cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Methodology for Characterizing the Correspondence Between Real and Proxy Applications

Proxy applications are a simplified means for stake-holders to evaluate how both hardware and software stacks might perform on the class of real applications that they are meant to model. However, characterizing the relationship between them and their behavior is not an easy task. We present a data-driven methodology for characterizing the relationship between real and proxy applications based on collecting runtime data from both and then using data analytics to find their correspondence and divergence. We use new capabilities for application-level monitoring within LDMS (Lightweight Distributed Monitoring System) to capture hardware performance counter and MPI-related data. To demonstrate the utility of this methodology, we present experimental evidence from two system platforms, using four proxy applications from the current ECP Proxy Application Suite and their corresponding parent applications (in the ECP application portfolio). Results show that each proxy analyzed is representative of its parent with respect to computation and memory behavior. We also analyze communication patterns separately using mpiP data and show that communication for these four proxy/parent pairs is also similar.
Perceived health risks of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) users: The role of cigarette smoking status.

Abstract Introduction Use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has increased markedly. We examined how current ENDS users differ in perceptions of tobacco and ENDS-related health risks as a function of cigarette smoking status. Methods We classified 1329 current ENDS users completing a national online survey based on cigarette smoking status, and employed linear and logistic regression to assess group differences in perceptions of tobacco-related health risks. Results The sample consisted of 38% Current Cigarette Smokers, 40% Former Cigarette Smokers, and 22% Non-Smokers. Our targeted recruitment strategy yielded a balance of key descriptive variables across participants. Significant differences were observed in race, employment and marital status across cigarette smoking status, but not in gender, education, income, or sexual orientation. Participants reported considerable perceived knowledge about health risks associated with tobacco use, but less regarding ENDS use. Current Smokers rated ENDS use as riskier than Non-Smokers, and considered cigarette use less risky for both users and bystanders. Current Smokers were more likely to perceive cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer as the health risks associated with ENDS use. Former Smokers were more likely to perceive such risks with traditional tobacco use. Further, regardless of smoking status, perceived knowledge about the health risks of tobacco or ENDS use was positively associated with perceived likelihood of high risks of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Conclusions Among current ENDS users, there were significant differences in perceived health risks based on cigarette smoking history. Improved health messaging can be achieved when cigarette smoking status is taken into account.
Neuroimaging of Vascular Skin Lesions and Related Conditions

Vascular lesions that may have skin manifestations can be classified as tumors, malformations, and miscellaneous according to the ISSVA. Vascular tumors can be benign, such as congenital and infantile hemangiomas, or aggressive and malignant, such as Kaposi sarcoma and angiosarcoma (refer to Chap. 6). Vascular malformations can be classified as simple, such as capillary malformations, lymphatic malformations, and venous malformations, combined, such as arteriovenous malformations and lymphatic-venous malformation, and associated with other anomalies, such as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, Sturge-Weber syndrome (also refer to Chap. 3), and Maffucci syndrome. Furthermore, coagulation abnormalities such as disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease can have both skin and neuroimaging findings. Certain examples of these different types of vascular lesions with skin involvement and associated neuroimaging findings are reviewed in this chapter.
A novel GABAA receptor ligand MIDD0301 with limited blood-brain barrier penetration relaxes airway smooth muscle ex vivo and in vivo

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells express GABA A receptors (GABAARs), and previous reports have demonstrated that GABAAR activators relax ASM. However, given the activity of GABAARs in central nervo...
Islam and Violence

After 9/11, many writers have posited the relationship between Islam and violence as either elemental or anomalous. Khaleel Mohammed defines Islam as transcending the usual understanding of religion, being instead like a 'sacred canopy' that provides meaning for every aspect of life. In addition, he shows that violence has both physical and psychological dimensions and expounds at length on jihad. He traces the term's metamorphosis of meaning from a struggle in any worthy cause to war and finally to its present-day extension to include martyrdom and terrorism. Finally, he covers the dimensions of violence in the Islamic law and the institutional patriarchy.
Understanding First-Year Engineering Students’ Perceived Ideal Learning Environments

There is a growing interest by engineering education researchers to identify learning spaces that enhance student engagement and learning in higher education [1]-[3]. Yet seldom does the creation and design of these learning environments consider students’ initial perceptions of these spaces. This exploratory study sought to understand what early engineering students perceive are their ideal learning environments. A rearrangeable, active, and mobile learning classroom space, containing 14 tables and 42 chairs, was used as part of an Introduction to Engineering Course.Student teams hand-drew sketches of their ideal learning environment, pitched their designs to the class, and repositioned the existing lecture-style classroom arrangement. The top three classroom designs were voted by the students and furniture was arranged accordingly. After each arrangement, an open discussion took place amongst the students about the learning space. Audio recordings, sketches, images, and quotes of students' perceived ideal learning environments were collected. Pre- and post-surveys about perceived emotions and stress were collected as well as near-to-real-time engagement (via electrodermal activity sensors).Preliminary findings suggested that students preferred moveable, open-spaced, and collaborative arrangements that face forward (e.g. U-shaped theater-style) over traditional learning spaces (e.g. stationary lecture-style). While electrodermal activity (EDA) was not significant, students' self-reported levels of self-efficacy increased marginally, but not statistically significantly over the duration of the class period.
Are Medical Grade Bioabsorbable Polymers a Viable Material for Fused Filament Fabrication

