cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coalescence and Star Formation in Collapsing Flattened Systems

We report on the results of N-body simulations of star formation resulting from mergers during the collapse of dynamically cold, flattened systems of cloudlets. Such evolution is expected to occur in several models of cluster star formation. As was found previously in the case of spherical systems, the resulting star clusters have half-mass radii that are significantly smaller than the initial values for the systems. Stars that form early in the collapse have large final orbital radii and retain a strong memory of the initial ellipticity of the system. Stars that form later have smaller final radii and retain less memory. If we examine only those stars within the final half-mass radii of the models, we find that they follow a much less ellipsoidal distribution than do stars at larger radii. Their ellipticities, however, generally exceed those of young, dynamically unevolved massive star clusters in the LMC. The best comparisons with the observed ellipticities are found in models for which the initial system minor-to-major axis ratios b/a0.2, system kinetic-to-potential energy ratios Q0.1, covering factors fτ0.2, or initial cloud masses MiMG. In the above, fτ is the fraction of the projected area of the system covered by the cloudlets, and MG is the critical mass for gravitational instability of the cloudlets, which are assumed to evolve isothermally. The ratio Mi/MG is taken to be one of the model parameters. All of these ranges of parameters tend to delay the onset of star formation until late in the collapse, when the system is less elliptical. Systems with MiMG tend to produce very flat stellar initial mass functions, much flatter than observed. Unless, therefore, fτ0.2 results from the fragmentation of the parent cloud, systems such as the young LMC clusters are unlikely to have formed from extremely flattened or dynamically cold initial conditions, even in the presence of dissipation during star formation.
On-line recognition of hand-printed Korean characters

Abstract The Korean alphabet is a set of phonetic symbols which are combined to form characters, somewhat in the Chinese style. The phonetic quality of the symbols naturally limits the combinations that are useful, and character formation constraints further limit these combinations. Advantage of this is made in an on-line computer recognition system. Korean characters are entered by means of a graphic tablet, using the standard stroke sequences taught in schools. Recognition is perfect for carefully drawn characters and nearly so for characters written at an unhurried rate, provided the system is tuned to the writer's style.
Viscoelastic Properties of Magneto- and Electro-Rheological Fluids

This paper examines the transition area between elastic and viscous behavior for a conventional electro-rheological (ER) fluid and a state-of-the-art magneto-rheological (MR) fluid through the use of oscillatory rheometry techniques. A comparison between the yield behavior (strain and stress) measured for these two different types of controllable fluids is presented. The data obtained for MR fluids represents the initial characterization of the pre-yield properties exhibited by this type of material. Finally, a recommendation as to a key area for future R&D is highlighted.
West Antarctic ice sheet and CO 2 greenhouse effect: a threat of disaster

If the global consumption of fossil fuels continues to grow at its present rate, atmospheric CO2 content will double in about 50 years. Climatic models suggest that the resultant greenhouse-warming effect will be greatly magnified in high latitudes. The computed temperature rise at lat 80° S could start rapid deglaciation of West Antarctica, leading to a 5 m rise in sea level.
Active and passive microwave data improve soil moisture estimates

Assimilating satellite observations from active or passive microwave sensors into models can improve soil moisture estimates, a new study shows. Passive sensors detect radiation emitted naturally from the land surface, while active sensors emit a radiation pulse toward the Earth surface and measure the energy reflected back to the satellite.Draper et al. assimilated soil moisture derived from the active Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) and passive Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) satellite sensors into a land surface model and assessed the resulting soil moisture estimates against in situ observations from 85 sites in the United States and Australia. The researchers found that the active and passive microwave data similarly improved the model's soil moisture estimates. Following the recent failure of AMSR-E, the new study shows that systems designed to assimilate AMSR-E soil moisture can switch to ASCAT data without loss of accuracy. Improved soil moisture estimates could be useful for applications such as weather and drought forecasting. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL050655, 2012)
A Unified Situational Awareness Dashboard for Spacecraft Operations: An integrated, Fleet-centric, Cloud Computing Based Solution

Many space agencies, centers, and organizations separate spacecraft operations into mission-specific operations centers. While this separation has advantages, it poses significant challenges when technical staff, and leadership wish to view, and evaluate historical, current, and future state of the fleet, rather than a single spacecraft. To overcome this disadvantage of this approach it was determined necessary to develop a secure rich web application, which integrates disparate data sets, into a unified situational awareness dashboard. To facilitate the rapid design, development, integration, testing, and deployment of this dashboard, an existing cloud computing platform was utilized. In addition, an open source operating system, computing languages, and version control system were used, to control cost. Five virtual machine instances were deployed on a government certified public cloud computing provider. One instance securely receives disparate data, from spacecraft operation centers, then extracts, transforms, normalizes, and loads them onto data stores. Other instances play the roles of an administrative server, an application server, and a web server that securely provides the data visually, and as a Restful web service API, only to specific IP addresses, and to authenticated and authorized users.
Assessment of platelet transfusion for reversal of aspirin after traumatic brain injury.

