cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generating samples for association studies based on HapMap data

With the completion of the HapMap project, a variety of computational algorithms and tools have been proposed for haplotype inference, tag SNP selection and genome-wide association studies. Simulated data are commonly used in evaluating these new developed approaches. In addition to simulations based on population models, empirical data generated by perturbing real data, has also been used because it may inherit specific properties from real data. However, there is no tool that is publicly available to generate large scale simulated variation data by taking into account knowledge from the HapMap project. A computer program (gs) was developed to quickly generate a large number of samples based on real data that are useful for a variety of purposes, including evaluating methods for haplotype inference, tag SNP selection and association studies. Two approaches have been implemented to generate dense SNP haplotype/genotype data that share similar local linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns as those in human populations. The first approach takes haplotype pairs from samples as inputs, and the second approach takes patterns of haplotype block structures as inputs. Both quantitative and qualitative traits have been incorporated in the program. Phenotypes are generated based on a disease model, or based on the effect of a quantitative trait nucleotide, both of which can be specified by users. In addition to single-locus disease models, two-locus disease models have also been implemented that can incorporate any degree of epistasis. Users are allowed to specify all nine parameters in a 3 × 3 penetrance table. For several commonly used two-locus disease models, the program can automatically calculate penetrances based on the population prevalence and marginal effects of a disease that users can conveniently specify. The program gs can effectively generate large scale genetic and phenotypic variation data that can be used for evaluating new developed approaches. It is freely available from the authors' web site at http://www.eecs.case.edu/~jxl175/gs.html .
Acceleration of ventricular tachycardia by rapid overdrive pacing combined with extrastimuli.

A case of attempted termination of ventricular tachycardia using rapid overdrive pacing combined with double extrastimuli resulted in acceleration of the ventricular tachycardia. This case demonstrates the potential for acceleration of ventricular tachycardia when pacing termination is utilized.
SU-E-T-27: A Tool for Routine Quality Assurance of Radiotherapy Dose Calculation Software

Purpose: Dose calculation software is thoroughly evaluated when it is commissioned; however, evaluation of periodic software updates is typically limited in scope due to staffing constraints and the need to quickly return the treatment planning system to clinical service. We developed a tool for quickly and comprehensively testing and documenting dose calculation software against measured data. Methods: A tool was developed using MatLab (The MathWorks, Natick, MA) for evaluation of dose calculation algorithms against measured data. Inputs to the tool are measured data, reference DICOM RT PLAN files describing the measurements, and dose calculations in DICOM format. The tool consists of a collection of extensible modules that can perform analysis of point dose, depth dose curves, and profiles using dose difference, distance-to-agreement, and the gamma-index. Each module generates a report subsection that is incorporated into a master template, which is converted to final form in portable document format (PDF). Results: After each change to the treatment planning system, a report can be generated in approximately 90 minutes. The tool has been in use for more than 5 years, spanning 5 versions of the eMC and 4 versions of the AAA. We have detected changes to the algorithms that affected clinical practice once during this period. Conclusion: Our tool provides an efficient method for quality assurance of dose calculation software, providing a complete set of tests for an update. Future work includes the addition of plan level tests, allowing incorporation of, for example, the TG-119 test suite for IMRT, and integration with the treatment planning system via an application programming interface. Integration with the planning system will permit fully-automated testing and reporting at scheduled intervals.
Real-time broadband subnoise level signal extraction in Hall sensors

This paper deals with the optimization of the “spinning-current” modulation method for cancelling the low-frequency noise at the output of a Hall sensor. This method, based on Onsager reciprocity relationships through the reverse-magnetic-field-reciprocity theorem of Sample et al., allows extracting magnetic field signals whose spectral intensity is much lower than the PSD of the low-frequency (LF) noise observed in the measurement: this includes the LF noise of the Hall sensor, the LF noise of the preamplifier, or the environmental noise due to electromagnetic interferences (EMI). Contrarily to methods based on the lock-in detection principle, which results in a narrow bandpass filtering, the LF-noise-free magnetic sensor signal remains broadband (DC to kHz). An improvement of 30dB in the S/N ratio can be observed around 1 Hz.
Concentration-dependent transport of gases and vapors in glassy polymers

