter is presented. This innovative polarimeter includes: (1) a set of digital Faraday rotators; (2) a photodetector and corresponding processor; (3) and a novel measurement technique so that the temperature and wavelength dependences of magneto-optic crystals are automatically compensated. The major advantages of this novel polarimeter are (1) highly reliable (no mechanical moving parts); (2) higly accurate; (3) fast speed (< 1 ms); and (4) ultra compact size (e.g., 25 mm x 10 mm x 10 mm). It is anticipated this unique polarimeter can have a variety of applications in the areas of polarization monitoring in optics networks, ellipsometry, non-invasive bio-optic sensors, etc.
Enhanced Technology Transfer Through Strategic Planning, Partnering, and Model Integration:

A new approach to technology transfer (T2) under way at the Pennsylvania Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is presented. The approach arose from a need to increase T2 efficiency and effectiveness. The model and processes draw from functional theories and methods within the areas of business, education, evaluation, and organization. T2 is a dynamic and complex process often treated and associated with the more concrete disciplines of training and education. Until recently, little existed to conceptualize and apply a systematized deployment and assessment of T2 intended for infrastructure improvement in transportation. The processes and models presented offer creative responses to pertinent issues in this area. Strategic planning principles based on Bryson's model for public and nonprofit organizations, coupled with network-based decision-making software used by the Pennsylvania LTAP center, are described. Strategic objectives common to other key organizations were identified to arrive at a partneri...
Neuroimaging and Biomarkers in Addiction Treatment

Neuroimaging studies have made a significant contribution to the efforts to identify measurable indices, or biomarkers, of addictions and their treatments. Biomarkers in addiction treatment are needed to provide targets for treatment, detect treatment subgroups, predict treatment response, and broadly improve outcomes. Neuroimaging is important to biomarkers research as it relates neural circuits to both molecular mechanisms and behavior. A focus of recent efforts in neuroimaging in addiction has been to elucidate the neural correlates associated with dimensions of functioning in substance-use and related disorders, such as cue-reactivity, impulsivity, and cognitive control, among others. These dimensions of functioning have been related to addiction treatment outcomes and relapse, and therefore, a better understanding of these dimensions and their neural correlates may help to identify brain-behavior biomarkers of treatment response. This paper reviews recent neuroimaging studies that report potential biomarkers in addiction treatment related to cue-reactivity, impulsivity, and cognitive control, as well as recent advances in neuroimaging that may facilitate efforts to determine reliable biomarkers. This important initial work has begun to identify possible mediators and moderators of treatment response, and multiple promising indices are being tested.
Microtektites in Deep-sea Sediments

AN examination of deep-sea sediments deposited south of Australia and Sumatra during and after the last polarity reversal of the Earth's magnetic field resulted in the discovery of a zone containing microscopic (< 1 mm) glassy objects. (Five to ten gram samples were washed through a 125µ sieve.) This zone, which occurs immediately above the last geomagnetic reversal, has now been found in five cores from the Australia Basin, one from the Wharton Basin, and one from the Philippine Basin. Two of these cores will be discussed in a later publication (RC 9–142, 42° 42′ S., 116° 52′ E., depth 2,290 fathoms, from the Australia Basin, and V 20–138, 28° 52′ N., 135° 33′ E., depth 2,264 fathoms, from the Philippine Sea).
A matrix diagonalisation problem in quantum mechanics

The author is concerned with discussing a matrix diagonalisation problem which occurs when one attempts to estimate the ground-state energy of a Bose fluid. The matrix problem comes about when one makes Bogoliubov's approximation to the Hamiltonian of an interacting system. The Hamiltonian is then quadratic in creation and annihilation operators. The ground-state energy can be computed if one solves an appropriate matrix diagonalisation problem. Here the roots of the characteristic polynomial for the matrix problem turn out to be the turning points of the roots of some simpler polynomials which depend on a parameter. Using this fact one can estimate them.
The Competitive Effects of Not‐for‐Profit Hospital Mergers: A Case Study

