cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sulfur isotope analysis of bitumen and pyrite associated with thermal sulfate reduction in reservoir carbonates at the Big Piney–La Barge production complex

Sulfur isotopes of solid bitumen and associated pyrite from the Madison Limestone in the Big Piney–La Barge production complex were measured using a Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) method. The solid bitumens, a product of thermochemical sulfate reduction, yielded δ34S values of +18.9 ± 3.9 that are consistent with inferred values for native Mississippian sulfate. In contrast, coarse and fine grain pyrite grains were found to be 34S depleted, with values similar to that of the produced H2S (δ34S ∼ +10‰). We interpret these results to indicate that two different sources of sulfate were involved with TSR within the Madison Limestone–autochthonous anhydrite, which is now completely replaced with calcite, and Permian age sulfate dissolved in the aquifer. While checking for inclusions within the bitumen that could lead to erroneous measurement, we found the bitumen possesses a ∼5 μm rim and internal “worm-like” features enriched in organic sulfur. We hypothesize that the rim is the result of back reaction of the late forming H2S with the solid bitumen and that the <1 μm diameter wormy features may result from liquid–liquid immiscibility occurring at the high temperatures of formation.
Child labour, adult literacy and employment rates in India.

This study assesses the relationship between literacy and labour rates among the adults and children in 17 Indian states. Among children aged 5–14 years, 53.9% were literate and 3.74% were working for wages; these figures, however varied markedly among the states. Kerala, a state with the best overall adult literacy, also recorded the highest child literacy rate, and the lowest child employment rate. The states with high adult literacy also tended to have high child literacy (Spearman’s coefficient of rank correlation, Rho = 0.95, P < 0.001), and low child labour (Rho = 0.56, P < 0.02). Child labour rates did not correlate with adult labour rates. However, change in adult literacy and labour rates over a 7-year period correlated significantly both with the change in child literacy and labour rates : The states with a greater increase in adult literacy also observed a greater rise in child literacy, and a greater fall in child labour rates. But, the states with a greater increase in adult labour had a greater rise in child labour rates; for each ten additional adults working, two more children also worked for wages, suggesting that increasing job opportunities drew both adults and children into the labour force. The findings, and their implications for pediatric care are discussed.
Precision measurement of anisotropy in the upper critical field of superconducting niobium

A sensitive vibrating-coil magnetometer has been employed to investigate anisotropy in the upper critical field of pure niobium from 1.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to the transition temperature. The results are analyzed using a four-term Kubic harmonic expansion. This is sufficient to represent the data to within experimental error above a reduced temperature of $t\ensuremath{\simeq}0.5$, although as the temperature is reduced, small but systematic deviations occur, indicating the presence of higher harmonics. The temperature dependences of the first four harmonics are presented and discussed. Both the temperature dependence of the $n\mathrm{th}$ harmonic, and the reduction of that harmonic by impurity scattering, increase as $n$ increases. Our observations are in qualitative accord with the detailed theory for upper-critical-field anisotropy due to Hohenberg and Werthamer. Where direct comparison is possible quantitative agreement is also obtained.
The Influence of the Equilibrium Dissociation of a Diatomic Gas on Brayton-Cycle Performance

By employing the Lighthill “ideal dissociating gas” approximation, the influence of the equilibrium dissociation of a diatomic molecule on Brayton-cycle performance is demonstrated. For low-temperature ratios it is shown that the use of a suitably selected molecule results in a significant improvement in cycle thermal efficiency.
Common features of chromatin in aging and cancer: cause or coincidence?

Age is a major risk factor for cancer. Alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin structure, and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are prominent hallmarks of both the aging process and cancer. Intriguingly – or possibly coincidentally – several chromatin features are common between aging and cancer. Here we ask whether, and if so how, aging-associated chromatin modifications contribute to tumor susceptibility and tumorigenesis.
An optimization model for influenza A epidemics

Abstract A deterministic model is developed to describe a single wave of influenza A in a closed stratified population. The model specifies agent characteristics and nonhomogeneous mixing patterns among various age groups in a standardized American community. Attack rates predicted by the model for the Asian and Hong Kong strains of influenza are found to agree with those predicted by a previously described stochastic simulation model. The deterministic model is then coupled with an optimization formulation which selects the optimal vaccine distribution pattern among the various age groups when there is a limited quantity of vaccine available. Optimal vaccine distribution patterns are given. These patterns are found to vary, depending on the particular strain of influenza A modeled, the quantity of vaccine available, and the “cost” structure of the objective function.
Vulnerable Child Syndrome and Its Variants

The vulnerable child syndrome and its variants are frequent causes for excessive use of health services, behavioral symptoms, and much family distress. The pediatrician can play a central role in their primary and secondary prevention, early recognition, and treatment.
The elastoplastic transition in channel die compression of fcc crystals

