cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparisons between a rule-based expert system and optimization models for sensor deployment in a small drinking water network

In response to the needs for long-term water quality monitoring, one of the most significant challenges currently facing the water industry is to investigate the sensor placement strategies with modern concepts of and approaches to risk management. Most of the previous research mainly focuses on using optimization models to deal with small-scale drinking water networks. Yet the challenge of NP complete when handling large-scale networks can never be overcome. This study develops a rule-based expert system (RBES) to generate sensor deployment strategies with no computational burden as we oftentimes encountered via various types of optimization analyses. Two rules, including the accessibility and complexity rules, were derived to address the characteristics of effectiveness and efficiency required for sensor deployment in these networks. To retrieve the information of population exposure, the well-calibrated EPANET model was applied for the vulnerability assessment leading to the derivation of the accessibility rule whereas the graph theory was employed to retrieve the complexity rule eliminating the need to deal with temporal variability. Comparisons between this new expert system and 14 existing optimization and heuristic models confirm that the newly developed expert system in this paper can always compete with most of the optimization models. With no computational burden, the RBES that is designed to promote health risk management could also be applicable to deal with similar applications in large-scale drinking water distribution networks.
Lifetime differences in heavy mesons with time independent measurements

Heavy meson pairs produced in the decays of heavy quarkonium resonances at ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ machines (beauty and tau-charm factories) have the useful property that the two mesons are in the $CP$-correlated states. We show that this leads to time-independent correlations allowing the extraction of the lifetime difference $\ensuremath{\Delta}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{D}$ and other mixing parameters. In particular, for the decay $\ensuremath{\psi}(3770)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{D}^{0}{\overline{D}}^{0}$ the correlation of a flavor specific decay of one $D$ with a $CP$-specific decay of the other $D$ is linearly sensitive to the ${D}^{0}$ lifetime difference. The utility of this method is considered at CLEO-c as well as future threshold charm factories. We include the impact of possible $CP$-violating effects and present the complete results for time-integrated $CP$-entangled decay rates with $CP$ violation taken into account. We comment on the utility of using this method to extract the lifetime difference of neutral $B$ mesons at future high luminosity $B$ factories.
Profiling C. elegans gene expression with DNA microarrays.

Copyright: © 2006 Douglas S. Portman. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: douglas.portman@rochester.edu Profiling C. elegans gene expression with DNA microarrays* Douglas S. Portman, Center for Aging and Developmental Biology, Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642 USA
Gamma Rays, X-Rays and Stone Tools: Some Recent Advances in Archaeological Geochemistry

Recent advances in instrumental technology are providing archaeologists with enticing opportunities in the chemical analysis of geological materials. These advances, however, have not necessarily been employed with a great degree of communication between the archaeologists who study stone tools and structural stone, and the archaeometrists who analyse those materials. While communication has improved greatly in the last several years, progress can still be realized. Recent archaeometric attempts to unravel issues in stone-tool use, continuing work in the understanding of the chemical variability and secondary depositional effects in archaeological sources of obsidian and chert, and discussions of the best methods to quantify results all dominate the interface between lithic technology and archaeometric attempts to solve these problems. These issues will be with us well into the next century and deserve some discussion here and now.
Analysis of spatial order in sandstones. I. Basic principles

The spatial arrangement of sedimentary rock components is a fundamental property of sedimentary rocks. If we assume that the size, shape, and composition of sedimentary rock components (mineral grains, pores) carry useful petrologic information, there is no reason to assume that their spatial arrangement does not. Spatial arrangement has been discussed in terms of “texture” and “fabric,” but it has had little objective measurement or classification. This deficiency is primarily due to the difficulties associated with the quantification of spatial phenomena. However, using digital-imaging techniques it is possible to generate petrographic images from thin-sections and quantify the spatial arrangement of selected rock components using a two-dimensional (2D) Fourier transform. A Fourier transform creates a spectral representation of the image similar to an x-ray diffraction pattern. This paper presents the fundamental framework of 2D Fourier analysis in petrology. This type of analysis provides a means to quantify and analyze the spatial arrangement of rock components in an objective, mathematical framework. 2D Fourier power spectra can be used to characterize the type and degree of spatial order in an image, both in terms of the classical concepts of long-range and short-range order and in terms of spatial patterns characteristic of sedimentary rock. The clearly defined mathematical relationship between an image and its Fourier power spectrum provide the opportunity to define the 2D structure of an image in the same manner that x-ray diffraction patterns are used to map 3D structure in minerals. In addition, a 2D Fourier power spectrum is easily transformed into a radial power spectrum. Radial power spectra can be used to characterize the density of objects in an image. They also provide a valid means to compare and contrast images in a multivariate framework, regardless of the type of order. One of the most desirable properties of a Fourier transform is its reversibility. Using selected components of the power spectrum, the inverse transform can be used to build synthetic images, which highlight those petrologic components that most affect the power spectrum. The inverse transform provides the means to translate the results of analysis into meaningful petrologic characteristics.
CHARACTERIZATION AND POTENTIAL UTILIZATION OF WHITEROCKS (UTAH) TAR SAND BITUMEN

