cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Impact of Individual Perceived Image Quality Features on Visual Performance

Purpose This study aimed to quantify the impact of blur, contrast, and ghosting on perceived overall image quality (IQ) as well as resultant predicted visual acuity, utilizing simulated acuity charts from objective refraction among eyes of individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Methods Acuity charts were produced, simulating the retinal image when applying 16 different metric-derived sphero-cylindrical refractions for each eye of 30 adult patients with DS. Fourteen dilated adult observers (normal vision) viewed subsets of logMAR acuity charts displayed on an LCD monitor monocularly through a unit magnification 3-mm aperture telescope. Observers rated features blur, ghosting, and contrast on 10-point scales (10 = poorest) and overall IQ on a 0- to 100-point scale (100 = best) and read each chart until five total letters were missed (logMAR technique). Mixed modeling was used to estimate feature influence on overall perceived IQ and relative acuity (compared with an unaberrated chart), separately. Results Perceived IQ spanned the entire scale (mean = 59 ± 22) and average reduction in relative acuity was two lines (0.2 ± 0.14 logMAR). Perceived blur, ghosting, and contrast were individually correlated with overall IQ and relative acuity. Blur, contrast, and ghosting exert unique effects on overall perceived IQ (P < 0.05). Blur (b = -.009, P < 0.001) and ghosting (b = -.003, P < 0.001) influence relative acuity over and beyond their effects on overall IQ (b = .001, P < 0.0001) and contrast. Conclusions Objectively identified refractions would ideally provide high contrast, low blur, and low ghosting. These data suggest that blur and ghosting may be given priority over contrast when improving acuity is the goal. Translational Relevance Findings may guide objective refraction in clinical care.
Towards Security and Privacy of SCADA Systems through Decentralized Architecture

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are typically of complex as well as centralized in nature which control and monitor the physical processes through field devices and actuators. SCADA systems are heavily utilized in Critical National Infrastructures, such as electrical power generation plants, water supplies, and gas pipelines. The proper and continuous operation of such systems is crucial for the economic growth of government and our society. The adoption of modern communication technologies in the SCADA system to enable efficient monitoring of human-inaccessible environment potentially introduces several security vulnerabilities including denial of service attacks, data and identity spoofing, and data poisoning etc. Such security vulnerabilities negatively impact the system's operational capability. In this paper, we first review the security postures of modern SCADA systems by understanding the architectural components. Then, we analyze the security challenges and vulnerabilities associated with these architectures. We also provide a high level decentralized SCADA system architecture that potentially alleviates the above-stated security issues by utilizing the benefit of tamper-resistant ledger.
Hindu and Indian Developments

It has been two years since the publication of Volume One of the Bioethics Yearbook, a short time in the life of an ancient civilization. Except for specific developments on several issues that will be reported in Section II of this essay, only a modest amount of reflection in bioethics has transpired since 1990 in Hindu thought or in Indian medical practice. Yet the same two years have been a long time in the life of a people in cultural transition. India has been torn by interreligious and communal strife which, although not new, has recently increased dramatically in ferocity and intensity. Strife between the Hindu and Muslim communities has engulfed most of India, and places that previously had been known for their inter-faith amity have been engulfed in flames.
Rare Transsellar Collateral Artery and Secondary Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysm in a Young Adult with Internal Carotid Artery Aplasia

Internal carotid artery (ICA) aplasia is a rare congenital abnormality in which the third aortic arch fails to develop. Most collateral circulation will originate from the circle of Willis, with other sites being rare. Changes in flow through the collateral vasculature result in aneurysm formation at a young age. A 38-year-old woman had an incidental diagnosis of left ICA aplasia and right ophthalmic artery aneurysm. Arteriography demonstrated that the left supraclinoid ICA originated from the right cavernous ICA and appeared as an anomalous hypertrophied transsellar artery on angiography. Her flow-related aneurysm was treated uneventfully. The present case demonstrates an extremely rare Lie type D collateralization pattern and secondary flow-rated aneurysm in the context of ICA aplasia. Patients identified with this anatomic variant should be monitored for subsequent aneurysm formation. Identification of this variant before endovascular and transsphenoidal procedures is crucial to prevent major intracranial vessel injury.
Job Growth from Opportunity Zones

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 established a new program called Opportunity Zones (OZs) that created tax advantages for investing in businesses or real estate in a limited number of low-income Census tracts. We use a census of establishment-level data on employment to identify the effect of the program on job creation. We show that in metropolitan areas, the OZ designation increased employment growth relative to comparable tracts by between 3.0 and 4.5 percentage points and new jobs were created across many different industries and education levels. The OZ designation did not create jobs in rural areas.
Continuity of Care in a Student-Run Free Clinic: Impact on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk.