Abstract A comprehensive analysis of the elastoplastic transition in fcc crystals in (110) channel die compression is presented. This range of very small crystal deformations and lattice rotations, of order 10−3 or less (typically with only two equally-stressed slip systems significantly active), precedes the 4-fold (or higher) large multiple-slip deformations that have been studied extensively, both experimentally and theoretically. General equations are derived for the strains, rotations, and crystal shearing in the elastoplastic transition, including a predictive equation for the compressive strain at the onset of finite deformation. From crystal elastic properties and experimental stress data for aluminum and copper in various lattice orientations, these very small elastoplastic strains, rotations, and shears are calculated over the range of possible lateral constraint directions. The results are contrasted with experimental and theoretical values of finite shears and lattice rotations in the same initial orientations, and a justification for the disregard of lattice straining in the finite deformation realm is given.
Cure of vaccinia infection by 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine.

Abstract 5-Iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IDU) has previously been shown to cure or ameliorate herpes simplex infection of the cornea, even when the infection is severe and far advanced. Studies on vaccinia infection of the cornea treated with IDU indicate that this keratitis is similarly improved or clinically cured. In about half of the treated eyes no virus could be detected after treatment; whereas, virus was present in all control eyes.
Toward Validation of Large Eddy Simulation for Turbulent Combustion

A quantitative overview focused on validation of the large eddy simulation (LES) technique for application to gas-turbine combustion processes is provided. The primary objective is to provide a systematic analysis of the current state of the art and assist in the development of technical performance metrics for model validation. Research is currently required to provide both improved multiphase combustion models and improved datasets for validation. Phenomenological requirements for further model development must be established through more detailed analyses of the space-time characteristics of small-scale turbulence-chemistry interactions. Concurrently, a refined set of implementation requirements must be established for LES, and a systematic hierarchy of databases for model validation must be developed. Steps taken toward these goals are described by focusing on validation requirements, boundary conditions, and the progressive implementation of LES in more complex configurations. First the distinct set of tradeoffs and requirments for LES are listed. A systematic progression of case studies that highlight key aspects related to the state of the art is then presented. In conclusion, recent findings associated with the International Workshop on Measurement and Computation of Turbulent Nonpremixed Flames, from the perspective of validation and model development for LES, are highlighted.
Progress and new directions in high temperature calorimetry revisited

High temperature reaction calorimetry has seen considerable advances over the past twenty years. New and more sensitive calorimeters, improved sample handling techniques, and better control of the final dissolved state has made solution calorimetry and drop solution calorimetry, using molten lead borate and other solvents, very versatile and reliable techniques. This paper summarizes these advances and presents examples of specific applications to problems of transition metal oxide chemistry, high pressure geophysics, melt and glass energetics, and metastable materials relevant to the earth sciences.
Unilateral high-frequency jet ventilation during one-lung ventilation for thoracotomy

One-lung ventilation is indicated during thoracic operations for bronchopleural fistula, pulmonary abscess, and pulmonary hemorrhage in spite of the possibility of the development of severe hypoxemia. To evaluate methods for improving oxygen transport during one-lung ventilation, we applied high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the nondependent lung following deflation to atmospheric pressure in each procedure, and measured the effects on cardiac output and arterial oxygenation. In each case, the dependent lung was ventilated with conventional intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV). Eight patients were studied during posterolateral thoracotomy using double-lumen endobronchial tubes. HFJV or CPAP to the nondependent lung improved arterial oxygenation significantly during both closed and open stages of the surgical procedures (p less than 0.008). When the chest was open, HFJV maintained satisfactory cardiac output, whereas CPAP usually decreased cardiac output (p less than 0.008). There were no significant differences in mean partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide between HFJV, CPAP, and deflation to atmospheric pressure. In conclusion, HFJV to the nondependent lung provides not only satisfactory oxygenation but also good cardiac output, thereby maintaining better oxygen transport than CPAP or deflation to atmospheric pressure, while the dependent lung is ventilated with IPPV during one-lung ventilation for thoracotomy.
The Use of Two Anchors in Nonequivalent Groups With Anchor Test (NEAT) Equating

In the equating literature, a recurring concern is that equating functions that utilize a single anchor to account for examinee groups' nonequivalence are biased when the groups are extremely different and/or when the anchor only weakly measures what the tests measure. Several proposals have been made to address this equating bias by incorporating more than one anchor into nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) equating functions. These proposals have not been extensively considered or comparatively evaluated. This study evaluates three methods for incorporating more than one anchor into NEAT equating functions, including poststratification, imputation, and propensity score matching. The three methods are studied and compared in two examples. The implications for using the three equating approaches in practice and for developing alternative strategies to incorporate two anchors are discussed.
Analytical Techniques for Soft Error Rate Modeling and Mitigation of FPGA-Based Designs