Abstract The transport of gases and vapors in glassy polymers is analyzed on the basis of the “dual-sorption” model with partial immobilization and the assumption that the diffusion coefficient is an exponential function of concentration. Expressions are derived for the effective (apparent) permeability and diffusion coefficients, as well as for the diffusion timelag. These expressions reduce in limiting cases to forms reported by other investigators. The implications of these results to the separation of gas and vapor mixtures by permeation through glassy polymer membranes are discussed.
Obstetric and Newborn Infant Outcomes in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Women Who Receive Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Objective Our aim was to examine perinatal outcomes in women who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and who receive highly active antiretroviral therapy compared with the general population. Study Design In this retrospective cohort study, we compared 151 HIV-positive and 302 HIV-negative women. We defined highly active antiretroviral therapy as concomitant use of at least 3 antiretroviral drugs. We calculated frequencies and odds ratios for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results Compared with control subjects, smoking (odds ratio, 4.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.58–8.27), drug abuse (odds ratio, 5.48; 95% CI, 2.21–13.59), and spontaneous preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.22–4.25) were more common among HIV-positive women. HIV-positive women were more likely to deliver a small-for-gestational-age infant, but this was due to higher tobacco and cocaine use. Neonatal outcomes were otherwise similar. Conclusion HIV-positive women are at increased risk for preterm birth and lower birthweight infants; therefore, antenatal surveillance should include fetal growth assessment. Highly active antiretroviral therapy use does not increase maternal complications.
Leucine biosynthesis and its regulation in the basidiomycete Rhodosporidium toruloides

Complementation tests and enzyme analyses separated 29 leucine auxotrophs of the Basidiomycete Rhodosporidium toruloides into three groups, each deficient in one of the leucine biosynthetic enzymes. The following differences are suggested between the organization of the leucine pathway in R. toruloides and the Ascomycetes Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Neurospora crassa: (1) isopropylmalate, the product of the first enzymic reaction appears not to be an internal inducer of the later enzymes of the pathway; this is consistent with the apparent lack of mutants homologous to the leu3 class in N. crassa and S. cerevisiae; (2) as in S. cerevisiae, but unlike N. crassa, isopropylmalate synthase is under the control of a general cross pathway control system; (3) unlike S. cerevisiae, but like N. crassa, R. toruloides appears to possess only one gene encoding isopropylmalate synthase.
SIA: secure information aggregation in sensor networks

Sensor networks promise viable solutions to many monitoring problems. However, the practical deployment of sensor networks faces many challenges imposed by real-world demands. Sensor nodes often have limited computation and communication resources and battery power. Moreover, in many applications sensors are deployed in open environments, and hence are vulnerable to physical attacks, potentially compromising the sensor's cryptographic keys.One of the basic and indispensable functionalities of sensor networks is the ability to answer queries over the data acquired by the sensors. The resource constraints and security issues make designing mechanisms for information aggregation in large sensor networks particularly challenging.In this paper, we propose a novel framework for secure information aggregation in large sensor networks. In our framework certain nodes in the sensor network, called aggregators, help aggregating information requested by a query, which substantially reduces the communication overhead. By constructing efficient random sampling mechanisms and interactive proofs, we enable the user to verify that the answer given by the aggregator is a good approximation of the true value even when the aggregator and a fraction of the sensor nodes are corrupted. In particular, we present efficient protocols for secure computation of the median and the average of the measurements, for the estimation of the network size, and for finding the minimum and maximum sensor reading. Our protocols require only sublinear communication between the aggregator and the user. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first on secure information aggregation in sensor networks that can handle a malicious aggregator and sensor nodes.
Preparing nursing students for the future: An innovative approach to clinical education

A clinical education model was developed and implemented by nursing faculty in the Oregon Consortium for Nursing Education undergraduate curriculum to improve clinical learning for preparation of nurses to practice in the 21st century. This clinical education model, developed though collaborative work by nursing practice and education representatives throughout the state, moves away from a “random access opportunity” model of clinical education reliant on “total patient care” experiences to an intentional design of clinical learning activities based on course competencies appropriate to student level. Five elements of the model were proposed: case-based, concept-based, intervention skill-based, focused direct client care and integrative experiences. Different elements are dominant in early, middle and late clinical experiences to best support the developmental level of the student. Expectations for faculty, students and clinical staff were also developed to enhance best practices in clinical learning. Preparation of clinical partners for a change in clinical learning and student accountability are essential for optimal learning. This paper provides an overview of the model with clinical application examples for each element with a particular emphasis on case-based, concept-based and integrative clinical experiences.
57. Anxiety about relationships is linked to alterations in cortisol production and cellular immunity

Although evidence suggests that attachment anxiety may increase risk for health problems, the mechanisms are not well understood. Married couples (N = 85, Mage = 38.67) provided saliva samples over three days and blood samples on two occasions. Participants with higher attachment anxiety produced more cortisol and had fewer numbers of CD45+ T cells, CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4+ helper T cells, and CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells than those with lower attachment anxiety. Higher cortisol was also related to fewer numbers of CD45+, CD3+, CD3+CD4+, and CD3+CD8+, which is mechanistically consistent with research showing that cortisol alters the cellular immune response. These data suggest that attachment anxiety may have physiological costs and provide a glimpse into the pathways through which social relationships impact health. The current study also extends attachment theory in an important new direction by utilizing a psychoneuroimmunological approach to the study of attachment anxiety, stress, and health.
Non-linear dielectric properties of nerve membranes.

