cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and biological evaluation of analogues of cryptolepine, an alkaloid isolated from the Suriname rainforest.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an extract of a mixture of Microphilis guyanensis and Genipa americana collected in the rainforest of Suriname yielded the known alkaloid cryptolepine (2) as the major active compound in a yeast bioassay for potential DNA-damaging agents; the same compound was later reisolated from M. guyanensis. The structure of cryptolepine was identified unambiguously by spectral data and by its total synthesis. Several cryptolepine derivatives (3-29, 32-41) were synthesized based on modifications of the C-2, N-5, N-10, and C-11 positions. Two cryptolepine dimers (30, 31) were also prepared. The structure modifications did not result in compounds with a higher potency than the parent compound cryptolepine in the yeast assay system, although some derivatives did show significant activity. Selected compounds (6, 7, 17, 22, 23, 26, and 27) were also tested for cytotoxicity in mammalian cell culture, and two compounds showed significant cytotoxic activity.
Multidimensional Self Concept Scale: An examination of grade, race, and gender differences in third through sixth grade

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practicality of extending the Multidimensional Self Concept Scale (MSCS) norms downward for use with third and fourth grade students from a predominantly African-American sample. This research compared domain-specific and general self-concepts by grade, gender, and race among third through sixth grade students. Comparison was also made between fifth and sixth grade students in this sample and fifth and sixth grade students in the national standardization sample. It was concluded that no meaningful differences existed between the present sample of fifth and sixth grade students and the standardization sample of fifth and sixth grade students. However, differences found between the third through sixth grade students in this sample were significant and clinically meaningful for the Total Scale score and for all scales, except the Academic and Physical scales. Although the existing norms for the Academic and Physical scales appear appropriate for the younger children, separate norm tables appear warranted for the remaining subscales and Total Scale. Internal consistency for the MSCS for third and fourth grade students was comparable to the fifth and sixth grade students in this sample. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Photovoice: A Review of the Literature in Health and Public Health:

Although a growing number of projects have been implemented using the community-based participatory research method known as photovoice, no known systematic review of the literature on this approach has been conducted to date. This review draws on the peer-reviewed literature on photovoice in public health and related disciplines conducted before January 2008 to determine (a) what defines the photovoice process, (b) the outcomes associated with photovoice, and (c) how the level of community participation is related to photovoice processes and outcomes. In all, 37 unduplicated articles were identified and reviewed using a descriptive coding scheme and Viswanathan et al.’s quality of participation tool. Findings reveal no relationship between group size and quality of participation but a direct relationship between the latter and project duration as well as with getting to action. More participatory projects also were associated with long-standing relationships between the community and outside researcher partners and an intensive training component. Although vague descriptions of project evaluation practices and a lack of consistent reporting precluded hard conclusions, 60% of projects reported an action component. Particularly among highly participatory projects, photovoice appears to contribute to an enhanced understanding of community assets and needs and to empowerment.
Biopsy and EMG Findings in a Case of Late-Onset Dropped Head Syndrome After Mantle Field Radiotherapy (P7.098)

OBJECTIVE: To provide further biopsy and electrodiagnostic pathophysiologic basis to the clinical picture of dropped head syndrome after mantle radiation therapy. BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of literature that suggests a mixed neuromyopathic (Leeuwen-Segarceanu, et al, 2012) picture in patients with late onset radiation therapy head drop. This case report aims to add both biopsy and electrodiagnostic support to that observation. DESIGN/METHODS: A 66 year old lady with chronic dropped head syndrome, initially misdiagnosed as dystonic, was evaluated in our institution’s neuromuscular clinic. Evaluation included full bedside neurologic exam, EMG/NCS, spinal imaging, bloodwork, and biopsy of the infraspinatus muscle. RESULTS: There was evidence of weak and atrophic sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles with paraspinal cervical muscle atrophy, with no associated anterocollis and a normal exam otherwise. EMG/NCS showed normal spinal accessory and suprascapular nerve responses with fibrillation potentials and myopathic units in the cervical paraspinals with occasional similar changes in the trapezius. No myokymia was seen. An infraspinatus muscle biopsy showed a mixed neuromyopathic picture with type I fiber grouping with slight myopathic features. Spinal imaging and bloodwork revealed no other causes. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the increasingly common mixed neuromyopathic picture of late onset radiation induced dropped head syndrome in patients with Hodgkin9s Lymphoma who received mantle radiation therapy. This study provides electrodiagnostic and biopsy based support for the mixed neuromyopathic picture. This diagnosis should be entertained to avoid the pitfalls of Botox therapy. Study Supported by: NOT APPLICABLE Disclosure: Dr. Stino has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ross has received personal compensation for activities with Baxter.
Enzymes and reproduction in natural populations of Drosophila euronotus.

