cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional classification and validation of yeast prenylation motifs using machine learning and genetic reporters

Protein prenylation by farnesyltransferase (FTase) is often described as the targeting of a cysteine-containing motif (CaaX) that is enriched for aliphatic amino acids at the a1 and a2 positions, while quite flexible at the X position. Prenylation prediction methods often rely on these features despite emerging evidence that FTase has broader target specificity than previously considered. Using a machine learning approach and training sets based on canonical (prenylated, proteolyzed, and carboxymethylated) and recently identified shunted motifs (prenylation only), this study aims to improve prenylation predictions with the goal of determining the full scope of prenylation potential among the 8000 possible Cxxx sequence combinations. Further, this study aims to subdivide the prenylated sequences as either shunted (i.e., uncleaved) or cleaved (i.e., canonical). Predictions were determined for Saccharomyces cerevisiae FTase and compared to results derived using currently available prenylation prediction methods. In silico predictions were further evaluated using in vivo methods coupled to two yeast reporters, the yeast mating pheromone a-factor and Hsp40 Ydj1p, that represent proteins with canonical and shunted CaaX motifs, respectively. Our machine learning based approach expands the repertoire of predicted FTase targets and provides a framework for functional classification.
The Effect of Computer-assisted Language Learning on Improving Arabic as a Foreign Language (AFL) in Higher Education in the United States

Abstract The development of the new digital world in the 21st Century has exponentially altered the mode through which we communicate, teach, learn, and perform research. The mode of interactions and social relationships that occur through new digital technologies are also shaping and transforming the meaning of instruction. Current online activities support face-to-face, distance education, and hybrid courses. Yet, despite the more frequent use of technology in the classroom for Arabic as a Foreign Language (FL), there is still little research conducted in the Arabic instructors’ use, understanding, and knowledge of technological tools. This paper will examine the use of technological tools Arabic instructors are implementing in their curriculum and their beliefs about the importance of the integration of technology to enhance Arabic learners’ FL skills at university level in the United States. The data to be presented is derived from a mixed-method approach collected from a sample of Higher Education Arabic instructors using two types of instruments. First was the online non-experimental survey. Second were in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with a small sample of instructors to obtain an in-depth understanding of Arabic teachers’ attitudes toward the use of technology. Hence, the significance of this paper is to provide contribution and support to the progress of the teaching and learning of Arabic as a FL in the United States in the 21st Century.
Raymond Smullyan: The Reals Are Uncountable

Smullyan is one of the great popular expositors of logic, as well as author of several books on puzzles and games. The probability version of Cantor’s proof is re-cast following Smullyan’s angle as a two-player game, further challenging readers who doubt the correctness of Cantor’s argument.
Dermabrasive scar revision. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evaluation

BACKGROUND. Dermabrasion of facial scars 4-8 weeks after injury frequently completely eliminates visible evidence of scar formation. However, efforts to define the cellular and structural mechanisms by which this phenomenon occurs have been limited in their success. OBJECTIVE. We investigated wound healing after dermabrasive scar revision. METHODS. The surgical scars of seven patients were abraded 6-8 weeks after injury. Comparative electron microscopic and immunohistochemical studies were performed on punch biopsy specimens taken before and after the dermabrasion. Ultrastructural changes in the basement membrane components and dermal structures were evaluated. Monoclonal antibody staining techniques were used to observe the presence, location, and temporal expression of tenascin, epiligrin, cadherins, and integrin subunits. RESULTS. We observed : 1) an increase in collagen bundle density and size with a tendency toward unidirectional orientation of fibers parallel to the epidermal surface, 2) an upregulation of tenascin expression throughout the papillary dermis, and 3) expression of α-6/β-4 integrin subunit on the keratinocytes throughout the stratum spinosum. CONCLUSIONS. The mechanisms by which dermabrasive scar revision alters the events of primary cicatrix formation include modification of extracellular ligand expression, thereby influencing epithelial cell-cell interaction, and reorganization of connective tissue. Dermatol Surg 1995 ;21 :503-508.
Geräte für den Betondeckenbau

Fur die Aufnahme hoher Rad- und Flachenlasten werden vorzugsweise Betondecken eingebaut. Hauptanwendungsbereiche sind im Strasenbau die Autobahnen. Im Flughafenbau Start- und Landebahnen, Rollbahnen und Abstellflachen. Im Industriebau stark belastete Hallenboden sowie Abstell- und Lagerflachen. Im Betondeckenbau ist der ein- und zweilagige Einbau in Starken bis 0,4 m und Breiten bis 16 m moglich. Bei einlagigem Einbau wird nur eine Betonsorte verwendet. Bei zweilagigem Einbau wird eine Unterbetonschicht und im sofort nachfolgenden Arbeitsgang eine Oberbetonschicht (Verschleisschicht) eingebaut. Dabei ergibt sich durch Einwirkung der Vibration eine gute Verbindung zwischen beiden Schichten. Betondeckenfertiger sind heute Gleitschalungsfertiger, d.h. mit der Vorwartsbewegung der Maschine werden auf Arbeitsbreite seitlich fixierte Gleitschalungen mitgefuhrt. Der Beton ist dabei in der Konsistenz so gehalten, dass eine saubere stabile Deckenkante entsteht. Wegen der meist grosen erforderlichen Betonmengen erfolgt der Antransport durch LKW-Sattelfahrzeuge mit Stahlmulden. Der Beton wird vor dem Fertiger abgekippt und mit einer Verteilerschnecke am Fertiger auf Deckenstarke verteilt, nachfolgend verdichtet und mit einer Abziehbohle geglattet.
Parenteral nutrition in the mature horse

