cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geometric Integration Algorithms on Homogeneous Manifolds

Abstract. Given an ordinary differential equation on a homogeneous manifold, one can construct a ``geometric integrator'' by determining a compatible ordinary differential equation on the associated Lie group, using a Lie group integration scheme to construct a discrete time approximation of the solution curves in the group, and then mapping the discrete trajectories onto the homogeneous manifold using the group action. If the points of the manifold have continuous isotropy, a vector field on the manifold determines a continuous family of vector fields on the group, typically with distinct discretizations. If sufficient isotropy is present, an appropriate choice of vector field can yield improved capture of key features of the original system. In particular, if the algebra of the group is ``full,'' then the order of accuracy of orbit capture (i.e., approximation of trajectories modulo time reparametrization) within a specified family of integration schemes can be increased by an appropriate choice of isotropy element. We illustrate the approach developed here with comparisons of several integration schemes for the reduced rigid body equations on the sphere.
Optimal Allocation of Testing Resources for Statistical Simulations

Statistical estimates from simulation involve uncertainty caused by the variability in the input random variables due to limited data. Allocating resources to obtain more experimental data of the input variables to better characterize their probability distributions can reduce the variance of statistical estimates. The methodology proposed determines the optimal number of additional experiments required to minimize the variance of the output moments given single or multiple constraints. The method uses multivariate t-distribution and Wishart distribution to generate realizations of the population mean and covariance of the input variables, respectively, given an amount of available data. This method handles independent and correlated random variables. A particle swarm method is used for the optimization. The optimal number of additional experiments per variable depends on the number and variance of the initial data, the influence of the variable in the output function and the cost of each additional exper...
Differential Expression of S100A2 and S100A4 During Progression of Human Prostate Adenocarcinoma

Purpose: To establish the clinical significance of calcium binding proteins S100A2 and S100A4 during progression of human prostate adenocarcinoma. Patients and Methods: Expression pattern of S100A2 and S100A4 was determined in normal human prostate epithelial cells (NHPE); virally transformed prostate epithelial cells (PZ-HPV-7); several human prostate carcinoma cells (22Rv1, DU145, LNCaP, and PC3); tissue samples obtained during transuretheral prostatic resection from patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and adenocarcinoma; and paraffin-embedded sections from pair-matched benign and cancer specimens of different tumor grade. Results: High constitutive protein expression of S100A2 was observed in NHPE and PZ-HPV-7 cells, whereas its complete absence was observed in 22Rv1, DU145, LNCaP, and PC3 cells. Tissue samples of BPH and prostatitis exhibited higher mRNA and protein levels of S100A2 than low-grade cancer (Gleason score ≤ 6), whereas a complete loss was observed in high-grade ...
A simple radioisotopic assay for choline acetyltransferase and its application in the Lactobacillus plantarum system.

Abstract A new assay for choline acetyltransferase (acetyl CoA: choline- o acetyl transferase) (2.3.1.6) activity has been developed. The Reineckate salt of acetylcholine formed from radioactive acetate or acetyl coenzyme A is assayed for radioactivity. This assay was used in studies of an acetylcholine-producing strain of Lactobacillus plantarum . It was shown that when pantothenate is limiting, appreciable growth can occur with no manifestation of choline acetyltransferase activity. The enzyme was partially purified from extracts of this organism.
Buprenorphine self-administration by rhesus monkey

Intravenous injections of buprenorphine, a partial opiate agonist and antagonist, maintained operant responding under second order schedule control (FR 3 VR 16:S) across a dose range of 0.005 to 0.10 mg/kg/inj. A drug naive monkey and four monkeys with a history of morphine self-administration all self-administered buprenorphine at all doses studied. Four monkeys showed dose-related increases in the total amount of buprenorphine (mg/kg) self-administered each day as the available dose increased from 0.01 to 0.10 mg/kg/inj. Injections per day remained equivalent to the number of injections at the lowest dose studied or increased significantly (p less than 0.05, 0.01), as the dose per injection increased in three monkeys. Even at high buprenorphine doses, there was no evidence of sedation. Monkeys consistently self-administered significantly more buprenorphine than saline in control studies (p less than 0.01). Buprenorphine's agonistic effects appear to persist for 24 to 48 hours. When saline and buprenorphine were available on alternate days, monkeys did not distinguish between them, but when 3 days of saline were alternated with 1 day of buprenorphine (0.03 mg/kg/inj), monkeys took significantly more buprenorphine than saline (p less than 0.02--0.001). Abrupt discontinuation of buprenorphine (0.10 mg/kg/inj) did not result in discernible withdrawal signs. The effects of buprenorphine on food intake were inconsistent, but there were no significant changes in body weight as a function of chronic buprenorphine self-administration or withdrawal. These data indicate that buprenorphine is a positive reinforcer in rhesus monkeys and maintains behavior leading to its administration on second order schedules over a wide dose range. Despite its opiate agonist properties, there was no evidence of physical dependence.
Many Emergency Department Patients With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Do Not Meet Diagnostic Criteria Within 3 Hours of Arrival

