cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building a Science Gateway For Processing and Modeling Sequencing Data Via Apache Airavata

The amount of DNA sequencing data has been exponentially growing during the past decade due to advances in sequencing technology. Processing and modeling large amounts of sequencing data can be computationally intractable for desktop computing platforms. High performance computing (HPC) resources offer advantages in terms of computing power, and can be a general solution to these problems. Using HPCs directly for computational needs requires skilled users who know their way around HPCs and acquiring such skills take time. Science gateways acts as the middle layer between users and HPCs, providing users with the resources to accomplish compute-intensive tasks without requiring specialized expertise. We developed a web-based computing platform for genome biologists by customizing the PHP Gateway for Airavata (PGA) framework that accesses publicly accessible HPC resources via Apache Airavata. This web computing platform takes advantage of the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE) which provides the resources for gateway development, including access to CPU, GPU, and storage resources. We used this platform to develop a gateway for the dREG algorithm, an online computing tool for finding functional regions in mammalian genomes using nascent RNA sequencing data. The dREG gateway provides its users a free, powerful and user-friendly GPU computing resource based on XSEDE, circumventing the need of specialized knowledge about installation, configuration, and execution on an HPC for biologists. The dREG gateway is available at: https://dREG.dnasequence.org/.
The Evf2 Ultraconserved Enhancer lncRNA Functionally and Spatially Organizes Megabase Distant Genes in the Developing Forebrain

Summary Gene regulation requires selective targeting of DNA regulatory enhancers over megabase distances. Here we show that Evf2, a cloud-forming Dlx5/6 ultraconserved enhancer (UCE) lncRNA, simultaneously localizes to activated (Umad1, 1.6 Mb distant) and repressed (Akr1b8, 27 Mb distant) chr6 target genes, precisely regulating UCE-gene distances and cohesin binding in mouse embryonic forebrain GABAergic interneurons (INs). Transgene expression of Evf2 activates Lsm8 (12 Mb distant) but fails to repress Akr1b8, supporting trans activation and long-range cis repression. Through both short-range (Dlx6 antisense) and long-range (Akr1b8) repression, the Evf2-5′UCE links homeodomain and mevalonate pathway-regulated enhancers to IN diversity. The Evf2-3′ end is required for long-range activation but dispensable for RNA cloud localization, functionally dividing the RNA into 3′-activator and 5′UCE repressor and targeting regions. Together, these results support that Evf2 selectively regulates UCE interactions with multi-megabase distant genes through complex effects on chromosome topology, linking lncRNA-dependent topological and transcriptional control with interneuron diversity and seizure susceptibility.
Modeling of Load Frequency Characteristics in the Load Model for Power System Digital Simulation

Based on deepen research in frequency characteristics of power load, a method to solve parameters of load model frequency characteristics is proposed. The static load frequency factor is calculated from weighted sum of each static load component's power in the load station. The statistic synthesis method and fault fitting method are combined to calculate the load frequency parameters of power generators cluster in the whole load station. Finally, the effectiveness of proposed method is proven by simulation results.
Metachronous and Synchronous Multiple Primary Carcinomas in an Elderly

The prognosis of most cancers has been improved in recent years due to the increased survival of cancer patients, the prolonged lifespan of the general population, and better diagnostic and surgical approaches. Subsequently, the number of patients with multiple primary carcinomas (MPCs) has become greater. In this report, we describe a unique case of a 71-year-old man with five metachronous and synchronous primary malignant tumors. The patient was first diagnosed with synchronous, left posterior tonsillar pillar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and right lingual surface of epiglottis SCC in June 2016. Two years later, he presented with three other primary carcinomas within a 3-month time span: right lower lobe lung SCC, right tongue invasive SCC and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), consecutively. Investigations revealed no metastases of the primary neoplasms. As the population of older adults with cancer and multimorbidity grows, the therapeutic options usually become limited. On the other hand, understanding the effect of multimorbidity on the care of patients with cancer and developing therapeutic interventions for these elderly patients would be crucial for geriatric care. J Med Cases. 2019;10(1):8-13 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3172
344 LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE STIMULATES FETAL MOUSE LUNG VASCULOGENESIS.