Summary Parenteral nutrition is an important component of the management of critically ill horses unable or unwilling to eat. It provides dextrose, amino acids, vitamins and minerals and, in some cases, lipids for nutritional support until enteral nutrition can be reinstituted. It can also be used as a supplement to enteral nutrition, where horses are not ingesting at least 80% of digestible energy (resting) requirements for more than 2–3 days. This review discusses the indications, applications, monitoring and complications of parenteral nutrition in mature horses.
Primes in short arithmetic progressions with rapidly increasing differences

Primes are, on average, well distributed in short segments of arithmetic progressions, even if the associated moduli grow rapidly. 1. STATEMENT OF RESULTS In this paper I establish two results concerning the distribution of prime numbers in short segments of residue classes to widely separated moduli. Let A(n) denote von Mangoldt's function, logp if n is a power of a prime p, zero otherwise. For integers D > 0 and r, let /(x, D, r) denote the sum of the A(n) over the positive integers not exceeding x which lie in the residue class r (mod D). Let f be a polynomial of deg(ree) at least one, with integer coefficients, leading coefficient positive. Theorem 1. If A > 0, 4/ deg f < 1, then ' q(f(D)) y f max ma y_ f(log X)-A D <x D (r,f(D))=l y<x Y fD)(D)) the summation confined to integers D for which the modulus f(D) is positive. In a recent paper, [5], investigating the solution of polynomial equations in primes, I employ a lower bound for a doublesum ZZ r(m) p+ l=mf (q),x/2<m<x xa/2<q<xz the sum taken over representations m (p + 1)f(q)-1 of integers m by primes p, q. My appeal in that paper to elaborate results of Linnik, Fogels, Gallagher and others may be replaced by the application of Theorem 1. In the notation of that paper, the lower bound improves to an asymptotic estimate I+ 0 ( 1 0(A)Pzl+" ( + (loog X))) 4a(1 + a deg f)Ao(P) (log x)2' valid for each positive a not exceeding the f3 of Theorem 1. Received by the editors January 7, 1999 and, in revised form, February 26, 2000. 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 11N13; Secondary 11B25. Partially supported by NSF contract DMS-9530690. (2001 American Mathematical Society 2705 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.58 on Fri, 26 Aug 2016 05:23:51 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Strategies for reprocessing aggregated metadata

The OAI protocol facilitates the aggregation of large numbers of heterogeneous metadata records. In order to make harvested records useable in the context of an OAI service provider, the records typically must be filtered, analyzed and transformed. The CIC metadata portal harvests 450,000 records from 18 repositories at 9 U.S. Midwestern universities. The process implemented for transforming metadata records for this project supports multiple workflows and end-user interfaces. The design of the metadata transformation process required trade-offs between aggregation homogeneity and utility for purpose and pragmatic constraints such as feasibility, human resources, and processing time.
Radionuclide production for positron emission tomography: Choosing an appropriate accelerator

Abstract The appropriate accelerator for producing 18 F, 15 O, 13 N and 11 C depends upon the existing conditions at the intended installation site. The existence of limited resources (e.g. financial, space, etc.) require that the relationship between the accelerator beam energy ( E ) and beam current ( I ), the yield ( Y ) and the external radiation burden be known for each of the reactions leading to the above end products. The interdependence of these parameters is calculated using published cross section data. Isoexposure curves I = D ( E ) trace the locus of points ( I , E ) that cause the radiation exposure, outside a concrete shield of given thickness, to equal a set value. Similarly, isoyield curves I = Y ( E ) trace the production of the desired radionuclide. The appropriate accelerator must have operating parameters within the region of ( I , E ) space bounded by the critical yield and exposure isocontours. The final choice among the candidates within this region is then governed by the particular constraints of an institution (e.g. technical support, manpower requirements, cost, etc.). Factors leading to the purchase of an accelerator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are presented.
Registration of a Diverse Collection of Sorghum Genetic Stocks

