cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COMPARISONS OF TROPICAL CYCLONE SIMULATIONS WITH AND WITHOUT THE ASSUMPTION OF CIRCULAR SYMMETRY

Abstract Results from a three-layer asymmetric hurricane model previously described by the authors are compared with results from an axially symmetric analog to investigate the effect of the symmetry assumption on the internal dynamics of model cyclones. The symmetric model storm initially develops more rapidly than the asymmetric storm. The differences in intensity during the first 100 hr are related to differences in horizontal resolution produced by the staggered grid used with the symmetric model. The symmetric model, on the other hand, does not produce the second period of intensification that starts at 120 hr in the asymmetric model. This fact supports the conclusion reached in the earlier paper that the development of large-scale asymmetries at 100 hr is closely related to the subsequent intensification. Although the life cycles of the two storms are different, the azimuthally averaged structure of the asymmetric storm at maximum intensity is similar to the corresponding structure of the symmetric ...
Factors Influencing Dropouts' GED & Diploma Attainment

This study examined correlates of degree attainment in high school dropouts. Participants were high school dropouts of Mexican American or non-Latino white descent who had no degree, a high school degree, or a GED certificate. This study was unique in that it accounted for sample bias of missing data through the use of multiple imputation, it considered students who had dropped out as early as 7th grade, and it was able to include variables found significant in previous research on returning dropouts. Logistic regression analyses identified a parsimonious set of factors which distinguished dropouts who held degrees (diploma or GED) from those who did not. Similar analyses were performed to distinguish participants who had attained diplomas from those who had attained GEDs. It was estimated that 59.2% of dropouts return to obtain high school credentials. School capability, age at dropout, and socio-economic status significantly predicted degree attainment. Presence of children, higher school capability and socio-economic status were associated with GED attainment, while later grade at dropout was associated with diploma attainment. These relationships did not vary by ethnicity, although degree attainment was less likely for Mexican American dropouts. The study concludes that dropping out is not the end of a student's education, and more research should be directed toward returning dropouts. Further, the focus of such research should be expanded to include a more positive and broader range of correlates.
An experimental evaluation of the behavior of footings on geosynthetic-reinforced sand

Abstract This research was performed to investigate the behavior of geosynthetic-reinforced sandy soil foundations and to study the effect of different parameters contributing to their performance using laboratory model tests. The parameters investigated in this study included top layer spacing, number of reinforcement layers, vertical spacing between layers, tensile modulus and type of geosynthetic reinforcement, embedment depth, and shape of footing. The effect of geosynthetic reinforcement on the vertical stress distribution in the sand and the strain distribution along the reinforcement were also investigated. The test results demonstrated the potential benefit of using geosynthetic-reinforced sand foundations. The test results also showed that the reinforcement configuration/layout has a very significant effect on the behavior of reinforced sand foundation. With two or more layers of reinforcement, the settlement can be reduced by 20% at all footing pressure levels. Sand reinforced by the composite of geogrid and geotextile performed better than those reinforced by geogrid or geotextile alone. The inclusion of reinforcement can redistribute the applied footing load to a more uniform pattern, hence reducing the stress concentration, which will result reduced settlement. Finally, the results of model tests were compared with the analytical solution developed by the authors in previous studies; and the analytical solution gave a good predication of the experimental results of footing on geosynthetic reinforced sand.
A rapid, tetrazolium-based assay for toxicity of the phytoalexin desoxyhemigossypol to Verticillium dahliae.

Abstract A rapid, tetrazolium-based assay was developed for measuring the toxicity of the terpenoid phytoalexin desoxyhemigossypol (dHG) to the cotton wilt pathogen Verticillium dahliae . The assay is based on the enzymatic reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) by live Verticillium dahliae . The absorption of the reduced blue formazan product of MTT is read in multiwell plates with an ELISA reader. This rapid, quantitative assay yields a dose-response curve that allows examination of the toxicity of dHG to numerous stains of V. dahliae which is impossible with nonquantitative, solid media-based assays.
Bisphenol A inhibits cultured mouse ovarian follicle growth partially via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that inhibits growth of mouse ovarian follicles and disrupts steroidogenesis at a dose of 438μM. However, the effects of lower doses of BPA and its mechanism of action in ovarian follicles are unknown. We hypothesized that low doses of BPA inhibit follicular growth and decrease estradiol levels through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway. Antral follicles from wild-type and Ahr knock-out (AhrKO) mice were cultured for 96h. Follicle diameters and estradiol levels then were compared in wild-type and AhrKO follicles ± BPA (0.004-438μM). BPA inhibited follicle growth (110-438μM) and decreased estradiol levels (43.8-438μM) in wild-type and AhrKO follicles. However, at BPA 110μM, inhibition of growth in AhrKO follicles was attenuated compared to wild-type follicles. These data suggest that BPA may inhibit follicle growth partially via the AHR pathway, whereas its effects on estradiol synthesis likely involve other mechanisms.
Improving the clinical efficiency of T2⁎ mapping of ligament integrity

