cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
General Hit-and-Run Monte Carlo sampling for evaluating multidimensional integrals

We elaborate on the Hit-and-Run sampler, a Monte Carlo approach that estimates the value of a high-dimensional integral with integrand h(x)f(x) by sampling from a time-reversible Markov chain over the suport of the density f. The Markov chain transitions are defined by choosing a random direction and then moving to a new point x whose likelihood depends on f in that direction. The serially dependent observations of h(x"i) are averaged to estimate the integral. The sampler applies directly to f being a nonnegative function with finite integral. We generalize the convergence results of Belisle et al. [3] to unbounded regions and to unbounded integrands. Here convergence is of the point estimator to the value of the integral; this convergence is based on convergence in distribution of realizations to their limiting distribution f. An important application is determining properties of Bayesan posterior distributions. Here f is proportional to the posterior density and h is chosen to indicate the property being estimated. Typical properties include means, variances, correlations, probabilities of regions, and predictive densities.
The Evidence Thing

The methodology of evidence-based medicine (EBM) has become dominant in the clinical field to the detriment of historically validated paradigms. The philosophical background of EBM is considered and the strengths and flaws of its main tools (randomized trials and meta-analysis) are reviewed. The structural format of EBM speaks the language of regulators and health planners, satisfies the needs of the academic-industrial complex, and is favored by editors of medical journals. Specific problems of trials of medical versus surgical therapy are noted. The deductive-numerical approach of EBM is a methodology geared to ascertain the most effective management of a condition when the differences observed between the two entities being considered is small. EBM methodology is unlikely to lead to discovery of new diseases or treatments; the latter derive from alert observation and inductive inference. While its contribution to the rigorous analysis of effectiveness of some therapies is acknowledged, EBM is not the nostrum of clinical research. Observational and inductive clinical intelligence should be stimulated and published because a therapy needs to be invented before it is proven effective. Biomathematicians need to improve nonrandomized methodology as they did for randomized studies.
An algorithm for reducing storage requirements in computer calculation of chemical equilibria

An algorithm for storage of stoichiometric coefficients of the possible complexes and solids in a multi-component system of metals and ligands is described, along with FORTRAN code for its implementation. The proposed algorithm results in considerable saving in storage over the conventional use of a two-dimensional array. The saving in storage is especially useful for microcomputers, and for very large problems such as those encountered in geochemical calculations.
Engineering resilient information systems for emergency management

Resilience is often a qualitative property that is considered fundamental for communities affected by disasters. The concept, along with its variations, has been explored in several domains, such as warfare, business continuity, ecology, computer security, and infrastructure management. The lessons learned constitute a valuable starting point for building resilient socio-technical systems. In previous work, we have described resilience principles at the systems level by reviewing related studies in several research areas. This paper organizes the principles into a conceptual framework for resilient design, which includes a set of nonfunctional requirements for resilience and an assessment methodology for evaluating architectural work from a resilience standpoint. After having presented this conceptual framework, we discuss its application in our collaboration with the Victorian Fire Services Commissioner. This collaboration has led to the specification of a high-level reference architecture for the information interoperability platform that will support emergency services in Victoria.
Intelligent electric vehicle charging: Rethinking the valley-fill

Abstract This study proposes an intelligent PEV charging scheme that significantly reduces power system cost while maintaining reliability compared to the widely discussed valley-fill method of aggregated charging in the early morning. This study considers optimal PEV integration into the New York Independent System Operator's (NYISO) day-ahead and real-time wholesale energy markets for 21 days in June, July, and August of 2006, a record-setting summer for peak load. NYISO market and load data is used to develop a statistical Locational Marginal Price (LMP) and wholesale energy cost model. This model considers the high cost of ramping generators at peak-load and the traditional cost of steady-state operation, resulting in a framework with two competing cost objectives. Results show that intelligent charging assigns roughly 80% of PEV load to valley hours to take advantage of low steady-state cost, while placing the remaining 20% equally at shoulder and peak hours to reduce ramping cost. Compared to unregulated PEV charging, intelligent charging reduces system cost by 5–16%; a 4–9% improvement over the flat valley-fill approach. Moreover, a Charge Flexibility Constraint (CFC), independent of market modeling, is constructed from a vehicle-at-home profile and the mixture of Level 1 and Level 2 charging infrastructure. The CFC is found to severely restrict the ability to charge vehicles during the morning load valley. This study further shows that adding more Level 2 chargers without regulating PEV charging will significantly increase wholesale energy cost. Utilizing the proposed intelligent PEV charging method, there is a noticeable reduction in system cost if the penetration of Level 2 chargers is increased from 70/30 to 50/50 (Level 1/Level 2). However, the system benefit is drastically diminished for higher penetrations of Level 2 chargers.
Determination of peptide oligomerization in lipid bilayers using 19F spin diffusion NMR.