Lumbar fusion surgery has grown in popularity as a solution to lower back pain. Surgical site infection (SSI) is a serious complication of spinal surgery, affecting as high as 8.5% of the patient population. If the SSI cannot be eradicated with intravenous antibiotics, the next step is second surgery, which increases the cost imposed on the patient and extends recovery time. An implantable ultrasound-triggered polyether ether ketone device for the dispersal of antibiotics has been developed as a potential solution. In this study, the device was constructed of bioabsorbable medical grade polymer, enabling gradual degradation, and manufactured via fused filament fabrication (FFF). A novel bioabsorbable filament was manufactured and validated with gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The filament was consistent in molecular weight and thermal properties (p = 0.348 and p = 0.487, respectively). The filament was utilized for FFF of the device. Dimensional accuracy of the device was assessed with μCT analysis. Dimensional differences between the printed device and intended design were minimal. Degradation of raw material, filament, and the device was performed in accordance to ASTM F1635-16 for a month to determine how melting the material impacted the degradation properties. The degradation rate was found to be similar among the samples weeks one through three however, the raw material degraded at a slower rate by the final week (p = 0.039). This study demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing medical grade bioabsorbable polymers in FFF.
The Easy Part of the Hard Problem: A Resonance Theory of Consciousness.

Synchronization, harmonization, vibrations, or simply resonance in its most general sense seems to have an integral relationship with consciousness itself. One of the possible “neural correlates of consciousness” in mammalian brains is a specific combination of gamma, beta and theta electrical synchrony. More broadly, we see similar kinds of resonance patterns in living and non-living structures of many types. What clues can resonance provide about the nature of consciousness more generally? This paper provides an overview of resonating structures in the fields of neuroscience, biology and physics and offers a possible solution to what we see as the “easy part” of the “Hard Problem” of consciousness, which is generally known as the “combination problem.” The combination problem asks: how do micro-conscious entities combine into a higher-level macro-consciousness? The proposed solution in the context of mammalian consciousness suggests that a shared resonance is what allows different parts of the brain to achieve a phase transition in the speed and bandwidth of information flows between the constituent parts. This phase transition allows for richer varieties of consciousness to arise, with the character and content of that consciousness in each moment determined by the particular set of constituent neurons. We also offer more general insights into the ontology of consciousness and suggest that consciousness manifests as a continuum of increasing richness in all physical processes, distinguishing our view from emergentist materialism. We refer to this approach, a meta-synthesis, as a (general) resonance theory of consciousness. We offer some suggestions for testing the theory.
MRI-derived porosity index is associated with whole-bone stiffness and mineral density in human cadaveric femora.

Abstract Ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures proton signals in cortical bone from two distinct water pools, bound water, or water that is tightly bound to bone matrix, and pore water, or water that is freely moving in the pore spaces in bone. By isolating the signal contribution from the pore water pool, UTE biomarkers can directly quantify cortical bone porosity in vivo. The Porosity Index (PI) is one non-invasive, clinically viable UTE-derived technique that has shown strong associations in the tibia with μCT porosity and other UTE measures of bone water. However, the efficacy of the PI biomarker has never been examined in the proximal femur, which is the site of the most catastrophic osteoporotic fractures. Additionally, the loads experienced during a sideways fall are complex and the femoral neck is difficult to image with UTE, so the usefulness of the PI in the femur was unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the PI measure in the proximal cortical shaft of human cadaveric femora specimens compared to (1) QCT-derived bone mineral density (BMD) and (2) whole bone stiffness obtained from mechanical testing mimicking a sideways fall. Fifteen fresh, frozen whole cadaveric femora specimens (age 72.1 ± 15.0 years old, 10 male, 5 female) were scanned on a clinical 3-T MRI using a dual-echo UTE sequence. Specimens were then scanned on a clinical CT scanner to measure volumetric BMD (vBMD) and then non-destructively mechanically tested in a sideways fall configuration. The PI in the cortical shaft demonstrated strong correlations with bone stiffness (r = −0.82, P = 0.0014), CT-derived vBMD (r = −0.64, P = 0.0149), and with average cortical thickness (r = −0.60, P = 0.0180). Furthermore, a hierarchical regression showed that PI was a strong predictor of bone stiffness which was independent of the other parameters. The findings from this study validate the MRI-derived porosity index as a useful measure of whole-bone mechanical integrity and stiffness.
Statin Exposure and Risk of Prosthetic Joint Infection After Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty Among U.S. Veterans.