Abstract Current MR methods use T2⁎ relaxation time as a surrogate measure of ligament strength. Currently, a multi-echo voxel-wise least squares fit is the gold standard to create T2⁎ maps; however, the post-processing is time-intensive and serves as a stopgap for clinical use. The study objective was to determine if an alternative method could improve post-processing time without sacrificing fidelity of T2⁎ values for eventual translational use in the clinic. Using a 6 echo FLASH sequence, three different methods were used to determine intact posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) median T2⁎ Two of these methods utilized a voxel-wise method to establish T2⁎ maps: (1) a current “gold standard” method using a voxel-wise 6 echo least-squares fit (6LS) and (2) a voxel-wise 2 echo point T2⁎ determination (2MM). The third method used median ligament signal intensity and a single nonlinear least-squares fit (6LSROI) instead of a voxel-wise basis. The resulting median T2⁎ values of the PCL and computational time were compared. The median T2⁎ values were 42% higher using the 2MM compared to the 6LS method (p
Disulfiram use in patients with abnormal liver function test results.

Background Concern about the precipitation of severe hepatitis by disulfiram often causes clinicians to avoid using this effective treatment in patients who have elevated baseline transaminase levels, even though no empirical evidence has so far shown severe hepatotoxicity to be related to such laboratory abnormalities. This study examines the effects of disulfiram in alcohol-dependent patients with elevated liver function test results and/or serologic evidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Method Hepatitis serologies and baseline transaminase levels were obtained for 57 male alcoholics starting treatment with disulfiram. Sequential liver function test results were obtained for up to 12 weeks while subjects took disulfiram. Results Although subjects with elevated baseline transaminase levels and serologic evidence of HCV infection were the most likely to evidence marked elevations in transaminase levels while taking disulfiram, most subjects took disulfiram without other adverse consequences. In only 1 subject did elevations appear directly related to disulfiram. Conclusion Monitoring of liver function test results is warranted for patients taking disulfiram and permits most patients with moderately elevated transaminase levels to take it safely.
Generation of short-burst radiation through Alfvénic acceleration of auroral electrons

[1] A comparison of modeled simulation results with in situ observations is presented in an effort to better understand the generation mechanism of short-burst radiation (AKR) observed in the Alfvenic acceleration region. The simulation is performed using a linear gyrofluid Alfven model to generate propagating inertial Alfven waves with a test particle scheme to study the behavior of electrons under the influence of waves. The observations are taken from the wave and plasma instruments on board the Fast Auroral Snapshot (FAST) satellite. We find that single- and multiple-electron shell distributions are produced as a result of parallel electric fields generated from inertial Alfven waves. Electrons outside the loss cone are reflected back up the flux tube because of the mirror force forming electron conics. Distributions obtained from this simulation resemble the observed electron distributions in the Alfvenic auroral acceleration region where short-burst radiations were present. Multiple-shell distributions as well as electron conics are unstable, making them candidates for triggering the electron-cyclotron maser instability. Hence we suggest that these unstable distributions, resulting from the effects of inertial Alfven wave, could be the source of the observed short-burst radiation in the terrestrial auroral zone magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling region. We also briefly discuss the application of this general mechanism to explain the Io-associated S-bursts observed emanating from the Jovian magnetosphere.
Light emission from materials bombarded with electrons or oxygen ions

Abstract We have bombarded a variety of materials with electrons or oxygen ions to measure emission spectra and emitter formation efficiencies. For magnesium fluoride and alumina, the emitter formation efficiencies for any particular atomic line were about one in ten million for excitation by oxygen ions of 300–500 eV. These efficiencies were decreasing with energy. Emission from the CH radical was observed during bombardment of polyurethane-coated nylon. Oxygen ions induced surface changes in organic materials as evidenced by light emission.
The west and the anthropology of other people's colonialism : Frederick starr in Korea, 1911-1930

-Frederick starr (1858-1933) was the first anthropologist to hold a position at the University of Chicago, where he taught from the foundation of the institution in 1892 until his retirement in 1923. He had wide research interests and was an avid fieldworker, making numerous study trips to Mexico, Liberia, the Congo, the Phil ippines, and in the United States. Starr first traveled to Japan in 1904, where he arranged for the exhibition of several "hairy Ainu" at the St. Louis Exposition, and over roughly twenty-five years before and after his formal retirement increasingly turned his attention to work in Japan and Korea. Although he never undertook concentrated, long-term fieldwork in a single location of the sort that would become standard practice after Franz Boas in the United States and Bronislaw Malinowski in Britain, Starr's six trips to colonial Korea1 between 1911 and 1930 (three others were aborted) totaled some nine months in duration. His experience in Japan was even more extensive; he died in Tokyo on his fourteenth visit. Starr taught Japanese topics from his earliest days at the University of Chicago, and the Chicago Annual Register for 1922?23 lists also what was probably the first course on "Korean ethnography" to be offered in an American university. He was, finally, a public intellectual?and
Theoretical Tire Equations for Shimmy and Other Dynamic Studies

Equations are developed which relate ground force and torque on the tire to arbitrary swivel angle and lateral displacement of the wheel rim plane. The theory postulates the string model for the tire since it has predicted behavior substantiated in many respects by experimental results. Approximations to the string model itself are made, such that the development leads to linear, constant coefficient differential equations identical in form to an empirical set obtained in an earlier paper. Theoretical frequency responses compare favorably with experimental data.
Description of the scatter component in photon-beam data.

