cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meditation in Higher Education: The Next Wave?.

This article describes the design and advocacy of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz and Contemplative Studies curriculum at The University of Michigan School of Music. The curriculum combines meditation practice and related studies with jazz and overall musical training and is part of a small but growing movement in academia that seeks to integrate contemplative disciplines within the educational process. The article considers issues such as the structure of the curriculum, the reconciliation of contempla- tive studies and conventional notions of academic rigor, the avoidance of possible conflicts between church and state, and other challenges encountered in gaining support for this plan, after weeks of intensive debate, from a 2/3 majority of the faculty.
Developing an analytical framework for argumentation on energy consumption issues

In this study, we aimed to develop a framework for analyzing the argumentation practice of high school students and high school graduates. We developed the framework in a specific context—how energy consumption activities such as changing diet, converting forests into farmlands, and choosing transportation modes affect the carbon cycle. The framework concerns two dimensions of argumentation. The first dimension is content-based arguments; it focuses on incorporating content knowledge (i.e., matter, energy, and carbon-transforming processes) into logical arguments. The second dimension is argumentative discourse; it focuses on using strategic discourse moves to exchange views and resolve the difference of opinion. Engagement in scientific argumentation requires abilities in both dimensions. To develop the first dimension, we conducted a clinical interview study with 22 high school students and 8 high school graduates (i.e., beginning college students). To develop the second dimension, we conducted a conversation study with 50 high school students. We used the framework to measure student performance in argumentation interviews and argumentative conversations. The results suggest two challenges for high school students: (i) developing arguments that infer a causal connection and incorporating a scientific mechanism, and (ii) using strategic discourse moves to interpret, refute, and substantiate other arguers' viewpoints in conversations. We also provide suggestions on using this framework as an instructional and research tool. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach
A neural network method for image resolution enhancement from a multiple of image frames

This paper presents a neural network based method to estimate a high resolution image from a sequence of low resolution image frames. In this method, a multiple of layered feed-forward neural networks is specially designed to learn an optimal mapping from a multiple of low resolution image frames to a high resolution image through training. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed neural networks can successfully learn the mapping in the presented examples and show a good potential in solving image resolution enhancement problem, as it can adapt itself to the various changeable conditions. Furthermore, due to the inherent parallel computing structure of neural network, this method can be applied for real-time application, alleviating the computational bottlenecks associated with other methods and providing a more powerful tool for image resolution enhancement.
Marihuana and human physical activity.

Adult male volunteers with a prior history of either moderate (N=12) or heavy (N=14) marihuana use were systematically observed before, during and after a 21-day period of free access to 1 g 2% delta-9 THC marihuana cigarettes. A matched sample of casual alcohol drinkers (N=11) served as a control group. Sleep and other molar behaviors were observed hourly to obtain a representative sample of daily activity.
A Survey Of Earth-Moon Libration Orbits: Stationkeeping Strategies And Intra-Orbit Transfers

Cislunar space is a readily accessible region that may well develop into a prime staging area in the effort to colonize space near Earth or to colonize the Moon. While there have been statements made by various NASA programs regarding placement of resources in orbit about the Earth-Moon Lagrangian locations, there is no survey of the total cost associated with attaining and maintaining these unique orbits in an operational fashion. Transfer trajectories between these orbits required for assembly, servicing, and positioning of these resources have not been extensively investigated. These orbits are dynamically similar to those used for the Sun-Earth missions, but differences in governing gravitational ratios and perturbation sources result in unique characteristics. We implement numerical computations using high fidelity models and linear and nonlinear targeting techniques to compute the various maneuver (Delta)V and temporal costs associated with orbits about each of the Earth-Moon Lagrangian locations (L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5). From a dynamical system standpoint, we speak to the nature of these orbits and their stability. We address the cost of transfers between each pair of Lagrangian locations.
Botulinum toxin type A: a treatment option for digital ischemia in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.

Purpose Raynaud's phenomenon is an exaggerated vasospastic response that causes pallor and cyanosis. In the hand, it results in pain, disability, and the need for amputation. Current accepted medical and surgical treatments are not uniformly successful and have their inherent morbidities. Reports in the literature describe the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for the treatment of vasospastic ischemia of the digits. We report the results of the treatment of recalcitrant digital ischemia with BTX-A in our institution. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review between January 2003 and February 2007. All patients presented with a diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon with worsening pain, discoloration, or nonhealing wound of the hand. Patients received BTX-A injections into the perineurovascular tissue of the wrist or the distal palm, or along the digit. Outcomes measured included pain rating, digit color and appearance, transcutaneous oxygen saturation, and healing of chronic ulcers. Results Twenty-six patients were treated, with a total of 55 treatment encounters. Patients were observed for an average of 18 months. Statistically significant improvements were noted for pain score and digit transcutaneous oxygen saturation measurements after treatment (p Conclusions Botulinum toxin type A significantly improves pain and improves healing in Raynaud's patients with few complications. BTX-A was found to be a safe and useful treatment option for vasospastic digital ischemia. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Development of capacitance-based and impedance-based wireless sensors and sensor nodes for structural health monitoring applications

