cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi feature path modeling for video surveillance

This paper proposes a novel method for detecting nonconforming trajectories of objects as they pass through a scene. Existing methods mostly use spatial features to solve this problem. Using only spatial information is not adequate; we need to take into consideration velocity and curvature information of a trajectory along with the spatial information for an elegant solution. Our method has the ability to distinguish between objects traversing spatially dissimilar paths, or objects traversing spatially proximal paths but having different spatio-temporal characteristics. The method consists of a path building training phase and a testing phase. During the training phase, we use graph-cuts for clustering the trajectories, where the Hausdorff distance metric is used to calculate the edge weights. Each cluster represents a path. An envelope boundary and an average trajectory are computed for each path. During the testing phase we use three features for trajectory matching in a hierarchical fashion. The first feature measures the spatial similarity while the second feature compares the velocity characteristics of trajectories. Finally, the curvature features capture discontinuities in velocity, acceleration, and position of the trajectory. We use real-world pedestrian sequences to demonstrate the practicality of our method.
Ξ - production in heavy ion collisions at the AGS

Abstract We report the first observation of Ξ − in heavy ion collisions at the AGS. The lifetime of Ξ − measured agrees very well with the particle data group value. We present the observed Ξ − effective mass spectrum and the rapidity distribution after acceptance correction. In the measured rapidity region (1.4−2.9) for 14.6 GeV/ c Si on Pb, we obtained a yield of 0.25 ± 0.04 Ξ − per central event and a ratio of N ( Ξ − )/ N ( Λ ) = 0.12 ± 0.02 using a fireball + model (a model which includes a fireball plus a term simulating a cascade) for acceptance correction (see text for systematic error). This result is larger than any cascade model prediction so far.
Understanding the buzz about energy drink use in college students

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 146 (2015) e202–e284 e267 Inhibitory control in patients with cocaine abuse is equally disrupted by generic and personally salient cocaine images Gregory J. DiGirolamo1,2, David Smelson2, Nathan Guevremont2, Gerardo Gonzalez2 1 Psychology, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, United States 2 Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts, Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States Aims: Todetermine the extent that salient cocaine cues increase breakdown of control in patients with cocaine abuse, wemeasured control over behavior in a task where patients must inhibit an impulsive action and instead look away from a suddenly appearing image. Cueswere personally salient cocaine or neutral stimuli (participants handled them and rated their craving; photos of them touching the cues were used during the task) and generic cocaine (photos of cocaine-related cues) and neutral stimuli. Methods: Twenty-five treatment-seeking patients (M=37.2 yrs; 19males)with a history of cocaine abuse (M=14.6 yrs) and use of cocaine within the last month (16.2 days of use) were inducted into the study. Initial assessments included Voris cocaine craving measures and anti-saccade performance. Results: Voris craving scores were significantly higher (t=5.82, p< .0001) after handling the cocaine cues (M=27.3) than after handling the neutral cues (M=13.3). Inhibitory control was significantly worse (t=2.1, p< .05) for the salient cocaine cues (M=37%) than the salient neutral cues (M=33%). Likewise, errorswere significantly higher (t=2.8, p< .01) for the generic cocaine cues (M=34%) than the generic neutral cues (M=29%). Importantly, there was no hint of a statistical (t<1) or numeric difference in breakdowns in inhibitory control between generic cocaine cues (Mean difference of drug-neutral = 5%) and salient cocaine cues (mean difference of drug-neutral = 4%). Conclusions: Both types of drug cues caused significant breakdowns of inhibitory control. Handling cocaine cues significantly increased patients craving scores; however, these salient drug cues did not induce increased breakdowns in inhibitory control. Preliminary results suggest that personalized and generic drug cues are equally harmful in causing breakdownsof control suggesting a general bias toward drug cues. Neuroimaging studies are underway to test the underlying neural circuitry. Financial support: Supported by NIH-NIDA R03DA029179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.191 Understanding the buzz about energy drink use in college students Pam Dillon, Dace Svikis, David Pomm, Leroy Thacker, Kenneth Kendler, Danielle Dick Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA,
Nonlinear microscopy of eumelanin and pheomelanin with subcellular resolution.

Pump–probe microscopy nondestructively differentiates eumelanin and pheomelanin and can be used to quantify melanin distributions in thin biopsy slices. Here we have extended that work for imaging eumelanin and pheomelanin distributions on a subcellular scale, allowing elucidation of characteristics of different cell types. The results show that melanin heterogeneity, previously found to be characteristic of melanomas, persists on the subcellular scale. We have also found spectral changes associated with melanin located in melanophages that could potentially differentiate invasive pigmented melanocytes from melanophages without immunohistochemical staining.
Small-scale convective instability and upper mantle viscosity under California

