cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seismic Stratigraphy of Western Colombian Basin, Caribbean Sea: ABSTRACT

Multichannel seismic reflection profiles disclose the regional stratigraphy of the western Colombian basin. The basement complex is the seismic unit below the deepest, continuous reflection horizon that can be traced throughout the basin. The basement complex reflection signature on the flanks of the Mono Rise and adjacent areas is smooth, continuous, and characterized by local occurrences of internal reflectors, and is equivalent to the Late Cretaceous Horizon B in the Venezuelan basin. In the central basin, the reflection signature is rough with abundant diffractions typical of normal oceanic crust. The sediment overlying the basement complex is subdivided into five mapping units. Unit CB5, which directly overlies the basement complex, is thickest on the Mono Rise and thins down the flanks of the rise. This unit is equivalent to the Upper Cretaceous to Middle Eocene pelagic unit bounded by seismic horizons A^Prime and B^Prime in the Venezuelan basin. Unit CB4, characterized by pervasive, small offset faulting, is restricted to the crest of the Mono Rise. Units CB3 and CB2 contain subparallel, variable amplitude, continuous reflectors that fill the regional basement complex relief. They are Middle Tertiary terrigenous distal turbidites and hemipelagic deposits. Unit CB1 thickens toward southern Central America and shows complicated reflection patterns typical of a deep-sea fan com lex. A jump correlation to Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 154 is used to assign a Late Miocene to Quaternary age to unit CB1. Development of unit CB1 was concurrent with the uplift of and magmatic activity in southern Central America. End_of_Article - Last_Page 456------------
Cholecystokinin antagonists inhibit in vivo voltammetric signals generated by KCl-induced slow wave depolarization in rat caudate.

Abstract The effect of sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8S) on the generation of slow wave depolarisation in the rat caudate-putamen (CPu) was studied using in vivo voltammetry. Pressure-ejection of 50 μM CCK-8S into the CPu induced voltammetric signals recorded at widely spaced Nafion-coated carbon fiber microelectrodes. Based on the in vitro selectivity properties of the electrodes, the signals were predominantly due to increases in extracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA). The similar propagation rates of the signals induced by CCK-8S and 100 mM KCl suggests that the CCK-8S-induced signals represent a slow wave depolarization (SWD). Since the CPu was refractory to a second CCK-8S stimulus, the effects of CCK antagonists on DA signals associated with 100 mM KCl-induced SWD were evaluated. Proglumide (4–64 mg/kg) and lorglumide (20–640 μg/kg), administered intravenously, decreased KCl-induced DA signals in the CPu in a dose-dependent manner. The antagonistic effect of lorglumide on the KCl-induced signals was partly reversed 130 min after drug administration. The generation of a SWD by CCK-8S and the inhibitory effects of CCK-8S antagonists on KCl-induced signals suggest that the susceptibility of the CPu to KCl-induced SWD may be enhanced by CCK-8S.
Induction of petite mutants in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by the anticancer drug dequalinium

Dequalinium (DEQ), a drug with both antimicrobial and anticancer activity, induced the formation of petite (respiration-deficient) mutants in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. DEQ was found to be approximately 50-fold more potent than ethidium bromide (EB) at inducing petites. Analysis of the DEQ-induced petite mutants indicated a complete loss of mitochondrial DNA (<1 copy/cell). Prior to the loss of mtDNA, DEQ caused cleavage of the mtDNA into a population of fragments 30-40kbp in size suggesting that this drug causes petites by inducing a breakdown of mtDNA. The selective effect of DEQ on yeast mtDNA may underlie the antifungal activity of this chemotherapeutic agent.
Numerical fracture analysis on the specimen size dependency of asphalt concrete using a cohesive softening model

Abstract Cracking in asphalt concrete is one of the major causes of structural and functional deterioration of pavement systems. Various experimental and numerical approaches with typical specimen size have been applied to analyze the fracture mechanism of asphalt concrete but the specimen size dependency on the fracture has an important role. Herein, the clustered discrete element method (DEM) approach was applied into the investigation of size effect on fracturing of asphalt concrete based on a disk-shaped compact tension (DC(T)) test. A bilinear cohesive softening model was implemented into the DEM framework to enable simulation of crack initiation and propagation in asphalt concrete. The laboratory tests were conducted for specimen sizes of asphalt concrete varying from 100 to 450 mm. Micromechanical fracture modeling approach was also applied to investigate the heterogeneous fracture behaviors for different specimen sizes. Image processing procedure was conducted to determine the microstructure of asphalt specimen and to project it into the numerical mesh. The specimen size dependency of asphalt concrete was captured by the developed experimental fracture test and the clustered DEM fracture model was able to accurately predict the size-dependent fracture behavior when considering viscoelasticity and heterogeneity.
Tobacco mosaic virus coat protein: An elicitor of the hypersensitive reaction but not required for the development of mosaic symptoms in Nicotiana sylvestris