All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or trans mitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permission for printing and for reprinting the material contained herein has been obtained by the publisher. ABSTRACT Genetic stock collections have played an important role in shaping breeding strategies in many crops. With the advance in genomics, they are now essential tools for identifying genes underlying important agronomic traits. The objective of this work is to formally register and document the release of historical sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genetic stocks originally collected and curated by the late USDA-ARS sorghum geneticist Keith Schertz. The seeds from the original collection were revitalized at the USDA-ARS Experiment Station at Lubbock, TX in 2004 and 2006, and evaluated for phenotypic variations in 2009. The collection consists of 507 lines and accessions (Reg. No. GS-144, PI 663217 through Reg. No. GS-650, PI 663723). This collection displays signifi cant variation in growth, developmental, and agronomic traits, such as seedling vigor, leaf/vegetative organs, reproduction, maturity, height, and grain quality. Combined with advanced genomic tools, these genetic stocks are vital resources for elucidating the fundamental pathways that make sorghum and other related grasses unusually tolerant to drought and heat stress, have moderate to low requirements for fertilizer, and highly productive under diverse environmental conditions.
Standard Length Total Length Relationships of Gulf Menhaden, Brevoortia-Patronus Goode, Bay Anchovy, Anchoa-Mitchilli (Valenciennes), and Atlantic Croaker, Micropogon-Undulatus (Linnaeus), from Galveston Bay

Abstract Regression equations were developed between standard length (SL) and total length (TL) for Brevoortia patronus, Anchoa mitchilli, and Micropogon undulatus taken from Galveston Bay, Texas. The standard length-total length conversion equation for B. patronus was TL = 0.62044 + 1.25323 SL, and for A. mitchilli it was TL = 0.22391 + 1.20634 SL. The conversion equations for M. undulatus changed with body length: TL = 1.21592 + 1.26753 SL (for fish 28-95 mm SL); TL = 9.70548 + 1.17538 SL (for fish 102-159 mm SL); and TL = 19.88505 + 1.10952 SL (for fish 168–255 mm SL).
The rubber particle size dependence of crazing in polypropylene

The tensile crazing and Charpy impact behavior of polypropylene modified with styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBR) and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) was studied. Various rubber particle size distributions were obtained by varying the relative viscosities between rubbery phase and PP matrix. Transmission electron microscopy and computer-aided image analysis were used to provide particle size information. In general, PP blends with smaller rubber particles are tougher and more ductile than those with larger particles, probably because the former represents a more efficient use of rubbery phase in promoting crazing and/or shear yielding. Samples with average particle diameter D ≥ 0.5 μm were found to exhibit pronounced crazing. Within a given sample, no crazes appeared to develop around individual rubber particles with D < 0.5 μm. The higher the D, the greater the propensity to form crazes. The behavior of samples with D ≪ 0.5 μm appeared to be dominated by shear yielding; very few crazes could be found. That there exists a critical rubber particle size is explained by the requirement that sufficient stress concentration be maintained to a finite radial distance to permit the initiation and growth of a craze, which requires a finite volume. Small particles, inducing smaller stress-enhanced zones, are therefore not effective in initiating crazes.
Varied portions approach to second order properties involving one-electron operators

Abstract The Varied Portions Approach of Sinanoǧlu is used to bring the usual Harttree-Fock perturbation theories of second order one-electron properties (polarizability, etc.) within the framework of a more general method.
ON THE LEARNING OF SYSTEM CALL ATTRIBUTES FOR HOST-BASED ANOMALY DETECTION

Traditional host-based anomaly detection systems model normal behavior of applications by analyzing system call sequences. The current sequence is then examined (using the model) for anomalous behavior, which could correspond to attacks. Though these techniques have been shown to be quite effective, a key element is missing – the inclusion and utilization of the system call arguments. Recent research shows that sequence-based systems are prone to evasion. We propose an idea of learning different representations for system call arguments. Results indicate that this information can be effectively used for detecting more attacks than traditional sequence-based techniques, with reasonable storage and computational overhead.
Application of inverse first-order reliability method for probabilistic fatigue life prediction

Abstract A general probabilistic life prediction methodology for accurate and efficient fatigue prognosis is proposed in this paper. The proposed methodology is based-on an inverse first-order reliability method (IFORM) to evaluate the fatigue life at an arbitrary reliability level. This formulation is different from the forward reliability problem, which aims to calculate the failure probability at a fixed time instant. The variables in the fatigue prognosis problem are separated into two categories, i.e., random variables and index variables. An efficient searching algorithm for fatigue life prediction is developed to find the corresponding index variable at a certain confidence level. Numerical examples using direct Monte Carlo simulation and the proposed IFORM method are compared for algorithm verification. Following this, various experimental data for metallic materials are used for model prediction validation.
Therapeutic activity of bacitracin in rabbit syphilis, and its synergistic action with penicillin.