Background Platelet transfusion is utilized increasingly for traumatic brain injury (TBI) for the reversal of aspirin (ASA) therapy. Assessment of platelet inhibition and reversal by platelet transfusion after TBI has not been adequately characterized. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of TBI patients at a level I trauma center (January 2008–December 2009) was performed. The Aspirin Response Test (ART; VerifyNow) was used to assess platelet inhibition in TBI patients and guide platelet transfusion in patients with ASA-induced suppression. A follow-up ART was obtained after platelet administration. Primary endpoints were progression of intracranial hemorrhage on computed tomography, need for craniotomy, and mortality. Results We analyzed 84 patients (median age, 78 [interquartile range, 64–86)]; 54% male). ASA use was documented in 36 (42%) patients. Initial ART indicated platelet dysfunction in 54 (64%) patients, including 42% of patients without a documented history of ASA use. Of the patients with a documented history of ASA, 2.4% had a normal ART. Of those with an initial ART of Conclusion The ART should be used to better target and guide platelet transfusions in TBI patients with known or suspected ASA use history. Patients with occult platelet dysfunction can be identified, unnecessary platelet transfusions avoided, and the adequate volume of platelets administered to correct drug-induced dysfunction. A dose–response relationship between quantity of platelets transfused and reversal of ASA inhibition was observed.
Endovascular treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms in the United States (2001-2006): A significant survival benefit over open repair is independently associated with increased institutional volume

Objective Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has gained wide acceptance for the elective treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), leading to interest in similar treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate national outcomes after EVAR for RAAA and to assess the effect of institutional volume metrics. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify patients treated with open or EVAR for RAAA, 2001-2006. Procedure volume was determined for each institution categorizing hospitals as low-, medium-, and high-volume. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes related to resource utilization. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine independent predictors of EVAR usage and mortality. Results From 2001 to 2006, an estimated 27,750 hospital discharges for RAAA occurred; 11.5% were treated with EVAR. EVAR utilization increased over time (5.9% in 2001 to 18.9% in 2006, P 80 years) (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.30-1.93), high elective EVAR volume (>40/y) vs medium (19-40/y) (OR 2.65; 95% CI 1.86-3.78) and low ( Conclusions In the United States, for RAAA, EVAR had a lower postoperative mortality than open repair. Higher elective open repair as well as RAAA volume increased this mortality advantage for EVAR. These results support regionalization of RAAA repair to high volume centers whenever possible and a wider adoption of endovascular repair of RAAA nationwide.
Properties of the Michaelis-Menten equation and its integrated form which are useful in pharmacokinetics

Some old equations are reviewed and some new equations have been derived which indicate certain properties of the Michaelis-Menten equation and its integrated forms. Simulated data which obey Michaelis-Menten kinetics have been plotted in various ways to illustrate special relationships. An equation is derived which accurately estimates the slope of the apparently linear decline (ko)of concentrations from the values of Co, Km,and Vm.This indicates the hybrid nature of ko.It is pointed out that if a metabolite is formed by Michaelis-Menten kinetics, then (a)one would not expect linear plots of cumulative amount of metabolite excreted in the urine vs. time, and (b)the plasma clearance of the drug will change with dose, and the plasma clearance of the drug would be expected to be different following administration of the same dose in a rapidly available and a slowly available dosage form. The distortion in parameter values when data arising from Michaelis-Menten kinetics are evaluated by classical linear pharmacokinetics is indicated.
The portrayal of elder abuse in the national media

Over the last two decades, researchers and policy makers have begun to devote more attention to the problem of elder abuse. Still, compared to studies on other types of family violence, research on elder abuse is scarce. To better understand how elder abuse is portrayed in the media and using “newsmaking criminology” as a theoretical framework, this study considers how 11 newspapers describe the phenomenon. In all, 530 articles about elder abuse were content analyzed using standard rules of content analysis. Results suggest that certain types of elder abuse are excluded from the press. In addition, the press tends to define elder abuse as a crime, but not as a domestic violence offense. Implications are provided.
The postprandial circulatory and ileal intraluminal release of neuropeptide Y in conscious dogs.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36-amino-acid peptide, was measured in the peripheral circulation and ileal lumen of conscious dogs using a sensitive radioimmunoassay. Fasting NPY concentrations averaged 448 ± 15 pg/ml in the peripheral blood and 364 ± 23 pg/ml in the ileal effluent. Following a mixed meal, circulating NPY levels rose to 499 ± 37 pg/ml (P < 0.05), whereas recoverable quantities of ileal intraluminal NPY fell to 257 ± 19 pg/ml (P < 0.05). Neither fat nor glucose meals significantly changed circulating or ileal intraluminal NPY recovery. These results demonstrate release of NPY into the blood and ileal lumen for the first time and support NPY as a candidate gut hormone.
Boundary layer crossflow stabilization of high subsonic speed LFC transport airplanes

