cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An expanded, integrated model for determining audience exposure to television

This study tested the structural factors that determine audience exposure to television using syndicated programs from 50 randomly selected U.S. markets. The results indicate that a program's lead‐in and lead‐out were the strongest predictors of a program's rating. However, channel factors, the level of concentration in a market, and the level of cable penetration also influenced exposure to television programs.
Low-power switched-capacitor filters using charge transfer integrators

Charge transfer amplifiers (CTAs) are based on the charge transfer mechanism of a MOS source follower. Here, new switched-capacitor (SC) filter architectures based on charge transfer amplifiers and integrators are presented. To demonstrate the new CTA SC filters, first-order and second-order lowpass and second-order bandpass filters are designed and simulated using minimum-geometry CMOS devices in the IBM6HP 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS process. Simulations of first- and second-order lowpass and second-order bandpass filters show very low total power dissipation: of 1.9, 4.0, and 6.1 /spl mu/W for 500 kHz clock frequency and 0.20, 0.46, and 0.66 /spl mu/W for 50 kHz clock frequency.
The optical counterpart of the isolated neutron star RX J185635−3754

The extreme densities1 of neutron stars make them an ideal system in which to investigate the equation of state of nuclear matter; accurate determinations of neutron star masses and radii are crucial for this. Current observations of neutron stars in binary systems yield masses that are generally consistent with theory2. But measurements of radii are more difficult as they require the detection of thermal radiation from the surface, which in general is masked by emission from non-thermal processes in radio pulsars3 and X-ray binary systems4. Isolated radio-quiet neutron stars5 offer the best opportunity to observe the surface thermal emission. Here we report the detection of the optical counterpart of a candidate isolated neutron star, RX J185635−3754 (ref. 6). Our optical flux data, combined with existing extreme ultraviolet7 and X-ray6 observations, show the spectrum to be approximately thermal. By adopting the upper bound to the distance of the source, and assuming a plausible model for the spectral energy distribution, we find that the radius of the object cannot exceed 14 km. This result is inconsistent with a number of recent equations of state8 proposed for neutron stars.
Antinuclear Antigen B Cells That Down-Regulate Surface B Cell Receptor during Development to Mature, Follicular Phenotype Do Not Display Features of Anergy In Vitro

We previously demonstrated that B cells expressing a transgenic BCR with "dual reactivity" for the hapten arsonate and nuclear autoantigens efficiently complete development to follicular phenotype and stably reside in follicles in vivo. These B cells express very low levels of surface IgM and IgD, suggesting that they avoid central deletion and peripheral anergy by reducing their avidity for autoantigen via surface BCR (sBCR) down-regulation. Since a variety of states of B cell anergy have been previously described, a thorough examination of the functional capabilities of these B cells was required to test this hypothesis. In this study, we show that surface Ig cross-linking induces amounts of proximal BCR signaling in these B cells commensurate with their reduced sBCR levels. Functionally, however, they are comparable to nonautoreactive B cells in cell cycle progression, up-regulation of activation and costimulatory molecules, and Ab-forming cell differentiation when treated with a variety of stimuli in vitro. In addition, these B cells can efficiently process and present Ag and are capable of undergoing cognate interaction with naive TCR-transgenic T cells, resulting in robust IL-2 production. Together, these data reveal a lack of intrinsic anergy involving any known mechanism, supporting the idea that this type of antinuclear Ag B cell becomes indifferent to cognate autoantigen by down-regulating sBCR.
Intolerable Tolerance: The Problem with Diversity Training in the Military

The United States Armed Services have long been heralded as organizational exemplars of embracing diversity and overcoming discrimination. By adhering to a social doctrine of "less discrimination" and "more tolerance of others," military organizations have led the way with the integration of minorities and women during the 1950s-1980s. In the well-established process of indoctrinating its newest members, recruits are given numerous briefings on the virtues of diversity and tolerance. However, in light of the recent social crises at the military academies involving allegations of discrimination and harassment, we argue that which is needed most is "more discrimination" and "less tolerance." Despite its best intentions, the US military seems to have become too tolerant of tolerance.
The Semantics of Collectives and Distributives in Papago

The purpose of this paper is to propose a satisfying model-theoretic account of the notions of singularity, collective plurality, and distributive plurality expressed by both the nouns and the verbs of Papago according to Mathiot (1983). The approach will be algebraic in the sense of Link (1983). Informally, our proposal is that while English has only one form of plurality, Papago has two: one based on identity and the other on equivalence. The identity-based plural is one that Papago shares with English and other Indo-European languages; the equivalence-based plural, on the other hand, is characteristic of Papago and other Native American languages. The extreme elaboration of the notion of multiplicity expressed in Papago follows from this proposal, given sufficiently rich models and independently motivated principles governing the semantics of roots (Wackernagel 1920; Ojeda 1993; Eschenbach 1993), markedness (Jakobson 1957), and verbs (Davidson 1967; Parsons 1990).
mmGrid: distributed resource management infrastructure for multimedia applications

We are developing mmGrid (Multimedia Grid) as an extensible middleware architecture supporting multimedia applications in a grid computing environment. Our vision is to provide support for interactive applications from the following domains: graphics, visualization, streaming media and tele-immersion. The initial deployment will be within an enterprise as a mechanism for provisioning computing resources. However the scheduling system of mmGrid will be flexible, and will allow interactive and batch jobs to use the grid-computing paradigm. This paper presents our argument for using remote display technology in this environment. We also report on the use cases we support at this point, the system architecture for mmGrid and our research directions.
AVALIAÇÃO DA TOXICIDADE CELULAR DO HERBICIDA GLIFOSATO EM Astyanax spp.