SummaryBacitracin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of rabbit syphilis. An intramuscular dose of 2,300 units/kg repeated once daily for 4 days, cured approximately half the animals tested. A striking synergism was noted in the therapeutic effect of penicillin and bacitracin. As little as 1 mg/kg of penicillin (approximately 1/40th of the CD50 dosage of penicillin alone) and 1,280 units/kg of bacitracin (approximately l/7th of the CD50 value) were curative if used in conjunction. These data are reported because of their possible significance in relation to the treatment of the human disease.
Reliability and validity analysis of the transfer assessment instrument.

Abstract McClure LA, Boninger ML, Ozawa H, Koontz A. Reliability and validity analysis of the Transfer Assessment Instrument. Objectives To describe the development and evaluate the reliability and validity of a newly created outcome measure, the Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI), to assess the quality of transfers performed by full-time wheelchair users. Design Repeated measures. Setting 2009 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Spokane, WA. Participants A convenience sample of full-time wheelchair users (N=40) who perform sitting pivot or standing pivot transfers. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for reliability and Spearman correlation coefficients for concurrent validity between the TAI and a global assessment scale (0–100 visual analog scale [VAS]). Results No adverse events occurred during testing. Intrarater ICCs for 3 raters ranged between .35 and .89, and the interrater ICC was .642. Correlations between the TAI and a global assessment VAS ranged between .19 ( P =.285) and .69 ( P >.000). Item analyses of the tool found a wide range of results, from weak to good reliability. Evaluators found the TAI to be safe and able to be completed in a short time. Conclusions The TAI is a safe, quick outcome measure that uses equipment typically found in a clinical setting and does not ask participants to perform new skills. Reliability and validity testing found the TAI to have acceptable interrater and a wide range of intrarater reliability. Future work indicates the need for continued refinement including removal or modification of items found to have low reliability, improved education for clinicians, and further reliability and validity analysis with a more diverse subject population. The TAI has the potential to fill a void in assessment of transfers.
Optimization and characterization of a sulfate based electrodeposition method for alpha-spectroscopy of actinide elements using chemometric analysis

Alpha-spectrometric measurements using Si detectors is the standard method for the determination of alpha emitting actinide elements. This method requires the preparation of sources for analysis which do not degrade the energy spectrum of the emitted alpha particles via sample self-absorption. A variety of methods for the electrodeposition of actinides have been reported in the literature, many of which require long deposition times and lack reproducibility. A sulfate based method has been evaluated for the preparation of these sources using chemometric analysis to optimize the method and evaluate several variables and their interactions with the goal to achieve high yield source preparation in 1 hour or less. Typical resolution for this method is 30 keV or less with recoveries approaching unity.
Data envelopment with maximum correlation

Maximizing the correlation between inputs and outputs in data envelopment analysis is analysed in three respects: (a) the minimization of the Lp-norm; (h) the standard regression approach; and (c) the case of composite outputs. The implications of canonical correlation are explored and their applications to efficiency studies of public sector enterprises discussed. This shows that the correlation measure may involve in some sense a basic and fundamental extension of the efficiency model analysed by data envelopment analysis.
Calling for Collaboration: Piloting Smartphones to Discover Differences Between Users and Devices

Background: Healthcare technologies and patient care have evolved rapidly. Healthcare communication techniques and technologies have lagged. Purposes: This pilot study was conducted at Duke University Hospital to investigate the benefits of using smartphones among healthcare team members to promote efficient and effective patient care. Methods: This study used a pre–post implementation survey with an educational intervention. Teams (physicians, patient resource managers, physician assistants, and nurses) from medicine and surgery were randomly assigned a smartphone. A validated 28-question survey was used to assess user experience (7-point Likert scale, with 7 indicating more reliable, strongly agree, and faster). Participants were encouraged to attend focus groups to provide feedback on survey content and overall experience. Facilitators used guiding questions and transcripts were used for qualitative analysis. Results: Eighty-nine matched pre- and postsurveys were analyzed. Postimplementation data resul...
`Ultra'-fast fracture strength of advanced ceramics at elevated temperatures

An attempt was made to determine elevated-temperature, 'ultra'-fast fracture strengths of one alumina, two silicon nitrides and one silicon carbide by using constant stress-rate ('dynamic fatigue') testing with a series of 'ultra'-fast test rates. Of the materials tested, the alumina exhibited a convergence of strength at stress rates below 3.3 x 10(exp 4) MPa/s. The strength approached approximately the room-temperature inert strength. By contrast, the silicon nitrides and silicon carbide did not reveal a strength approach, but exhibited elevated-temperature strengths 10 and 20% lower than their respective room-temperature strengths. Although the analytical results imply that the elevated-temperature 'inert' strength of a ceramic material can be obtained by using sufficiently high stress rates, the experimental testing rates were only sufficient to demonstrate convergence for the alumina.
Accuracy of terminology and methodology in economic analyses in otolaryngology.