Abstract The unique feature of the measurement of membrane capacitance and conductance of nerve axons is the facts that these measurements must be carried out in the presence of a bias potential (−60 mV) across the membrane and also that measurements are performed in the presence of time dependent and non-linear currents. The bias potential creates an electrical field of 80 kV/cm in the membrane which produces a highly ordered structure at the resting state. Because of this, the AC field which is used for capacitance and conductance measurements should be considered a perturbation of the ordered structure rather than the force causing a transition from a random distribution to a polarized slate. If the bias potential is removed by depolarization of the membrane, the ionic permeabilities of the membrane increases and Na and K ions will flow across it. Therefore, measurements of capacitance and conductance of depolarized membranes will be carried out in the presence of these ionic currents. First of all, K + current is known to create an inductive reactance. Also Na current is believed, although still uncertain, to produce a capacitance component. Therefore, these reactances must be differentiated from the-real membrane capacitance due to the dielectric properties of the components of the membrane. In order to do so, it is desirable to conduct dielectric measurements in the absence of ionic currents after application of appropriate toxins.
Accurate Analysis and Prediction of Enterprise Service-Level Performance

An enterprise service-level performance time series is a sequence of data points that quantify demand, throughput, average order-delivery time, quality of service, or end-to-end cost. Analytical and predictive models of such time series can be embedded into an enterprise information system (EIS) in order to provide meaningful insights into potential business problems and generate guidance for appropriate solutions. Time-series analysis includes periodicity detection, decomposition, and correlation analysis. Time-series prediction can be modeled as a regression problem to forecast a sequence of future time-series datapoints based on the given time series. The state-of-the-art (baseline) methods employed in time-series prediction generally apply advanced machine-learning algorithms. In this article, we propose a new univariate method for dealing with midterm time-series prediction. The proposed method first analyzes the hierarchical periodic structure in one time series and decomposes it into trend, season, and noise components. By discarding the noise component, the proposed method only focuses on predicting repetitive season and smoothed trend components. As a result, this method significantly improves upon the performance of baseline methods in midterm time-series prediction. Moreover, we propose a new multivariate method for dealing with short-term time-series prediction. The proposed method utilizes cross-correlation information derived from multiple time series. The amount of data taken from each time series for training the regression model is determined by results from hierarchical cross-correlation analysis. Such a data-filtering strategy leads to improved algorithm efficiency and prediction accuracy. By combining statistical methods with advanced machine-learning algorithms, we have achieved a significantly superior performance in both short-term and midterm time-series predictions compared to state-of-the-art (baseline) methods.
Frequency and intensity of Dirofilaria immitis infections in mosquitoes.

Abstract 1. 1. Figures are presented to show the intensities of experimental infection with developmental stages of Dirofilaria immitis in females of different species of mosquitoes. 2. 2. With the degree of microfilaremia in the vertebrate host used, mosquito host species with less than 50% infection rates had few individuals harboring more than about 5 or 6 developing D. immitis , whereas mosquito species with infection rates approaching 100% had many individuals harboring from 10 to 30 or more larval filariae.
HIV-1 Nef disrupts MHC-I trafficking by recruiting AP-1 to the MHC-I cytoplasmic tail.

To avoid immune recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 Nef disrupts the transport of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules (MHC-I) to the cell surface in HIV-infected T cells. However, the mechanism by which Nef does this is unknown. We report that Nef disrupts MHC-I trafficking by rerouting newly synthesized MHC-I from the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to lysosomal compartments for degradation. The ability of Nef to target MHC-I from the TGN to lysosomes is dependent on expression of the μ1 subunit of adaptor protein (AP) AP-1A, a cellular protein complex implicated in TGN to endolysosomal pathways. We demonstrate that in HIV-infected primary T cells, Nef promotes a physical interaction between endogenous AP-1 and MHC-I. Moreover, we present data that this interaction uses a novel AP-1 binding site that requires amino acids in the MHC-I cytoplasmic tail. In sum, our evidence suggests that binding of AP-1 to the Nef–MHC-I complex is an important step required for inhibition of antigen presentation by HIV.
Decreased muscarinic receptor binding in the arcuate nucleus in sudden infant death syndrome

Muscarinic cholinergic activity in the human arcuate nucleus at the ventral medullary surface is postulated to be involved in cardiopulmonary control. A significant decrease in [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding to muscarinic receptors in the arcuate nucleus is now shown to occur in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) infants, compared to infants dying acutely of known causes. In infants with chronic oxygenation abnormalities, binding is low in other nuclei, as well as in the arcuate nucleus. The binding deficit in the arcuate nucleus of SIDS infants might contribute to a failure of responses to cardiopulmonary challenges during sleep.
Designing vertical carousels to maximize operator utilization

Abstract The use of vertical carousels is becoming more widespread as a means of storage in industry. With this wider use one can expect there to be an increase in the level of technology used to control them and an associated increase in the capital investment required. The number of columns in the carousel, the servicing time in the stores and the operator utilization become of economic interest with this development. This paper demonstrates a systematic method, which can be used to maximize the operator utilization while minimizing the number of independent columns in the carousel.
Executive function in Parkinson's disease: contributions of the dorsal frontostriatal pathways to action and motivation.