ABSTRACT The native Whiterocks (Utah) tar sand bitumen was separated into several boiling range fractions for detailed analysis and characterization. The lighter fraction (477-617 K) was evaluated for use as a transportation fuel and the residues (>617 K and >728 K) were evaluated for use as road asphalts. The 617 K plus residue from the Whiterocks bitumen can be classified as a viscosity grade AC-10 asphalt whereas the 728 K plus residue failed to meet asphalt specifications. Apart from the asphalt specification tests, several sophisticated techniques were used to characterize these fractions. The detailed structure of the low molecular weight portions of Whiterocks bitumen (477-617 K and 617-728 K) was determined by combined GC-MS. Several physical properties were also measured to evaluate the potential of the 477-617 K fraction as a high density/energy aviation turbine fuel. This lower molecular weight fraction of the bitumen contained predominantly naphthenic hydrocarbons and lesser concentrations of ...
The Golgi Protein p115 Associates with γ-Tubulin and Plays a Role in Golgi Structure and Mitosis Progression *

The Golgi apparatus is a network of polarized cisternae localized to the perinuclear region in mammalian cells. It undergoes extensive vesiculation at the onset of mitosis and its reassembly requires factors that are in part segregated via the mitotic spindle. Here we show that unlike typical Golgi markers, the Golgi-protein p115 partitioned with the spindle poles throughout mitosis. An armadillo-fold in its N terminus mediated a novel interaction between p115 and γ-tubulin and functioned in its centrosomal targeting. Both the N- and C-terminal regions of p115 were required to maintain Golgi structure. Strikingly, p115 was essential for mitotic spindle function and the resolution of the cytokinetic bridge because its depletion resulted in spindle collapse, chromosome missegregation, and failed cytokinesis. We demonstrate that p115 plays a critical role in mitosis progression, implicating it as the only known golgin to regulate both mitosis and apoptosis.
Thermal oxidation of AlGaAs: modeling and process control

A simple physical model is developed for the thermal oxidation process of AlGaAs using the continuity equation. The model is based on the principle of oxidant mass conservation. Theoretical calculations are compared with experimental data to a good agreement. The model is then applied to the study of VCSEL batch fabrication. Several control parameters are discussed including AlGaAs layer thickness, aluminum composition, initial mesa size, spacing between two adjacent devices, oxidation time, and oxidation temperature.
Specific Inter realization and Action of 1,25-Dihydroxyvit; min D3 in Cultured Dermal Fibroblasts from Patients with X-Linked Hypophosphatemia*

Abstract An abnormality in the interaction of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] with its specific intracellular receptor has been postulated to explain the resistance of patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) to treatment with vitamin D. To investigate this possibility, the specific internalization of [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3 by suspensions of cultured dermal fibroblasts from six patients with XLH was evaluated. Scatchard analysis of the specific uptake of [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3 by intact XLH fibroblasts revealed a mean internalization constant (Kin) of 0.72 ± 0.10 nM (mean ± SE) and a cellular capacity for hormone (NmaJ of 61.5 ± 5.4 fmol/mg protein. The Kin and Nmax for XLH cells were similar to the mean values obtained for normal fibroblasts (0.59 nM and 72 fmol/mg protein, respectively) and cells from a patient with acquired hypophosphatemia (0.67 nM and 73 fmol/mg protein, respectively). Conversely, cultured fibroblasts from a patient with vitamin D-dependent rickets type II demonstrated a marked reduct...
Nocardiosis in recipients of renal transplants: evidence for nosocomial acquisition.

Nocardiosis is a well-described, potentially life-threatening complication of renal transplantation.‘” Although mention is made of possible modes of transmission of this opportunistic infection, only two previously reported studies have addressed the issue of nosocomial transmission.4s 5 Both studies investigated nocardiosis in immunosuppressed patients, with the initial outbreak4 involving three outpatients with underlying lymphoma or leukemia. The second, more recent outbreak’ occurred in seven patients housed in a renal transplant unit in a London hospital in 1979. We report three cases of nocardiosis in patients who have received renal transplants, and at least two of them may have had infections caused by the same strain of Nocardia asteroides. Furthermore, compiled data seem to indicate that patients who have received renal transplants may be at higher risk of manifesting nocardial infection in the early posttransplantation period if the infection is acquired nosocomially.
Frequency encoding of source position for multisource reflectance imaging measurements using frequency domain photon migration