Abstract Objective: Economic studies increasingly guide health care resource allocation decisions. Because rigorous adherence to accepted definitions and research techniques is critical to ensure accuracy, we evaluated the terminology and methods of otolaryngology economic analyses. Study design: A total of 71 articles published from 1990 to 1999 in 6 peer-reviewed otolaryngology journals with terms such as “cost-effective” in their title or representing economic analyses were reviewed for terminology and use of established methodology guidelines. Results: Over half (35 of 66) of terms such as “cost-effective” were used incorrectly, and 60% of articles (39 of 64) confused “charge” and “cost” data. Eleven percent (7 of 64) of papers specified the perspective of their analysis. About half (17 of 30) reported a summary measure such as a cost-effectiveness ratio. Only one third (23 of 63) performed sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: Adherence to accepted definitions and research methods is inconsistent, although we did note moderate improvements in making the distinction between costs and charges, defining of study perspective, and performing sensitivity analysis. Significance: Greater attention to both terminology and methodology can enhance the quality of economic analyses and ultimately improve certain resource allocation decisions. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;124:496-502.)
When Is a Practicum Productive?: A Study of Learning to Plan.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine preservice teachers' perspectives of learning to plan within a Vygotskian-designed, reflective teacher education program. Course work and field work centered around planning, implementing, and evaluating an interdisciplinary unit structured to promote preservice teachers' discourse and reflection of preactive, interactive, and postactive planning. Case studies of preservice teachers' self reports indicated concerns for individualized learning and teaching, a need for content knowledge, and an awareness of the impact of their teaching on student learning. The unit project allowed them to make curriculum decisions and revisions in a classroom and to reflect on the technical and conceptual aspects of teaching discussed in their methods courses. A redefinition of the practicum experience and its implications to teacher education are discussed.
The Performance of Space-Time Coded Cooperative Diversity in an Asynchronous Cellular Uplink

Most of the prior work on cooperative diversity assumes allocation of orthogonal channels to multiple users (inter-user orthogonality) and synchronous communication between the signals transmitted from different cooperating terminals in the network. Both of these assumptions may require an accurate coordination among the cooperating users causing significant overhead in wireless networks. The main purpose of this paper* is to investigate the impact of inter-user non-orthogonality and asynchronous communication on the information-outage probability performance of multi-user space-time coded cooperative diversity in a cellular uplink. We also present a practical system design and we provide bit-error-probability simulations under the practical adaptive receiver design.
Potential underdosing with the use of electron beam therapy in patients with cervical adenopathy and advanced head and neck cancer

To define the adequacy of electron-beam therapy in the treatment of N1-N3 head and neck cancer, 24 patients with primary head and neck cancers and N1-N3 cervical adenopathy received primary radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy for definitive control of their disease. All patients underwent computerized tomography (CT) to assist in the design of treatment to the posterior neck with electron beams after photon therapy to the level of spinal cord tolerance. Treatment with electrons to the posterior neck in patients with N1 disease was adequate in 92% (11/12) of patients. However, in patients with N2/N3 disease, electron beam failed, because of spinal-cord tolerance problems, to adequately cover disease in 92% (11/12). It is concluded that CT should be routinely employed in patients with N1-N3 neck disease to determine the proper electron-energy prescription. For some patients, electron beam may not be appropriate, making it necessary to use individual planning to treat adequately the neck disease and avoid the spinal cord.
Advancement in the application of neural networks for short-term load forecasting

An improved neural network approach to produce short-term electric load forecasts is proposed. A strategy suitable for selecting the training cases for the neural network is presented. This strategy has the advantage of circumventing the problem of holidays and drastic changes in weather patterns, which make the most recent observations unlikely candidates for training the network. In addition, an improved neural network algorithm is proposed. This algorithm includes a combination of linear and nonlinear terms which map past load and temperature inputs to the load forecast output. The search strategy and algorithm demonstrate improved accuracy over other methods when tested using two years of utility data. In addition to reporting the summary statistics of average and standard deviation of absolute percentage error, an alternate method using a cumulative distribution plot for presenting load forecasting results is demonstrated. >
Psychology Training Programs: Implications for the Nation's Poor

Among the cornerstones of social science is the separation of problem-oriented scholarly endeavors from those which are general and addressed to no specific problem. The extremes of this continuum have been referred to as "applied research" and "pure research." The latter is partially defined by scientists as being ethically neutral, disinterested, and objective. The former refers to the process of applying the products of pure research to the real world. It is, of course, not difficult to see that applied research might produce novel contributions to the structure of knowledge, just as pure research does, while pure research may indeed suggest quite direct applications. Cronback and Suppes (1969) have suggested another fundamental and perhaps more thoughtfully formulated distinction in science: conclusion-oriented versus decision-oriented research. Conclusion-oriented research is not directed toward a specific problem or application. Knowledge as theoryconstruction is the general goal, and the specifics are determined by the researcher himself, so that no particular extra-
A numerical study on the effects of 2d structured sinusoidal elements on fluid flow and heat transfer at microscale