A field demonstration of a new and hybrid wireless sensing network paradigm for structural health monitoring (SHM) is presented. In this paradigm, both power and data interrogation commands are conveyed via a mobile agent that is sent to each sensor node to perform individual interrogations, which can alleviate several limitations of traditional sensing networks. This paper will discuss such prototype systems, which will be used to interrogate capacitive-based and impedance-based sensors for SHM applications. The capacitive-based wireless sensor node is specifically built to collect peak displacement measurements. In addition, a wireless sensor node for collecting electromechanical impedance data has also been developed. Both sensor nodes are specifically designed to accept various power sources and to be wirelessly triggered on an as-needed basis so that they can be used for the hybrid sensing network approach. The capabilities of these miniaturized and portable devices are demonstrated in the laboratory and the field, which was performed at the Alamosa Canyon Bridge in southern New Mexico.
Role of alpha-adrenergic blockade on alanine-induced hyperglucagonemia

Abstract The influence of alpha-adrenergic tone on substrate-stimulated hormone secretion has been demonstrated in the pancreatic beta cell. In the present study we have examined this event in the pancreatic alpha cell. Serum glucagon response to aminogenic stimulation with alanine was found to be significantly potentiated by concurrent phentolamine-induced alpha-adrenergic blockade. Propranalol-induced beta-adrenergic blockade did not influence aminogenic glucagon secretion. The alpha-adrenergic receptors of both the pancreatic alpha and beta cells are thus important to substrate-stimulated hormone secretion.
Persistence and global stability in a selection–mutation size-structured model

We analyse a selection–mutation size-structured model with n ecotypes competing for common resources. Uniform persistence and robust uniform persistence are established, when the selection–mutation matrix Γ is irreducible, i.e. individuals of one ecotype may contribute directly or indirectly to individuals of other ecotypes. Similar results are also presented for a particular reducible form of Γ. In the case of pure selection in which the offspring of one ecotype belong to the same ecotype, i.e. Γ=I, the identity matrix, we prove that the boundary equilibrium that describes competitive exclusion, with the fittest being the winner ecotype, is globally asymptotically stable. We show that small perturbations of the pure selection matrix lead to the existence of globally asymptotically stable interior equilibria. For the case when the selection–mutation matrix is reducible, we present and discuss the outcome of a series of numerical simulations.
Flagellar Adenosine Triphosphatase from Sea Urchin Sperm: Properties and Relation to Motility

Adenosine triphosphatase activated by divalent cations is apparently a component of the motile apparatus in flagella of Arbacia sperm, as judged by the activity of this enzyme in intact flagella, glycerol-extracted flagella, and soluble extracts prepared from flagella. However, the variation in the physical properties and in the amount of enzyme obtained after a variety of treatments suggests that additional components are involved in the motile mechanism. These features distinguish the soluble flagellar enzyme from adenosine triphosphatases of other motile cells.
Myopathy complicating the acquired immune deficiency syndrome

A case of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome complicated by a severe myopathy is reported. All efforts aimed at documenting an infectious etiology for the myopathy were negative. The relationship of myopathy to AIDS is discussed.
Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in the human fetus: Tissue-specific protein secretion, immunologic characterization, and gene expression

Objectives : The objectives of this study were to investigate the profile of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins secreted by human fetal tissues and their immunologic identification and tissue-specific gene expression. Study Design: Explants of midgestational fetal tissues from seven fetuses were cultured with and without cycloheximide. Conditioned media were examined for insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins by Western ligand blot analysis, and insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins were identified by immunoprecipitation. Gene expression was analyzed by Northern analysis. Results : Fetal liver and kidney explants secreted insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 to insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4, with insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 being the most prominent in liver. Fetal lung secreted insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4 and lesser amounts of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3, whereas white matter explants secreted exclusively insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4. Cycloheximide inhibited secretion of binding proteins, suggesting de novo synthesis. Northern blot analyses were consistent with the protein studies. Conclusion : These data demonstrate that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein secretion by fetal tissues is tissue specific.
A demonstration of the speed and accuracy of the biased-selection Monte Carlo methods in Hamiltonian SU(2) lattice gauge theory

Abstract For SU(2) hamiltonian lattice gauge theory we calculate the ground-state energy per plaquette and the glueball mass in 2 + 1 and 3 + 1 dimensions. In 2 + 1 dimensions, the calculations are made both analytically and using the Biased-Selection Monte Carlo (BSMC) method. In 3 + 1 dimensions the BSMC method alone was used to estimate the plaquette expectation value from which the other quantities can be calculated in our approximation. These calculations required about 10 minutes of IBM 3090-400 CPU time.
Analysis of a model for contaminant transport in fractured media in the presence of colloids