Aggregation or oligomerization is important for the function of many membrane peptides such as ion channels and antimicrobial peptides. However, direct proof of aggregation and the determination of the number of molecules in the aggregate have been difficult due to the lack of suitable high-resolution methods for membrane peptides. We propose a 19F spin diffusion magic-angle-spinning NMR technique to determine the oligomeric state of peptides bound to the lipid bilayer. Magnetization transfer between chemically equivalent but orientationally different 19F spins on different molecules reduces the 19F magnetization in an exchange experiment. At long mixing times, the equilibrium 19F magnetization is 1/M, where M is the number of orientationally different molecules in the aggregate. The use of the 19F spin increases the homonuclear dipolar coupling and thus the distance reach. We demonstrate this technique on crystalline model compounds with known numbers of molecules in the asymmetric unit cell, and show th...
Reproductive character displacement shapes a spatially structured petal color polymorphism in Leavenworthia stylosa.

Character displacement is a potentially important process driving trait evolution and species diversification. Floral traits may experience character displacement in response to pollinator-mediated competition (ecological character displacement) or the risk of forming hybrids with reduced fitness (reproductive character displacement). We test these and alternative hypotheses to explain a yellow-white petal color polymorphism in Leavenworthia stylosa, where yellow morphs are spatially associated with a white-petaled congener (Leavenworthia exigua) that produces hybrids with complete pollen sterility. A reciprocal transplant experiment found limited evidence of local adaptation of yellow color morphs via increased survival and seed set. Pollinator observations revealed that Leavenworthia attract various pollinators that generally favor white petals and exhibit color constancy. Pollen limitation experiments showed that yellow petals do not alleviate competition for pollination. Interspecific pollinator movements were infrequent and low hybridization rates (∼0.40–0.85%) were found in each morph, with natural rates likely being lower. Regardless, hybridization rates were significantly higher in white morphs of L. stylosa, yielding a small selection coefficient of s = 0.0042 against this phenotype in sympatry with L. exigua. These results provide support for RCD as a mechanism contributing to the pattern of petal color polymorphism in L. stylosa.
Does location matter? Prognostic value of single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging by vascular territory

Background The location of a myocardial perfusion abnormality frequently affects clinical decision making, especially if the left anterior descending artery (LAD) territory is involved. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the location of abnormalities on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging affects outcomes.
Assessing validity of standardized patient ratings of medical students' communication behavior using the Roter interaction analysis system.

Abstract Objective The primary objective of this study is to examine concurrent validity of standardized patient (SP) ratings of second year medical students’ communication skills with the Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS). Methods We designed An Integrated Medical Encounter (AIME), to teach second year medical students the link between communication and clinical reasoning with emphasis placed on understanding the connection between biomedical and psychosocial aspects of patient care. We randomized 120 students to intervention (AIME) and control groups (non-AIME). Students completed two post-intervention SP encounters which were videotaped and coded using RIAS. SPs used a 30-item checklist to rate students’ communication behaviors. Results There were no differences between AIME and non-AIME students in age, ethnicity, gender, or college major; however, more AIME students reported prior health professional work. SPs rated AIME students’ rapport-building skills higher (mean [S.E.]: 4.1 [0.15] vs. 3.9 [0.15], p = 0.05); however, there were no differences in data gathering, patient education/counseling. RIAS demonstrated that AIME students more frequently used rapport-building statements (60.4 [2.7] vs. 52.1 [2.8], p = 0.03). Conclusion The RIAS confirmed SP ratings of differences in AIME and non-AIME students’ rapport-building skills. Practice implications Future studies in medical education should further examine the minimum number of SP ratings needed to effectively evaluate communication skills curricula when resources are limited.
Development of a multimarker assay for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pelvic masses.