Abstract Better understanding of laminar flow at microscale level is gaining importance with recent interest in microfluidics devices. The surface roughness has been acknowledged to affect the laminar flow, and this feature is the focus of the current work to evaluate its potential in heat transfer enhancement. Based on various roughness characterization schemes, the effect of structured roughness elements on incompressible laminar fluid flow is analyzed and the hydrodynamic and thermal characteristics of minichannels and microchannels are studied in the presence of roughness elements using CFD software, FLUENT. Structured roughness elements following a sinusoidal pattern are generated on two opposed rectangular channel walls with a variable gap. A detailed study is performed to understand the effects of roughness height, roughness pitch, and channel separation on pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient. As expected, the structured roughness elements on channel walls result in pressure drop and heat transfer enhancements as compared to smooth channels due to the combined effects of area increase and flow modification. The current numerical scheme is validated with the experimental data and can be used for design and estimation of transport processes in the presence of roughness features.
Triphenylphosphonium-Stoppered [2]Rotaxanes

The template-directed syntheses of two [2]rotaxanes, one carrying one and the other two triphenylphosphonium stoppers, have been achieved using a threading-followed-by-stoppering approach. Either one or two benzylic bromide functionslocated at the para-positions of dibenzylammonium-based ions, which become encircled by dibenzo[24]crown-8 macrocycles during the initial thermodynamically controlled phases that mark the recognition eventsserve as sites for nucleophilic attack by triphenylphosphine during the subsequent kinetic stages that lead to the formation of the two [2]rotaxanes.
Study of distribution and factors affecting syphilis epidemic among inner-city minorities of Baltimore.

Disparities in health and medical conditions among ethnic and racial groups have been repeatedly documented. These inequalities, which have been noted in the recent past, include health outcomes such as quality of life and mortality, process, accessibility and appropriateness of care, and the prevalence of certain degenerative conditions and infectious diseases. Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) which seemed to have disappeared or had been controlled over the years, has now re-emerged as a major public health problem in many rural, urban and suburban communities. Progression of the current rate of syphilis, which erupted in Baltimore during the later part of 1994, has continued unabated, most especially among the ethnic minorities, despite efforts of the Baltimore City Health Department and Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to control the epidemic. With the current incidence rates of 270 per 100 000 live births for congenital syphilis and 99.3 per 100 000 population for primary, secondary and latent syphilis (96% of the cases being in the non-white population), Baltimore becomes the city with the highest number of syphilis cases in the nation, surpassing the national average of 2.6 cases per 100 000 population. This study, which utilizes a combination of retrospective and questionnaire-oriented approach, was designed to assess factors that influenced the high incidence of syphilis among Baltimore inner-city dwellers between 1994 and 1998. Data for the study included syphilis reports from private physicians, the Baltimore City Health Department, STD clinics, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and ethnographic interviews. Factors favoring the distribution and infectivity of the disease among the inner-city dwellers include greater poverty, high level of communication gaps between providers and a cross-section of minority inner-city dwellers, exchange of sex for crack cocaine, lower educational background, and inadequate and inappropriate health education/health promotion programs for the ethnic minorities.The paper calls for, among other things, culturally-sensitive and competent syphilis elimination/prevention health education and health promotion programs for the ethnic minority inner-city dwellers of Baltimore.
Histogram equalization, image registration, and data fusion for multispectral images

Texture detection using a multispectral approach is naturally superior to a unispectral one because the multispectral process takes more information into account. Details not obvious in one image may be more prominent in others, hence improving the chances of recognition and detection. In this paper we present a new method for preprocessing and eventually fusing a set of multispectral images. Images are preprocessed using histogram equalization, which is found to be ideally suited for this exercise. A wavelet transform technique is used to fuse data from the different multispectral images.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Studies in Retroactive Inhibition: I. The Temporal Course of the Inhibitory Effects of Interpolated Learning

Resume L'experience principal rapporte dans cet article a eu comme but la determination des quantites de l'inhibition retroactive apres des intervalles de 20 minutes, d'une heure, de 24, de 48, et de 144 heures. Soixante sujets ont subi la condition de repos ou ils n'ont rien appris dans le laboratoire dans l'intervalle entre l'apprentissage d'une liste de 10 adjectifs a un critere de trois epreuves successives par la methode d'anticipation et le reapprentissage de la liste au meme critere. Quarante sujets ont subi la condition de travail qui n'a differe de la condition de repos qu'a un seul egard: immediatement apres l'apprentissage parfait de la premiere liste on a fait repeter dix fois une seconde liste de 10 adjectifs. Dans une experience de controle 12 sujets ont subi la condition de repos et celle de travail toutes deux aux intervalles de 20 minutes, de 24 et de 144 heures. Les resultats de l'epargne dans les deux experiences cedent des quantites d'inhibition lesquelles varient irregulierement dans ...
Architecting Web Service Attack Detection Handlers

