cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of checkpoint latency on overhead ratio of a checkpointing scheme

Checkpointing reduces loss of computation in the presence of failures. Two metrics characterize a checkpointing scheme: checkpoint overhead and checkpoint latency. The paper shows that a large increase in latency is acceptable if it is accompanied by a relatively small reduction in overhead. Also, for equidistant checkpoints, optimal checkpoint interval is shown to be typically independent of checkpoint latency.
Big bang nucleosynthesis with bound states of long-lived charged particles

Charged particles ($X$) decaying after primordial nucleosynthesis are constrained by the requirement that their decay products should not change the light element abundances drastically. If the decaying particle is negatively charged (${X}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) then it will bind to the nuclei. We consider the effects of the decay of $X$ when bound to Helium-4 and show that this will modify the Lithium abundances.
Regulation of the electric charge in phosphatidic acid domains.

Although a minor component of the lipidome, phosphatidic acid (PA) plays a crucial role in nearly all signaling pathways involving cell membranes, in part because of its variable electrical charge in response to environmental conditions. To investigate how charge is regulated in domains of PA, we applied surface-sensitive X-ray reflectivity and fluorescence near-total-reflection techniques to determine the binding of divalent ions (Ca2+ at various pH values) to 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphate (DMPA) and to the simpler lipid dihexadecyl phosphate (DHDP) spread as monolayers at the air/water interface. We found that the protonation state of PA is controlled not only by the pKa and local pH but also by the strong affinity to PA driven by electrostatic correlations from divalent ions and the cooperative effect of the two dissociable protons, which dramatically enhance the surface charge. A precise theoretical model is presented providing a general framework to predict the protonation state of PA. Impli...
ULNAR NEUROPATHY AT THE WRIST

Entrapment of the ulnar nerve at the wrist is rare compared with the more common site at the elbow. This condition, first described in 1908 by Hunt, 13 was thought to be secondary to occupational-related trauma. After this description, numerous causes have been implicated. Electrophysiologic and neuroimaging studies are quite useful in localizing and identifying various structural origins. Because ulnar neuropathy may be the initial presentation of a generalized neuropathy, careful clinical and electrophysiologic evaluation is important to exclude a more widespread neuropathy.
Signals from the ancient geodynamo: A paleomagnetic field test on the Jack Hills metaconglomerate

Abstract The oldest history of Earth's magnetic field cannot be directly read from extant bulk rocks because of subsequent metamorphism at temperatures close to or exceeding the Curie temperature of common magnetic minerals. The Jack Hills metasediments of Western Australia, which have seen lower peak metamorphic temperatures, contain zircons as old as ∼ 4.4 billion-yr-old. To assess whether these sediments can retain an ancient signal of the geodynamo, we present a paleomagnetic conglomerate test on a cobble-bearing Jack Hills unit. Thermal demagnetization reveals a distinct magnetic component with high unblocking temperatures between ∼ 550 and 580 °C that passes the conglomerate test, indicating magnetization prior to deposition of the conglomerate. This result, together with rock magnetic data, indicates that the high unblocking temperature component is carried by magnetite which records magnetization in an ambient field, and the simplest explanation is that a dynamo was present. Existing geochronological data imply that the clasts could contain mixtures of minerals extending to ages only slightly older than the maximum depositional age at 3.05 billion-yr-ago. However, the positive conglomerate test reported here indicates that the Jack Hills metasediments have the potential to record Paleorchean to Hadean magnetic fields, on a clast or sub-clast mineral scale.
Relativity controller: reflecting user perspective in document spaces

[4] demonstrated scrollbar satellites, called Value Bars, that graphically indicate relative values of data attributes independent of the actual data’s representation in a window. This is accomplished by scaling proportions of attribute indicators according to their values in a bar parallel to the scrollbar. The Relativity Controller leverages off this idea, but instead uses a single bar to perform both the functions of scrollbar and Value Bar. Indicating the scope of salient segments in the scrollbar allows users to simultaneously navigate through the document and transform its represented meter — from regular intervals to intervals that scale according to salience.
On inference concerning time-dependent queue performance: the M/G/1 example

This paper proposes easily-computed approximations to the finite-time expected waiting time for anM/G/1 system starting from an empty state. Both unsaturated (ρ 1) conditions are considered. Numerical evidence is presented to indicate that the quality of the approximations is usefully good, especially when ease of computation is an issue. Further, the methodology is adapted to assess expected waiting time when inference must be made from a random sample of service times, and the decision is made to do so nonparametrically, i.e., without fitting a specific function. The results appear reasonable and potentially useful, and are not burdensome to obtain. The methodology investigated can also be applied to the variety of queueing models that are close siblings ofM/G/1: priority and breakdowns and “vacations” being examples. Of course other approximating and inferential options remain to be investigated.
Dinoflagellate stratigraphy and its response to sea level change in Cenomanian-Turonian sections of the Western Interior of the United States