Background and objectives Medical student-run free clinics (SRFC) provide underserved patients access to health care. Few studies have examined the effects of specific care models implemented by these clinics. We looked at the impact of a continuity of care delivery model on chronic care outcomes at an SRFC sponsored by Ohio State University College of Medicine. Methods Using the SRFC electronic medical records, we abstracted health records of patients at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We formed three study groups matched on age and gender. Group 1 were the patients enrolled in a continuity of care program, Group 2 were patients who visit the SRFC at 3-month intervals, and Group 3 were sporadic visitors. Authors compared groups' ASCVD risk score change over 12 months using a Group x Time Analysis of Variance. Results We identified 81 subjects that met the qualifications for this study and assigned them to one of the three study groups. A Group x Time interaction showed that mean ASCVD risk scores improved significantly for continuity of care patients and regular visitor controls, but not for sporadic controls (F=3.82; df=2/1.72; P=.035; es=1.28). Conclusions This SRFCs continuity of care delivery had no appreciable impact on lowering ASCVD Risk scores over and above frequent regular visits to the clinic. This finding suggests that SRFCs should focus on getting their chronic patient population to maintain a schedule of frequent check-ups, without investing in continuity of care. Longer-term studies are needed to detect a continuity of care delivery model effect.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) composite sensors for volatile organic compounds detection in breath

Abstract This paper presents three poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) composite-based sensors for detecting volatile organic compunds (VOCs) in the presence of water vapor applicable in breath based sensing. Three sensors with varying sensitivities to acetone, water, ethanol, isoprene, and 2-ethylhexyl acetate (2-EHA), representing VOCs found in breath, have been developed. A sensor fabricated by spray coating PVDF-HFP/C65 composite ( Sensor-1 ) exhibited a 52.6% increase in resistance when exposed to acetone, while the change was less than 0.34% for water. The resistance changes for ethanol, isoprene, and 2-EHA, were 5.6%, 3%, and 0.11%, respectively. The second sensor ( Sensor-2 ), with a two-layer design of PVDF-HFP and PVDF-HFP/C65, was fabricated by a spin coating method, which exhibited improved response times. The response times of Sensor-2 compared to Sensor-1 decreased by 52% for acetone, 92% for water, 30% for ethanol, and 61% for isoprene. In the third sensor ( Sensor-3 ), the addition of carbon nanotube (CNT) in the composite (PVDF-HFP/C65/CNT) caused a decrease in resistance when exposed to water. This is in contrast to Sensors 1 & 2 where resistance increased for all VOCs, and provides a higher selectivity for the system. The results from the three sensors were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and it was demonstrated that the combined responses of these sensors provide a high selectivity. The sensor fabrication, testing methods, and results are presented and discussed.
The distribution and abundance of soil arthropods in the Northern Mojave desert

Arthropods were extracted from soil samples taken from around four perennial plant species in Rock Valley, Nevada, from January to December 1974. The pattern of distribution of the arthropods about the shrubs is described and a model has been constructed to estimate population densities and biomasses. Total arthropod densities ranged from 1600 per m2 in July to 12,400 per m2 in December. Total biomass was also lowest in July, 8·7 mg/m2, and reached 37·2 mg/m2 in May. The majority of animals collected belonged to the Acari, and of these the Cryptostigmata and the prostigmatid families, Nanorchestidae and Tydeidae, were most abundant. Seasonal variations in the distribution patterns are discussed.
Effect of Taxol and Taxotere on Gene Expression in Macrophages: Induction of the Prostaglandin H Synthase-2 Isoenzyme

Induction of genes encoding cytokines or other, unidentified proteins may contribute to the pharmacological effects of taxol. We hypothesized that prostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGHS-2) was one of the unidentified genes induced by taxol. Taxol alone or taxol plus IFN-gamma increased PGE2 formation, PGHS-2 protein expression, and PGHS-2 mRNA expression in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. The kinetics for mRNA induction, protein expression, and catalysis were self-consistent. A selective inhibitor of PGHS-2 blocked PGE2 formation by cells incubated with taxol; a selective inhibitor of PGHS-1 had no effect. A glucocorticoid blocked the induction of mRNA, the expression of PGHS-2 protein, and the formation of PGE2. Neither taxol alone nor taxol plus IFN-gamma altered the expression of the PGHS-1 isoenzyme in RAW 264.7 cells. Taxotere, an analogue that stabilizes microtubules as potently as taxol, did not alter the expression of PGHS-2, implying that its induction in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages did not originate from microtubule stabilization. Taxol and taxotere each induced PGHS-2 expression in human monocytes suspended in 10% human serum. However, human monocytes suspended in 10% bovine serum responded only to LPS, not to taxol or taxotere, implying that they act independently of the LPS-mimetic process that is prominent in mice. Taxol induced PGHS-2 in human and murine monocytes via a p38 mitogen-associated protein kinase pathway. The inclusion of PGHS-2 among the early response genes induced in leukocytes may be relevant to the beneficial and adverse effects encountered during taxol administration.
Measuring Magnetic Oscillations in the Solar Photosphere: Coordinated Observations With MDI, ASP and MWO