With a view to the elaboration of the design of Mach 0.83 and 0.97 cruise-speed long-range aircraft employing LFC, a study is conducted of the laminar flow characteristics of supercritical airfoils of blunt leading-edge X88 type, for the case of lightly loaded wings that dispense with leading-edge flaps for low-speed operations. The boundary layer crossflow in the front acceleration zone of these airfoils' upper surface is optimally stabilized by suction in the upstream portion of the zone, yielding a crossflow that is neutrally stable.
The √f power-spectrum centroid detector: System considerations, implementation, and performance

Abstract Operation of the √f centroid detector with various doppler systems is discussed, and its design, implementation, and performance are described. It is determined that the detector can be employed in directional detection schemes to measure spectral moments and centroids with correct polarity and with no degradation in accuracy. Narrow- and wideband deterministic signal detection of both stationary and FM information is investigated, and it is found that the centroid detector can also serve as an FM demodulator with high AM rejection. A versatile √f detector was realized in discrete form and evaluated with deterministic and random signals, and its measured variance agreed closely with the theoretical values. The validity and application of the noise-reduction method was verified on deterministic and random doppler signals. Applications of the detector and the noise-reduction method to blood-flow and velocity measurements are demonstrated.
A diamond example of an ordinal graph with no infinite paths

From set mapping theorems, Erd'os, Hajnal and Milner proved that every graph on a limit ordinal α < ωω+21 either contains an independent set of type α or an infinite path. In symbols one writes α → (α, infinite path)2. In this paper the assumption of Jensen's Diamond Principle is used to construct counter-examples for α with ωω+21 ⩽ α < ω2. Under Martin's Axiom, Larson has shown no such counter-examples exist for limit α below the continuum.
Mini workshop — Developing engineers for a changing world through modeling and simulation-based pedagogy

Developing engineers for a changing world presents a greater need for students to understand simulations. Understanding mathematical models and simulations are skills that all engineers need for industry and research, but many engineering students lack a conceptual understanding of how to develop them. This workshop facilitates conversations about the future of engineering education with an emphasis on the importance of mathematical modeling and simulations. The team will introduce pedagogy used in Purdue's First-Year Engineering Program that enables students to learn about mathematical modeling and simulation. The team will introduce model-eliciting activities (MEAs), which enable students to learn how to build mathematical models in an open-ended learning environment. The team will also introduce a well-developed design project that focuses on using mathematical models to build simulations. The team will also introduce nanoHUB.org, an online community that enables students to interact with expert-developed simulations and presents a platform for students to disseminate their own simulations in the future. We will facilitate conversations about how nanoHUB.org can be used in informal and formal learning environments. We will also discuss how nanoHUB.org presents a place for collaborative engineering education research. All of the materials from this workshop will also be incorporated on the Nano Education Research page on nanoHUB.org to further facilitate conversation after the conference. The context for all of the discussed content is connected to nanotechnology, which enables students from various STEM backgrounds to work together in a cross-disciplinary environment. Overall, our mini-workshop will compliment FIE objectives by looking forward to the future of STEM education through nanotechnology education and innovative, online learning environments.
Phase-stepping interferometric system for capturing instantaneous flow field under harsh environments

Interferometric reconstruction of a flow field usually consists of three steps. The first is to record interferograms, the second is to extract phase information from interferograms and the final is for numerical inversion of the phase data. In interferometric flow recording, test section enclosures and opaque models are frequently present, blocking a portion of the probing rays or restricting the view angle of the field to produce a partial data set especially for interferometric tomography. It also involves very harsh environments with external vibrations and disturbances of the ambient air. The ill-posed problem is susceptible to experimental noise and can produce serious distortions in reconstruction. Interferometric reconstruction of flow fields thus needs accurate phase information extraction. The major problem encountered in interferometry is that it is extremely sensitive to external disturbances including the vibration of the optical setup. This is true especially for aerodynamic wind tunnel testing. For successful application of interferometry to experimental fluid mechancis and heat/mass transfer, efficient mechanisms for accurate flow-field recording and information extraction are thus very necessary. In interferometric recording, use of the phase stepping techniques is desirable whenever possible, since they provide the most accuracy. However, they are not applicable under disturbing conditions; that is, under harsh environments. In an effort to provide accurate interferometric data, we device interferogram recording and reduction techniques. They are based on a phase-stepping method: however, applicable to harsh environments including wind tunnel testing. Here we present the governing concepts, investigation results, and application demonstration of our approaches for practical flow measurements. The developed approaches are tested through phoase extraction and 3D reconstruction of an experimental flow field, which is designed for future wind tunnel testing. The test conditions are very harsh, involving building vibrations and ambient air disturbances especially during the interferometric data acquisition in the phase stepping process. The results of the thermocouple readings agree fairly well with those from the experiment when compared. The acceptable error in the entire interferometric reconstruction process is believed to be mainly due to the ill-posed nature of the tomographic reconstruction but not from the phase extraction of the employed phase-stepping technique.
Cross-classified hierarchical Bayesian models for risk-based analysis of complex systems under sparse data