Study objective Proposed national performance measures for severe sepsis or septic shock include interventions within 3 hours of emergency department (ED) arrival rather than from time of first meeting diagnostic criteria. We aim to determine the percentage of ED patients who first meet criteria greater than 3 hours after arrival. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult patients with severe sepsis or septic shock in 2 EDs (university hospital [September 2012 to June 2013] and public trauma center [December 2012 to May 2013]). Times of ED arrival and first meeting clinical criteria were collected for quality assurance programs, which differed between institutions. At the university hospital, patients with admission diagnoses consistent with infection were included. Clinical presentation was defined as time meeting 2 or more systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria and evidence of end-organ dysfunction. At the trauma center, only patients with hospital discharge diagnoses consistent with infection were included. Clinical presentation was defined by time of end-organ dysfunction. Results Three hundred seventy-two patients met inclusion criteria at the university hospital and 133 at the trauma center. Median times from ED arrival to first meeting criteria were 68 minutes (interquartile range 34 to 130 minutes) and 31 minutes (interquartile range 8 to 73 minutes), respectively; 15.3% (95% confidence interval 11.9% to 19.3%) and 9.8% (95% confidence interval 5.5% to 15.7%) first met criteria greater than 3 hours from ED arrival, respectively. Conclusion Compliance with a performance metric for severe sepsis and septic shock within 3 hours of ED arrival would require application of this measure to patients who do not meet diagnostic criteria, potentially resulting in unnecessary interventions. Measure developers should consider these findings.
Hepatic lipid metabolism: effect of spermine, albumin, and Z protein on microsomal lipid formation.

Abstract Effects of spermine, bovine serum albumin, and Z protein on microsomal lipid formation from sn -glycerol 3-phosphate and [ 14 C]palmitoyl CoA were investigated. In the presence of these agents, microsomal lipid formation was stimulated. This was attributed to the activation of sn -glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase and to the inhibition of palmitoyl CoA hydrolase. In addition to palmitoyl CoA, spermine also reacted with microsomal membranes in causing their aggregation, and ATP reversed the effect of spermine. Further studies indicated that the interaction of spermine with palmitoyl CoA, rather than with microsomal membranes, was responsible for the activation of glycerolipid formation or to the inhibition of palmitoyl CoA reductase. Examination of the intravesicular distribution of sn -glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase and palmitoyl CoA hydrolase and the effects of structural integrity of microsomal vesicles on these two membrane-bound enzymes indicated that the activation of glycerolipid formation and the inhibition of palmitoyl CoA hydrolase by spermine, bovine serum albumin, or Z protein may be closely linked with the structural integrity of microsomal vesicles.
Universal and state-resolved imaging of chemical dynamics.

We showcase the use of high-resolution ion imaging with complementary state-resolved and “universal” vacuum ultraviolet probes to address a broad range of fundamental problems in chemical reaction dynamics. Examples from our recent work include applications in state-correlated unimolecular reactions, ion pair dissociation dynamics and spectroscopy, crossed-beam reactive scattering, and atomic angular momentum polarization in photodissociation. These studies are all directed to achieving a detailed understanding of atomic and molecular interactions, with particular emphasis on reaction mechanisms outside the scope of transition state theory; on spectroscopy and dynamics of highly excited, transient species; on nonadiabatic reaction mechanisms; and on chemical dynamics in polyatomic systems.
ACWI: an experiment to image the Cosmic Web from Antarctica

The Antarctic Cosmic Web Imager (ACWI) is a dedicated 2m-class telescope specifically designed to discover and map resonance UV line emission from the Intergalactic Medium (IGM) and to explore the low surface brightness universe. IGM mapping will provide a new measurement of large-scale structure and the distribution of dark matter over a large and unique range in overdensity. The South Pole provides a location with (1) a target elevation that is constant during observation hence sees constant airmass (2) the lowest measured extinction of any ground based site (3) a low and constant ecliptic elevation and hence zodiacal emission away from the target location and (4) long duration nights yielding stable sky and instrument properties enabling the required accurate sky subtraction. These factors combined imply a sky background that is the most stable of any ground-based site, a requirement for this particular science case where the subtraction of sky background, rather than the image quality, must be exquisite. We present the baseline instrument design that is catered to perform this science case only and is not a general purpose instrument, increasing robustness and reliability.
Pulsed laser activated cell sorter (PLACS) for high-throughput fluorescent mammalian cell sorting

