cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moving toward multi-dimensional biomarkers in cancer immunotherapy.

The development of anti-programmed death 1 (PD1) antibodies has rapidly changed standard oncology clinical practice however only a fraction of patients benefit from these treatments and some tumor types remain unresponsive.
Countering Fragmentation in an Enterprise Storage System

As a file system ages, it can experience multiple forms of fragmentation. Fragmentation of the free space in the file system can lower write performance and subsequent read performance. Client operations as well as internal operations, such as deduplication, can fragment the layout of an individual file, which also impacts file read performance. File systems that allow sub-block granular addressing can gather intra-block fragmentation, which leads to wasted free space. Similarly, wasted space can also occur when a file system writes a collection of blocks out to object storage as a single large object, because the constituent blocks can become free at different times. The impact of fragmentation also depends on the underlying storage media. This article studies each form of fragmentation in the NetApp® WAFL®file system, and explains how the file system leverages a storage virtualization layer for defragmentation techniques that physically relocate blocks efficiently, including those in read-only snapshots. The article analyzes the effectiveness of these techniques at reducing fragmentation and improving overall performance across various storage media.
Epidemiology of Symptomatic Dorsal Wrist Ganglia in Active Duty Military and Civilian Populations

Purpose The epidemiology of dorsal wrist ganglia (DWG) has been poorly studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiology of DWG in the US military and civilian populations. We hypothesized that military service would be associated with an increased risk for developing a DWG. Methods The US Department of Defense Management Analysis and Reporting Tool, a database of health care encounters by military personnel and dependents, was queried for encounters with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis of 727.41 (ganglion of a joint) or 727.43 (ganglion, unspecified location) between 2009 and 2014. There is no specific code for DWG, so a random sample of 1,000 patients was selected from both the military and civilian cohorts. These 2,000 electronic medical records were examined to identify patients with a DWG. This estimate was used to determine the unadjusted incidence of DWG with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error in the entire military and civilian dependent population. Adjusted incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were determined using Poisson regression, controlling for demographic covariates. Results The incidence of DWG in the military population is 14.25/10,000 person-years compared with 7.01/10,000 person-years in the civilian population. Female sex was a significant risk factor in both the military (IRR, 2.59) and civilian populations (IRR, 2.26). Younger age group (age 25–34 years) was a significant risk factor for DWG compared with an older age group (age 45–64 years) in both the military (IRR, 1.74) and civilian populations (IRR, 2.56). Senior rank (both officer and enlisted) was a significant risk factor for DWG compared with junior rank (IRR, 1.95). Conclusions The incidence of DWG was higher in the military compared with the civilian population. There is a higher incidence of a DWG in females and in the senior ranks (both officer and enlisted). Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic III.
Consideration of processing time dissimilarity in batch-cyclic scheduling of flowshop cells

Flowshop scheduling methods that appear in the literature assume that products are processed in either batch mode or cyclic mode. In batch mode, a product starts after another product is completely...
Evaluation of a Disease-Specific Self-Efficacy Instrument in Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease and its Relationship to Adjustment

The psychometric properties of a disease-specific instrument used to assess self-efficacy in adolescents with sickle cell disease, the Sickle Cell Self-Efficacy Scale, were evaluated in a sample of 131 adolescents ranging from 11 to 19 years of age. This nine-item instrument was associated with a one-item, general self-efficacy question and an item of self-control. After controlling for age, gender, highest grade of education completed, and the number of individuals in the household, high levels of self-efficacy were related to fewer physical, psychological, and total symptoms. Using the stress process framework to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and self-reported symptoms in adolescents may lead to the initiation of effective intervention programs capable of increasing levels of self-efficacy in adolescents. These interventions could lead to better outcomes for adolescents with sickle cell disease. Additional longitudinal investigations are needed to evaluate the ability of self-efficacy to predict adolescent adjustment over time.
A Rhetoric of Preservation: Artistic Interventions in a Damaged World

Rereading Walter Benjamin’s often overlooked theme of preservation in his work, we offer an interpretation of an art installation that appeared in the winter of 2018 in The Heidelberg Project in Detroit, Michigan, USA. By interpreting this installation and Benjamin’s insights on preservation, we make recommendations on how to make readable rhetoric that might be used to positively shape digitally disseminated climate change activist media. We examine three types of preservation: 1. preservation that makes inaccessible, 2. dialectical preservation, and 3. the preservation of the collected. In so doing, we show how performative acts of publicly available art might directly respond to the environmental crisis and how the legibility of that art might offer hope for survival in the age of climate change. How to cite this article: Salvo, James M. & Jasmine B. Ulmer. "A Rhetoric of Preservation: Artistic Interventions in a Damaged World." AM Journal of Art and Media Studies 25 (September 2021): 81-95. doi: 10.25038/am.v0i25.449
Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control