Purpose of Study Prenatal exposure to bacterial products increases the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely preterm infants. Abnormal lung vasculogenesis may be a component of BPD pathogenesis. To test if bacterial products might alter vascular development, we studied the effects of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on experimental mouse models of vasculogenesis. Methods Fetal lung explants were obtained from E16 (term E20) Tie-2-GFP and SCL-YFP mice. Both of these transgenic reporter strains express fluorescent proteins in fetal lung endothelial cells. GFP- and YFP-expressing cells were visualized by confocal microscopy. In vitro vasculogenesis was assayed by culturing immortalized pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells cultured on Matrigel. We measured endothelial cell migration using both a modified Transwell filter system and an artificial wound healing assay. We obtained quantitative image analysis data using Histometrix software. Results To test the effect of bacterial products on pulmonary vasculogenesis, we cultured saccular stage fetal lung explants from Tie-2 GFP mice for 72 hours in the presence of LPS. In control explants, GFP-expressing endothelial cells were detected around developing saccular airways. Adding LPS to the culture media increased the number of endothelial cells around the airways by 70% (n = 6, p = .001). We observed similar results using explants from SCL-YFP mice. These observations suggested that LPS might stimulate vasculogenesis in the fetal lung mesenchyme. To test if LPS could directly act on cultured pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, we measured vasculogenesis in vitro. When cultured on Matrigel, pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells formed elongated capillary-like tube structures. Addition of LPS to the Matrigel and media increased tube length by 45% compared with controls (n = 6, p Conclusions LPS increased vasculogenesis in our fetal mouse lung explant model and in our in vitro endothelial cell assays. We have yet to determine if LPS subsequently alters capillary remodeling or vascular maturation during alveolar development. These experiments may clarify the mechanisms of abnormal vascular development in BPD.
Contesting Digital Futures: Urban Politics, Alternative Economies, and the Movement for Technological Sovereignty in Barcelona

This research received funding from the Wenner‐Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, the Social Science Research Council DPDF Program, and a Fulbright US Student Award.
Trip distribution modeling with Twitter data

Abstract Integrating both traditional and social media data, this study compares the performance of gravity, neural network, and random forest models of commuting trip distribution in New York City. Trip distribution modeling has primarily employed traditional data sources and classical methods such as the gravity. However, with the emergence of social media during the past decade, the potential for integrating traditional and social media data while utilizing new techniques has been identified. Our findings indicate that the random forest model outperforms the traditional gravity and neural network models. Population, distance, number of Twitter users, and employment were identified as the four most influential predictors of trip distibution by the random forest model. While Twitter flows did not enhance the models' performance, the importance of the number of Twitter users at work destinations implies the potential for using social media data in travel demand modeling to improve the predictive power and accuracy.
Pediatric pheochromocytoma: current status of diagnostic imaging and treatment procedures.

Purpose of reviewTo provide an overview of relevant data available and updated recommendations for management of pediatric patients with pheochromocytoma (PCC).Recent findingsMuch of the available data surrounding pediatric PCC is in the form of case reports and case series. With the accumulation of
Identifying the neural basis of a language-impaired phenotype of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Objective To identify neuroimaging and clinical biomarkers associated with a language-impaired phenotype in refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Methods Eighty-five patients with TLE were characterized as language-impaired (TLE-LI) or non-language-impaired (TLE-NLI) based on comprehensive neuropsychological testing. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging, and functional MRI (fMRI) were obtained in patients and 47 healthy controls (HC). fMRI activations and cortical thickness were calculated within language regions of interest, and fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated within deep white matter tracts associated with language. Analyses of variance were performed to test for differences among the groups in imaging measures. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to determine how well different clinical versus imaging measures discriminated TLE-LI from TLE-NLI. Results TLE-LI patients showed significantly less activation within left superior temporal cortex compared to HC and TLE-NLI, regardless of side of seizure onset. TLE-LI also showed decreased FA in the inferior longitudinal fasciculus and arcuate fasciculus compared to HC. Cortical thickness did not differ between groups in any region. A model that included language-related fMRI activations within the superior temporal gyrus, age at onset, and demographic variables was the most predictive of language impairment (area under the curve = 0.80). Significance These findings demonstrate a unique imaging signature associated with a language-impaired phenotype in TLE, characterized by functional and microstructural alterations within the language network. Reduced left superior temporal activation combined with compromise to language association tracts underlies this phenotype, extending our previous work on cognitive phenotypes that could have implications for treatment-planning or cognitive progression in TLE.
Missing Vitamin C: A Case of Scorbutic Cardiac Tamponade.

Abstract Scurvy is a disorder of vitamin C deficiency which leads to vascular fragility and multisystemic complications. The paper presents a case of scurvy resulting in cardiac tamponade in addition to its classic manifestations. Life-threatening tamponade is an extreme presentation of scurvy and has not been reported in modern publications to the best of the present authors’ knowledge. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)
Centralized Digital Self-Interference Cancellation Technique to Enable Full-Duplex Operation of Next Generation Millimeter Wave over Fiber Systems

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a centralized digital self-interference cancellation scheme in a mm-wave over fiber system for full-duplex next-generation mobile networks. A 24.1-dB self-interference cancellation over 1-GHz bandwidth is realized with successful signal-of-interest recovery.
Progressive choroidal thinning (leptochoroid) and fundus depigmentation associated with checkpoint inhibitors