Abstract Decisionmaking problems in risk analysis often involve extreme events, where empirical data are usually either sparse or lacking. With sparse data, important parameters and quantities for risk and safety analyses may not be estimated and tested within an acceptable level of significance. This paper applies Hierarchical Bayesian Models (HBMs) to reduce the estimation variance and thus build relatively robust models for extreme event data through borrowing strength from different but related systems or subsystems. Based on this application, this paper further applied HBMs with cross-classified random effects (CHBMs) to address the multi-dimensional property of complex systems and borrow strength from the multiple dimensions of such systems. Case studies with both simulated and real data demonstrate the effectiveness of HBMs and CHBMs in risk-based systems analysis.
Liver regeneration is suppressed in alcoholic cirrhosis: correlation with decreased STAT3 activation

Abstract Liver regeneration is suppressed in alcoholic patients; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We examined liver regeneration and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation (an important signal for liver regeneration) in cirrhotic livers from alcoholics, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and alcoholic plus HCV infection. Liver regeneration and STAT3 activation were determined by immunohistochemistry analysis of Ki67 and STAT3 phosphorylation, respectively, in 20 alcoholic cirrhosis, 13 HCV cirrhosis, 13 alcoholic+HCV cirrhosis. Alcoholic or alcoholic plus HCV cirrhotic livers had significantly lower Ki67 + and phospho-STAT3 + (pSTAT3 + ) hepatocytes and bile duct cells than HCV cirrhotic livers. The pSTAT3 positive staining did not correlate with liver injury (elevation of serum levels of aspartate transaminase [AST] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) but correlated positively with cell proliferation (Ki67 positive staining). In conclusion: liver regeneration is suppressed in alcoholic cirrhotic livers, which may be partly due to decreased STAT3 activation.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) inhibit photosynthesis per cell in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana

Abstract At sampling times of 1, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after inoculation, PCB at 50 parts per thousand million (10 9 ; ptm) reduced 14 C uptake per viable cell of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana by at least 32, 75, 72, 50 and 66%, respectively. Inhibition of 14 C uptake per culture was caused both by reduced photosynthesis per cell and by fewer 14 C-fixing, viable cells in treated than in control cultures.
TRANSGENIC OVEREXPRESSION OF NEUROGLOBIN ATTENUATES FORMATION OF SMOKE INHALATION-INDUCED OXIDATIVE DNA DAMAGE, IN VIVO, IN THE MOUSE BRAIN

Acute inhalation of combustion smoke causes neurological deficits in survivors. Inhaled smoke includes carbon monoxide, noxious gases, and a hypoxic environment, which disrupt oxygenation and generate free radicals. To replicate a smoke-inhalation scenario, we developed an experimental model of acute exposure to smoke for the awake mouse/rat and detected induction of biomarkers of oxidative stress. These include inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory complexes and formation of oxidative DNA damage in the brain. DNA damage is likely to contribute to neuronal dysfunction and progression of brain injury. In the search for strategies to attenuate the smoke-initiated brain injury, we produced a transgenic mouse overexpressing the neuronal globin protein neuroglobin. Neuroglobin was neuroprotective in diverse models of ischemic/hypoxic/toxic brain injuries. Here, we report lesser inhibition of respiratory complex I and reduced formation of smoke-induced DNA damage in neuroglobin transgenic compared to wild-type mouse brain. DNA damage was assessed using the standard comet assay, as well as a modified comet assay done in conjunction with an enzyme that excises oxidized guanines that form readily under conditions of oxidative stress. Both comet assays revealed that overexpressed neuroglobin attenuates the formation of oxidative DNA damage, in vivo, in the brain. These findings suggest that elevated neuroglobin exerts neuroprotection, in part, by decreasing the impact of acute smoke inhalation on the integrity of neuronal DNA.
Environmental exposure of 2LiBH4+MgH2 using empirical and theoretical thermodynamics