Kerma scatter-to-primary ratios (SPR) were calculated, using a Monte Carlo code, for water irradiated by photon beams (200 keV monoenergetic, 60Co gamma , 4 and 15 MV X-rays). The SPR at depth d on the centreline of a circular field of radius r can be described by SPR=aZ+bZ2, with Z=rd/(r+d). The proportionality constant a is determined by the linear attenuation coefficient mu and the ratio r/d. The coefficient b for the second-order term depends on r/d and energy, the latter by being proportional to mu 3. This relation between SPR and Z can facilitate analysis of beam data in terms of the contributions from primary and scattered photons, in particular for small depths and small fields where measurements are difficult. This is illustrated by examining measured TAR data for 60Co gamma beams. While the relation between SPR and Z is not fully explained, it is demonstrated qualitatively that SPR approximately=aZ if only first-order scatter is to be accounted for.
Low-Cycle Bending Fatigue of Steel Bars under Random Excitation. Part II: Design Considerations

In this paper, the low-cycle bending-fatigue strength of square and rectangular steel bars under random loading histories is quantified through an experimental program. Based on the experimental data, and considering the fatigue failure mechanisms, a damage accumulation index formula is established. This formula serves as a foundation for further investigation on structural members with other geometrical shapes, with local buckling effects, and/or with welding residual stress effects, etc. After these effects are considered, design principles for low-cycle bending-fatigue strength of steel members can be developed for earthquake engineering applications.
The effects of uremic compounds on cardiac function and metabolism

Abstract In order to study the effects of some compounds known to be elevated in the uremic syndrome, hearts of normal rats were perfused in an isolated working heart apparatus. High concentrations of urea, creatinine, methyl guanidine, and guanidinosuccinic acid were used alone or in combination. Urea at 20, 10, and 2.5 m m all decreased the cardiac output response to increasing atrial pressure. A combination of urea 20 m m , creatinine 0.88 m m , and guanidinosuccinic acid 0.31 m m caused a depression in coronary flow, cardiac output and maximum left ventricular d P d t . These three agents with methyl guanidine 0.46 m m caused depressions in cardiac output, coronary flow, left ventricular pressure and d P d t , and was associated with a rise in end-diastolic pressure. With these four agents, myocardial oxygen extraction, lactate production and lactate pyruvate ratios were increased. Hearts perfused with methyl guanidine, guanidinosuccinic acid, and creatinine but without urea had the same metabolic and dynamic performance as control hearts. Thus acute exposure to high concentrations of uremic compounds depresses cardiac pumping function in the rat heart. The depressant effect is related to the number of agents present, but is not seen when urea is absent. Depression appears to be partially due to a limitation in oxygen delivery and to the resultant hypoxia.
Effect of electric field gradients on lipid monolayer membranes

Externally applied nonuniform electric fields can strongly affect thermodynamic phases in a lipid monolayer when applied under conditions of temperature, pressure, and composition that are near phase boundaries. Under such conditions nonuniform applied fields can produce or suppress phase separations. Field-induced phase-separated domains have sizes that are in good agreement with calculations. Field gradients can also produce large concentration gradients in binary mixtures just above their critical points. The present work elaborates our earlier studies of these field effects using thermodynamic models of the phase behavior of two-component liquid mixtures. The calculations are of interest in connection with biological membranes that, at the growth temperature, are in a liquid state close to a phase boundary.
Why do the lungs clear ultrasonic contrast

Abstract Peripherally injected ultrasonic contrast is removed by the lungs. The source of this contrast effect is microbubbles in the injected fluid. We studied bubble dynamics to attempt to explain their removal by the lungs. Commercially prepared precision microbubbles of 5–10 μm could be imaged using standard M-mode echocardiographic equipment. Thus, absence of contrast in left atrial echocardiogram after peripheral contrast injections implies that bubbles of this size are absent, though they are small enough to traverse the pulmonary capillary “sieve”. Calculations show that a bubble of diameter small enough to get through these capillaries (mean size 8 μm) will totally dissolve due to surface tension effects, in a time shorter than the pulmonary capillary to left atrial circulation time.
Composing Heterogeneous SDN Controllers with Flowbricks