Abstract Purpose To report asymptomatic progressive fundus depigmentation and choroidal thinning in the absence of intraocular inflammation in a patient treated with checkpoint inhibitors. Observations A 69-year-old woman with metastatic cutaneous melanoma, treated with checkpoint inhibition (nivolumab, ipilimumab and pembrolizumab), developed asymptomatic progressive fundus depigmentation associated with choroidal thinning in both eyes over 26 months. Serial multimodal imaging was obtained over the study period including fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Over 26 months, the central choroidal thickness decreased by 34% (from 270μm to 92μm, mean between both eyes). Concurrently, central retinal thickness remained stable (206μm to 214μm, mean between both eyes). There were no findings of intraocular inflammation, subretinal fluid or retinal pigment epithelium disturbance. The patient reported no visual symptoms and maintained a visual acuity of 20/25+ in the right eye and 20/30 in the left eye throughout the observation period. Concurrently, cutaneous vitiligo and poliosis, inclusive of her periorbital dermis and eyelashes also developed. Conclusions and importance Progressive fundus depigmentation and choroidal thinning can be observed with checkpoint inhibition in the absence of intraocular inflammation.
Near-optimal Nonlinear Regression Trees

Abstract We propose Near-optimal Nonlinear Regression Trees with hyperplane splits (NNRTs) that use a polynomial prediction function in the leaf nodes, which we solve by stochastic gradient methods. On synthetic data, we show experimentally that the algorithm converges to the global optimal. We compare NNRTs, ORT-LH, Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), Random Forests (RF) and XGBoost on 40 real-world datasets and show that overall NNRTs have a performance edge over all other methods.
Improving documentation of oral chemotherapy doses in a pediatric oncology clinic

Background: Home-administered oral chemotherapy is the backbone of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. Daily administration is required for 1.5 to 2.5 years in the maintenance phase of this therapy, where decreased adherence negatively impacts survival. Therefore, optimal communication of appropriate dose is required for parents, patients, and providers. In the oncology clinic, the doses of these medications are documented in the note, treatment plan, and medication list to facilitate such chemotherapy. In a review of our electronic medical record (EMR), we have noted inconsistency in correct dose documentation. We are therefore implementing quality improvement methods …
Negative Perception of Aging Is Associated With Frailty Transitions Within a Cohort of Sexual Minority Men.

Background and objectives Older people have an increased risk of developing frailty, an age-related clinical syndrome associated with worse health outcomes. This study examined the effect of self-perception of aging (ie, age discrepancy-individuals feel younger/older than their chronological age and aging satisfaction) on frailty transitions. Research design and methods We use longitudinal data from 549 HIV-/499 HIV+ sexual minority men aged 50 years or older enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. To test the association of self-perception of aging on transitions between states of frailty (nonfrail/frail), defined using Fried Frailty Phenotype, a multinomial modeling was used. Results With remaining nonfrail as the referent group, participants reporting low aging satisfaction (vs moderate aging satisfaction) had increased odds of transitioning from nonfrail to frail (odds ratio [OR]: 2.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-4.74), frail to nonfrail (OR: 3.40; 95% CI: 1.62-7.12), or remaining frail (frail to frail; OR: 6.64; 95% CI: 3.88-11.38). Participants reporting older subjective age (vs no age discrepancy) had increased odds of transitioning from nonfrail to frail (OR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.11-5.64), frail to nonfrail (OR: 4.47; 95% CI: 1.85-10.81), or remaining frail (frail to frail; OR: 5.68; 95% CI: 3.06-10.56). High aging satisfaction and younger subjective age were not statistically associated with frailty transitions. Discussion and implications Our findings show that negative self-perception of aging (ie, older subjective age and low aging satisfaction) is associated with frailty transitions (nonfrail to frail, frail to nonfrail, and frail to frail) when compared to remaining nonfrail.
An Analysis of Electronic Health Record Work to Manage Asynchronous Clinical Messages among Breast Cancer Care Teams.

Objective Asynchronous messaging is an integral aspect of communication in clinical settings, but imposes additional work and potentially leads to inefficiency. The goal of this study was to describe the time spent using the electronic health record (EHR) to manage asynchronous communication to support breast cancer care coordination. Methods We analyzed 3 years of audit logs and secure messaging logs from the EHR for care team members involved in breast cancer care at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. To evaluate trends in EHR use, we combined log data into sequences of events that occurred within 15 minutes of any other event by the same employee about the same patient. Results Our cohort of 9,761 patients were the subject of 430,857 message threads by 7,194 employees over a 3-year period. Breast cancer care team members performed messaging actions in 37.5% of all EHR sessions, averaging 29.8 (standard deviation [SD] = 23.5) messaging sessions per day. Messaging sessions lasted an average of 1.1 (95% confidence interval: 0.99–1.24) minutes longer than nonmessaging sessions. On days when the cancer providers did not otherwise have clinical responsibilities, they still performed messaging actions in an average of 15 (SD = 11.9) sessions per day. Conclusion At our institution, clinical messaging occurred in 35% of all EHR sessions. Clinical messaging, sometimes viewed as a supporting task of clinical work, is important to delivering and coordinating care across roles. Measuring the electronic work of asynchronous communication among care team members affords the opportunity to systematically identify opportunities to improve employee workload.
Exploring developmental changes in infant anticipation and perceptual processing: EEG responses to tactile stimulation.