Applying conventional horizontal merger enforcement rules to nonprofit hospitals is controversial. Critics contend that the different objective function of not-for-profits entities should mitigate competitive concerns about mergers involving nonprofit hospitals. We analyze a merger that reduced the number of competitors (both nonprofit) in the alleged relevant market from three to two. We find that the transaction was followed by significant price increases; we reject the hypothesis that these price increases reflect higher post-merger quality. This study should help policymakers assess the validity of current merger enforcement rules, especially as they apply to not-for-profit enterprises.
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS: PART II- RELATIONSHIP TO PLASMA STEROID LEVELS AND OUTLIER STATUS

Abstract A randomized clinical trial of oral contraceptives evaluated 67 women on 50 ug ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 1.0 mg norethindrone (NE), 61 women on 35 ug EE and 1.0 mg NE, and 64 women on 35 ug EE and 0.5 mg NE. At baseline, three, six and nine months, lipids and lipoproteins were measured as well as selected plasma determinations of the contraceptive steroids. Data was related to change in outlier status for lipids/lipoproteins (less than 10th percentile for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-l, greater than 90th percentile for all others). Women on the lowest dose preparation had the smallest trend towards outlier status for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-l. An increase over the time period of the study in the initial slope (one hour level minus zero hour level over time) of NE and a decrease in the initial slope of EE was associated with a shift to outlier status for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A number of other relationships were also shown. Use of the techniques described might assist in identifying sub-groups of women at risk for adverse cardiovascular sequelae associated with oral contraceptive use.
Flight Test of Orthogonal Square Wave Inputs for Hybrid-Wing-Body Parameter Estimation

As part of an effort to improve emissions, noise, and performance of next generation aircraft, it is expected that future aircraft will use distributed, multi-objective control effectors in a closed-loop flight control system. Correlation challenges associated with parameter estimation will arise with this expected aircraft configuration. The research presented in this paper focuses on addressing the correlation problem with an appropriate input design technique in order to determine individual control surface effectiveness. This technique was validated through flight-testing an 8.5-percent-scale hybrid-wing-body aircraft demonstrator at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (Edwards, California). An input design technique that uses mutually orthogonal square wave inputs for de-correlation of control surfaces is proposed. Flight-test results are compared with prior flight-test results for a different maneuver style.
False positive mammograms in Europe: do they affect reattendance?

False positive results from screening mammography are quite common in the United States, with almost half of women receiving at least one false positive result over 10 years of annual screening [1]. In Europe, false positive mammography results are likely less common, as European countries report many fewer abnormal mammogram results and, on the whole, have similar breast cancer detection rates [2–5]. Reasons for lower false positive rates in Europe may include a less litigious environment, having higher quality standards, having the double-viewing of film be more common practice, having higher tolerance for missing breast cancer (false negatives), requiring higher volume for radiologists interpreting mammograms, and radiologists having access to patients’ previous screening records [6, 7]. Even with these safeguards, many European women experience false positive mammograms.
Fine-grained semi-supervised labeling of large shape collections

In this paper we consider the problem of classifying shapes within a given category (e.g., chairs) into finer-grained classes (e.g., chairs with arms, rocking chairs, swivel chairs). We introduce a multi-label (i.e., shapes can belong to multiple classes) semi-supervised approach that takes as input a large shape collection of a given category with associated sparse and noisy labels, and outputs cleaned and complete labels for each shape. The key idea of the proposed approach is to jointly learn a distance metric for each class which captures the underlying geometric similarity within that class, e.g., the distance metric for swivel chairs evaluates the global geometric resemblance of chair bases. We show how to achieve this objective by first geometrically aligning the input shapes, and then learning the class-specific distance metrics by exploiting the feature consistency provided by this alignment. The learning objectives consider both labeled data and the mutual relations between the distance metrics. Given the learned metrics, we apply a graph-based semi-supervised classification technique to generate the final classification results.In order to evaluate the performance of our approach, we have created a benchmark data set where each shape is provided with a set of ground truth labels generated by Amazon's Mechanical Turk users. The benchmark contains a rich variety of shapes in a number of categories. Experimental results show that despite this variety, given very sparse and noisy initial labels, the new method yields results that are superior to state-of-the-art semi-supervised learning techniques.
A finite element model for real-time compensation of the thermal deformation of the platen of a planar step motor