Populations of Drosophila euronotus, one from southern Louisiana (3 samples), and one from Missouri (2 samples), were classified for allele frequencies at alkaline phosphatase (APH) and acid phosphatase (ACPH) loci. The two populations differed consistently in allele frequencies at both loci. The APH locus is on the inversion-free X chromosome; the chromosomal locus of the autosomal ACPH is unknown, and could involve inversion polymorphism. Wild females from Missouri and Louisiana populations heterozygous at the APH locus carried more sperm at capture than did the corresponding homozygotes. This heterotic association was significant for the combined samples, and whether it was the result of heterosis at the enzyme locus studied, or due to geographically widespread close linkage with other heterotic loci, it should help to maintain heterozygosity at the APH locus. In a Louisiana collection which included large numbers of sperm-free females, simultaneous homozygosity at both enzyme loci was significantly associated with lack of sperm. It is suggested that the latter association is the result of young heterozygous females achieving sexual maturity earlier than do the double homozygotes. The average effective sperm load for 225 wild females was only 29.4, suggesting the necessity for frequent repeat-mating in nature to maintain female fertility. A comparison of the sex-linked APH genotypes of wild females with those of their daughters indicated that among 295 wild-inseminated females from five populations, 35% had mated more than once, and of this 35%, six females had mated at least three times. Because of ascertainment difficulties, it is clear that the true frequency of multiple-mating in nature must have been much higher than the observed 35%. Laboratory studies indicate that multiple-mating in this species does not involve sperm displacement, possibly due to the small number of sperms transmitted per mating, and the fact that the sperm receptacles are only partially filled by a given mating.
Finger posture and shear force measurement using fingernail sensors: initial experimentation

A new method for measuring both the posture of human fingers and shear force at human fingertips is presented. Instead of using a traditional electronic glove with bending sensors embedded along the finger and shear sensors embedded beneath the fingertip, a wearable fingernail sensor is used to measure resulting changes in coloration of the fingernail. Since the sensor is mounted on the fingernail, finger posture can be measured without wearing a glove that hampers the motion of the fingers. Similarly, shear forces can be measured without covering the finger pad and obstructing the human's natural haptic sense. In the past, fingernail sensors with a one-dimensional array of photodetectors have been used to measure normal touching forces at the fingertip. A new fingernail sensor with a two-dimensional spatial array of photodetectors is constructed in order to measure finger posture and shear forces. Experiments are performed in order to measure the outputs of the photodetectors in response to changes in finger posture and applied normal and shear forces. Analysis is then performed to correlate the outputs to the inputs and provide a means of estimating normal forces, shear forces, and changes in finger posture.
Analysis of Upper Extremity Motion in Children After Axillary Burn Scar Contracture Release

Burns to the upper extremity and axilla frequently result in the formation of contractures that can impede shoulder range of motion. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term effects of upper extremity burn scar contracture release on motion during activities of daily living in the first year postrelease. Upper extremity motion analysis was conducted on children aged 4 to 17 years before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after axillary contracture release surgery. Movements were analyzed during three functional tasks including high reach (reaching for an object), hand to head (combing hair), and hand to back pocket (toileting). A total of 23 subjects (34 axillary contractures; mean age 10 3 years; mean TBSA burn 40 6%) completed the study. Preoperatively, decreased shoulder mobility due to axillary contractures resulted in the use of compensatory motions to complete the tested activities. Surgical release of the contracture increased shoulder mobility and decreased compensatory movements. Improvements were maintained for 1 year after surgery with majority of the improvement involving shoulder flexion. Axillary contracture release surgery improves functional shoulder mobility and decreases compensatory motions used during activities of daily living in the first year postrelease. Additional follow-up is needed to evaluate the impact of growth on scar development. (J Burn Care Res 2009;30:1002–1006)
Influence of nitrapyrin on the evolution of N2O from an organic medium with and without plants

Abstract Nitrapyrin in the presence of a plant decreased N2O evolution after a five to six day period of incubation. These findings show that the inhibiting effect of nitrapyrin on the denitrification process is indirect. Evidence is also presented that suggest N2O evolution is greater in the presence of a plant and thus cropped soils, than from bare soils.
Acute aortic dissection with ongoing right coronary artery and aortic valve involvement.