A comprehensive observing effort was undertaken to simultaneously obtain full Stokes profiles as well as longitudinal magnetogram maps of a positive plage region on 8 December, 1998 with the Michelson Doppler Imager, the Advanced Stokes Polarimeter and Mt. Wilson Observatory magnetograph. We compare 1.2″ spatially-averaged signals of velocities as well as filter magneto-graph longitudinal flux signals with Stokes determined fluctuations in filling factor, field inclination, magnetic flux and field strength. The velocity signals are in excellent agreement. Michelson Doppler Imager magnetic flux correlates best with fluctuations in the Advanced Stokes Polarimeter filling factor, not inclination angle or field strength. A correlated flux and filling factor change in the absence of a field strength fluctuation can be understood in terms of internally unperturbed flux tubes being buffeted by external pressure fluctuations. The 12.5″ square aperture spatially averaged Mt. Wilson magnetograph signals are compared with Michelson Doppler Imager signals from the corresponding observing area. Velocity signals are in superb agreement. Magnetic signals exhibit similar oscillatory behavior. Lack of Advanced Stokes Polarimeter data for this time excludes interpretation of magnetic fluctuations as due to filling factor or field inclination angle. Mt. Wilson Observatory simultaneous sampling of the nickel and sodium spectral line profiles with several wing pairs allowed inter-comparison of signals from different heights of formation. Slight phase shifts and large propagation speeds for the velocity signals are indicative of modified standing waves. Phase speeds associated with magnetic signals are characteristic of photospheric Alfven speeds for plage fields. The phase speed increase with height agrees with the altitude dependence of the Alfven speed. The observed fluctuations and phases are interpreted as a superposition of signatures from the horizontal component of the driving mechanism sweeping the field lines in/out of the resolution area and the magnetic response of the flux tube to this buffeting.
On stable self-similar blowup for equivariant wave maps

Reference EPFL-ARTICLE-166023doi:10.1002/cpa.20366 URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/1003.0707 Record created on 2011-05-23, modified on 2017-05-12
ASIS&T annual meeting pre-conference activities: From vision to reality: The emerging information professional

Editor's Summary At a panel organized by the Information Professionals Task Force for the 2012 ASIST panelists pointed to opportunities in nontraditional information environments.
The Borrelia burgdorferi flaB promoter has an extended -10 element and includes a T-rich -35/-10 spacer sequence that is essential for optimal activity.

In this study, we investigated the functional elements of the flaB promoter of Borrelia burgdorferi . Promoter function was examined in a high-passage variant of strain JD1 using a set of 5′ deletions and mutations within the flaB promoter. Expression from the modified flaB promoters was assayed using the gene for green fluorescent protein ( gfp ) as a reporter. Although the −35 element of the promoter stimulated promoter activity, its disruption did not negate expression. Sequences upstream of the −35 had no effect on expression. The −35/−10 spacer region composed of a T-rich sequence was critical for optimal promoter function. Surprisingly, a cytosine at the −13 site was found to be more favorable for transcription compared with a guanosine at the same site. Based on these results and other characteristics, we propose that the B. burgdorferi flaB promoter is an example of an extended −10 promoter. Further, the T-rich spacer is a key element of the flaB promoter that contributes to the abundance of the flagellar core protein in Borrelia species.
Characterization of NH overtone and combination bands in the near-infrared absorption spectra of simple cyclic imides

Abstract Bands due to overtone and combination vibrational modes attributable to the imide grouping have been elucidated in the near-IR absorption spectra of small-ring cyclic imides, in which the grouping is in a cis, cis conformation. The spectra closely parallel the spectra of cis lactams except that two combination modes involving the carbonyl stretching fundamental, [ν(NH) + ν(CO)] and [2ν(C=O) + imide III], occur at higher wavenumbers in the imide spectra, reflecting the higher frequency at which this fundamental absorbs. This same factor results in a reversal in the wavenumber positions of the [2ν(CO) + imide III] and [ν(NH) + imide III] combination bands in the imide spectra relative to those in the lactam spectra. In addition, in-phase and out-of-phase vibrational coupling between the two carbonyl groups in the imides may compound the band due to the [ν(NH) + ν(CO)] combination mode. These three spectral characteristics serve to distinguish the imides from the lactams in the near-IR.
A solar attitude controller for extending operational life-span of communications satellites

Abstract Proposed here is the idea of incorporating system redundancy through the provision of a solar attitude controller for possible use in contingencies and/ or during the “last leg” of an axisymmetric satellite engaged in a geosynchronous communications mission when fuel available on board for orbital plane control maneuvers and/or attitude control is depleted. The solar torques generated by suitably regulating the movements of the control surfaces provide for continual tilting of the satellite ensuring its alignment with the satellite-Earth line-of-sight and, hence, uninterrupted communications even after its orbit becomes eccentric and its plane gradually drifts away from the equatorial plane.
Microsatellite markers in avocado (Persea americana Mill.): development of dinucleotide and trinucleotide markers