A planar step Sawyer-motor system consists of a Sawyer-motor riding on an air-bearing over a thin steel platen. The platen has a fine grid of teeth which the motor uses to move on the platen. Due to the heat generated from the motor, the platen along with the grid deforms such that the actual position of a point on the platen is equal to the nominal position of the point plus some thermal deformation. Thus, the maximum accuracy is limited to the maximum error from the thermal deformation, which was about 60 /spl mu/m over a range of 0.5m, in our test system. This paper presents a finite element model for real-time prediction of the thermal deformation of the platen of a planar step motor, along with experimental verification of the model. The model can be used to compensate for the thermal deformation, thus improving the positional accuracy of the motor. The results show that an improvement in positional accuracy of about a factor of five can be achieved. >
Metal-salt potentiation of salicylate-induced teratogenesis and behavioral changes in rats.

The effects of parenteral metal supplements on salicylate teratogenicity were studied in rats. Ferrous gluconate (16 mg/kg), manganous sulfate (10 mg/kg), cuprous sulfate (6 mg/kg), or deionized water were given ip on days 8, 9, and 10 of gestation, Sodium salicylate (250 or 500 mg/kg) or deionized water was administered po on day 9, l h after the metal-salt treatment. Mn significantly enhanced the teratogenic effects of salicylate, Fe potentiated the salicylate effect but to a lesser extent than Mn, and Cu had little or no effect on salicylate teratogenicity. Mn and Fe significantly increased total salicylate concentration in both embryos and maternal plasma at 6 h after salicylate treatment, with Mn having the greater effect. No interference with plasma-protem binding of salicylate could be detected. Posrnatal effects of possible salicylatemetal interactions were studied in 40-day-old offspring of animals treated with 125 mg/kg aspirin po and 16 mg/kg ferrous gluconate ip on days 8, 9, and 10. Increased exploratory activity and mean body weight were observed in both the aspirin-Fe and aspirin groups relative to vehicle controls, but maze learning was impaired only in animals exposed to both aspirin and Fe. The potentiation of the pre- and postnatal effects of salicylate by parenteral metal-salt treatment implies a salicylate-metal interaction in the maternal circulation and suggests chelation as a mechanism of the teratogenic action of salicylate.
On-Chip Interconnection Networks of the TRIPS Chip

The TRIPS chip prototypes two networks on chip to demonstrate the viability of a routed interconnection fabric for memory and operand traffic. In a 170-million-transistor custom ASIC chip, these NoCs provide system performance within 28 percent of ideal noncontended networks at a cost of 20 percent of the die area. our experience shows that NoCs are area- and complexity-efficient means of providing high-bandwidth, low-latency on-chip communication.
Loss of airway pressure during HFOV results in an extended loss of oxygenation: a retrospective animal study.