Abstract A mathematical model has been developed to study the cotransport of contaminants with colloids in saturated rock fractures. The contaminant is assumed to decay, and sorb on to fracture surfaces and on to colloidal particles, as well as to diffuse into the rock matrix; whereas, colloids are envisioned to deposit irreversibly on to fracture surfaces without penetration into the rock matrix. The governing one-dimensional equations describing the contaminant and the colloid transport in the fracture, colloid deposition on to fracture surfaces, and contaminant diffusion into the rock matrix are coupled. This coupling is accomplished by assuming that the amount of contaminant mass captured by colloidal particles in solution and the amount captured by deposited colloids on fracture surfaces are described by modified Freundlich reversible equilibrium sorption relationships, and that mass transport by diffusion into the rock matrix is a first-order process. The contaminant sorption on to fracture surfaces is described by a linear equilibrium sorption isotherm, while the deposition of colloids is incorporated into the model as a first-order process. The resulting coupled contaminant transport non-linear equation is solved numerically with the fully implicit finite difference method. The constant concentration as well as the constant flux boundary conditions have been considered. The impact of the presence of colloids on contaminant transport is examined. According to model simulations the results show that, depending on the conditions of the physical system considered, colloids can increase or decrease the mobility of contaminants.
Cerebrovascular risk factors, executive dysfunction, and depression in older primary care patients.

Objective “Executive” cognitive functions may be of particular clinical importance in geriatric depression and may reflect underlying cerebrovascular disease. This study examined the associations of selected components of executive function with cerebrovascular risk factors, depression, and overall functional status. Method Study measures were completed on 448 primary care patients aged ≥65 years based on patient interviews and medical chart review. Multiple regression techniques determined the presence of specified independent associations. Results Some but not all study hypotheses were confirmed. Cerebrovascular risk factors were associated with major depression and with some cognitive measures, but their associations with depression and with the most specific measures of executive function were limited and not independent of overall medical burden. Measures of initiation–perseveration and mental set shifting were associated with overall functional disability; these cognitive measures were not associated with depression diagnosis, or with depressive symptoms when also covarying medical burden or excluding patients with dementia. Conclusions Clinicians should be aware of the potential functional significance of these components of cognition. Longitudinal risk factor studies and complementary techniques such as neuroimaging may help identify pathogenetically distinct subgroups of later-life depression that might respond preferentially to specific interventions.
Gradients in compositional variation on lahars, Mount St. Helens, Washington, USA

How isolation affects primary succession remains unresolved. Our hypotheses are: 1) the rate of succession is slowed within 50 m from sources and 2) dominance increases more rapidly if the growing season is longer. We sampled lahar vegetation near conifer forests on Mount St. Helens 23 years after the eruption using transects (Muddy) and grids (Butte Camp, BC). Transects were compared to isolated plots of the same age, while grids were compared to vegetation that was 400 years older. Cover declined with distance and with elevation on the Muddy due to denser seed rain near forests and shorter growing seasons at higher elevation. On BC-1, next to a forest, richness measures increased with distance, while cover decreased with elevation. On BC-2, more exposed than BC-1, mean richness and cover declined with elevation, but increased towards seed sources. Equitability increased with distance and with elevation on more stressful transects and on BC-1. Percent similarity (PS), a measure of floristic heterogeneity, declined with elevation on Muddy-SW. BC-1 PS decreased with both distance and elevation. Data from grids collected since 1987 showed that both sites became more homogeneous through time. Directional changes on BC-1 were greater than on BC-2, while annual variation of DCA scores declined only on BC-2. These differences are related to conifer dominance patterns. Succession is influenced by isolation, which controls the seed rain, and by stress, which controls establishment, the rate of biomass accumulation, and the spread of immigrants. Although community development is governed by environmental factors, this study shows that the effects of dispersal that result from distance factors can persist and may be a source of unexplained variation in mature communities.
Evaluation of the radiative properties of a dispersed particulate medium for construction material applications

Abstract Recent studies have suggested that the heat buildup of construction materials may be significantly reduced, without affecting the material color, by the incorporation of scattering particles. The scattering particles were found to alter the near infrared diffuse reflectance of the material, depending on their refractive index, volume percent, and particle size combination. In addition, a theoretical model was developed and correlated well with the experimentally measured values, accurately predicted increases in diffuse reflectance and drops in temperature. Thus, the model may be effectively used to design dark colored polymeric materials with reduced heat buildup properties.
Histopathology of Gill, Liver, and Pancreas, and Serum Enzyme Levels of Channel Catfish Infected with Aeromonas hydrophila Complex