Thermal calculations and convection analysis, constrained by seismic tomography results, suggest that a small-scale convective instability developed in the upper 200 kilometers of the mantle under California after the upwelling and cooling of asthenosphere into the slab window associated with the formation of the San Andreas transform boundary. The upper bound for the upper mantle viscosity in the slab window, 5 x 10 19 pascal seconds, is similar to independent estimates for the asthenosphere beneath young oceanic and tectonically active continental regions. These model calculations suggest that many tectonically active continental regions characterized by low upper mantle seismic velocities may be affected by time-dependent small-scale convection that can generate localized areas of uplift and subsidence.
Inflammation and Spinal Cord Injury: Infiltrating Leukocytes as Determinants of Injury and Repair Processes

The immune response that accompanies spinal cord injury contributes to both injury and reparative processes. It is this duality that is the focus of this review. Here we consider the complex cellular and molecular immune responses that lead to the infiltration of leukocytes and glial activation, promote oxidative stress and tissue damage, influence wound healing, and subsequently modulate locomotor recovery. Immunomodulatory strategies to improve outcomes are gaining momentum as ongoing research carefully dissects those pathways, which likely mediate cell injury from those, which favor recovery processes. Current therapeutic strategies address divergent approaches including early immunoblockade and vaccination with immune cells to prevent early tissue damage and support a wound-healing environment that favors plasticity. Despite these advances, there remain basic questions regarding how inflammatory cells interact in the injured spinal cord. Such questions likely arise as a result of our limited understanding of immune cell/neural interactions in a dynamic environment that culminates in progressive cell injury, demyelination, and regenerative failure.
A study of flow fields in step-down street canyons

A step-down street canyon is a street canyon in which the upwind building height ( $$H_{u}$$ ) is greater than the downwind building height ( $$H_{d}$$ ) ( $$H_{u}>H_{d}$$ ). Here, the effect of downwind building height and canyon width on the flow structure in isolated step-down canyons is investigated through wind-tunnel measurements. The measurements were acquired along the vertical symmetry plane of the model buildings using two-dimensional particle image velocimetry for normal approach flow. For the present study, $$H_{u}$$ was kept constant at $$120$$ mm, and $$H_{d}$$ was increased in increments of $$\approx $$ 0.08 $$H_{u}$$ , to span the range: $$0.08\le H_{d}/H_{u}\le 1$$ . The configuration $$H_{d}/H_{u} \approx 1$$ corresponds to a deep canyon. The footprints of the buildings were square, with the widths ( $$W$$ ) and lengths ( $$L$$ ) being, $$W (= L) \approx 32$$ mm. Four different street-canyon widths ( $$S$$ ) were considered, with $$S/W \approx 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1$$ . This resulted in a total of 48 test cases, with 12 cases for every street-canyon width. The flow topology in the near-wake of an isolated tall building ( $$H_{d}=0$$ ) is characterised by a bow-shaped structure comprising the vortex core, saddle point, and ground originating shear layer. For $$S/W \approx 2.5, 2$$ , and $$1.5$$ , increasing the downwind building height from $$H_{d}/H_{u} \approx 0.08$$ to $$1$$ resulted in the in-canyon flow structure transitioning from wake dominated to deep canyon wake interference regimes. Similar increase of the downwind building height for $$S/W \approx 1$$ resulted in the flow structure transitioning from wake dominated to deep canyon skimming flow regime. The results indicate that in step-down canyons formed by tall and slender buildings, momentum transport into and out of the canyon around the building sidewalls plays a crucial role in the determining the overall flow patterns in the canyon.
Springtime Soil Moisture, Natural Climatic Variability, and North American Drought as Simulated by the NCAR Community Climate Model 1

Previous results concerning the role that summertime soil moisture reductions can play in amplifying or maintaining North American droughts are extended to include the role of springtime soil moisture reductions and the role that natural climatic variability, as expressed in soil moisture, can play. General circulation model (GCM) simulations with the NCAR Community Climate Model have been made with initial desert-like soil moisture anomalies imposed on 1 May and on 1 March. The May simulation maintained the imposed anomaly throughout the summer, while in the March simulation the anomaly was ameliorated within one month. Thus, the timing of soil moisture reductions may be crucial. A 10-year model control integration with prescribed sea surface temperatures yielded 1 year with late spring and summer soil moisture values similar to those of the 1 May anomaly simulation. This suggests that occasional widespread North American droughts may be an inherent feature of at least the GCM employed for this study. The results also demonstrate the important role played by moisture transport from the Gulf of Mexico in modulating or ameliorating drought conditions for much of the south-central United States, a topic that requires considerable further investigation.
Forest blowdown impacts of Hurricane Rita on fluvial systems