The software-defined networking (SDN) paradigm allows network operators to conveniently deploy network services through a centralized controller. Recent interest in SDNs has fueled the implementation of a variety of network services on controllers written in different languages and supported by different organizations. Given the large number of network services and their increasing complexity, no single controller can provide all network services. Even if a controller provides all the desired services, it is unlikely to have the best-in-class implementation of all those services. To address this problem, we propose a framework for composing a control plane using controllers from different vendors. The framework applies services implemented on heterogeneous controllers to the same network traffic. Allowing network operators to deploy services implemented on heterogeneous controllers prevents vendor lock-in at the control plane. Furthermore, network operators can quickly deploy a new service by integrating a controller (possibly supplied by a different vendor) into the framework. Our framework is designed to operate in a way that is transparent to the controllers and does not require additional standardization.
On the effects on source localisation of volume currents in neuroelectric and neuromagnetic signals

By assuming the surfaces of discontinuity in the electrical conductivity of brain tissues and fluids to be many and of complicated geometry, the influence of volume-current effects (due to the surfaces of discontinuity) on evoked electro- and magnetoencephalographic signals is assessed. The supposition that in such complicated geometry volume-current effects tend to modify the electrostatic potential significantly is supported by the properties of the solution of the partial differential equation for the electrostatic potential when the electric conductivity has a short-scaled stochastic component. The potential of volume-current effects to dominate the EEG signal is thereby reaffirmed. Moreover, it is shown that even in the case of the strongest possible volume-current effects they only contribute a term of the order of unity to the neuromagnetic signal, allowing for the possibility to determine the primary source location from the position of the peaks in the neuromagnetic signal. In the same limit any information on source location carried by the neuroelectric signal is obliterated. A set of one-dimensional model equations is used to exemplify the expected differences in the behaviour of the neuroelectric and neuromagnetic signals.
The elusive transporters with a high affinity for glutamate

Abstract Removal of glutamate from the synaptic cleft is an essential component of the transmission process at glutamatergic synapses. This requirement is fulfilled by transporters that have a high affinity for glutamate and exhibit a unique coupling to Na + , K + and OH - ions. Independently, three groups have succeeded in cloning cDNAs encoding high-affinity Na + -dependent glutamate transporters. These transporters are structurally distinct from previously characterized neurotransmitter transporters and show sequence identity with prokaryotic glutamate and dicarboxylate transporters. In addition, they exhibit significant differences in their structure, function and tissue distribution. This review compares and contrasts these differences, and incorporates into the existing body of knowledge these new breakthroughs.
Project-Based Learning as the Interplay of Career and Company Non-Financial Capital

In this article, the project is a potential learning episode for both project participants and the project-sponsoring company. People's past learning experiences are the `career capital' they inves...
Comment on "From the summation-by-parts algorithm to Pi"

Comments on the paper by Mosig (IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, vol.47, p.38-40, 2005 December). The paper by Mosig discussed acceleration of convergence of series. Without commenting on either the validity or efficiency of his method, the present author would like to draw attention to an existing method, published long ago by D. Shanks (1955). Briefly stated, this method takes a sequence and defines partial sums, which is described in this paper
Utility of 16S–23S rRNA spacer region methodology: how similar are interspace regions within a genome and between strains for closely related organisms?

Abstract Use of 16S–23S interspace region sequence variability, as a relatively new method, is becoming an important supplement to 16S rRNA sequencing as the standard for differentiating bacterial species. If interspace regions are as variable within a genome as between strains for closely related organisms, this limits the utility of the technique. Strains W23 and 168 represent two distinct genetic clusters within the species Bacillus subtilis . B. atrophaeus var. niger was selected as a member of a group of species closely related to B. subtilis . Comparison of the 10 rDNA operons, available from Genbank, for B. subtilis 168 shows three distinct types of interspace (ISR) regions. Two of the ten 16S–23S ISRs contain the sequences for isoleucine and alanine tRNA and are identical in sequence. The remaining eight ISRs lack tRNA sequences and have two distinct sizes. Variability among non-tRNA operons ranged from 97–100%. Counting the tRNA insert as one change, variability between tRNA and non-tRNA containing sequences ranged from 95.3–97%. The sequences of equivalent 16S–23S ribosomal operon interspace regions (ISRs) are highly conserved between W23 and 168 (99.9–100%). Thus the sequence differences between strains 168 and W23 are less than between multiple operons within 168. However, the sequence of an ISR from B. atrophaeus var. niger is quite distinct from any of the ISRs found in B. subtilis (range 88.2–91.6%). These observations are consistent with the previous suggestion that B . atrophaeus is distinct genetically from the B . subtilis sub-groups represented by W23 and 168 respectively. This is the first study to make sequence comparisons at the genome, strain and species level for the rRNA interspace region. Considerations of this issue will be important in using ISR methodology to differentiate other closely related bacterial species.
Global surgery opportunities for U.S. surgical residents: an interim report.