Background Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are often ventilated with high airway pressure. Brief loss of airway pressure may lead to an extended loss of oxygenation. While using high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in a porcine acute lung injury model, two animals became disconnected from the ventilator with subsequent loss of airway pressure. We compared the two disconnected animals to the two animals that remained connected to determine causes for the extended reduction in oxygenation. Methods ARDS was induced using 5% Tween. Thirty min of nonprotective ventilation (NPV) followed before placing the pigs on HFOV. Measurements were made at baseline, after lung injury, and every 30min during the 6-h study. Disconnections were treated by hand-ventilation and a recruitment maneuver before being placed back on HFOV. The lungs were histologically analyzed and wet/dry weights were measured to determine lung edema. Results Hemodynamics and lung function were similar in all pigs at baseline, after injury, and following NPV. The animals that remained connected to the oscillator showed a continued improvement in PaO 2 /FiO 2 (P/F) ratio throughout the study. The animals that experienced the disconnection had a significant loss of lung function that never recovered. The disconnect animals had more diffuse alveolar disease on histologic analysis. Conclusions A significant fall in lung function results following disconnection from HFOV, which remains depressed for a substantial period of time despite efforts to reopen the lung. Dispersion of edema fluid is a possible mechanism for the protracted loss of lung function.
Reduction of Regulatory T Cells by Mogamulizumab, a Defucosylated Anti-CC Chemokine Receptor 4 Antibody, in Patients with Aggressive/Refractory Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome

Purpose: The CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is expressed on malignant T cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) as well as on regulatory T cells (Treg). When mogamulizumab, a defucosylated monoclonal antibody, binds to CCR4, it induces antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against CCR4 + malignant T cells. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of mogamulizumab on CCR4 + Tregs in patients with CTCL. Experimental Design: Peripheral blood of 24 patients with CTCL participating in a phase I/II trial was analyzed for CCR4 expression on different T-cell subsets by flow cytometry, before and after one course of mogamulizumab. The number and function of natural killer (NK) cells were also analyzed. Lesional biopsies were examined for CCR4, Foxp3, and CD16 expression by immunohistochemistry. Results: Malignant T cells in peripheral blood were 20.8%–100% positive for CCR4 at baseline. Fourteen patients who achieved a response in blood had high baseline CCR4 expression on malignant T cells. Tregs in blood were 58.6% to 100% positive for CCR4 at baseline and showed decreased numbers and CCR4 expression after treatment. CD8 + T cells in blood were 3.2% to 23.2% positive for CCR4 at baseline and showed limited reduction of CCR4 expression with increased percentages of CD8 + T cells after treatment. Of 14 patients tested for NK cells in blood, 10 showed increased percentages after treatment. Four of 6 patients tested showed increased NK cell cytotoxicity. Sixteen of 18 patients who had CCR4 + lymphocytes in baseline lesions showed decreased numbers after treatment. Conclusions: Mogamulizumab reduces levels of CCR4 + malignant T cells and also CCR4 + Tregs in patients with CTCL, which may in turn improve immune profiles. Clin Cancer Res; 21(2); 274–85. ©2014 AACR .
New Developments in the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System Suitable for Simulations of Snowpack Augmentation over Complex Terrain

The Colorado State University Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) has been used to emulate cloud seeding operations in the Colorado Rocky Mountains for the winter of 2003-2004 in a previous study (Cotton et al. 2006). This paper documents new developments in RAMS since that study using a winter storm simulation that occurred in Colorado from 3-4 November 2003 as an illustration. The authors reported the advantages and disadvantages in the precipitation prediction of the innermost grid (Δx=3 km) by using the Kain-Fritsch convective parameterization scheme (CPS) in the outer grids in order to reduce the excessive precipitation in the innermost grid. Also, we examined the impacts of the bin-emulation approach to riming on supercooled liquid water prediction and precipitation. The bin-emulation approach alleviated a negative bias in the prediction of cloud liquid water content that occurred in the older microphysics package without this feature. With this new feature, there should be improvements in emulating cloud seeding operations in RAMS.
Inhibition of CETP activity by torcetrapib reduces susceptibility to diet-induced atherosclerosis in New Zealand White rabbits.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors increase high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) in animals and humans, but whether CETP inhibition will be antiatherogenic is still uncertain. We tested the CETP inhibitor torcetrapib in rabbits fed an atherogenic diet at a dose sufficient to increase HDL-C by at least 3-fold (207 ± 32 vs. 57 ± 6 mg/dl in controls at 16 weeks). CETP activity was inhibited by 70–80% throughout the study. Non-HDL-C increased in both groups, but there was no difference apparent by the study's end. At 16 weeks, aortic atherosclerosis was 60% lower in torcetrapib-treated animals (16.4 ± 3.4% vs. 39.8 ± 5.4% in controls) and aortic cholesterol content was reduced proportionally. Sera from a separate group of rabbits administered torcetrapib effluxed 48% more cholesterol from Fu5AH cells than did sera from control animals, possibly explaining the reduced aortic cholesterol content. Regression analyses indicated that lesion area in the torcetrapib-treated group was strongly correlated with the ratio of total plasma cholesterol to HDL-C but not with changes in other lipid or lipoprotein levels. CETP inhibition with torcetrapib retards atherosclerosis in rabbits, and the reduced lesion area is associated with increased levels of HDL-C.
Implementing collaborative learning research in Web-based course design and management systems