Abstract Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus infected with Aeromonas hydrophila complex were examined 2–21 d after they were moved from earthen ponds to tanks. These infections by A. hydrophila complex were categorized into three groups: (1) motile aeromonad septicemia (MAS; systemic infection and signs of disease), (2) cutaneous (infection limited to skin and the underlying muscle), and (3) latent (systemic infection but no external signs of disease). Hepatic necrosis was associated with all types of infections but was most consistently present and sometimes more severe in fish with MAS. Hepatic steatosis was also associated with MAS. Systemically infected fish, including fish with latent infections, tended to have pancreatic atrophy and necrosis. There was a lack of infiltrating leukocytes in necrotic areas of the liver and intrahepatic exocrine pancreas of infected fish, and there was no consistent relationship between infection by A. hydrophila complex and hepatic hemorrhage or hemosiderosis. Spongios...
Translating Language, Culture, and Setting in Cross-Cultural Writing

Abstract Presupposing the appropriation or assimilation of cultural identity is ethical in a cross-cultural body of fiction, a writer must make many choices as to how to translate not only language, but culture and setting as well. This essay explores some of the choices a writer must make when relating non-homogeneous elements to an audience.
Fractionation and evaluation of radical scavenging peptides from in vitro digests of buckwheat protein

Buckwheat protein (BWP) isolate was subjected to a two-stage in vitro digestion (1 h pepsin followed by 2 h pancreatin at 37 °C). The antioxidant potential of the BWP digests was compared by assessing their capacity to scavenge 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiszoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS(+•)) and hydroxyl ((•)OH) radicals. The 2-h pancreatin digest, which demonstrated the strongest activity against both radicals, was subjected to Sephadex G-25 gel filtration. Of the six fractions collected, fractions IV (456 Da) and VI (362 Da) showed the highest ABTS(+•) scavenging activity and were 23-27% superior to mixed BWP digest (P < 0.05). Fraction VI was most effective in neutralizing (•)OH and was 86 and 24% more efficient (P < 0.05) than mixed BWP digest and fraction IV, respectively. LC-MS/MS identified Trp-Pro-Leu, Val-Pro-Trp, and Val-Phe-Pro-Trp (IV), Pro-Trp (V) and tryptophan (VI) to be the prominant peptides/amino acid in these fractions.
Anti-Ro (SS-A) and anti-La (SS-B) in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

Clinical, serologic, and genetic findings in Sjogren's syndrome patients were correlated with quantitative determinations for antibody against Ro (SS-A), La (SS-B), and nRNP (Sm) using newly developed, sensitive solid-phase assays. In 86 Sjogren's syndrome patient sera, more than 96% had anti-Ro (SS-A), and 87% had anti-La (SS-B), spanning a 4.8 log10 range of autoantibody concentration, whereas only 95% of the patients had anti-nRNP (Sm). Low levels of anti-Ro (SS-A) and anti-La (SS-B) were found in 10% and 12.5%, respectively, of the 40 normal control sera. In Sjogren's syndrome patients, the level of anti-Ro (SS-A) correlated strongly with that of anti-La (SS-B) (r = 0.80; P less than 0.0001) but not with the level of anti-nRNP (Sm). We found much higher levels of anti-Ro (SS-A) and anti-La (SS-B) in patients with purpura, leukopenia, lymphopenia, and increased polyclonal gamma globulins than in those without these conditions (between 4.3-fold and 17-fold higher; P less than 0.001 to P less than 0.05). Anti-Ro (SS-A) and anti-La (SS-B) levels correlated with the rheumatoid factor titer and with the concentrations of total globulin, IgG, and IgA, but not with the IgM concentration. The association of rheumatoid factor titer with levels of anti-Ro (SS-A) and anti-La (SS-B) occurred only in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. Antinuclear antibody titers correlated with levels of anti-Ro (SS-A) and anti-nRNP (Sm). HLA-DR3-positive patients had higher levels of anti-Ro (SS-A) and anti-La (SS-B).
“Talking It Out”: A Computer-Based Mediation Process for Adolescents

SUMMARY This article describes the development of a multimedia mediation program (“Talking It Out”) that helps young adolescents resolve conflict peacefully. The development and content are described, together with pilot test data from 16 pairs of disputing students. These case studies provide evidence of the popularity and effectiveness of computer-based mediation.
Efficient CW Four-Wave Mixing in Silicon-on-Insulator Micro-Rings With Active Carrier Removal

Silicon-on-insulator rib waveguides with passive loss of -0.74 dB/cm and free-carrier lifetime reduction via reverse biased p-i-n diodes are used to show efficient continuous wave four-wave mixing with 2 × reduction in required pump power for comparably high conversion efficiency of -8.2 dB, similar to best reports. A conversion efficiency of -13.4 dB is also subsequently achieved using 20 μm radius micro-ring resonators at significantly reduced pump power.
Determinants and Linear Systems: Charles L. Dodgson's View