Introduction In 2011, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Surgery developed guidelines that allowed time spent and cases performed outside of the United States by surgical residents from ACGME-accredited training programs to be applied toward program completion. We hypothesized that the number of programs with global surgical rotations would have increased after that important development. We also sought to determine the characteristics that led to sustainment of such programs. Methods An Institutional Review Board–approved electronic survey was sent to all 253 program directors of ACGME-approved general surgery residencies requesting information on international rotations available to residents. Responses were requested from program directors with extant rotations. Survey questions focused on locations, funding, nature of the rotations, faculty involvement, keys to success, and the barriers to overcome during program development and sustainment. Results The survey reported 34 surgery residency programs offering global surgery rotations, up from 23 just 5 years previously. Of these reporting programs, 25 have been approved by the ACGME. Most rotations occur in the postgraduate year 3 or 4 and are primarily clinical rotations. Africa is the main destination. Resident supervision is provided by a mixture of host and home surgeons. A dedicated faculty is considered to be the most important element for success while funding remains a major impediment. Conclusions The interest in global surgery continues to increase, and general surgical programs will strive to meet the expectations of residents looking for international exposure. Collaboration could facilitate resident opportunities and potentially be more cost-effective.
EXPERIMENTAL AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE OF A SELF-TRIMMING WING-SAIL FOR AUTONOMOUS SURFACE VEHICLES

Abstract Recent experimental testing of an unmanned autonomous marine surface vehicle has demonstrated several key advances for a wind propelled platform. The HWT-X1, is a winged catamaran based on modified conventional sailing vessel intended for use as surveillance and sensor platform in either littoral or unprotected waters. The novel propulsion system is a vertical wing, suspended on bearings and “flown” aerodynamically using conventional flaps and tails. Experimental validation has shown exceptional pointing performance, with upwind progress at 20-25 degrees to the true wind. Additionally, speeds of 60% of the true wind speed are achieved routinely under wind speeds from 12 - 25 knots.
Lack of improved survival plus increase in thromboembolic complications in patients with clear cell carcinoma of the ovary treated with platinum versus nonplatinum‐based chemotherapy

BACKGROUND This study was conducted to evaluate survival rates for patients with clear cell ovarian carcinoma who had platinum-based chemotherapy versus nonplatinum-based chemotherapy and the risk of thromboembolic complications. METHODS One hundred and eleven evaluable patients with clear cell ovarian carcinoma who underwent primary surgery and postoperative therapy were retrospectively evaluated. Median follow-up was 21.3 months (range, 3–280 months). Patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and nonplatinum-based chemotherapy were evaluated according to stage, age, grade, extent of surgery, and development of thromboembolic complications. Patient populations were compared using the chi-square test. Estimated 5- and 10-year survivals for each group were calculated using the method of Kaplan and Meier. Differences in survival rates were calculated using the log rank test. The frequency of thromboembolic complications in the clear cell ovarian carcinoma group was compared with its frequency in a matched-control group of 109 patients with epithelial nonclear cell ovarian carcinoma. RESULTS Seventy-one patients were treated with nonplatinum-based chemotherapy and 40 patients were treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. There was no statistically significant difference in the characteristics of patient populations treated with platinum-based chemotherapy or nonplatinum-based chemotherapy. The estimated 5-year survival for clear cell ovarian carcinoma patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy did not differ significantly from the estimated 5-year survival for patients with clear cell ovarian carcinoma treated with nonplatinum-based chemotherapy (36% vs. 32%; P = 0.23). Twelve patients with clear cell ovarian carcinoma developed thromboembolic complications remote from primary surgery, whereas in a matched-control group of patients with nonclear cell ovarian carcinoma treated with platinum-based chemotherapy, no patients developed a thromboembolic complication (P = 0.0004). Eight of 40 patients (20%) with clear cell ovarian carcinoma treated with platinum-based chemotherapy developed thromboembolic complications, whereas 4 of 71 patients (6%) treated with nonplatinum-based chemotherapy developed thromboembolic complications (P = 0.03). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the development of a thromboembolic complication was significantly related to clear cell ovarian carcinoma and platinum-based chemotherapy and had a significant (P = 0.009) negative impact on survival. CONCLUSIONS Platinum-based chemotherapy did not appear to improve survival compared with nonplatinum-based chemotherapy of patients with clear cell ovarian carcinoma. The combination of platinum-based chemotherapy and clear cell ovarian carcinoma significantly increases the risk for thromboembolic complications and has a significant negative impact on survival. Cancer 1996;78:2157-63.
Lifting chains of prime ideals to paravaluation rings