There is an increasing interest in alpha-range rhythms in the electroencephalogram (EEG) in relation to perceptual and attentional processes. The infant mu rhythm has been extensively studied in the context of linkages between action observation and action production in infancy, but less is known about the mu rhythm in relation to cross-modal processes involving somatosensation. We investigated differences in mu responses to cued vibrotactile stimulation of the hand in two age groups of infants: From 6 to 7 months and 13 to 14 months. We were also interested in anticipatory neural responses in the alpha frequency range prior to tactile stimulation. Tactile stimulation of infants' left or right hand was preceded by an audiovisual cue signaling which hand would be stimulated. In response to the tactile stimulus, infants demonstrated significant mu desynchronization over the central areas contralateral to the hand stimulated, with higher mu peak frequency and greater contralateral mu desynchronization for older infants. Prior to the tactile stimulus, both age groups showed significant bilateral alpha desynchronization over frontocentral sites, which may be indicative of generalized anticipation of an upcoming stimulus. The findings highlight the potential of examining the sensorimotor mu rhythm in the context of infant attentional development.
Debunking the Matching Hypothesis of Learning Style Theorists in Hospitality Education

This study tested the key assumption of the matching hypothesis proposed by learning style theorists. In this study we found no statistically significant preference among hospitality management students taking an introductory course for certain teaching strategies over others based on their supposed learning style. Students tended to prefer and not prefer the same teaching strategies regardless of style. These study findings call into question the common notion that teachers should try to match instructional strategies to the learning style of students. According to the results, hospitality educators might find more success using the top 5 preferred teaching strategies as ranked by the students (e.g., movies/films/videos, hands-on learning) and limiting the use of the 5 least preferred teaching strategies (e.g., group projects, audiotapes, substantive/lengthy lectures).
PCBs and Dioxins

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the neurotoxicology of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo‐para‐dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Prenatal exposure to PCBs and dioxins can be regarded as the chronic exposure of the developing central nervous system (CNS), and many processes of the CNS are likely to be sensitive to exposure to PCBs and dioxins, including neuronal and glial cells, neurotransmitters, and endocrine systems. The effects of prenatal exposure to PCBs and dioxins are of multifocal or diffuse nature. One of the important aspects of the neurotoxic effects of prenatal exposure to PCBs and dioxins is that the neurodevelopmental consequences of neurotoxic actions of prenatal exposure to environmental levels of PCBs and dioxins may be influenced by parental and home environmental conditions. Global measurements of cognitive and motor abilities are relatively strongly related to parental and home environmental conditions. The neurotoxic effects of perinatal exposure to PCBs and dioxins may be mediated by hormone‐disrupting properties of PCBs and dioxins—for example, in regard to steroid and thyroid hormone systems.
Relating camping experience to emotional intelligence among college freshmen

RELATING CAMPING EXPERIENCE TO EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AMONG COLLEGE FRESHMEN by Seungwon Nam The purpose of this research was to identify the relationship between camping experience and emotional intelligence in freshman. To examine the possible link between camping experience and emotional intelligence, this research employed quantitative methods to collect data for statistical analysis. Data collection consisted of two parts. First, a questionnaire was distributed to 202 freshman enrolled at San Jose State University to determine their level and type of camping experiences. Second, those same students were asked to complete the BarOn Emotional Quotient Inventory: Short (EQ-i:S), to assess and score their emotional intelligence. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versionl5 software, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's HSD post-hoc test. The results of this study indicated that camping experience was positively correlated with a higher level of emotional intelligence in freshman. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my committee chair, Dr. Kim Uhlik, for his valuable suggestions and instructions for my research. It would not have been possible without his support and cooperation. I want to thank Dr. Joe Schultz, who took time from his busy schedule to provide valuable support and suggestions for my thesis. He is my benefactor in my graduate studies and the greatest recreation director in the world. I am also thankful to M.S. Kelly Bloom for his useful suggestions and valuable advice during the thesis completion process. I would also like to thank my editor and cousin, Jaehyun Nam. He edited my thesis throughout the whole process up to its final completion. I would like to express appreciation to Venus, Stephanie, and Marianne. We went though the graduate program together supporting and encouraging each other. Finally, I would particularly like to thank my parents in South Korea and my sister's family in America. My family gave me this opportunity to study in the United States, and they provided me with their care and encouragement. I am deeply grateful to them because without their endless support, I would not be at this stage.
Dealing with predictive-but-unpredictable attributes in noisy data sources