This paper compares the development of microsatellite markers from two genomic DNA libraries of avocado cultivar Hass enriched for dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeats. Sequencing showed 86 and 31% of clones from the respective libraries to contain microsatellites. However, banding profiles of trinucleotide loci were easier to interpret than those of dinucleotide loci. Of 376 dinucleotide-containing clones, 81% harbored AG repeats and 19% contained AC repeats. A subset of 104 trinucleotide-containing clones consisted of ATG repeats (44%), AGT repeats (30%), and AAG repeats (16%). Array lengths of up to 34 were attained in the dinucleotide repeat microsatellites, whereas trinucleotide arrays never exceeded 11 elements. Typing 37 genotypes at 25 loci (11 dinucleotide and 14 trinucleotide loci) revealed a total of 204 alleles, of which 60% originated from the dinucleotide loci. Average heterozygosity of the di- and trinucleotide loci was 73.4 and 52.6%, respectively. Many loci, especially dinucleotide loci, exhibited allele size differences that were not multiples of the repeat unit, suggesting nonstepwise mutational mechanisms. Several loci were additionally characterized by large gaps in the allele size distribution.
Machining Performance and Health Effects of Cutting Fluid Application in Drilling of A390.0 Cast Aluminum Alloy

Environmental issues in machining have led to a push to curtail the use of cutting fluids. However, cutting fluid effects on part quality, process planning, and operator exposure to aerosols need to be first studied. The effects of cutting fluid application on hole accuracy and mist generation have been studied for blind-hole drilling of A390.0 aluminum alloy. Different cutting fluid types and application modes were tested under varying conditions of cutting speed, feed, and hole depth. The cooling and chip-transporting ability of cutting fluids was found to have the maximum effect on dimensional accuracy. Dry cutting yielded holes with the least accuracy, while mist lubrication was found to give superior dimensional accuracy to dry cutting but had the worst aerosol concentration. Flooding with synthetic cutting fluid gave the best overall results.
Stenting for Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is the most common cause of renal artery stenosis in the adult population. ARAS may result in progressive renal impairment, renovascular hypertension, and/or cardiac disturbance syndromes. Because medical therapy does not affect the progressive nature of this disease process, more aggressive treatments are needed to definitively treat ARAS. When performed correctly, renal artery stenting has been shown to stabilize or improve renal function and/or renovascular hypertension in 65-70% of carefully selected patients with ARAS. Therefore, percutaneous renal artery stenting should be considered the primary treatment for patients with symptomatic ARAS.
The Internet and the Grass Roots

L'A. se demande ce que les mouvements ecologistes ont a gagner du type de participation sociale que permet l'Internet, au-dela de l'outil d'information et de communication qu'il represente. Partant d'une approche en termes de mobilisation des ressources pour expliquer les mouvements sociaux, l'A. avance que les modes de participation formels n'ont jamais suffi aux ecologistes et qu'ils ont toujours du avoir recours a d'autres formes de mobilisations comme les manifestations et autres formes de protestations et d'actions collectives. Pour se faire entendre des politiques face a de puissants groupes d'interets economiques, les mouvements ecologistes ne peuvent se permettre de limiter leur expression a l'Internet
Modelling waves and currents at the LSTF and other laboratory facilities

The main objective of the paper is to use the detailed measurements of wave and current motions in the Large-scale Sediment Transport Facility (LSTF) at the Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL), ERDC, Vicksburg, to compare with model simulations and particularly to investigate the accuracy of two wave models used for driving nearshore circulation computations. The major questions asked are how accurate are the models? And how do the inevitable inaccuracies in the prediction of the wave quantities influence the current predictions? The LSTF is one of a few large-scale facilities around the world designed to accurately reproduce the 2-D horizontal flow and sediment conditions in the nearshore region of a littoral coast. The measurements include all relevant wave data such as wave heights, setup variations, 2-D current distributions across the basin, and a detailed cross-shore array of measurements of the 3-D current structures. The two wave model formulations used for the comparisons are versions of the kinematic wave model, one using sinusoidal the other using non-sinusoidal wave shapes both before and after wave breaking, as wave drivers in the quasi-3-D model SHORECIRC (SC). The comparisons with the measurements are aimed at providing an overall picture of both the flow conditions and the model performance. The discussions provide insight into the mechanisms behind the complex nearshore dynamics and demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the two methods in a comprehensive comparison of available wave and current data. The comparisons also reveal that an essential requirement for a wave driver is its capability to represent the phase motion of the wave and its capability to correctly predict the phase speed of waves.
The Cross‐Regional Variation of In‐Migration and Out‐Migration

The differences between in-migration and out-migration are analyzed using data for the United States. The results show that "in-migration is often more geographically focused than out-migration. A contributing factor is that a regions pool of potential out-migrants is smaller than its pool of potential in-migrants. [The authors] derive conditions under which in-migration will have greater expected cross-regional variation than out-migration. Skewed distributions of regional attractiveness may magnify the effect." (EXCERPT)
Broiler Chick Response to Low Protein Diets Supplemented with Synthetic Amino Acids