We present a Pulsed Laser Activated Cell Sorter (PLACS) realized by exciting laser induced cavitation bubbles in a PDMS microfluidic channel to create high speed liquid jets to deflect detected fluorescent samples for high speed sorting. Pulse laser triggered cavitation bubbles can expand in few microseconds and provide a pressure higher than tens of MPa for fluid perturbation near the focused spot. This ultrafast switching mechanism has a complete on-off cycle less than 20 μsec. Two approaches have been utilized to achieve 3D sample focusing in PLACS. One is relying on multilayer PDMS channels to provide 3D hydrodynamic sheath flows. It offers accurate timing control of fast (2 m sec-1) passing particles so that synchronization with laser bubble excitation is possible, an critically important factor for high purity and high throughput sorting. PLACS with 3D hydrodynamic focusing is capable of sorting at 11,000 cells/sec with >95% purity, and 45,000 cells/sec with 45% purity using a single channel in a single step. We have also demonstrated 3D focusing using inertial flows in PLACS. This sheathless focusing approach requires 10 times lower initial cell concentration than that in sheath-based focusing and avoids severe sample dilution from high volume sheath flows. Inertia PLACS is capable of sorting at 10,000 particles sec-1 with >90% sort purity.
Facilitation of epinephrine-induced afterdepolarizations by class III antiarrhythmic drugs

Abstract The electrophysiologic actions of epinephrine (10 −9 M, 10 −8 M, and 10 −7 M) were evaluated in canine Purkinie fibers pretreated with the class III antiarrhythmic drugs clofilium (10 −7 M) or d,l -sotalol (10 −6 M). Clofilium and d,l -sotalol prolonged action potential duration at 50% and 90% of repolarization without provoking early afterdepolarization (EAD) or delayed afterdepolarization (DAD). Subsequent administration of epinephrine provoked both bradycardia-dependent EADs and tachycardia-dependent DADs in clofiliumtreated Purkinje fibers, with predominantly EADs observed in d,l -sotaloltreated Purkinje fibers. A temporary increase in Ca 0 +2 from 1.35 mM to 5 mM suppressed both EADs and DADs. The data demonstrate facilitation of epinephrine-induced EADs and DADs by class III antiarrhythmic drugs. The acute suppression of both EADs and DADs observed following an acute increase in Ca 0 +2 suggests inward Na + -Ca 0 +2 exchange current as a basis for both EADs and DADs observed in the presence of class III antiarrhythmic drugs and epinephrine.
Finite element analysis of radiative transport in fibrous insulation

The finite element method is used to solve the radiative transport equation for the problem of an absorbing, emitting, and scattering fibrous insulating medium. This finite element solution is compared to the Chandrasekhar discrete ordinate solution. Heat-transfer results are presented as a function of substrate reflectance, optical thickness, scattering albedo, and temperature gradient as parameters. The top boundary is considered as a transparent interface with a diffusely incident flux and the substrate is considered to be opaque. The radiation heat transfer is shown to be significant when compared to the conductive heat transfer; the radiation heat transfer can be greater or less than the conduction heat transfer depending upon the substrate reflectance.
Narratives of Learning to Teach: Taking on Professional Identities

This article examines the writing of new teachers in two different pathways into teaching—a university-based teacher education program and an alternative certification program. The teachers were me...
Growth of Ornamental Plants in Container Media Amended with Biosolids Compost

The use of biosolids compost, in the formulation of media used in the commercial production of container grown nursery crops, has been slow in the Northeast region of the United States. When biosolids compost is used in growing media, it is limited to small percentages. Regulations in Connecticut restrict the use of most biosolids compost to growing media for containerized ornamental plants and landfill cover. Information on the benefits of using biosolids compost, to grow a wide range of plant species in containers, could increase usage by nurseries. Seven species of flowering annuals, nine species of herbaceous perennials and eight species of woody ornamentals were grown in media containing 0, 25, 50, and 100 percent (by volume) biosolids compost, in combination with a mixture of bark, peat and sand. Biosolids compost came from the Metropolitan District Corporation (MDC) facility in Hartford, Connecticut. It was a mixture of wood chips and digested biosolids (3:1 by volume). Optimal plant growth general...
Physics issues for the Apollo advanced fuel tokamak

A scoping study of a commercial D-/sup 3/He tokamak reactor Apollo, is being discussed. The reactor is currently designed for operation in the first stability regime and utilizes rectennas for direct conversion of synchrotron radiation to electricity coupled with synchrotron current drive. Very low neutron wall loading (0.1 MW/m/sup 2/) is obtained by suitable choice of the fuel mixture. Physics tradeoffs leading to the chosen design point and critical issues including the removal of fusion-generated ash, the need for high wall reflectivity for synchrotron radiation, and current drive are discussed. >
Middleware support for embedded software with multiple QoS properties for ubiquitous computing environments