In order for photon migration imaging to be clinically feasible, data acquisition must be fast and efficient. Rapid data acquisition minimizes error due to patient movement and improves patient acceptance. Multi-pixel imaging techniques offer the fastest method of data acquisition, however difficulties may exist in coupling the data with inversion algorithms. Single pixel measurements, while easier to couple to an inversion algorithm, require longer data acquisition times. Herein a heterodyne procedure for speeding the data acquisition time using single pixel techniques is presented. This simple extension of the heterodyne method enables the use of multiple sources simultaneously with the signal from various source-detector pairs discriminated by FFT analysis.
Creative Use of Focus Groups: Providing Healing and Support to NYC Chinatown Residents After the 9/11 Attacks

ABSTRACT This article describes the mutual aid group process that took place in focus groups conducted with the elderly, dislocated workers and children in the New York Chinatown community who were severely affected by the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The group worker's role and approaches as well as group dynamics are discussed from a culturally-relevant perspective. Illustrations are made to underscore the therapeutic value of the mutual aid group process despite variations of cultural norms in communications and interactions.
Concentrations of nonemployment income in the United States

Nonemployment income from investments, pensions, welfare benefits, and so forth provides one third of total personal income in the United States. Spatial concentrations of this income occur in places such as Florida, Michigan, Arkansas and the Great Plains. These concentrations result largely from the presence of older persons who are the principal recipients of nonemployment income. In turn, spatial concentrations of older persons result from “aging in place,” which typifies the Great Plains, or from amenity-bound immigration by older persons, which characterizes Florida.
Identification, phylogenetic relationships, characterization and gene expression patterns of six different annexins of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, 1818)

Abstract Annexins are Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins. They are ubiquitous in living organisms and are involved in many cellular processes. In the course of studying Edwardsiella ictaluri pathogenesis in channel catfish, we identified that six annexin expressed sequence tags (A1, A2, A4, A5, A6 and A11) were up-regulated at the early stage of infection. In this study, we cloned and characterized these transcripts. The full-length nucleic acid sequences of channel catfish annexins ranges from 1231 (annexin A1) to 2476 (annexin A6). Each transcript has one open reading, which appears to encode peptides ranges from 317 to 662 amino acid residues with the calculated molecular masses from 35.0 (annexin A5) to 74.5 kDa (annexin A6). Phylogenetic and sequence analyses demonstrate that each channel catfish annexin had a diversified amino terminus, and had four structurally conserved 70-amino acid repeats. In addition, several important features for annexin functions were conserved in channel catfish. For expression profile, channel catfish annexin A1, A4 and A6 transcripts were detected in spleen, anterior kidney, liver, intestine, skin and gill of fish examined. However, annexin A2, A5 and A11 cDNAs were variously detected in tissues of fish sampled. This result provides important information for further elucidating channel catfish annexin functions in vivo.
Genetic Variation in Symbiodinium (=Gymnodinium) microadriaticum Freudenthal, and Specificity in its Symbiosis with Marine Invertebrates. II. Morphological Variation in Symbiodinium microadriaticum

Morphological studies conducted on axenic cultures of the endozoic gymnodinioid dinoflagellate Symbiodinium (= Gymnodinium) microadriaticum demonstrated that there are intrinsic variations in the dimensions of the recently divided, but as yet unseparated, vegetative cells (the two-cell stage). Characteristic dimensions of a given strain are maintained when such a strain is artificially introduced into a host other than that from which it was originally isolated. Ultrastructural observations illustrated that, in contrast to the algae in their hosts' tissues, the algae in culture produced a fibrous or granular \`pellicle' approximately 0.2 $\mu $m thick. The algae in situ in Tridacna gigas also demonstrated the presence of a \`pellicle', but this structure was reduced when compared to that produced by the same cells in culture. Many of the stages in the described life cycle of the alga were observed, with the exception of those stages involving gametogenesis and sexual reproduction. Two distinct types of zoospores were observed; those that contained an \`accumulation body' in the epicone and those that did not. 1. Endozoic gymnodinioid dinoflagellates isolated from 17 different invertebrate hosts were cultured axenically in ASP-8A under identical conditions of light and temperature. 2. Analysis of the dimensions of the two-cell stages of these algae showed that they fall into two significantly distinct size categories. 3. Observations of the zoospores showed that those of \`small' strains possessed an \`accumulation body' in the epicone, while those of \`large' strains did not. 4. Examination of the ultrastructure of the amphiesma of the algae in situ illustrated that this structure is greatly reduced. By contrast, the cells in culture produced a `pellicle' approximately 0.2 $\mu $m thick, within which binary fission, or the production of tetraspores or of zoospores may occur. 5. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of the cells in culture illustrated that the algal varied with respect to surface architecture. Most cells were smooth, while cells from Zoanthus sociatus uniquely possessed tufts of hair-like fibres projecting from the surface of the amphiesma.
The Cilkprof Scalability Profiler