Abstract It has been shown that the consequence of environmental exposure can be qualitatively predicted by modeling the heat generated as a result of environmental exposure of reactive hydrides along with heat loss associated with conduction and convection with the ambient surroundings. To this end, an idealized finite volume model was developed to represent the behavior of dispersed hydride from a breached system. Semi-empirical thermodynamic calculations and substantiating calorimetric experiments were performed in order to quantify the energy released, energy release rates and to quantify the reaction products resulting from water and air exposure of a lithium borohydride and magnesium hydride combination. The hydrides, LiBH 4 and MgH 2 , were studied in a 2:1 “destabilized” mixture which has been demonstrated to be reversible. Liquid water hydrolysis reactions were performed in a Calvet calorimeter equipped with a mixing cell using pH-neutral water. Water vapor and gaseous oxygen reactivity measurements were performed at varying relative humidities and temperatures by modifying the calorimeter and utilizing a gas circulating flow cell apparatus. The results of these calorimetric measurements were used to develop quantitative kinetic expressions for hydrolysis and air oxidation in these systems. Thermodynamic parameters obtained from these tests were then incorporated into a computational fluid dynamics model to predict both the hydrogen generation rates and concentrations along with localized temperature distributions. The results of these numerical simulations can be used to predict ignition events and the resultant conclusions will be discussed.
Obesity, food, and addiction: emerging neuroscience and clinical and public health implications.

Obesity, Food, and Addiction: Emerging Neuroscience and Clinical and Public Health Implications
Prepregnancy body mass index is an independent risk factor for gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and small- and large-for-gestational-age infants

AbstractObjective: We examined if prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants with consideration of gestational weight gain, to document the importance of preconception versus prenatal stage.Methods: We used the data of 219 868 women from 2004 to 2011 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of prepregnancy BMI for gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, and SGA and LGA infants with consideration of gestational weight gain.Results: Regardless of gestational weight gain, women with obese prepregnancy BMI (≥30 kg/m2) had increased odds of gestational hypertension (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 2.91; 95% CI = 2.76–3.07), gestational diabetes (2.78; 2.60–2.96), and LGA (1.87; 1.76–1.99) compared to women with normal prepregnancy BMI (18.5–24.9 kg...
A Numerical Study of the Impacts of Dry Air on Tropical Cyclone Formation: A Development Case and a Nondevelopment Case

AbstractThe impacts of dry air on tropical cyclone formation are examined in the numerical model simulations of ex-Gaston (2010) and pre-Fay (2008). The former, a remnant low downgraded from a short-lived tropical cyclone, can be regarded as a nondeveloping system because it failed to redevelop, and the latter developed into a tropical cyclone despite lateral dry air entrainment and a transient upper-level dry air intrusion. Water vapor budget analysis suggests that the mean vertical moisture transport plays the dominant role in moistening the free atmosphere. Backward trajectory analysis and water budget analysis show that vertical transport of dry air from the middle and upper troposphere, where a well-defined wave pouch is absent, contributes to the midlevel drying near the pouch center in ex-Gaston. The midlevel drying suppresses deep convection, reduces moisture supply from the boundary layer, and contributes to the nondevelopment of ex-Gaston. Three-dimensional trajectory analysis based on the numer...
EXPERIMENTAL AND STATISTICAL EVIDENCE OF THE PARTICULATE NATURE OF THE BACTERIOPHAGE

Experimental evidence is brought forward to show that the bacteriophage obeys very closely the laws of chance distribution of particles in suspension.
A Case Study in Algorithm Engineering for Geometric Computing

The goal of this paper is to prove the applicability of some advanced software design concepts to geometric computing through a vertical case study. The work is presented within the framework of the GeomLib project, aimed at developing an easy to use, reliable, open library of robust and efficient geometric algorithms. We present the criteria that have inspired the preliminary design of GeomLib and discuss the guidelines that we have followed in the initial implementation.
Activity Levels in Healthy Older Adults: Implications for Joint Arthroplasty

This work evaluated activity levels in a group of healthy older adults to establish a target activity level for adults of similar age after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). With the decreasing age of TJA patients, it is essential to have a reference for activity level in younger patients as activity level affects quality of life and implant design. 54 asymptomatic, healthy older adults with no clinical evidence of lower extremity OA participated. The main outcome measure, average daily step count, was measured using an accelerometer-based activity monitor. On average the group took 8813±3611 steps per day, approximately 4000 more steps per day than has been previously reported in patients following total joint arthroplasty. The present work provides a reference for activity after joint arthroplasty which is relevant given the projected number of people under the age of 65 who will undergo joint arthroplasty in the coming years.
Gap-filling analysis of the iJO1366 Escherichia coli metabolic network reconstruction for discovery of metabolic functions.