Hurricane Rita, a category three hurricane which struck the US Gulf Coast near the Louisiana/Texas border in 2005, did not cause extensive river flooding. However, the storm did result in extensive forest damage and tree blowdown. High-resolution post-storm aerial photography allowed an inventory of river bank trees blown into the channel along the lower Neches and Sabine Rivers of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Blowdowns directly into the channel averaged 9·3 per kilometer in the lower Neches and 13·4 in the lower Sabine River, but individual reaches 10 to 20 km in length had rates of 20 to 44 blowdowns per kilometer. Though large woody debris (LWD) from Hurricane Rita was widely perceived to reduce the capacity of channels to convey flow, no strong evidence exists of increased flooding or significant reductions in channel conveyance capacity due to LWD from the storm. The Rita blowdown inventory also allowed an assessment of whether similar blowdown events could account for major logjams and rafts on Red, Atchafalaya, and Colorado Rivers on the Gulf Coast, which blocked navigation from tens to hundreds of kilometers in the 1800s. Results from Hurricane Rita suggest that blowdown into channels alone – not withstanding blowdown elsewhere in the river valleys or along tributaries which could deliver LWD to the river – is sufficient to completely block channels, thus providing a plausible mechanism for initiating such (pre)historic log rafts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Ibm PC/AT-Based Image Acquisition And Processing System For Quantitative Image Analysis

In recent years, a large number of applications have been developed for image processing systems in the area of biological imaging. We have already finished the development of a dedicated microcomputer-based image processing and analysis system for quantitative microscopy. The system's primary function has been to facilitate and ultimately automate quantitative image analysis tasks such as the measurement of cellular DNA contents. We have recognized from this development experience, and interaction with system users, biologists and technicians, that the increasingly widespread use of image processing systems, and the development and application of new techniques for utilizing the capabilities of such systems, would generate a need for some kind of inexpensive general purpose image acquisition and processing system specially tailored for the needs of the medical community. We are currently engaged in the development and testing of hardware and software for a fairly high-performance image processing computer system based on a popular personal computer. In this paper, we describe the design and development of this system. Biological image processing computer systems have now reached a level of hardware and software refinement where they could become convenient image analysis tools for biologists. The development of a general purpose image processing system for quantitative image analysis that is inexpensive, flexible, and easy-to-use represents a significant step towards making the microscopic digital image processing techniques more widely applicable not only in a research environment as a biologist's workstation, but also in clinical environments as a diagnostic tool.
Isolation and Characterization of Myocytes from the Adult Rat Heart

Abstract Spontaneously contracting myocytes were isolated from ventricles of the adult rat heart. Hearts were perfused retrogradally via the aorta for 30 minutes at 37°C with Ca2+ -free phosphate-buffered saline containing collagenase and hyaluronidase. The ventricles were divided into pieces and incubated 15 minutes with the enzymes. Dislodged cells were decanted, diluted with cold buffer and allowed to settle. The washed cells were then sedimented through 3%Ficoll. This procedure yielded approximately 50 mg of protein from 1 gm of heart. Viability measured by trypan-blue exclusion is 90–95%. Approximately 80% of the cells were beating. Scanning electron microscopic studies suggest that the isolated myocytes are morphologically intact. The cells oxidize glucose, pyruvate, citrate and palmitate to C02 and synthesize protein and RNA. Uptake of glucose, 2-deoxyglucose, leucine and taurine was saturable. Glucose uptake was stimulated by insulin. The cells retained LDH and CPK as well as their capacity to oxi...
Privacy-preserving data sharing in Smart Grid systems

The smart grid systems aim to integrate conventional power grids with modern information communication technology. While intensive research efforts have been focused on ensuring data correctness in AMI data collection and protecting data confidentiality in smart grid communications, less effort has been devoted to privacy protection in smart grid data management and sharing. In smart grid data management, the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) collects high-frequency energy consumption data, which often contains rich inhabitant and lifestyle information about the end consumers. The data is often shared with various stakeholders, such as the generators, distributors and marketers. However, the utility may not have consent of the users to share potentially sensitive data. In this paper, we develop comprehensive mechanisms to enable privacy-preserving smart data management. First, we analyze the privacy threats and consumer identifiability issues associated with high-frequency AMI data. We then present the first solution based on data sanitization, which eliminates sensitive/identifiable information before sharing usage data with external peers. Meanwhile, we present solutions based on secure multi-party computing to enable external peers to perform aggregate/statistical operations on original metering data in a privacy-preserving manner. Experiments on real-world consumption data demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed solutions.
Variable Structure Adaptive Force Tracking Control of a Cantilever Beam Using a Piezoelectric Actuator