Specific nucleotide changes in the coat protein gene of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) have been identified as responsible for the induction of the hypersensitive reaction (HR) in Nicotiana sylvestris. Each of these nucleotide changes resulted in amino acid substitutions in the coat protein. To determine if the altered viral RNA or the altered protein acted directly to elicit the HR, the coat protein translational starts were removed from full-length cDNA clones of the HR-inducing mutant TMV 25 and the systemically infecting TMV U1 strain. Infectious transcripts of these altered genomes failed to induce HR in inoculated leaves of N. sylvestris. These free-RNA mutants moved poorly out of inoculated leaves and produced a systemic mosaic symptom 9 to 12 weeks after inoculation. Infectious viral RNA, from both mutants, was recovered from inoculated and systemic mosaic leaves. Western blot analysis of both inoculated and noninoculated leaves revealed the presence of TMV-encoded 126-kDa protein and the absence of coat protein for both mutants. This study demonstrates that the coat protein of TMV 25 is an elicitor molecule responsible for the induction of HR in N. sylvestris and that the TMV coat protein is not required for the development of systemic mosaic symptoms.
Far lateral and far medial approaches to the foramen magnum: microsurgery or endoscopy?

ntradural vascular and neoplastic lesions of the skull base at the foramen magnum and the craniocervical junction area I are difficult to treat, primarily because of the complex anatomy of the area, with multiple cranial nerves, arteries and veins, and the spino-medullary junction crowded into a small area. When lesions involve the anterior or anterolateral space of the foramen magnum or the spino-medullary junction, they are more difficult to expose adequately and treat.
Mechanism of Dissolution I: Mathematical Interpretation of Concentration Gradients Developed During Dissolution of a Solid

The dissolution of m-acetotoluide from fused disks was studied using a column dissolution model. This model allowed the study of dissolution under both ascending and descending conditions. Fick's second law of diffusion was solved for the case of D = f(c) and theoretical concentrations calculated assuming the existence of a saturated layer at the solid-liquid interface. Excellent agreement between the theoretical and experimental values for dissolution and diffusion indicated that diffusion control of the dissolution process was obtained in the ascending model. The descending model produced mass transfer rates far in excess of any that could be predicted by molecular diffusion alone. An effective interfacial concentration, less than saturation, was developed in the descending model which could be determined experimentally and which, when used to calculate the total amount dissolved, gave excellent correlation with experimental results. A random-walk model with autocorrelation, which gives rise to the telegraph equation, was used to describe the concentration gradient developed in the descending model.
Pump Prices and Oil Prices: A Tale of Two Directions

It has been argued that retail gasoline prices adjust more quickly to crude oil price increases than to price decreases. We investigate this issue using the statewide data on weekly retail gasoline prices in the United States between January 2000 and June 2007. Our analysis does not confirm the prediction that gasoline prices adjust more quickly to price increases in crude oil prices. On the contrary, the results suggest that in some geographic areas gasoline prices could change faster when crude oil prices decrease. These findings suggest that a national or a one size fits all energy policy for the United States may be misguided.
Fracture analysis of anisotropic materials using enriched crack tip elements

Abstract Enriched finite element methodology, which employs special crack tip elements, is extended for cracks in anisotropic materials. Enrichment formulation is described briefly and three validation examples using single crystal, directionally solidified, and orthotropic material properties are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the methodology. In addition to validation examples, the effect of material anisotropy on stress intensity factors is investigated using the common compact tension specimen and the results are compared to the ASTM solution for isotropic materials. It is shown that the effect of anisotropy on the computed stress intensity factors can be significant, depending on the degree of anisotropy, material orientation, and a/W ratio in the compact tension specimen geometry.
A methodological improvement for experimental control and blood sampling in rats

We have developed an apparatus and techniques that permit repeated, undisturbed blood sampling and concurrent assessment of activity in rats. The apparatus also allows experimental control of conditioning stimuli and contingencies without the need to transfer the rat to a separate chamber. In the experimental apparatus, body weights remain stable at approximately 90% of the original body weight. Plasma corticosterone and prolactin levels in the apparatus are comparable to levels obtained in undisturbed free-ranging rats and remain at basal levels for the 7 day duration of this experiment. Additionally, circadian activity rhythms in the apparatus are similar to those seen in free-ranging rats. This technique has potential applications for investigators who need to be able to control shock delivery, monitor activity, and sample blood without disturbing rats.
A Range-Compaction Heuristic for Graph Coloring

This paper presents a novel heuristic for graph coloring that works on a range of colors and iteratively tries to make this range more compact. This range-compaction heuristic also has a “pressure” component and an annealing schedule for it. The value of this component is empirically quantified. This algorithm is evaluated on a wide range of DIMACS benchmark graphs, and found to be competitive with state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of solution quality and run time.
Coccoliths and the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary

Abstract An examination of the coccolith assemblages of 7 deep-sea cores, in which the Pliocene-Pleistocene boundary was identified by Ericson, Ewing , and Wollin (1963, 1964), has confirmed their findings that a major faunal and floral change did occur. A high degree of sediment mixing by organic burrowers was observed. The coccolith species indicate that the boundary probably lies within the Lower Pleistocene (probably Nebraskan-Aftonian) rather than between the Pliocene and Pleistocene because of the modern aspect of the species composition and the transition from a cold-water assemblage below the boundary to a warm-water flora above.
William Stokoe and the discipline of sign language linguistics

SUMMARYThe first modern linguistic analysis of a signed language was published in 1960 — William Clarence Stokoe’s (1919–2000) Sign Language Structure. Although the initial impact of Stokoe’s monograph on linguistics and education was minimal, his work formed a solid base for what was to become a new field of research: American Sign Language (ASL) Linguistics. Together with the work of those that followed (in particular Ursula Bellugi and colleagues), Stokoe’s ground-breaking work on the structure of ASL has led to an acceptance of signed languages as autonomous linguistic systems that exhibit the complex structure characteristic of all human languages.RESUMEOn a publie la premiere analyse linguistique moderne d’une langue des signes en 1960: Sign Language Structure, par William Clarence Stokoe, Jr. (1919–2000). Si a l’epoque l’impact de cette monographie etait minime parmi les linguistes et specialistes en eduction, elle constituera par la suite le fondement solide d’un nouveau domaine de recherche: l’etude du langage des signes americain. En conjonction avec de subsequents travaux (en particulier, ceux d’Ursula Bellugi et ses collegues), l’ouvrage innovateur de Stokoe sur la structure du langage des signes americain (American Sign Language) a conduit a ce qu’on l’on accepte de voir en les langues des signes des systemes langagiers autonomes, dont la structure complexe est celle de toute langue humaine.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie erste moderne linguistische Analyse einer Zeichensprache erschien 1960 — William Clarence Stokoes (1919–2000) Sign Language Structure. Obgleich die anfangliche Wirkung von Stokoes Buch auf die Sprachwissenschaft und das Erziehungswesen gering war, stellt seine Arbeit eine wichtige Grundlage fur das dar, was zum neuen Forschungsgebiet der Sprachwissenschaft der amerikanischen Zeichensprache (American Sign Language) wurde. Zusammen mit den Arbeiten von anderen (insbesondere Ursula Bellugi und Mitarbeiter) fuhrte Stokoes grundlegendes Werk zur Struktur dieser Zeichensprache zur Akzeptanz von Zeichensprachen als autonome linguistische Systeme, die die komplexe Struktur aller menschlichen Sprachen kennzeichnen.
Probable interface temperatures of solids in sliding contact

Abstract A typical, time-dependent surface temperature distribution obtained by indirect measurement is presented. Area-averaged temperature jump data are deduced for high Peclet number at the interface; the jump is associated with a macroscopic thermal resistance mechanism across the interface. A simple, stochastic model is also introduced to show that, whereas the measurable temperatures far away from the interface may be smooth functions with respect to distance from the interface, the surface temperature will always fluctuate and the magnitudes of these temperature flashes are shown.
The effects of a Pain Management Education Program on the knowledge level and attitudes of clinical staff

Abstract Two of the most important variables in effective pain management are the knowledge level and attitudes of the clinical staff at the bedside. Gaps in knowledge or uninformed attitudes can prevent optimal pain management. A baseline survey of staff knowledge and attitudes can guide educational and other process improvement efforts. Improvements can then be quantified. A multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach to pain management can improve the knowledge and attitudes of bedside clinicians. © 2002 by the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
Spermicides, HIV, and the Vaginal Sponge

Despite the current epidemic of sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), prevention measures known to be effective are underutilized. Most prevention guidelines have appropriately emphasized abstinence, monogamy between uninfected partners, or condom use. Condoms are highly effective if used consistently and correctly.1These strategies, however, are not acceptable to some persons at high risk for HIV infection. Furthermore, women at risk for HIV infection must depend on male partners to use condoms. In recent years, the desire to protect women from HIV infection and the sense of desperate need for strategies less dependent on male cooperation have ignited sparks of enthusiasm for vaginal spermicides as a preventive measure. Data to support use of vaginal spermicides, including the nonoxynol 9 sponge, to prevent HIV infection include (1) laboratory studies that showed that nonoxynol 9 and other spermicides inactivate HIV See also p 477.
Culturally relevant treatment services for perinatal depression in socio-economically disadvantaged women: the design of the MOMCare study.