Detailed palynological analysis of depositional environments in carbonaceous shales and marlstones in the Cenomanian-Turonian (C-T) interval of the Cretaceous Western Interior seaway indicates that: (1) dinoflagellate species diversity, (2) ratio of Spiniferites to Cyclonephelium (S/C ratio), and (3) depositional organic facies are collectively useful for distinguishing cycles of marine transgression and regression. The increase in number of dinoflagellate species and of the S/C ratio within a matrix of abundant amorphous debris is interpreted to have resulted from the expansion of an epeiric seaway during sea level rise. The marked drop in dinoflagellate species diversity in the interval of mixed amorphous debris and detrital inertinite adjacent to the ammonite Sciponoceras gracile-Neocardioceras juddii ammonite zonal boundary, and prior to or at the C-T boundary, indicates two short periods of shoreline progradation. The S/C ratio increases in the offshore direction as well as in the transgressive intervals. The largest number of dinoflagellate species occurs in the lower part of transgressive intervals, and not in peak transgression. The successive decrease in species diversity from the early stage to late stage within transgressive intervals and into the next highstand interval is the result of shoreline progradation. The downlap surface (maximum starvation surface) which delimits themore » boundary between the transgressive and highstand intervals can be indicated by an inflection in the trend of decreasing species diversity. The position of the inflection point within the C-T transgressive sequence shows the same trend as the position of the condensed interval. It shifts higher in the transgressive sequence in the offshore direction. 65 refs., 12 figs., 2 tabs.« less
The lysophospholipids sphingosine-1-phosphate and lysophosphatidic acid enhance survival during hypoxia in neonatal rat cardiac myocytes.

The lysophospholipids sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) stimulate cellular proliferation and affect numerous cellular functions by signaling through G protein-coupled endothelial differentiation gene-encoded (Edg) receptors. S1P and LPA also act as survival factors in many cell types, but have not previously been studied in cardiac myocytes. We incubated neonatal rat cardiac myocytes either in room air/1% CO2(normoxia) or in an atmosphere of 99% N2/1%CO2(hypoxia) at 37°C for 18–20 h in the absence of glucose. Cell viability was measured using a calcein ester green fluorescence assay. Under normoxic conditions 88.7±1.0% of the cells were viable after 18–20 h. Severe hypoxia reduced viability to 61.3±4.3% (n=6, P<0.05). In myocytes preincubated with either 10 μ m S1P or 1 μ m LPA for 2 h, the effects of severe hypoxia on cell viability were prevented resulting in survival equivalent to normoxia. Neither the protein kinase C inhibitor chelethyrine (1 μ m) nor the mitochondrial KATPchannel antagonist 5-hydroxydecanoic acid, (5-HD, 100 μ m) had any effect on myocyte survival during severe hypoxia, but both agents completely abolished the ability of S1P to rescue cardiac myocytes from hypoxic cell death. We also tested the effects of dimethylsphingosine (DMS), which inhibits sphingosine kinase synthesis of S1P. Incubation of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes with 10μ m DMS for 2 h in the presence of serum resulted in 25–30% cell death during 18–20 h of normoxia. DMS-induced cell death was prevented by concurrent preincubation with either S1P or GM-1, a ganglioside that activates sphingosine kinase to increase intracellular levels of S1P. We conclude that both S1P and LPA are cardioprotective for hypoxic neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. S1P acts through cellular membrane receptors by signaling mechanisms involving protein kinase C and mitochondrial KATPchannels. Both endogenous and exogenously applied S1P are effective in preventing cell death induced by inhibition of sphingosine kinase.
Water accumulation in the alcohol extraction of cottonseed

The critical moisture content of cottonseed flakes extracted with an aqueous alcohol solvent can be defined as that flake moisture level at which the flakes lose no moisture during extraction. This study shows that the critical moisture content for aqueous ethanol (92%, w/w) is 3%. For aqueous isopropanol (88%, w/w) this value is 6%. If the moisture contents of the flakes are above these levels, then the solvents pick up moisture. For moisture contents below this level, the flakes adsorb moisture and actually dry the alcohol. It is proposed that this latter capability can be used as a basis for a method to control water accumulation in aqueous alcohol solvent extractions.
Parkin and PINK1 parkinsonism may represent nigral mitochondrial cytopathies distinct from Lewy body Parkinson's disease