A long tradition in philosophy and economics equates intelligence with the ability to act rationally—that is, to choose actions that can be expected to achieve one’s objectives. This framework is so pervasive within AI that it would be reasonable to call it the standard model. A great deal of progress on reasoning, planning, and decision-making, as well as perception and learning, has occurred within the standard model. Unfortunately, the standard model is unworkable as a foundation for further progress because it is seldom possible to specify objectives completely and correctly in the real world. The chapter proposes a new model for AI development in which the machine’s uncertainty about the true objective leads to qualitatively new modes of behavior that are more robust, controllable, and deferential to humans.
A comparison of parallel gaussian elimination solvers for the computation of electrochemical battery models on the cell processor

The rising cost of fossil fuels, together with a push for more eco-friendly methods of transportation, has increased interest in and demand for electrically powered or assisted vehicles. The majority of these electric or hybrid electric vehicles will be, for the foreseeable future, powered by batteries. One of the major problems with batteries is their aging. For batteries, aging means that the maximum charge they can store decreases as number of charge/discharge cycles increases. Aging also means that after a certain number of charge/discharge cycles, the battery will fail. In lead-acid batteries, one of the major phenomenon that promotes battery failure is the development of a non-uniform concentration gradient of electrolyte along the electrodes' height. This phenomenon is known as electrolyte stratification. This thesis develops a simple two-level circuit model that can be used to model electrolyte stratification. The two-level circuit model is justified experimentally using digital Mach-Zehnder interferometry and is explained theoretically by means of two different electrochemical battery models. The experiments show how the usage of the electrode varies along its height while the simulations indicate that the high resistivity of the lead dioxide electrode plays a major role in the development of a stratified electrolyte. Finally, computational issues associated with the computation of a sophisticated two dimensional electrochemical battery model on the multicore Cell Broadband Engine processor are addressed in detail. In particular, three different banded parallel Gaussian elimination solvers are developed and compared. These three solvers vividly illustrate how performance achieved on the new multicore processors is strongly dependent on the algorithm used. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Randomised clinical trial: high-dose acid suppression for chronic cough – a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33: 225–234 Summary Background Cough may be a manifestation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The utility of acid suppression in GERD-related cough is uncertain. Aim To assess the impact of high-dose acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) on chronic cough in subjects with rare or no heartburn. Methods Subjects were nonsmokers without history of asthma, with chronic cough for >8 weeks. All subjects underwent a baseline 24-h pH/impedance study, methacholine challenge test and laryngoscopy. Subjects were randomised to either 40 mg of esomeprazole twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Cough-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (CQLQ). Secondary outcomes were response on Fisman Cough Severity/Frequency scores and change in laryngeal findings. Results Forty subjects were randomised (22 PPI, 18 placebo) and completed the study. There was no difference between PPI and placebo in CQLQ (mean improvement 9.8 vs. 5.9 respectively, P = 0.3), or Fisman Cough Severity/Frequency scores. Proportion of patients who improved by >1 s.d. on the CQLQ was 27.8% (five of 18) and 31.8% (seven of 22) in the placebo and PPI groups respectively. Conclusion In subjects with chronic cough and rare or no heartburn, high-dose proton pump inhibitor does not improve cough-related quality of life or symptoms.
Chemical modification studies of chloroplast membranes. Water oxidation inhibition by diazonium-benzenesulfonic acid.

Abstract The water-soluble chemical modifier, diazonium benzene-sulfonic acid, significantly inhibited photosystem II-dependent water oxidation (oxygen evolution) when the compound was reacted with chloroplast membranes in the light but not in the dark. The photochemistry of photosystem II was not affected by the diazonium treatment, shown by complete restoration of photosystem II-dependent electron flow from the alternate electron donor diphenylcarbazide. Paralleling the inhibition of oxygen evolution the illuminated chloroplasts bound significantly more diazonium reagent than did chloroplasts treated in the dark. Both the inhibition of oxygen evolution and the increased binding of the diazonium to the membranes were dependent on photosystem II electron flux, which could not be replaced by photosystem I cyclic electron flow. A dark base to acid or acid to base transition resulted in a similar inhibition of water oxidation and increased diazonium binding. The results suggest a membrane conformational change associated with photosystem II electron flow that exposes otherwise buried diazo reactive groups at the external grana membrane surface.
Problems of and Mechanisms for Instantiating Virtual Organizations

In the past, significant accomplishments in science, engineering or business were the product of the work of an individual, or a small, tightly knit work group. However, today accomplishments of merit are often produced within the context of dynamic, distributed, multi-organizational collaborations whose participates are drawn from different, autonomously operated ”physical” organizations. We call these collaborations virtual organizations, or VOs.
Indirect activation elicits strong correlations between light and electrical responses in ON but not OFF retinal ganglion cells.