Disruption of the dorsal frontostriatal pathways in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with impairments in motivation, as well as in executive function. The goal of this study was to investigate whether these impairments are related and, if so, whether the disruption of frontostriatal pathways compromises the ability to process the motivational aspects of feedback in such tasks. In Experiment 1, informative feedback improved the performance of young, healthy participants in a task-switching paradigm. This task-switching paradigm was then used in Experiment 2 to test whether feedback would improve the performance of 17 PD patients and age-matched controls. The PD group benefitted from feedback to the same degree as control participants; however, depression scores on the Beck Depression Inventory were significantly related to feedback usage, especially when response selection demands were high. Regardless of feedback, PD patients were more impaired when response demands were high than in an equally difficult condition with low action demands. These results suggest that response selection is a core impairment of insufficient dopamine to the dorsal frontal striatal pathways.
Synthesis of regiospecifically fluorinated conjugated dienamides.

Modular synthesis of regiospecifically fluorinated 2,4-diene Weinreb amides, with defined stereochemistry at both double bonds, was achieved via two sequential Julia-Kocienski olefinations. In the first step, a Z-a-fluorovinyl Weinreb amide unit with a benzothiazolylsulfanyl substituent at the allylic position was assembled. This was achieved via condensation of two primary building blocks, namely 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylsulfonyl)-2-fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methylacetamide (a Julia-Kocienski olefination reagent) and 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylthio)acetaldehyde (a bifunctional building block). This condensation was highly Z-selective and proceeded in a good 76% yield. Oxidation of benzothiazolylsulfanyl moiety furnished a second-generation Julia-Kocienski olefination reagent, which was used for the introduction of the second olefinic linkage via DBU-mediated condensations with aldehydes, to give (2Z,4E/Z)-dienamides in 50%–74% yield. Although olefinations were 4Z-selective, (2Z,4E/Z)-2-fluoro-2,4-dienamides could be readily isomerized to the corresponding 5-substituted (2Z,4E)-2-fluoro-N-methoxy-N-methylpenta-2,4-dienamides in the presence of catalytic iodine.
Neoclassical econometries: The kernel

The paper considers the problem of determining the parameters in static equality-constrained neoclassical models frequently encountered in economic analysis. These include the utility-maximizing household, subject to income and time constraints; and the profit-maximizing firm, subject to a given technology. The approach applies equally to the traditional (regression-based) stochastic econometric model (with additive normally distributed errors) or to a deterministic analog, where the “distance” between the actual data and model solutions for the agents' decisions is minimized. Conventional econometric practice is extended in that closed-form, analytic solutions for the decision functions are not required; and essentially arbitrary configurations of available data are permitted. The computer is employed to jointly: (1) solve the agents' optimization problems, (2) impute missing data, and (3) determine whether there is sufficient information in the available data set to uniquely calibrate or estimate the model's parameters.
Modulation of phospholipase A2 activity in human synovial fluid by cations.

Cell-free, Ca2+ dependent phospholipase A2 activity (PLA2) was measured in human synovial fluid of patients with various kinds of arthritis using [1−14C] oleate-labelled autoclaved Escherichia coli as substrate. PLA2 activity at pH 7.0 and with 5 mM added Ca2+ was stimulated and then inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by NaCl; maximal stimulation of 8.8 fold was found at 150 mM Na+. Similar effects were obtained with K+ Li+ and Ru+. In the absence of added Na+, PLA2 activity was maximal with 25 mM Ca2+ (145 nmols/hr/mg), but in the presence of 150 mM Na+, activity was maximal with 4 mM Ca2+ (415 nmols/hr/mg). PLA2 activity was optimal between pH 6.5–8.0 in presence of 150 mM Na+1 and 4 mM Ca2+. There was no significant difference between PLA2 activity in synovial fluids from rhematoid and other types of arthritis. Neutral active, Ca2+-dependent PLA2 activity in acid extracts of human platelets, plasma, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and synovial fluid varied in response to added Na+. In presence of 150 mM added Na+ and 5 mM PLA2 activity in human synovial fluid was inhibited by all multivalent cations tested. In the absence of Na+, Cu2+ and Mg2+ stimulated PLA2 activity in a dose dependent fashion; whereas, Fe2+, Fe3+ and Al3+ were inhibitory. The extent of stimulation by Mg2+ was inversely related to the concentration of added Ca2+.
Deletion mapping in Alport syndrome and Alport syndrome-diffuse leiomyomatosis reveals potential mechanisms of visceral smooth muscle overgrowth.