Abstract Recent authors have concluded that Parkinson's disease (PD) is too heterogeneous to still be considered a single discrete disorder. They advise broadening the concept of PD to include genetic parkinsonisms, and discard Lewy pathology as the confirmatory biomarker. However, PD seen in the clinic is more homogeneous than often recognized if viewed from a long-term perspective. With appropriate diagnostic criteria, it is consistently associated with Lewy neuropathology, which should remain the gold standard for PD diagnostic confirmation. PD seen in the clinic has an inexorable course with eventual development of not only levodopa-refractory motor symptoms, but often cognitive dysfunction and prominent dysautonomia. This contrasts with homozygous parkin, PINK1 or DJ1 parkinsonism, characterized by young-onset (usually
Robotic surgery of the infratemporal fossa utilizing novel suprahyoid port.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To develop a minimally invasive technique for robotic access to the infratemporal fossa and describe use of a novel suprahyoid port placement. Study Design: A cadaveric study to assess feasibility of robotic dissection of the infratemporal fossa using a novel, midline suprahyoid port placement. Methods: Six complete and two partial dissections of the infratemporal fossa were carried out on one fixed and three fresh cadaveric heads using the da Vinci surgical robot (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). The suprahyoid port site was utilized to place one robotic arm into the vallecula. The second arm and 30° camera were placed transorally, and dissections were performed through the lateral pharyngeal wall and into the infratemporal fossa with identification and preservation of the lingual nerve, inferior alveolar nerve, internal and external carotid arteries, jugular vein, and cranial nerves IX–XII. Surgical clips were placed at the extent of dissection, and computed tomography (CT) imaging was obtained after dissections. Results: The transoral and midline suprahyoid port sites provide excellent access to the infratemporal fossa. The midline port site has excellent utility for accessing wide areas of the skull base bilaterally. CT imaging shows surgical clips placed successfully at the skull base foramina of major neurovascular structures. Conclusions: Robotic surgery offers several advantages over traditional endoscopic surgery with the addition of tremor-free, two-handed technique and microscopic three-dimensional visualization. A midline suprahyoid port placement provides minimally invasive access for excellent exposure of the infratemporal fossa bilaterally. Laryngoscope, 2010
What Drives Frequent Emergency Department Use in an Integrated Health System? National Data From the Veterans Health Administration

Study objective There is widespread concern about patients with frequent emergency department (ED) use. We identify sociodemographic and clinical factors most strongly associated with frequent ED use within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) nationally. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of national VHA databases (N=5,531,379) in 2010. The primary outcome measure was the number of VHA ED visits categorized into 6 frequency levels. Results In 2010, 4,600,667 (83.2%) VHA patients had no ED visit, whereas 493,391 (8.9%) had 1 visit, 356,258 (6.4%) had 2 to 4 visits, 70,741 (1.3%) had 5 to 10 visits, 9,705 (0.2%) had 11 to 25 visits, and 617 (0.01%) had greater than 25 visits. Increasing ED use frequency was associated with homelessness, medical diagnoses, substance abuse and psychiatric diagnoses, receipt of psychotropic and opioid prescriptions, and more frequent use of outpatient medical and mental health services. In multivariable analyses, factors most strongly associated with all levels of ED use were schizophrenia (odds ratio [OR] range 1.44 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.41 to 1.47] to 6.86 [95% CI 5.55 to 8.48] across categories of increasing ED use), homelessness (OR range 1.41 [95% CI 1.38 to 1.43] to 6.60 [95% CI 5.36 to 8.12]), opioid prescriptions filled (OR range 2.09 [95% CI 2.07 to 2.10] to 5.08 [95% CI 4.16 to 6.19]), and heart failure (OR range 1.64 [95% CI 1.63 to 1.66] to 3.53 [95% CI 2.64 to 4.72]). Conclusion Frequent ED use occurs even in a coordinated health care system that provides ready access to outpatient care. Frequent ED users are characterized by traits that represent high levels of psychosocial and medical needs. The correlates we identified for frequent ED use were consistent across multiple distinct levels of ED use.
Inhibitory effect of acidic pH on OmpC porin: wild-type and mutant studies

By use of the patch clamp technique, we have compared the electrophysiological signature of OmpC porin channels at neutral and acidic pH. The perfusion of pH 5.4 buffer to the periplasmic side of excised patches promoted the closure or block of ∼20% of the open porins present in the patch without changes in their single channel conductance. Besides this effect on the main, long-lived open state, lowering the pH also suppressed the spontaneous transitions of channels to another distinct short-lived open state. The inhibitory effect on the opening kinetics was particularly visible in two mutants (K16Q and E109Q) in which transitions to the short-lived open state are enhanced by the mutations themselves at pH 7.2. On the other hand, the R124Q mutant responded to acidic pH by an increased gating to the short-lived open state. The results suggest that acidic pH stabilizes a closed state of OmpC porin, and that the pH sensitivity might be conferred in part by R124, but not by K16 or E109.
Granulosa cell tumor mutant FOXL2C134W suppresses GDF-9 and activin A-induced follistatin transcription in primary granulosa cells.

A single somatic FOXL2 mutation (FOXL2C134W) was identified in almost all granulosa cell tumor (GCT) patients. In the pituitary, FOXL2 and Smad3 coordinately regulate activin stimulation of follistatin transcription. We explored whether a similar regulation occurs in the ovary, and whether FOXL2C134W has altered activity. We show that in primary granulosa cells, GDF-9 and activin increase Smad3-mediated follistatin transcription. In contrast to findings in the pituitary, FOXL2 negatively regulates GDF-9 and activin-stimulated follistatin transcription in the ovary. Knockdown of endogenous FOXL2 confirmed this inhibitory role. FOXL2C134W displayed enhanced inhibitory activity, completely ablating GDF-9 and activin-induced follistatin transcription. GDF-9 and activin activity was lost when either the smad binding element or the forkhead binding element were mutated, indicating that both sites are required for Smad3 actions. This study highlights that FOXL2 negatively regulates follistatin expression within the ovary, and that the pathogenesis of FOXL2C134W may involve an altered interaction with Smad3.
Information and communication tools as aids to collaborative sensemaking