Performance of broiler chicks fed low protein diets supplemented with several essential amino acids (EAA) is generally inferior to that of birds fed a higher protein diet composed primarily of intact protein. Two experiments were conducted to determine whether lowering the minimum requirements of the EAA in proportion to the lowered protein concentration or equalizing the dietary amino nitrogen content by use of glutamic acid would prevent the reduction in performance. Chicks were fed the experimental diets from 7 to 21 days of age, and body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed efficiency were determined. In the first experiment, the chicks were fed diets with 23, 20, or 17% CP with minimum EAA set at 100% of the 1984 National Research Council (NRC) suggested requirements. Other groups were fed the 20% CP diet with EAA set at 93.5% or the 17% CP diet set at either 93.5 or 87.5% of the NRC requirements. In the second experiment, the 23% and 17% CP diets were fed, and glutamic acid was added at 3, 6, or 9% to provide the amino nitrogen equivalent of 23% protein with the minimum EAA set at 100% of 1984 NRC requirements. In the first experiment, body weight gain and feed efficiency, but not feed intake, were depressed by lowering CP content. Reducing the minimum EAA requirements in proportion to the reduction in CP failed to correct the difference in performance between the high and low CP diets. In Experiment 2, body weight gain and feed intake were reduced as intact CP decreased and glutamic acid increased, but feed efficiency was unaffected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
On the mechanism of antithrombotic action of flavonoids.

Flavonols (quercetin and rutin) and flavanes (cyanidol and meciadonol) were studied for their effect on non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation, lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase activities, binding to albumin and platelet membranes. These biochemical properties of four flavonoids were compared with respect to their antithrombotic action in vivo and their efficacy at influencing the platelet-endothelium interaction in vitro. All four flavonoids inhibited the ascorbate-stimulated formation of malondialdehyde by boiled rat liver microsomes (quercetin greater than rutin approximately cyanidol approximately meciadonol) and inhibited platelet lipoxygenase activity (quercetin greater than cyanidol greater than meciadonol greater than rutin) whereas only flavonols, but not flavanes, stimulated cyclo-oxygenase and were bound to platelet membranes. The same two flavonols dispersed platelet thrombi which were adhering to the rabbit aortic endothelium in vitro (EC50 for quercetin was 80 nM and for rutin 500 nM) and prevented platelets from aggregation over blood-superfused collagen strip in vivo (ED50 for quercetin was 5 nmol/kg and for rutin 33 nmol/kg i.v.). Cyanidol and meciadonol were not effective as anti-thrombotic agents. It is concluded that activated platelets adhering to vascular endothelium generate lipid peroxides and oxygen-free radicals which inhibit endothelial biosynthesis of prostacyclin and destroy endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Flavonols are anti-thrombotic because they are selectively bound to mural platelet thrombi and owing to their free radical scavenging properties resuscitate biosynthesis and action of endothelial prostacyclin and EDRF. Thus, flavonols release the thrombolytic and vasoprotective endothelial mediators only in these vascular segments which are covered by a carpet of aggregating platelets.
Polyalanine-based peptides as models for self-associated beta-pleated-sheet complexes.

The occurrence of beta-sheet motifs in a number of neurodegenerative disorders has brought about the need for the de novo design of soluble model beta-sheet complexes. Such model complexes are expected to further the understanding of the interconversion processes that occur from cellular allowed random coil or alpha-helical conformation into insoluble cell-deleterious beta-pleated-sheet motifs. In the present study, polyalanine-based peptides (i.e., derived from Ac-KA14K-NH2) were designed that underwent conformational changes from monomeric random coil conformations into soluble, macromolecular beta-pleated-sheet complexes without any covalent modification. The interconversion was found to be length-, environment-, and concentration-dependent and to be driven by hydrophobic interactions between the methyl groups of the alanine side chains. A series of substitution analogs of Ac-KA14K-NH2 was used to study the amino acid acceptability within the hydrophobic core of the complex, as well as at both termini. The formation of amyloid plaques in a number of amyloidogenic peptides could be related to the presence of amino acids within their sequences that were found to have a high propensity to occur in these model beta-sheet complexes.
FORMULATION AND ASSESSMENT OF A CROSS-PLANE ELECTRICAL MODEL FOR MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC CHANNELS.

A model for calculating cross-plane current and electric field distributions in MHD generator channels is formulated and numerically solved. The chief advantage of this model is that its solution can be implemented on the IBM 3033 digital computer in less than 1 CPU second and thus the model can be conveniently coupled to a full three-dimensional gasdynamics analysis. The model is equally valid for Faraday, diagonal-insulating-sidewall, and diagonal-conducting-sidewall channels. Accuracy of the model is calibrated by comparing its predictions with the results of three-dimensional finite-segmentation analyses. The model is found to perform best for channels with low wall temperatures and low electrode pitch-to-height ratios and when the boundary layers are thick. A discussion is given of the roles of the nonuniformity in normal current density, as predicted by the model, leading to velocity overshoots in the boundary layers, and of the transverse nonuniformity in Hall current density, generating secondary flows.
Global systems: Advancing global competency in an innovative course for sophomores