There is a wealth of research on web service attack types and different techniques to mitigate them. However, there is little discussion on reusable methods for implementing these known techniques. In this paper, we introduce two handler architectures that can be reused to implement a broad set of known attack countermeasures. While structurally similar, the architectures differ in the information they require for attack detection, in the needed changes to or restructuring of the message and its content, and in their invocation order among other handlers deployed on the application server and used by the web service. We present the handler architecture designs and how they address the specific web service attack types. We discuss the benefits of their attachment to the Web service. Also, we cover their implementation and deployment details on a JBoss application server and provide a case study to document the results of test runs.
Bacterial tracheitis: a therapeutic approach.

Objectives/Hypothesis: tracheitis is an acute, infectious, potentially life-threatening condition of the pediatric airway. Historically, patients have often required urgent invasive airway support, and have been treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, often combined with direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Six patients between the ages of 10 months and 16 years were treated at Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, for bacterial tracheitis between January 2009 and March 2009. All patients underwent urgent direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy for debridement of mucopurulent debris and tissue culture. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics were administered, and patients were kept on acute cardiopulmonary monitoring for 48 to 72 hours, after which time the airway was re-evaluated by direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy in five of the patients, and by fiberoptic nasolaryngoscopy in one patient. All of the patients were transitioned to oral antibiotic therapy for 10 to 14 days after discharge. Results: Following debridement, all of the patients did well with aggressive medical management. None of the patients required urgent intubation, although one patient was kept on ventilator support for 48 hours until disease resolution was confirmed. No patients required tracheotomy, and there were no cardiopulmonary arrests. The mean hospital length of stay was 4.8 days (range, 3–8 days). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of early disease identification and urgent surgical intervention in the management of bacterial tracheitis. It also demonstrates an approach with the potential to improve patient outcomes from this dangerous condition. Laryngoscope, 120:2498–2501, 2010
The short-run and long-run effects of corruption control and political stability on forest cover

Abstract This article examines how governance, particularly corruption control and political stability, affects deforestation due to agricultural land expansion. We estimate the short-run and long-run effects of corruption control and political stability on deforestation in South American and Asian countries using data from 1990 to 2003 where converting forest land into agricultural land is a significant problem. Political stability has a positive and significant effect on forest cover in the short run but an insignificant effect in the long run. In contrast, corruption control has a negative and significant effect on forest cover in the short run and the long run with a larger magnitude in the former. One possible explanation is that corruption control induces more technological productivity and, if technology and land use are complements, increases in technological development lead to agricultural land expansion.
Lazy Checkpointing: Exploiting Temporal Locality in Failures to Mitigate Checkpointing Overheads on Extreme-Scale Systems

Continuing increase in the computational power of supercomputers has enabled large-scale scientific applications in the areas of astrophysics, fusion, climate and combustion to run larger and longer-running simulations, facilitating deeper scientific insights. However, these long-running simulations are often interrupted by multiple system failures. Therefore, these applications rely on "check pointing'" as a resilience mechanism to store application state to permanent storage and recover from failures. Unfortunately, check pointing incurs excessive I/O overhead on supercomputers due to large size of checkpoints, resulting in a sub-optimal performance and resource utilization. In this paper, we devise novel mechanisms to show how check pointing overhead can be mitigated significantly by exploiting the temporal characteristics of system failures. We provide new insights and detailed quantitative understanding of the check pointing overheads and trade-offs on large-scale machines. Our prototype implementation shows the viability of our approach on extreme-scale machines.
Nondualism in Early Śākta Tantras: Transgressive Rites and Their Ontological Justification in a Historical Perspective

This paper examines the ritual and philosophical meaning of the term ‘nondual’ (advaya/advaita) in early Śākta Tantras (6th–9th centuries), including some early sources of the anti-ritualist kaula cult. It shows that nondualism denoted only ritual nondualism in the earliest texts, namely, the principle of seeing and using pure and impure substances in ritual without distinction, rejecting the pure-impure dichotomy of orthopraxy. The ontology these tantras presuppose is basically dualist, for they usually see the Lord and the created world as different and regard original impurity (mala) as a removeable material entity, similarly to the classical system of the dualist Śaiva Siddhānta. Nondual ontology evolves gradually, starting with scattered statements about the nature of the god and the phenomenal world, usually in a ritual context. It appears in a form similar to the classical one only in the Krama and related systems, as argued in Sanderson (in: Goudriaan (ed.) Ritual and speculation in early tantrism: studies in honour of Andre Padoux, 1992).
Criteria for Optimal Averaging of Cardiac Signals