Charles L. Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, presented just one paper to the Royal Society in his entire career as a mathematics don at Christchurch, Oxford. He called it 'Condensation of Determinants, being a new and brief Method for computing their arithmetical values'. The paper was communicated to the Society by Bartholomew Price, affectionately known to students and colleagues as 'Bat'. Price had been Dodgson's tutor during his student days at Christchurch. The paper was also refereed by another member of the Royal Society, William Spottiswoode, who had published a book in 1851 entitled Elementary Theorems Relating to Determinants. As Dodgson noted in his diary on March 25 1866:
High power microwave generation and mitigation

The past decade has seen significant advances in the science and technology of high power microwave (HPM) sources (MW-GW) driven by pulsed-power/ high current electron beams. The applications of these high power microwave sources have expanded to defensive measures, including homeland security and countermeasures against improvised explosive devices. In particular, major strides have been made in relativistic magnetrons, with the recirculating planar magnetron (RPM) [1–4], transparent cathodes [5], mode-control cathodes for phase-locking [4], and other innovations. The RPM consists of two, linear, cavity-arrays coupled by recirculating sections. The central-cathode structure supplies much higher current than conventional, cylindrical magnetrons. Recent results from UM's RPM-12a, a 1-GHz, double-coaxial extractor prototype, have demonstrated extracted microwave powers of 140 MW at peak efficiencies of 40%. A 6-extractor design with goals of 400 MW, at 50–60% efficiency is under construction. Simulations show promising results for a multi-frequency RPM in which two, planar slow-wave structures are employed with different resonant frequencies. There have also been important developments in plasma-based techniques for mitigating the effects of HPM pulses on electronic components. Impressive results have been achieved by a consortium of universities in the rapid-cutoff of microwave pulses by plasma-limiters. This presentation will summarize the recent scientific advancements in both HPM source development, as well as techniques to rapidly absorb or reflect these microwave pulses.
Light extraction from solution processed organic light emitting diodes (presentation video)

Efficient light extraction from organic light emitting diode (OLED) is challenging and efforts are being made to come up with efficient & cost effective outcoupling techniques. We demonstrate 50% EQE entitlement from solution processed white OLEDs compared to 33% EQE observed in devices, implying that there is plenty of room to improve the efficiency of white OLEDs. We present challenges in efficient light extraction from solution processed OLEDs that need to be overcome to close the efficiency gap. We also demonstrate a novel characterization technique that is effective in estimating the light extraction efficiency of outcoupling films and can expedite the selection and optimization of various light extraction approaches without the need to build OLEDs.
IN VITRO FORMATION OF FLAGELLA-LIKE FILAMENTS AND OTHER STRUCTURES FROM FLAGELLIN.

The in vitro reaggregation of flagellin monomers, prepared by acid disintegration of isolated native flagella of Bacillus pumilus , was studied. Flagellin reassembles in at least three forms, two of which are highly organized in a linear fashion, and appear as straight structures and flagella-like filaments. The latter closely resemble native flagella in their morphology and in other properties. The rate and the extent of the reaggregation reaction, and the structure of the aggregates produced, are affected by the concentration of flagellin, pH, salt and temperature. Reaggregation at 2°C and in frozen samples makes it unlikely that the reaction is enzymic. Straight aggregates can be transformed to flagella-like filaments if they are suspended at an appropriate pH. On the other hand, neither flagella-like filaments nor native flagella can be changed to the straight forms by incubation at a pH at which the latter assemble from monomers. The results indicate that the primary structure of the flagellin molecules determines their configuration assumed under various conditions and the manner in which they reassemble to larger polymers in a specific environment. Flagella-like filaments and probably native flagella as well constitute the most stable organized state in which flagellin can aggregate.
A software framework for abstract expression of coordinate-free linear algebra and optimization algorithms

The Rice Vector Library is a collection of C++ classes expressing core concepts (vector, function,…) of calculus in Hilbert space with minimal implementation dependence, and providing standardized interfaces behind which to hide application-dependent implementation details (data containers, function objects). A variety of coordinate-free algorithms from linear algebra and optimization, including Krylov subspace methods and various relatives of Newton's method for nonlinear equations and constrained and unconstrained optimization, may be expressed purely in terms of this system of classes. The resulting code may be used without alteration in a wide range of control, design, and parameter estimation applications, in serial and parallel computing environments.
Exact Conditional P Value Calculation for the Quasi-Symmetry Model