Abstract Background HE4, a novel tumor marker for detecting ovarian cancer, has been recently applied to clinical practice. However, the comprehensive evaluation of HE4 combined with other markers is still missing. We evaluated an optimal mode of HE4 employment for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pelvic masses. Methods Serum HE4, CA125, CA153, CA199, CA211 and CA724 were measured from 232 patients with pelvic messes (100 malignant masses, 132 benign diseases), and the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) was also calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were estimated. Results The combination of HE4 and CA125 (AUC of 0.963, sensitivity of 96.6%, specificity of 65.7%) provided the best differential power in diagnosing ovarian cancer. ROMA performed better in the diagnosis of pelvic masses (AUC of 0.917, sensitivity of 82.0%, specificity of 78.8%) and uterine cancer (AUC of 0.838, sensitivity of 82.0%, specificity of 60.0%) compared with applying HE4 and CA125 individually. Conclusion The optimal cut-off values (CA125: 93.2 U/ml, HE4: 87.6 pmol/l, ROMA: 18.1% for pre- and 31.5% for postmenopausal women), simultaneous use of CA125 and HE4 complemented by ROMA showed better performance than the traditional detection modes for differential diagnosis of ovarian cancer. We also observed that ROMA added more accuracy for differentiating the benign and malignant pelvic masses and auxiliary diagnosis of uterine cancer.
Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer into primary human and mouse mammary epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Primary mammary epithelial cells from both the human and mouse mammary glands can be genetically altered under a variety of situations using the replication-defective adenoviral vector containing a marker gene encoding the E. coli β -galactosidase. Primary human and mouse mammary epithelial cells in monolayer culture and in three-dimensional collagen gel culture systems were transduced by adenovector at high efficiency. Successful gene transfer was also accomplished in situ and in vivo. In the mouse mammary gland, anatomically restricted gene transfer and expression was demonstrated by micro-injection of adenoviral vector directly into the main duct of the mammary gland. Injection of adenoviral vector directly into the human mammary tissues from reduction mammoplasty specimens, into the mouse mammary gland-free fat pad containing the previously transplanted dissociated human mammary epithelial cells, and intratumorally into the human breast cancer xenografts in nude mice, all resulted in successful gene transfer to human mammary epithelial cells. High efficiency introduction of genetic material into primary mammary epithelial cells is important in the study of mammary carcinogenesis and potentially for gene therapy of human breast cancer.
Adhesion and friction of transition metals in contact with non-metallic hard materials

Friction is the most commonly observed phenomenon incidental to the interaction of two solid surfaces.
Microwave Measurements of High Electron Densities Using the Complex Reflection Coefficient

The determination of electron densities in the high density range has become increasingly important in recent years and the use of the complex reflection coefficient at microwave frequencies as a plasma diagnostic tool has been reported by several authors. However, the sensitivity of the reflected phase to the electron density profile composing the boundary of the plasma reduces the effectiveness of the sharply bounded uniform slab as a plasma model. Since this model finds frequent use, the resultant errors should be considered. Indeed, even when the width of the electron-gradient boundary zone is very small, serious error in the determination of the plasma number density can occur when the reflection coefficient is used. This paper suggests a method by which electron-gradient-induced errors in number density calculations can be overcome. Briefly, it is shown that if measurements of the complex reflection coefficient can be made at several frequencies, the data can be extrapolated to find the electron density in a uniform plasma region regardless of the width of the boundary zone of the plasma or the associated plasma density profile. The region where ?P>? is emphasized.
Collective excitations in the Ginzburg-Landau theory of the fractional quantum Hall effect.