Os agrotoxicos sao agentes quimicos amplamente utilizados na agricultura no controle de ervas invasoras. Dentre os agrotoxicos, o organofosforado Roundup® e um dos herbicidas mais usados no Brasil. Seu principio ativo e o glifosato, geralmente comercializado na forma de sal isopropilamonio, cujas propriedades quimicas possibilitam que se solubilize facilmente nos ambientes aquaticos. Este agente toxico atinge os corpos d'agua atraves do lencol freatico por meio da lixiviacao e infiltracao da agua das chuvas, da irrigacao ou da percolacao no solo. Concentracoes subletais podem provocar alteracoes moleculares e celulares que afetarao a morfologia, fisiologia e bioquimica dos tecidos. Neste estudo propos-se utilizar como modelo experimental o peixe nativo Astyanax spp. , com o objetivo principal de analisar a frequencia de micronucleo nos peixes que foram expostos por 72 horas a concentracao de 65 µg/L de glifosato (concentracao regulamentada pela Resolucao do CONAMA no357 de 2005 para agua de rios no Brasil). O teste de micronucleo investiga as celulas eritropoieticas, para avaliar dano cromossomico in vivo . Os peixes foram divididos em dois grupos (grupo controle e grupo tratado), em agua de aquario declorada com monitoramento da temperatura e aeracao constante. Os peixes foram aclimatados por 3 dias e apos foram expostos ao glifosato diluido na agua do proprio aquario. Para a analise do micronucleo foi extraido sangue das brânquias, n = 6 peixes por aquario, e utilizado a tecnica de esfregaco e coloracao com giemsa de acordo com protocolo para analise de micronucleo pisceo. Assim, considerando a contaminacao dos ambientes aquaticos por agrotoxicos e diante da precariedade de estudos sobre o assunto, torna-se imprescindivel a realizacao de estudos direcionados a avaliacao da toxicidade celular do glifosato em organismos aquaticos. Apos a confeccao das lâminas para identificacao dos micronucleos foram contadas aproximadamente 1500 celulas/lâmina com total de 3000 celulas por peixe. Houve diferenca estatistica (p≥0,05) para a taxa de micronucleo dos peixes do grupo controle (sem a presenca de glifosato) e o grupo tratado com 65 ug/L de glifosato. Valores de temperatura e pH entre os aquarios foram registrados, mas sem diferencas significantes, descartando a ideia de variacao micronucleo pisceo entre os dois grupos por estes fatores. Os sutis efeitos nocivos do glifosato sobre o DNA dos eritrocitos de Astianax spp., demonstradas aqui sao uma preocupacao seria para a biologia de peixes e deve ser levado em conta. Estes resultados contribuem para a compreensao da toxicidade do glifosato para os organismos nao-alvo e o seu potencial efeito genotoxico.
Diagnosing and Remediating Writing Problems of Gifted Students with Language Learning Disabilities

This article examines an approach to diagnosing and remediating writing problems of gifted students with language learning disabilities. Case studies of a third grader, sixth grader, and college st...
Utility of quantitative enzyme immunoassay reactivity for predicting human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity in low- and high-prevalence populations.

To assess the utility of quantitative enzyme immunoassay (EIA) reactivity for predicting human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity, we evaluated 22,823 serum samples from homo- and bisexual men, heterosexual intravenous drug users, and other heterosexuals with initial screening by EIA, retesting of reactive samples in duplicate, and confirmatory Western blot (immunoblot) testing. Quantitative EIA reactivity was determined by a mean of the optical density ratio of the three assays performed for each reactive specimen. A total of 1,773 samples (7.8%) were repeatedly reactive, and 1,747 (7.7%) were confirmed Western blot positive. All 26 EIA-reactive-Western blot-negative samples had low-level EIA reactivity (ratio 3.0). The positive predictive value for samples with moderate-to-high-level EIA reactivity (ratio, > 2.2) was 100% for all risk groups. These results support the value of quantitative EIA reactivity in predicting human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity and suggest that confirmatory testing of specimens with high-level reactivity is not necessary in all situations.
Flaxseed sprouts induce apoptosis and inhibit growth in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells

Flaxseeds have been shown to play a role in the prevention of cancer and heart disease, and it is believed that their more favorable fatty acid composition is responsible. Sprouting is a natural method to modify nutritional components and to decrease cyanide poisoning of raw flaxseeds. Here, we investigated the in vitro effects of flaxseed sprouts on cell growth and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. In a series of in vitro experiments, estrogen-receptor-positive (MCF-7) and estrogen-receptor-negative (MDA-MB-231) cells were cultured and treated with flaxseed sprouts, and then cell proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression were measured. Flaxseed sprouts significantly reduced the growth of both of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and also increased apoptosis. However, flaxseed sprouts did not affect the growth of MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells. In gene transcription analysis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, flaxseed sprout treatment significantly upregulated p53 mRNA in both cell cancer lines. These results suggest that flaxseed sprouts induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell growth, thereby demonstrating their anti-proliferative effects in breast cancer cells. This study may provide important information for devising dietary strategies to reduce breast cancer risk.
Characterization of Polymyxa species by restriction analysis of PCR‐amplified ribosomal DNA

A molecular method is described to aid identification of the obligate parasite Polymyxa and discriminate between species (P. betae and P. graminis) and isolates. DNA was extracted from zoospores, resting spores and roots infected with P. betae and P. graminis and compared with that from negative control plants that were not inoculated with Polymyxa but were grown at the same time under the same conditions. The ribosomal internal transcribed spacers and 5.8S rDNAs were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and digested with restriction enzymes to detect molecular differences between the species and isolates. There were differences between P. betae and P. graminis and two subgroups within P. graminis but so far this has not been correlated with any other biological property.
Inhibitory effect on limb morphogenesis by cells of the polarizing zone coaggregated with pre- or postaxial wing bud mesoderm.

Abstract The influence of cells of the polarizing zone mesoderm on the morphogenesis of recombinant chick limbs was studied. The recombinant buds were composed of leg bud ectoderm and different regions of the wing bud mesoderm, which had been dissociated and reaggregated. In any case where the polarizing zone mesoderm was coaggregated with the wing mesoderm the morphogenetic capabilities of the recombinant were reduced. This was the case with postaxial mesoderm, preaxial mesoderm plus polarizing tissue, and postaxial mesoderm from which a piece of the nonpolarizing mesoderm (comparable in size to the polarizing zone) had been removed. All of these gave outgrowths with digits in only a very low percentage of cases. In contrast, those recombinants without polarizing mesoderm developed outgrowths with digits in a high percentage of cases, indicating good morphogenesis. Finally, if the polarizing zone were removed prior to dissociation, the recombinant limb, composed of the total remaining wing bud mesoderm plus leg bud ectoderm, exhibited a higher percentage of complete morphogenesis than if the polarizing zone had been part of the recombinant. It is clear that cells of the polarizing zone, when dissociated, and coaggregated with wing mesoderm, are inhibitory to the morphogenetic performance of that mesoderm in the recombinant limb situation.
A special point of Z2-codimension three Hopf bifurcation in the Hodgkin-Huxley model

Abstract A curve in ( I , T , g Na , v Na )-parameter space of degenerate Hopf bifurcation for the Hodgkin-Huxley model is described. The curve includes all six of the “doubly degenerate” points from our earlier work [1,2]. The curve includes one special point at which m = 1, where m is the modal parameter. The recognition problem for the singularity at this point is solved. Assuming that the parameters ( T , g Na , v Na ) provide a versal unfolding, all previously known types of Hopf bifurcation behavior in the Hodgkin-Huxley system will be exhibited for ( T , g Na , v Na ) in a neighborhood of their values at this point.
Problems associated with community mental health programs.

Community mental health programs vary in relation to their types of administrative and fiscal policy and structure. Discontinuity of services may increase due to proliferation of community-based programs, and community mental health personnel must be trained to deal with many needs and new programs. There will also be conflicts over individual professional interests versus community needs. Problems of staff recruitment will increase and concerted efforts are necessary to increase inservice education in order to re-shape professional roles. Psychologists in particular are interested in new developments in “community psychology” as a means of contributing to these efforts.
Serum Turbidity Responses of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Endocrine-Deficient Rats

The turbidimetric responses of sera to heat from cold stress and endocrine-deficient rats and the effects of phenylbutazone, paramethasone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) have been compared. Sera from cold-stress animals (24 hr.) reveal decreases in the turbidimetric response to heat followed by a return to preexposure levels 5 days after cold stress. These responses appear to be operative through the pituitary-adrenocortical axis. Adrenalectomized animals show an inhibition in their serum-turbidity responses to heat which can be prevented by the administration of paramethasone. A further inhibition of protein coagulation by heat occurs in phenylbutazone-treated adrenalectomized rats. This decrease in serum-turbidity readings is similar to that observed in phenylbutazone-treated shamoperated animals. Hypophysectomy or pleuriglandular deficiency causes no proteinstabilization effect to heat which is not attributable to a lack of ACTH. The proteinstabilization effect of phenylbutazone as revealed by the decreases in serum-turbidity responses to heat appears to require an intact pituitary.
A SIMPLIFIED METHOD OF CALCULATING AEROSOL FILTRATION IN FLUIDIZED FILTERS