The averaging process is modeled as a linear system whose low-pass filter characteristics are determined by the degree in temporal misalignment of signals. Assuming the errors in temporal alignment of successive cardiac cycles are random, then the model transfer function is equivalent to the probability density function. The response of the model to a step input is equivalent to the probability distribution function, which can be readily quantified. To validate the model, a high resolution ECG amplifier and QRS recognition system was constructed that synchronizes a step input with a point on the QRS. Design criteria for optimal amplification, filtering, and triggering of the ECG are determined. Test of the model reveals a close correspondence between observed and predicted step responses. From the average step response, the recording fidelity of any average can be determined-rapidly while the alignment is adjusted for optimal precision. Using ECG signals from patients, our model system demonstrates that alignment errors can both add and subtract signal components. Methods for estimating the extent of signal distortion induced by averaging as well as criteria for minimizing it are presented.
Factors associated with initiation of primary medical care for HIV-infected persons☆

Abstract purpose: To examine the degree of immune dysfunction of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients at the time of presentation and to identify factors associated with early and late initial primary medical care for HIV infection as measured by CD4+ lymphocyte count. patients and methods: Two hundred fifty-one consecutive outpatients without prior primary care for HIV infection were assessed at a municipal hospital HIV intake clinic (derivation group). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were examined for their association with CD4+ cell count on presentation in bivariate and stepwise linear regression analyses. Variables of interest were examined in 123 similar patients at a second site to assess the generalizability of our findings (validation group). results: In the derivation group. 30% of patients presented for initial primary care with CD4+ cell counts less than 200/mm 3 , 51% had counts from 201/mm 3 to 500/mm 3 , and only 19% had counts greater than 500/mm 3 . Twenty-seven percent of patients had delayed seeking medical care for longer than 1 year and 12%, for more than 2 years after an initial positive HIV serologic evaluation. Three variables were significant and independent predictors of CD4+ cell count on presentation: Haitian ethnicity ( P = 0.05) and HIV-related symptoms ( P = 0.005) were associated with lower CD4+ cell counts; and female sex ( P = 0.009) was associated with higher CD4+ cell counts. With HIV-related symptoms excluded from the model, a history of cocaine use was also a significant predictor for higher CD4+ cell count ( P = 0.02). In the validation group, which included few Haitians, results for female sex and HIV-related symptoms showed a similar association. conclusions: Most HIV-infected patients presented for primary care with advanced immune dysfunction. A substantial percentage of patients waited over a year to initiate medical care after testing positive for HIV. Haitian patients presented later for primary HIV care as measured by CD4+ cell count. Women presented with significantly higher CD4+ cell counts than did men. Since few characteristics examined could clearly identify the majority of late-presenting HIV-infected patients, improved general and targeted efforts are needed to link all HIV-infected people with primary medical care before the development of advanced disease.
The CAA Doppler Omnirange

This paper describes a VHF omnirange, the operation of which is based upon an application of the Doppler effect. Progress in the development of a Doppler VOR is outlined. The Doppler VOR has a measured 7-to-1 improvement with respect to siting effects when compared to the conventional four-loop VHF omnirange. The wave transmitted by the Doppler VOR is horizontally polarized. The unique interchange in the functions of the 30-cps amplitude modulation and the 30-cps frequency modulation of a 9.96-kc subcarrier is described. The Doppler VOR is shown to be compatible with present VHF omnirange receiving equipment. The results reported in this paper were obtained by experimentation and mathematical analysis.
Proton-Sponge Coated Quantum Dots for siRNA Delivery and Intracellular Imaging

We report the rational design of multifunctional nanoparticles for short-interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery and imaging based on the use of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and proton-absorbing polymeric coatings (proton sponges). With a balanced composition of tertiary amine and carboxylic acid groups, these nanoparticles are specifically designed to address longstanding barriers in siRNA delivery such as cellular penetration, endosomal release, carrier unpacking, and intracellular transport. The results demonstrate dramatic improvement in gene silencing efficiency by 10-20 fold and simultaneous reduction in cellular toxicity by 5-6 fold, when compared directly with existing transfection agents for MDA-MB-231 cells. The QD-siRNA nanoparticles are also dual-modality optical and electron-microscopy probes, allowing real-time tracking and ultrastructural localization of QDs during delivery and transfection. These new insights and capabilities represent a major step towards nanoparticle engineering for imaging and therapeutic applications.
Variable-Number Sample-Path Optimization

The sample-path method is one of the most important tools in simulation-based optimization. The basic idea of the method is to approximate the expected simulation output by the average of sample observations with a common random number sequence. In this paper, we describe a new variant of Powell’s unconstrained optimization by quadratic approximation (UOBYQA) method, which integrates a Bayesian variable-number sample-path (VNSP) scheme to choose appropriate number of samples at each iteration. The statistically accurate scheme determines the number of simulation runs, and guarantees the global convergence of the algorithm. The VNSP scheme saves a significant amount of simulation operations compared to general purpose ‘fixed-number’ sample-path methods. We present numerical results based on the new algorithm.