Abstract Background Statins have a variety of pleiotropic effects that could be beneficial for patients undertaking total knee or hip arthroplasty. In vitro and in vivo models suggest the beneficial effects of statins through bone formation and modulating proinflammatory cytokines triggered by implant debris. However, statins also exhibit antimicrobial action and may reduce the risk of revision surgery via reducing the risk of infection. We sought to explore the relationship between statin use and prosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total knee or hip arthroplasty. Methods We use a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty performed within the Department of Veterans Affairs. To minimize selection bias between the statin exposed and unexposed patients, we used 1:1 ratio propensity score matching. We fit adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to quantify the risk of PJI between the cohorts within 1 year, 3 years, and all follow-up time. Results With a study period beginning from January 2000, a total of 60,241 patients were included. The unmatched Cox models reveal, over the entire follow-up time, a statistically significant lower risk of infection for the statin exposed patients (hazard ratio = 0.869; 95% confidence interval = [0.79-0.956]). The matched Cox model results reveal a statistically significant lower risk of PJI, only in the overall model, for the statin exposed cohort compared with the unexposed cohort (hazard ratio = 0.895, 95% confidence interval = [0.807-0.993]). Conclusion Our analysis finds some support for the beneficial effects of statins for preventing PJI among patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty.
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an important medical condition and there is great public health concern related to its increasing incidence and potential implications for the development of end-stage liver disease. NASH represents a progression beyond simple lipid deposition in the liver parenchyma, requiring histologic evidence for hepatocyte injury such as ballooning degeneration, Mallory bodies, and/or pericellular fibrosis that can potentially lead to progressive liver injury and eventually cirrhosis. It is believed that several insults contribute to the evolution of hepatic injury such as insulin dysregulation, lipid deposition, oxidative free radicals, and lipid perioxidation. Initial treatment protocols for NASH focus on various aspects of injury in an attempt to control insulin imbalances, improve lipid regulation, reduce free radicals, and ameliorate the inflammatory process. No therapy is conclusively beneficial in all individuals, but preliminary data suggest several approaches that hold promise.
Abdominal Body Contouring: Does Body Mass Index Affect Clinical and Patient Reported Outcomes?

Background Obese individuals are thought to be higher risk for complications after excisional abdominal body contouring (EAC) due to co-morbidities and significant tissue resection. Objectives We comparatively analyzed EAC patients with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2 and BMI Methods Patients ≥18 years-old undergoing EAC by a single surgeon from 01/2018-01/2020 were identified and separated into cohorts based on BMI ( Results 70 total patients with median BMIs of 30[26-32] and 41[37-45] kg/m2 in each cohort, were identified. Patients with BMI ≥35 kg/m2 were more likely to have higher ASA (P 0.05) between cohorts. Multivariate logistic regression showed that BMI ≥35 kg/m2, iNPWD and liposuction were not associated with the development of complications. PROs demonstrated improvement in multiple domains despite BMI. Conclusion There was no association with BMI ≥35 kg/m2 and the development of complications within our cohort. We encourage preoperative weight loss when possible, however these procedures can be performed safely with acceptable outcomes even in individuals who are obese and/or require extensive tissue removal.
Virginia Brabender and April Fallon: Group Development in Practice: Guidance for Clinicians and Researchers on Stages and Dynamics of Change

Brabender and Fallon believe that a ‘‘progressive stage or developmental approach to group psychotherapy has many benefits and can be applied by group therapists from very different theoretical perspectives.’’ Brabender and Fallon note the bewildering amount of information that confronts the beginning group therapist, and their effort is admirable as they confront group psychotherapy, viewed as a clinical practice that remains in search of a theory. In their effort to make sense of the ‘‘bewildering’’ amount of clinical data, Brabender and Fallon have ignored the different goals of group psychotherapists. By overlooking the early history of group psychotherapy, they have omitted some important pioneers in the field. As this reviewer pointed out more than fifty years ago, if psychotherapy is on a continuum of reparative to reconstructive, different group leaders have different therapeutic goals. The goal of a group leader who is wedded to an interactional approach (e.g., Yalom) is vastly different from a group psychotherapist who emphasizes the intrapsychic (e.g., Alexander Wolfan early pioneer). Likewise, group therapy will be different when working in a mental hospital (e.g., Louis Wender), or leading groups of tubercular patients (e.g., Joseph Pratt). Brabender and Fallon appear to be resonant to Bion’s approach to group treatment and note how much Melanie Klein influenced Bion (see his personal psychoanalysis with Klein). The Wall Street Journal recently reported that ‘‘group therapy is at least 50% less expensive than individual therapy,’’ (see Tuesday, March 24, 2009). Nonetheless, many practitioners believe in the value of therapy groups irrespective of the cost. Does the current book clarify important issues in group psychotherapy? The reviewer would say no. At times the writing is clear. At other times it seems disjointed. Brabender and Fallon should be commended for their efforts. Even if not ‘‘great’’, this book is a ‘‘good try.’’
Boundary control of thermoelastic beams