Ubiquitous application software usually has multiple QoS requirements, such as situation-awareness, real-time, and security, which make the application software development complicated. In this paper, an approach to supporting multiple QoS properties in application software using middleware is presented. Our reconfigurable context-sensitive middleware (RCSM), which provides situation-awareness support to the application software, is expanded to support more QoS by using aspect-oriented software development techniques. In the expanded RCSM, each QoS is processed through a set of aspect components. The application developers specify the QoS requirements in a specification file, which is in turn compiled to configure the corresponding aspect components. Being associated with certain application objects, the QoS aspect components enforce the QoS requirements according to the specification during run-time. In this paper, security, in addition to situation-awareness, is used as an example to illustrate our approach.
Electrically controlled single quantum dot switching in photonic crystal resonators

The reflectivity of a photonic crystal cavity is modifed using a single coupled quantum dot. We demonstrate electrical modulation by controlling the state of the quantum dot using a lateral electricfield.
Methodological Issues in Studying Trigger Factors and Premonitory Features of Migraine

Objective In this review, we focus on migraine as a chronic disorder with episodic attacks (CDEA). We aim to review methodological approaches to studying trigger factors and premonitory features that often precede a migraine attack. Background Migraine attacks are sometimes initiated by trigger factors, exposures which increase the probability of an attack. They are heralded by premonitory features, symptoms which warn of an impending attack. Design/Methods We review candidate predictors of migraine attack and discuss the methodological issues and approaches to studying attack prediction and suggest that electronic diaries may be the method of choice. Conclusion Establishing the relationship between antecedent events and headaches is a formidable challenge. Successfully addressing this challenge should provide insights into disease mechanisms and lead to new strategies for treatment. In the second paper in this series, we review the available literature on trigger factors and premonitory features.
Brain imaging biomarkers to predict relapse in alcohol addiction.

The finding that various regions were associated with relapse and craving is consistent with the organization of the brain into functional networks comprising complex connections among multiple regions. It is notable that the regions with the strongest prediction for relapse (vmPFC/ACC and precuneus) are central nodes of the default mode network (DMN), which is involved with the processing of internal states (including selfmonitoring) and deactivated when engaging in various behavioral tasks or when responding to the environment 9 (Figure). Also, the ventral striatum, which is one of the main targets for
Removal of Bilirubin from Blood by Affinity-Competition Chromatography over Albumin-Agarose Gel

Largely as the result of advances in artificial kidney design, there have been dramatic improvements in the well-being and survival of patients with acute and chronic renal disease during the past several decades (Klebba et al., 1974; Maher et al.,1974). In contrast, despite the introduction of numerous new therapeutic approaches, there has been little improvement over the same period in the survival of patients with acute fulminant hepatic failure (Benhamou et al.,1972). As a result of the continuing bleak prognosis for this condition, hepatologists are increasingly considering the feasibility of some sort of artificial device to perform temporarily some of the excretory functions of an acutely failing liver (Berk et al., 1976a, 1976b). Both laboratory and clinical interest has focused on extracorporeal perfusion through columns of sorbents such as charcoal or synthetic resins, which remove a wide range of molecular species from blood with variable efficiency and relatively low specificity. In the setting of fulminant hepatic failure, the low specificity of such systems is, in a sense, desirable since the particular biochemical abnormalities requiring correction are not precisely known (Breen and Schenker, 1972; Schenker et al., 1974; Fischer, 1974; Zieve, 1975). The most extensive clinical experience has been with charcoal hemoperfusion (Chang, 1972; Chang and Migchelson, 1973; Gazzard et al.,1974a; Williams, 1976), but in view of the lack of suitable randomized controls, the effectiveness of this procedure remains unclear (Berk et al., 1976a).
Isolated perfused dog lungs: A comparative stereologic comparison with normal dog lungs†

Established stereologic techniques were used to evaluate the morphologic integrity of isolated dog lungs perfused with plasma for periods of 30 minutes, 1 hour and 2 hours. The morphometric data from the isolated lung preparations were compared to similar morphometric evaluations of dog lungs fixed immediately after removal from the thorax. In the isolated lungs capillary surface and volume densities were both substantially decreased. These estimations of capillary surface density provide a morphologic definition of capillary surface area which should be useful in the estimations of endothelial permeability in isolated lungs. This morphometrically defined decrease in capillary volume density was attributed, in part, to swelling of the endothelial cells. Alveolar surface density was also decreased and the type-I epithelial cells were increased in thickness. In both the endothelial and epithelial cells, cytoplasmic volume densities of the mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum were increased, while those of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and micropinocytotic vesicles were unchanged. The thickness of the interstitial compartment of the air-blood barrier and the volume densities of the peribronchial, peribronchiolar, and perivascular connective tissue sleeves were unchanged; there was no evidence of interstitial edema in the isolated lungs. These morphologic changes must be considered in the interpretation of physiologic studies which employ isolated perfused dog lung preparations.
Review of non‐target hazards associated with rodenticide use in the USA