Attribute noise can affect classification learning. Previous work in handling attribute noise has focused on those predictable attributes that can be predicted by the class and other attributes. However, attributes can often be predictive but unpredictable. Being predictive, they are essential to classification learning and it is important to handle their noise. Being unpredictable, they require strategies different from those of predictable attributes. This paper presents a study on identifying, cleansing and measuring noise for predictive-but-unpredictable attributes. New strategies are accordingly proposed. Both theoretical analysis and empirical evidence suggest that these strategies are more effective and more efficient than previous alternatives.
Alva Noë: Out of Our Heads: Why You are Not Your Brain, and Other Lessons From the Biology of Consciousness

1. Alva Noe ¨'s Out of Our Heads is a fascinating and stimulating book. The clarity of writing is unparalleled and the breadth of considerations is nothing short of impressive. Although an engagement with the empirical literature has now become common practice for philosophers interested in the nature of the mind, Noe ¨'s ability to juxtapose masterfully the empirical with the conceptual sets him apart from the rest. Out of Our Heads is a well-crafted interlacing of scientific and philosophical considerations that ultimately gives rise to a provocative picture of the human mind. In the eight chapters, preface, and epilogue that comprise the book, Noeadvances a plethora of interconnected theses. He calls for the adoption of a 'biological perspective,' provides empirical evidence in support of an enactive and externalist account of consciousness, and comments on the ways that language, technology, and tools extend our body schema (39). Furthermore, Noestresses the significance of habits and rejects an intellectualist picture of human existence. He also provides evidence against the conviction that our visual experience of the world is a grand illusion, and argues that the groundbreaking research conducted by Hubel and Wisel was governed by the idea that the 'brain is an information-processing device' (161). Finally, Noeinsists that the brain is necessary but not sufficient for experience. Although by no means exhaustive, the above list conveys the book's guiding theme: there is more to human experience than neural activity, or as Noeputs it, 'we are out of our heads' and 'already home in the environment' (xiii). To construe human nature in such a fashion is to call for drastic changes. Most importantly, the contention that neural activity is sufficient for consciousness must be abandoned, and the search for neural correlates must be rethought. Noe ¨, in fact, announces that 'Cartesian neuroscience has no empirical support for its basic assumption that conscious experience is an exhaustively neural phenomenon,' and
A numerical simulation of the transient drain current in a MOST at cryogenic temperatures

The authors present a numerical technique to model the transient in the drain current when the MOS transistor is suddenly switched on at low temperatures. The technique is similar to those used in steady-state simulations of MOS devices. However, the physical principles that apply to a transient simulation are very different from those of the steady-state model. Consequently, new boundary conditions and new physical relationships that predict semiconductor charge densities are derived. The transient predicted by the simulation is compared to the measured data, verifying the principles upon which the simulation is based. The simulation shows that the field-enhanced ionization of dopant atoms can be accurately modeled using Shockley-Read-Hall statistics and Poole-Frenkel expressions. The hole capture cross-section for the acceptor atoms was about 2*10/sup -12/ cm/sup 2/. >
A new approach to the analysis of large deflections of plates

As a result of the assumption that the strain energy due to the second invariant of the middle surface strains can be neglected when deriving the differential equations for a flat plate with large deflections, simplified equations are derived that can be solved readily. Computations using the solution of these simplified equations are carried out for the deflection of uniformly loaded circular and rectangular plates with various boundary conditions. Comparisons are made with available numerical solutions of the exact equations. The deflections found by this approach are then used to obtain the stresses, and the resulting stresses are compared with existing solutions. In all the cases where comparisons could be made, the deflections and stresses agree with the exact solutions within the accuracy required for engineering purposes.
Variability in quasar broad absorption line outflows – I. Trends in the short-term versus long-term data

Broad absorption lines (BALs) in quasar spectra identify high-velocity outflows that likely exist in all quasars and could play a major role in feedback to galaxy evolution. The variability of BALs can help us understand the structure, evolution and basic physical properties of the outflows. Here we report on our first results from an ongoing BAL monitoring campaign of a sample of 24 luminous quasars at redshifts 1.2 < z < 2.9, focusing on C iv λ1549 BAL variability in two different time intervals: 4–9 months (short term) and 3.8–7.7 yr (long term) in the quasar rest frame. We find that 39 per cent (7/18) of the quasars varied in the short-term data, whereas 65 per cent (15/23) varied in the long-term data, with a larger typical change in strength in the long-term data. The variability occurs typically in only portions of the BAL troughs. The components at higher outflow velocities are more likely to vary than those at lower velocities, and weaker BALs are more likely to vary than stronger BALs. The fractional change in BAL strength correlates inversely with the strength of the BAL feature, but does not correlate with the outflow velocity. Both the short-term and long-term data indicate the same trends. The observed behaviour is most readily understood as a result of the movement of clouds across the continuum source. If the crossing speeds do not exceed the local Keplerian velocity, then the observed short-term variations imply that the absorbers are <6 pc from the central quasar.
ChatTrack: Chat room topic detection using classification