Radiation-induced soft errors are the major reliability threat for digital VLSI systems. In particular, field-programmable gate-array (FPGA)-based designs are more susceptible to soft errors compared to application-specific integrated circuit implementations, since soft errors in configuration bits of FPGAs result in permanent errors in the mapped design. In this paper, we present an analytical approach to estimate the soft error rate of designs mapped into FPGAs. Experimental results show that this technique is orders of magnitude faster than the fault injection method while more than 96% accurate. We also present a highly reliable and low-cost soft error mitigation technique which can significantly improve the availability of FPGA-mapped designs. Experimental results show that, using this technique, the availability of an FPGA mapped design can be increased to more than 99.99%.
Using NMR To Probe the Regio- and Stereochemistry of the Hydration of 1-Hexene

This undergraduate organic laboratory experiment complements previously described and popular experiments on hydration of 1-hexene where students experimentally establish the Markovnikov regioselectivity of alkene hydration. In this experiment, students explore not only the regiochemistry but also the stereochemistry of 1-hexene hydration and obtain spectral evidence that hydration of 1-hexene yields 2- and 3-hexanols as major products and that these chiral alcohols are obtained as racemic mixtures. This objective is achieved by converting commercial samples of racemic 2- and 3-hexanols to diastereomeric camphorsulfonate esters using commercial samples of enantiomerically pure (1S)-(+)-10-camphorsulfonyl chloride. The product directly obtained from hydration of 1-hexene is also esterified using the same reagent. 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the products from each reaction are then obtained, analyzed, and compared. Thus, students determine the composition of the diastereomeric mixtures. The results lead to a postlab discussion of NMR spectroscopic analysis of enantiomers and diastereomers, stereochemical relationships between faces of planar species such as carbocations, and the effect of a chiral auxiliary on a racemate. Most importantly, students experimentally prove one of the main doctrines of organic stereochemistry whereby racemates are always produced from reactions of achiral starting materials that afford chiral products.
Interest in participating in smoking cessation treatment among Latino primary care patients.

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and death for U.S. Latinos. This study identified correlates of interest in participating in a smoking cessation program among urban Latinos seen in community clinics. Interviews were completed with 141 current smokers. Participants were predominantly Spanish-speaking (93%) males (66%), who were on average 37.6 years old and smoked 8.7 cigarettes per day. Over two-thirds (63%) of participants were “definitely interested” in participating in a smoking cessation program. Participants who smoked more cigarettes per day and reported greater nicotine dependence, depression, and readiness to quit were more likely to be interested, while those employed fulltime were less likely to report high interest. Treatment preferences were consistent with Clinical Practice Guidelines recommending counseling, social support, and pharmacotherapy. Results support recommendations that healthcare providers intervene with all Latino smokers, including light smokers and those who do not report initial interest in smoking cessation.
The automation of government publications: Functional requirements and selected software systems for serials controls

Abstract This article describes computer based “off-the-shelf” software and network systems designed for application to serials and government publications. The first section provides an overview, noting that systems intended for use with serial publications can be adapted and applied to the maintenance of bibliographic records of government publications. Following the introductory information, general and specific functional requirements are described and discussed. Included here are hardware, software, and file structure requirements. The more specific requirements covered are item identification, data input, data display, check-in, claims, search and retrieval, documentation and training, and output report requirements. The final portion of the article provides descriptive information about selected commercially available serials control systems which can be adapted for the automation of government publications collections. The name and address of each distributor, system prices, and general system specifications are included for each.
Effects of smoking and genotype on the PSR index of periodontal disease in adults aged 18-49.

Studies have found both genetic and environmental influences on chronic periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among previously identified genetic variants, smoking status, and two periodontal disease-related phenotypes (PSR1 and PSR2) in 625 Caucasian adults (aged 18–49 years). The PSR Index was used to classify participants as affected or unaffected under the PSR1 and PSR2 phenotype definitions. Using logistic regression, we found that the form of the relationship varied by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): For rs10457525 and rs12630931, the effects of smoking and genotype on risk were additive; whereas for rs10457526 and rs733048, smoking was not independently associated with affected status once genotype was taken into consideration. In contrast, smoking moderated the relationships of rs3870371 and rs733048 with affected status such that former and never smokers with select genotypes were at increased genetic risk. Thus, for several groups, knowledge of genotype may refine the risk prediction over that which can be determined by knowledge of smoking status alone. Future studies should replicate these findings. These findings provide the foundation for the exploration of novel pathways by which periodontitis may occur.
Measuring nonlinear surface stress-deformation behavior for aqueous solutions of dodecyl sodium sulfate and dodecyl alcohol