The collective excitations of the fractional-quantum-Hall liquid are studied within the Ginzburg-Landau theory. We show that (1) Gaussian fluctuations of the phase of the order parameter correspond to the cyclotron mode with an energy gap of \ensuremath{\Elzxh}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{c}}$ at q=0 and a contribution to the static structure factor proportional to \ensuremath{\Vert}q${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Vert}}}^{2}$ as q\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0, in accordance with Kohn's theorem, and (2) vortex-antivortex fluctuations give rise to the lowest-Landau-level collective mode with an energy gap that depends only on the Coulomb energy and a static structure factor that vanishes as \ensuremath{\Vert}q${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Vert}}}^{4}$ as q\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0.
Cardiovascular effects of chronic reserpine administration in mongrel dogs.

Abstract Twenty-four mongrel dogs received small oral doses of reserpine daily for 12–13 months. Chronic administration of low doses of reserpine did not induce significant alterations in arterial blood pressures; however, there was a gradual, significant decrease in heart rate. Studies on autonomic function revealed a certain degree of impairment of cardiovascular reflexes and sympathetic tone. Hypotensive response to hexamethonium was inhibited in reserpine-treated dogs. At the termination of the study, left ventricular work was significantly lower and cardiac output decreased in the reserpine-treated group under pentobarbital anesthesia. Although the right ventricular contractile force and rate of tension development were significantly greater in the reserpine-treated group, the stroke volumes were not. Greater pressor responses obtained to intravenous administration of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the reserpine group were due to a greater elevation of total peripheral resistance rather than cardiac output. It is concluded that the efficiency of the right ventricular myocardium was attenuated in the dogs treated with reserpine.
Entrepreneurship for information systems researchers (invited tutorial) (abstract only)

Today's environment offers tremendous opportunity for researchers to contribute to the advancement of commercial enterprises. Traditionally this involvement has been in the form of research grants from larger organizations and combined projects with research laboratories or advance development centers. More recently the involvement has been in the form of researchers starting or helping start small companies that are productising cutting edge technology.This tutorial will discuss logistics of start up companies, funding, and other issues associated with commercialising technology through the start-up route. Questions will be answered by the speaker and by knowledgeable members of the audience.
THE OPPOSITION SURGE AND PHOTOPOLARIMETRY OF FRESH AND COATED BASALTS

Abstract We present polarization-phase curve measurements and analysis for three basalt samples: fresh, dark red varnished, and dark gray varnished. Each sample displays a prominent opposition surge, countering the widely held notion that only particulate surfaces, and not bare rock, will display this phenomenon. The most likely cause of the opposition surge is coherent backscattering, but the width of the surge suggests that other mechanisms may also contribute. The photopolarimetric properties of the samples, especially the negative branch parameters, are most comparable to those of C-class asteroids.
Radiative cooling of shock-heated air in cylindrical shock tubes

Radiative cooling of shock heated air in cylindrical shock tubes, calculating enthalpy profiles for nonadiabatic air flow
Genome-wide analysis of Aux/IAA and ARF gene families in Populus trichocarpa

Background Auxin/Indole-3-Acetic Acid (Aux/IAA) and Auxin Response Factor (ARF) transcription factors are key regulators of auxin responses in plants. We identified the suites of genes in the two gene families in Populus and performed comparative genomic analysis with Arabidopsis and rice.
Formation of acids shorter than palmitic by rat liver cytosol.

Abstract Particle-free liver supernatant of rats maintained on stock diet synthesizes fatty acids of average chain lengths 9–11 carbon atoms when the protein concentration is high while palmitic acid is the main product when protein concentration is low. This ability to synthesize acids shorter than palmitic is lost on purification of fatty acid synthetase or by starvation of the rats followed by the ingestion of a high sucrose diet. The results are consistent with the presence of a factor in the cytosol, similar to that in lactating mammary glands, which shortens the chain length of the products of fatty acid synthetase.
CLASSICAL LINK INVARIANTS AND THE HAWAIIAN EARRINGS SPACE

We show that, in search of link invariants more discriminating than Milnor's -invariants, one is naturally led to consider seemingly pathological objects such as links with an infinite number of components and the join of an infinite number of circles (Hawaiian earrings space). We define an infinite homology boundary link, and show that any finite sublink of an infinite homology boundary link has vanishing Milnor's invariants. Moreover, all links known to have vanishing Milnor's invariants are finite sublinks of infinite homology boundary links. We show that the exterior of an infinite homology boundary link admits a map to the Hawaiian earrings space, and that this may be employed to get a factorization of K. E. Orr's omega-invariant through a rather simple space.
Congenital and acquired mesocolic hernias presenting with small bowel obstruction in childhood and adolescence