Collaborative sensemaking occurs when multiple actors engage in understanding an unfamiliar, information-rich environment. We present preliminary results from a field study of the collaborative activities of healthcare providers in an emergency department. The goal of our study was to explore the nature of collaborative sensemaking and the role various information and communication tools play in the process. We describe how paper, whiteboards, and the computerized provider order entry system support common external representations to enhance collaborative sensemaking; but at the same time gaps in collaborative sensemaking occur, leading to representation shifts.
Learning and the Sensorimotor Synapse in Aplysia

One of the key questions in neuroscience is the neuronal basis of learning and memory. Several neuronal mechanisms have been described that could plausibly contribute to learning and memory in mammals, but it has been difficult to relate them directly to behavior. The gill- and siphon-withdrawal
Extrathoracic ectopia cordis: report of cases and review of literature.

Abstract We have reported and reviewed only extrathoracic ectopia cordis. Two major criteria for this diagnosis have been employed: (1) that the heart by truly extrathoracic, not merely part of a herniation, although herniation below the extrathoracic heart may be found coincidentally; and (2) that the heart remain above the diaphragm, not passing through a diaphragmatic defect. The two cases presented fulfill these criteria. In the reported cases, pregnancy is almost uniformly uneventful. The incidence of prematurity is greater with ectopia cordis than in the general population, although more term babies exhibit the abnormality. Males are affected slightly more often than females. Associated cardiac anomalies are found in the majority. Other congenital malformations are common, although they are not usually lethal in themselves. Despite consistent surgical failure, it is recognized that survival is impossible without surgical correction. Surgical repair should be attempted in all such cases in the hope that accumulating experience will permit survival.
Mechanism of fluoride-induced hyperglycemia in the rat.

Abstract Acute fluoride toxicity in the rat is accompanied by a marked hyperglycemia, the magnitude of which is dose-dependent. Muscle and liver glycogen contribute to the increased blood glucose, but no direct effect of fluoride on liver glycogen phosphorylase was detected. Adrenalectomy prevented the fluoride response and plasma epinephrine assays (intact animals) revealed a fourto fivefold rise after fluoride treatment. Fluoride-induced hyperglycemia thus appears to be mediated by epinephrine secreted by the adrenal medulla.
Glycosylceramide Synthesis in the Developing Spinal Cord and Kidney of the Twitcher Mouse, an Enzymatically Authentic Model of Human Krabbe Disease

: UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase activity was assayed in the spinal cord and kidney of the recently discovered neurological mutant, the twitcher mouse, which is an enzymatically authentic model of human globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe disease). The activity in the spinal cord was essentially normal during the early myelination period up to 15 days. There was a slight reduction at 20 days. At 25 and 33 days, the galactosyltransferase activity was drastically reduced compared to controls. In contrast, the galactosyltransferase activity in the kidney of twitcher mice remained normal throughout the developmental stages examined. Activity of the control enzyme UDP-glucose:ceramide glucosyltransferase was always normal in both the spinal cord and kidney. Thus, reduction of galactosylceramide synthesis occurs in the CNS secondarily to the pathological alteration of the oligodendroglia. No such reduction occurs in the kidney, at least for the last step of galactosylceramide synthesis. Reduced synthesis as the result of metabolic regulation in the presence of the catabolic block is therefore unlikely to be the cause of the lack of abnormal accumulation of galactosylceramide in the kidney of patients with globoid cell leukodystrophy.
The use of spline-on-spline for the approximation of Cauchy principal value integrals

In this paper the spline-on-spline interpolatory polynomials are used to approximate Cauchy principal value integrals and their derivatives. This technique yields better results than using the derivatives of the traditional single spline functions, which has been considered by Orsi. Improved order of convergence for these approximations are discussed.
Cuticular proteins: The neglected component

This paper emphasizes the importance of the protein component of cuticles. Correlation of electrophoretic charge distribution of individual cuticular proteins and physical properties of the cuticles from which they were extracted, as well as interpopulation and interspecies conservation of electrophoretic patterns, are used to argue that individual proteins play precise roles in the cuticle. Glycosylation of cuticular proteins is described, but no function for these modifications is yet known. Analogy is drawn to analyses of chorion proteins and the case is made that analysis of amino acid sequence data is likely to provide insights into how cuticular proteins and chitin interact to construct the diverse types of cuticles.
Hydrogen component fugacities in binary mixtures with methane and propane