Key points To improve the quality of vision elicited by retinal prosthetics, elicited neural activity should resemble physiological signalling patterns; here, we hypothesized that electric stimulation that activates the synaptic circuitry of the retina would lead to closer matches than that which activates ganglion cells directly. We evaluated this hypothesis by comparing light and electrical responses in different types of ganglion cells. In contrast to the similarity in their light responses, electrical responses in ON and OFF cells of the same type were quite distinct. Further, electrical and light responses in the same cell were much better correlated in ON vs. OFF ganglion cells. Stimuli that activated photoreceptors yielded better correlations than those which activated bipolar cells. Our results suggest that the closer match to physiology in the ON signal transmitted to the brain may help to explain preferential reports of ‘bright’ phosphenes during earlier clinical trials. Abstract To improve the efficacy of microelectronic retinal prosthetics it will be necessary to better understand the response of retinal neurons to electric stimulation. While stimulation that directly activates ganglion cells generally has the lowest threshold, the similarity in responsiveness across cells makes it extremely difficult for such an approach to re-create cell-type specific patterns of neural activity that arise normally in the healthy retina. In contrast, stimulation that activates neurons presynaptic to ganglion cells utilizes at least some of the existing retinal circuitry and therefore is thought to produce neural activity that better matches physiological signalling. Surprisingly, the actual benefit(s) of this approach remain unsubstantiated. Here, we recorded from ganglion cells in the rabbit retinal explant in response to electrical stimuli that activated the network. Targeted cells were first classified into known types via light responses so that the consistency of electrical responses within individual types could be evaluated. Both transient and sustained ON ganglion cells exhibited highly consistent electrical response patterns which were distinct from one another. Further, properties of the response (interspike interval, latency, peak firing rate, and spike count) in a given cell were well correlated to the corresponding properties of the light response for that same cell. Electric responses in OFF ganglion cells formed two groups, distinct from ON groups, and the correlation levels between electric and light responses were much weaker. The closer match in ON pathway responses may help to explain some preferential reporting of bright stimuli during psychophysical testing.
A comparative study of information security and ethics awareness in diverse university environments

People involved in management information systems face several challenges, especially when it comes to securing their information systems. This is most evident within the university environment, specifically when providing computing resources to students in diverse university environments. There is a common belief that students who attend technology universities have more awareness of security and ethics than those who do not. This study was conducted to compare the levels of information security and ethics awareness of students in diverse university environments. It compares survey data collected from two different university environments-a liberal arts university and technology university. The result of this comparative study shows that students attending the technology university tend to be more aware of security and ethics in information systems than those who attend the liberal arts university. Finally, based on analysis of the collected data, several recommendations are provided to increase the awareness of computer security and ethics in university environments.
Localization of tumor necrosis factor receptor messenger RNA in normal and herpes simplex virus-infected mouse eyes.

S-labelee d riboprobe for p5s5 and p7 TNF5 Rsubtypes was used in uninfected and HSV-infected mouse eyes. Controls include the usd e ofsense riboprobe ans d corneas inoculated with vehicle alone.Results. In uninfected and infected mouse eyes in sit, u hybridization produce an autoradiod -graphic signa fol r mRNA, encoding bot p7h5 and p55 ove r the corneal endothelium, iris,ciliary body, choroid an, d arachnoid layer osf the optic nerve sheath In addition. , th e signalwas observed over scattered a cellt the vitreoretinas l interface. Signa for p75l, but not p55,was observed over cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer. Acut HSe V infection was accompaniedby an intense leukocytic infiltrat ine th e conjunctiva, the corneal subepitheliu anm d stroma,the anterio anr d posterior chambers th,e iris roo ant d ciliary body an, d the vitreous cavity.In this setting, increase p7d5 and p55 mRNA signal was correlated closel thy wite numbeh rand locatio onf receptor-bearing white blood cells. Signal over control sections hybridizedwith sens p7e 5 and p55 TNF R cRNA probe wass comparabl e to background. Signal overcontrol eyes inoculated with sterile vehicle showed slight increase in the immediatd signaelvicinity of the traumatic keratitis but otherwis, e it was comparabl te o that observe idn unin-fected animals.Conclusions. The observed distributio onf p75 and p55 TNFR mRNA in normal and acutelyinfected mouse eyes and particularl, y ove thre heavily vascularized uvea anl tracd overtcells at the vitreoretina l interface, support a role fosr TNF as a mediato or f intraocularinflammation, perhap as a key regulator of the blood-ocular barrier. Invest OphthalmolVisSci. 1997;38:9-15.A umor necrosis factor (TNF) exists in two forms:TNF-a and TNF-/?, also known as lymphotoxin. Bothforms are secreted by activated white blood cells andshare largely overlapping biologic activities, includingpotent proinflammatory and mitogenic effects in vir-tually all tissues studied to date.
Exposure to diethylstilbestrol during sensitive life stages: A legacy of heritable health effects