Acute aortic dissection Acute myocardial infarction Right coronary artery Severe aortic regurgitation Three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography Computed tomography
The capacitance of p-n heterojunctions including the effects of interface states

The theoretical capacitance of abrupt p-n heterojunctions including the effects of interface states is examined. The interface effects depend on the bulk impurity concentrations and their ratio, as well as the density and distribution of interface states. In the Ge-GaAs junctions studied, the impurity concentrations and density of interface states are such that interface effects have only a negligible influence on the capacitance of these devices. Interface states have a considerable effect on the capacitance of the Ge-Si junctions studied, however. They affect the apparent diffusion voltages obtained by extrapolating 1/C2to zero and add a significant frequency-dependent term on many diodes. The frequency-dependent term is due to the rate limited charging and discharging of interface states.
Predicting halfway through simulation: early scenario evaluation using intermediate features of agent-based simulations

Agent-based simulations are indisputably effective for analyzing complex processes such as traffic patterns and social systems. However, human experts often face the challenges in repeating the simulation many times when evaluating a large variety of scenarios. To reduce the computational burden, we propose an approach for inferring the end results in the middle of simulations. For each simulated scenario, we design a feature that compactly aggregates the agents' states over time. Given a sufficient number of such features we show how to accurately predict the end results without fully performing the simulations. Our experiments with traffic simulations confirmed that our approach achieved better accuracies than existing simulation metamodeling approaches that only use the inputs and outputs of the simulations. Our results imply that one can quickly evaluate all scenarios by performing full simulations on only a fraction of them, and partial simulations on the rest.
A general mathematical framework for power system security and control

Developing technology and systems for future power systems requires an evolutionary approach where Distributed Renewable Energy Resources can be seamlessly integrated in to the system. As the diversity of the generation mix increases, the need for advanced sensing, communications and control systems (so called “smart” grid technologies) in managing the real-time stability and operation security of the power system will increase. This paper focuses on the development of a mathematical framework and computational methodology that can be used to evaluate the stability and operational security of a power system in the context of stochastic hybrid dynamical systems, and propose an approach based on embedding and symbolic dynamics that can be used to analyze complex system behaviors by encoding the system dynamics into symbol strings.
Carbon-13 spectral line broadening in paramagnetic solids

Sensitivity enhancement by cross-polarization and resolution enhancement by dipolar decoupling and magic-angle sample spinning has become an increasingly important method for structural and dynamic characterization of solid materials (I). Paramagnetic compounds, with several notable exceptions (24, have resisted characterization using line-narrowing methods. A common assumption about the failure of this experiment is that an efficient nuclear electron dipolar relaxation mechanism, modulated by the rapid electron relaxation times, r,, and Th, can render the relaxation times of the observed carbon nucleus, fi and T$ , sufficiently short that an unusually broad carbon spectrum results. Our experiments on several compounds demonstrate that this assumption is incorrect, at least among the paramagnetic lanthanide systems studied. Short carbon relaxation times as a source of the line broadening may be tested by measuring the carbon relaxation times in question, fi and E. We have previously reported the spin-lattice relaxation times for the carbon atoms of praseodymium acetate monohydrate and find that the carboxyl and methyl carbons have T, values of 125155 and 600 ms, respectively (3). These times predict a linewidth less than 3 Hz, far narrower than those observed in the MASS spectra of this compound, about 280 Hz for the carbonyl. A convenient and efficient method for estimating the transverse relaxation times for the carbon atoms is to take the Fourier transform of the echo train (5, 6) accumulated on the paramagnetic compound. The resulting spectrum consists of a series of sharp lines the intensity of which maps the powder pattern and the width of which correspond to the linewidth implied by the decay time of the whole echo train. The width of these lines is typically about 25 Hz for the carbonyl lines, far narrower than the MASS lines or the single crystal lines. Thus, the width of the carbon lines in these paramagnetic solids is not determined by the spin-lattice or spin-spin relaxation times at the carbon atoms. The limiting linewidths of diamagnetic organic solids have been considered by VanderHart, Earl, and Garroway (7) and by Alla and Lippmaa (8). The broadening in both the static and MASS spectra may be attributed to the anisotropy of the diamagnetic susceptibility in the aromatic compounds. The situation is aggravated by paramagnetic materials where the anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility may be far larger (9-11). Following Alla and Lippmaa (8) the bulk effects are demonstrated in Fig. 1, which shows the spectrum of adamantane and adamantane in samples where praseodymium
Disposition and biotransformation of pentachlorophenol in the red abalone (Haliotis rufescens).