Abstract Background Depression during pregnancy has been demonstrated to be predictive of low birthweight, prematurity, and postpartum depression. These adverse outcomes potentially have lasting effects on maternal and child well-being. Socio-economically disadvantaged women are twice as likely as middle-class women to meet diagnostic criteria for antenatal major depression (MDD), but have proven difficult to engage and retain in treatment. Collaborative care treatment models for depression have not been evaluated for racially/ethnically diverse, pregnant women on Medicaid receiving care in a public health system. This paper describes the design, methodology, culturally relevant enhancements, and implementation of a randomized controlled trial of depression care management compared to public health Maternity Support Services (MSS). Methods Pregnant, public health patients, > 18 years with a likely diagnosis of MDD or dysthymia, measured respectively by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) or the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), were randomized to the intervention or to public health MSS. The primary outcome was reduction in depression severity from baseline during pregnancy to 18-months post-baseline (one-year postpartum). Baseline results 168 women with likely MDD (96.4%) and/or dysthymia (24.4%) were randomized. Average age was 27.6 years and gestational age was 22.4 weeks; 58.3% racial/ethnic minority; 71.4% unmarried; 22% no high school degree/GED; 65.3% unemployed; 42.1% making $10,000 annually; 80.4% having recurrent depression; 64.6% PTSD, and 72% unplanned pregnancy. Conclusions A collaborative care team, including a psychiatrist, psychologist, project manager, and 3 social workers, met weekly, collaborated with the patients' obstetrics providers, and monitored depression severity using an electronic tracking system. Potential sustainability of the intervention within a public health system requires further study.
Compact, Portable Pulsed Power Lessons Learned and Quo Vadis

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research has supported two consortia to perform basic research leading to compact, portable pulsed power under the auspices of the DoD MURI program. This talk will review the achievements of the consortium led by the University of New Mexico. Over the past 5 years this consortium has focused on research topics that impact four basic elements of pulsed power: architecture, switching, increased energy density storage, and thermal management. A lot of the focus of the research pertinent to these areas has been on liquid and solid dielectric breakdown. Although considerable understanding has been achieved through our studies of these topics, some aspects continue to baffle us. In addition to highlighting the various achievements, this talk will discuss some of the open questions that still remain
Parasitic bipolar effect in ultra-thin FD SOI MOSFETs

The parasitic bipolar effect is investigated in fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD SOI) n-type MOSFETs with ultra-thin films (5–10 nm). Our measurements show that at low drain bias the drain leakage current is governed by the gate current. Beyond VD > 1.0 V, leakage current amplification is observed in short-channel 10-nm thick devices. With film thickness shrinking, the current amplification is suppressed. We explain this amplification by the turn-on of the lateral parasitic bipolar transistor. TCAD simulations confirm that the parasitic bipolar is activated due to holes generated by band-to-band tunneling at the drain side and accumulated in the floating body. An effective method for the extraction of bipolar gain is proposed based on the comparison of leakage current in short- and long-channel devices. The experimental method is validated through simulations.
Autonomous robot path optimization using firefly algorithm

Path planning is an NP-complete problem with numerous practical applications, and is especially important for the navigation and control of autonomous robots. However, due to its computational complex nature, an optimal solution is often very difficult to be found using traditional methods. In this research, a swarm intelligence approach inspired by the biological behavior of glowworms is studied and applied to the robot path optimization problem. Computer simulation results show this firefly algorithm can successfully find the optimal path in a dynamic environment, and outperforms the ant colony algorithm (ACO) for a larger grid workspace in terms of both path length and computational cost.
Left atrial appendage thrombus after successful surgical exclusion on anticoagulation: a need for closer postintervention monitoring.

59-year-old man with long-standing persistent atrial Afibrillation underwent the first stage of a hybrid Maze by bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopy. Preoperative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) showed no atrial clot or mitral regurgitation. The left atrial appendage (LAA) was excluded with Endoloops (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ). He was discharged in sinus rhythm with prescriptions and instructions for continuing antiarrhythmic medications and warfarin. After 2 months, TEE demonstrated a 0.7-cm appendage stump (dotted arrow, Fig 1A) with thrombus (arrow, Figs 1A and 1B) despite adequate anticoagulation (INR 3.2). Six weeks later, TEE showed persistent, though smaller, thrombus (Fig 1C). Expert consensus on atrial fibrillation recommends complete LAA occlusion. Surgical literature defines remnant LAA as a stump or pouch longer than 1 cm [1]. After exclusion, late neurologic events occur at 0.2%
Desorption/Ionization on Silicon Nanowires

Dense arrays of single-crystal silicon nanowires (SiNWs) have been used as a platform for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of small molecules, peptides, protein digests, and endogenous and xenobiotic metabolites in biofluids. Sensitivity down to the attomole level has been achieved on the nanowire surfaces by optimizing laser energy, surface chemistry, nanowire diameter, length, and growth orientation. An interesting feature of the nanowire surface is that it requires lower laser energy as compared to porous silicon and MALDI to desorb/ionize small molecules, therefore reducing background ion interference. Taking advantage of their high surface area and fluid wicking capabilities, SiNWs were used to perform chromatographic separation followed by mass analysis of the separated molecules providing a unique platform that can integrate separation and mass spectrometric detection on a single surface.
More on least squares estimation of the transition matrix in a stationary first-order markov process from sample proportions data