A simplified model of calculating aerosol filtration in fluidized filters is proposed. Unlike earlier methods (Peters et al., 1982; Ushiki and Tien, 1984) which require compartment-to-compartment calculations, this method assumed that parameters which characterize fluidized bed structure, such as the volume fractions of the dense and bubble phases and the bubble diameter can be considered constant for the entire bed. Analytical solutions of effluent concentration and the total collection efficiency were obtained which correspond to two limiting situations regarding gas mixing in the dense phase. Comparisons between the analytical solutions and experimental data as well as results from more exact compartment-to-compartment calculations indicate that the simplified method gives results of reasonably good accuracy and is adequate for preliminary design calculations.
Characterization of sculptured thin films

Physical vapor deposition can be used to synthesize sculptured thin films with high surface areas. Highly directional vapor deposition onto a tilted, rotating substrate has been shown to produce nanostructured materials with controlled columnar features, including zig-zag, cusp, chevron, and helical geometries. Nanoporous coatings such as these are desirable for optical sensing applications due to their accessible high surface area, but few techniques are available to quantify the surface area of thin films. Electron beam and thermal evaporation techniques are used to synthesize highly porous thin films from silicon dioxide and a germanium antimony selenide chalcogenide glass in order to explore their potential for optical applications in both the visible and infrared spectral ranges. Characterization has been performed using nitrogen adsorption isotherms obtained with a quartz crystal microbalance. It is shown that surface area can be increased up to 375 times that of a flat film by deposition at oblique angles. A nitrogen adsorption technique is introduced as a means to examine the porosity of sculptured thin films at a nanoscale.
Postnatal development of carrier-mediated absorption of disodium cromoglycate from the rat lung.

SummaryDisodium cromoglycate (DSCG) is absorbed from the lungs of the 6-day-old rat in part by a carrier-type transport process and in part by diffusion. The carrier process is saturated at DSCG concentrations greater than 25 mM and is inhibited by certain other organic anions including phenol red, benzylpenicillin, and p-aminohippuric acid. Although the carrier-mediated absorption process is present in the lungs of rats as young as 1 day of age, the process does not appear to become quantitatively mature until an age of 6 days when the transport rate is two to three times greater than that seen at the age of 1-3 days.
Stiffness reduction associated with charge-density-wave sliding: Temperature and bias dependences in TaS3.

Young's modulus was measured as a function of electrical bias on o-${\mathrm{TaS}}_{3}$ between 60 K and the Peierls transition temperature, ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$=220 K. ${\mathit{Y}}_{\mathrm{CDW}}$, the modulus difference between stationary and rapidly sliding charge-density-wave states, increases as the square of the order parameter immediately below ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$. A second rise begins below 160 K. The shape of the reduction of modulus with bias is controlled predominantly by the excess current, ${\mathit{I}}_{\mathrm{CDW}}$, and is fit with a stretched exponential. These results are interpreted according to the recently presented phase-relaxation model.
Microchip atmospheric pressure photoionization for analysis of petroleum by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

Atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) has significantly contributed to the molecular speciation of petroleum. However, a typical APPI source operates at 50 μL/min flow rate and thus causes a considerable mass load to the mass spectrometer. The recently introduced microchip APPI (μAPPI) operates at much lower flow rates (0.05−10 μL/min) providing decreased mass load and therefore decreased contamination in analysis of petroleum by FT-ICR MS. In spite of the 25 times lower flow rate, the signal response with μAPPI was only 40% lower than with a conventional APPI source. It was also shown that μAPPI provides very efficient vaporization of higher molecular weight components in petroleum analysis.
URANS Simulation of an Appended Hull During Steady Turn With Propeller Represented by an Actuator Disk Model

This paper reports on the comparison between computational simulations and experimental measurements of a surface vessel in steady turning conditions. The primary purpose of these efforts is to support the development of physics-based high fidelity maneuvering simulation tools by providing accurate and reliable hydrodynamic data with relevance to maneuvering performances. Reynolds Averaged Unsteady Navier Stokes Solver (URANS): CFDSHIPIOWA was used to perform simulations for validation purposes and for better understanding of the fundamental flow physics of a hull under maneuvering conditions. The Propeller effects were simulated using the actuator disk model included in CFDShip-Iowa. The actuator disk model prescribes a circumferential averaged body force with axial and tangential components. No propeller generated side forces are accounted for in the model. This paper examines the effects of actuator disk model on the overall fidelity of a RANS based ship maneuvering simulations. Both experiments and simulations provide physical insights into the complex flow interactions between the hull and various appendages, the rudders and the propellers. The experimental effort consists of flow field measurements using Stereo Particle-Image Velocimetry (SPIV) in the stern region of the model and force and moment measurements on the whole ship and on ship components such as the bilge keels, the rudders, and the propellers. Comparisons between simulations and experimental measurements were made for velocity distributions at different transverse planes along the ship axis and different forces components for hull, appendages and rudders. The actuator disk model does not predict any propeller generated side forces in the code and they need to be taken into account when comparing hull and appendages generated side forces in the simulations. The simulations were compared with experimental results and they both demonstrate the cross flow effect on the transverse forces and the propeller slip streams generated by the propellers during steady turning conditions. The hull forces (include hull, bilge keels, skeg, shafting and strut) predictions were better for large turning circle case as compared with smaller turning circle. Despite flow field simulations appear to capture gross flow features qualitatively; detailed examinations of flow distributions reveal discrepancies in predictions of propeller wake locations and secondary flow structures. The qualitative comparisons for the rudders forces also reveal large discrepancies and it was shown that the primary cause of discrepancies is due to poor predictions of velocity inflow at the rudder plane.
Nonsuicidal Self-injury in a College Population: General Trends and Sex Differences