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a potent estrogen mimic that was predominantly used from the 1940s to 1970s in hopes of preventing miscarriage in pregnant women. Decades later, DES is known to enhance breast cancer risk in exposed women, and cause a variety of birth related adverse outcomes in their daughters such as spontaneous abortion, second trimester pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, stillbirth, and neonatal death. Additionally, children exposed to DES in utero suffer from sub/infertility and cancer of reproductive tissues. DES is a pinnacle compound which demonstrates the fetal basis of adult disease. The mechanisms of cancer and endocrine disruption induced by DES are not fully understood. Future studies should focus on common target tissue pathways affected and the health of the DES grandchildren.
Radiative decays as tests of the symmetries of the Ψ particles

Abstract The success of the Okubo-Iizuka-Zweig rule for decays of Ψ and Ψ′ suggests that the radiative decays Ψ → γ + hadrons should be dominated by intermediates like Ψ → Ψ′ hadrons. This mechanism is consistent with experimental data which show Γ ( Ψ → ϱ 0 π 0 ) and Γ ( Ψ → ηγ ) to be comparable. if all Ψ-like particles are isoscalar, Γ(Ψ → 0 γ) should be very small. If all Ψ-like particles are SU(3) singlets, Γ ( Ψ → η ′ γ )/ Γ ( Ψ → ηγ ) should be large. Substantial violation of our predictions would be circumstantial evidence for the existence of non-singlet new quarks.
Hypothalamic Neuropeptide Y Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Levels in Pre‐Obese and Genetically Obese (fa/fa) Rats; Potential Regulation Thereof by Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36 amino-acid peptide. It is localized within the brain but is also present peripherally. It is a well substantiated orexigenic peptide with several other endocrine and behavioural effects. In this study NPY mRNA levels were measured, using the polymerase chain reaction amplification technique, in the hypothalamus of pre-obese (unweaned 13-day-old), young (weaned 28-day-old) and adult (11-week-old) obese fa/fa rats and compared to those of lean age-matched controls. Before weaning, pre-obese pups had the same NPY mRNA levels as controls. After weaning NPY mRNA levels were increased 2-fold in young 28-day-old and 4-fold in adult obese rats, relative to corresponding controls. When adult obese rats were intracerebroventricularly-treated with ovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (oCRF) for 7 days, they stopped gaining body weight relative to vehicle-infused obese controls. Upon measuring NPY mRNA levels in the hypothalamus of these two groups of animals, it was shown that the high NPY mRNA levels of vehicle-treated (control) obese rats were decreased by 3-fold following the intracerebroventricular oCRF administration. It is proposed that: 1) hypothalamic NPY may play a role in the establishment and maintenance of the genetic obesity syndrome of the fa/fa rat, and 2) maintenance of the genetic obesity syndrome of the fa/fa rat, and 2) hypothalamic NPY could be partly regulated by central CRF.
Two-Dimensional Matrix Multiplication using Coherent Optical Techniques

A method for real-time matrix multiplication is presented. This paper describes the geometrical interpretation of the mathematical manipulations between the two matrices. Three coherent optical astigmatic systems are developed based on the analysis. Each system is essentially composed of two subsystems that are connected in series. The first one performs multiplications between the corresponding elements of the matrices coded in the amplitude transmittance of the transparencies. The results are received by the second subsystem that performs the necessary summation operations to give the calculated rise to each element in the final result, the product of the two matrices. In these processes, no preparation of a hologram or intermediate memory is required. The operations are done in parallel. The multiplication between an N x N matrix and an N x 1 vector is discussed in detail. Multiplication between N x N and N x N matrices is also presented.
Some arguments for (moderately) capital-intensive development, even in labour-abundant nations

Abstract This essay suggests that there may be good reasons why some labour-abundant developing nations prefer capital-intensive economic activities. In developing nations where large amounts of time and investment would be required to achieve full employment of their labour, policy-makers may do better to seek a capital-intensive development programme that increases labour productivity, inspires technological change, and, through rapidly increasing national income, increases the demand for labour in the long run by more than a labour-intensive approach would. A diagrammatic representation is presented. The suggestion is offered that a ‘moderate’ capital-intensive strategy, in which factor prices are maintained ‘just’ — rather than ‘much’ — different from their scarcity values, should encourage labour-augmenting technological change.
A polymeric amine-copper(II) complex as catalyst for the hydrolysis of 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl methylphosphonofluoridate (soman) and bis(1-methylethyl)phosphorofluoridate (DFP)