SoitR ⊂T une extension des anneaux commutatifs et soit {Pα :α ∈I} une chaine croissante des ideaux premiers deR (I etant un ensemble totalement ordonne, peut-etre infini). Alors il existe un anneau de paravaluationV deT et une chaine {Qα} des ideaux premiers deV de sorte queR ⊂V etQα ∩R =Pα pour toutα ∈I. Tout d’abord, on etablit le cas special dans lequelT est un corps; dans ce cas, on trouve en effet un tel anneau de valuationV deT. Ensuite, l’assertion ci-dessus pour le cas general decoule comme consequence. Dans le cas general, on peut aussi remplacer le mot “paravaluation” avec le mot “valuation” siR est un anneau de Marot etT est son anneau total de fractions.
Purkinje activation precedes myocardial activation following defibrillation after long-duration ventricular fibrillation

Background While reentry within the ventricular myocardium (VM) is responsible for the maintenance of short-duration ventricular fibrillation (SDVF; VF duration 1 minute). Objective The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the mechanisms of defibrillation may also be different for SDVF and LDVF. Methods A multielectrode basket catheter was deployed in the left ventricle of eight beagles. External defibrillation shocks were delivered with a ramp-up protocol after SDVF (20 seconds) and LDVF (150 seconds). Earliest VM and PF activations were identified after the highest energy shock that failed to terminate VF and the successful shock. Results Defibrillation was successful after 36 ± 12 and 181 ± 14 seconds for SDVF and LDVF, respectively. The time after shock delivery until earliest activation was detected for failed shocks and was significantly longer after LDVF (138.7 ± 24.1 ms) than after SDVF (75.6 ± 8.7 ms). Earliest postshock activation after SDVF typically initiated in the VM (14 of 16 episodes), while it always initiated in the PF (16 of 16 episodes) after LDVF. Sites of earliest activity during sinus rhythm correlated with sites of earliest postshock activation for PF-led cycles but not for VM-led cycles. Conclusion Earliest recorded postshock activation is in the Purkinje system after LDVF but not after SDVF. This difference raises the possibility that the optimal defibrillation strategy is different for SDVF and LDVF.
Presentations of higher dimensional Thompson groups

In a previous paper, we defined a higher dimensional analog of Thompson's group V, and proved that it is simple, infinite, finitely generated, and not isomorphic to any of the known Thompson groups. There are other Thompson groups that are infinite, simple and finitely presented. Here we show that the new group is also finitely presented by calculating an explicit finite presentation.
The heart weight and ventricular weights of normal adult albino rats

The heart weight as well as the heart weight-body weight ratios of 264 adult albino rats, 155 males and 109 females were analyzed. The large rats have significantly heavier hearts than small rats, but small adults have on the average significantly higher heart weight-body weight ratios than large adults. The heart was partitioned and the ventricle weight-body weight ratio was also determined. As would be expected boty the right and the left ventricles are heavier in large rats than in small rats. However, the small rats have on the average a significantly higher ventricle weight-body weight ratio than large animals. Since there are highly significant differences between the weight of the heart of large and small animals, if heart weights are used in experimental work, rather than heart weight-body weight ratios, the animals should have a narrow body weight range. It is thought that these data may be helpful to those who work on the heart of the rat.
Calculations on two phonon bound states in diamond and germanium

Abstract A careful numerical calculation is reported searching for two phonon bound states in diamond and germanium. Using the experimental phonon dispersion in germanium and an improved force model for diamond we examined the two phonon Green function for a bound state pole, working in a formulation in which Rayleigh's theorems can be used. Our results are consistent with the possibility of a bound state in diamond and germanium.
A Mobile Application to Detect Abnormal Patterns of Activity

In this paper we introduce an unsupervised online clustering algorithm to detect abnormal activities using mobile devices. This algorithm constantly monitors a user’s daily routine and builds his/her personal behavior model through online clustering. When the system observes activities that do not belong to any known normal activities, it immediately generates alert signals so that incidents can be handled in time. In the proposed algorithm, activities are characterized by users’ postures, movements, and their indoor location. Experimental results show that the behavior models are indeed user-specific. Our current system achieves 90% precision and 40% recall for anomalous activity detection.
The effects of temperature and ethanol on the properties of the fast excitatory axon to the crab limb bender muscle

Abstract 1. 1. Warming fast bender excitor (FBE) axons increased input resistance, hyperpolarized the resting potential and hyperpolarized the threshold potential for spike production. 2. 2. The reversal potential for the depolarizing afterpotential (DAP), which follows the FBE spike, was similar to the threshold potential at cool temperatures and depolarized at warm temperatures. 3. 3. Ethanol (⩽ 200mM) had little effect on FBE membrane potential and threshold potential, but increased input resistance. 4. 4. When FBE was depolarized to threshold a few spikes were recorded in normal saline, while a brief, high frequency spike discharge was recorded in the presence of ethanol. This was explained by ethanol increasing DAP amplitude.
Mapping the New Commons