1. The disposition and biotransformation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in the red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) have been determined. 2. In a flow-through system, three abalones were exposed to 1.2 mg/l of [U-14C]PCP for 5 h to determine bioconcentration and tissue distribution. Retained residues were quantified from radioactivity, while excreted residues were identified and quantified by h.p.l.c. and determination of radioactivity. 3. The 5-h total concentration factor ranged from 16.0 to 21.5; individual tissue concentrations ranged from 133.4 nmol/g in gill to 17.5 nmol/g in gonad. Due to its large size, the foot muscle received the largest amount of total retained residue (47.4%). 4. During a 13-h recovery period the abalones depurated 72.2% of retained residues; however, residue concentration in gonad increased over 100%. PCP was primarily excreted unchanged (89.3%), but small amounts of pentachloro-beta-D-glucoside (7.9%), pentachloroanisole (1.3%), pentachlorophenylsulphate (0.9%), and tetrachloro-p-hydroquinone (0.6%) were also formed.
An Individual Testing Course: A Descriptive Study

Reports from 20 graduate students in a beginning course in individual testing were analyzed to determine who was tested and what tests were used when students were given limited structure with regard to these points. Several conclusions may be drawn from an analysis of 243 reports: (a) Persons tested scored substantially above average in intelligence. (b) The average age of tested persons was relatively young. (c) More females than males were tested. (d) The various Wechsler measures were quite popular with students in the class. (e) These graduate students were quite capable of self-direction and self-discipline in a testing course. Additional structure must be provided where more specific course objectives are desired.
Social and Community Intervention

I highlight molar environmental variables linked to disorder and its prevention. Stressing the importance of including molar social events in psychological theories, I first briefly review epidemiological evidence linking environmental variables to both mortality and morbidity. Interventions to strengthen social resources can occur at a number of levels (community, organizational, interpersonal, and individual), but psychological theories, and ensuing interventions, rarely to beyond individual and interpersonal levels. The result is a limited understanding of the operation of the social forces that impinge upon behavior. In describing recent work in social intervention, I pay particular attention to limiting conditions
Developing a holistic model for digital library evaluation

This article reports the author's recent research in developing a holistic model for various levels of digital library (DL) evaluation in which perceived important criteria from heterogeneous stakeholder groups are organized and presented. To develop such a model, the author applied a three-stage research approach: exploration, confirmation, and verification. During the exploration stage, a literature review was conducted followed by an interview, along with a card sorting technique, to collect important criteria perceived by DL experts. Then the criteria identified were used for developing an online survey during the confirmation stage. Survey respondents (431 in total) from 22 countries rated the importance of the criteria. A holistic DL evaluation model was constructed using statistical techniques. Eventually, the verification stage was devised to test the reliability of the model in the context of searching and evaluating an operational DL. The proposed model fills two lacunae in the DL domain: (a) the lack of a comprehensive and flexible framework to guide and benchmark evaluations, and (b) the uncertainty about what divergence exists among heterogeneous DL stakeholders, including general users. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A computational study of the effect of vasomotion on oxygen transport from capillary networks.

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of arteriolar vasomotion on oxygen transport from capillary networks. A computational model was used to calculate blood flow and oxygen transport from a simulated network of striated muscle capillaries. For varying tissue oxygen consumption rates, the importance of the frequency and amplitude of vasomotion-induced blood flow oscillations was studied. The effect of myoglobin on oxygen delivery during vasomotion was also examined. In the absence of myoglobin, it was found that when consumption is high enough to produce regions of hypoxia under steady flow conditions, vasomotion-induced flow oscillations can significantly increase tissue oxygenation and decrease oxygen transport heterogeneity. The largest effect was seen for low-frequency, high-amplitude oscillations (1.5–3 cycles min−1, 90% of steady-state velocity). By contrast, at physiological tissue myoglobin concentrations, vasomotion did not improve tissue oxygenation. This unexpected finding is due to the buffering effect of myoglobin, suggesting that in highly aerobic muscles short-term storage of oxygen is more important than the possibility of increasing transport through vasomotion.
Plain abdominal radiographs in children with inflammatory bowel disease

The value of plain abdominal radiography in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has not been ascertained. We reviewed the scout radiographys prior to first barium examination in 100 children with IBD [53 Crohn, 47 ulcerative colitis (UC) and scout films prior to excretory urography in 50 patients who had no clinical evidence of intestinal disease (controls)]. The films were reviewed without clinical information, and the abnormalities on each film scored according to severity and location. Criteria included: mural thickening, dilatation and mucosal abnormalities of the small bowel and colon, as well as abnormal quantity and/or distribution of feces in the colon. Eighty percent (40/50) of the films in the control group were interpreted as normal. Abnormalities suggestive of IBD were present in 73% of the IBD group (76% Crohn and 72% UC). Thirty-one percent of the films in the IBD group had a moderately abnormal score (>=3) or markedly abnormal score (>=5) at presentation. The most reliable radiographic findings were: mucosal abnormality in the colon and small bowel and an abnormal stool pattern (feces completely absent or only present in one colonic segment). The clinical presentation of IBD in childhood is often vague and nonspecific. Abnormalities in plain films of the abdomen are common in these patients and may be helpful in suggesting the presence and, to a great degree, the severity of disease in these children.
Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context, by Carol Meyers, Oxford University Press: Oxford, 2012, xiii + 295 pp. ISBN 978 019 973455 9, US$99.00 (hardback); ISBN 978 019 973462 7, US$24.95 (paperback)

In Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context, author Carol Meyers reconstructs the lives of ancient Israelite (ca. 1200–586 BCE) women using biblical texts, archaeological materials, an...
Quantitative shear wave imaging of cell culture gels

An ultrasonic shear wave imaging technique is being developed for estimating viscoelastic properties of hydrogels. A needle placed in the medium is vibrated along its axis to generate harmonic shear waves. Doppler pulses synchronously track shear wave propagation to estimate the local speed. Fitting shear-wave speed estimates to the dispersion relation obtained from two rheological models, we estimate the complex shear modulus, viz., elastic and viscous components. The dispersion equation estimated using the standard solid-body (Zener) model is compared to that from the Kelvin-Voigt model to explore the frequency landscape of hydrogel viscoelasticity within the 50–450 Hz shear wave bandwidth. We found both models give comparable estimates that each agree with independent rheometer measurements obtained at lower strain rates, as might be expected form these highly elastic gels.
Characterizing trajectories of cognitive functioning in older adults with schizophrenia: Does method matter?

Abstract Background Heterogeneity in clinical outcomes may be caused by factors working at multiple levels, e.g., between groups, between subjects, or within subjects over time. A more nuanced assessment of differences in variation among schizophrenia patients and between patients and healthy comparison subjects can clarify etiology and even facilitate the identification of patient subtypes with common neuropathology and clinical course. Methods We compared trajectories (mean duration of 3.5 years) of cognitive impairments in a sample of 201 community-dwelling schizophrenia (SCZ) patients (aged 40–100 years) with 67 healthy comparison (HC) subjects. We employed growth mixture models to discover subclasses with more homogenous between-subject variation in cognitive trajectories. Post hoc analyses determined factors associated with class membership and class-specific correlates of cognitive trajectories. Results Three latent classes were indicated: Class 1 (85% HC and 50% SCZ) exhibited relatively high and stable trajectories of cognition, Class 2 (15% HC and 40% SCZ) exhibited lower, modestly declining trajectories, and Class 3 (10% SCZ) exhibited lower, more rapidly declining trajectories. Within the patient group, membership in Classes 2–3 was associated with worse negative symptoms and living in a board and care facility. Discussion These results bridge the gap between schizophrenia studies demonstrating cognitive decline and those demonstrating stability. Moreover, a finer-grained characterization of heterogeneity in cognitive trajectories has practical implications for interventions and for case management of patients who show accelerated cognitive decline. Such a characterization requires study designs and analyses sensitive to between- and within-patient heterogeneity in outcomes.
Reproducibility of Placental Volume and Vasculature Indices Obtained by 3-Dimensional Power Doppler Sonography

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility of 3-dimensional (3D) power Doppler assessment of placental volumes and vascularization before adopting these in routine evaluation of normal and complicated pregnancies. METHODS A prospective study was performed on 30 normal singleton pregnancies from 11 to 14 weeks. To evaluate placental vascularization, 3D power Doppler sonography was applied to obtain a placental volume, and the volume acquired was analyzed using virtual organ computer-aided analysis. Two consecutive measurements were taken from each patient by two observers blinded to each other's and the individual's previous measurement. This yielded a total of 60 data set pairs. The placental volume, vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization-flow index (VFI) were calculated. Normal distribution of the data was confirmed with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Intraobserver and interobserver correlations were evaluated. Bland-Altman plots and statistics were used to compare the 95% limits of agreement between measurements. RESULTS All 3D power Doppler placental volumes and vascular indices showed intraobserver correlations of 0.80 or higher. Similar excellent interobserver correlations were seen for all indices with the exception of the VFI, which showed a lower but acceptable correlation. The Bland-Altman analyses indicated good reproducibility of the evaluated placental indices. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide validation of the technique, showing good reproducibility of the 3D power Doppler parameters when applied to studies of the placental volume and vascular tree.
Neural Networks for Template Matching: Application to Real-Time Classification of the Action Potentials of Real Neurons