Earlier literature introduced a network algorithm for computing an exact test of independence in a two-way contingency table. This article adapts that algorithm to tests of quasi-symmetry in square tables. The algorithm is generally faster than competing Monte Carlo methods, and essentially eliminates the need for asymptotic approximation of P values for assessing goodness-of-fit of the quasi-symmetry model. A macro written for the R computing package is available for implementing the method.
Intracellular Trafficking of Variant Chicken Kidney Ae1 Anion Exchangers: Role of Alternative Nh2 Termini in Polarized Sorting and Golgi Recycling

The variant chicken kidney AE1 anion exchangers differ only at the NH2 terminus of their cytoplasmic domains. Transfection studies have indicated that the variant chicken AE1-4 anion exchanger accumulates in the basolateral membrane of polarized MDCK kidney epithelial cells, while the AE1-3 variant, which lacks the NH2-terminal 63 amino acids of AE1-4, primarily accumulates in the apical membrane. Mutagenesis studies have shown that the basolateral accumulation of AE1-4 is dependent upon two tyrosine residues at amino acids 44 and 47 of the polypeptide. Interestingly, either of these tyrosines is sufficient to direct efficient basolateral sorting of AE1-4. However, in the absence of both tyrosine residues, AE1-4 accumulates in the apical membrane of MDCK cells. Pulse–chase studies have shown that after delivery to the cell surface, newly synthesized AE1-4 is recycled to the Golgi where it acquires additional N-linked sugar modifications. This Golgi recycling activity is dependent upon the same cytoplasmic tyrosine residues that are required for the basolateral sorting of this variant transporter. Furthermore, mutants of AE1-4 that are defective in Golgi recycling are unable to associate with the detergent insoluble actin cytoskeleton and are rapidly turned over. These studies, which represent the first description of tyrosine-dependent cytoplasmic sorting signal for a type III membrane protein, have suggested a critical role for the actin cytoskeleton in regulating AE1 anion exchanger localization and stability in this epithelial cell type.
Assessment of flooding in urbanized ungauged basins: a case study in the Upper Tiber area, Italy

The reliability of a procedure for investigation of flooding into an ungauged river reach close to an urban area is investigated. The approach is based on the application of a semi-distributed rainfall–runoff model for a gauged basin, including the flood-prone area, and that furnishes the inlet flow conditions for a two-dimensional hydraulic model, whose computational domain is the urban area. The flood event, which occurred in October 1998 in the Upper Tiber river basin and caused significant damage in the town of Pieve S. Stefano, was used to test the approach. The built-up area, often inundated, is included in the gauged basin of the Montedoglio dam (275 km2), for which the rainfall–runoff model was adapted and calibrated through three flood events without over-bank flow. With the selected set of parameters, the hydrological model was found reasonably accurate in simulating the discharge hydrograph of the three events, whereas the flood event of October 1998 was simulated poorly, with an error in peak discharge and time to peak of −58% and 20%, respectively. This discrepancy was ascribed to the combined effect of the rainfall spatial variability and a partial obstruction of the bridge located in Pieve S. Stefano. In fact, taking account of the last hypothesis, the hydraulic model reproduced with a fair accuracy the observed flooded urban area. Moreover, incorporating into the hydrological model the flow resulting from a sudden cleaning of the obstruction, which was simulated by a ‘shock-capturing’ one-dimensional hydraulic model, the discharge hydrograph at the basin outlet was well represented if the rainfall was supposed to have occurred in the region near the main channel. This was simulated by reducing considerably the dynamic parameter, the lag time, of the instantaneous unit hydrograph for each homogeneous element into which the basin is divided. The error in peak discharge and time to peak decreased by a few percent. A sensitivity analysis of both the flooding volume involved in the shock wave and the lag time showed that this latter parameter requires a careful evaluation. Moreover, the analysis of the hydrograph peak prediction due to error in rainfall input showed that the error in peak discharge was lower than that of the same input error quantity. Therefore, the obtained results allowed us to support the hypothesis on the causes which triggered the complex event occurring in October 1998, and pointed out that the proposed procedure can be conveniently adopted for flood risk evaluation in ungauged river basins where a built-up area is located. The need for a more detailed analysis regarding the processes of runoff generation and flood routing is also highlighted. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing the cost effectiveness of psychiatric treatments: bulimia nervosa

We conducted an exploratory post hoc study that compared the cost effectiveness of five treatments for bulimia nervosa: 15 weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy (CB) followed by three monthly sessions, 16 weeks (Med16) and 24 weeks (Med24) of desipramine (< or = 300 mg/day), and CB combined with desipramine for those durations (Combo16 and Combo24). We illustrate how a treatment's cost effectiveness varies according to when evaluation is done and how effectiveness and cost are defined. At 32 weeks, Med16 appears the most cost-effective treatment, and Combo16 appears the least. At 1 year, Med24 appears the most cost-effective treatment, and Combo16 appears the least. Using this post hoc analysis as an example, we discuss the pitfalls and limitations of cost-effectiveness analysis of psychiatric treatments.
FDTD Multi-GPU Implementation of Maxwell's Equations in Dispersive Media