This paper presents an adaptive force trajectory control of a flexible beam using a piezoceramic actuator. Based on the variable structure model reference adaptive control theory, a new force control system using only force measurement is designed. For the derivation of the control law, it is assumed that parameters of the beam and contact surface stiffness are unknown. It is shown that in the closed-loop system, the contact force tracks a given reference trajectory and the beam vibration is suppressed as well. Digital simulations results show that the closed-loop system has good transient behavior and robust performance in the presence of uncertainties in the parameters of the flexible beam and the contact surface, and unmodeled dynamics as well.
Abstract 3949: Hypoxia induces the conversion of tumor initiating cells from stationary to invasive by promoting cell surface trafficking of matrix metalloproteinase-14.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Emerging experimental and clinical evidence has demonstrated that quiescent, stationary tumor initiating cells (TICs) can become invasive and metastatic. The mechanism underlying the conversion of TICs from stationary to invasive remains to be characterized. A better understanding of this conversion is crucial for the design of inhibitors aimed at preventing cancer metastasis. We report here for the first time that hypoxia, a low oxygen environment that often occurs in solid tumors, induces translocation of the membrane anchored protease, matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14) from the cytoplasmic storage pool to the cell surface resulting in conversion of stationary TICs to invasive TICs. Exposure of minimally invasive breast cancer TICs, SK-3rd, that displays CD44high/CD24low with high mammosphere-forming and tumorigenic capacities, to hypoxic conditions (1% O2) results in markedly enhanced cell invasive ability. This phenotypic change is also observed in SK-3rd TICs in the presence of cobalt chloride (CoCl2), an agent that mimics hypoxia. Given the role of MMP-14 in cancer invasion/metastasis, we explored a possible involvement of MMP-14 in hypoxia-induced TIC invasion. Silencing of MMP-14 by a shRNA approach resulted in diminution of hypoxia-induced cell invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. When SK-3rd cells were cultured under hypoxic conditions, MMP-14 redistributed from cytoplasmic storage pools to the cell surface of TICs, which coincides with the increased cell invasion. In addition, CD44, a cancer stem-like cell marker, inversely correlated with increased cell surface MMP-14. Interestingly, cell surface MMP-14 gradually disappeared when the hypoxia-treated cells were switched to normoxia, suggesting the plasticity of TICs in response to oxygen content. Furthermore, we dissected the pathways leading to upregulated MMP-14 in cytoplasmic storage pools under normoxic conditions. We demonstrated a cascade involving Twist1-miR10b-HoxD10 leading to enhanced MMP-14 expression in SK-3rd TICs. These observations suggest that MMP-14 is a key molecule capable of executing conversion of stationary TICs to invasive TICs under hypoxic conditions and thereby controlling metastasis. Citation Format: Jian Cao. Hypoxia induces the conversion of tumor initiating cells from stationary to invasive by promoting cell surface trafficking of matrix metalloproteinase-14. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3949. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3949
Gender and Religious Faith Experiences of Adult Christian Exemplars

Open-ended survey responses from 205 Christian exemplars drawn from 37 distinct congregations within 19 Christian denominations in the Northwest and New England regions of the United States were analyzed by chi-square and multiple regression analyses to determine relationships between religious experience and gender. Results indicated that men were more likely than women to describe positions of leadership/responsibility/service as influential to their faith, and to indicate their own personal sin as a faith challenge. Women were more likely than men to describe negative/tragic events as a faith influence, the intellectual dimension of their faith as a challenge, and serving other people as a faith satisfaction. These results appear to lend strong empirical support to previous assertions in both the social science and feminist theological literature regarding relationships between gender and religious experience.
Fabrication and testing of a self-propelled, miniaturized PDMS flotilla

In this work, we developed a miniaturized PDMS flotilla, which was capable of moving on a water surface. The flotilla consisted of five mm-scaled PDMS boats that were linked together through μm-scaled PDMS bars. We explored its design, fabrication, propulsion, and motions in straight and circular channels. The flotilla was fabricated using a molding approach with two-layer SU-8 structures as the mold, and actuated by the difference between fore-and-aft surface tensions. It was tested in straight and circular channels at water levels of 2.0, 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 mm, respectively. No collisions were observed between neighboring boats in all the tests. Travel distances ranged from 385 to 1,128 mm. Average speeds varied from 38.5 to 102.5 mm/s, and increased with the increase in water depth. Dramatic squat and trim phenomena were directly observed in the two types of tests conducted in the straight channel. They were mainly induced by the difference between surface tensions of water and flotilla propellant. Simple models were further developed to interpret driving mechanisms of the flotilla, and to extract its resistance coefficients in different motions. These coefficients ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 in the 2-, 3-, 6- and 9-mm tests performed in the straight channel. The two ends of the flotilla had direct contact with the outer sidewall of the circular channel during a circular motion. The supporting forces of the outer sidewall at these contact points provided the centripetal force needed for the circular motions. In the four tests conducted in either the straight or the circular channel, water resistances increased with the decrease in water depth. Furthermore, the flotilla suffered much larger resistances in the 2-mm test than in another three, implying that, to avoid the effect of shallow water, water is preferred to be deeper than 2 mm in the applications of the miniaturized flotilla. The results presented in this work indicate that the water flotilla was capable of traveling reasonably long distances in straight and circular channels at fast speeds. Due to its mobility on a liquid surface, such a miniaturized flotilla would have the capability of delivering different materials and sensors on demand in small-scale fluidic applications.
Effect of clofibrate on arginine-induced insulin and glucagon secretion.