Abstract Objective The objective was to present a case series of pediatric patients presenting with small bowel obstruction secondary to both congenital and acquired internal mesocolic hernias, and the use of imaging technology in the management of this condition. Methods A retrospective review of patients treated at the Yale–New Haven Children's Hospital for small bowel obstruction from 1998 to 2008 (n = 6) who presented with acute small bowel obstruction secondary to internal mesocolic hernias was performed. Results We present 6 patients with small bowel obstruction caused by congenital (n = 4) and acquired (n = 2) mesocolic hernias after previous surgery. The median age at presentation was 13 years. Small bowel obstruction with a mesocolic hernia was identified by preoperative abdominal computerized tomography in 3 patients (50%) and at operation in the others. The mean length of stay was 6 days, with no recurrent episodes in the follow-up period. Conclusion Small bowel obstruction secondary to mesocolic hernias, although rare, may be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with history of malrotation or abdominal wall defects owing to their association with congenital mesenteric anomalies. This condition requires special attention from the clinician because of its catastrophic consequences. Imaging studies are an important asset because of the difficulty in making an accurate clinical diagnosis and the rarity of internal hernias.
Differential and integrated form consistency in 1-D phenomenological models for shape memory alloy constitutive behavior

Abstract Shape memory alloys are being explored increasingly for developing smart structures and devices in aerospace, automotive and other application areas. The material behavior is highly nonlinear with coupled thermomechanical response involving temperature and/or stress induced phase transformations. Modeling the constitutive behavior of these materials poses several challenges and a few phenomenological models exist that provide a quick and reasonable approach to assess their behavior. Due to phenomenological approach, several assumptions are made in order to simplify the model and some of them introduce inconsistencies or anomalies into the model. In this paper, a frequently used approach, namely, Brinson [Brinson, L.C., 1993. One dimensional constitutive behavior of shape memory alloys: thermomechanical derivation with non-constant material functions and redefined martensite internal variable. J. Intell. Mater. Syst. Struct. 4(2), 229–242.] model, is investigated. The constitutive equation is usually expressed at the outset in the differential form and the integrated form of the same is obtained. It is shown that the two forms of equations are not consistent in the Brinson [Brinson, L.C., 1993. One dimensional constitutive behavior of shape memory alloys: thermomechanical derivation with non-constant material functions and redefined martensite internal variable. J. Intell. Mater. Syst. Struct. 4(2), 229–242.] model, given the assumed form of material functions. In the present work, the nature and implications of the inconsistency are highlighted. The cause of incompatibility is the inconsistent material definitions. A modified consistent constitutive model is proposed by redefining the material function which satisfies the compatibility condition. The advantages in using the proposed modified model are highlighted with numerical case studies involving hysteretic stress–strain behavior.
GPCR monomers and oligomers: it takes all kinds

Accumulating evidence of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomerization on the one hand and perfect functionality of monomeric receptors on the other creates an impression of controversy. However, the GPCR superfamily is extremely diverse, both structurally and functionally. The life cycle of each receptor includes many stages: synthesis, quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum, maturation in the Golgi, delivery to the plasma membrane (where it can be in the inactive or active state, in complex with cognate G protein, G-protein-coupled receptor kinase or arrestin), endocytosis and subsequent sorting in endosomes. Different GPCR subtypes, and even the same receptor at different stages of its life cycle, most likely exist in different oligomerization states, from monomers to dimers and possibly higher-order oligomers.
Optimum crystal orientation for acoustically tuned optical filters