The Cu (II) complex of poly-4-vinylpyridine, quaternized with 19 mol % ethyl bromide and 36 mol % 4-chloromethyl-4′-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine, was examined as a catalyst for the hydrolysis of the toxic organophosphorous compounds bis (1-methylethyl) phosphorofluoridate (1, 1 DFP) and 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl methylphosphonofluoridate (2, 1 soman). Studies were carried out at 25.0 and 37.0°C for both substrates in MOPS buffer at pH 7.0. In the presence of 7.31 × 10−3M catalyst at 25.0°C, soman is hydrolyzed with a first-order rate constant of 0.019 min−1 (t1/2 = 37.5 min), whereas DFP hydrolyzes with a rate constant of 0.011 min−1 (t1/2 = 63.8 min). For soman, this represents a 14-fold increase over the uncatalyzed rate in the same buffer. Other studies examined the effect of a strongly sorptive polymeric resin on catalysis by this copper-containing polymer and found a dramatic decrease in the hydrolysis rate of soman in the presence of the polymeric sorbent.
Bayesian Sensor Estimation for Machine Condition Monitoring

We present a Bayesian framework to tackle the problem of sensor estimation, a critical step of fault diagnosis in machine condition monitoring. A Gaussian mixture model is employed to model the normal operating range of the machine. A Gaussian random vector is introduced to model the possible deviations of the observed sensor values from their corresponding normal values. Different levels of deviations are elegantly handled by the covariance matrix of this random vector, which is estimated adaptively for each input observation. Our algorithm doesn't require faulty operation training data, as desired by previous methods. Significant improvements over previous methods are achieved in our tests.
Laser-excited molecular fluorescence of CaOH in an air-acetylene flame

Abstract Pulsed laser-excited molecular fluorescence of CaOH and SrOH in an air-acetylene flame have been investigated. The spectra were examined in the wavelength region from ca. 500 to 700 nm. A preliminary energy level diagram is proposed for CaOH. Results are also given for SrOH.
Collecting and modeling the join/leave behavior of multicast group members in the MBone

One purpose of the MBone is to study the performance of multicast and real time protocol in global conferencing applications. Part of this evaluation is dependent on understanding how the MBone is used and developing realistic workloads and usage models to assist in protocol evaluation. We have developed a tool, called Mlisten, to accurately collect the join/leave times for multicast group members in MBone audio sessions. Using data collected with Mlisten and a set of analysis tools, we report statistics about several MBone audio sessions including member inter arrival times and durations, multicast tree routing information, and group spatial characteristics. Data was also collected and analyzed for all active sessions to produce information about movement among multicast groups.
Microspatial variability and sampling concepts in soil porosity studies of vertisols

Abstract Image analysis techniques and analysis of variance components were used to help design sampling schemes for micromorphometric porosity studies. The objective was to estimate how many Kubiena samples, thin sections from each Kubiena tin, and microscopic fields from each section, should be analyzed to accurately and efficiently characterize soil porosity. The analysis of variance components allowed estimation of variability at different levels of the nested sampling design. Image analysis facilitated the inclusion of a large number of samples in the experiment. Percentage of macroporosity, pore orientation, and two shape factors were quantified for a Vertisol in Texas. Micro-spatial variability of these pore-space characteristics is property-specific: variability at the Kubiena level is large for some attributes while small for some others. Consequently, when addressing several properties simultaneously, the sampling scheme will be a compromise between the required statistical accuracy and the relative costs of collecting Kubiena samples, preparing thin sections, and analyzing microscopic frames.
RETT SYNDROME: ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FROM 7 CASES

This paper summarizes the clinical findings of 7 girls diagnosed in 1985-86 as having Rett syndrome. Ages ranged from 3.5 to 25 years. Abnormalities of gestation were noted: Neonatal feeding problems (3/7) and positional deformities (3/7)[including hip suppluxation (1), metatarsus adduction (1), “windswept feet” (1)] were identified. Postnatal growth abnormalities included: 7/7 head growth deceleration, 3/7 microcephalic, 7/7 statural growth deceleration, 6/7 short stature. In 6/7 girls, developmental delays were noted prior to true psychomotor regression. In only one girl was there clear documentation of normal development followed by marked deterioration. Age at onset of delays ranged from 6-12 months, with psychomotor regression noted from 10-34 months. Typical hand stereotypy started between 2-3 years in all. Other findings: 6/7 trunk ataxia, 1/7 ambulatory (with gait apraxia), 6/7 seizures, 5/7 strabismus, 4/7 scoliosis, 6/7 had irritability and/or self-injury with music or motion helpful in 2 girls. These gestational abnormalities, neonatal findings and early psychomotor delays prior to regression are important additional phenotypic findings. Until a reliable genetic or biochemical marker is available, the diagnosis of this syndrome rests on the recognizable neurodevelopmental pheno type.
Special Issue on Construction Engineering: Opportunity and Vision for Education, Practice, and Research