Abstract The influence of clofibrate therapy on insulin and glucagon secretion was examined in the rat. Following arginine stimulation, serum insulin and glucagon levels rose significantly, resulting an an I G molar ratio of 1.0 ± 0.3. In contrast, clofibrate therapy completely suppressed the arginine-stimulated insulin secretion, but potentiated the simultaneous glucagon response. The resulting I G molar ratio fell to 0.45 ± 0.06, consistent with a change in the bihormonal status in the direction of increased catabolism. These effects on hormonal balance may mediate in part the hypolipemic action of clofibrate that simultaneously occurs.
Toward a Learning Environment that Supports Diversity and Difference: A Response to Dessel, Bolen, and Shepardson.

This article is an invited response to "Can Religious Expression and Sexual Orientation Affirmation Coexist in Social Work? A Critique of Hodge's Theoretical, Theological, and Conceptual Frameworks," by Adrienne Dessel, Rebecca Bolen, and Christine Shepardson (Journal of Social Work Education, 47, pp. 213–234). Echoing conflicts in society, some observers argue social work education should exclude religious students while others argue social work education should exclude gay students. Instead of perpetuating this conflict, I suggest educators should transcend it and affirm the voices of both religious believers and lesbians and gay men. After noting points of agreement with Dessel, Bolen, and Shepardson, I clarify some misunderstandings, respond to their arguments about new class theory and social work pedagogy, and suggest strategies to foster a learning environment that supports diversity and difference. By creating a culture that engenders respect for people with differing worldviews, perhaps we can mo...
Cold ischemic injury, aortic allograft vasculopathy, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to understand the role of ischemic preservation injury and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the progression of allograft vasculopathy. Methods Using the rat aortic transplant model, grafts were stored at 4°C for either 1 or 24 h. Graft vasculopathy was assessed at 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation. Intra-graft cytokine expression was measured at days 1, 3 and, 7 after transplantation. Results At 4 weeks, intimal hyperplasia of allografts was greater than isografts (P Conclusions Prolonged ischemic preservation injury induced vascular disease in both isografts and allografts. The vessel wall reaction increased over time and was greater in allografts than isografts. The enhanced expression of T cell- and macrophage associated cytokines in allografts compared to isografts, suggested that early pro-inflammatory cytokine expression played an important role in progression of allograft vasculopathy.
The Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Thin Palladium Films Supported on a Pt(111) Electrode

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acid and alkaline solutions is investigated on thin Pd films (0 < θPd < 1.5 ML) supported on a Pt(111) electrode. In 0.1 M KOH, the general form of the current vs ϑPd relationship for the ORR has a volcano shape, with the maximum catalytic activity exhibited by a surface modified with 1 ML of Pd. However, if the amount of Pd deposited exceeds 1 ML, the reaction is inhibited and 1.5 ML of Pd are less active than unmodified Pt(111). In 0.1 M HClO4, none of the Pd films are more active than Pt(111). In solution containing Cl- (ca. 106−10-5 M), the inhibition on the Pt(111)−Pd electrode is much more severe than on bare Pt(111) due to stronger anion adsorption on Pd. We present an interpretation of the kinetics of the ORR on Pt modified by thin Pd films in alkaline and acid solution based on the electronic properties of the Pd films and how the electronic properties effect specific anion adsorption, the formation of OHad and the adsorption of the reaction intermediates.
Cost-effectiveness Analysis of a Rural Telemedicine Collaborative Care Intervention for Depression

CONTEXT: Collaborative care interventions for depression in primary care settings are clinically beneficial and cost-effective. Most prior studies were conducted in urban settings. OBJECTIVE: To examine the cost-effectiveness of a rural telemedicine-based collaborative care depression intervention. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial of intervention vs usual care. SETTING: Seven small (serving 1000 to 5000 veterans) Veterans Health Administration community-based outpatient clinics serving rural catchment areas in 3 mid-South states. Each site had interactive televideo dedicated to mental health but no psychiatrist or psychologist on site. Patients Among 18 306 primary care patients who were screened, 1260 (6.9%) screened positive for depression; 395 met eligibility criteria and were enrolled from April 2003 to September 2004. Of those enrolled, 360 (91.1%) completed a 6-month follow-up and 335 (84.8%) completed a 12-month follow-up. Intervention A stepped-care model for depression treatment was used by an off-site depression care team to make treatment recommendations via electronic medical record. The team included a nurse depression care manager, clinical pharmacist, and psychiatrist. The depression care manager communicated with patients via telephone and was supported by computerized decision support software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The base case cost analysis included outpatient, pharmacy, and intervention expenditures. The effectiveness outcomes were depression-free days and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) calculated using the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey standard gamble conversion formula. RESULTS: The incremental depression-free days outcome was not significant (P = .10); therefore, further cost-effectiveness analyses were not done. The incremental QALY outcome was significant (P = .04) and the mean base case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $85 634/QALY. Results adding inpatient costs were $111 999/QALY to $132 175/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: In rural settings, a telemedicine-based collaborative care intervention for depression is effective and expensive. The mean base case result was $85 634/QALY, which is greater than cost per QALY ratios reported for other, mostly urban, depression collaborative care interventions. Language: en
The low-temperature (5 to 310 K) heat capacity and thermodynamic functions of cesium fluoroxysulfate (CsSO4F) and the standard potential at 298.15 K for the half-reaction: SO4F−(aq) + 2H+(aq) + 2e− = HSO4−(aq) + HF(aq)☆☆☆