The fugacity coefficients of hydrogen in binary mixtures with methane and propane were measured using a physical equilibrium technique. This technique involves the use of an experimental chamber which is divided into two regions by a semipermeable membrane. Hydrogen can penetrate and pass through the membrane, while the other component (in this case, methane or propane) cannot. At equilibrium, pure hydrogen will permeate into one “compartment” of the chamber, while the binary mixture occupies the other compartment. Thus, the pressure of pure hydrogen on one side approaches the partial pressure of hydrogen in the mixture on the other side of the membrane. This allows a direct measurement of the hydrogen component fugacity at a given mixture mole fraction. In this study, results are reported for measurements made on the hydrogen+propane binary at 80°C (353 K) and 130°C (403 K) and the hydrogen+methane binary at 80°C (353 K). All measurements were performed with a total mixture pressure of 3.45 MPa. The experimental results are compared with predictions from the Redlich-Kwong, Peng-Robinson, and extended corresponding-states models.
Different Ways To Distort a Tetracapped Tetrahedron on Route to Forming an E4M4 Cubane: The Case of [E4(Pd(PPh2Me)2)4][Ph2EX2]2 (E = Sb, X = Cl; E = Bi, X = Br)

Tetrakis(diphenylmethylphosphine)palladium reacts with diphenylantimony chloride or diphenylbismuth bromide to give [E4(PdL2)4][Ph2EX2]2 (L = PPh2Me, 1: E = Sb, X = Cl; 2: E = Bi, X = Br) which have been characterized spectroscopically and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction for [Sb4(PdL2)4][Ph2SbCl2]2·0.5THF and [Bi4(PdL2)4][Ph2BiBr2]2. These compounds are electron-rich based on electron counting formalisms. The additional cluster electrons can be rationalized by the ability of group 15 elements to show hypervalency, particularly those elements such as Sb and Bi which show more metal character. The electronic structure of the compounds and of related species has been examined by EHT and DFT calculations. Relationships to other cubane-derived structures are derived, and the stability of structurally related M4E4 hypothetical clusters is discussed. Compounds 1 and 2 decompose thermally to give Bi2Pd and SbPd.
Critique on the Problematic of Implementing Afrocentricity into Traditional Curriculum: The Powers That Be

This article is a subjective reflection on the implementation of African-centered composition curriculum into the traditional curriculum. The overview is offered to provide insight into the problems and pleasures of overcoming "the powers that be." The implementation of African-centered curriculum is complex because of the complex past and present of African Americans. In their quest for equality and freedom, African Americans have taken diverse positions on the best way to "make it" in America. Students' ideas of "making it" in academia influence the academic personas they adopt or have been trained to adopt. The diversity within the African American community brings with it the clash of diverse ideologies and class intersections. For the most part, all African Americans come from private and public schools with 400-plus years of stereotypes hanging over their heads. Most did not escape the experience of miseducation. For as many African Americans who come to college "prepared," an equal or greater number arrive not prepared for college-level work. This idea of preparedness is in and of itself telling. Most come prepared to experience another 4 or more years of miseducation. Miseducation here is employed in the sense in which Woodson (1933/1990) so thoroughly explained-a form of training designed for the uplifting of the dominant society that inadvertently works to the demise of the oppressed people in the society.
Incorporating Character Education into the Early Childhood Degree Program: The Need, and One Department's Response

Several major goals of early childhood professionals are to help children learn to work with others, care for others, verbalize feelings, support friends, show kindness and exhibit other character skills and traits. When these life skills are lacking, it affects the ways in which children interact with one another and form relationships with peers and others. The need to include character development in the early childhood curriculum in a way that complements developmentally appropriate practice and meets state and national standards is emphasized. Various techniques for integrating character development include developmental discipline and positive guidance, individualized planning, play-based learning, successful experiences, making choices, setting boundaries, cooperative environments, and modeling. Early childhood teacher educators are called upon to build these lessons into college curricula so that students are effectively prepared to incorporate character education into their future classrooms. An ...
A new viral RNA species in tobacco rattle virus-infected tissue

Abstract Tobacco rattle virus (CAM strain)-infected tissue contains at least one unique species of virus-specific RNA in addition to the two virion RNAs. The new species (RNA-3; MW 0.5 × 10 6 ) was characterized as follows: (1) Its synthesis and presence were detected by electrophoresis and fluorographic analysis of an extract of infected tissue that had been treated with actinomycin D and exposed to [ 3 H]uridine; (2) its genesis from RNA-2 was determined by immobilization on specially treated diazotized paper and hybridization to cDNAs prepared to TRV RNAs 1 and 2; and (3) its template activity for a 30,000 MW protein was determined with the aid of a wheat germ-derived cell-free translation system.
Detection of Soluble Antigen of Epstein-Barr Virus by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

The enzym-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was compared with the microcomplement-fixation test for sensitivity and reliability in detection of antibody to soluble antigen of Epstein-Barr virus. ELISA was found to be more sensitive (up to 160 times more antibody) in detecting levels of antibody than the complement-fixation assay. The ELISA test was shown also to be comparably reliable to the complement-fixation assay in detecting immunity to this antigen; only one false-positive response was found in tests of 21 sera. Because this assay is completely quantifiable, it provides an easy, rapid, and highly sensitive technique for the detection of antibody to antigen of Epstein-Barr virus.
Anthropomorphic teleoperation: Controlling remote manipulators with the DataGlove