Abstract Objective: To describe basic nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) characteristics and to explore sex differences. Methods: A random sample from 8 universities were invited to participate in a Web-based survey in 2006–2007; 38.9% (n = 14,372) participated. Analysis assessed sex differences in NSSI prevalence, practices, severity, perceived dependency, and help-seeking; adjusted odds ratios for NSSI characteristics were calculated by sex status. Results: Lifetime NSSI prevalence rates averaged 15.3%. Females were more likely than males to self-injure because they were upset (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–2.1) or in hopes that someone would notice them (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.7). Males were 1.6 times (95% CI = 1.2–2.2) more likely to report anger and 4.0 times (95% CI = 2.3–6.8) more likely to report intoxication as an initiating factor. Sexual orientation predicted NSSI, particularly for women (Wald F = 8.81, p ≤ .000). Only 8.9% of the NSSI sample reported disclo...
Measurement of the fraction of myosin heads bound to actin in rabbit skeletal myofibrils in rigor

Tryptic digestion of rabbit skeletal myofibrils at physiological ionic strength and pH results in cleavage of the myosin heavy chain at one site giving two bands (Mr = 200,000 and 26,000) on sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gels. Following addition of sodium pyrophosphate (to 1 mm) to dissociate the myosin heads from actin, tryptic proteolysis results in production of three bands, 160K†, 51K and 26K, with a 74K band appearing as a precursor of the 51K and 26K species. Under these conditions, there is insignificant cleavage of heavy chain to the heavy and light meromyosins. Trypsin-digested myofibrils yield the same amount of rod as native myofibrils when digested with papain. These results indicate that actin blocks tryptic cleavage of the myosin heavy chain at a site 74K from the N terminus. From measurements of the amount of 51K species formed by digestion of rigor fibers at various sarcomere lengths, we estimate that at least 95% of the myosin heads are bound to actin at 100% overlap of thick and thin filaments. Hence all myosin molecules can bind to actin, and consequently both heads of a myosin molecule can interact simultaneously with actin filaments under rigor conditions.
Relationship of viroids and certain other plant pathogenic nucleic acids to group I and II introns

The nucleotide sequences of viroids contain features believed to be essential for the splicing of group I introns. Common sequence elements include a 16-nucleotide consensus sequence and three pairs of short sequences arranged in the same sequential order in both types of RNAs. The calculated probability of finding sequences resembling the 16-nucleotide consensus sequence in random nucleotide chains showed that at low fidelity (up to 5 mismatched nucleotides), the number of such sequences in viroids, plant viral satellite RNAs, plant viral RNAs and one plant viral DNA, group I introns and flanking exons does not significantly differ from the number expected at random. As the degree of fidelity is increased, the number in both introns and viroids, but not in exons or the other plant pathogens examined, greatly exceeds that expected in random chains. These findings suggest that viroids may have evolved from group I introns and/or that processing of viroid oligomers to monomers may have structural requirements similar to those of group I introns. The nucleotide sequences of viroids do not show close homology with two conserved regions of group II introns, the 14-base pair consensus region and the 5′ terminal segment. However, close homology does exist between the conserved sequence of the 3′ terminal segment of group II introns and viroids thus suggesting a possible evolutionary or functional relationship.
Optimization of NMR data processing with coarse-grain parallel computers

Abstract This paper shows how a course-grained parallel computer, the Alliant FX/80, can be used to speed up the processing of NMR data. Examples of simple vector operations are first shown and the level of parallelization that can be achieved is discussed. Speed enhancements of over 450 are achieved in the ideal case of vector addition. For NMR processing, the FFT algorithm is speeded up by 18 times and smaller but significant enhancements are achieved for other algorithms.
Resolving the software maintenance paradox

This paper explores the apparent paradox that, although performance improves with experience, the maintenance of a software system becomes more difficult as experience with it accumulates. It is asserted that this phenomenon is a side effect of the environment used to maintain the software. A decade of experience with a large and complex clinical information system is summarized to demonstrate that software maintenance may be inherently less difficult than original development. It is shown that a highly integrated, million-line, operational system, used in life-threatening situations, has been maintained effectively by a staff of six. During the past five years, the size of the system increased by 167%. In addition to maintaining a growing number of programs, the staff produced new programs at a rate of 0.64 programs per effort-day. Moreover, the case study also demonstrates that this level of performance can be transported to other sites. The paper concludes with some observations regarding changes to the software process that will resolve the paradox.
Invited talk: Virtual coaches in health care