Miller suggested ordinary least squares estimation of a constant transition matrix; Madansky proposed a relatively more efficient weighted least squares estimator which corrects for heteroscedasticity. In this paper an efficient generalized least squares estimator is derived which utilizes the entire covariance matrix of the distrubances. This estimator satisfies the condition that each row of the transition matrix must sum to unity. Madansky noted that estimates of the variances could be negative; a method for obtaining consistent non-negative estimates of the variances is suggested in this paper. The technique is applied to the hypothetical sample data used by Miller and Madansky.
Fu's experiment and the generalized Gibbs distribution

Abstract It is pointed out that the distribution of electrons in Fu's experiment is not the Boltzmann distribution, but the generalized Gibbs distribution. The generalized Gibbs distribution is derived from Liouville's theorem and also from the requirement that the entropy of a closed system be maximum. It is shown that in the case of the generalized Gibbs distribution, the increase of entropy of the system is not equivalent to the second law of thermodynamics. Therefore, the second law is violated in Fu's experiment, but the principle of increase of entropy is still held. The electric current is calculated by using the generalized Gibbs distribution and the result agrees with the experiment. A new experiment which is more convenient to make than Fu's experiment is suggested.
Effects of cholesterol-derived photoproducts on the incorporation of 14 C-acetate into human skin lipids

Hautbestrahlung beim Menschen mit Xenon- oder UV-Licht und die dabei beobachteten chemischen Vorgange (Hemmung von 1-14C-Azetat und Einbau in die Gesamtlipide) legen eine mogliche Relation zwischen Photoproduktbildung und lichtinduzierter Hemmung der Lipogenese nahe.
Identifying Patient Risk: The Basis for Rational Discharge Planning After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Variations in the management of patients with chest pain and acute myocardial infarction (MI) can significantly affect hospital length of stay and cost. Risk stratification of such patients, combined with data about effective therapies, provides the basis for developing rational guide-lines for patient care that can improve efficiency while maintaining quality of care. Such standardized management approaches are often referred to as pathways or CareMaps. To be most effective in guiding hospital course and early discharge planning, risk stratification strategies must be applied early in a patient's course with continuous updating. The process of identifying risk in a patient with acute chest pain occurs in two segments: assessing the risk of acute MI at presentation, and subsequently assessing the morbidity and mortality risk of patients diagnosed with acute MI. Identification of patient risk at presentation has been the subject of intense investigation. The history, physical exam, initial electrocardiogram, and cardiac enzymes are the mainstays of the process, but because of inherent weaknesses in this approach (>25% of acute MIs missed at the initial screening), several risk stratification models have been developed. To date these models have not been widely employed, however. Very sensitive early cardiac markers, such as troponin T, and the use of diagnostic echocardiography or cardiolite perfusion imaging during pain are also being investigated. Chest pain observation units are an alternate strategy and have obviated the need to admit many low- to moderate-risk chest pain patients. In these protocol-driven units, continuous physiologic monitoring and serial cardiac enzymes and electrocardiography over a 9–12 hour period refine the risk assessment. For the majority who “rule out,” the risk of subsequent MI or death is very low. Cost savings due to reduced length of stay and more efficient resource utilization are 63–76% compared with conventional ward or cardiac care unit management. For patients with acute MI, baseline characteristics, complications, and laboratory and diagnostic testing help define the risk of morbidity and mortality and guide management through the immediate post-MI phase and long term. Many models incorporating these features have been proposed for risk stratification after acute MI, and they have implications for both timing of discharge and necessary diagnostic testing. Savings by employing risk stratification to guide hospital course and discharge planning could be 30–44% in some patient groups. In conclusion, risk stratification models can facilitate early discharge planning, potentially reducing hospital stay, improving resource utilization, and reducing costs.
The Sum of the mth Powers of the Zeros of the Generalized Bessel Polynomial

Abstract Let σ ( n ) m ( a ) be the sum of the m th powers of the zeros of the generalized Bessel polynomial y n ( x ; a ). Motivated by an open problem of E. Grosswald, we find formulas for σ ( n ) m ( a ) and σ ( n ) − m ( a ). These results generalize previous formulas of the writer for a = 2.
ANALYSES OF URINE OF THE CHIMPANZEE FOR ESTROGENIC CONTENT DURING VARIOUS STAGES OF THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

The urine of prognant woman and mares is an abundant source of both estrogenic and gonadotropic substances (1, 2). Some other mammals excrete relatively little during pregnancy (3). Recovery of considerable amounts of estrogenic material from the urine of pregnant chimpanzees has been repoted in an earlier paper (4). Yields ranging from 170 to 620 mouse units per liter of urine were obtained at various stages of pregnancy. Chimpanzee placentas also proved to be a good source of estrogenic material, being similar to the human in this respect. At the same time Zuckerman (5) reported the diagnosis of pregnancy by series of Aschheim-Zondek tests for anterior pituitarylike hormone in urine from these pregnant chimpanzees. In recent years perfection of extraction methods has made possible assays of small amounts of excreted estrogenic materials in the urine of non-pregnant animals. Of greatest interest has been the variation in the amount excreted at different times in the menstrual cycle in women (6, 7, 8, 9, ...
A Clustering‐Based Approach to the Capacitated Facility Location Problem1