Cilkprof is a scalability profiler for multithreaded Cilk computations. Unlike its predecessor Cilkview, which analyzes only the whole-program scalability of a Cilk computation, Cilkprof collects work (serial running time) and span (critical-path length) data for each call site in the computation to assess how much each call site contributes to the overall work and span. Profiling work and span in this way enables a programmer to quickly diagnose scalability bottlenecks in a Cilk program. Despite the detail and quantity of information required to collect these measurements, Cilkprof runs with only constant asymptotic slowdown over the serial running time of the parallel computation. As an example of Cilkprof's usefulness, we used Cilkprof to diagnose a scalability bottleneck in an 1800-line parallel breadth-first search (PBFS) code. By examining Cilkprof's output in tandem with the source code, we were able to zero in on a call site within the PBFS routine that imposed a scalability bottleneck. A minor code modification then improved the parallelism of PBFS by a factor of 5. Using Cilkprof, it took us less than two hours to find and fix a scalability bug which had, until then, eluded us for months. This paper describes the Cilkprof algorithm and proves theoretically using an amortization argument that Cilkprof incurs only constant overhead compared with the application's native serial running time. Cilkprof was implemented by compiler instrumentation, that is, by modifying the LLVM compiler to insert instrumentation into user programs. On a suite of 16 application benchmarks, Cilkprof incurs a geometric-mean multiplicative overhead of only 1.9 and a maximum multiplicative overhead of only 7.4 compared with running the benchmarks without instrumentation.
Review of Quasi-Analytical and Cavity Expansion Methods for Projectile Penetration of Concrete Targets

This paper presents state-of-the art review on the development of quasi-analytical and cavity expansion methods that are used to determine projectile penetration of targets, dating back to the middle of the 20th century. The paper briefly describes the three general approaches used in determining the impact mechanics of targets subjected to projectiles; quasi-analytical, analytical and numerical approaches. Then, the paper provides detailed review of quasi-analytical and analytical methods because they are quite important in characterizing small-scale or large-scale experimental data; developing a basic understanding of the penetration mechanics; and making faster predictions of global parameters such as penetration depth within the limits of applicability of the methods. Quasi-analytical methods are employed when the physical phenomenon being described is highly complex and dependent upon variables that are difficult to isolate and control. These methods often have, at their core, fundamental basis in ph...
New findings on the neuropathology of multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) provides a typical example of the integrative role of the central autonomic network in controlling cardiovascular, respiratory, bladder and gastrointestinal functions. There is increasing evidence that neurochemically defined neuronal groups of the brainstem are selectively affected in MSA to a much greater degree than in Parkinson's disease. These include the catecholaminergic neurons of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (C1 group) which project to the intermediolateral cell column and are involved in modulation of sympathetic vasomotor outflow, and noradrenergic neurons of the caudal ventrolateral medulla (A1 group) projecting to the magnocellular nuclei of the hypothalamus and regulating vasopressin (AVP) release. Loss of these groups of neurons may, at least in part, explain the development of orthostatic hypotension, baroreflex dysfunction, and impaired reflex AVP release in response to hypotension. There is preliminary evidence that cardiovagal neurons of the ventrolateral portion of the nucleus ambiguus, distinct from the branchimotor neurons of the compact region, may also be affected in MSA. Loss of cholinergic neurons in the medullary arcuate nucleus, considered by some to be the homologous to the central chemosensitive region of the ventral medullary surface, may contribute to disturbances in automatic ventilation, particularly during sleep, in patients with MSA.
Requirements for spontaneous contractility in isolated adult mammalian heart muscle cells.

Abstract Spontaneous contraction and relaxation of adult mammalian heart muscle cells can be observed immediately after separation of such cells from myocardium by mechanical mincing. This spontaneous contractility requires added ATP and magnesium, but is not dependent on a specific monovalent cation. Under conditions which minimize the possibility of ATP synthesis, UTP, CTP, ITP or dATP could support spontaneous beating. The period of time during which an ice-cold cell suspension will continue to provide beating cells (homogenate survival time, HST) was used as the major assay for the effects of different medium components. Increment of sucrose, bringing the medium tonicity up to almost 500 mOsm/kg produced a prolongation of HST. A mixture of vitamins and amino acids prolonged survival to a greater extent than could be accounted for by a tonicity effect. Calcium at all concentrations tested reduced the HST, as did manganese. Separated cells continued to beat spontaneously for over 4 h when kept in a flowing stream of fresh medium at room temperature. The absence of specific monovalent cation requirements and the calcium contracture response indicate major differences between the isolated cells and intact myocardium. Whether these differences reflect damage to the isolated cells incurred during preparation or are intrinsic properties of separated adult heart cells is not clear.
Detection in collision avoidance radar using active versus passive phased arrays

This paper presents two designs for phased arrays for collision avoidance radar operating at the 76 GHz band. The two designs for the antenna use a linear waveguide horn array that is fed with a waveguide power-dividing network and is tapered to produce low side-lobe levels for low-error detection. The taper is based on a 40-dB Taylor distribution. The first design uses passive phased arrays that are stacked and bore-sighted in different directions to produce scanned beams through switching. The second design uses a single phased array with MEMS phase shifters embedded in the last stage of the waveguide power divider. The phase shifters are integrated with the help of MIC/MMIC-to-waveguide or waveguide-to-coplanar-waveguide (CPW) transitions that are housed in the waveguide sections that feed the array elements. The antenna and detection system measurement results of the passive array design are presented, along with the simulation results of the active array design.
CF3 Rotation in 3-(Trifluoromethyl)phenanthrene: Solid State 19F and 1H NMR Relaxation and Bloch−Wangsness−Redfield Theory