Theoretical and experimental studies of the acoustically tuned optical filter show that suitable crystal orientations can be divided into two broad classes based on the acoustic properties of the propagation path used. In acoustically isotropic cases, the acoustic phase and group velocities are collinear. All 32 crystalline point groups are examined for acoustically isotropic orientations that may be useful in tunable optical filters. In acoustically anisotropic cases, the phase and group velocities are not collinear. Methods are presented with which the effects caused by acoustic divergence in these cases may be compensated by similar effects due to changes of birefringence. In particular, anisotropic propagation collinear with acoustic group velocity on a path 101.2° from the optic axis in the Y, Z plane of quartz allows operation at a lower acoustic frequency and power level than that required by isotropic orientations for equivalent performance.
Solution combustion synthesized cobalt oxide catalyst precursor for NaBH4 hydrolysis

Abstract In this paper we report the solution combustion synthesis of cobalt oxide nanofoam from solutions of cobalt nitrate and glycine and subsequent use as an effective catalyst precursor for NaBH 4 hydrolysis. The catalytic activity results show that the hydrogen generation rate (HGR) at room temperature was much higher for the solution combustion synthesized material than for commercial Co 3 O 4 nanopowder, though their specific surface areas were comparable (∼26–32 m 2 /g). Using a 0.6 wt.% aqueous solution of NaBH 4 at 20 °C and a 5 wt.% catalyst precursor loading, a HGR of 1.93 L min −1 g cat −1 was achieved for solution combustion synthesized Co 3 O 4 . In contrast, at the same conditions, for commercial Co 3 O 4 and elemental Co powders HGRs of 0.98 and 0.49 L min −1 g cat −1 were achieved respectively. This type of synthesis is amenable to many complex metal oxide catalysts as well, such as LiCoO 2 , which have also been shown to be good catalyst precursors for hydrolysis of NaBH 4 .
Emplacement of the most recent lava flows on Hualālai Volcano, Hawai‘i

A detailed field and petrologic study of the ca. 1800 a.d. flows at Hualālai Volcano documents at least two eruptive episodes, the Hu‘ehu‘e flow field ending in 1801, and the Ka‘ūpūlehu flow several decades earlier. The morphology and stratigraphy of the Ka‘ūpūlehu flow require an emplacement duration of several days to weeks. Based on a comparison with recent eruptive activity at Mauna Loa volcano, the eruption cannot have occurred at the anomalously high rate (104–105 m3/s) proposed by previous workers. The hummocky flow surface of the later phase of the Hu‘ehu‘e eruption suggests a duration of months, based on a comparison with recent eruptive activity at Kīlauea Volcano. Although none of the ca. 1800 flows show evidence for extraordinarily fast emplacement or unusual fluid rheologies, both flows show unusual features. The abundant xenoliths for which the Ka‘ūpūlehu flow is famous were transported in numerous episodes of deposition and remobilization, during which they eroded the channel systems through which they traveled. Lava transport in proximal and medial regions of both flow fields was probably through lava tubes, as evidenced by preserved tubes and by the prevalence of pāhoehoe-lined channels that require thermally efficient transport of lava over great distances. Both flows also show abundant evidence for re-occupation of older cones and lava tubes, a characteristic that may typify infrequent eruptions of older volcanic systems. Although lava flows from Hualālai Volcano do not show anomalous eruptive behavior, they pose a substantial hazard for coastal communities of Kona.
Dyn-FO (preliminary version): a parallel, dynamic complexity class

Traditionally, computational complexity has considered only static problems. Classical Complexity Classes such as NC, P, NP, and PSPACE are defined in terms of the complexity of checking—upon presentation of an entire input—whether the input satisfies a certain property.For many, if not most, applications of computers including: databases, text editors, program development, it is more appropriate to model the process as a dynamic one. There is a fairly large object being worked on over a period of time. The object is repeatedly modified by users and computations are performed.Thus a dynamic algorithm for a certain class of queries is one that can maintain an input object, e.g. a database, and process changes to the database as well as answering queries about the current database.Here, we introduce the complexity class, Dynamic First-Order Logic (Dyn-FO). This is the class of properties S, for which there is an algorithm that can perform inserts, deletes and queries from S, such that each unit insert, delete, or query is first-order computable. This corresponds to the sets of properties that can be maintained and queried in first-order logic, i.e. relational calculus, on a relational database.We investigate the complexity class Dyn-FO. We show that many interesting properties are in Dyn-FO including, among others, graph connectivity, k-edge connectivity, and the computation of minimum spanning trees. Furthermore, we show that several NP complete optimization problems admit approximation algorithms in Dyn-FO. Note that none of these problems is in static FO, and this fact has been used to justify increasing the power of query languages beyond first-order. It is thus striking that these problems are indeed dynamic first-order, and thus, were computable in first-order database languages all along.We also define “bounded expansion reductions” which honor dynamic complexity classes. We prove that certain standard complete problems for static complexity classes, such as AGAP for P remain complete via these new reductions. On the other hand, we prove that other such problems including GAP for NL and 1GAP for L are no longer complete via bounded expansion reductions. Furthermore, we show that a version of AGAP called AGAP+ is not in Dyn-FO unless all of P is contained in parallel linear time.Our results shed light on some of the interesting differences between static and dynamic complexity.
Including detector effects in the design of grazing incidence x-ray telescopes