The traditional analysis of Internet chat room discussions places a resource burden on the intelligence community because of the time required to monitor thousands of continuous chat sessions. Chat rooms are used to discuss virtually any subject, including computer hacking and bomb making, creating a virtual sanctuary for criminals to collaborate. Given the upsurge of interest in homeland security issues, we have developed a text classification system that creates a concept-based profile that represents a summary of the topics discussed in a chat room or by an individual participant. We then discuss this basic chat profiling system and demonstrate the ability to selectively augment the standard concept database with new concepts of significance to an agent. Finally, we show how an investigator can, once alerted to a user or session of interest via the profile, retrieve details about the chat session through our chat archiving and search system.
DC railway system emulator for stray current and touch voltage prediction

A system to emulate railway DC systems is presented in this paper. The emulator is designed to simulate the behavior of railway systems in terms of stray currents and touch voltages. Power electronics circuits are used as variable resistors to simulate the train motion. The emulator provides a test-bed to not only study and analyze the effects of stray currents and touch voltages, but to also evaluate techniques that mitigate these effects before they are physically implemented. The proposed emulator system is verified through simulation studies and hardware experimentations.
Thermochemical modelling of interfacial reactions in molybdenum disilicide matrix composites

The thermal and environmental stabilities of molybdenum disilicide have been evaluated using thermochemical modelling. The chemical reactivity of molybdenum disilicide with oxygen indicates that various molybdenum compounds and silica are formed, depending on oxygen pressures. The structure and properties of the silica films play an important role in the oxidation reaction and the reactions of water vapour (moisture) with molybdenum disilicide at high temperatures. The thermodynamic stabilities of various potential reinforcements, e.g. carbon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, alumina, and some refractory compounds (borides, carbides, and oxides of titanium, zirconium and hafnium) in molybdenum disilicide matrix have been evaluated. Based on the results of thermochemical computations, SiC, Si3N4, TiC, ZrC, HfC, TiB, TiB2, ZrB2, HfB2, ZrO2 and HfO2 were found to be stable, but carbon and TiO2 were found to be unstable in MoSi2.The Al2O3/MoSi2 system was found to be stable below 1800 K. At temperatures above 1800 K, significant mass losses could occur due to the high vapour pressures of gaseous species (Al2O, SiO). These thermodynamic predictions are in agreement with available experimental data.
The presence of FAC1 protein in Hirano bodies

We have previously reported that the FAC protein is contained in hippocampal structures that resemble Hirano bodies. Hirano bodies are cytoplasmic inclusions containing actin filaments that are numerous in the hippocampus of many Alzheimer's disease patients. FAC1 is a developmentally regulated protein that is localized to the cytoplasm of neurons during development and is predominately a nuclear protein in adult brain. In hippocampal sections from non-demented adults, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies patients, Hirano bodies were immunolabelled with antibodies to the FAC1 protein. Confocal laser microscopy demonstrated the presence of actin in FAC labelled Hirano bodies, and ultrastructural analysis confirmed the presence of a lattice structure within FAC labelled Hirano bodies. Numerous FAC1 immunoreactive swollen dendrites were also present in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies patients. Within any one case the total number of FAC positive swollen dendrites correlated with the total number of Hirano bodies, suggesting an association between the two structures. Thus, FAC protein is contained in Hirano bodies and swollen dendrites in the hippocampus of patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.
Effect of spin-orbit coupling on magnetoresistance in organic semiconductors

We study the recently discovered organic magnetoresistance (OMAR) effect in a pair of materials that have similar chemical structures except that one contains a heavy atom to enhance spin-orbit coupling. We use photoluminescence spectroscopy to estimate the spin-orbit coupling strength. In the material with weak spin-orbit coupling the characteristic magnetic field scale is comparable to the hyperfine coupling strength. In the material with strong spin-orbit coupling we find that the OMAR is strongly reduced in size and the OMAR traces clearly exhibit a second, higher field scale which we identify with the spin-orbit coupling strength. We model our results using the standard spin-dynamics Hamiltonian.
America's Digital Divide: 2000–2003 Trends

Computer ownership and literacy, along with Internet access and its many applications, has become, for many, a trademark for the Americans' lifestyle. Research shows that computer ownership and literacy, along with Internet access and expertise, is rapidly changing how Americans go about their business. The technological industry is providing many opportunities for Americans to operate in markets, global and local, not previously available. These changes are apparent across all U.S. sociocultural and geographic boundaries. Yet, upon close analysis, there are individuals and communities less connected with many completely excluded from participation. Those individuals exist below a line called the Digital Divide. Growth in computer ownership and Internet use, while offering optimism that the Digital Divide is narrowing, also illustrates that, without focused intervention will for certain populations, continue. Public and private programs, focus groups, and pocks of community activism, each hope to correct the disparities among on- and-off line Americans. On many fronts, there is evidence that progress is being made by many. Income, race, age, and geographic location are often the determining factors.
Seasonal Patterns of Bacterial Abundance and Production in the Mississippi River Plume and Their Importance for the Fate of Enhanced Primary Production