We have observed and modeled the ^1H and ^(19)F solid-state nuclear spin relaxation process in polycrystalline 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenanthrene. The relaxation rates for the two spin species were observed from 85 to 300 K at the low NMR frequencies of ω/2π = 22.5 and 53.0 MHz where CF3 rotation, characterized by a mean time τ between hops, is the only motion on the NMR time scale. All motional time scales (ωτ ≪ 1, ωτ ≈ 1, and ωτ ≫ 1) are observed. The ^1H spins are immobile on the NMR time scale but are coupled to the ^(19)F spins via the unlike-spin dipole−dipole interaction. The temperature dependence of the observed relaxation rates (the relaxation is biexponential) shows considerable structure and a thorough analysis of Bloch−Wangsness−Redfield theory for this coupled spin system is provided. The activation energy for CF_3 rotation is 11.5 ± 0.7 kJ/mol, in excellent agreement with the calculation in a 13-molecule cluster provided in the companion paper where the crystal structure is reported and detailed ab initio electronic structure calculations are performed [Wang, X.; Mallory F. B.; Mallory, C. W; Beckmann, P. A.; Rheingold, A. L.; Francl, M. M J. Phys. Chem. A 2006, 110, 3954].
Filtration of Ground Water Samples for Metals Analysis

ABSTRACT The filtration of a ground water samples with 0.45 um filters for determination of 'dissolved' metals is not only inaccurate for distinguishing between dissolved and particulate phases, but if used for estimates of mobile contaminant loading in a given aquifer, may result in significant underestimations.
Cerebral structure on MRI, part II: Specific changes in Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases

Using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and morphometric techniques, groups of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease (HD) were compared with a large group of normal control subjects. Measures of volume loss in specific subcortical nuclei and eight cortical regions as well as an index of white matter abnormality were obtained. Results indicated expected widespread cortical volume reductions in AD, which were especially severe in mesial cortices; but comparable reductions were present in subcortical structures, particularly the thalamus. In HD, the greatest reductions were in striatal structures, but significant abnormalities were also detected in the thalamus and inferior cortical areas, especially in mesial temporal lobe structures. Significant degeneration in white matter was present in both groups, but was more dramatic in the HD patients. The significant diencephalic reduction in AD may make an important contribution to early memory deficits in the disorder, which are usually attributed to hippocampal damage. Similarly, damage to both the thalamus and mesial temporal lobe structures may play a role in the memory deficits of HD.
Characterization of endogenous DNA adducts by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Endogenous carcinogens arising from normal metabolism are known to cause modifications to DNA by reacting with bases to form adducts. Malondialdehyde is a well characterized endogenous carcinogen that forms an adduct with 2′-deoxyguanosine. This adduct has been detected in rat and human liver DNA by gas chromatography/electron capture negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. A method has been developed based on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for the characterization of endogenous DNA adducts. Using this method, it was unequivocally established that the malondialdehyde adduct of 2′-deoxyguanosine was a constituent of human liver DNA. The methodology that has been developed should be applicable to the characterization of other endogenous DNA adducts. There are few structural or biological data available to assess the importance of endogenous DNA adducts as premutagenic lesions responsible for the development of cancer. The availability of methodology based on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for the characterization of DNA adducts should greatly facilitate future studies in this area.
Mini-Open Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy: Surgical Technique

Objective Minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) has many favorable attributes that would be of great benefit to patients with an adult spinal deformity. Decreased blood loss, lower infection rates, and faster mobilization may help to reduce the high rate of complications associated with these interventions. Although correction of coronal deformity has been well demonstrated with MISS, improvements in lordosis and sagittal balance have remained relatively elusive using the MISS approach. With open surgery, the most powerful techniques for improving sagittal balance include some form of a spinal osteotomy. Methods In this report, we describe the evolution of a technique for treating thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis using a mini-open pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) combined with interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle screws. Results The patient underwent a T10 to S1 percutaneous posterior instrumented with an L3 PSO and right L4/5 minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion. Clinically, the patient had excellent improvement and regained the ability to ambulate independently for distances of up to one half mile. Imaging demonstrated good correction of coronal imbalance (1.8 to 9.5 cm) and sagittal imbalance (sagittal vertical axis of 22.5 to 7 cm). Conclusions The correction of sagittal plane deformities remains difficult using MISS approaches. In this report, we describe a new technique using a mini-open PSO technique to achieve significant improvement in thoracolumbar lordosis.
Vibrations of segmented cylindrical shells by a fourier series component mode method

Abstract The vibrations of a multi-segment cylindrical shell with a common mean radius are studied. The shell is uniform for any segment but the material and geometric properties may vary from segment to segment. The solution is based on the component mode method coupled with Fourier series and Lagrange multipliers. It is shown that a single segment shell with boundary conditions of free support without tangential constraint is sufficient for an arbitrary shell with arbitrary boundary conditions. Results are presented for simply supported shells and clamped-free shells for two segments with different length and thickness.
Two-photon resonant four-wave mixing and multiphoton ionization of cesium in a heat-pipe oven.