Relatively few field studies have been conducted to evaluate hazards to wildlife from rodenticide use. In the USA, field studies have been conducted on both acute and chronic compounds, including zinc phosphide, strychnine, 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate), and the anticoagulants diphacinone and brodifacoum. Techniques employed in these studies have included carcass counts, direct counts, indirect counts, nest site monitoring, radiotelemetry, habitat and diet evaluation, necropsy, and residue analysis. Although zinc phosphide generally is not secondarily hazardous, it can pose primary hazards, especially to seed-eating and gallinaceous birds and waterfowl. Strychnine can pose primary hazards, such as to seed-eating birds; secondary poisoning may be minimal unless predators consume stomach or cheek-pouch contents of poisoned prey. 1080 can result in primary poisoning, but it especially can pose a secondary hazard to mammalian predators; the risk to raptors is minimal. Anticoagulants are toxic both primarily and secondarily; they can pose a substantial hazard to raptors. Gallinaceous birds, however, are quite resistant to them. Hazards associated with any one rodenticide may vary significantly depending upon use pattern (e.g. commensal vs field). Environmental concerns over rodenticide hazards to wildlife are increasing greatly and will affect future registrations.
Optimal control of differential-algebraic systems

This paper concerns constrained dynamic optimization problems governed by delay control systems whose dynamic constraints are described by both delay-differential inclusions and linear algebraic equations. This is a new class of optimal control systems that, on one hand, may be treated as a specific type of variational problems for neutral functional-differential inclusions while, on the other hand, is related to a special class of differential-algebraic systems with a general delay-differential inclusion. We pursue a two-fold goal: to study variational stability for this class of control systems with respect to discrete approximations and to derive necessary optimality conditions for both delayed differential-algebraic systems under consideration and their finite-difference counterparts using modern tools of variational analysis and generalized differentiation. In the first part of the paper we establish the value convergence of discrete approximations as well as the strong convergence of optimal arcs in the classical Sobolev space W. Then using discrete approximations as a vehicle, we derive necessary optimality conditions for the original continuous-time systems in both Euler-Lagrange and Hamiltonian forms via basic generalized differential constructions of variational analysis.
Stocking of Endangered Razorback Suckers in the Lower Colorado River Basin over Three Decades: 1974–2004

Abstract The razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus was historically widespread and abundant throughout the larger streams of the Colorado River basin, ranging from Sonora, Mexico, to Wyoming. The species was federally listed as endangered in 1991 because it has been extirpated from most of its range. Its decline is attributed to habitat loss and predation by nonnative fishes. Thirty years of federal and state effort have resulted in stocking millions of razorback suckers to the lower Colorado River basin, but only a few individuals have been recaptured because the young are rapidly consumed by introduced predators, resulting in insufficient recruitment to adulthood. Elderly, wild adults of this long-lived species are vanishing, and lower Colorado River basin recovery efforts now focus on replacement of these fish with repatriated (or reintroduced) adults. Stocking success and subsequent survival increases with size at release. When estimates of size-based, first-year survival rates were applied to individual...
Lipoprotein release by bacteria: Potential factor in bacterial pathogenesis

Lipoprotein (LP) is a major component of the outer membrane of bacteria in the family Enterobacteriaceae. LP induces proinflammatory cytokine production in macrophages and lethal shock in LPS-responsive and -nonresponsive mice. In this study, the release of LP from growing bacteria was investigated by immuno-dot blot analysis. An immuno-dot blot assay that could detect LP at levels as low as 100 ng/ml was developed. By using this assay, significant levels of LP were detected in culture supernatants of growing Escherichia coli cells. During mid-logarithmic growth, approximately 1 to 1.5 μg of LP per ml was detected in culture supernatants from E. coli. In contrast, these culture supernatants contained 5 to 6 μg/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LP release was not unique to E. coli. Salmonella typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica, and two pathogenic E. coli strains also released LP during in vitro growth. Treatment of bacteria with the antibiotic ceftazidime significantly enhanced LP release. Culture supernatants from 5-h cultures of E. coli were shown to induce in vitro production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by macrophages obtained from LPS-nonresponsive C3H/HeJ mice. In contrast, culture supernatants from an E. coli LP-deletion mutant were significantly less efficient at inducing IL-6 production in C3H/HeJ macrophages. These results suggest, for the first time, that LP is released from growing bacteria and that this released LP may play an important role in the induction of cytokine production and pathologic changes associated with gram-negative bacterial infections.
One-sided stability and convergence of the Nessyahu–Tadmor scheme