Diffuse leiomyomatosis is associated with the inherited kidney disease Alport syndrome, and characterized by visceral smooth muscle overgrowth within the respiratory, gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts. Although partial deletions of the type IV collagen genes COL4A5 and COL4A6, paired head-to-head on chromosome Xq22, are known to cause diffuse leiomyomatosis, loss of function for type IV collagen does not explain smooth muscle overgrowth. To further clarify pathogenic mechanisms, we have characterized novel deletions in patients with Alport syndrome-diffuse leiomyomatosis or Alport syndrome alone. A 27.6-kb deletion, in a female with Alport syndrome-diffuse leiomyomatosis, is marked by the most proximal, i.e. most 5', COL4A5 breakpoint described to date. By comparing this deletion to others described here and previously, we have defined a minimal overlap region, only 4.2 kb in length and containing the COL4A5-COL4A6 proximal promoters, loss of which contributes to smooth muscle overgrowth. A novel deletion in a male with Alport syndrome alone is>1.4 Mb in length, encompassing COL4A5 and COL4A6 entirely, as well as neighboring genes. We postulate that loss of the 4.2-kb region in diffuse leiomyomatosis causes misregulation of neighboring genes, contributing to smooth muscle overgrowth. Deletion of the neighboring genes themselves may afford protection from this condition. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
REDUCED DIRAC-KAHLER LATTICE FERMION ACTION

Abstract It is shown that the lattice Dirac-Kahler action is reducible under a chiral-like transformation. This provides a new lattice fermion action for spinors that have 2d−1 components (instead of 2d), with the property that, in the free case, each component satisfies the lattice euclidean Klein-Gordon equation. Reflection positivity is satisfied on the lattice, thus assuring a (positive) physical Hilbert space. In d = 4 dimensions the spinors have 8 components, and the correct physical chiral anomaly in the continuum limit. The action is suitable for QCD quarks which, in the continuum limit, are described by Dirac spinors that occur in flavor doublets.
The eyes of the storm: Gender, genre and cross‐casting in Miss Saigon

The casting of an Asian actress in the leading female role but a Caucasian man in “yellowface” for the principal male “Eurasian” role in Miss Saigon reflects the workings of various cultural processes. To understand these processes, distinctions in representation and perception that arise from the variables of gender and race as they figure within the tradition of a specific theatrical genre must be considered. The success of Miss Saigon as an essentially mimetic form of theatre is founded on the credibility of the Asian woman as an object of romantic interest and exceptional maternal devotion. This credibility does not derive from social verisimilitude; rather it has been constructed by combined historical and theatrical imperatives that first led to the association of the Asian woman with the maternal melodrama at the turn of the century. The male role of the “Engineer,” on the other hand, stands to benefit from the foregrounding of artificiality and theatricality that accompanies the marks of cross‐cas...
n-CD: A geometric approach to preserving location privacy in location-based services

With great advances in mobile devices, e.g., smart phones and tablets, location-based services (LBSs) have recently emerged as a very popular application in mobile networks. However, since LBS service providers require users to report their location information, how to preserve users' location privacy is one of the most challenging problems in LBSs. Most existing approaches either cannot fully protect users' location privacy, or cannot provide accurate LBSs. Many of them also need the help of a trusted third-party, which may not always be available. In this paper, we propose a geometric approach, called n-CD, to provide realtime accurate LBSs while preserving users' location privacy without involving any third-party. Specifically, we first divide a user's region of interest (ROI), which is a disk centered at the user's location, into n equal sectors. Then, we generate n concealing disks (CDs), one for each sector, one by one to collaboratively and fully cover each of the n sectors. We call the area covered by the n CDs the concealing space, which fully contains the user's ROI. After rotating the concealing space with respect to the user's location, we send the rotated centers of the n CDs along with their radii to the service provider, instead of the user's real location and his/her ROI. To investigate the performance of n-CD, we theoretically analyze its privacy level and concealing cost. Extensive simulations are finally conducted to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of the proposed schemes.
Metabolic differentiation of red and white skeletal muscle In vivo and in monolayer culture

Abstract 1. 1. Cytochrome oxidase, succinate oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase were compared in: (a) leg and breast muscle from 11–19-day-old chick embryos; and (b) 2, 6, 10 and 14-day-old primary cell cultures established from myoblasts of embryonic leg and breast muscle. 2. 2. Cytochrome oxidase, succinate oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were higher (48.8, 65.4, 277.6%, respectively) in leg muscle after 19 days in ovo. 3. 3. Cytochrome and succinate oxidase activities were higher (111.3, 48.1%, respectively) in leg muscle cell cultures after 14 days in vitro. 4. 4. The data represent evidence for intrinsic developmental patterns for certain enzymes.
Large-scale photochemical reactions of nanocrystalline suspensions: a promising green chemistry method.