We show that the motions of a linear thermoelastic beam may be controlled exactly to zero in a finite time by a single boundary control that acts on one end of the beam. The optimal time of controllability depends upon the moment of inertia parameter of the beam and becomes arbitrarily small if this parameter is omitted, as in the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory.
Constrained fuzzy logic approximation for indoor comfort and energy optimization

Indoor environmental satisfaction has been receiving considerable attention by many researchers recently. Research has indicated that allowing building occupants to adjust their local environment to their liking increases satisfaction and human performance. However, concern about the possible increase of energy consumption associated with the wide adoption of distributed localized environmental control has limited the use of such systems. In this study, we show how gradient-based optimization can be used to minimize energy consumption of distributed environmental control systems without increasing occupant thermal dissatisfaction. Fuzzy rules have been generated by data from gradient optimization, showing that a fuzzy logic control scheme based on nearest neighbors approximates closely the gradient-based optimized results.
Energy Harvesting and Wireless Energy Transmission for SHM Sensor Nodes

The concept of wireless sensor nodes and sensor networks has been widely investigated within the field of structural health monitoring (SHM). However, the ability to power sensors, onboard processing, and telemetry components is a significant challenge in many SHM applications. Several energy harvesting techniques, based on piezoelectric and thermoelectric materials, have been proposed and studied to solve such problems. This article summarizes recent advances and research issues in energy harvesting relevant to SHM applications. We also present a feasibility study for using radio frequency (RF) signals to wirelessly deliver energy to power sensing systems. The goal of this study is to provide a method for supplying power to a sensor node periodically so that the SHM system does not rely on an onboard power source. Keywords: structural health monitoring (SHM); energy harvesting; wireless energy transmission; sensor networks; sensor nodes
Hemophilus influenzae type b disease in a day-care center. Report of an outbreak.

Four episodes of serious Hemophilus influenzae type b infection occurred in three children attending a day-care center. This was 100 times the expected annual total. The pharyngeal carriage rate of Hib was 60% for siblings of patients, 20% for adult household contacts, and 5% for well children at the center. No carriers were found in control populations. Escherichia coli K100, which cross-reacts serologically with Hib, was found in rectal swabs of 20% of family contacts of patients and 3.5% of well children at the center. It was recovered from two of seven persons who carried Hib in the pharynx and two of 75 who did not ( P =0.035), suggesting that carriage of one organism may facilitate carriage of the other. In a randomized prospective trial with 85 patient contact, Hib carriage was eradicated in all of four carriers given ampicillin and in all of three given rifampin. There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of adverse reactions in the two treatment groups. No further cases were reported.
Case-Based Support for Library Reference Services

This paper reports on the results of the first phase of the development of a knowledge management system that provides assistance to reference librarians. This system would employ the parallel use of expert knowledge and case-based retrieval of similar existing question/answer (QA) pairs. CBR is used to store, organize, and represent these QAs in such a way that they could be offered as suggested solutions. The first phase involves testing the possibility of categorizing reference questions in the knowledge base into case-groups and combining attribute matching with text similarity in the similarity measure. Here, CBR is used in a new field which is not domain-specific, and where the level of variability among the potentially high volume of textual cases can be both major and minor. Questions are used in the similarity measure, and the solutions are the paired answers of the retrieved questions.
Predictive Value of Abnormal Physical Examination Findings in Ill-Appearing and Well-Appearing Febrile Children

In order to study the occurrence and positive predictive value of history and physical examination findings suggestive of serious illness in ill-appearing and well-appearing febrile children, 103 consecutive children aged less than or equal to 24 months with fever greater than or equal to 38.3 degrees C were evaluated from July 1, 1982 to Nov 24, 1982. Patients were initially classified by an attending physician (A) as to whether they appeared ill (Yale Observation Scale score greater than 10) or well (scale score less than or equal to 10). The history was then taken by two attending physicians (A and B) and a resident; the physical examination was performed by attending physician B and the same resident. As history and physical examination findings were elicited, they were scored as to whether they did or did not suggest a serious illness. Serious illness was defined as the presence of a positive laboratory test. Ill-appearing patients had a significantly greater (P less than .001, Fisher's exact test) occurrence of physical examination findings suggesting serious illness (14 of 22, 64%) than well-appearing children (12 of 81, 15%). The positive predictive values of abnormal physical examination findings for serious illness in ill-appearing (11 of 14, 79%) and well-appearing children (3 of 12, 25%) were significantly different (P = .02 by Fisher's exact test). The trends for abnormal history findings in ill-appearing and well-appearing children were similar to those for abnormal physical examination findings but did not achieve statistical significance. The results, indicating an important interaction between a febrile child's appearance and physical examination findings, are discussed in terms of probability reasoning in clinical decision making.
Application of chitosan for treatment of wastewaters.