Non-oscillatory schemes are widely used in numerical approximations of nonlinear conservation laws. The Nessyahu–Tadmor (NT) scheme is an example of a second order scheme that is both robust and simple. In this paper, we prove a new stability property of the NT scheme based on the standard minmod reconstruction in the case of a scalar strictly convex conservation law. This property is similar to the One-sided Lipschitz condition for first order schemes. Using this new stability, we derive the convergence of the NT scheme to the exact entropy solution without imposing any nonhomogeneous limitations on the method. We also derive an error estimate for monotone initial data.
Asymptotically optimum detection for large wireless networks with fading

This paper proves that CDMA with beam forming single user detection (SUD-CDMA) is asymptotically optimum, even if it is done on a user by user basis (naive CDMA), for many large wireless networks in the presence of unknown fading. The paper models the transmitters and receivers as uniformly distributed over a grid in a 3-D, 2-D or 1-D universe and allows every transmitter to broadcast to all receivers with a power inversely proportional to the second, third or the fourth power of its distance from the receiver. The channel between the transmitters and the receivers is a fading channel where the receivers do not have any knowledge of the fading realizations. The introduction of unknown fading (even if very slow) and interference from all the transmitters make the model and hence the result of this paper fundamentally different from previous results. The paper proves that, when the number of users increases while keeping the network expanse constant SUD-CDMA is optimal irrespective of the geometry of the network or the path loss exponent. When the number of users increases while keeping the network density constant SUD-CDMA is optimal for most geometries when the path loss exponent is low.
Narratives and Symbols in Violent Mobilization: The Palestinian-Israeli Case

According to symbolic politics theory, group fears and narratives of group identity that justify hostility are key causes of violent ethno-national conflict. In the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, widely accepted narratives on each side define group identity and group relations in ways that generate incompatible demands on Jerusalem, territory, refugees, security, and other issues. Historical memories of the Holocaust, the Nakba, and other tragedies generate fears of extinction on both sides, and stereotypes encourage beliefs on each side that the other responds only to force. These narratives enable hard-line leaders on both sides to manipulate emotive symbols to block compromise and escalate conflict. Thus the cause of both the failure of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations in 2000-01 and the simultaneous outbreak of the latest Palestinian-Israeli war lies in the irreconcilable demands that are rooted in each side's competing narratives of national identity.
Easing access to Chinese

The characteristics of written Chinese that pose problems for inputting are described. Four categories of proposed keyboard input methods are examined. They are the shape-based, the sound-based, the shape-sound mixed, and the arbitrarily assigned techniques. Of the four methods, the one that is most suited for casual users is the sound-based input method, and the Tianma Chinese word processor, which uses this method and can be run on any IBM compatible personal computer, is described. >
Constraint-Based Placement and Routing for FPGAs Using Self-Organizing Maps

Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are becoming increasingly popular due to low design times, easy testing and implementation procedures and low costs. FPGAs placement and routing are NP-complete problems dealt well with modern tools using heuristic algorithms. As modern FPGAs increase in size and also new capabilities, such as run-time reconfiguration (RTR), are introduced, the complexity of these problems is greatly increased. In this paper we approach both problems using a modified version of Kohonen self-organizing map. The algorithm, consisting of four phases, takes into consideration constraints that may apply to the FPGA design (such as I/O pins, resource constraints like global clock etc). The modified algorithm yields a good topological map of the design to be placed, minimizing the average distance between connecting logic blocks.
Supporting Generic Cost Models for Wide-Area Stream Processing

Existing stream processing systems are optimized for a specific metric, which may limit their applicability to diverse applications and environments. This paper presents XFlow, a generic data stream collection, processing, and dissemination system that addresses this limitation efficiently. XFlow can express and optimize a variety of optimization metrics and constraints by distributing stream processing queries across a wide-area network. It uses metric-independent decentralized algorithms that work on localized, aggregated statistics, while avoiding local optima. To facilitate light-weight dynamic changes on the query deployment, XFlow relies on a loosely-coupled, flexible architecture consisting of multiple publish-subscribe overlay trees that can gracefully scale and adapt to changes to network and workload conditions. Based on the desired performance goals, the system progressively refines the query deployment, the structure of the overlay trees, as well as the statistics collection process. We provide an overview of XFlow's architecture and discuss its decentralized optimization model. We demonstrate its flexibility and the effectiveness using real-world streams and experimental results obtained from XFlow's deployment on PlanetLab. The experiments reveal that XFlow can effectively optimize various performance metrics in the presence of varying network and workload conditions.
Glucocorticoids regulate extracellular matrix metabolism in human vocal fold fibroblasts