With health care costs raising astronomically and the number of aging increasing, there are not enough economic or human resources in the way of care givers to meet society's needs. A confluence of technologies including miniature electronics, digital communications, human-computer interaction, robotics, and machine learning makes possible the creation of intelligent assistants that monitor and communicate with users, understand their needs and goals, and compensate for diminished capabilities as we age or suffer a disability. This talk will highlight some of the results from the Quality of Life Technology Center (a NSF Engineering Research Center) in creating virtual coaches that monitor user activities providing reminders and advice to reach personal and caregiver goals.
Dynamic preferences in multi-criteria reinforcement learning

The current framework of reinforcement learning is based on maximizing the expected returns based on scalar rewards. But in many real world situations, tradeoffs must be made among multiple objectives. Moreover, the agent's preferences between different objectives may vary with time. In this paper, we consider the problem of learning in the presence of time-varying preferences among multiple objectives, using numeric weights to represent their importance. We propose a method that allows us to store a finite number of policies, choose an appropriate policy for any weight vector and improve upon it. The idea is that although there are infinitely many weight vectors, they may be well-covered by a small number of optimal policies. We show this empirically in two domains: a version of the Buridan's ass problem and network routing.
Numerical and experimental studies on the ejection of injection‐molded plastic products

Numerical and experimental studies have been conducted on the ejection stage of plastics injection molding process. A numerical approach is proposed to predict the ejection force from the mold-part constraining and friction forces as the product cools in the mold cavity up to the moment of ejection. The finite element thermoviscoelastic solidification analysis has taken into account the stress and volume relaxation behavior of polymers under the cavity-constrained condition. The predicted ejection force and its distribution over ejector pins are validated by injection molding experiment of rectangular boxes using a polycarbonate resin. Different cases of the ejector pin layout are evaluated to examine the effect of the number, location and dimension of ejector pins, so as to identify the balanced layout causing minimum stress and deformation to the product. The approach is also applied to another product geometry which shows complex distribution of the mold-part constraining and friction forces and involves multi-step operations in the demolding stage.
Characterization of Nitrosoalkane Binding and Activation of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase

Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is the primary receptor for the signaling agent nitric oxide (NO). Electronic absorption and resonance Raman spectroscopy were used to show that nitrosoalkanes bind to the heme of sGC to form six-coordinate, low-spin complexes. In the sGC−nitrosopentane complex, a band assigned to an Fe−N stretching vibration is observed at 543 cm-1 which is similar to values reported for other six-coordinate NO-bound hemoproteins. Nitrosoalkanes activate sGC 2−6-fold and synergize with YC-1, a synthetic benzylindazole derivative, to activate the enzyme 11−47-fold. In addition, the observed off-rates of nitrosoalkanes from sGC were found to be dependent on the alkyl chain length. A linear correlation was found between the observed off-rates and the alkyl chain length which suggests that the sGC heme has a large hydrophobic distal ligand-binding pocket. Together, these data show that nitrosoalkanes are a novel class of heme-based sGC activators and suggest that heme ligation is a general req...
Torsion of intraabdominal testicular tumors: A case report

BACKGROUND Torsion of an intraabdominal testicular tumor is a rare event. We report a new case and review the literature. METHODS A review of the literature was carried out in order to identify reported cases of an intraabdominal testicular tumor undergoing torsion of its vascular pedicle. Data on histologic type, common presenting signs and symptoms, radiographic studies, and adjuvant therapy were tabulated. RESULTS There are 36 reports of an intraabdominal testicular tumor presenting with torsion. The most common histologic types, in descending order, were seminoma, sarcoma, teratoma, embryonal carcinoma, and choriocarcinoma. Common presenting signs and symptoms included pain and/or tenderness, fever, nausea and/or vomiting, and a palpable mass. Most seminoma patients received adjuvant radiation therapy whereas one patient with choriocarcinoma received adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Although a rare event, the diagnosis of torsion of an intraabdominal testicular tumor should be considered in any patient presenting with an acute abdomen and a history of cryptorchidism. The presence of a mass may raise the index of suspicion. Preoperative investigation with computed tomography scanning may aid surgical planning. Cancer 1996;77:339-43.
Magnetic Relaxation Detector for Microbead Labels

A compact and robust magnetic label detector for biomedical assays is implemented in 0.18-μ m CMOS. Detection relies on the magnetic relaxation signature of a microbead label for improved tolerance to environmental variations and relaxed dynamic range requirement, eliminating the need for baseline calibration and reference sensors. The device includes embedded electromagnets to eliminate external magnets and reduce power dissipation. Correlated double sampling combined with offset servo loops and magnetic field modulation, suppresses the detector offset to sub-μ T. Single 4.5-μ m magnetic beads are detected in 16 ms with a probability of error <; 0.1%.
Yolk Platelets in Xenopus Oocytes Maintain an Acidic Internal pH Which May Be Essential for Sodium Accumulation