In this research, we present the first multi-GPU FDTD implementation of Maxwell's equations in dispersive media that uses the Open-MP API to synchronize the operation of GPUs and their corresponding CPUs. By taking advantage of the CUDA programming model, we present a unique implementation of the FDTD scheme that exploits the memory hierarchy of GPUs, including the global, texture, and shared memory. This enables us to tackle problems that are otherwise computationally prohibitive. Practical results will be presented along with a measure of speedup factors achieved when using multiple GPU processors.
A Model for Creating Engaged Land-Grant Universities: Penn State’s Engagement Ladder Model

The original mission of the state and land-grant university was to engage with communities to solve problems and improve the quality of life for the citizenry. Today most state and land-grant universities have moved far away from their original mission and are struggling to become engaged with the communities they serve. In this case study, we highlight some of the steady progress toward engagement that has recently occurred at The Pennsylvania State University. We catalogue how strong vision and leadership; infrastructure reorganization; and the active involvement of faculty, students, and community partners have revitalized the land-grant mission at Penn State.
Emergency Department Management of the Airway in Obese Adults

Airway management in obese adults can be challenging, and much of the literature on this subject focuses on elective surgical cases, rather than acutely ill patients. In this article, we review the emergency department evaluation of the airway in obesity, discussing anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. In addition, we describe techniques and devices used to improve intubating conditions in the obese patient. After our review of the relevant literature, we conclude that research in this particular area of acute care remains in its infancy.
Elder abuse and neglect: understanding the causes and potential risk factors.

The issue of elder abuse and neglect has been increasingly brought to the attention of emergency health care providers in recent years. 1-3 Although elder mistreatment is not a newly emerging phenomenon, the combination of an aging population and redefinitions of what constitutes abuse or neglect has produced a greater level of societal awareness of abusive behavior directed toward the elderly. With this awareness has come further research into the prevalence of mistreatment, its root causes, and predisposing factors. 4 However, elder mistreatment remains an "invisible" problem, with limited reporting and a failure by emergency health care providers to realize that older adults may be at r isk) Mistreatment of the elderly person may include physical, psychological, or financial abuse or neglect, and it may be intentional or unintentional. 5 Intentional mistreatment involves a conscious and deliberate attempt to inflict harm or injury, such as sexual abuse or battering; unintentional mistreatment occurs when an inadvertent action results in harm to the elderly person. Unintentional mistreatment is usually caused by inexperience, ignorance, or a lack of ability or desire of the caregiver to provide proper care. Often, several types of mistreatment are present in a single case (eg, physical and psychological abuse), increasing the difficulty of trying to isolate risk factors .4 Research suggests that elder abuse and neglect occurs in between 3% and 4% of the elderly population. 6-8 In the largest epidemiological study to date, 32 of 1,000 adults reported having experienced some form of mistreatment since they turned 65 years old. 6 In this cross-sectional survey, physical abused emerged as the most prevalent type, followed by habitual verbal aggression and neglect. More surprising than the extent of mistreatment were the characteristics of the abused elders in the sample. Heretofore, the predominant profile of the victims reported in previous
Association of Traditional Risk Factors With Cardiovascular Death Across 0 to 10, 10 to 20, and >20 Years Follow-Up in Men and Women

Previous studies have evaluated the strength of the association between traditional risk factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD) across varying lengths of follow-up in men. However, to our knowledge, little is known regarding the behavior of these risk factors across time in women. Thus, we sought to determine the association between traditional risk factors in men and women across follow-up periods of 0 to 10, 10 to 20, and >20 years. We studied 9,033 men and 7,575 women (ages 40 to 59 years) from 1967 to 1973 from the Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to compare the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CVD risk factors measured at baseline across different periods of follow-up (0 to 10, 10 to 20, and >20 years). In women, the HRs for smoking and diabetes mellitus were strongest at 0 to 10 years (HR 5.38, 95% CI 2.99 to 9.67 and 3.84, 95% CI 1.82 to 8.13, respectively) but decreased at >20 years (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.48 to 1.97 and 1.60, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.32, respectively). In men, the HR (per 4 kg/m 2 ) for body mass index appeared to increase (0 to 10 years, 1.01, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.14; >20 years, 1.20, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.28). In women, the association was similar across all follow-up periods. For both men and women, the HR for total serum cholesterol remained unchanged across the follow-up. In conclusion, we found gender differences in the patterns of association between risk factors measured at baseline and CVD death across different periods of follow-up. In women, the increased risk associated with both diabetes mellitus and smoking was most prominent in the early follow-up periods.
Priapism Following Ingestion of Tamsulosin