The i JO1366 reconstruction of the metabolic network of Escherichia coli is one of the most complete and accurate metabolic reconstructions available for any organism. Still, because our knowledge of even well-studied model organisms such as this one is incomplete, this network reconstruction contains gaps and possible errors. There are a total of 208 blocked metabolites in i JO1366, representing gaps in the network. A new model improvement workflow was developed to compare model based phenotypic predictions to experimental data to fill gaps and correct errors. A Keio Collection based dataset of E. coli gene essentiality was obtained from literature data and compared to model predictions. The SMILEY algorithm was then used to predict the most likely missing reactions in the reconstructed network, adding reactions from a KEGG based universal set of metabolic reactions. The feasibility of these putative reactions was determined by comparing updated versions of the model to the experimental dataset, and genes were predicted for the most feasible reactions. Numerous improvements to the i JO1366 metabolic reconstruction were suggested by these analyses. Experiments were performed to verify several computational predictions, including a new mechanism for growth on myo-inositol. The other predictions made in this study should be experimentally verifiable by similar means. Validating all of the predictions made here represents a substantial but important undertaking.
Differentiating adolescent self-injury from adolescent depression: possible implications for borderline personality development

Self-inflicted injury (SII) in adolescence marks heightened risk for suicide attempts, completed suicide, and adult psychopathology. Although several studies have revealed elevated rates of depression among adolescents who self injure, no one has compared adolescent self injury with adolescent depression on biological, self-, and informant-report markers of vulnerability and risk. Such a comparison may have important implications for treatment, prevention, and developmental models of self injury and borderline personality disorder. We used a multi-method, multi-informant approach to examine how adolescent SII differs from adolescent depression. Self-injuring, depressed, and typical adolescent females (n = 25 per group) and their mothers completed measures of psychopathology and emotion regulation, among others. In addition, we assessed electrodermal responding (EDR), a peripheral biomarker of trait impulsivity. Participants in the SII group (a) scored higher than depressed adolescents on measures of both externalizing psychopathology and emotion dysregulation, and (b) exhibited attenuated EDR, similar to patterns observed among impulsive, externalizing males. Self-injuring adolescents also scored higher on measures of borderline pathology. These findings reveal a coherent pattern of differences between self-injuring and depressed adolescent girls, consistent with theories that SII differs from depression in etiology and developmental course.
Chasing sphingosine-1-phosphate, a lipid mediator for cardiomyocyte survival.

See article by Tao et al. [5] (pages 56–63) in this issue. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a sphingolipid metabolite that regulates many essential biological processes in various cells and tissues. S1P may act as an extracellular ligand to specific G protein-coupled S1P receptors (S1P1–5) or as an intracellular second messenger. Sphingosine is derived from cleavage of ceramide by ceramidases in the sphingolipid degradative pathway. It can be catalyzed by sphingosine kinases (SphK1 and 2) into S1P, which is then degraded by a S1P lyase and S1P phosphohydrolases. S1P is most abundant in platelets, but it can also be synthesized in various cells such as cardiomyocytes. A “sphingolipid rheostat” hypothesis suggests that the relative levels of these lipids are important determinants of cell fate [1]. In fact, both ceramide and S1P are known to be involved in cardiomyocyte survival and apoptosis. It has been shown that ceramide induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the heart [2], and it has been proposed that it is a mediator of cardiomyocyte death in myocardial ischemic–reperfusion injury [3]. On the contrary, S1P exerts an anti-apoptosis effect in rat cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes [4]. … *Tel.: +1 404 756 5056; fax: +1 404 742 1042. Email address: qyang{at}msm.edu
Brief Report: Disordered Eating and Psychosocial Factors in Adolescent Females with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective To evaluate whether insulin pump therapy [continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII)] is associated with a lower frequency of disordered eating, better glycemic control, and improved quality of life and self-efficacy compared to multiple daily injections (MDI) in adolescent females with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods This crosssectional study included 22 adolescent females using CSII and 47 adolescent females using MDI who completed standardized questionnaires measuring disordered eating, quality of life, and self-efficacy. Most recent glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and measures of personal characteristics were drawn from medical records. Results The CSII group exhibited better glycemic control and reported higher quality of life and more self-efficacy. However, the groups did not differ significantly on disordered eating behaviors and attitudes. Conclusion Insulin pump therapy may provide a means for improving glycemic control, quality of life, and self-efficacy in adolescent females with type 1 diabetes.
Design of a Controller for a Drag Race Detection System

Illegal drag racing or street racing is a prominent safety concern in many major cities. This is especially the case in areas which have sections of road which are straight, level, and have low traffic at various times of day or night. This paper proposes a control mechanism for a system which is capable of detecting illegal street races and reporting them to the police automatically as they are occurring.
Multihop routing and resource allocation for multimedia applications in dynamic spectrum access networks