Abstract It is demonstrated for the first time that aqueous solutions of dodecyl sodium sulfate and dodecyl alcohol exhibit nonlinear stress-deformation behavior that can be described by the generalized Boussinesq surface fluid model, at least for data from the deep channel and knife-edge interfacial viscometers. The apparent interfacial shear viscosities reported here are an order of magnitude larger than the interfacial shear viscosities reported previously in the context of the linear Boussinesq surface fluid model. While the reason for the difference is not clear, two cautions concerning interfacial viscosities measurements with this system are discussed.
Road Safety in 10 Countries: A Global Opportunity

More than 1.2 million people die every year in road traffic crashes around the world and an additional 20 to 50 million are injured or disabled (Peden and the World Health Organization [WHO] 2004)....
An L 1Approximation for conditional expectations

This paper presents two results: first, a theoretical result about convergence of conditional expectations; and second, a filtering approximation. A pair of time-homogeneous diffusions (X Y) on a probability space is approximated in distribution by a pair of birth-death Markov chains on , in such a way that conditional expectations calculated from the approximating system also converge (in distribution) to those of the limiting system. Then we move to a filtering context, and approximate conditional expectations of the form (for bounded and continuous) by an measurable estimate which converges in L 1(P) uniformly on [O,T].
An examination of rat liver smooth endoplasmic reticulum membranes for the presence of associated messenger RNA

Abstract Smooth endoplasmic reticulum membranes were isolated from rat hepatocytes and compared with rough endoplasmic reticulum in terms of the types of RNA present. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum membranes contained only 20% the amount of ribosomes per gram equivalent liver as did rough endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Furthermore, the ribosomes were only about 33% as active per mg RNA in the incorporation of [ 3 H]leucine using an in vitro protein synthesizing system. Per gram equivalent, smooth endoplasmic reticulum membranes exhibited only 20% the amount of poly(A) associated with rough endoplasmic reticulum membranes and, in contrast to the situation for rough endoplasmic reticulum, most of this poly(A) was removed by treatment with high salt and puromycin. No evidence for the presence of untranslated messenger RNA was found in either rough or smooth endoplasmic reticulum preparations.
Cloning of the terminal loop of vaccinia virus DNA.

Abstract An Eco RI fragment of vaccinia virus strain WR DNA that contains its terminal “flipflop” sequence has been cloned in pBR322.
Design and analysis of a dual radio node architecture and medium access control protocols for Ultra Wide Band based sensor networks

In this paper, we consider the problem of employing UltraWideBand (UWB) radio technology in Wireless Sensor Networks. UWB promises very high data rates (of the order of few hundred Mbps), in-built localization features and low power consumption. However, UWB radios have a high acquisition time (in the order of milliseconds). As a result, distributed Medium Access Control (MAC) solutions based on a Request/Response mechanisms suffer from increased overhead when employed in UWB based networks. To mitigate the effect of UWB acquisition time, we propose a node architecture that uses dual radios on the sensor nodes: a primary UWB-based radio for data transmission and an auxiliary narrowband RF-based radio for control information and signaling. We introduce two techniques for Medium Access based on this architecture. In the first technique, we employ the narrowband channel for the exchange of RTS/CTS (as defined in IEEE 802.11 standard) information and thus enable collision-free data transmission in the UWB space. In the second technique, we employ the concept of wake-up radios to provide signaling for data transmission. We employ a distributed channel assignment technique by which neighbors agree on a wake-up channel for each node. This channel is then used to signal the receiver of an impending transmission. Through extensive simulation studies, we demonstrate that both the techniques deliver considerable improvements in delay performance and increase the network throughput over the traditional single radio UWB solution.
Scanning force microscopy study of native and linker histone depleted chromatin fibers

Scanning force microscopy has been used to study the structure of chromatin fibers at low salt concentrations. Chicken erythrocyte chromatin fibers in low ionic strength buffer solutions were deposited on mica and imaged in ambient conditions with a tapping mode scanning force microscope. Individual nucleosomes can be clearly discerned in the images of the fibers. Native chromatin fibers show an asymmetrical, 3D structure of sinuous fiber trajectory with irregularly positioned nucleosomes. Fibers depleted of linker histones H1 and H5 have a completely extended 'beads-on-a-string' structure, with linker DNA visible between single nucleosomes. Molecular modeling of the fiber architecture and computer simulation of the imaging process provided more evidence on the observed organization of chromatin at low salt conditions. These results have implications on mechanisms of transcription control and chromatin compaction.
Ethanol suppresses NK cell activation by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) in female B6C3F1 mice: role of endogenous corticosterone.