This paper is a guide to the rapidly growing area of research and activity I call 'new commons.' Simply put, new commons (NC) are various types of shared resources that have recently evolved or have been recognized as commons. They are commons without pre-existing rules or clear institutional arrangements. The paper introduces a map that outlines the NC resource sectors and identifies some of the salient questions that this new area of research raises. In addition, it examines the relationship between new commons and traditional common-pool resources and common property regimes.This overview includes a survey of the physical resources, the user communities, the literature, and some of the major collective action activities. Tacking new commons over several years has demonstrated that this vast arena is inhabited by heterogeneous groups from divergent disciplines, political interests, and geographical regions that are increasingly finding the term 'commons' crucial in addressing issues of social dilemmas, degradation, and sustainability of a wide variety of shared resources. The resource sectors include scientific knowledge, voluntary associations, climate change, community gardens, wikipedias, cultural treasures, plant seeds, and the electromagnetic spectrum. All of these new resource sectors and communities require rigorous study and analysis in order to better grasp the institutional nature of these beasts. This map is designed to serve as an introductory reference guide for future scholarly work.
The Electronic “Scarlet Letter”: Criminal Backgrounding and a Perpetual Spoiled Identity

Crimes are multifaceted events that are not adequately explained with basic descriptors, yet a considerable amount of significance is afforded to relatively few simplistic labels that make up the contemporary “scarlet letter.” Today's criminal records create a lifetime of stigmatization for a person. These public records employ a limited range of information. By acknowledging the deleterious effects of even one documented criminal event on an individual's self-concept and status in society, we cannot avoid being faced with a serious moral dilemma in light of society's prevalent reliance upon electronic criminal records. The electronic brand carried for life poses great challenges to offender rehabilitation and reintegration.
Explicit Harmonic Balance Method for Transition Curve Analysis of Linear Fractional Periodic Time-Delayed Systems

Abstract This paper presents an explicit harmonic balance (EHB) method for the analysisof transition curves of linear fractional periodic time delayed (FPTD) systems. The EHBmethod has advantages in computational eficiency in obtaining transition curves of a FPTDsystem compared with conventional techniques. The proposed technique is illustrated withparametrically excited single and double pendulum systems, with both time-delayed states andfractional damping.
Distribution of alkalinity in the surface waters of the major oceans.

Abstract In recent years the total alkalinity (TA) of seawater has been measured with high precision (∼±2 μ mol kg −1 ) in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. In this paper we have analyzed the surface alkalinity of the major ocean basins using these measurements as well as those obtained during the GEOSECS and TTO studies. The salinity normalized alkalinity (NTA=TA×35/ S ) in subtropical gyres between 30°S and 30°N is remarkably invariable except in upwelling areas (e.g., the Eastern Equatorial Pacific). The NTA increases toward high latitudes (>30°) and is inversely proportional to sea surface temperature (SST). This increase in NTA with latitude (or decreasing temperature) is attributed to the upward transport of deep waters with higher NTA due to the dissolution of CaCO 3 (s). The distribution of surface NTA in the major ocean basins shows that the major basins can be divided into regions where different trends of NTA are observed and boundaries between the regions are similar to those of the major ocean currents. The linear behavior of NTA (∼±5 μ mol kg −1 ) with respect to SST makes it possible to provide regional maps of NTA. These maps can be used to estimate TA in surface waters in large areas of the ocean from values of SST and salinity ( S ). By combining the estimates of TA using SST and S (from the Climatological Atlas of the World Ocean) with underway f CO 2 measurements (by ships, moorings, and satellites), it is possible to map the detailed distribution of TCO 2 for surface waters over a large area of the ocean. Calculations of TCO 2 from measurements of f CO 2 , SST, and S in the subtropical Pacific Ocean agree with the coulometrically measured values to ±5 μ mol kg −1 .
Oligonucleotide targeting to alveolar macrophages by mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Abstract Antisense oligonucleotides (ONs) have proven useful for selective inhibition of gene expression. However, their effective use is limited by inefficient cellular uptake and lack of cellular targeting. In this paper, we report a drug targeting system which utilizes mannose receptor-mediated endocytosis to enhance cellular uptake of ONs in alveolar macrophages (AMs). The system employs a molecular complex consisting of partially substituted mannosylated poly( l -lysine) (MPL), electrostatically linked to a 5′ fluorescently labeled ON. Upon recognition by the macrophage mannose receptors, the MPL was internalized by the receptor-mediated pathway, co-transporting the ON. Our results indicated that the AMs treated with the MPL:ON complex exhibited a significant increase in ON uptake (up to 17-fold) over free ON-treated controls. Effective ON uptake was shown to require the recognition of the mannose moiety since unmodified polylysine was much less effective in promoting ON uptake. Specific internalization of the ON:MPL complex by the mannose receptor pathway was verified by competitive inhibition using mannosylated albumin. Under this condition, the ON complex uptake was inhibited. The requirement of mannose receptors for complex uptake was further demonstrated using a macrophage cell line, J774.1, which expresses a low level of mannose receptors. When treated with the complex, these cells showed no susceptibility to ON uptake, thus suggesting the targeting ability of the carrier system to the AMs. Following cellular internalization, the ON complex appeared largely accumulated in endocytic vesicles. Enhanced endosomal exit of the ON was achieved using a fusogenic peptide derived from the amino terminal sequence of influenza virus hemagglutinin HA2. Cytotoxicity studies showed that at the concentrations effectively enhancing ON uptake, both MPL and the fusogenic peptide caused no toxic effects to the cells, thereby suggesting their potential safety and utilization in vivo.
Diatoms: a fossil fuel of the future