Engineering is an applied science. In no other engineering specialization is this more relevant than in construction engineering. A challenge among construction engineering academics (both faculty and students) and industry practitioners is to transfer a method, technology, or practice that can be supported in the theoretical sense, whether in a laboratory or classroom setting, and make it applicable to the rarely ideal industry jobsite. This bridge between engineering in the theoretical sense and practice requires intimate collaboration and continuous communication, which has not always occurred between the university and the jobsite. As described by Dr. Michael C. Vorster, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech and conference keynote speaker, the dilemma from the academic perspective is that “we teach too much and our students learn too little.” A primary focus of the Construction Engineering Conference held at Virginia Tech from September 30 to October 2, 2010, was to bring academics and industry leaders together to share experiences, practices, and ideas. This interaction was intended to strengthen the connection between theory and practice for mutual benefit. The Construction Engineering Conference was a unique opportunity in the sharing of knowledge across aisles. The purpose of this special issue is to archive and disseminate the knowledge for current and future generations of construction engineers. Each conference speaker submitted a manuscript that was peer-reviewed by academic and industry reviewers. In many cases, industry speakers coauthored the manuscript with a construction engineering academic. In all, this special issue includes 28 manuscripts that cover a broad range of construction engineering topics. A debt of gratitude is owed to the authors for their thoughts and efforts in this overall body of work, which makes a significant contribution to the overall body of construction engineering knowledge. Furthermore, the editors are especially grateful to the reviewers, who ensured that the manuscripts maintained the rigorous standards for publication in the ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. Finally, the editors are grateful for the support provided by the Construction Engineering Conference committee and the senior editorial boardmembers of the Journal, especially Dr. JesusM. de la Garza. Without their guidance and advice, this special issue would not have been possible.
Cooperative server clustering for a scalable GAS model on petascale cray XT5 systems

Global Address Space (GAS) programming models are attractive because they retain the easy-to-use addressing model that is the characteristic of shared-memory style load and store operations. The scalability of GAS models depends directly on the design and implementation of runtime libraries on the targeted platforms. In this paper, we examine the memory requirement of a popular GAS run-time library, Aggregate Remote Memory Copy Interface (ARMCI) on petascale Cray XT 5 systems. Then we describe a new technique cooperative server clustering that enhances the memory scalability of ARMCI communication servers. In cooperative server clustering, ARMCI servers are organized into clusters, and cooperatively process incoming communication requests among them. A request intervention scheme is also designed to expedite the return of responses to the initiating processes. Our experimental results demonstrate that, with very little impact on ARMCI communication latency and bandwidth, cooperative server clustering is able to significantly reduce the memory requirement of ARMCI communication servers, thereby enabling highly scalable scientific applications. In particular, it dramatically reduces the total execution time of a scientific application, NWChem, by 45% on 2400 processes.
MOVERS AND STAYERS: THE RESIDENT'S CONTRIBUTION TO VARIATION ACROSS HOUSES IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR SPACE HEATING

Abstract A general method is proposed that identifies the contribution of resident-dependent effects to the observed variability of energy consumption in similar houses. The method presumes that in addition to records of energy consumption over time, one has access to information about the date of change of occupants. For Twin Rivers data, the role of resident-dependent effects is seen to dominate the role of effects that depend on structural variations over which the resident has no effective control.
Optimization-based design of spiral-wound membrane systems for CO2/CH4 separations

Abstract A systematic design strategy for spiral-wound gas separation systems is studied using a recently proposed algebraic permeator model (Qi and Henson, Approximate modeling of spiral-wound gas permeators, J. Membrane Sci. 121 (1996) 11–24). Nonlinear programming (NLP) is used to determine operating conditions which satisfy the separation requirements while minimizing the annual process cost. The design method is applied to the separation of CO2/CH4 mixtures in natural gas treatment and enhanced oil recovery applications. It is shown that a two-stage configuration with permeate recycle and a three-stage configuration with residue recycle are suitable for natural gas treatment, while a three-stage configuration with both permeate and residue recycle is appropriate for enhanced oil recovery. Parameter sensitivities are analyzed by changing operating conditions, membrane properties, and economic parameters. The optimization procedure is sufficiently robust to handle multi-stage configurations with very demanding separation requirements. The proposed NLP design method facilitates the development of mixed-integer nonlinear programming design strategies which allow simultaneous optimization of the permeator configuration and operating conditions.
A Test of Public Reactions to Alleged Elder Abuse

ABSTRACT This paper summarizes the results of an experiment that examined the reactions of young adults to an alleged case of elder abuse. A 3 × 3 factorial design was utilized to see how the reactions of subjects (N = 329) were affected by variations in abuse vignettes in the ages of victims (ages 60+, 70+, or 80+ years) and in the social distance between subjects and victims (strangers, friends, or relatives). Decisions of subjects as to whether an emergency was present, whether they would personally take responsibility for action, and the types of action they would take were analyzed by ANOVA. Relationships between the reactions of subjects and ageism, empathy, and demographic variables were also examined. In addition, focus groups provided insights about the thinking of young adults who are exposed to elder abuse. Findings of the study are of particular interest to persons who design public education programs on elder abuse.
A note on the grid of the orthographic atlas of the moon.