Twenty-first century engineers are practicing their profession in an increasingly globalized world. It has been widely recognized that the process of globalization should have an influence on how engineers are educated. This paper describes the goals for, and the design of, a course for sophomores — Global Systems — with a focus on the assessment strategies used. The main student learning objectives are to demonstrate content awareness of globalization, demonstrate growth in communication and teamwork skills, demonstrate the ability to frame complex issues systematically, and demonstrate motivation to act professionally and as a global citizen. Several assessment strategies were employed, including written examinations, video capture of solo and group presentations, and a self-assessment report based on guided reflection. Overall the course was successful in meeting its objectives in a cost-effective manner. Opportunities for improvement were identified by the assessment process and will be incorporated in subsequent course offerings.
On the Clustering of Lyα Clouds, High-Redshift Galaxies, and Underlying Mass

We examine the correlation property of Lyα forest (along the line of sight) utilizing a hydrodynamic simulation of Lyα clouds in a cold dark matter universe with a cosmological constant, and compare it to the correlation of underlying mass and galaxies. A consistent picture seems to emerge: the correlation strength for a given set of objects is positively correlated with their characteristic global density and the differences among the correlations of galaxies, Lyα clouds, and mass reflect the differences in density that each trace. We find that the galaxies are strongly biased (nearly independent of scales) over mass by a factor of ~3.0, in accord with recent observations of high-redshift galaxies. The correlation strength of Lyα clouds with column densities of 1013-1014 cm-2 is comparable to that of total mass. Positive correlations with a strength of 0.1-1.0 are found for Lyα clouds in the velocity range 50-300 km s-1. The correlation is less than 0.3 at Δv > 300 km s-1, but here our simulated box is too small to give a reliable measure. Among the correlational measures examined, an optical depth correlation function (eq. [5]) proposed here may serve as the best correlational measure. It faithfully represents the true correlation of the underlying matter, enabling a better indication of the relationship between galaxies, Lyα clouds, and underlying mass. Furthermore, it appears to be a better alternative to the conventional line-line correlation function, because it does not require ambiguous postobservation fitting procedures such as those commonly employed in the conventional line-fitting methods. Neither does it depend sensitively on the observational resolution (e.g., FWHM), insofar as the clouds are resolved (i.e., the FWHM is smaller than the line width). Conveniently, it can be easily measured with the current observational sensitivity without being contaminated significantly by the presence of noise.
Video Self-Assessment Augments Development of Videoscopic Suturing Skill

Background Development of surgical skills on inanimate models has been popularized by efforts to improve patient safety and efficiency of resident training. We evaluated whether surgical residents' acquisition of videoscopic suturing skill is accelerated by reviewing video of their own previous practice session. Study Design Fourteen residents from two general surgery training programs received didactic instruction on laparoscopy. Attempts at suturing and knotting were then timed and recorded for each subject, and half of them were provided a video of their attempts to review. After 7 to 10 days, repeat attempts were timed and recorded. Knots were mechanically tested, and videos were reviewed in blinded fashion. Results Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Both groups demonstrated improvement of videoscopic suturing efficiency and quality. On a 27-point scale, suturing and knot quality scores improved by an average of 11.6 (SD 3.9) in the video review group and 2.3 (SD 6.0) in the control group (p = 0.007). Times to complete the tasks were reduced by 30.3% (SD 11%) in the video review group and 3.1% (SD 32%) in the control group (p = 0.075). Eighty-six percent of video review subjects found the videos useful, and 86% of control subjects believed that videos would have been useful. Conclusions Development of videoscopic suturing skill is augmented by independent review of earlier attempts. Knot quality and technique are improved, with a trend toward increased speed. This minimal-cost method of enhancing skill training for junior residents parallels the effectiveness of video review in fields such as aviation and athletics.
Flexural Properties of Brittle Multilayer Materials: II, Experiments

An experimental investigation of the flexural properties of a variety of brittle multilayer materials has been conducted. The results have been compared with the predictions of a model presented in a companion paper. Three types of systems have been studied. The first consisted of glass sheets bonded together with a thermoplastic adhesive. The glass sheets had been precracked by indentation prior to bonding such that their strengths were essentially deterministic. The flexural response of this system is characterized by an initial linear elastic regime, followed by a stepwise reduction in the stress–strain curve during cracking. The second system consisted of thin glass sheets (without indents), also bonded with a thermoplastic adhesive. This system exhibited flexural characteristics similar to those found in the system with indented glass plates. In both systems, the measured stress–strain behavior was in good agreement with the model predictions, incorporating the strength characteristics of the constituent layers. The third type of system was a hybrid composite comprised of alternating layers of a brittle phase (either glass or Al2O3) and a carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy composite. These systems exhibited an initial linear elastic response, followed by a regime in which multiple cracks formed in each of the brittle layers, with the exception of the one on the compressive face. This process generally occurred subject to a progressively increasing stress. None of the fiber-reinforced layers failed during this stage. The peak stress coincided with the onset of failure of the fiber-reinforced layers. The progressive failure of these layers was accompanied by steplike load drops, similar to those observed in the single-phase glass multilayer specimens. The measured response of these systems was qualitatively consistent with the model predictions, though some discrepancies have been noted and their origins briefly discussed.
Erythema induratum and streptococcosis.