The exponential increase in Web based distance learning environments for universities has spawned a parallel increase in Web course design and management systems (WCDMS). These systems appear to serve the needs of designers, professors, and administrators by simplifying the creation, delivery, and maintenance of Web based distance learning courses. However, a review of the best selling packages and courses implemented using them shows that they fall short of meeting some of the basic findings from research on learning. The paper presents one area of research collaborative learning that is frequently cited by the WCDMS as being supported by their products. The paper presents research on collaborative learning and methods for implementing them on the WCDMS and modifications to WCDMS are suggested.
Collaborative networks and new ways of knowing

Abstract To move beyond legal and regulatory gridlock around water issues in the California Bay-Delta, a new inter-agency initiative, commonly known as CALFED, was created in 1994. CALFED has been an ongoing experiment in policy innovation. Part of the change in management practice has involved constructing new arenas that engage multiple perspectives and transform regulatory impasse into provisional steps forward. We examine the construction of so-called boundary objects, which are forums and policy instruments that cross group boundaries and foster integrative deliberation. We compare the design and action of two boundary objects created by CALFED, namely the Environmental Water Account (EWA) and the Water Use Efficiency (WUE) program. We find that the presence of the boundary object, in itself, does little to explain the success of each policy experiment. Rather, the answer lies in the types of network interactions that result, along with the way meaning is coproduced. In fact, rather than create new patterns of interrelationship (e.g., between fish habitat advocates and pump station operators), the boundary object might further embed institutionalized routines. To more deeply understand what makes the new institution an integrative one, we introduce the concept of Ways of Knowing which explains how new knowledge emerges from the network of new relationships.
Are there optimum sites for global paleotemperature reconstruction

In order to place the relatively short instrumental record of global mean annual temperature in perspective, long proxy records are needed. Since it is unlikely there will ever be a globally extensive network of well-calibrated proxy records, it is necessary to identify sites which capture most of the variance of the larger scale average, to be used as representative time series for global means.
An informatics search for the low-molecular weight chromium-binding peptide

Background The amino acid composition of a low molecular weight chromium binding peptide (LMWCr), isolated from bovine liver, is reportedly E:G:C:D::4:2:2:2, though its sequence has not been discovered. There is some controversy surrounding the exact biochemical forms and the action of Cr(III) in biological systems; the topic has been the subject of many experimental reports and continues to be investigated. Clarification of Cr-protein interactions will further understanding Cr(III) biochemistry and provide a basis for novel therapies based on metallocomplexes or small molecules.
Activation of the Drosophila C3G leads to cell fate changes and overproliferation during development, mediated by the RAS–MAPK pathway and RAP1

The cellular signal transduction pathways by which C3G, a RAS family guanine nucleotide exchange factor, mediates v‐ crk transformation are not well understood. Here we report the identification of Drosophila C3G, which, like its human cognate, specifically binds to CRK but not DRK/GRB2 adaptor molecules. During Drosophila development, constitutive membrane binding of C3G, which also occurs during v‐ crk transformation, results in cell fate changes and overproliferation, mimicking overactivity of the RAS–MAPK pathway. The effects of C3G overactivity can be suppressed by reducing the gene dose of components of the RAS–MAPK pathway and of RAP1. These findings provide the first in vivo evidence that membrane localization of C3G can trigger activation of RAP1 and RAS resulting in the activation of MAPK, one of the hallmarks of v‐ crk transformation previously thought to be mediated through activation of SOS.
Dynamic reconfiguration for complex multimedia applications