Coordinates of feature on lunar photograph related to lunar direction cosines, using orthographic atlas of moon
The new law of the sea: Rethinking the implications for sovereign jurisdiction and freedom of action

This article examines the effects of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on sovereign jurisdiction and freedom of action in key sea zones covered under this Convention for coastal, noncoastal, and landlocked states pursuant to the modifications contained in the 1994 Implementation Agreement. In order to determine whether or not the treaty increases, decreases, or has no effect on state sovereign‐jurisdiction and freedom of action in the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf, the archipelagic regime, international straits, the high seas, and the deep seabed, the rights and duties of states set forth in this Convention are compared with those previously recognized in the 1958 Geneva Law of the Sea Conventions, state practice, and other sources of international law.
A Hybrid Dynamic Equivalent Using ANN-Based Boundary Matching Technique

In this paper, a hybrid dynamic equivalent consisting of both a coherency-based conventional equivalent and an artificial neural network (ANN)-based equivalent is developed and analyzed. The ANN-based equivalent complements the coherency-based equivalent at all the boundary buses of the retained area. It is designed to compensate for the discrepancy between the full system model and the reduced equivalent developed using any commercial software package, such as the dynamic reduction program (DYNRED), by providing appropriate power injections at all the boundary buses. These injections are provided by the ANN-based equivalent which is trained using the outputs from a trajectory sensitivity simulation of the system response to a candidate set of disturbances. The proposed approach is tested on a system representing a portion of the WECC system. The case study shows that the hybrid dynamic equivalent method can enhance the accuracy of the coherency-based dynamic equivalent without significantly increasing the computational effort.
Clinical Significance of Discordant Positive Hepatitis C Virus Transcription–Mediated Amplification Following End of Treatment Response

Background Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are the standard for detecting hepatitis C virus viremia. The transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)-based assay is more sensitive.
Duality in continuous linear programming

A duality theorem has been proved for these problems under various assumptions. Tyndall in [I] assumes that B and C are constant and 01 and y are continuous, extending the result in [2] to the case where 01 and y are only bounded and measurable. Levinson [3] again assumes that 01 and y are continuous but also allows B and C to be arbitrary continuous matrix-valued functions. Hanson and Mond [4] extend Levinson’s result by requiring of 01 and y only that they be bounded and measurable. All these results require, in addition, certain algebraic properties of y, B and C. These algebraic restrictions are relaxed in Grinold [5] w h ere 01, y, B, and C are required to be only bounded and measurable. Grinold, however, assumes that C(t, S) = 0 if s > t. In this paper a duality theorem is proved under the same hypothesis as in [3] except that 01, y, B, and C are required only to be bounded and measurable. Also a duality theorem without existence of an optimal solution to the primal problem is proved with y only assumed integrable. Finally, it is shown that the values of both problems depend continuously on 01. In proving these results a key role is played by the author’s formulation of linear programming in topological vector spaces [6].
Mapping, modeling, and visual exploration of structure-function relationships in the heart

It is becoming clear that the emergent, integrative behaviors of biological systems result from complex interactions between all system components, and that knowledge of each component is not sufficient to understand such behaviors. In this paper, we describe our approach to the integrative modeling of cardiac function. This approach spans multiple levels of biological analysis, ranging from subcellular to tissue. We have applied diverse analytical methods, including imaging techniques for measurement of anatomic structure and biophysical and biochemical responses of cells and tissue, parallel computing techniques for the numerical solution of large systems of model equations, and interactive visual exploration of model dynamic behavior.
Synthesis of High-Temperature Titania−Alumina Supports†

Catalyst support materials based upon composite metal oxides often incorporate the beneficial aspects of the constituents. For the case of TiO2−Al2O3 composites, however, it has proven difficult to retain a high anatase content and surface area at temperatures of 900 °C and above. This work reports a sol−gel synthesis method that solves these problems. The mixed oxide incorporates 100% anatase regardless of composition and at a Ti:Al-0.4:0.6 weight ratio has a surface area 74 m2/g. Both properties are stable after annealing up to total times of 34 h at 900 °C. Experiments with supported Pd show that metal dispersion on the mixed oxide is observed roughly twice that of a pure Al2O3 support. The action of acetic acid in the preparation mixture during sol formation and calcination, augmented by solid solution formation between TiO2 and Al2O3 during calcinations, seems to account for these results.
Urine Washing Behavior in the Woolly Spider Monkey (Brachyteles arachnoides)