Photochemical reactions in the solid state can be scaled up from a few milligrams to 10 grams by using colloidal suspensions of a photoactive molecular crystal prepared by the solvent shift method. Pure products are recovered by filtration, and the use of H2O as a suspension medium makes this method a very attractive one from a green chemistry perspective. Using the photodecarbonylation of dicumyl ketone (DCK) as a test system, we show that reaction efficiencies in colloidal suspensions rival those observed in solution.
A mass zero cluster expansion: Part 2. Convergence

Convergence is proven for the mass zero cluster expansion presented in Part 1 of this paper. An indication is given of changes necessary to treat the more difficult $$\lambda (\mathop \nabla \limits^ \to \phi )^4 $$ model and the lattice dipole gas.
Stratigraphic evidence for anthropogenically induced coastal environmental change from Oaxaca, Mexico

Previous interdisciplinary paleoenvironmental and archaeological research along the Rio Verde Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico, showed that Holocene erosion in the highland valleys of the upper drainage basin triggered geomorphic changes in the river's coastal floodplain. This article uses stratigraphic data from sediment cores extracted from Laguna Pastoria, an estuary in the lower Rio Verde Valley, to examine changes in coastal geomorphology potentially triggered by highland erosion. Coastal lagoon sediments contain a stratigraphically and chronologically distinct record of major hurricane strikes during late Holocene times. Three distinct storm facies are identified from sediment cores obtained from Laguna Pastoria, which indicate that profound coastal environmental changes occurred within the region and are correlated with increased sediment supplied from highland erosion. The Chione/Laevicardium facies was deposited in an open bay while the Mytella/barnacle facies and sand facies were deposited in an enclosed lagoon following bay barrier formation. We argue that highland erosion triggered major geomorphic changes in the lowlands including bay barrier formation by ∼2500 cal yr B.P. These environmental changes may have had significant effects on human populations in the region. The lagoon stratigraphy further indicates an increase in mid–late Holocene hurricane activity, possibly caused by increased El Nino frequencies.
A Study of System Losses in a Transistorized Inverter-Induction Motor Drive System

A study is described of the system losses in a transistorized pulsewidth modulated (PWM) inverter and induction motor in a traction drive system and the development of a strategy for minimizing them. The losses include inverter losses, conventional fundamental frequency motor losses, and motor harmonic losses. The losses in both PWM and six-step square wave (SSSW) inverter operation are studied. The loss models are introduced into a motor performance analysis program allowing the computation of the drive system performance over the entire speedtorque range. The study shows that a strategy for minimizing drive system losses is a function of torque. The air gap flux density should be held at its maximum level until the torque requirement is reduced to a low value, and then the air gap flux level is reduced.
Continuity and change in the evolution of religion and political organization on pre-Columbian Puerto Rico

Trajectories of cultural evolution are diverse, depending on unique blends of social, economic, and ideological factors. Assessing case-specific historical circumstances is crucial when identifying underlying processes of change. In this paper, I detail a model of cultural evolution based on the historical circumstances of the island cultures in the pre-Columbian Caribbean. We see continuity in key elements of cosmology and structural organization within a framework of evolving social complexity, leadership roles, and inequality. In the case of Puerto Rico, cosmology and ideology were intertwined over approximately 2000 years, spanning tribal to chiefdom sociopolitical formations.
Screw-theoretic analysis models for felid jaw mechanisms

In this paper, we examine the development of quasi-static computational models for musculoskeletal analysis, leveraging screw-theoretic techniques traditionally employed for the analysis of articulated multibody systems (MBS). The case study of analysis of bite- and muscle-forces in the articulated jaws of members of the felid (cat) family is used to highlight the critical aspects. In particular, musculoskeletal systems with multiple muscles superimposed on an underlying articulated skeleton share many features with the subclass of cable actuated parallel MBS (including redundancy in actuation and unidirectional nature of actuation forces). The screw-theoretic formulation facilitates the development of a computational model for resolving such redundancy while retaining explicit geometric meaning in terms of lines-of-action, motions and forces. The low-computational-complexity of the ensuing quasi-static models makes them well-suited both for: (a) iterative/parametric studies of the roles of geometry (muscle locations) or physiology (muscle-parameters) on skeletal load-distributions, as well as (b) implementing online inverse-dynamics-based muscle-force planners for biomimetic physical prototypes. A MATLAB Graphical User Interface was also developed to aid lay users (non-computational scientists) in performing iterative parametric force optimization and muscle location studies.
Evaluation of interactions between lighting and HVAC systems in a large commercial building