This research develops a clustering-based location-allocation method to the Capacitated Facility Location Problem (CFLP), which provides an approximate optimal solution to determine the location and coverage of a set of facilities to serve the demands of a large number of locations. The allocation is constrained by facility capacities - different facilities may have different capacities and the overall capacity may be inadequate to satisfy the total demands. This research transforms this special location-allocation problem into a clustering model. The proposed approach has two parts: (1) the allocation of demands to facilities considering capacity constraints while minimizing the cost; and (2) the iterative optimization of facility locations using an adapted K-means clustering method. The quality of a location-allocation solution is measured using an objective function, which is the demand-weighted distance from demand locations to their assigned facilities. The clustering-based method is evaluated against an adapted Genetic Algorithm (GA) alternative, which integrates the allocation component as described above but uses GA operations to search for 'optimal' facility locations. Experiments and evaluations are carried out with various data sets (including both synthetic and real data).
Comparative analysis of two 3D integration implementations of a SAR processor

When designing 3DICs there are five major issues that differ from 2D that must receive special attention: power delivery, thermal density, design for test, clock tree design and floorplanning. Power delivery in 3D must receive special attention as 3D designs have larger supply currents flowing through the package power delivery pins, along with a longer power delivery path than in comparable 2D system. Thermal density is an issue as 3D integrated chips will have more heat density and less capacity to remove heat than a comparable 2D chip. 3D clock tree distribution is much more difficult than in 2D because the most commonly used methodologies and design tools are geared towards 2D designs and process variation between the different tiers makes it harder to keep skew, jitter and power consumption down. Design for test is harder in 3D because 3D vias provide another point of failure and post fabrication repairs such as Focused Ion Beam are more difficult to perform in 3D. Finally, floorplanning is drastically different in 3D than in 2D, and the four aforementioned issues must all be taken into account during 3D floorplanning. In this paper, all five design issues are explored in the context of a high-resolution memory-on-logic Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) processor. The SAR processor is chosen specifically as it requires a significant amount of memory bandwidth that is best met with the high I/O bandwidth afforded by a 3D process. The issues are examined in the context of two implementations for two different 3D integration processes. The first implementation was done in MIT Lincoln Laboratory's 3D FDSOI 1.5 V three tier process and is currently in fabrication. The second design is currently in the design stage, and will be fabricated in two tiers of Chartered Semiconductor's 130 nm process 3D integrated with two tiers of high bandwidth DRAM using Tezzaron Semiconductor's vertical interconnection technology.
The Future of Adult Education in the Urban African American Church

Throughout societal transformations and trends, adult education has been available, providing relevant and personal learning needs for adult learners. Such has been the case in urban communities. However, our urban communities have experienced a transformation of sorts. Once thriving with numerous businesses and churches, they no longer enjoy the advantages they once had. Despite transitions in urban centers, the African American church has remained a stronghold. Historically, the church has provided education in some form. In the face of continuous decay of some urban communities, it appears the church’s future adult educational role will not only continue but be enhanced for several reasons.
Interpretation of cardiac pathophysiology from pressure waveform analysis: Multivalvular regurgitant lesions

Multivalvular regurgitant lesions may have a common etiology, such as an underlying connective tissue disorder, Marfan's disease or cardiomyopathy. Careful collection of routine simultaneous left and right heart hemodynamics will document the individual valvular lesions. Combined echocardiography and angiographic data will further support the interpretation of the hemodynamic waveforms. Clinical decisions for valve repair or replacement will be based on the severity of associated lesions, myocardial function and other patient specific characteristics [9] indicating the acceptable limits of surgical risk.
An Exploratory Study of the Assessment Center Process Used to Select Faculty for an Adult Degree-Granting Program

The purpose of this exploratory research study was to describe the relationship between faculty performance in an adult, degree-granting program and the results of a pre-employment assessment cente...
Development of natural killer cells in human thymocyte culture: regulation by accessory cells

In vitro culture of human thymocytes resulted in the development of cells with natural killer (NK) activity and the acquisition of a pan-NK antigen (NKH1) by a large number of thymocytes. The ability to kill the NK-sensitive target, K562, was restricted to thymocytes expressing the NKH1 antigen. All NKH1+ thymocytes displayed a mature T cell phenotype, T3+T11+T8+T4-. Both the acquisition of NK activity and the development of cells with the NKH1+ phenotype could be suppressed by culturing thymocytes in the presence of adherent mononuclear cells. These results suggest that adherent accessory cells have the ability to regulate the development of T cell lineage NK cells.
Use of multi-imaging modalities in detection of false passage of TEE probe