and Summary Free-ranging woolly spider monkeys of both sexes deposit urine on the hand, foot or tail. The eliciting stimulus for this behavior in females is unknown. In males, it frequently appears to be the presence of a sexually receptive female or copulatory activity. Male and female woolly spider monkeys do not associate on any habitual daily basis and individual females may forage alone rather than with conspecifics. Given this fluid pattern of social structure, the most important function of urine washing for a female woolly spider monkey may be to advertise her state of sexual receptivity to any males passing over her foraging path. Males may use urine to facilitate individual recognition.
Phase I clinical trial of fludarabine phosphate (F-ara-AMP).

F-Ara-AMP (fludarabine phosphate) is an adenosine analogue that is resistant to deamination; it is a more potent cytotoxic compound than ara-A in experimental tumor systems. F-Ara-AMP was given by continuous IV infusion over 5 days once every 4 weeks to 27 evaluable adult patients with advanced cancer. The median Karnofsky performance status was 70% (range 50%–90%), and the median age was 58 years (range 41–74). In addition to adequate blood counts, a creatinine clearance of at least 60 ml/min was required. The initial dose level was 35 mg/m2/day. Dose-limiting myelosuppression was seen in the first patient. Subsequent patients were treated at lower doses. Myelosuppression was the only major toxicity. Leukopenia was generally more prominent than thrombocytopenia, but 2 patients experienced prolonged thrombocytopenia which prevented further therapy. Nausea was minimal, and neither renal nor neurologic toxicity was encountered. In patients with good renal function a dose of 25 mg/m2/day can be safely administered. However, because of apparent cumulative myelosuppressive effects a lower dose is more appropriate for patients who have had extensive prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Modeling and Analysis of Interfiber Compaction Effects in FMC Actuators for Bio-Inspired Applications

Recently, flexible matrix composite (FMC) actuators were employed in a robotic fish for swimming [1]. The FMC actuators based on flexible matrix composites developed by Philen et al. [2] are pressure driven muscle-like actuators capable of large displacements as well as large blocking forces. The FMC actuators can also exhibit a large change in stiffness through simple valve control when the working fluid has a high bulk modulus [3, 4]. Several analytical models have been developed that capture the geometrical and material nonlinearities, the compliance of the inner liner, and entrapped air in the fluid [2, 4, 5]. But no work has been performed in capturing the fiber compaction in the composite laminate, which can have significant influence on the closed valve FMC stiffness. Therefore the objective of this research is to expand upon the previously developed models and incorporate compliance between the woven fibers.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Fluid-structure interaction of an aortic heart valve prosthesis driven by an animated anatomic left ventricle

We develop a novel large-scale kinematic model for animating the left ventricle (LV) wall and use this model to drive the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) between the ensuing blood flow and a mechanical heart valve prosthesis implanted in the aortic position of an anatomic LV/aorta configuration. The kinematic model is of lumped type and employs a cell-based, FitzHugh-Nagumo framework to simulate the motion of the LV wall in response to an excitation wavefront propagating along the heart wall. The emerging large-scale LV wall motion exhibits complex contractile mechanisms that include contraction (twist) and expansion (untwist). The kinematic model is shown to yield global LV motion parameters that are well within the physiologic range throughout the cardiac cycle. The FSI between the leaflets of the mechanical heart valve and the blood flow driven by the dynamic LV wall motion and mitral inflow is simulated using the curvilinear immersed boundary (CURVIB) method (Ge and Sotiropoulos, 2007; Borazjani et al., 2008) [1,2] implemented in conjunction with a domain decomposition approach. The computed results show that the simulated flow patterns are in good qualitative agreement with in vivo observations. The simulations also reveal complex kinematics of the valve leaflets, thus, underscoring the need for patient-specific simulations of heart valve prosthesis and other cardiac devices.
CFD Investigation of Experimental Data Proposed to be a Validation Data Set

The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) is currently supporting the development of a next generation nuclear plant (NGNP). The NGNP is based on the very high temperature reactor (VHTR), which is a Gen. IV gas-cooled reactor concept that will use helium as the coolant. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations are to be employed to estimate the details of the flow and heat transfer in the lower plenum where the heated coolant empties before exiting the reactor vessel. While it is expected that CFD will be able to provide detailed information about the flow, it must be validated using experimental data. Detailed experimental data have been taken in the INL’s matched index of refraction (MIR) facility of a scaled model of a section of the prismatic VHTR lower plenum. The present article examines the data that were taken to determine the suitability of such data to be a validation data set for CFD calculations. CFD calculations were made to compare with the experimental data to explore potential issues and make recommendations regarding the MIR data.