Accurate estimation of the net energy impact of the retrofit of the lighting system must take into account the interactions with HVAC systems, which can lead to the increase of energy consumption for heating in the winter and the decrease of energy consumption for cooling. This paper presents the results of a parametric study, performed on a computer model of an existing large office building, for the evaluation of net energy savings which are expected to be obtained following the retrofit of the lighting system. The evaluation was performed by computer simulation using the MICRO-DOE2 program. The results show that the net energy savings are only about 70% of the gross lighting energy savings for most cases of recessed fluorescent fixtures. One can expect that, in other buildings, less energy efficient than this particular one, the net energy savings will be even smaller with respect to the gross lighting savings. Hence, the improvement of the lighting system might be less cost effective than initially expected. Only a detailed simulation of energy performance of the whole building, composed of several subsystems, can provide an accurate evaluation of annual energy savings.
On the chemical mechanism of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (GabD1) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenases (SSADHs) are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the NAD(P)+-coupled oxidation of succinic semialdehyde (SSA) to succinate, the last step of the γ-aminobutyrate shunt. Mycobacterium tuberculosis encodes two paralogous SSADHs (gabD1 and gabD2). Here, we describe the first mechanistic characterization of GabD1, using steady-state kinetics, pH-rate profiles, ¹H NMR, and kinetic isotope effects. Our results confirmed SSA and NADP+ as substrates and demonstrated that a divalent metal, such as Mg²+, linearizes the time course. pH-rate studies failed to identify any ionizable groups with pK(a) between 5.5 and 10 involved in substrate binding or rate-limiting chemistry. Primary deuterium, solvent and multiple kinetic isotope effects revealed that nucleophilic addition to SSA is very fast, followed by a modestly rate-limiting hydride transfer and fast thioester hydrolysis. Proton inventory studies revealed that a single proton is associated with the solvent-sensitive rate-limiting step. Together, these results suggest that product dissociation and/or conformational changes linked to it are rate-limiting. Using structural information for the human homolog enzyme and ¹H NMR, we further established that nucleophilic attack takes place at the Si face of SSA, generating a thiohemiacetal with S stereochemistry. Deuteride transfer to the Pro-R position in NADP+ generates the thioester intermediate and [4A-²H, 4B-¹H] NADPH. A chemical mechanism based on these data and the structural information available is proposed.
DUV stability of carbon films for attenuated phase-shift mask applications

The UV stability of a-C:H films was investigated by irradiating them with a 248 nm excimer laser or a DUV lamp with a 248 nm filter. Both transmittance and phase angle of the film at 248 nm were measured at different UV dose intervals up to a cumulative dose of 10,000 J/cm 2 . We found that film stability was dependent on processing conditions. Excellent stability was achieved when the a-C:H films were sputtered from a graphite target in a Ar/hydrocarbon process gas mixture with the substrate held at an rf bias. If no substrate bias was used, films were stable only up to a maximum of 1,000 J/cm 2 for a nominal transmittance of about 6%. These instabilities were attributed to adsorption of oxygen on the film and its subsequent diffusion into the films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that under DUV irradiation the oxygen content increases from 13 to 29 at.% on the carbon surface. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) shows also oxygen diffusion into the carbon film. It appears that the oxygen first removes the graphitic content since film transmittance was found to increase. It is believed that rf bias sputtering results in denser films that are more impervious to oxygen penetration and hence more durable to this UV assisted oxidative degradation process. The sputtered films with no substrate bias were found stable when irradiated in a nitrogen atmosphere.
Retrieval processes in fifth graders and adults

Abstract This research was concerned with retrieval processes which underlie conceptual clustering. In a free recall task with categorized lists, fifth graders' and adults' retrieval was examined temporally by means of interword response times. List organization and retrieval cue factors were manipulated in order to assess the developmental relevance of an hypothesized three component retrieval model. The results indicated that both age groups used a qualitatively similar retrieval strategy, involving search for and decoding of higher-order memory units. Providing retrieval cues eliminated the category search component, but also increased the likelihood of exhaustive recall attempts under random presentation conditions. The results were discussed in terms of the inter-relationships between storage and retrieval strategies. Age-related differences in retrieval time were attributed to insufficient reorganization during input and failure to attempt to recall all of a category's members.
Extractable free monomers from self-cured dental sealants resulting from dispensing errors