Objectives/Hypothesis: Given the recent emergence of encouraging efficacy data regarding the utility of intralesional glucocorticoid (GC) injection for a variety of vocal fold pathologies, we sought to describe the location and expression pattern of the GC receptors within the vocal folds and quantify the effects of GCs on vocal fold fibroblasts. Study Design: In vitro, in vivo. Methods: Immunolocalization of the GC receptor was performed on normal rat vocal fold tissue. Receptor expression was also assayed in our human vocal fold fibroblast cell line. These cells were then treated with exogenous dexamethasone (DM) to quantify the effects of GCs on receptor expression, proliferation, transforming growth factor (TGF)-b–induced collagen secretion, and matrix protease synthesis. Results: Positive immunostaining for the GC receptor was found throughout the vocal fold with particularly strong staining in the epithelium and capillaries. Human vocal fold fibroblasts constitutively express the GC receptor, but this expression decreased in response to exogenous DM. DM also decreased fibroblast proliferation and TGF-b–induced collagen synthesis. DM also abrogated TGF-b–mediated effects on enzymes related extracellular matrix turnover. Conclusions: Our data are the first to provide mechanistic insight regarding the recently published favorable data regarding the utility of GCs in patients with vocal fold scar. Although further investigation is warranted, both the accessibility of this class of agents and the amenability to office-based procedures are likely to direct patient care models.
Contingency and control beliefs as predictors of psychotherapy outcomes among children and adolescents.

Recent developments in the study of perceived control suggest that control-related beliefs may predict problem-solving behavior in psychotherapy if two conditions are met. First, distinction must be made among beliefs about outcome contingency, personal competence, and control (denned as the capacity to cause intended outcomes). Second, beliefs must be assessed for the specific behavioral domain that is the object of prediction (rather than global locus of control). This notion was tested among 8-17-year-olds referred for outpatient therapy. At the outset, children answered probes assessing contingency, competence, and control beliefs about solving problems at home and at school. At the outset and again 6 months later when therapy had ended, parents reported the children's problems at home and at school, using the Child Behavior Checklist. Perceived contingency and perceived control accounted for 29% of the variance in total problem reduction, indicating that the two beliefs were related to problem solving during therapy. This suggests that the effects of child psychotherapy may be enhanced by targeting children's contingency and control beliefs for intervention.
Structural Performance of Porcelain and Polymer Post Insulators in High Voltage Electrical Switches

AbstractPost insulators are key components of most electrical substation equipment, but they are vulnerable during earthquakes. To better understand the seismic response of post insulators, this paper presents an experimental program that involved two types of 230-kV disconnect switches post insulators. Several solid ceramic (porcelain) and hollow-core composite (polymer) insulators were tested. The experiments consisted of static loading and dynamic shaking table tests. The static cyclic-loading, resonance-search, and pull tests—including material characterization—allowed the determination of the insulators lateral stiffness, fundamental frequency, and mode of failure. Moreover, failure loads and corresponding displacements and strains were determined. Additionally, the shaking table tests involved substructured dynamic tests of single porcelain and polymer post insulators. The main objective of the static and dynamic tests was to compare the behavior of porcelain and polymer post insulators under latera...
Abstract A83: Diversity by race, Hispanic ethnicity, and sex of the United States medical oncology physician workforce

Background/Purpose: Diversification of the oncology physician workforce has been identified as a means to address cancer disparities and serve the impending needs of newly insured patients following the Affordable Care Act, yet limited data exist regarding the current status of its diversity. The specific aim of this study was to assess the demographic diversity of the US Medical Oncology (MO) physician workforce by race, Hispanic ethnicity, and sex, with particular attention to the fellow trainee level. Materials and Methods: Publicly available American Medical Association, American Association of Medical Colleges, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, and US Census registries were used to assess differences for 2010 amongst MO academic faculty, Hematology and Oncology fellows and Oncology fellows combined into a single category as “MO” fellows, Internal Medicine (IM) residents, and the US population, and 2008 Oncology practicing physicians – the most recent year available for this group – by using binomial tests; adjusting for multiple comparisons among different groups, differences with P Results: Within the MO physician workforce, females and traditionally underrepresented minorities in medicine (URM) – Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders (AI/AN/NH/PI) – are underrepresented as practicing physicians (38.1% and 7.8%, respectively), faculty (22.4%, 5.7%), and fellows (45.0%, 10.9%), compared to the US population (50.8%, 30.0%), (Ps Conclusions: Females and URM are underrepresented in the MO physician workforce relative to the US population. Female representation as fellows has increased significantly over the past quarter century at 1% per annum and is increased relative to practicing physicians and academic faculty, indicating historical gains. Meanwhile, there are no significant increases in URM groups over the past 17 yrs, suggesting that racial and ethnic diversity are not increasing. Furthermore, for Blacks alone, representation as fellows is decreased compared to IM residents, suggesting a greater disparity in Blacks entering MO training. Given existing cancer disparities and an increasingly diverse society, future research and training efforts should address increasing trainee diversity. Note: The author block has been changed and no longer matches the print Proceedings. Citation Format: Ramon Burgos, Christina H. Chapman, Wei-Ting Hwang, Stefan Both, Charles R. Thomas, Jr., Curtiland Deville. Diversity by race, Hispanic ethnicity, and sex of the United States medical oncology physician workforce. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A83. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A83
Infectious Diseases and Pathology Opportunities and Challenges