Bacterial abundance and leucine incorporation were measured in the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River plume area during May 1992 and July 1993. Both parameters were highest at intermediate salinities during both season. The peak of bacterial leucine incorporation (∼2.5 nM h−1) and abundance was located at higher salinities in May 1992 than in July 1993. Leucine incorporation rates in surface waters decreased with increasing westward distance from the plume, whereas rates increased below the pycnocline with increasing westward distance. The high rates of bacterial activity in stratified bottom waters could potentially deplete oxygen within 3 to 50 days. The mean values for depth-integrated bacterial production were higher in May 1992 (787 mg C m−2 d−1) than in July 1993 (644 mg C m−2 d−1). The integrated values for bacterial production indicate that a variable proportion of the primary production is consumed by bacteria during spring and summer. Comparisons to the vertical export of POM and zooplankton grazing suggest that zooplankton grazing determines the amount of organic material available for bacterial mineralization in deeper layers. Depth-integrated gross bacterial production rates were highest in May 1992 when vertical export of particulate organic matter (POM) was also the greatest. The response of heterotrophic bacteria to increased organic matter input in the plume area during spring indicates that the microbes play a crucial role in the development of hypoxic conditions on the Louisiana shelf during early summer.
Radiative forcing over the conterminous United States due to contemporary land cover land use change and sensitivity to snow and interannual albedo variability

[1] Satellite-derived land cover land use (LCLU), snow and albedo data, and incoming surface solar radiation reanalysis data were used to study the impact of LCLU change from 1973 to 2000 on surface albedo and radiative forcing for 58 ecoregions covering 69% of the conterminous United States. A net positive surface radiative forcing (i.e., warming) of 0.029 Wm−2 due to LCLU albedo change from 1973 to 2000 was estimated. The forcings for individual ecoregions were similar in magnitude to current global forcing estimates, with the most negative forcing (as low as −0.367 Wm−2) due to the transition to forest and the most positive forcing (up to 0.337 Wm−2) due to the conversion to grass/shrub. Snow exacerbated both negative and positive forcing for LCLU transitions between snow-hiding and snow-revealing LCLU classes. The surface radiative forcing estimates were highly sensitive to snow-free interannual albedo variability that had a percent average monthly variation from 1.6% to 4.3% across the ecoregions. The results described in this paper enhance our understanding of contemporary LCLU change on surface radiative forcing and suggest that future forcing estimates should model snow and interannual albedo variation.
Influence of interrow traffic spacing on under-the-row subsoiled cotton

Abstract This study assesses the effects of the distance between a planted row and the edge of a tire during post-subsoiling traffic. It was conducted in a large soil bin at the National Tillage Machinery Laboratory, Auburn, AL, utilizing special equipment to eliminate all but test-related traffic, thus assuring the necessary control of all depth and spacing operations. Growth, yield, and root characteristics of cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) and the strength and bulk density of soil created by seven traffic treatments was measured. Tractor wheel traffic was made directly over the subsoiled channel (treatment T-1), and at 10 (T-2), 20 (T-3), 30 (T-4), 40 (T-5) and 50 (T-6) cm to each side of the subsoiled channel. Traffic treatment T-7 was not subsoiled and the wheel edge was more than 50 cm from the planted row. The study indicated that the edge of the tire must be more than 30 cm from the channel to prevent recompaction that adversely affects growth and yield.
Angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockade prevents the hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor response to isolation stress.

Abstract Sustained pretreatment with angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonists prevents the sympathoadrenal and hormonal responses to 24 h isolation stress. To elucidate the mechanism of the anti-stress effects of AT1 receptor antagonism, we examined the effect of subcutaneous infusion of candesartan, a non-competitive AT1 receptor antagonist, 0.5 mg/kg/day for 14 days, to Wistar rats on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis after 24 h isolation stress. In the morning of day 15, we measured AT1 receptors corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) mRNA and immunoreactive CRF in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), the pituitary adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and adrenal corticosterone content, and the urinary corticosterone excretion. In rats not treated with candesartan, 24 h isolation stress increased pituitary ACTH, adrenal corticosterone content and AT1 receptor binding in the PVN but decreased CRF mRNA and CRF content in the PVN. This indicates enhanced CRF utilization not compensated by CRF gene transcription and effective glucocorticoid feedback inhibition in spite of the increase in AT1 receptor expression. The effects of stress on HPA axis activation and CRF mRNA and content in the PVN were prevented by candesartan pretreatment, suggesting that activation of AT1 receptors is required for the HPA axis response to isolation. Our results support the hypothesis that the activity of PVN AT1 receptors is part of the mechanism necessary for development of a full stress-induced HPA axis activation. Inhibition of central AT1 receptors limits the CRF response to stress and should be considered as a therapeutic tool to preserve homeostasis under chronic stress conditions.
Cohomological Invariants of Simply Connected Groups of Rank 3