Significant volumes of wastewaters, with organic and inorganic contaminants such as suspended solids, dyes, pesticides, toxicants, and heavy metals, are discharged from various industries. These wastewaters create a serious environmental problem and pose a threat to water quality when discharged into rivers and lakes. Thus, such contaminants must be effectively removed to meet increasingly stringent environmental quality standards. It is becoming increasingly recognized that the nontoxic and biodegradable biopolymer chitosan can be used in wastewater treatment (Peniston and Johnson 1970).
Potent inhibition of Junín virus infection by interferon in murine cells.

The new world arenavirus Junin virus (JUNV) is the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever, a lethal human infectious disease. Adult laboratory mice are generally resistant to peripheral infection by JUNV. The mechanism underlying the mouse resistance to JUNV infection is largely unknown. We have reported that interferon receptor knockout mice succumb to JUNV infection, indicating the critical role of interferon in restricting JUNV infection in mice. Here we report that the pathogenic and vaccine strains of JUNV were highly sensitive to interferon in murine primary cells. Treatment with low concentrations of interferon abrogated viral NP protein expression in murine cells. The replication of both JUNVs was enhanced in IRF3/IRF7 deficient cells. In addition, the vaccine strain of JUNV displayed impaired growth in primary murine cells. Our data suggested a direct and potent role of host interferon response in restricting JUNV replication in mice. The defect in viral growth for vaccine JUNV might also partially explain its attenuation in mice.
The Changing Role of the Village: College Student Activism in the Post-Brown Era, 1967-1969.

Social capital theory is used as a lens for examining the culture of an African American college student-led movement during the events of the San Francisco State College strike that began in 1968. Results reveal strong ties with the African American community as well as with a number of on- and off-campus networks. An in-depth look at the ties with the community is explored as a way of better understanding the transmission of culture among African Americans then and how it may have changed over time.
The degree of bandemia in septic ED patients does not predict inpatient mortality

Abstract Background A delay in diagnosis of sepsis and appropriate treatment increases subsequent mortality. An association with the degree of bandemia, or the presence of immature neutrophils in the white blood cell count, has not been explored in septic patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). We hypothesized that the presenting band levels would be higher in septic patients who die in hospital compared with survivors. Methods This study reviewed charts of ED patients presenting with sepsis to a single urban, academic, tertiary care ED with an annual census of 80 000 visits. Patients were included if they had bandemia assessed and were eligible for early goal-directed therapy. Reviewers blinded to the study purpose abstracted data using predetermined definitions. The band level was compared between patients who died and those who survived to discharge using the Mann-Whitney U test. Logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of bandemia levels on the odds of death. Results Ninety-six patients meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled; 2 were excluded with incomplete data. Mean age was 59 years, 53% were white, and 51% were male. Thirty-two patients (34%) died during admission. The median band levels in patients who died was 17% (range, 0%-67%); and in patients surviving to discharge, the median band level was 9% (range, 0%-77%) (difference in medians, 8%; CI 95 , −27.04 to 11.04; P = .222). Conclusions The band level on presentation was not found to be associated with inpatient mortality in ED patients with sepsis who are eligible for early goal-directed therapy.
Aircraft tachometer indicator starting

STARTING performance of aircraft tachometer indicators has received considerable attention with the advent of the gas-turbine engine. Military specifications are requesting lower starting indication of the tachometer indicator to better aid the aircraft pilot to start his engines properly and safely.
Indexes for user access to large video databases

Video-on-Demand systems have received a good deal of attention recently. Few studies, however, have addressed the problem of locating a video of interest in a large video database. This paper describes the design and implementation of a metadata database and query interface that attempts to solve this information retrieval problem.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fourteen years' experience with cobalt-60 radiation therapy in the treatment of early cancer of the true vocal cords.