Much experimental study of real neural networks relies on the proper classification of extracellulary sampled neural signals (i.e. action potentials) recorded from the brains of experimental animals. In most neurophysiology laboratories this classification task is simplified by limiting investigations to single, electrically well-isolated neurons recorded one at a time. However, for those interested in sampling the activities of many single neurons simultaneously, waveform classification becomes a serious concern. In this paper we describe and constrast three approaches to this problem each designed not only to recognize isolated neural events, but also to separately classify temporally overlapping events in real time. First we present two formulations of waveform classification using a neural network template matching approach. These two formulations are then compared to a simple template matching implementation. Analysis with real neural signals reveals that simple template matching is a better solution to this problem than either neural network approach.
Changing concepts of geologic structure and the problem of siting nuclear reactors: Examples from Washington State

The conflict between regulation and healthy evolution of geological science has contributed to the difficulties of siting nuclear reactors. On the Columbia Plateau in Washington, but for conservative design of the Hanford reactor facility, the recognition of the little-understood Olympic-Wallowa lineament as a major, possibly still active structural alignment might have jeopardized the acceptability of the site for nuclear reactors. On the Olympic Peninsula, evolving concepts of compressive structures and their possible recent activity and the current recognition of a subducting Juan de Fuca plate and its potential for generating great earthquakes - both concepts little-considered during initial site selection - may delay final acceptance of the Satsop site. Conflicts of this sort are inevitable but can be accommodated if they are anticipated in the reactor-licensing process. More important, society should be increasing its store of geologic knowledge now, during the current recess in nuclear reactor siting.
Interactivity vs. fairness in networked Linux systems

In general, the Linux 2.6 scheduler can ensure fairness and provide excellent interactive performance at the same time. However, our experiments and mathematical analysis have shown that the current Linux interactivity mechanism tends to incorrectly categorize non-interactive network applications as interactive, which can lead to serious fairness or starvation issues. In the extreme, a single process can unjustifiably obtain up to 95% of the CPU! The root cause is due to the facts that: (1) network packets arrive at the receiver independently and discretely, and the ''relatively fast'' non-interactive network process might frequently sleep to wait for packet arrival. Though each sleep lasts for a very short period of time, the wait-for-packet sleeps occur so frequently that they lead to interactive status for the process. (2) The current Linux interactivity mechanism provides the possibility that a non-interactive network process could receive a high CPU share, and at the same time be incorrectly categorized as interactive. In this paper, we propose and test a possible solution to address the interactivity vs. fairness problems. Experiment results have proved the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
The effect of self-regulated caffeine use on cognition in young adults

Objective Based on previous observational studies that have suggested self-regulated caffeine use by older adults may enhance reaction time performance and vigilance on cognitive tasks, the current study sought to examine whether this effect held true for young adults as well. Methods One hundred and four young adults from two major metropolitan areas, ages 18–29 years, not meeting the criteria for a current psychiatric disorder, completed several cognitive tasks related to decision-making (Cambridge Gamble Task), response inhibition and reaction time (stop-signal task), and vigilance and reaction time (Rapid Visual Information Processing). Caffeine usage was self-reported using a reliable quantity and frequency questionnaire. Results Self-reported caffeine usage was not significantly associated with any of the cognitive measures used in this study after controlling for age, gender, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, cannabis use, and gambling frequency. Conclusions These data suggest that self-regulated caffeine usage may not have a significant impact on reaction time, vigilance, response inhibition, or decision-making in young adults, or that these effects are contingent upon other variables not accounted for in the current study. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel document detection for massive data streams using distributed dictionary learning

Given the high volume of content being generated online, it becomes necessary to employ automated techniques to separate out the documents belonging to novel topics from the background discussion, in a robust and scalable manner (with respect to the size of the document set). We present a solution to this challenge based on sparse coding, in which a stream of documents (where each document is modeled as an m-dimensional vector y) can be used to learn a dictionary matrix A of dimension m × k, such that the documents can be approximately represented by a linear combination of a few columns of A. If a new document cannot be represented with low error as a sparse linear combination of these columns, then this is a strong indicator of novelty of the document. We scale up this approach to handle millions of documents by parallelizing sparse coding and dictionary learning, and by using the alternating-directions method to solve the resulting optimization problems. We conduct our experiments on high-performance computing clusters with differing architectures and evaluate our approach on news streams and streaming data from Twitter®. Based on the analysis, we share our insights on the distributed optimization and machine architecture that can help the design of exascale systems supporting data analytics.
Imaging of the jaws.