Abstract The low-temperature (5 to 310 K) heat capacity of cesium fluoroxysulfate, CsSO 4 F, has been measured by adiabatic calorimetry. At T = 298.15 K, the heat capacity C p o ( T ) and standard entropy S o ( T ) are (163.46±0.82) and (201.89±1.01) J · K −1 · mol −1 , respectively. Based on an earlier measurement of the standard enthalpy of formation ΔH f o the Gibbs energy of formation ΔG f o (CsSO 4 F, c, 298.15 K) is calculated to be −(877.6±1.6) kJ · mol −1 . For the half-reaction: SO 4 F − (aq)+2H + (aq)+2e − = HSO 4 − (aq)+HF(aq), the standard electrode potential E at 298.15 K, is (2.47±0.01) V.
On-hardware optimization of stepper-motor system dynamics

Abstract A method to improve the performance of open-loop, stepper-motor-driven systems is presented. The method is titled “On-Hardware Optimization” because a step state command sequence is optimized for best system performance through a computer-controlled interaction between the optimization software and the stepper-motor-driven system hardware. “Best system performance” is defined in terms of an objective function. A real-time interface passes step commands to the motor and acquires system position and velocity data. The Matlab Optimization Toolbox performs a constrained optimization of the objective function where each “function call” runs the physical stepper motor system. The user has flexibility to establish constraints, set termination criteria, get feedback about the optimization, and observe live plots of the optimization progress. The benefits of the direct approach are that the command sequence is optimized for a specific system, and that a model is not required. The results of two experiments are presented: the first illustrates a substantial reduction in residual vibration when a trapezoidal velocity trajectory is executed, and the second finds a set of input parameters defining a velocity profile in a system with backlash and compliance. The method can be used on systems other than stepper motors.
Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between a fluorescent protein and commercially available quantum dots: a comparison

Efficient Fluorescence (or FAÂ¶rster) Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) pairs between fluorescent proteins and quantum dots (QDs) have a significant potential for ultrasensitive biochemical assays in disease detection and diagnosis. We have developed such FRET pairs using commercially available QDs as donors and fluorescent protein as acceptor, with polyhistidine-chelation as the means of bioconjugation. In this study we compared two brands of QDs with different surface coatings and found that the FRET pair containing EviTags from Evident Technology produced a higher FRET efficiency due to the shorter donor-acceptor distance. The polyhistidine binds directly to the ZnS capping layer of the EviTags, whereas the carboxyl QDots from Invitrogen, although having a higher quantum yield, require the addition of Ni2+ to the solution in order to facilitate chelation-mediated binding to outer surface of the polymer coating. These findings have significant implications to QD-based FRET assay design.© (2008) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Many Groups, One People: The Meaning and Significance of Multicultural Education in Modern America.

Abstract Multicultural education is still one of the most controversial and misunderstood concepts, because it means different things to different peoples. This paper is intended to explore the meaning and significance of multicultural education in a global context on the basis of recent cross-cultural research in anthropology.
The Littlewood–Paley Spectrum in Two-Dimensional Turbulence

We introduce the Littlewood–Paley energy spectrum and prove that k−3 is an upper bound for it in two dimensions. We also show that certain details of the spectrum of the driving forces can be recovered from the energy spectrum.
Drinking on campus. What Do we know about reducing alcohol use among college students

Drinking and related problems on the college campus have reached near epidemic levels. In order to address this trend, many colleges have launched alcohol prevention and intervention programs for college students. Unfortunately, most such programs are either not empirically validated or are plainly based on models that have shown poor efficacy. This overview of the college treatment literature describes the kinds of interventions that have shown the best success and offers directions for future studies. In general, educational and abstinence-based approaches show the least efficacy, while other types of skills, attitudinal and feedback-based interventions based on aspects of the social learning model appear to be more successful. In addition to employing those approaches that have shown empirical success, a re-examination of the role that alcohol plays in the larger campus culture is crucial.
Design of Components With Optimized Microstructure

The ability to optimize shape and microstructure creates tremendous potential for designing lightweight high-performance structural components, but this potential can only be realized if design procedures are effectively linked to fabrication techniques. In this paper we describe such links. The key to this work is to base the topology optimization on a unit cell that matches the physical unit cell used in the fabricated object. Distortion and rotation of the unit cell can control effective material properties at all locations within the component by affecting changes in density, degree of anisotropy, and orientation of principle material axes. Advances in solid freeform fabrication (SFF) and related hybrid fabrication techniques make production of components with complex microstructures feasible. This paper describes the complete design process, from specializations of topology optimization to interpretation of optimization results and communication of design information to SFF machines. The process includes a new procedure to establish the orientation of an orthotropic material for multiple loading cases.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Regulation in the cellular slime molds.