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an invaluable tool for the management of cardiac surgical procedures. It allows evaluation of myocardial function, valvular pathology, atheromatous disease, dissection of the aorta, and estimation of pulmonary artery pressure. Despite its relative safety, TEE has a reported estimated risk of 0.18%. Esophageal injury is the major risk associated with TEE placement. This is a case report of a patient who sustained a contained esophageal dissection during insertion of a TEE probe prior to minimally invasive mitral valve repair. It is also a demonstration of use of the multi-imaging modalities used to evaluate and manage patients until full recovery.
A proposed mechanism of action for the Twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

Among peer-support groups for alcoholics, Alcoholics anonymous (AA) is by far the most widespread and successful with tens of thousands of groups all around the world. However, the mechanism of action of AA’s success is not immediately clear. Advances in understanding the neuroscience of addiction have allowed the identification of two brain areas that, among others, explain the irrational and self-destructive behavior of alcoholics. First, alcohol hijacks the reward systems of the midbrain in charge of detecting and experiencing pleasure (through the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area) with a pleasurable stimulation that far exceeds the normal pleasures of life (such as eating and sexual reproduction). These pleasurable experiences are essential for the survival and evolution of the species. Nature has cleverly linked pleasure with survival, and it is exactly this link that is usurped and hijacked by intoxicants like alcohol. Therefore, the reward system senses the effect of alcohol as essential for the survival of the alcoholic. In addition, the prefrontal cortex (perhaps the only area of the brain that could allow us to understand and prevent the dangers of the excessive and compulsive alcohol use) is also affected by this intoxicant. It becomes hypoactive and unable to counteract the urges and demands of the reward system to constantly repeat the “feel good” (associated over millions of years with survival of the individual and species) that comes from using alcohol. The Twelve Steps of AA help alcoholics reverse these effects. First, through steps 1 to 3, it encourages the use of a Surrogate Decision-Maker (often, it is the AA group itself that acts as such). Second, steps 4- 12 foster the practice of Compensatory Behaviors (a life of honesty and service) devoted to counteract the maladaptive behaviors that facilitate the alcoholic’s behavior of repeating what feels good (i.e. getting intoxicated). Lying, stealing, dishonesty and manipulation are not intrinsic personality defects of the alcoholic: they are the symptoms of a usurped reward system and hijacked prefrontal lobes.
Using Dijkstra to Compute Hop-by-Hop QoS Paths

The Internet is based on a hop-by-hop routing model where forwarding decisions are based on a packet's destination. With the evolution of the Internet to support real-time applications such as video and audio distribution, the Internet's routing architecture must be enhanced to support metrics that ensure the quality-of- service requirements of these applications. Sobrinho has shown that some of these metrics, when used with a Dijkstra routing computation, may result in paths that are not least-cost or loop-free, and don't support hop-by-hop forwarding in the general case. To address this problem Sobrinho has presented a technique for computing paths using Dijkstra that, while not directly supporting hop-by-hop forwarding, do ensure that packets forwarded based on these paths will follow loop-free, least-cost paths. However, this results in routers forwarding packets along different paths from those they computed. In this paper we build on Sobrinho's work by presenting a sufficient condition for computing hop-by-hop paths. This condition, while not as general as Sobrinho's solution, has more relaxed requirements of the path algebra. Given this greater latitude we are then able to present a new technique for computing paths that are loop-free, least-cost, and support hop-by-hop forwarding when used with a Dijkstra route computation, thus restoring the visibility of routers into the paths they forward packets over.
Antioxidants and the bioactivity of endothelium-derived nitric oxide

Time for primary view 21 days. Over the past two decades, investigators have increasingly recognized the importance of the endothelium as a central regulator of vascular homeostasis. In 1980, Furchgott and Zawadzki [1] reported that acetylcholine-mediated relaxation of isolated aortic tissue is dependent on release of an ‘endothelium-derived relaxing factor’. Subsequent studies by Ignarro and colleagues identified this factor as nitric oxide (NO) [2] or a closely related NO product [3]. In addition to regulating vascular tone, it is now appreciated that endothelium-derived NO also acts to inhibit platelet activity, vascular smooth muscle cell growth, and adhesion of inflammatory cells to the endothelial surface [4]. Loss of the bioactivity of endothelium-derived NO plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of a number of disease states including atherosclerosis and its risk factors [5]. A large body of work suggests that the impaired NO action in atherosclerosis is related to increased oxidative stress in the vascular wall [6]. Since oxidative stress may be defined as an excess of oxidants relative to antioxidant defenses [7], investigators were prompted to examine the possibility that increasing antioxidant availability would restore NO-dependent responses. This article will review the effects of antioxidants on NO bioactivity and the clinical implications of these observations. NO is synthesized in endothelial cells from l-arginine by the endothelial isoform of NO synthase (eNOS), which is the product of the NOS3 gene [8]. eNOS is constitutively expressed and located to caveolae in the plasma membrane. When bound to caveolin, eNOS is catalytically inactive. In the presence of calcium, calmodulin displaces caveolin and binds to eNOS, and thereby activates the enzyme [8]. Thus, NO production by endothelial cells is stimulated by factors that increase intracellular calcium concentration including receptor-dependent agonists like acetylcholine, bradykinin, substance P, and … * Corresponding author. Boston Medical Center, 88 East Newton Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. Tel.: +1-617-638-8701; fax: +1-617-638-8712 jvita{at}bu.edu
Shearwave dispersion ultrasound vibrometry applied to in vivo myocardium