The results of treatment and reasons for failure are analyzed for a group of 110 patients with early (T1 and T2) squamous cell carcinoma of the true vocal cords, all treated with a Cobalt-60 source. The report covers a period from 1956 through 1969, and presents 5-year survival figures for over 50% of the patients in the series. For 55 Tl patients, the 5-year absolute and relative survival rates were 80% and 94%, respectively. Similarly, for 12 T2 patients, the respective figures were 67% and 100%. Employing the actuarial method, the cure rates for radiotherapy alone were calculated utilizing the entire group of 85 Tl patients and 25 T2 patients. The cure rate for Tl lesions was 91%, for T2 lesions, 80%. Only eight radiotherapy failures were discovered in the combined group, and five of these have been salvaged by laryngectomy and now are alive and well. There were no significant complications attributed to the radiation therapy, and, in the five patients who came to surgery, the laryngectomy was carried out with no added morbidity. In six of the eight radiotherapy failures, technical reasons were discovered which may have contributed to the poor results in these patients. The results are compared with a large series of patients recently reported in a review article by Vermund.
Stable computation of multiquadric interpolants for all values of the shape parameter

Abstract-Spectrally accurate interpolation and approximation of derivatives used to be practical only on highly regular grids in very simple geometries. Since radial basis function (RBF) approxima-ions permit this even for multivariate scattered data, there has been much recent interest in practical algorithms to compute these approximations effectively. Several types of RBFs feature a free parameter (e.g., c in the multiquadric (MQ) case @f(r) = @/r^2 + c^2). The limit of c -> ~ (increasingly flat basis functions) has not received much attention because it leads to a severely ill-conditioned problem. We present here an algorithm which avoids this difficulty, and which allows numerically stable computations of MQ RBF interpolants for all parameter values. We then find that the accuracy of the resulting approximations, in some cases, becomes orders of magnitude higher than was the case within the previously available parameter range. Our new method provides the first tool for the numerical exploration of MQ RBF interpolants in the limit of c -> ~. The method is in no way specific to MQ basis functions and can-without any change-be applied to many other cases as well.
The dissociation of insect embryos for cell culture.

Procedures and solutions were developed for dissociating embryos ofBlattella germanica in preparation for primary cell culture. Trypsin solutions were maximally effective at 0.01% for germ bands but higher concentrations, 0.05 to 0.1% were needed for embryos in later stages.
Comparative Analysis of Genes Regulated by PML/RARα and PLZF/RARα in Response to Retinoic Acid Using Oligonucleotide Arrays

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is associated with chromosomal translocations involving retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR alpha) and its fusion partners including promyelocytic leukemia (PML) and promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF). Using oligonucleotide arrays, we examined changes in global gene expression mediated by the ectopic expression of either PML/RAR alpha (retinoid-sensitive) or PLZF/RAR alpha (retinoid-resistant) in U937 cells. Of more than 5000 genes analyzed, 16 genes were commonly up-regulated, and 57 genes were down-regulated by both fusion proteins suggesting their role in the APL phenotype. In our APL model, for example, TNFAIP2, TNFR2, ELF4, RAR gamma, and HoxA1 were down-regulated by both fusion proteins in the absence of retinoic acid (RA). RA strongly up-regulated these genes in PML/RAR alpha, but not in PLZF/RAR alpha expressing U937 cells. Expression studies in NB4, retinoid-resistant NB4-R2, normal human CD34+ cells, and APL patient samples strongly suggest their role in the regulation of granulocytic differentiation. Furthermore, combined treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and RA synergistically enhanced granulocytic differentiation in NB4 cells but not in NB4-R2 cells. Our data indicate that APL pathogenesis and retinoid-induced granulocytic differentiation of APL cells involve genes in the cell death pathway, and that cooperation between the RA and TNFalpha signaling pathways exists. Targeting both the retinoid-dependent differentiation and the cell death pathways may improve leukemic therapy, especially in retinoid-resistant acute myeloid leukemia.
Pulses of extracellular K+ produce two cytosolic Ca2+ transients that display different temperature dependence and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl sensitivity in SH-SY5Y cells

In SH-SY5Y cells we have shown that stimulation with high extracellular K+ ([K+]e) evokes a transient increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) (K+on) that is triggered by the opening of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and followed by Ca2+ -induced Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (Xu, F., Zhang, J., Recio-Pinto, E. and Blanck, T.J., Halothane and isoflurane augment depolarization-induced cytosolic CA2+ transients and attenuate carbachol-stimulated CA2+ transients, Anesthesiology, 92 (2000) 1746-56). The removal of high-[K+]e results in a second transient increase in [Ca2+]cyt (K+off) that is independent of extracellular Ca2+ (Corrales, A., Montoya, G.J., Sutachan, J.J., Cornillez-Ty, G., Garavito-Aguilar, Z., Xu, F., Blanck, T.J. and Recio-Pinto, E., Transient increases in extracellular K+ produce two pharmacological distinct cytosolic Ca2+ transients, Brain Res., 1031 (2005) 174-184). In this study we further characterize the properties of K+off. We found that K+off was detectable at near physiological temperatures (34-36 degrees C) but, depending on the level of [K+]e, it was undetectable or highly diminished at room temperature. In contrast, K+on was increased by lowering the temperature. Extracellular Na+ -replacement with K+ did not affect K+off, indicating that K+off was not generated by osmolarity changes. Replacement of extracellular Na+ with choline+ did not affect K+off, indicating that K+off did not result from activity changes of the plasma membrane Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Caffeine decreased K+on but not K+off. CCCP (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl), a protonophore uncoupler that decreases mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, decreased K+on but not K+off. CGP37157, an inhibitor of the mitochondria Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, decreased K+off when added alone but not when added simultaneously with CCCP. Clonazepam had similar effects as CGP37157. These findings indicate that the generation of K+off is strongly temperature-dependent and its pharmacology is distinct from the [Ca2+]cyt changes observed previously at room temperature.
Gender differences in the use of peak flow meters and their effect on peak expiratory flow