A two phase effort was conducted to assess the capabilities and limitations of the DataGlove, a lightweight glove input device that can output signals in real-time based on hand shape, orientation, and movement. The first phase was a period for system integration, checkout, and familiarization in a virtual environment. The second phase was a formal experiment using the DataGlove as input device to control the protoflight manipulator arm (PFMA) - a large telerobotic arm with an 8-ft reach. The first phase was used to explore and understand how the DataGlove functions in a virtual environment, build a virtual PFMA, and consider and select a reasonable teleoperation control methodology. Twelve volunteers (six males and six females) participated in a 2 x 3 (x 2) full-factorial formal experiment using the DataGlove to control the PFMA in a simple retraction, slewing, and insertion task. Two within-subjects variables, time delay (0, 1, and 2 seconds) and PFMA wrist flexibility (rigid/flexible), were manipulated. Gender served as a blocking variable. A main effect of time delay was found for slewing and total task times. Correlations among questionnaire responses, and between questionnaire responses and session mean scores and gender were computed. The experimental data were also compared with data collected in another study that used a six degree-of-freedom handcontroller to control the PFMA in the same task. It was concluded that the DataGlove is a legitimate teleoperations input device that provides a natural, intuitive user interface. From an operational point of view, it compares favorably with other 'standard' telerobotic input devices and should be considered in future trades in teleoperation systems' designs.
Distribution and provenance of the middle Miocene Eagle Mountain Formation, and implications for regional kinematic analysis of the Basin and Range province

Conglomeratic strata from middle Miocene sections in the central Resting Spring Range and nearby Eagle Mountain, California, contain a clast assemblage including marble, orthoquartzite, fusulinid grainstone, and coarse (∼1 m) monzogabbro, interstratified with tephras yielding laser-fusion ^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar ages of 11.6, 13.4, and 15.0 Ma. Petrographic and geochronologic evidence ties the clast assemblage to a source area in the southern Cottonwood Mountains, California, >100 km west-northwest of their present location. In the upper 100 m of the Resting Spring Range section, conglomerates are derived almost exclusively from the southern Cottonwoods source, and sandstone modes are as much as 50% angular plagioclase derived from the monzogabbro. The lack of dilution of this detritus by other sources and sedimentary features in both sections indicate (1) that deposition occurred on an alluvial fan with a north- northeast paleoslope and (2) that transport of the gravels by sedimentary processes was probably <20 km north-northeast, in a direction normal to the present azimuth to their source. Therefore, we interpret most or all of the net east-southeast transport as a result of extensional and strike-slip faulting between the Cottonwood Mountains and the Resting Spring Range since 11–12 Ma. Restoration of these deposits to a position 10–20 km north-northeast of the eastern margin of the monzogabbro source (east margin of the Hunter Mountain batholith) yields a net tectonic displacement of the Cottonwood Mountains relative to the Resting Spring Range of 104 km N67°W. This result confirms previous reconstructions based on the restoration of isopachs in the Cordilleran miogeocline, pre-Cenozoic structural features, and other proximal Tertiary deposits in the region.
Major complications associated with xenograft biologic mesh implantation in abdominal wall reconstruction.

Background. There is limited research for xenograft biologic mesh performance in the setting of infection despite widespread use and significant associated costs. Design. The authors retrospectivel...
Percolation analog for a two-component liquid-vapor system

Abstract Generalized site-bond percolation theory is utilized to provide an analog for a two-component liquid-vapor system in the phase transition region. The percolation model exhibits a behaviour typical of a non-ideal real liquid-vapor system with features such as separate curves for the liquid and vapor phases, and minimum and maximum azeotrope formation.
Liking of ground beef patties is not affected by irradiation

Our objectives were to determine the acceptability of irradiated fresh ground beef and to determine whether the acceptability was affected by information about benefits or by identifying the samples. The 218 subjects were separated into 4 groups comprising a 2 × 2 design of benefits and information. All subjects tasted 4 patties: 2 irradiated and 2 control. Ratings of overall liking, toughness, and flavor and texture liking were equal for both. Subjects rated the irradiated beef patties juicier than the nonirradiated. Benefit information and sample identification increased the liking ratings of the patties-because the group with non benefit information and no sample identification generally rated all samples lower. L'acceptabilite de la viande hachee irradiee est etudiee, afin de determiner si l'information sur les benefices de l'irradiation (hygiene et conservation) influence les gouts des consommateurs. La flaveur, la texture et la durete du produit sont notes. L'information du consommateur et l'identification des echantillons augmentent l'acceptabilite du produit.
Computing convex hull in a floating point arithmetic

Abstract We present an algorithm which is numerically stable and optimal in time and space complexity for constructing the convex hull for a set of points on a plane. In contrast to existing numerically stable algorithms which return only an approximate hull, our algorithm constructs a polygon that is truly convex. The algorithm is simple and easy to implement. We assume a floating point arithmetic as a computation model.
Treatment of intraosseous arteriovenous fistulas of the extremities