Background: Acute administration of EtOH suppresses basal NK cell lytic function in mice, and this suppression is caused, in part, by neuroendocrine mediators induced by EtOH. There is also evidence that a smaller part of the suppression is caused by direct action of EtOH. However, activation of NK cells to higher levels of lytic activity may be more important than basal NK cell lytic function in resistance to cancer or infectious agents. Therefore, the study described here examined the effects of acute EtOH exposure on activation of NK cells by polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid (poly I:C). Methods: Ethanol was administered by gavage as a 32% solution in water, and poly I:C was administered to activate NK cells. NK cell activity was measured using a standard 4 hr 51 Cr release assay with YAC-1 tumor cells. The effects of corticosterone were evaluated by administration of a glucocorticoid antagonist (RU 486) or a dosage of corticosterone previously shown to induce similar blood levels as treatment with EtOH. Results: EtOH at 5-7 g/kg suppressed poly I:C-induced increases in NK cell lytic activity, and at least the lower end of this dosage range yields blood EtOH levels that are relevant for humans (0.25-0.3%). This suppression was partially blocked in mice that were pretreated with a glucocorticoid antagonist, and administration of exogenous corticosterone also suppressed NK cell activation. Conclusions: EtOH-induced increases in corticosterone are apparently involved in the suppression of NK cell activation. This conclusion was supported by the lack of a direct effect of EtOH or its major metabolites (acetaldehyde and acetate) on NK cell activation by poly I:C in vitro.
Competing Separately, Medaling Equally: Racial Depictions of Athletes in NBC's Primetime Broadcast of the 2012 London Olympic Games

Analysis of NBC's 2012 London Summer Olympic broadcast revealed significant differences between athletes of different ethnic backgrounds. Regarding athletic mentions, White athletes were more likely to be mentioned (64.3%) than all other athletes combined, with significant differences found in the reporting of an athlete from differing ethnic backgrounds depending on the venue where the mention is made. Regarding descriptions ascribed to the Olympians, significant differences were found when comparing the commentary for White, Black, Latino, Asian, and Middle Eastern athletes, including differences in the discussion of successes and failures of athletic strength, athletic ability, experience, and intelligence. Implications on the dialogue divergences are offered at the theoretical level, with heuristic impact being discussed in a variety of contexts.
Active Flash: Out-of-core data analytics on flash storage

Next generation science will increasingly come to rely on the ability to perform efficient, on-the-fly analytics of data generated by high-performance computing (HPC) simulations, modeling complex physical phenomena. Scientific computing workflows are stymied by the traditional chaining of simulation and data analysis, creating multiple rounds of redundant reads and writes to the storage system, which grows in cost with the ever-increasing gap between compute and storage speeds in HPC clusters. Recent HPC acquisitions have introduced compute node-local flash storage as a means to alleviate this I/O bottleneck. We propose a novel approach, Active Flash, to expedite data analysis pipelines by migrating to the location of the data, the flash device itself. We argue that Active Flash has the potential to enable true out-of-core data analytics by freeing up both the compute core and the associated main memory. By performing analysis locally, dependence on limited bandwidth to a central storage system is reduced, while allowing this analysis to proceed in parallel with the main application. In addition, offloading work from the host to the more power-efficient controller reduces peak system power usage, which is already in the megawatt range and poses a major barrier to HPC system scalability. We propose an architecture for Active Flash, explore energy and performance trade-offs in moving computation from host to storage, demonstrate the ability of appropriate embedded controllers to perform data analysis and reduction tasks at speeds sufficient for this application, and present a simulation study of Active Flash scheduling policies. These results show the viability of the Active Flash model, and its capability to potentially have a transformative impact on scientific data analysis.
A Mycobacterium marinum mel2 mutant is defective for growth in macrophages that produce reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species.

Macrophages produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in response to bacterial infections. Mycobacteria are relatively resistant to ROS, but RNS inhibit growth of, and possibly even kill, mycobacteria in activated macrophages. We recently constructed a Mycobacterium marinum mel2 locus mutant, which is known to affect macrophage infection. We found previously that the mel2 locus confers resistance to ROS and RNS in laboratory medium, suggesting that this locus might play a similar role during growth in macrophages. Since J774A.1 murine macrophages produce high levels of ROS and RNS upon activation with gamma interferon (IFN-γ), we examined the effects of IFN-γ on ROS and RNS production by these cells as well as the effects on growth of M. marinum in these cells. We found that an M. marinum mutant with mutation of the first gene in the mel2 locus, melF, is defective for growth in IFN-γ-plus-lipopolysaccharide-treated J774A.1 cells and that this defect is abrogated by the presence of either inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase or ROS scavengers. Furthermore, the M. marinum melF mutant displays a defect at late stages in the mouse footpad model of infection. These phenotypic characteristics could be complemented fully by the entire mel2 locus but only partially by the presence of melF alone, supporting data suggesting that this insertion mutation has polar effects on downstream genes in the mel2 locus. These observations demonstrate that the M. marinum mel2 locus plays a role in resistance to ROS and RNS produced by activated macrophages.
Interpretations of Slavery: The Slave Status in the Americas