Study Objective. To determine if gender differences in the skill of using peak flow meters affect peak expiratory flow (PEF). Design. Prospective observational study. Setting. University classroom. Subjects. One hundred sixteen first-year pharmacy students (76 women, 40 men). Intervention. Students were taught correct use of a peak flow meter by means of classroom discussion and demonstrations. Measurements and Main Results. The students' technique in use of the peak flow meter was scored 3 times, and their PEF was recorded. Men scored higher than women (p=0.03) for the steps of “inhale fully” and “exhale as hard and as fast as you can” in the first attempt. Percentage increases in PEF did not significantly differ between the groups. Percentage change in PEF improved from the second attempt to the third attempt in women (p=0.036) but not men. On the third attempt, 13.2% of women versus 2.6% of men had an increase in PEF of more than 50% (p=0.1). Conclusion. This study found that men learned the correct technique for using a peak flow meter and attained their best PEF more quickly than women.
Deficits in conditioned heart rate and taste aversion in area postrema-lesioned rats.

Previous studies have shown that area postrema (AP) lesions cause deficits in conditioned taste aversion in the rat. They also lead to chronically lowered heart rate which can be reversed by the animals' increased appetite for and ingestion of hypertonic saline. Although not previously examined in conditioned taste aversion, changes in autonomic nervous system activity as reflected in heart rate may be an important aspect of conditioning. The present study investigated the effects of AP lesions on heart rate conditioned responses (CRs) and unconditioned responses (UCRs). Two groups of AP lesioned and sham-operated rats, one that did and one that did not drink saline solution to raise heart rate, were studied. Both LiCl and scopolamine, which have opposite effects on heart rate, were the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) agents in two separate studies. In intact rats, LiCl-mediated conditioned taste aversion was associated with decreased conditioned stimulus (CS) intake and decreased heart rate CR. Both effects were blunted by AP lesions, although all rats displayed heart rate UCRs to LiCl. The AP rats that drank saline behaved like intact rats exhibiting both a conditioned taste aversion and conditioned heart rate responses to the CS. Although CS intake decreased, no heart rate CRs developed with scopolamine. Scopolamine-mediated conditioned taste aversion was attenuated in both saline and non-saline drinking AP-lesioned groups. Thus, when conditioned taste aversion was associated with heart rate CRs, the AP lesion-induced deficit was counteracted by saline ingestion. Conversely, when there were no heart rate CRs, conditioned taste aversion was disrupted by the lesion regardless of saline ingestion.
Modeling the effects of chronic toxicity on fish populations: The influence of life-history strategies

Five life-history scenarios were composed to simulate fish population adaptations for survival under various environmental conditions. The scenarios encompassed differences in stage-specific survival, fecundity and hatch success, number of spawning events, and life-span effect response to chronic toxic impacts. The strategies represent a good survivor/generalist (GS), a species exhibiting high young-of-the-year survival, a species exhibiting high adult survival, a species with no parental care or guarding behavior, and an anadromous salmonid strategy. Although the modeled scenarios were similar in population growth rate and imposed toxic effects, differences concerning the influence of various traits were found. Scenarios characterized by a short life span, short time to reproductive maturity, moderate to high survival to reproductive maturity, large number of spawning events, and parental guarding behaviors experienced less perturbation from the imposed chronic stresses. The GS scenario, modeled after the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), exemplified these characteristics. Scenarios exhibiting little difference between reproductive effort for younger and older adults recovered quickly from stressors on fecundity and adult survival rates. Greater population decline in response to commensurate impacts was seen for life-history strategies with long life span, no parental guarding behaviors, semelparity and annual iteroparity, high adult survival rates, and moderate to low fecundity.
Survey of Biosecurity Practices Utilized by Veterinarians Working with Farm Animal Species