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) experiments were performed on a series of commercially available self-curing dental sealant materials that were deliberately mismixed. The goal of the experiments was to measure the amount of extractable sealant under conditions of nonideal processing as might happen clinically. The stoichiometry of the two component resins ranged from a 2/1 to a 1/2 catalyst to base mixture using a commercially available self-cure sealant that was to be mixed 1/1 based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Following fabrication the samples were immersed in an ethanol/water mixture as an extraction fluid that was then analyzed using HPLC. Values other than the 1-1 stoichiometry led to a statistically larger extractable content of bis-glycidyl methacrylate relative to the control. The extractable fraction of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate also increased with mismixing, although statistical differences varied somewhat more. Given the increased concerns about the effects of extractable monomers on the endocrine system, there may be an increased need to maintain proper stoichiometry in a clinical setting.
The Effects of Input Device and Latency on Ability to Effectively Pilot a Simulated Micro-UAV:

The effects of input device and latency during training to manually pilot a simulated micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (MAV) were investigated. In our prior simulation research, MAV missions were completed more quickly when trainees used a game controller than when they used a mouse. This experiment investigated whether this difference would persist when participants were tested in a novel environment and when some realistic latency was imposed between input command and MAV response. Fifty-six participants were trained to operate a MAV in one simulated environment and then tested in a novel environment. Four between-group conditions were examined, formed by crossing two 2-level factors: input device (mouse vs. game controller) and latency period (no time delay vs. 500 ms delay). The effects of input device replicated our prior research and also transferred to the novel environment; no substantial effects of delay were found.
Simplified Thermal Analysis of the SOFC Transients During Startup/Shutdown

Transient thermal analysis plays the central role in the design and optimization of high temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) during startup/shutdown, because of the potential for damaging thermal gradients to develop within the SOFC components. To this end, we consider the SOFC unit cell, which is heated by hot air supplied into the oxidizer channel at a specified, time-dependent inlet temperature. Closed-form analytical solutions are obtained for two simplified 1-D models of the SOFC unit cell: (1) purely convective heating, assuming thermally-thin cell components, and (2) convective-conductive heating, under the assumption of local thermal equilibrium in the direction normal to flow. Given thresholds of maximum allowable temperature gradients, the optimal design is one that minimizes the total time required to reach a prescribed final operating temperature. With appropriate scaling, the models we developed predict the maximum temperature gradients and heating time requirements for various operating conditions, and the results are generalized by presentation in terms of the effective cell Peclet number and inlet temperature function. Finally, these predictions are used to identify favorable trends and design rules for optimizing the transient heating process. The simplicity, computational savings, and ability to capture the essential physics of the transient process demonstrated by application of the analytical models provide compelling justification for their use over more accurate, highly detailed, numerical/CFD schemes.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Numerical simulation of two-dimensional flow near a spur-dike

Flow near a spur-dike is numerically simulated by solving the depth-averaged, shallow water equations. An ADI implicit scheme and the MacCormack explicit scheme, both second-order accurate in space and time, are employed. A packed grid is used in conjunction with the ADI scheme. Both no-slip and free-slip boundary conditions are applied at the walls. For simplicity, a constant eddy viscosity model is used to close the effective stresses. The eddy viscosity near the spur is determined and is assumed to exist throughout the entire flow field. The computed results compare favorably with experimental measurements. The results indicate that if the eddy viscosity can be estimated near the spur, the constant eddy viscosity model produces results similar to those obtained with more advanced turbulence models.
Pulmonary Function and Morbidity in 40 Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary complications were studied in a group of 40 patients with cystic fibrosis who reached the age of 25 years. Mean values for vital capacity (VC), functional residual capacity, residual volume (RV), the ratio of RV over total lung capacity (RV/IXC), conductance, and the ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second over VC were abnormal. There was a variable pattern of progression from patient to patient. The men differed from the women only in that they had a significantly larger TLC and inspiratory capacity than the women. The resultant preservation of VC may have an advantage for survival in those patients in whom it is observed. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was encountered with increasing frequency with age. Massive hemoptysis did not result in early death. The occurrence of right-sided heart failure secondary to cor pulmonale, with or without respiratory failure, was a poor prognostic sign.
Techniques and high resolution DNA size markers for pulsed field gel electrophoresis.

High resolution DNA size markers are described for pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). These markers provide resolution of 10–20 kbp over a size range from 10 kbp to more than 400 kbp and are produced by partial restriction digestion of lambda phage DNA concatemers (λ ladder). High resolution markers extending to over 400 kbp are made by partial restriction digestion of λ ladder embedded in agarose. Detailed methods are described for marker production and for DNA separation by contour-clamped homogeneous electric field (CHEF) electrophoresis. These markers and methods are useful for a variety of high resolution DNA mapping by PFGE.