Let G be a linear algebraic group defined over a field F . One can define an equivalence relation (called R-equivalence) on the group GF of points over F as follows (cf. [4, 9, 14]). Two points g0; g1 ∈ GF are R-equivalent, if there is a rational morphism f x 1 F → G of algebraic varieties over F defined at points 0 and 1 such that f 0 = g0 and f 1 = g1. The group of R-equivalence classes is denoted by GF/R. For example, if G = SL1A is the special linear group of a central simple F-algebra A, then the group of R-equivalence classes GF/R is equal to the reduced Whitehead group in algebraic K-theory (cf. [27])
The effect of CF3I compared to CF3Br on OH· and soot concentrations in CO-flowing propane/air diffusion flames

The recent halt in the production of CF 3 Br because of its deleterious effect on stratospheric ozone levels has intensified the search for new suppressants with comparable properties. In contrast to most proposed alternatives, earlier investigations of CF 3 I have reported excellent extinction efficiencies, sometimes superior to CF 3 Br on a molar basis. These findings have spurred an interest in elucidating more clearly the chemical effects produced by iodine-containing suppressants. In the present study, OH· and soot concentrations have been measured using fluorescence imaging and laser-induced incandescence methods, respectively, in a co-flowing, axisymmetric, atmospheric-pressure propane/air diffusion flame inhibited by CF 3 Br and CF 3 I. In addition, broadband molecular fluorescence (attributed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) has been monitored, and peak temperatures have been measured using two-line OH· laser-induced fluorescence. Overall, the two suppressants behave similarly when added to both the air and fuel streams, with the most notable exception being the greater enhancement of soot production for CF 3 Br addition at subextinction concentrations. CF 3 I is found to be slightly superior to CF 3 Br under our experimental conditions in terms of (I) requiring smaller mole fraction concentrations at extinction and (2) producing less within-flame soot. The reductions in the OH· concentrations with agent additions are essentially the same for CF 3 I and CF 3 Br.
High-Frequency High-Power Operation of Tunnel Diodes

The operation of oscillators using high-current tunnel diodes above their self-resonant frequency is presented. General stability conditions of the tunnel diode, including external circuits (lumped and distributed), are discussed. Based on a nonlinear analysis of a tunnel-diode oscillator, the power generated by the diode, the power dissipated within the diode and the power delivered to an external load are calculated as a function of frequency and loading conditions. For operation above the self-resonant frequency, the suppression of unwanted LF oscillations is necessary. Experimental results of an oscillator circuit operating at 2-3 Gc with the suppression of LF oscillation are described. Data on the high-current tunnel diodes (50 \sim 100 ma) used are given.
Effects of service quality and food quality: the moderating role of atmospherics in an ethnic restaurant segment.

Abstract This study empirically examined not only the relationship between perceived quality and satisfaction/loyalty, but also the role of customer perceptions of atmospherics in an ethnic restaurant segment. Specifically, this study, using hierarchical regression analyses, investigated the direct effects of service quality and food quality on customer satisfaction and loyalty as well as the moderating effect of the perception of atmospherics, in Korean restaurants. As expected, this study showed that service and food quality have positive and significant effects on customer satisfaction and loyalty. This suggested that, similar to other restaurant segments, employee service and food are of great importance for ethnic restaurants as well. Verifying the moderating role of atmospherics, however, this study found that good employee service can be more effective for increasing the satisfaction and loyalty of customers with a low perception of the atmospherics compared to those with a higher perception. Further, providing quality food is particularly critical for creating customer satisfaction in ethnic restaurants where atmospherics are not satisfactory. More detailed findings and implications are also discussed.
Physical and sexual abuse in childhood as predictors of early onset cardiovascular events in women

Background—Although child abuse is widespread and has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, its association with CVD events is not established. Methods and Results—We examined associations of child abuse with CVD events among 66 798 women in the Nurses' Health Study 2. Proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for myocardial infarction (n=262), stroke (n=251), and total CVD (n=513). Severe physical abuse was reported by 9% and forced sex by 11% of participants. After adjustment for age, race, childhood body type, parental education, and family CVD history, the hazard ratios for CVD events were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.70–1.17) for mild physical abuse, 1.02 (95% CI, 0.82–1.26) for moderate physical abuse, and 1.46 (95% CI, 1.11–1.92) for severe physical abuse compared with no abuse. Compared with women without childhood sexual abuse, the hazard ratio was 1.10 (95% CI, 0.88–1.35) for unwanted sexual touching and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.23–1.99) for force...