In this paper, we propose a distributed routing mechanism in dynamic spectrum access (DSA) networks based on a pricing mechanism, in which each node put prices on their relaying services and adjust the price according to the interference condition and the spectrum availability. The proposed mechanism tries to provide required bandwidth for multimedia transmissions in DSA networks. DSA networks employing cognitive radios enable agile transmissions and provide additional transmission capacity that would otherwise be unavailable. Although the technologies applied in DSA networks provide more information than traditional contention-based networks, conventional resource allocation mechanisms cannot fully use these measurements from the MAC layers to regulate the network. The interference pattern in distributed DSA networks is also not the same as it is in contention-based TDMA networks. Consequently, spectrum allocation mechanisms must cooperate with routing algorithms in order to adapt to the rapidly varying environment of distributed wireless networks. Routing decision is made based on the price offered and price for relaying. Resources are allocated during the routing process according to interference predictions based on spectrum measurements. Simulation results show that the proposed approach increased the throughput of the network by approximately 100% in heavy traffic situation relative to an AODV based direct resource allocation approach.
Mandatory Special Education and Mainstreaming Across the Atlantic

British educators have voiced concern over Section 10 of the Education Act of 1976, which emphasizes education of the handicapped in ordinary British schools. Professional opinion at all levels has been overwhelmingly against the ambiguous law — implementation of which is being withheld until an official report is made by the committee investigating special education in Great Britain. Indications are that the report will advise against any large scale or immediate integration of handicapped children into ordinary schools. If the report is made as expected, will government officials implement the law, and what effect will it have on provisions made for handicapped children in Great Britain?
Network requirements for sensor accuracy and precision: a case study to assess atmospheric variability in simple terrain

This simulation-based study is an effort to develop design requirements for a hypothetical network of instruments to measure average atmospheric variability over a relatively simple terrain. A dataset of air and soil temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and soil moisture from the vicinity of Lincoln, Nebraska, was used to simulate atmospheric daily measurements (max and min temperature as well as infra-red surface temperature (grass cover), relative humidity, wind speed and soil moisture) at various distances from the site. An analysis was performed to determine the instrumentation requirements needed to distinguish natural atmospheric variability from input instrumental error at the 0.05 significance level. Both accuracy and precision requirements were examined to determine the affect of systematic and random errors, respectively. It was found that sensor accuracy (small systematic bias relates to high accuracy) does not affect the ability to determine the atmospheric spatial variability. However, sensor precision (small random error equates to high precision) was found to affect the ability to determine the spatial variability of the atmospheric variable in question; commercial sensors are currently available that meet or exceed the precision requirements for all except one of the variables examined. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Periodic Compounds: Syntheses at High Pressures and Temperatures.

A new class of compounds, called "periodic compounds," identified by the selection rule G = Σdiei/Σdi, where G assumes the integral values 1, 2, 3, . . . corresponding to the periodic table groups I, II, III, . . ., is discussed. The number of bonding electrons contributed by an atom of kind i is designated ei, and di gives the number, per formula weight, of atoms of this kind. Both ei and di assume integral values. Periodic compounds consist of symmetrical and unsymmetrical types. The recent synthesis of the unsymmetrical periodic compound B 2 O, an isoelectronic analog of carbon, suggests that many more unsymmetrical types may be amenable to synthesis, particularly by high-pressure and high-temperature techniques.
Optical data communication between Josephson-junction circuits and room-temperature electronics

The feasibility of optical data transmission to and from Josephson junction circuits, using metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodiodes and GaAs/AlGaAs semiconductor laser diodes with sub-mA threshold current, is demonstrated. Standard devices can be used with the exception of a cooled GaAs detector. It is shown that silicon MSM detectors compatible with Josephson junction circuits can be fabricated. While these detectors show large photoconductive effects at room temperature they behave as good-quality photodiodes at low temperatures. Power dissipation in the laser diode scales with temperature while maintaining the modulation frequency. It is also shown that the combination of a laser diode and a photodiode provides the voltage gain needed to interface Josephson-junction circuits with room-temperature electronics. Experimental results on MSM detectors and laser diodes are presented. Expected power dissipation is below 1 mW per input/output (I/O) at a data rate of 1 Gb/s. >
Mezzanine Financing: Is It for You?

Companies that want to finance a leveraged buyout (LBO) should consider mezzanine financing. This can fill the gap between low-risk collateralized debt, obtained from traditional lenders, and higher-risk equity interests. But what are the pros and cons of this kind of financing? Is it a good option for your company? The author reveals what you should know before committing to this financial arrangement. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gas-holdup measurements in bubble columns using computed tomography

Bubble columns are used in the chemical and process industry as contactors for mass-transfer processes and chemical reaction between gases and liquids. A computed tomographic scanner was developed for imaging gas-holdup distributions in two-phase flow systems such as bubble columns and fluidized beds. The scanner has been used to study the effects of various operating parameters (such as column diameter, superficial gas velocity, and distributor type) on the gas holdup and its distribution in an air-water bubble column. The experimental investigation shows that the column dimensions have no significant effect on the void fraction when the column diameter is greater than 0.15 m. Differences in the holdup distribution due to the kind of distributor used are significant only at low gas flow rates. Surface tension of the liquid has a profound influence on the gas holdup and its distribution.
Detection of affine time-delay multipath striations using a generalized cyclostationary model