Yolk platelets constitute an embryonic endocytic compartment that stores maternally synthesized nutrients. The pH of Xenopus yolk platelets, measured by photometry on whole oocytes which had endocytosed FITC-vitellogenin, was found to be acidic (around pH 5.6). Experiments on digitonin-permeabilized oocytes showed that acidification was due to the activity of an NEM- and bafilomycin A1-sensitive vacuolar proton-ATPase. Proton pumping required chloride, but was not influenced by potassium or sodium. Passive proton leakage was slow, probably due to the buffer capacity of the yolk, and was dependent on the presence of cytoplasmic monovalent cations. In particular, sodium could drive proton efflux through an amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ exchanger. 8-Bromo-cyclic-AMP was found to increase acidification, suggesting that pH can be regulated by intracellular second messengers. The moderately acidic pH does not promote degradation of the yolk platelets, which in oocytes are stable for weeks, but it is likely to be required to maintain the integrity of these organelles. Furthermore, the pH gradient created by the proton pump, when coupled with the Na+/H+ exchanger, is probably responsible for the accumulation and storage of sodium into the yolk platelets during oogenesis.
WAIS performance in epileptics with unilateral interictal EEG abnormalities

A predictable relationship between Verbal Comprehension deficits and EEG abnormalities in the left hemisphere of patients with focal and generalized seizures has been reported. A relationship has also been reported between Perceptual Organization deficits and right-hemisphere EEG abnormalities. To extend and verify these findings, the performance of the left- and right-hemisphere seizure groups were compared using multivariate analyses of variance on three factors of cognitive performance: Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, and Freedom from Distractibility. Twenty-eight right-handed male subjects with focal seizures lateralized to either the left or right hemisphere by EEG were studied using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Our initial hypotheses that individuals with left-hemisphere seizure foci would perform significantly more poorly on Verbal Comprehension tasks and individuals with right-hemisphere seizure foci would perform significantly more poorly on Perceptual Organization tasks were not confirmed. The data suggest that theoretical bias may obscure the mechanism of cognitive dysfunction in epileptic populations.
RECPLT and TRIPLT: FORTRAN printer-plotting routines for rectangular and triangular plots

Abstract Computer routines for printer plotting of rectangular and triangular diagrams are described. The routines are general, so they can be used either as independent programs or integrated into user-written programs.
Cortical blindness following a near-drowning incident.

Victims of near-drowning incidents often suffer neurologic injury with long-term sequelae secondary to hypoxic-ischemic injury. We describe a case of profound visual loss due to bilateral occipital lobe infarcts in a 23-year-old male victim of a near-drowning incident. Language: en
Observational scores of dampness and mold associated with measurements of microbial agents and moisture in three public schools

We examined associations between observational dampness scores and measurements of microbial agents and moisture in three public schools. A dampness score was created for each room from 4-point-scale scores (0-3) of water damage, water stains, visible mold, moldy odor, and wetness for each of 8 room components (ceiling, walls, windows, floor, ventilation, furniture, floor trench, and pipes), when present. We created mixed microbial exposure indices (MMEIs) for each of 121 rooms by summing decile ranks of 8 analytes (total culturable fungi; total, Gram-negative, and Gram-positive culturable bacteria; ergosterol; (1→3)-β-D-glucan; muramic acid; and endotoxin) in floor dust. We found significant (P ≤ 0.01) linear associations between the dampness score and culturable bacteria (total, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative) and the MMEIs. Rooms with dampness scores greater than 0.25 (median) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels of most microbial agents, MMEIs, and relative moisture content than those with lower scores (≤0.25). Rooms with reported recent water leaks had significantly (P < 0.05) higher dampness scores than those with historical or no reported water leaks. This study suggests that observational assessment of dampness and mold using a standardized form may be valuable for identifying and documenting water damage and associated microbial contamination.
Effects of moderate exercise on semen parameters and serum LH and cortisol concentrations in stallions

Continued training (exercise) of stallions during the breeding season remains controversial. Some stallions seem to benefit from exercise, and it appears to assist in their behavioral management. Prior research in this area utilized low intensity exercise protocols, did not incorporate controls or was evaluated in restrospect. Potential effects of exercise on semen parameters of stallions may be related to the exercise alone, a likely increase in testicular temperature due to exercise, or both. The purpose of this study was to measure changes in subcutaneous scrotal temperature to determine the effect of exercise-induced heat stress on seminal parameters and related hormones. Miniature Horse stallions (n1⁄48) were blocked by age, testicular volume, total sperm/ejaculate and % normal sperm into a non-exercised (Non-EX) or exercised (EX) group. Stallions were housed individually in stalls and permitted free exercise in small paddocks every other day. Four weeks prior to beginning the study(wJune 1) , all stallions were implanted with a subdermal thermal sensory device (Digital Angel., St. Paul, MN) in the scrotum to determine subcutaneous scrotal temperature. Exercised stallions wereworked outside beginning at 1200 for 30min daily for 4 d/wk to a target heart rate of 160 bpmwhich was maintained for 15 min using a motorized equine free exerciser. Non-exercised stallions were tied in close proximity to the exerciser in the sun. Temperatures (rectal and
USING BRAKING TO CONTROL THE LATERAL MOTIONS OF FULL TRAILERS