Intraosseous arteriovenous fistulas of the extremities are rare malformations frequently associated with severe systemic hemodynamic alterations. In many cases, it is quite difficult to eliminate these anomalous vascular structures, but the possibilities for successful treatment are much greater when surgery is combined with interventional radiology. Selective embolization of the malformed vessels can be produced with a variety of agents that are injected into afferent arteries, via percutaneous puncture or through direct surgical access. The intraosseous portion of the fistula should be resected at the time of embolization or later. The authors describe the successful treatment of three patients having intraosseous arteriovenous fistulas of the upper extremities, who have had follow-up for 2 to 10 years.
Fano effect in the point contact spectroscopy of heavy-electron materials

We show that Fano interference explains how point contact spectroscopy in heavy-electron materials probes the emergence of the Kondo heavy-electron liquid below the same characteristic temperature ${T}^{\ensuremath{\ast}}$ as that seen in many other experiments and why the resulting measured conductance asymmetry reflects the universal Kondo liquid behavior seen in these. Its physical origin is the opening of a new channel for electron tunneling beyond that available from the background conduction electrons. We derive the Fano formula with a mean-field slave boson approach for the Kondo lattice model and generalize it to finite temperature and realistic situation by introducing empirical parameters. The resulting simple expression for the Fano interference provides a good fit to the experimental results for ${\text{CeCoIn}}_{5}$, ${\text{CeRhIn}}_{5}$, and ${\text{YbAl}}_{3}$, over the entire range of bias voltages, and deduce a lifetime of the heavy quasiparticle excitations that agrees well with recent state-of-the-art numerical calculations.
Jumpstart just-in-time signaling protocol: a formal description using extended finite state machines

We present a formal protocol description for a just-in-time (JIT) signaling scheme running over a core dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) network that utilizes optical burst switches (OBSs). We apply an eight-tuple extended finite state machine (EFSM) model to formally specify the protocol. Using the EFSM model, we define the communication between a source client node and a destination client node through an ingress and one or multiple intermediate switches. We work on on-the-fly and persistent unicast connections. The communication between the EFSMs is handled through messages.
Integrating Learner and Learning Concerns: Prospective Elementary Science Teachers' Paths and Progress.

Abstract This article describes three prospective teachers’ progress toward an integrated view of learner and learning concerns. Two prospective teachers formulated similar questions by the end of their first year about how to balance concerns for individual learners’ experiences in class with concerns that they learn content. However, the two arrived at this point from very different initial conceptions via different conceptual paths during the year. In contrast, the third prospective teacher (same program, same year) prepared to give up content learning goals if they interfered with learners’ enthusiasm about the lesson. Possible explanations and implications for teacher education are discussed.
A Conceptual Framework for Value-Driven Design and Systems Engineering

Abstract Value-driven design starts from the premise that a designer has preferences, which can be modeled in terms of value maximization. In this paper, we consider value maximization from three increasingly comprehensive perspectives: artifact-, process-, and organization-focused. Based on this framework, we then identify five characteristics of common design processes, and explain and justify these characteristics in terms of value maximization. Although the framework is based on normative decision theory, an important conclusion of the paper is that heuristics play a crucial role in design. The paper therefore ends with a reflection on the role of heuristics in design and systems engineering research.
The BCL2-family of protein ligands as cancer drugs: the next generation of therapeutics.

Selective aberrant cell suicide (ie., apoptosis or programmed cell death) is a hallmark of "nonneoplastic" tissue. In cells that have clonally evolved or in common parlance "cancer cells", apoptosis is either itself aberrant or completely inhibited. Strategies to enhance apoptosis under conditions of cancer cellular stress is an evolving and actively investigated area of experimental therapeutics. Bcl2 proteins are key mediators of the process of apoptosis and ligands to these family of proteins have been described using modern combinatorial, computational and evolutionary small molecule screening approaches. Crystallization of several of the Bcl2 family members has provided clarification of the role of these ligands and provided a clearer mechanism of action for the consequences of ligand binding. In several cases, these ligands (e.g., HA14-1, 2-methoxy antimycin A) induce apoptosis even under conditions of Bcl2 overexpression and if developed preclinically will be promising anticancer agents. This rationale becomes even more striking when one observes overexpression of Bcl2 in 70% of breast cancer, 30-60% of prostate cancer, 80% of B-cell lymphomas, 90% of colorectal adenocarcinomas, and many other forms of cancer.
A composite model for the anisotropic elastic moduli of lean oil shale

A model to predict the anisotropic elastic moduli of lean oil shale is formulated. Deformation of a homogeneous ellipsoidal inclusion in a host matrix is used as the basis for computing the deformation of the composite. Both inclusions and the host rock are presumed to be separately isotropic. Anisotropy of the composite arises from the nonspherical shape of the kerogen inclusions. Six parameters are needed to quantify the model fully: two elastic moduli for the host rock, two for the inclusions, the kerogen content, and the inclusion aspect ratio. The model is compared to a set of statically measured elastic moduli. Good agreement with lean oil shale data was found. However, some systematic differences appear in comparison with moduli measured ultrasonically.
Early pottery exchange along the South coast of Papua New Guinea