Current state-of-the-art distributed multimedia applications require an environment that provides stable quality of service (QoS). However, these applications typically run on best-effort heterogeneous platforms, and compete with other applications or connections for end system and network resources, hence suffer from instability and dynamic variations with regards to QoS. We present a dynamically reconfigurable middleware control architecture to enhance adaptation awareness of these applications. Our middleware architecture allows for detecting QoS fluctuations in the surrounding environment and signaling optimal control actions to the application. Furthermore, we discuss the design of a core component, the Configurator, that adopts a fuzzy control approach to compute optimal control actions. Preliminary experimental results with a distributed visual tracking application show that our approach is viable and effective in controlling adaptive applications.
Acquiring “Working” Skills and Experience Through Hands-On Multidisciplinary Design Projects

One of the problems that many engineering graduates face when looking for their first job is: do you have experience? Employers prefer graduates with relevant experience to those without. Why is experience so important to employers? Can students accumulate “working” experience while studying in college? This paper discusses the use of design projects inside and outside of classrooms to help students gain “working” experience and skills through hands-on design activities that simulate the actual design activities that occur in the industry. Faculty members from the Mechanical Engineering Technology and Computer Engineering Technology departments were involved in creating multidisciplinary design projects. The design projects give students new insights into what they learn in their coursework and provide students the valuable experiences in analytical skills, concurrent engineering approach, people skills, and management skills needed for the students when looking for employment.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The Mechanism of cAMP-Mediated Enhancement at a Cerebellar Synapse

Increases in cAMP have been shown previously to enhance the strength of the granule cell to Purkinje cell synapse. We have examined the mechanisms underlying this enhancement in rat cerebellar brain slices. Elevation of cAMP levels by forskolin increased synaptic currents in a dose-dependent manner. Fluorometric calcium measurements revealed that forskolin did not affect presynaptic calcium influx or resting calcium levels. The waveform of the presynaptic volley was also unaltered, indicating that changes in the presynaptic action potential did not contribute to synaptic enhancement. However, forskolin enhanced the frequency but not the size of spontaneous miniature EPSCs. There was a one-to-one correspondence between increases of spontaneous and evoked neurotransmitter release. These results suggest that forskolin increases release at this synapse via presynaptic mechanisms that do not alter calcium influx. The effect of forskolin on paired-pulse facilitation was examined to assess the relative contributions of changes in the probability of release (p) and changes in the number of functional release sites (n) to this form of enhancement. These experiments suggest that although small changes in n cannot be excluded, most of the enhancement arises from increases in p.
Arbitrary geometry patient interfaces for breast cancer detection and monitoring with electrical impedance tomography

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a promising technology enabling the detection or observation of many biological processes. This is typically accomplished by applying currents at known locations on an outer surface (in this case skin) and measuring voltages at other locations. This information is then used to determine electrical properties of tissue found between the electrodes by solving the associated Laplace equation. Such problems depend upon knowing the exact boundary conditions (BC). Unfortunately BCs are not always easily determined and approximations are accepted out of necessity due to problem complexity or time constraints. The EIT group at Dartmouth College has developed two new patient interfaces for breast cancer detection and monitoring both of which speed acquisition time and allow for precision BC information in natural and arbitrary geometries. Preliminary experimental results are presented.
Pneumatic compression device treatment of lower extremity lymphedema elicits improved limb volume and patient-reported outcomes.