Abstract Studies of cellular differentiation in the developing cellular slime molds Dictyostelium discoideum (1), D. mucoroides (TYP), and a D. mucoroides mutant (MV) were conducted using fluorescent antisera. These antisera could distinguish between the major cell types, the prestalks and prespores, by their degree of staining. Consequently the differentiation of these cells could be followed during development. Dd and TYP migrating pseudoplasmodia were transected to obtain isolated prestalk and prespore masses. The reorganizing cell masses regained the antigenic patterns typical of the normal migrating pseudoplasmodia. The synthesis of antigen throughout an isolated prestalk mass suggested that it was necessary in the differentiation of prespore cells. Furthermore the data suggested that regulation of the proportions of prestalk and prespore cells is achieved by the interaction of the two cell types until an equilibrium is reached.
Frictional drag between dilute two-dimensional hole systems

The frictional drag between dilute two-dimensional hole systems, exhibiting metallic-like behavior, has been studied. Our main findings are that the drag exhibits a two to three order of magnitude enhancement and deviations to the quadratic temperature dependence when compared to that expected from Boltzmann theory. In addition, we have found that both the drag and the single layer resistivity exhibit the same qualitative dependence on in-plane magnetic field, with the magnetodrag exhibiting sensitivity to matched density, unlike the drag at zero field.
A nonlinear Knapsack problem

The nonlinear Knapsack problem is to minimize a separable concave objective function, subject to a single ''packing'' constraint, in nonnegative variables. We consider this problem in integer and continuous variables, and also when the packing constraint is convex. Although the nonlinear Knapsack problem appears difficult in comparison with the linear Knapsack problem, we prove that its complexity is similar. We demonstrate for the nonlinear Knapsack problem in n integer variables and knapsack volume limit B, a fully polynomial approximation scheme with running time [email protected]?((1/@e^2) (n + 1/@e^2)) (omitting polylog terms); and for the continuous case an algorithm delivering an @e-accurate solution in O(n log(B/@e)) operations.
Quantized velocities at low myosin densities in an in vitro motility

An in vitro motility assay has been developed in which single actin filaments move on one or a few heavy meromyosin (HMM) molecules. This movement is slower than when many HMM molecules are involved, in contrast to analogous experiments with microtubules and kinesin. Frequency analysis shows that sliding speeds distribute around integral multiples of a unitary velocity. This discreteness may be due to differences in the numbers of HMM molecules interacting with each actin filament, where the unitary velocity reflects the activity of one HMM molecule. The value of the unitary velocity predicts a step size of 5-20 nm per ATP, which is consistent with the conventional swinging crossbridge model for myosin function.
Multidrug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research Agenda and Recommendations for Priority Research

Globally tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death due to an infectious disease second only to HIV/AIDS. Estimates suggest that approximately one-third of the worlds population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis the microbe that causes TB and approximately 10% of infected individuals will develop active TB at some point in their lives. For individuals also infected with HIV the likelihood of developing active TB after infection is much higher. In 2006 approximately 9.2 million people globally developed active TB and it is estimated that 1.7 million people died as a result of TB including 200000 HIV-infected individuals. Although estimates suggest that the rates of new cases and deaths due to TB show signs of slowing throughout the world recent increases in rates of drug-resistant TB have the potential to reverse these gains. (excerpt)
Developmental Trajectories of Cigarette Use and Associations With Multilayered Risk Factors Among Chinese Adolescents

INTRODUCTION We aimed to identify developmental trajectories of cigarette use and risk factors associated with the distinct developmental courses of smoking in Chinese early adolescents from age 12 to 16 years. METHODS Analysis was conducted with secondary data from a longitudinal, prospective cohort of 3,521 Chinese adolescents randomly selected from 4 rural and 7 urban middle schools in Wuhan, China. A group-based growth mixture modeling approach was adopted to identify developmental trajectories of cigarette use. Multilayered intrapersonal (e.g., attitudes toward smoking) and interpersonal (e.g., parental smoking and perceived parental disapproval of smoking) risk factors selected from an ecological perspective were prospectively linked to the identified patterns of smoking trajectory. RESULTS Three trajectory patterns were identified from the whole cohort: nonsmokers (48.7%), stable light/occasional smokers (48.6%), and accelerating smokers (2.7%). After adjustments for gender, urban residence, and family socioeconomic status, adolescents with higher levels of problems in parent-child relationships and family disharmony, higher perceived norms of peer smoking, higher proportion of good friend smoking, having more troubles with teachers, poorer academic performance, and reporting more frequent depressive symptoms were significantly more likely to be in the trajectory group of either stable light/occasional smokers or accelerating smokers than in the group of nonsmokers. The probability of being in the accelerating smoking trajectory group was positively and significantly related to parental smoking and lack of school bonding. CONCLUSIONS Study findings help to advance knowledge of the distinct developmental courses of smoking behavior and their associations with multilayered risk factors among Chinese early adolescents.
Using semantic search to reduce cognitive load in an electronic health record