Introduction The mainstay of dental imaging has traditionally been the intraoral images called periapicals and bitewings, which for many years were made with film that was wrapped in a protective packet. Today these images are taken using small detectors or sensors that are placed inside the patient 's mouth. The first digital intraoral solid-state detector, a charge-coupled device (CCD), was introduced in 1997. These detectors are directly attached to the computer by a wire and give an almost instantaneous image on the computer monitor (Fig. 1). This provides huge savings in time compared with the traditional wet processing needed for films as well as for the ability to manipulate the image and change its brightness and contrast. In addition, because the images appear on a monitor within the operatory it allows for instant feedback to the operator and also the patient. Several manufacturers are now using complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology for their detectors, as it is less expensive to produce than CCD technology. In dentistry these types of detectors are often referred to as “sensors” to differentiate them from an alternate digital intraoral detector, photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates. PSP plates are thinner and more flexible than the solid-state sensors and are often tolerated better by the patient. They are the same size as traditional intraoral film packets and can be used with the same positioning devices without modification. Exposure to x-rays produces a latent image within the plate in the form of stored energy, which is released when the plates are “processed” by laser light in the manufacturer 's scanning device or reader. The readers are often small enough that they can be placed in the dental operatory (Fig. 2). The image, therefore, like film is not instantaneous as this is a 2-step process. However, once placed in the reader the images can appear on the computer monitor in as little as 3 seconds. Some dental offices still use film-based imaging
Chronic hormone replacement therapy does not alter resting or maximal skin blood flow

Postmenopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) regulate body core temperature at a lower baseline level at rest in a thermoneutral environment. We conducted a series of studies to test ...
When Is Tutorial Dialogue More Effective Than Step-Based Tutoring?

It is often assumed that one-on-one dialogue with a tutor, which involves micro-steps, is more effective than conventional step-based tutoring. Although earlier research often has not supported this hypothesis, it may be because tutors often are not good at making micro-step decisions. In this paper, we compare a micro-step based NL-tutoring system that employs induced pedagogical policies, Cordillera, to a well-evaluated step-based ITS, Andes. Our overall conclusion is that the pairing of effective policies with a micro-step based system does significantly outperform a step-based system; however, there is no significant difference in the absence of effective policies. Moreover, while micro-step tutoring is more time-consuming, the findings still hold for five out of six learning performance measures when time on task is factored out.
Monophyllus redmani Leach (Chiroptera) from the Bahamas, with notes on variation in the species.

Morphological variation in a series of 30 specimens of Monophyllus redmani representing the first records of this species from the Bahamas was examined. Comparisons were made between specimens from all parts of the known range of this species; M. redmani of the Bahamas appears morphologically closest to the Cuban-Hispaniolan segment of the population. Divergence between two separate population segments of M. redmani within the southern Bahamas corroborates evidence from other sources that the islands and banks in the Bahamas south of the Crooked Island Passage have had a relatively long history of isolation from each other.
Distributional Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Methods

The Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method has gained popularity in recent years for treatment of flows in which the assumptions behind the continuum equations of fluid mechanics break down. In traditional DSMC methods, simulated particles may possess only a single velocity. This representation leads to a nonphysical representation of the velocity distribution function which limits convergence of the method. In a previous work, we proved that by applying kernel density estimation techniques, strong convergence for L solutions and pointwise convergence for bounded solutions was obtainable. In the current work we present numerical results for the DSMC-KDE method and present our current developments and results relating to a Distributional DSMC method. Initial numerical results indicate improved convergence is facilitated by such an approach over the DSMC-KDE method alone. We propose that the development of such a method could substantially improve convergence and potentially result in a substantial reduction of the variance associated with DSMC methods.
Metatuning: A pedagogical framework for a generative STEM education in game design-based learning

While K-12 STEM Education test scores have been steadily improving over the past decade in the United States, achievement gaps still remain among minorities and women in STEM courses and careers. There are numerous factors that contribute to these disparities, such as poverty, low status and other sociocultural factors in classrooms that impede learning. Difficulties in STEM Education engagement and encumbered participation are often due to decontextualized learning — incongruence between meaningful contexts and learning processes. Game based learning methods are common STEM Ed models that provide youth with extrinsically motivating knowledge frameworks for learning, however, research has proven that even these procedural spaces often are disconnected from students' social and cultural realities. Amidst the STEM Ed achievement gaps problematic are similar disparities found in popular video game spaces, where there is a less than 20% chance that these same disparity groups will navigate computational worlds with protagonists that look like them. These gamers/students are lacking the “under-the-hood” (STEM) knowledge of the very games they engage with on a daily basis. This contradiction is central to this paper and the conceptualization of Metatuning — a game design pedagogical framework that aims to empower students to discover their identities as agents of change, and to see that game design can nurture their internal motivations. In this case study, Metatuning was used to foster an intrinsically motivated learning environment, where a young designer was able to iteratively design a social justice themed game that empowered her as a designer and an aspiring doctor.
172 BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE: A SENSITIVE MONITOR IN PATIENTS WITH HYPOPLASTIC LEFT HEART SYNDROME.