the introduction of disease. 2 When infectious disease is present on a farm or in a region, the term “biocontainment” may be used to describe programs aimed at confinement of the diseases to that farm or region such that it does not spread to other farms. Veterinarians are intimately involved in the maintenance of health and in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. When confronting an ongoing disease diagnosis and treatment situation, biocontainment can be readily implemented because the effects are apparent. However, when working to maintain a healthy herd, biosecurity practices may be more challenging to enforce because the threat is neither apparent nor seems eminent. An additional perspective on biosecurity relates to zoonotic diseases. Animal handlers and veterinarians are at risk for disease transmission from the animal to humans as part of their normal daily work habits. 3 This chronic and persistent exposure may lead to complacency regarding risk if the people involved have never knowingly suffered disease. Thus, biosecurity can be a challenging concept for farm managers and veterinarians to apply in field settings. Veterinarians are challenged with different scenarios regarding their role in the treatment and prevention of disease. Veterinary practices having haul-in facilities with the option of hospitalization of livestock present different challenges as compared with veterinarians and vehicles traveling to farms for on-site procedures. Veterinary hospitals serve to concentrate sick or injured animals, pose risk of inter-species disease exposure, and present a greater burden on personnel to practice optimal hygiene and disinfection protocols. 4, 5 The veterinary hospital serves as the point source for interaction of multiple livestock operations. Veterinarians performing on-farm services have different challenges for biosecurity protocols because the vehicle, equipment, and practice personnel are the potential point sources of transmission of disease from one livestock operation to another. Veterinary practices that serve fewer, larger clients are less likely to act as a vehicle for transmission because they are less likely to visit more
Regulating the ultimate sink: managing the risks of geologic CO2 storage.

The geologic storage (GS) of carbon dioxide (CO2) is emerging as an important tool for managing carbon. While this Journal recently published an excellent review of GS technology (Bruant, R. G.; Guswa, A. J.; Celia, M. A.; Peters, C. A. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2002, 36, 240A-245A), few studies have explored the regulatory environment for GS or have compared it with current underground injection experience. We review the risks and regulatory history of deep underground injection on the U.S. mainland and surrounding continental shelf. Our treatment is selective, focusing on the technical and regulatory aspects that are most likely to be important in assessing and managing the risks of GS. We also describe current underground injection activities and explore how these are now regulated.
Differential diagnosis of ascites

The differential diagnosis of ascites often leads to confusion and an inability to exclude its multitude of causes in many patients. In this review, we outline the clinical features and laboratory investigations that usually elucidate the cause of ascites for the clinician in a simple and logical manner. Roughly 80-85% of cases of ascites are related to underlying chronic liver disease, but cardiac failure, tuberculosis, malignancy-related ascites and other less common causes should always be considered. Careful evaluation of the patient, including a clinical history, physical examination and diagnostic paracentesis should routinely be performed to determine the cause of ascites. Fluid should be sent for cell count and albumin along with simultaneous determination of serum albumin to determine the serum: ascites albumin gradient. This gradient allows classification of the cause of ascites into portal hypertension-related and nonrelated with a diagnostic accuracy of > or = 97%. The causes of ascites are individually discussed in relationship to their clinical features and to the laboratory investigations that are relevant in each situation.
Pre-proposal assessment of reliability for spacecraft docking with limited information

This paper addresses the problem of estimating the reliability of a critical system function as well as its impact on the system reliability when limited information is available. The approach addresses the basic function reliability, and then the impact of multiple attempts to accomplish the function. The dependence of subsequent attempts on prior failure to accomplish the function is also addressed. The autonomous docking of two spacecraft was the specific example that generated the inquiry, and the resultant impact on total reliability generated substantial interest in presenting the results due to the relative insensitivity of overall performance to basic function reliability and moderate degradation given sufficient attempts to try and accomplish the required goal. The application of the methodology allows proper emphasis on the characteristics that can be estimated with some knowledge, and to insulate the integrity of the design from those characteristics that can't be properly estimated with any rational value of uncertainty. The nature of NASA's missions contains a great deal of uncertainty due to the pursuit of new science or operations. This approach can be applied to any function where multiple attempts at success, with or without degradation, are allowed.
Incorporation of sulfated hyaluronic acid macromers into degradable hydrogel scaffolds for sustained molecule delivery

Synthetically sulfated hyaluronic acid (HA) has been shown to bind proteins with high affinity through electrostatic interactions. While HA-based hydrogels have been used widely in recent years for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications, incorporation of sulfated HA into these networks to attenuate the release of proteins is yet to be explored. Here, we developed sulfated and methacrylate-modified HA macromers and incorporated them into HA hydrogels through free radical-initiated crosslinking. The sulfated HA macromers bound to a heparin-binding protein (i.e., stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha, SDF-1α) with an affinity comparable to heparin and did not alter the gelation behavior or network mechanics when copolymerized into hydrogels at low concentrations. Further, these macromers were incorporated into electrospun nanofibrous hydrogels to introduce sulfate groups into macroporous scaffolds. Once incorporated into either uniform or fibrous HA hydrogels, the sulfated HA macromers significantly slowed encapsulated SDF-1α release over 12 days. Thus, these macromers provide a useful way to introduce heparin-binding features into radical-crosslinked hydrogels to alter protein interactions for a range of applications.