As electronic health records (EHRs) become more prevalent in health care further research is needed to understand the efficacy within clinical contexts from a human-computer interaction viewpoint. Participants (N=10) were given two authentic scenarios that required users to search for patient information. In the first scenario, participants responded to a patient-specific information need as they normally would. In the second scenario, participants were given a semantic search tool that indexed terms within a patient EHR. Upon completion, participants were then asked questions in a semi-structured interview about current usage of the EHR. Statistically significant results revealed that participants were able to more efficiently navigate through an EHR in terms of time (semantic search M=140 vs. browsing M=239 seconds) and number of clicks (semantic search M=11 vs. browsing M=35). This study suggests that semantic search capabilities may be a good way to reduce cognitive load within clinical settings for similar patient-specific information needs.
Differential Glycosylation of the Cas-Br-E Env Protein Is Associated with Retrovirus-Induced Spongiform Neurodegeneration

The wild mouse ecotropic retrovirus, Cas-Br-E, induces progressive, noninflammatory spongiform neurodegenerative disease in susceptible mice. Functional genetic analysis of the Cas-Br-E genome indicates that neurovirulence maps to the env gene, which encodes the surface glycoprotein responsible for binding and fusion of virus to host cells. To understand how the envelope protein might be involved in the induction of disease, we examined the regional and temporal expression of Cas-Br-E Env protein in the central nervous systems (CNS) of mice infected with the highly neurovirulent chimeric virus FrCasE. We observed that multiple isoforms of Cas-Br-E Env were expressed in the CNS, with different brain regions exhibiting unique patterns of processed Env glycoprotein. Specifically, the expression of gp70 correlated with regions showing microglial infection and spongiform neurodegeneration. In contrast, regions high in neuronal infection and without neurodegenerative changes (the cerebellum and olfactory bulb) were characterized by a gp65 Env protein isoform. Sedimentation analysis of brain region extracts indicated that gp65 rather than gp70 was incorporated into virions. Biochemical analysis of the Cas-Br-E Env isoforms indicated that they result from differential processing of N-linked sugars. Taken together, these results indicate that differential posttranslational modification of the Cas-Br-E Env is associated with a failure to incorporate certain Env isoforms into virions in vivo, suggesting that defective viral assembly may be associated with the induction of spongiform neurodegeneration.
Effects of the system timing on the performance of a new mechanical cardiac assist device (MCAD)

A new MCAD that operates on the principle of diastolic counterpulsation has been developed. Among a number of physical variables that determine the performance of the device, the MCAD timing relative to the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle was studied. The results from preliminary animal experiments indicate the important role of the system timing on the hemodynamic improvements. Optimal control timing exists to achieve the best overall hemodynamic effects for best coronary perfusion, maximum enhancement in stroke volume, and reduction in the afterload. >
Thin-film Li-LiMn/sub 2/O/sub 4/ batteries

Thin-film rechargeable Li-LiMn/sub 2/O/sub 4/ batteries have been fabricated and characterized. Following deposition, by electron beam evaporation of LiMn/sub 2/O/sub 4/, the amorphous as-deposited cathode films 1 cm/sup 2/ in area by 0.3 to 4 /spl mu/m thick were annealed at 700/spl deg/C to 800/spl deg/C in oxygen in order to form the crystalline spinel phase. The capacity of the cells between 4.5 V to 3.8 V depended on the annealing conditions and ranged from 50 /spl mu/Ah/mg to 120 /spl mu/Ah/mg. When cycled over this range, the batteries exhibited excellent secondary performance with capacity losses as low as 0.001% per cycle. On charging to 5.3 V, a plateau with a median voltage of 5.1 V was observed. The total charge extracted between 3.8 V to 5.3 V corresponded to about 1Li/Mn/sub 2/O/sub 4/. >
Overexploiting marine ecosystem engineers: potential consequences for biodiversity

Abstract Overfishing is a major environmental problem in the oceans. In addition to the direct loss of the exploited species, the very act of fishing, particularly with mobile bottom gear, destroys habitat and ultimately results in the loss of biodiversity. Furthermore, overfishing can create trophic cascades in marine communities that cause similar declines in species richness. These effects are compounded by indirect effects on habitat that occur through removal of ecological or ecosystem engineers. Mass removal of species that restructure the architecture of habitat and thus increase its complexity or influence the biogeochemistry of sediments could have devastating effects on local biodiversity and important water–sediment processes. The possible overexploitation of engineering species requires more attention because the consequences extend beyond their own decline to affect the rest of the ecosystem. This is particularly problematic in the deep ocean, where oil and gas exploration and fishing pressure are likely to increase.