The results of chemical and petrographie analysis of 184 potsherds from 42 Early Period sites on the southern coast of Papua New Guinea are described. The sites are located from the Gulf of Papua to Yule Island and Port Moresby. In analysing the material an exploratory approach using multi variate statistics creates * source' groups of sherds whose distribution in Early Period sites can then be examined for evidence of trade and exchange. The research establishes the presence of local and long distance pottery networks in these areas between 1900 and 850 cal BP. The evidence suggests that pottery exchange from the Yule Island sites to the Gulf took place simultaneously with the earliest local pottery manufacturing around Yule Island. From around 1400 cal BP on, Yule Island potters were joined by Port Moresby potters in moving their wares to the Gulf. The arrival around 1900 cal BP of pottery throughout the Massim and southern coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG) represents the first archaeologically recovered intense occupation there. This is problematic as occupation elsewhere in the country is tens of thousands of years older and pottery production elsewhere in Near Oceania had already existed for about 1500 years. Pottery production was accompanied by networks of exchange throughout the region. Archaeological investigations of this Early Period pottery exchange along the south coast (see Figure 1) remains preliminary despite its importance in the reconstructions of the region's culture history. Studying the Early Period pottery collections can be used to answer particular questions about both the Early Period itself and the later prehistory of the region. This paper focuses on two of these questions: determining the antiquity of both the long distance and local exchange routes along the south coast and tracing changes in exchange networks throughout the Early Period.
Are candle stick bars a good tool for data compression in natural science

Candle stick bars contain only the first, highest, lowest, and last value of a time series of dozens or thousands of data (see Figure 1). Therefore candle sticks bars are a data compression tool. Mr. Homma in Sakata, Japan, introduced candle stick bars for trading rice around 1850 [1]. The Western version of the candle stick bar is the Open-High-Low-Close bar (OHLC bar). It is commonly used to illustrate changes in price of currencies, securities and other financial instruments. The vertical line indicated the range of prices over a certain time period, which can by a day or an hour, the left tick is the prices at the beginning of the time period (open) and the right tick is the price at the end of time period (close).
Performance of a class of adaptive detection algorithms in nonhomogeneous environments

A two-dimensional (2-D) adaptive sidelobe blanker (ASB) detection algorithm was developed through experimentation as an extenuate for false alarms caused by undernulled interference encountered when applying the adaptive matched filter (AMF) in nonhomogeneous environments. The algorithm's utility has been demonstrated empirically. Considering theoretic performance analyses of the ASB detection algorithm as well as the AMF generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT), and the adaptive cosine estimator (ACE), under nonideal conditions, can become fairly intractable rather quickly, especially in an adaptive processing context involving covariance estimation. In this paper, however, we have developed and exploited a theoretic framework through which the performance of these algorithms under nonhomogeneous conditions can be examined theoretically. It is demonstrated through theoretic analysis that in the presence of undernulled interference, the ASB is a pliable false alarm regulatory (FAR) detector that maintains good target sensitivity. A viable method of ASB threshold selection is also presented and demonstrated.
Pre-pilot findings on developing a literacy tablet

We report observations on how children in a developing country respond to a literacy tablet that is designed to initiate and scaffold literacy learning toward self-sufficiency. This paper describes our first lessons from developing an educational system for enabling children who have no access to schooling to read with minimal outside intervention. We share lessons learned from challenges in the design process, discuss implementation considerations for deploying in remote developing areas, and discuss observations of how children use the technology. We reflect how this experience impacts ongoing work on developing countries regarding collaboration and literacy learning.
CCL18/PARC stimulates hematopoiesis in long-term bone marrow cultures indirectly through its effect on monocytes

Chemokines play a role in regulating hematopoietic stem cell function, including migration, proliferation, and retention. We investigated the involvement of CCL18 in the regulation of bone marrow hematopoiesis. Treatment of human long-term bone marrow cultures (LTBMCs) with CCL18 resulted in significant stimulation of hematopoiesis, as measured by the total number of hematopoietic cells and their committed progenitors produced in culture. Monocytes/macrophages, whose survival was almost doubled in the presence of CCL18 compared with controls, were the primary cells mediating this effect. Conditioned media from CCL18-treated mature monocytes fostered colony-promoting activity that increased the number of colonies formed by hematopoietic progenitor cells. Gene expression profiling of CCL18-stimulated monocytes demonstrated more than 200 differentially expressed genes, including those regulating apoptosis (caspase-8) and proliferation (IL-6, IL-15, stem cell factor [SCF]). Up-regulation of these cytokines was confirmed on the protein expression level. The contribution of SCF and IL-6 in CCL18-mediated stimulatory activity for hematopoiesis was confirmed by SCF- and IL-6-blocking antibodies that significantly inhibited the colony-promoting activity of CCL18-stimulated conditioned medium. In addition to the effect on monocytes, CCL18 facilitated the formation of the adherent layer in LTBMCs and increased the proliferation of stromal fibroblast-like cells.