Abstract This paper provides analytical and simulation results showing the performance benefits available from using an electronic braking system to apply yawing torques (through differential side-to-side braking) so as to aid in controlling the lateral snaking motions of multiply articulated heavy vehicles employing full trailers.
Efficiently computing minimax expected-size confidence regions

Given observed data and a collection of parameterized candidate models, a 1 -- α confidence region in parameter space provides useful insight as to those models which are a good fit to the data, all while keeping the probability of incorrect exclusion below α. With complex models, optimally precise procedures (those with small expected size) are, in practice, difficult to derive; one solution is the Minimax Expected-Size (MES) confidence procedure. The key computational problem of MES is computing a minimax equilibria to a certain zero-sum game. We show that this game is convex with bilinear payoffs, allowing us to apply any convex game solver, including linear programming. Exploiting the sparsity of the matrix, along with using fast linear programming software, allows us to compute approximate minimax expected-size confidence regions orders of magnitude faster than previously published methods. We test these approaches by estimating parameters for a cosmological model.
Alternatively spliced transcripts of Pi-ta blast resistance gene in Oryza sativa ☆

Abstract The Pi-ta gene in rice (Oryza sativa L.) confers resistance to races of Magnaporthe oryzae B. Couch containing its cognate avirulence gene AVR-Pita. Pi-ta is a single-copy plant resistance (R) gene encoding a protein belonging to the nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) class. In the present study, we report alternative splicing events at the Pi-ta locus, the identification of new introns and novel differentially used splice sites associated with the Pi-ta gene. A total of 12 transcript variants were predicted with ORFs ranging from 945 to 3099 bp and encoding 11 distinct putative products between 315 and 1033 amino acids. Among them, five preserve complete NBS-LRR domains and two couple the original NBS-LRR domain of the Pi-ta protein with a C-terminal thioredoxin (TRX) domain. Gene expression analysis revealed that transcript variants encoding the TRX domain had, in a resistant Pi-ta containing rice variety, the highest level of expression in comparison to the other full length or truncated transcripts. These post-transcriptional modifications of Pi-ta produce a series of transcript isoforms that could have a significant role in the R gene regulation and/or may increase protein diversity. To our knowledge, this study represents the first report of alternative splicing of a CC-NBS-LRR gene producing truncated isoforms at both their 5′ or 3′ terminus and including transcripts with a TRX domain at their C-terminus.
Mainstreaming Intelligent Transportation Systems: Survey of California Leaders

Factors affecting the implementation of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) as a "mainstream" transportation planning activity are investigated. Interviews with 51 leaders from a cross section of jurisdictions and agencies in California are drawn upon. The interviews revealed that the vast majority of elected officials and senior staff are familiar with ITS but are irritated by ITS literature, which they view as heavily promotional and full of jargon. Many believe that ITS is being implemented fairly quickly overall and that ITS elements that are not proceeding well suffer from institutional problems or market weaknesses. Respondents do not see a problem in fitting ITS projects into mainstream transportation planning processes, but they complain of a lack of good information on ITS benefits and costs. Many are concerned that ITS evaluations have not been conducted objectively and focus too heavily on system benefits rather than traveler benefits. Many believe that the private sector should be left to...
Slope Position and Erosional Effects on Soil Properties and Corn Production on a Miamian Soil in Central Ohio

ABSTRACT Corn (Zea mays L.) growth and yield were related to surface soil properties and slope position on field runoff plots established on a Miamian (Typic Hapludalf) soil with 5 to 6% slope in central Ohio. The 3-year study conducted from 1988 through 1991 involved four treatments designed to create different magnitude of soil erosion: (1) disk-plowing up and down the slope (DP), (2) disk-plowing up and down the slope followed by protective netting suspended about 0.15 m above the soil surface (PN), (3) uncultivated bare fallow without any vegetation cover followed by removal of topsoil to 0.2 m depth (R), and (4) uncultivated fallow with natural vegetation cover followed by plowing (F). These treatments were imposed during 1988 and 1989 on runoff plots of 1.8 × 15 m, and all treatments were replicated three times. Surface soil of the R treatment was removed to 0.2 m depth in May 1990. From there on, all plots were plowed and planted to corn. Measurements of soil properties and corn growth were made at...
Enabling B2B marketplaces: the case of GE global exchange services

The objectives of the case are to provide an overview of the B2B segment of the e-business industry for students to understand the intricacies of how it functions, an in-depth example of how an industry can be analyzed, and an example of how to identify keys to success for a company, GE Global Exchange Services (GXS). Other subject matter objectives are to provide an example of how a company car: identify opportunities and threats in its industry and how to analyze competitive market situations, develop alternative strategies, evaluate the consequences of decision models, and make winning corporate decisions.