An 8-year-old girl with erythema induratum confirmed by histologic studies is described. The patient had a positive tuberculin skin test and a high antistreptolysin O titer in the serum. She was treated solely with penicillin for 1 month with prompt regression and disappearance of the lesions. There was no recrudescense of the lesions 1 year later. The suggestion is made that the role of streptococci as a factor in the pathogenesis of erythema induratum should be investigated.
The rural utility response to Colorado’s electricity mandates

Abstract When Colorado voters passed Amendment 37 in 2004, it became the first state to pass a renewable portfolio standard at the ballet box, suggesting broad appeal to harness and pay for renewable energy. While large urban utilities are prepared to make this transition, smaller cities and rural areas, for various financial and scale issues are severely disadvantaged in trying to incorporate more renewable energy sources into their electricity mix. This was evident by the state's support for Amendment 37, which was passed due to strong support in the Denver metro area—representing nearly half of the state's population. Support for the bill was poor in the rest of the state. Nevertheless, in 2007, the state expanded up Amendment 37 by forcing the utilities in rural communities to diversify their electricity mix. This study surveyed the managers at the state's various rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in an effort to gage their attitudes concerning: carbon legislation, conservation and efficiency programs, and their plans for making the transition away from fossil fuel generation.
Commodity storage valuation: A linear optimization based on traded instruments

A valuation methodology for commodity storage facilities is proposed. This model utilizes traded instruments to replicate the fundamental derivative components of commodity storage facilities. The methodology is robust to different commodities, physical characteristics, and markets for valuing these types of assets. Two examples using the U. S. natural gas markets are presented.
Olympic Games in China—a catalyst for smoke-free environments

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games are not only an international celebration of the performances of supreme athletes, but an opportunity to deliver a lasting Olympic legacy of smoke-free environments to the majority of China’s population of 1.3 billion people. Until recently, China’s 350 million smokers have been able to smoke anywhere, at any time and with little awareness of the dangers of smoking to themselves, the people they work with or their families. All that is changing since the Chinese government ratified the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control in 2005 and …
Novel Approach to Control Diameter of Self-Rolled Magnetic Microtubes by Anodizing Ti Layer

Stress engineering in multilayered thin-film patterns is the key to control the diameter of self-rolled magnetic structures. Arrays of magnetic microtubes were fabricated via a deterministic release of rectangular thin-film patterns of Ti(20 nm)/Ni(30 nm)/Au(2 nm) and Ti(20 nm)/GaFe(40 nm)/Au(15 nm) from a sacrificial underlayer of Cu. It is demonstrated that the expansion of the anodized Ti layer leads to a reduction of the diameter of the tubes by almost 50%. The changes of shape of the magnetic patterns from flat to tubular and further reduction of the tube diameter due to anodizing were accompanied by changes of their magnetic characteristics.
Mechanisms of the in vitro effects of amphetamine on rat sinus node automaticity and membrane potentials of atrial fibers

Abstract The main objective of this investigation was to clarify the mechanisms of the acute in vitro actions of amphetamine (AMP) on cardiac electrophysiology. Concentrations of AMP ranging from those considered clinically therapeutic to those considered toxic were tested in isolated rat sinoatrial tissues while recording membrane potentials with intracellular microelectrodes. In preparations beating spontaneously, 6.8 nM-2.71 μM AMP exerted a positive chronotropic action that was blocked by propranolol. The positive chronotropic action of 5.43 μM AMP was smaller than that of 2.71 μM AMP and was reversed by propranolol. Neither phentolamine nor atropine blocked this depressant action of AMP. It is concluded that the positive chronotropic action of AMP was beta-adrenergic and that beta-adrenergic block unmasked a negative chronotropic action of a high concentration of AMP, which was neither alpha-adrenergic nor muscarinic. In atrial fibers driven at a constant rate, 54.3 nM AMP prolonged the action potential duration (APD), without affecting the resting membrane potential (RMP), the action potential amplitude (APA), or the maximum velocity of phase 0, while 5.43 μM AMP reduced RMP, APA, and the maximum velocity of phase 0, and increased APD. The prolongation of APD, as well as the decreases of RMP and APA, was not abolished by propranolol, phentolamine, or 4-aminopyridine. Conversely, nifedipine abolished the effects of AMP on all three parameters. In general, AMP produced mainly a prolongation of the action potential. Only a high concentration of AMP decreased RMP and depressed phase 0 of the action potential. The effect of AMP on APD, RMP, and APA essentially involved increasing the influx of calcium through the L-type channels in the sarcolemma.
The induction of ventricular arrhythmias in acute myocardial ischemia by atrial pacing with long-short cycle sequences.