An important feature available in certain scenarios for the underwater sonar detection of broadband signals is the formation of "striated" patterns in spectrograms. The observed striations can be modeled by a broadband multipath signal whose time delay between arrivals is slowly varying linearly. This model leads to generalized notion of cyclostationarity where the cyclic frequency varies linearly with frequency. In this paper noncoherent and coherent methods to detect these broadband energy patterns based on this model are presented and demonstrated on a nontrivial example. While noncoherent methods cannot distinguish between the positive and negative delay rates, coherent methods determine both the sign in addition to an estimate of the initial multipath delay.
Associations of Sexual Victimization, Depression, and Sexual Assertiveness with Unprotected Sex: A Test of the Multifaceted Model of HIV Risk Across Gender

This study examined whether the Multifaceted Model of HIV Risk (MMOHR) would predict unprotected sex based on predictors including gender, childhood sexual abuse (CSA), sexual victimization (SV), depression, and sexual assertiveness for condom use. A community-based sample of 473 heterosexually active men and women, aged 18–46 years completed survey measures of model variables. Gender predicted several variables significantly. A separate model for women demonstrated excellent fit, while the model for men demonstrated reasonable fit. Multiple sample model testing supported the use of MMOHR in both men and women, while simultaneously highlighting areas of gender difference. Prevention interventions should focus on sexual assertiveness, especially for CSA and SV survivors, as well as targeting depression, especially among men.
Supertug Simulation Feasibility Study

In this paper we conduct a feasibility study using simulation for AirTran Airways at their hub in Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). This study pertains to using super-tug to transport aircraft to and from the airline's maintenance facility. The purchasing price for these super-tugs is around a quarter of a million dollars. This study attempts to investigate the possibility of reducing costs through saving jet fuel. This study adopts simulation to analyze the annual savings by studying the numbers needed, as well as the utilization and operation cost for these super-tugs. The results are very interesting, enabling the airline to clearly evaluate the cost and benefits of purchasing new super-tugs.
Designing Simulations for Athletic Training Students Through Interprofessional Teaching Collaboration

Context: While multidisciplinary team approaches to education and practice have been promoted for decades, literature on collaborative efforts in athletic training and nursing remains sparse. Objective: The goal of this article is to provide an example of an interprofessional teaching collaboration in which a simulation scenario was developed between athletic training and nursing education faculty members and to outline the observed benefits and barriers arising from this approach. Background: Interprofessional education and interdepartmental faculty collaboration are increasingly becoming more established and practiced elements of health professionals' education. Bringing together professionals from diverse but interrelated disciplines in a collaborative teaching activity can enhance students' understanding of the health care system and the technical expertise each professional provides in emergent situations. Description: In many health care education programs simulation has been increasingly used as a ...
Electronic structure, photovoltage, and photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with p-CuBi2O4 nanocrystals

As a visible light active p-type semiconductor, CuBi2O4 is of interest as a photocatalyst for the generation of hydrogen fuel from water. Here we present the first photovoltage and photocatalytic measurements on this material and DFT results on its band structure. Single crystalline CuBi2O4 nanoparticles (25.7 ± 4.7 nm) were synthesized from bismuth and cupric nitrate in water under hydrothermal conditions. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the CuBi2O4 structure type and UV-Vis spectroscopy shows a 1.75 eV optical band gap. Surface photovoltage (SPV) measurements on CuBi2O4 nanoparticle films on fluorine doped tin oxide yield 0.225 V positive photovoltage at >1.75 eV photon energy confirming holes as majority carriers. The photovoltage is reversible and limited by light absorption. When dispersed in 0.075 M aqueous potassium iodide solution, the CuBi2O4 particles support photochemical hydrogen evolution of up to 16 μmol h−1 under ultraviolet but not under visible light. Based on electrochemical scans, CuBi2O4 is unstable toward reduction at −0.2 V, but a pH-dependent photocurrent of 6.45 μA cm−2 with an onset potential of +0.75 V vs. NHE can be obtained with 0.01 M Na2S2O8 as a sacrificial electron acceptor. The photoelectrochemical properties of CuBi2O4 can be explained on the basis of the band structure of the material. DFT calculations show that the valence and conduction band edges arise primarily from the combination of O 2p and Cu 3d orbitals, respectively, with additional contributions from Cu 3d and Bi 6s orbitals just below the Fermi level. Trapping of photoelectrons in the Cu 3d band is the cause for reductive photocorrosion of the material, while the p-type conductivity arises from copper vacancy states near the VB edge. These findings provide an improved understanding of the photophysical properties of p-CuBi2O4 and its limitations as a proton reduction photocatalyst.