Optical pumping of cesium vapor in a heat-pipe oven in which the energy of two near-infrared photons is close to the 6D states results in high conversion efficiency (up to 1.7%) of the near-infrared pump light to intense blue, forward-propagating radiation. The blue light corresponds to the 7P-6S transition. The dependence of conversion efficiency upon focusing conditions, cell length, and pump intensity is presented. Absorption and gain coefficients are measured in a second heat pipe. The results are discussed in terms of optically pumped stimulated emission (OPSE), stimulated electronic Raman scattering (SERS), and subsequent nonlinear four-wave mixing of two pump-laser photons and one SERS or OPSE infrared photon, leading to parametric generation at ..omega.. = 2..omega../sub L/-..omega../sub ir/. Two-photon resonant, three-photon ionization cross sections are also studied experimentally and theoretically for the case of resonant enhancement at the 6D levels of cesium. For comparison, similar results for rubidium are also presented for the 5D levels.
Gender Differences in Prejudice

In three samples of white college students (ns = 59, 72, and 206) women showed less ethnic prejudice than men on a social-distance measure for greater social distance (friendship and living in the ...
Exploring the vents, ridges, rocks, and geothermal spas of the Reykjanes Peninsula

Renting a submarine to explore the deepsea basalt lava flows of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a pricey proposition. But on a field trip to Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula following the Chapman Conference on Volcanism and the Atmosphere, participants were able to stay on dry land to explore the volcanic features of the ridge where the Eurasian and North American plates are spreading apart. “If you're interested in ocean ridge basalt, the Reykjanes Ridge is your place,” said Karl Gronvold, a geochemist with the Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Iceland. Gronvold led the daylong field trip to geologic sites of interest in southwest Iceland, including the ridge, fumaroles, boiling hot pots, and the geothermal spa and power plant at the Blue Lagoon.
Dissolved carbohydrates in seawater. II, A spectrophotometric procedure for total carbohydrate analysis and polysaccharide estimation

A procedure is described which adds a hydrolysis step to the Johnson and Sieburth 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone hydrochloride (MBTH) assay for total dissolved monosaccharides. The advantages of the monosaccharide test are retained in the total carbohydrate test, giving nearly equivalent responses for a variety of combined carbohydrates. A total sample of 50 ml is adequate for both total carbohydrate and monosaccharide assays which permit the estimation of polysaccharide by difference. Values for Narragansett Bay and adjacent waters ranged from 452 to 2023 μg l−1 for total dissolved carbohydrate, 272 to 1353 μg l−1 for polysaccharide, and 153 to 814 μg l−1 for monosaccharide, which accounted for 6–18%, 4–13%, and 2–5% of the total dissolved carbon, respectively. We suggest that this is a sensitive and precise procedure which will be useful for investigating the distribution of dissolved carbohydrates in seawater and factors which affect its production, distribution and utilization.
The preparation of heterocyclic materials from 2-isocyanatobenzoyl chloride and difunctional nucleophiles

2-Isocyanatobenzoyl chloride was treated with difunctional nucleophiles such as o-phenylenediamine, 1,8-diaminonaphthalene, o-aminothiophenol, and thioacetamide. The diaminonucleophiles gave intermediates which were thermally cyclized, and the other nucleophilic reagents gave heterocyclic materials directly.
The tactile integration of local motion cues is analogous to its visual counterpart

The visual and somatosensory systems have been shown to process spatial information similarly. Here we investigate tactile motion processing using stimuli whose perceptual properties have been well established in vision research, namely superimposed gratings (plaids), barber poles, and bar fields. In both modalities, information about stimulus motion (speed and direction) conveyed by neurons at low levels of sensory processing is ambiguous, a conundrum known as the aperture problem. Our results suggest that the tactile perception of motion, analogous to its visual counterpart, operates in multiple stages: first, the perceived direction of motion is determined by a majority vote from local motion detectors, which are subject to the aperture problem. As in vision, the conflict between the cues from terminators and other local motion cues is gradually resolved over time so that the perceived direction approaches the veridical direction of motion.
Thermodynamic functions of thermotropic polyethers based on the semiflexible mesogen 1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐(2‐methyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)ethane