Recent interpretations of slavery in the United States suggest that we may be entering a new phase of scholarship on slavery as new approaches and categories are introduced by historians, and as anthropologists and sociologists again take up the study of an institution that was of such concern to their nineteenth century predecessors.
Optimal policies for control of peers in online multimedia services

In this paper we consider a distributed peer-based system with a centralized controller responsible for managing the peers. For this system customers request large volumes of information such as video clips which instead of retrieving from a centralized repository of a parent organization are obtained from peers that possess the clips. Peers act as servers only for a short duration and therefore the parent organization (i.e. centralized controller) would need to add new peer servers from time to time. This centralized "admission" control of deciding whether or not to admit a customer with a video clip as a peer based on the system state (number of waiting requests and number of existing peers) is the crux of this research. The problem can be posed as a discrete stochastic optimal control and is formulated using a Markov decision process approach with infinite horizon and discounted cost/reward. We show that a stationary threshold policy in terms of the state of the system is optimal. In other words the optimal decision whether or not to accept a customer as a peer server is characterized by a switching curve. In typical Markov decision processes, it is extremely difficult to derive an analytical expression for the switching curve. However, using an asymptotic analysis, by suitably scaling time and states taking fluid limits, we show how this can be done for our problem. In addition, the asymptotic analysis can also be used to show that the switching curve is independent of the model parameters such as customer arrival rate, downloading times and peer-server lifetimes. Several numerical results are presented to support the analytical claims based on asymptotic analysis.
Addressing Social Class and Classism in Vocational Theory and Practice Extending the Emancipatory Communitarian Approach

The emancipatory communitarian approach to vocational development is congruent with previous calls to counseling psychologists to be oriented to social justice in their research and practice. However, even in the current emancipatory communitarian approach, an implicit upward mobility bias favors some vocations. To help understand how to better apply the emancipatory communitarian approach, a social class and classism framework is incorporated to explore how upward mobility bias distorts and ignores negative aspects of higher status and higher prestige jobs and does not recognize potential positive aspects of lower status and working-class jobs.
Post Cesarean Analgesia

Abstract There are a variety of effective options for postcesarean analgesia. A single epidural injection of 4 mg of morphine provides 18 to 24 hours of good to excellent analgesia. A single spinal injection of 0.1 mg of morphine also provides 18 to 24 hours of analgesia. Continuous epidural catheter techniques can be effective, usually by relying on a combination of a short-acting opioid, such as fentanyl or sufentanil, and a local anesthetic, usually bupivacaine or ropivacaine. Occasionally, with this technique, motor block caused by the local anesthetic interferes with maternal ambulation. Patient-controlled techniques, either intravenous or epidural, also have proven effective. A variety of opioids (including morphine, meperidine, and fentanyl) have been used for intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with little to recommend one drug over the other. For epidural patient-controlled analgesia, opioid-local anesthetic combinations are usually used, with delivery parameters dependent on the exact concentration of the chosen solution. Regardless of the technique chosen, careful monitoring of patients in the early postoperative period (24 hours) is essential to avoid adverse effects and to ensure maternal satisfaction.
An efficient implementation of surface impedance boundary conditions for the finite-difference time-domain method

An efficient way to implement the surface impedance boundary conditions (SIBC) for the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is presented in this paper. Surface impedance boundary conditions are first formulated for a lossy dielectric half-space in the frequency domain. The impedance function of a lossy medium is approximated with a series of first-order rational functions. Then, the resulting time-domain convolution integrals are computed using recursive formulas which are obtained by assuming that the fields are piecewise linear in time. Thus, the recursive formulas derived here are second-order accurate. Unlike a previously published method [7] which requires preprocessing to compute the exponential approximation prior to the FDTD simulation, the preprocessing time is eliminated by performing a rational approximation on the normalized frequency-domain impedance. This approximation is independent of material properties, and the results are tabulated for reference. The implementation of the SIBC for a PEC-backed lossy dielectric shell is also introduced. >
Regulation of the Subcellular Localization of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–associated Factor (TRAF)2 by TRAF1 Reveals Mechanisms of TRAF2 Signaling