Long-term global climate change, caused by burning petroleum and other fossil fuels, has motivated an urgent need to develop renewable, carbon-neutral, economically viable alternatives to displace petroleum using existing infrastructure. Algal feedstocks are promising candidate replacements as a 'drop-in' fuel. Here, we focus on a specific algal taxon, diatoms, to become the fossil fuel of the future. We summarize past attempts to obtain suitable diatom strains, propose future directions for their genetic manipulation, and offer biotechnological pathways to improve yield. We calculate that the yields obtained by using diatoms as a production platform are theoretically sufficient to satisfy the total oil consumption of the US, using between 3 and 5% of its land area.
The Usefulness of the Battelle Developmental Inventory Screening Test

Recent research supporting the effectiveness of early intervention and laws expanding services have increased the demand for accurate developmental screening tests. The Battelle Developmental Inventory Screening Test (BDIST), for children 6 months to 8 years old, has a number of desirable features, including subtests for fine and gross motor, adaptive, personal-social, receptive and expressive language, and cognitive skills; a range cutoff and age-equivalent scores; and national standardization. To assess its accuracy, the BDIST was administered to 104 children 7 to 83 months old, along with several other screening tests and a battery of criterion measures. Tied to 1.5 standard deviations below the mean, BDIST failing scores were moderately sensitive, detecting 75% of the children with developmental problems, such as mental retardation, borderline intelligence, language delays, and learning disabilities. Since 73% of the nonhandicapped children passed the BDIST, the test showed moderate specificity. Children within one month of their birthdays were likely to be over- or underreferred. Although the BDIST needs further research, it is a promising developmental screening instrument. The Receptive Language (RL) subtest, slightly more sensitive than the total BDIST but less specific, takes only a few minutes and thus is useful for prescreening in time-limited settings, such as pediatric practice.
A Small to Medium-Size Enterprise Oriented Methodology for Optimizing Product and Supply Chain Design Decisions

Today supply chain management has become one of the crucial factors for gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage. Enterprises that can more effectively manage their supply chain network have a higher likelihood of success in the marketplace. To this end, companies need not only make the “make” or “buy” decisions but also differentiate across potential suppliers in order to improve operational performance, and hence, supplier selection is one of the key decisions aiding effective supply chain management. Many studies have also pointed out that the integration of product and supply chain is a key factor for profitability and efficiency. However, prior studies mostly address supply chain performance after the creation of a new product; and only a few studies discuss when and how to incorporate supply chain decisions during product design. In the studies that cover product design, product family and product platform concepts are presented as enabling vehicles for mass customization, which require a considerable investment, and hence might be out of reach for small to medium size enterprises (SME). Accordingly, there is a need to develop a methodology that can consider manufacturability and supply chain issues at the product design stage. This paper presents a graph theory based optimization methodology to tackle this problem. The supplier selection issue is considered by evaluating its impact on both engineering (e.g., process planning) and operational performance (e.g., cost and time), which are then aggregated as the supply chain performance at the conceptual design stage. A case study in the bicycle industry demonstrates the advantages of this methodology. The synchronized structure of the supply chain and the product design results in simultaneous optimization of both design and supply chain decisions during the early design stages.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Computer science III: a required course on client-server computing

Cisco predicts that over 14 billion devices will be connected over the internet by the year 2010 [2]. The internet has changed the way we live, play, work and learn. The majority of software applications that are under development or will be developed in the next five to ten years will be distributed. The Elon faculty have added a required course, Computer Science III, to insure that every computer science undergraduate has foundational client server concepts and skills. This paper discusses the development and implementation of a Computer Science III course.
Guarding Moral Boundaries: Shame in Early Confucianism

In response to allegations that China is a "shame culture," scholars of Confucian ethics have made use of new studies in psychology, anthropology, and philosophy that present shame in a more favorable light. These studies contend that shame involves internalization of social moral codes. By adapting these new internal models of shame, Confucian ethicists have attempted to rehabilitate the emphasis on shame in early Confucianism, but in doing so they have inadvertently highlighted the striking absence in early Confucian texts of such prominent shame metaphors as being seen, particularly with genitals exposed. This essay analyzes these visual metaphors for shame, in contrast to contact metaphors, and considers the implications for Confucian ethics that they might be two different types of shame.