Heat capacities of a series of thermotropic polyethers consisting of a semiflexible mesogen [1-(4-hydroxyphenyl) - 2 - (2 - methyl - 4 - hydroxyphenyl)ethane], with n methylene flexible spacers (n = 4–12) (MBPE-n) have been measured by DSC and fitted at low temperature to an approximate frequency spectrum, as well as at high temperature to a general equation for the liquid MBPE-n. The latter equation is: Cp = n(17.33 + 0.04551T) + (280.9 + 0.3839T) where n is the number of methylenes in the polyether spacer. The calculated vibration-only heat capacities start to show deviations from the measured heat capacities below the melting temperature, reflecting contributions from conformational disorder and motion in methylene spacers. It is suggested that part of this increase in heat capacity can be looked upon as a glass transition of the partially conformationally disordered crystals. Solid state 13C–NMR studies showed similarly that over the range of temperature some of the CC bonds in the spacer are in a rotational state similar to that in the melt. The equilibrium heats of fusion (ΔH) and the changes of heat capacity (ΔCp) for the amorphous polymer at the glass transition temperature, Tg, were determined by WAXD and DSC. Based on the discrepancy of ΔCp it is concluded that these phenylene containing polyethers have a certain amount of rigid amorphous polymer. Thermodynamic functions H, S and G for all of the polyethers have been established.
Obesity Among U.S.- and Foreign-Born Blacks by Region of Birth

Introduction Large, recent migration streams from the non-Hispanic Caribbean islands and Africa have increased the share of U.S. blacks born outside of the U.S. Little is known about health patterns in these foreign-born populations. The purpose of this study is to compare obesity levels among self-identified U.S. blacks across birth regions and examine potential explanations for subgroup differences. Methods Data were from the 2000–2013 National Health Interview Surveys. Three birthplace subgroups were examined: individuals born in the U.S., Caribbean/South America, and Africa, aged 25–59 years. Data were analyzed in 2013–2014. Results Compared to U.S.-born participants, foreign-born participants had significantly lower obesity (BMI ≥30) odds. The AORs were 0.51 (Caribbean/South American–born, 95% CI=0.44, 0.58) and 0.41 (African-born, 95% CI=0.34, 0.50) with reference to U.S.-born individuals. Education, income, and cigarette smoking did not explain the favorable weight pattern of the foreign born. Among the foreign born, those residing in the U.S. for ≥15 years had 51% (95% CI=10%, 108%) higher obesity odds compared with those residing for Conclusion Foreign-born blacks generally had lower obesity levels compared to their U.S.-born counterparts, which was not explained by SES or smoking behaviors. Despite this advantage, obesity prevalence among foreign-born black women was around 30%, suggesting that obesity poses a significant health risk this population.
Spacecraft Interactions as Influenced by Thermochemical Considerations

Abstract : Spacecraft in low Earth orbit undergo harsh environmental interactions that sometimes resemble the phenomenon observed in high-temperature vaporization and oxidation. For example, it has been reported that an osmium surface is removed, and surfaces of aluminum, silver, copper, iridium, niobium, nickel, and tungsten, are oxidized, even though the surface temperature when the measurements are made is -250 K. Similar results are observed for the case of nonmetallic samples, e.g., graphite and synthetic organic material, which are removed quickly. The purpose of this paper is to examine the data from the space experiments in light of thermochemical data and to consider possible implications or insight that may be gained for planning future experiments. Reprints.
Modeling the impact of comorbidity on breast cancer patient outcomes

The objective of this paper is to model the impact of comorbidity on breast cancer patient outcomes (e.g., length of stay and disposition). Previous studies suggest that comorbidities may significantly affect mortality risks for breast cancer patients. The 2006 AHRQ Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) is used to analyze the relationships among comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and mental disorder), total charges, length of stay, and patient disposition as a function of age and race. A multifaceted approach is used to quantify these relationships. A causal study is performed to explore the effect of various comorbidities on patient outcomes. Least squares regression models are developed to evaluate and compare significant factors that influence total charges and length of stay. Logistic regression is used to study the factors that may cause patient mortality or transferring. In addition, different survival models are developed to study the impact of comorbidity on length of stay with censoring information. This study shows the interactions and relationship among various comorbidities and breast cancer. It shows that certain hypertension may not increase length of stay and total charges; diabetes behaves differently among general population and breast cancer patients; mental disorder has an impact on patient disposition that affects true length of stay and charges, and obesity may have limited effect on patient outcomes. Moreover, this study will help to better understand the expenditure patterns for population subgroups with several chronic conditions and to quantify the impact of comorbidities on patient outcomes. Lastly, it also provides insight for breast cancer patients with comorbidities as a function of age and race.
A stabilized finite element method for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using a hierarchical basis

Stabilized finite element methods have been shown to yield robust, accurate numerical solutions to both the compressible and incompressible Navier-Stokes equations for laminar and turbulent flows. The present work focuses on the application of higher-order, hierarchical basis functions to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using a stabilized finite element method. It is shown on a variety of problems that the most cost-effective simulations (in terms of CPU time, memory, and disk storage) can be obtained using higher-order basis functions when compared with the traditional linear basis. In addition, algorithms will be presented for the efficient implementation of these methods within the traditional finite element data structures
Numerical studies of the 2-leg hubbard ladder☆