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)2 is a critical adaptor molecule for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors in inflammatory and immune signaling. Upon receptor engagement, TRAF2 is recruited to CD40 and translocates to lipid rafts in a RING finger-dependent process, which enables the activation of downstream signaling cascades including c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB. Although TRAF1 can displace TRAF2 and CD40 from raft fractions, it promotes the ability of TRAF2 activate signaling over a sustained period of time. Removal of the RING finger of TRAF2 prevents its translocation into detergent-insoluble complexes and renders it dominant negative for signaling. TRAF1(-/-) dendritic cells show attenuated responses to secondary stimulation by TRAF2-dependent factors and increased stimulus-dependent TRAF2 degradation. Replacement of the RING finger of TRAF2 with a raft-targeting signal restores JNK activation and association with the cyto-skeletal protein Filamin, but not NF-kappaB activation. These findings offer insights into the mechanism of TRAF2 signaling and identify a physiological role for TRAF1 as a regulator of the subcellular localization of TRAF2.
Cholinergic innervation of the cerebellum of rat, rabbit, cat, and monkey as revealed by choline acetyltransferase activity and immunohistochemistry.

The cholinergic innervation of the cerebellar cortex of the rat, rabbit, cat and monkey was studied by immunohistochemical localization of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and radiochemical measurement of regional differences in ChAT activity. Four antibodies to ChAT were used to find optimal immunohistochemical localization of this enzyme. These antibodies selectively labeled large mossy fiber rosettes as well as finely beaded terminals with different morphological characterization, laminar distribution within the cerebellar cortex, and regional differences within the cerebellum. Large “grape-like” classic ChAT-positive mossy fiber rosettes that were distributed primarily in the granule cell layer were concentrated, but not exclusively located in three separate regions of the cerebellum in each of the four species studied: (1) The uvula-nodulus (lobules 9 and 10); (2) the flocculus-ventral paraflocculus, and (3) the anterior lobe vermis (lobules 1 and 2). No intrinsic cerebellar neurons were labeled. No cells in either the inferior olive (the origin of cerebellar climbing fibers) or in the locus coeruleus (an origin of noradrenergic fibers) were ChAT-positive. Thin, finely beaded axons, similar to cholinergic axons of the cerebral cortex of the rat, were observed in both the granule cell layer and molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex of the rat, rabbit and cat. The regional differences in ChAT-positive afferent terminations in the cerebellar cortex was for the most part confirmed by regional measurements of ChAT activity in the rat, rabbit, and cat. The three cholinergic afferent projection sites correspond to regions of the cerebellar cortex that receive vestibular primary and secondary afferents. These data imply that a subset of vestibular projections to the cerebellar cortex are cholinergic.
The Determinants of Timing in the Adoption of New Accounting Standards: A Study of SFAS No. 87, Employers' Accounting for Pensions

This study examines whether debt contracting and political costs influence companies' decisions regarding the timing of the initial adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, Employers' Accounting for Pensions. The results are consistent with the debt contracting hypotheses: early adopters tended to have higher leverage and a higher income effect from the adoption and a lower interest coverage ratio and a larger increase in this ratio from the adoption. Our findings, however, do not support the political cost hypothesis.
Superficial temporal artery aneurysms

Abstract Objective: We analyzed the data from our vascular registry to determine the cause, clinical features, and cost-effective management of this uncommon pathologic entity. Design: Patients referred to the vascular surgery outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral center during the past 18 years were evaluated. Subjects: The subjects were six male patients (14 to 32 years) referred for evaluation of a unilateral pulsatile mass over the temporal region of the head. Intervention: Diagnosis of superficial temporal artery aneurysm was verified by loss of the aneurysm's pulse with compression of the ipsilateral proximal superficial temporal artery. All treated aneurysms were electively ligated and excised as an ambulatory procedure. Results: The symptoms were resolved. No recurrences or other complications were seen. Conclusions: Although rare, a superficial temporal artery aneurysm should be considered when a temporal head mass is evaluated. This condition is almost always a result of blunt or penetrating head trauma. Clinical examination is sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. Simple elective ligation and excision of the aneurysm is curative. (J Vasc Surg 1998;27:374-7.)
Effect of Impurities on the Electronic Structureof Grain Boundaries and Intergranular Cohesionin Tungsten

The cohesion of a grain boundary (GB) is believed to be the controlling factor limiting theductility of high-strength metallic alloys, and particularly W. Intergranular embrittlement isusually associated with segregation of impurities at the GBs. Impurities present in ppmconcentrations can result in a dramatic decrease in plasticity. This paper reviews recent results onboth semi-empirical and first-principles modelling of the energetics and the electronic structuresof impurities on a Σ3 (111) GB in W. Our calculations have shown that impurities, such as N, O,P, S, and Si weaken the intergranular cohesion resulting in “loosening” the GB. The presence ofB and C on the contrary, enhances the interatomic interaction across the GB. The so-called site-competition effect should play an important role affecting impurity distribution in W GBs.Among the impurities analyzed, B in the GB has the lowest energy, and thus would tend todisplace other impurity atoms from the GB. Microalloying with 10-50 ppm B may be an effectiveway of improving tungsten's ductility. These results are important for understanding thefundamental physics of intergranular embrittlement.
Design and Statistical Aspects of the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK)