Introduction Amplified cardiac B-natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression results from ventricular volume or pressure overload. The literature reports limited experience with serial BNP levels in pediatric patients. We report a small series of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLH) undergoing serial outpatient BNP monitoring. Objective To identify the clinical usefulness of rapid, serial BNP-level monitoring in patients with complex congenital heart disease. Methods Rapidly available fingerstick BNP levels were obtained in our in-office certified outpatient clinical laboratory. Results take less than 20 minutes. We analyzed 36 BNP values obtained in 12 patients with HLH. Results Age ranged from 2 months to 8 years. Patients were status post stage I, II, or III HLH Norwood palliation, and all were on combination medical therapy, including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, digoxin, diuretics, and aspirin or Coumadin. Serial BNP levels were normal (20 ± 6 pg/dL) in 8 patients > 4 weeks after cardiac surgery. BNP levels were elevated (range 103-839 pg/dL) during serial evaluation in four patients, two with systemic pressure overload (one with systemic hypertension and one with residual coarctation) and two with volume overload (atrioventricular valve regurgitation [AVR]). Elevated BNP values decreased with adjustments to medical therapy in the patients with hypertension and AVR and by interventional cardiac catheterization in the patient with residual coarctation. Conclusions BNP levels were normal in hemodynamically stable HLH patients. Abnormal BNP levels were a guide to clinical management. Prolonged pathologic loading conditions, especially in those patients with single right ventricles, may lead to ventricular dysfunction, congestive heart failure, and death. Predicting the potential for ventricular dysfunction is preferable to detecting its presence. Validation of the clinical usefulness of rapid, serial BNP level monitoring in patients with complex congenital heart disease warrants further study.
Parallel Construction Organizational Model in Real Estate Development Projects and the Implementation

Based on the theoretical requirements of concurrent engineering, this paper started with the changes of the organizational structure in the real estate development projects to form parallel construction organizational model, and then discussed the establishment of project information portal, the development of a parallel process, the achievement of collaborative management. The aim is to achieve parallel organization and management in the real estate development projects.
Social and Trust-Centric Recommender Systems

With increasing access to social information about users, merchants can directly incorporate social context in collaborative filtering algorithms. Although some of these methods are discussed in Chapter 10, the focus of this chapter is primarily on recommending nodes and links in network settings. Social context is a much broader concept, not only including social (network) links, but also various types of side information, such as tags or folksonomies. Furthermore, the social context can also be understood in a network-agnostic way, as a special case of context-sensitive recommender systems (cf. Chapter 8). The social setting results in a number of human-centric factors, such as trust. When users are aware of the identity of the actors who participate in the feedback process, the trust factor plays an important role. Therefore, the material in this chapter is closely related to that in Chapter 10, but nevertheless it is distinct enough a merit a separate chapter in its own right. In particular, we will study the following aspects of social context in recommender systems:
Abstract IA04: How DNA methylation organizes the cancer epigenome

The holistic role of DNA methylation in the organization of the cancer epigenome is not well understood. We performed a comprehensive, high-resolution analysis of chromatin structure to compare the landscapes of HCT116 colon cancer cells and a DNA methylation deficient derivative. The NOMe-seq accessibility assay unexpectedly revealed symmetrical and transcription-independent nucleosomal phasing across active, poised and inactive genomic elements. DNA methylation abolished this phasing primarily at enhancers and CpG Island (CGI) promoters, with little effect on insulators and non-CGI promoters. Abolishment of DNA methylation led to the context-specific reestablishment of the poised and active states of normal colon cells, which were marked in methylation-deficient cells by distinct H3K27 modifications and the presence of either well-phased nucleosomes or nucleosome depleted regions, respectively. Taken together, our results demonstrate the nuanced and context-dependent role of DNA methylation in the functional, multi-scale organization of cancer epigenomes. Citation Format: Peter A. Jones. How DNA methylation organizes the cancer epigenome. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Sep 24-27, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA04.
Dual band sleeve dipole antenna for WLAN applications

A dual band sleeve dipole antenna for WLAN application is presented. The antenna covers both the WLAN bands. The proposed antenna exhibits excellent omni-directional characteristics and reflection properties S11 values which are less than −10db. The dipole is constructed from two concentric hallow cylinders having different radius and different lengths. The complicated balun network is avoided by feeding the antenna at the center with the help of coaxial cable. The scattering parameters and radiation patterns are simulated using CST microwave studio. These simulation results are validated by the measured results. The antenna is best suitable for airborne and outdoor applications.
The culture industry and Beyoncé’s proprietary blackness

‘You know you that bitch when you cause all this conversation. Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper.’ That is Beyonce, both prescient and brilliantly cavalier, in her song ‘Formation’ (...