Abstract Materials containing CuO ladders exhibit a number of properties which are similar to the high Tc cuprates. Here we review recent numerical results for the 2-leg Hubbard model and discuss what they imply about the pairing mechanism.
Structure analysis of a precipitate phase in an Ni-rich high-temperature NiTiHf shape memory alloy

Abstract Thermal aging of the high-temperature shape memory alloy 50.3Ni–29.7Ti–20Hf (at.%) introduces a novel precipitate phase that plays an important role in improving shape memory properties. The precipitate phase was investigated by conventional electron diffraction, high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and three-dimensional atom probe tomography. An unrelaxed orthorhombic atomic structural model is proposed based on these observations. This model was subsequently relaxed by ab initio calculations. As a result of the relaxation, atom shuffle displacements occur, which in turn yields improved agreement with the STEM images. The relaxed structure, which is termed the “H phase”, has also been verified to be thermodynamically stable at 0 K.
A newly identified 105-kD lower lamina lucida autoantigen is an acidic protein distinct from the 105-kD γ2 chain of laminin-5

A 105-kD lower lamina lucida antigen (p105) has been detected by autoantibodies (anti-p105) from patients with a novel immunobullous disease. To distinguish p105 from other known lamina lucida components, we performed comparative irnmunoblotting on purified human amniotic laminin-5 (kalinin), 804G matrix (enriched in laminin-5), and keratinocyte and fibroblast proteins using anti-804G matrix antibody 0-18) and anti-p105. J-18 labeled the truncated laminin-5 γ2 chain in amniotic laminin-5, 804G matrix, and keratinocyte conditioned medium, but did not label fibroblast cytosol. Conversely, anti-p105 did not label amniotic laminin-5 or 804G matrix, but did label p105 in both keratinocyte conditioned medium and fibroblast cytosol. J-18 labeled the 105-kD laminin-5 γ2 chain in reduced keratinocyte proteins and a 400-kD laminin-5 complex under non-reducing conditions. In contrast, anti-p105 labeled p105 under both reducing and non-reducing conditions but did not label a 400-kD protein complex. Similarly, comparative immunoblotting on keratinocyte proteins using anti-p105 and anti-laminin-1 revealed no commonly labeled protein bands. Electrophoretic fractionations by preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting of these fractions revealed that the peak fractions of keratinocyte proteins reactive with anti-p105 are different from those reactive with J-18. Furthermore, keratinocyte proteins fractionated by Mono Q anionexchange chromatography revealed fractions immunoreactive with anti-p105, whereas J-18 showed no reactivity with these fractions. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting with anti-p105 revealed p105 to be an acidic protein with isoelectric points between 5.7 and 6.3, distinct from the isoelectric points of laminin-5 γ2 chain. We conclude that p105 is an acidic protein located in the lamina lucida and distinct from the truncated laminin-5 γ2 chain and the laminin-1 family.
Inaugural address of the President-elect

All of us—everyone— can make patient care safer, more effective, and more economical. ![Figure][1] It truly is a humbling experience to be here with you today. I’m grateful for the faith you’ve placed in me as your president. What ASHP does every day is integral to our future and
Toward a new approach: primary and preventive care of the woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Abstract Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism, affects approximately 5%–10% of reproductive-age women. The reproductive consequences of this syndrome, such as menstrual irregularities and infertility, are well understood and managed by obstetrician/gynecologists. However, less is known about the metabolic consequences of PCOS. As primary physicians for women, we are obligated to promote disease prevention. This can be done by recognizing the significant impact that the metabolic consequences of PCOS have on long-term health while continuing to recognize and treat the reproductive abnormalities. This article reviews the metabolic consequences of PCOS, discusses the use of insulin-sensitizing agents in PCOS, and discusses the role of the obstetrician/gynecologist in the primary and preventive care of women with PCOS.
Parallel random numbers: as easy as 1, 2, 3

Most pseudorandom number generators (PRNGs) scale poorly to massively parallel high-performance computation because they are designed as sequentially dependent state transformations. We demonstrate that independent, keyed transformations of counters produce a large alternative class of PRNGs with excellent statistical properties (long period, no discernable structure or correlation). These counter-based PRNGs are ideally suited to modern multi-core CPUs, GPUs, clusters, and special-purpose hardware because they vectorize and parallelize well, and require little or no memory for state. We introduce several counter-based PRNGs: some based on cryptographic standards (AES, Threefish) and some completely new (Philox). All our PRNGs pass rigorous statistical tests (including TestU01's BigCrush) and produce at least 264 unique parallel streams of random numbers, each with period 2128 or more. In addition to essentially unlimited parallel scalability, our PRNGs offer excellent single-chip performance: Philox is faster than the CURAND library on a single NVIDIA GPU.