Objectives Examine the effectiveness of an advanced pneumatic compression device (APCD) in reducing limb volume (LV), and to evaluate clinician and patient-reported outcomes. Design Device registry study. Materials and methods Data were collected prospectively for 196 lower extremity lymphedema patients prescribed an APCD. Baseline and post-treatment LVs were calculated and clinical outcomes (skin changes, pain, and function) were assessed. Patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction utilizing a pre- and post-treatment survey were also evaluated. Results 90% of APCD-treated patients experienced a significant reduction in LV with 35% enjoying a reduction >10%. Mean LV reduction was 1,150 mL or 8% ( p p Conclusion APCD use is associated with consistent reductions in LV, with favorable patient-reported outcomes. Results demonstrate that reduction in LV and pain, combined with functional improvement and patient satisfaction can be achieved, providing tangible benefit for lower extremity patients.
Diaphragmatic perfusion heterogeneity during exercise with inspiratory resistive breathing

Regional distribution of diaphragmatic blood flow (Q; 15-microns-diam radionuclide-labeled microspheres) was studied in normal (n = 7) and laryngeal hemiplegic (LH; n = 7) ponies to determine whether the added stress of inspiratory resistive breathing during maximal exercise may cause 1) redistribution of diaphragmatic Q and 2) crural diaphragmatic Q to exceed that in maximally exercising normal ponies. LH-induced augmentation of already high exertional work of breathing resulted in diminished locomotor exercise capacity so that maximal exercise in LH ponies occurred at 25 km/h compared with 32 km/h for normal ponies. The costal and crural regions received similar Q in both groups at rest. However, exercise-induced increments in perfusion were significantly greater in the costal region of the diaphragm. At 25 km/h, costal diaphragmatic perfusion was 154 and 143% of the crural diaphragmatic Q in normal and LH ponies. At 32 km/h, Q in costal diaphragm of normal ponies was 136% of that in the crural region. Costal and crural diaphragmatic Q in LH ponies exercised at 25 km/h exceeded that for normal ponies but was similar to the latter during exercise at 32 km/h. Perfusion pressure for the three conditions was also similar. It is concluded that diaphragmatic perfusion heterogeneity in exercising ponies was preserved during the added stress of inspiratory resistive breathing. It was also demonstrated that vascular resistance in the crural and costal regions of the diaphragm in maximally exercised LH ponies remained similar to that in maximally exercising normal ponies.
JRIF: Reactive Information Flow Control for Java

Supported in part by AFOSR grants F9550-06-0019 and FA9550-11-1-0137, National Science Foundation grants 0430161, 0964409, and CCF-0424422 (TRUST), ONR grants N00014-01- 1-0968 and N00014-09-1-0652, and grants from Microsoft.
Forward: data-centric UIS using declarative templates that efficiently wrap third-party JavaScript components

While Ajax programming and the plethora of JavaScript component libraries enable high-quality Uls in web applications, integrating them with page data is laborious and error-prone as a developer has to handcode incremental modifications with trigger-based programming and manual coordination of data dependencies. The FORWARD web framework simplifies the development of Ajax applications through declarative, state-based templates. This declarative, data-centric approach is characterized by the principle of logical/physical independence, which the database community has often deployed successfully. It enables FORWARD to leverage database techniques, such as incremental view maintenance, updatable views, capability-based component wrappers and cost-based optimization to automate efficient live visualizations. We demonstrate an end-to-end system implementation, including a web-based IDE (itself built in FORWARD), academic and commercial applications built in FORWARD and a wide variety of JavaScript components supported by the declarative templates.
Fourth Order Exponential Time Differencing Method with Local Discontinuous Galerkin Approximation for Coupled Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations

This paper studies a local discontinuous Galerkin method combined with fourth order exponential time differencing Runge-Kutta time discretization and a fourth order conservative method for solving the nonlinear Schrodinger equations. Based on different choices of numerical fluxes, we propose both energy-conserving and energy-dissipative local discontinuous Galerkin methods, and have proven the error estimates for the semi-discrete methods applied to linear Schrodinger equation. The numerical methods are proven to be highly efficient and stable for long-range soliton computations. Extensive numerical examples are provided to illustrate the accuracy, efficiency and reliability of the proposed methods.
An empirical study of blindness and program comprehension