Diastolic properties of the myocardium are important for normal cardiac function and may contribute to the condition of heart failure. Measuring the viscoelastic properties of the left ventricular myocardium is difficult in vivo using noninvasive methods. In this study, we used a mechanical actuator to create harmonic, propagating mechanical waves in the myocardial tissue in vivo. The motion was measured using ultrasound imaging techniques. The wave propagation velocities were measured over the 50–350Hz frequency range. The dispersion curves were fit with an asymmetrical Lamb wave model to obtain estimates of the shear elasticity and viscosity of the myocardial tissue. The method was applied to estimate viscoelastic properties of the myocardium during diastole and systole.
An Enumeration Algorithm for Knapsack Problems

Enumeration techniques have been shown to be successful for solving integer linear programming problems. The purpose of this paper is to apply the enumeration philosophy to the classical knapsack problem; it shows that this approach applies quite naturally to this type of integer linear program when combined with the Fourier-Motzkin elimination method for solving linear inequalities. Some computational results are reported.
The Ruins of Yuanmingyuan Or, How to Enjoy a National Wound

Yuanmingyuan (Garden of Perfect Brightness), or the Old Summer Palace, was once a massive complex of gardens, pavilions, lakes, hills, and pleasure grounds. After it was looted and burnt down by Anglo-French troops in 1860, it commenced a long “afterlife” as a site of farmsteads, factories, school campuses, a bohemian colony, and a public park. This article explores the politics of spatial configuration and signification, or “the relations of proximity,” in the present-day Ruins Park by revisiting the debates of the 1990s surrounding restoration/development issues, the disquiet over the xiyanglou ruins in literary and visual representations, and a more recent environmental controversy that has brought a new political life to the park. Analytically, the author proposes to read the park as a heterotopia of multiple emplacements: ruinscape, gardenscape, Disneyscape, and civicscape. As such, the park is a spatial metaphor of contemporary China and a schooling ground for the art of socialist neoliberal citizen...
Factors influencing Diaptomus distributions: An experimental study in subtropical Florida1

In central and southern Florida Diuptomus dorsaks is the sole diaptomid in most eutrophic lakes whereas Diuptomusfloridanus and Diuptomus mississippiensis co-occur in oligotrophic and mesotrophic lakes. The importance of food availability and water quality in determining the species distributions of Diuptomus was ascertained by culturing the three species in water from a lake of each type with its natural phytoplankton present and with the natural phytoplankton removed and Chlamydomonas added at a concentration above feeding saturation. The experimental evidence indicated that neither food availability nor water quality is important in excluding D. jloridunus and D. mississippiensis from the eutrophic lakes. Additional data suggested that strong predation pressure may prevent these two species from occupying lakes of this type. However, low food availability seemed of major importance in excluding D. dorsalis from the oligotrophic and mesotrophic lakes. Competition is likely because food levels are always limiting and a potential competitor is present in the form of D.$oridunus- in the same subgenus and close to the same size. Additional evidence suggests that predation is probably of lesser importance to the zooplankton in lakes of these types.
Recasting and related conversational techniques for triggering syntactic advances by young children

In ’recast’ replies in conversation a first utterance is recast or redisplayed in a changed sentence structure that still refers to the central meanings of the first sentence. Two intervention studies were conducted to explore the effects of recasting on children’s language acquisition. The two subjects in Study One were ages 3;5 and 3;10 with MLUs of 4.81 and 4.23. The six subjects in Study Two ranged in age from 2;6 to 3;2 with MLUs of 3.07 to 4.17. Syntactic forms targeted for input intervention using recasts and related replies were the passive transformation, relative clauses, and non-used auxiliaries. All but one child acquired use of at least two targeted forms, with some producing more. In addition, the children used the passive with complexity and semantic variability comparable to passive use by children much older than themselves. It is argued that recasting is one powerful conversational means for enhancing the young child’s attention to and analysis of to-be-acquired syntactic structures. Moreover, it is concluded that most 3to 4-year-olds may be cognitively ready to acquire passives and many other complex structures, but that success in analysing and producing these structures hinges upon the availability in input of at least a small number of the target forms embedded in salient ways (e.g., as recasts) in discourse.