The accurate and timely diagnosis of infectious diseases remains among the most challenging tasks in medicine. There are a number of reasons for this. Some infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms that do not grow well (or at all) in microbiologic cultures, or they grow so slowly that recovery by culture may not occur within a clinically relevant timeframe. Microorganisms may not be recovered owing to sampling error or can be lost during specimen collection, transport, and processing. Occasionally, infectious diseases are discovered by histopathologic or cytopathologic examination of tissue when tissue was not submitted for culture. Many diagnostic tests that are not culture-based, such as serologic assays, typically do not become positive soon enough to be used to diagnose acute infections. Last, the presence of normal flora frequently confounds the interpretation of culture results. Partly because of the limitations of culture-based methods, and partly because of the rapid pace of development for new diagnostic methods, a number of alternative approaches have been developed recently for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. The more commonly used methods include antigen detection assays, nucleic acid probes, nucleic acid amplification assays, and signal amplification assays. The resulting improvements in patient care are well known; examples include viral load assays (particularly for HIV infection), diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection, improved screening of the blood supply, improved rapid diagnosis for infections such as group A streptococcal pharyngitis, and rapid and improved diagnosis of viral meningitis and encephalitis. These assays also have been used extensively in research and development, both in basic and translational research. A number of these products are available commercially, bringing these methods to hospitals and clinics throughout the developed world. In this issue of the Journal, Lamps and colleagues 1
Fiber micro-architected Electro–Elasto-Kinematic muscles

Abstract Electro-active polymers (EAP) such as dielectric elastomers can reproduce biomimetic functions requiring micro-scale actuation such as color and texture change, or tunable wetting and adhesion. For these applications, large actuation strains and energy density are required. Recent studies with fiber reinforced elastomers demonstrated the ability to obtain anisotropic in- and out-of-plane actuation in macro-scale elastomer membranes. We design a new class of fiber micro-architected elastomers capable of anisotropic actuation in the two orthogonal in-plane directions under uniform electrostatic field. We reinforce the two sides of a pre-stretched VHB film with parallel arrays of stiff ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers. By controlling the spacing and bias angle between the fibers, we create diamond shaped unit cells of 100–300 um size, and demonstrate a wide range of kinematics showing maximum extension of 26% at 45 ° and maximum contraction of − 6.3 % at 65 ° at maximum efficiency of 15%. We call these devices Micro-architected Electro–Elasto-Kinematic muscles (MEEKs). We use analytical modeling and finite element analysis to explain the observed actuation kinematics and the associated non-homogeneous strain distribution. We expect this principle to be suitable for micro-actuation and smart skins where anisotropy can be advantageous.
Downtime procedures for the 21st century: using a fully integrated health record for uninterrupted electronic reporting of laboratory results during laboratory information system downtimes

Objectives Downtimes of the laboratory information system (LIS) or its interface to the electronic medical record (EMR) disrupt the reporting of laboratory results. Traditionally, laboratories have relied on paper-based or phone-based reporting methods during these events. Methods We developed a novel downtime procedure that combines advance placement of orders by clinicians for planned downtimes, the printing of laboratory results from instruments, and scanning of the instrument printouts into our EMR. Results The new procedure allows the analysis of samples from planned phlebotomies with no delays, even during LIS downtimes. It also enables the electronic reporting of all clinically urgent results during downtimes, including intensive care and emergency department samples, thereby largely avoiding paper- and phone-based communication of laboratory results. Conclusions With the capabilities of EMRs and LISs rapidly evolving, information technology (IT) teams, laboratories, and clinicians need to collaborate closely, review their systems' capabilities, and design innovative ways to apply all available IT functions to optimize patient care during downtimes.
Therapeutic Results of Compound Lactate-Glucose Injection in the Treatment of Infantile Diarrhea

In order to use closed-infusion widely eighteen cases of diarrhea were treatedwith injection of sodium lactate and glucose compound.Besides clinical observation,blood gas,sodium,potassium,sugar,GPT were measured before and after treatment.The result indicated that dehydration and metabolic acidosis were corrected satisfac-torily.Blood sodium and calcium levels were normal,renal function showed someimprovement,but blood potassium was not corrected effectively.Extra potassiumshould be added into the solution especially in severe cases of metabolic acidosiswith hypokalemia.