While priapism has been noted rarely in patients taking -adrenergic blocking agents, including doxazosin, terazosin and prazosin, to our knowledge we report the first detailed case of priapism following ingestion of tamsulosin.1, 2 CASE REPORT A 58-year-old Hispanic male presented with painful priapism 7 hours in duration. Priapism manifested 1 hour after a fourth dose of 0.4 mg. tamsulosin, which was taken because of obstructive voiding symptoms. The patient had no other history of priapism. His only other medication was hydrochlorothiazide, and priapism was not preceded by trauma or sexual activity. He denied ingestion of alcohol or cocaine. Complete blood count was normal. The priapism was successfully managed by corporeal irrigation with saline and phenylephrine. Dark blood suggestive of low flow priapism was irrigated from the corpora. Two weeks later the patient resumed tamsulosin therapy because of persistent voiding symptoms. Two hours after the first dose of 0.4 mg. tamsulosin priapism developed, which again responded to corporeal irrigation with saline and phenylephrine. The patient remained off all -blocking agents for 6 months and had no further episodes of priapism. DISCUSSION
Isolated rural schools can have computers and teachers who can utilize them

The development, operation and evaluation of a federally supported (National Science Foundation Grant SMI77-13063) program to develop teachers trained in computing and its application to serve as computer resource persons in their local schools is described. The need for such a project is delineated as partial motivation of the work reported. From this the objectives and project operational plan are established. The financial support mechanism is discussed. The actual operation and evaluation are described and conclusions are drawn.
Fluorescence quenching of Trp-314 of liver alcohol dehydrogenase by oxygen.

Abstract The quenching of the fluorescence of liver alcohol dehydrogenase (LADH) by molecular oxygen has been studied by both fluorescence lifetime and intensity measurements. This was done in the presence of 1 M acrylamide which selectively quenches the fluorescence of the surface tryptophan residue, Trp-15, thus allowing us to focus on the quenching of the deeply buried tryptophan, Trp-314, by molecular oxygen. Such studies yielded a Stern-Volmer plot of F o / F wilh a greater slope than the corresponding τ o /τ plot. This indicates that both dynamic and static quenching of Trp-314 occurs. The temperature dependence of the dynamic quenching of LADH by oxygen was also studied at three temperatures, from which we determined the activation enthalpy for the quenching of Trp-314 to be about 10 kcal/mol. The oxygen quenching of a ternary complex of LADH, NAD + and trifluoroethanol was also studied. The rate constant for dynamic quenching of Trp-314 by oxygen was found to be approximately the same in the ternary complex as that in the unliganded enzyme.
Measurement and modeling of creep in open-cell NiAl foams

Nickel-rich NiAl foams, consisting of open cells with hollow struts and exhibiting two relative densities (5.0 and 6.6 pct) and average cell sizes (1.27 and 0.85 mm), were creep tested between 800 °C and 1100 °C under compressive stresses between 0.10 and 1.50 MPa. For stresses lower than 0.50 MPa, the foams exhibit secondary creep with power-law behavior characterized by creep exponents and activation energies close to those of bulk, nickel-rich NiAl. A three-dimensional (3-D) finite-element model (FEM) was implemented for a cell consisting of hollow struts on a cubic lattice, which predicts creep rates in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Based on these numerical results, a simplified analytical model is proposed, whereby struts parallel to the applied stress deform by creep in a purely compressive mode, while perpendicular struts prevent buckling but provide no direct load-bearing capacity. This simple model produces results that are very close to the predictions of the complex numerical model and in good agreement with the experimental data. By contrast, an existing model considering creep bending of struts within the foam predicts strain rates that are too high by approximately two orders of magnitude.
Serological evidence of calicivirus transmission between marine and terrestrial mammals

THE recent isolation of two serotypes of San Miguel sea lion virus (SMSV), a calicivirus indistinguishable from vesicular exanthema of swine virus (VESV), from California sea lions (Zalophus c. californianus) and Northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) points to: (1) the widespread distribution of SMSV, and (2) the role of marine mammals as possible reservoirs of viral diseases of terrestrial animals1,2.
A primary platelet disorder of consanguineous simmental cattle

A severe hereditary hemorrhagic diathesis in Simmental cattle has been identified in North America. Platelet numbers and coagulation profiles of affected cattle are normal. We have further characterized the severe dysfunction of platelet aggregation. All agonists tested elicited normal shape change. Aggregations in response to ADP, A23187, and collagen were absent. Aggregations were decreased or required more time for completion in response to PAF and thrombin. No ultrastructural abnormalities were observed in transmission electron micrographs. Dense granule release of ATP in response to PAF was normal. Thrombin-induced aggregation was dependent upon external calcium concentration in normal but not affected animals. Clot retraction in the blood from affected animals was abnormal. The data implicate a defect of Ca++ mobilization or utilization.