Blind programmers typically use a screen reader when reading code whereas sighted programmers are able to skim the code with their eyes. This difference has the potential to impact the generalizability of software engineering studies and approaches. We present a summary of a paper which will soon be under review at TSE that investigates how code comprehension of blind programmers differs from that of sighted programmers. Put briefly, we found no statistically-significant differences between the areas of code that the blind programmers found to be important and the areas of code that the sighted programmers found to be important.
Measuring and Evaluating Live Content Consistency in a Large-Scale CDN

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) play a central role in today's Internet infrastructure and have seen a sharp increase in scale. More and more internet sites are armed with live contents, such as live sports game statistics, e-commerce, and online auctions, and they rely on CDNs to deliver such contents freshly at scale. However, the problem of maintaining consistency for live (dynamic) contents while achieving high scalability is non-trivial in CDNs. The large number of widely scattered replicas guarantees the QoS of end-users while substantially increasing the complexity of consistency maintenance under frequent updates. Current consistency maintenance infrastructures and methods cannot simultaneously satisfy both scalability and consistency. In this paper, we first analyze our crawled trace data of cached sports game content on thousands of content servers of a major CDN. We analyze the content consistency from different perspectives, from which we break down the reasons for inconsistency among content servers. We verify that the CDN uses unicast instead of multicast trees as the update infrastructure, which may not scale effectively. Then, we further evaluate the performance in consistency, scalability and overhead for different infrastructures with different update methods. We itemize the advantages and disadvantages of different methods and infrastructures in different scenarios through the evaluation. Based on this evaluation, we propose our hybrid and self-adaptive update method to reduce network load and improve scalability under the conditions recorded in the trace and prove its effectiveness through trace-driven experiments. We aim to give guidance for appropriate selections of consistency maintenance infrastructures and methods for a CDN, and for choosing a CDN service with different considerations.
The effects of a cochlear implant on the family of a hearing-impaired child.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a cochlear implant on the family of a hearing-impaired child. A single family was interviewed to answer these research questions: How does the family adaptinitially to hearing impairment?, What are the family's concerns before, during, and after the implantation?, and How does the family accept and adjust to the outcomes of the procedure? Methods: Immediate family members (mother, father, and child) of the child receiving a cochlear implant were interviewed individually three times: before, during, and after implantation using an investigator-designed interview guide. The child's behavior was also observed during a speech therapy session before and after completion of the implantation. Findings: The findings reflect several common themes concerning ambivalence, excitement, fear, anxiety, impatience, and transformation. Conclusions: The family choosing cochlear implantation progressed through several phases of adaptive responses from before to after the procedure. Implications for nurses working with families during this process are identified.
Global navigation flies high

A few years ago, a young man to whom I had just been introduced told me that I had saved his life. I hardly knew who he was. "More properly, GPS saved my life," he continued, "and since you had so much to do with GPS, in a very real sense you saved my life." It turned out that the man had been sailing with friends in the English Channel when fog had suddenly descended. Being in possession of a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, the crew members were able to find out exactly where they were and, better still, which direction was home.
Curvature Modeling in Design of Circumferentially Modulated Cylindrical Metasurface LWA

This letter presents an analytical model to predict the behavior of a circumferentially impedance modulated cylindrical metasurface leaky-wave antenna. The variation in the radiation characteristics of the leaky-wave antenna with respect to its curvature is addressed. A lossy transmission line, whose loss is associated with the curvature of the metasurface, is utilized to determine the surface impedance of the metallic strips placed on a dielectric covered ground plane. This modifies the propagation constant of the surface wave propagating along the circumferential interface. As the surface wave is the source of radiation from the metasurface, any variation in the propagation constant of the surface wave changes the radiation characteristics of the leaky-wave structure.