The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) is a multicenter randomized clinical trial designed to test the effectiveness of three anti-hypertensive drug regimens and two levels of BP control on the progression of hypertensive kidney disease. Participants include African-American men and women aged 18 to 70 yr who have hypertensive kidney disease and GFR between 20 and 65 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). The three anti-hypertensive drug regimens include an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril), a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) or a beta-blocker (metoprolol) as initial therapy. The BP control levels are a lower goal (mean arterial pressure, </=92 mmHg) and a usual goal (mean arterial pressure, 102 to 107 mmHg inclusive). The primary outcome is rate of change in renal function as measured by GFR, assessed by (125) I-iothalamate clearance. The main secondary patient outcome is a composite including the following events: (1) reduction in GFR by 50%, (2) end-stage renal disease, or (3) death.
A Note On Shem-Tob's Hebrew Matthew and the Gospel of John

There is reason to argue that the Gospel of John is dependent upon a Shem-Tob-type text of Matthew. There are eighteen readings in the Hebrew Matthew in agreement with the Fourth Gospel where there is no agreement between the Greek Matthew and John. The origin of these agreements may be due to the author of the Fourth Gospel borrowing from a Shem-Tob-type Matthaean text. The Hebrew Matthew elevates John the Baptist virtually to messianic status. The polemic in the Fourth Gospel against John the Baptist may be directed toward a Shem-Tob-type Matthaean text
Towards the Bioassay Activity Landscape Modeling in Compound Databases

Public compound databases annotated with biological activ- ity are increasingly being used in drug discovery programs. A promi- nent example is of such databases is PubChem. Herein, we introduce an approach to systematically characterize the structure-bioassay ac- tivity relationships in PubChem using the concept of bioassay activity landscape. This strategy is general and can be applied to any data set screened across multiple bioassays. We also present a visual represen- tation of the chemical space of an in-house data set using a recently developed web-based public tool.
Envelope Glycoprotein Determinants of Increased Fusogenicity in a Pathogenic Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (SHIV-KB9) Passaged In Vivo

Changes in the envelope glycoprotein ectodomains of a nonpathogenic simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV-89.6) that was serially passaged in vivo have been shown to be responsible for the increased pathogenicity of the resulting virus, SHIV-KB9 (G. B. Karlsson, et al., J. Exp. Med. 188:1159-1171, 1998). The 12 amino acid changes in the envelope glycoprotein ectodomains resulted in increased chemokine receptor-binding and syncytium-forming abilities. Here we identify the envelope glycoprotein determinants of these properties. A single amino acid change in the gp120 third variable (V3) loop was both necessary and sufficient for the observed increase in the binding of the SHIV-KB9 gp120 glycoprotein to the CCR5 chemokine receptor. The increased syncytium-forming ability of SHIV-KB9 involved, in addition to the V3 loop change, changes in the second conserved (C2) region of gp120 (residue 225) and in the gp41 ectodomain (residues 564 and 567). The C2 and gp41 ectodomain changes influenced syncytium formation in a cooperative manner. Changes in the V1/V2 gp120 variable loops exerted a negative effect on syncytium formation and chemokine receptor binding, supporting a previously described role of these changes in immune evasion. The definition of the passage-associated changes that determine the efficiency of chemokine receptor binding and membrane fusogenicity will allow evaluation of the contribution of these properties to in vivo CD4-positive lymphocyte depletion.
Stereotype threat can both enhance and impair older adults' memory.

Negative stereotypes about aging can impair older adults' memory via stereotype threat; however, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are unclear. In two experiments, we tested competing predictions derived from two theoretical accounts of stereotype threat: executive-control interference and regulatory fit. Older adults completed a working memory test either under stereotype threat about age-related memory declines or not under such threat. Monetary incentives were manipulated such that recall led to gains or forgetting led to losses. The executive-control- interference account predicts that stereotype threat decreases the availability of executive-control resources and hence should impair working memory performance. The regulatory-fit account predicts that threat induces a prevention focus, which should impair performance when gains are emphasized but improve performance when losses are emphasized. Results were consistent only with the regulatory-fit account. Although stereotype threat significantly impaired older adults' working memory performance when remembering led to gains, it significantly improved performance when forgetting led to losses.