Recent studies emphasize the importance of heart rate in the genesis of ventricular arrhythmias during myocardial ischemia. The role of alterations in rhythm has not previously been systematically investigated. In 20 dogs subjected to acute myocardial ischemia and crushing of the sinus node, standard electrocardiographic leads were recorded, as well as His bundle and epicardial electrograms from the normal and ischemic areas. Abrupt pauses in regular atrial pacing did not cause arrhythmias prior to the onset of ischemia; however, during ischemia, atrial pacing with intermittent abrupt pauses resulted in the induction of ventricular arrhythmias beginning after the second conducted beat following each pause (ventricular premature beats, 20/20; ventricular tachycardia, 19/20; and ventricular fibrillation, 8/20). Onset of the arrhythmia was associated with increased delay in activation of ischemic epicardium and fractionation of the electrogram potential of the second conducted impulse. Typical Gouaux-Ashman phenomenon was an incidental observation. Unlike the Gouaux-Ashman phenomenon, which is restricted to the His-Purkinje system, the phenomenon we observed originated within ischemic myocardium. In vitro studies indicate that the underlying mechanism may be related to postrepolarization refractoriness induced by ischemia.
1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments for the full-length mammalian cytochrome b5 in a membrane environment

Microsomal cytochrome b5 plays a key role in the oxidation of a variety of exogenous and endogenous compounds, including drugs, fatty acids, cholesterol and steroid hormones. To better understand its functional properties in a membrane mimic environment, we carried out high-resolution solution NMR studies. Here we report resonance assignments for full-length rabbit cytochrome b5 embedded in dodecylphosphocholine micelles.
An LCAOMOSCF calculation of the infrared spectra of SiHSi three center bonds in aSi:H

Abstract The infrared vibrational frequencies and the disorder mode potential barriers of SiHSi bonds in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (aSi:H) are calculated. The molecular force constants and potential barriers for the SiHSi bonds are obtained from an LCAOMOSCF STO3G calculation on several configurations of the defect molecule H 3 ′SiHSiH 3 ′. The nuclear charges on the primed hydrogens (H′) have been adjusted to simulate the SiSi bonds which would be present in bulk aSi:H. The normal mode vibrational frequencies are determined using the molecular force constants and Wilson's F-G method. The results for vibrational frequencies and potential barriers are then compared with published experimental data.
IgE IN GLOMERULI OF PATIENTS WITH NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Abstract Localisation of IgE was investigated by fluorescent-antibody technique in the kidneys of thirteen patients with nephrotic syndrome. In seven of nine patients with minimal changes, IgE was demonstrated in the glomerular capillary walls in a " comma-like " pattern in the absence of IgG, IgM, IgA, and complement. The extent of IgE in the glomeruli corresponded to the degree of proteinuria, which was notably reduced in four patients who had been treated with steroids before biopsy. Four patients with nephrotic syndrome and a diagnosis of focal sclerosing glomerular lesions, membranous nephropathy, or advanced chronic glomerulonephritis exhibited prominent deposition of IgE in a granular or segmental linear pattern in the glomerular capillary walls. In three of these four patients IgG and complement were also detected in the glomeruli. These findings suggest that IgE plays a role in the pathogenesis of some forms of the nephrotic syndrome.
Temporal properties of the short-wavelength cone mechanism: comparison of receptor and postreceptor signals in the ground squirrel.

Abstract Temporal properties of the short-wavelength cone mechanism of the California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi), a dichromat, were explored with single light pulses and pulse trains. Both the electroretinogram (ERG) and the isolated PIII component of the retinal gross response were recorded under chromatic adaptation conditions that favored the detection of test lights by either the middle-wavelength mechanism or the short-wavelength mechanism. The ERGb -wave generated by the short-wavelength mechanism was significantly slower than that of the middle-wavelength mechanism, but there was no such difference in the PIII components of the two mechanisms. Analysis of PIII revealed that both cone types respond equally well to flicker at rates at least as high as 46 Hz. Differences in the temporal response properties of these two cone mechanisms must arise largely from post-receptoral interactions.
Temporal Arteritis: An Approach to Suspected Vasculitides

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is the most common vasculitis in adults. Classic symptoms include polymyalgia rheumatica, new-onset headache, jaw claudication, and visual symptoms such as diplopia and amaurosis fugax. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a common laboratory finding in temporal arteritis, and abnormalities on temporal artery biopsy are the gold standard for diagnosis. Rapid treatment with steroids can prevent permanent vision loss, which is the worst ischemic complication of the disease. It is important for primary care physicians to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of this disease and begin treatment rapidly.
Intraoperative ultrasound and other techniques to achieve negative margins

Over the past few decades new procedures and technologies have been introduced into clinical practice for the evaluation and management of breast disease. Ultrasound is rapidly becoming a valued tool in the armamentarium of the breast surgeon. The use of ultrasound by radiologists and breast surgeons to evaluate nonpalpalable detected breast lesions has increased dramatically. With its easy portability and improvements in the technology, the use of ultrasound has now expanded into the operating room. In this work we review the value of intraoperative ultrasound and other techniques in obtaining and assessing margin status. Semin. Surg. Oncol. 20:206–213, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.