Most imaging systems today include a mosaic detector array in the focal plane. Optical designers of astronomical telescopes typically produce a design that yields a superb on-axis aerial image in the focal plane, and detector effects are included only in the analysis of the final system performance. Aplanatic optical designs (corrected for spherical aberration and coma) are widely considered to be superior to non-aplanatic designs. However, there is little merit in an aplanatic design for wide field applications because one needs to optimize some field weighted average measure of resolution over the desired operational field of-view (OFOV). Furthermore, when used with a mosaic detector array in the focal plane, detector effects eliminate the advantage of the aplanatic design even at small field angles. For wide fields of view, the focal plane is frequently despaced to balance field curvature with defocus thus obtaining better overall performance. We will demonstrate that including detector effects in the design process results in a different optimal (non-aplanatic) design for each OFOV that is even superior to an optimally despaced aplanatic design.
Simulated effects of marathon training on bone density, remodeling, and microdamage accumulation of the femur

Stress fractures are mechanically induced injuries resulting from fatigue damage to bone due to repetitive loading and are common injuries occurring in runners. In this study, we used computer simulations of marathon training programs to examine the effects of endurance running on femoral density, remodeling, and microdamage accumulation. Simulated remodeling activity increased in the femoral neck and proximal cortex and predicted microdamage increased in all regions examined after 16 weeks for each program. Daily running for three years produced more microdamage than the advanced training schedule over the same time period. Areas of high remodeling and damage corresponded to clinically observed locations of femoral stress fractures, indicating that the simulation may be useful in designing training programs to reduce fracture risk.
Hypoalaninemia and ketotic hypoglycemia: cause or consequence?

A shortage of alanine for gluconeogenesis is believed responsible for various forms of hypoglycemia and in particular ketotic hypoglycemia (KH). We examined the glucosealanine relationship in two groups of fasting children, 18 with KH and 44 controls. Glucose levels declined in both groups but significantly more in KH; to 1.98±0.20 versus 3.26±0.13 mM (mean±SEM; P<0.001). Alanine also fell in both groups, the concentrations correlating significantly with the concomitant glucose levels (KH; r=0.64, P<0.001, and controls: r=0.50, P<0.001). The relationship of alanine to glucose gave virtually identical regression equations, y=0.054x+0.063 for KH and y=0.054x+0.050 for controls.
Cloning of the rat insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 gene and analysis of its 5′ promoter region

Abstract To understand specific mechanisms involved in the regulation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), an important modulator of IGF bioactivity, we cloned the rat IGFBP-1 gene and sequenced a 1.5 kb Sph1-Sph1 fragment containing 1110 bases upstream from the translation start site. computer analysis reveals the presence of ATA, CACCC, and CCAAT elements, and putative homeodomain, AP-1, insulin and glucocorticoid response elements in the 5′ promoter. Primer extension and ribonuclease protection studies reveal a single cap site in RNA from rat hepatoma cells and both control and diabetic rat liver.
Tumor Hypoxia Blocks Wnt Processing and Secretion through the Induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Poorly formed tumor blood vessels lead to regions of microenvironmental stress due to depletion of oxygen and glucose and accumulation of waste products (acidosis). These conditions contribute to tumor progression and correlate with poor patient prognosis. Here we show that the microenvironmental stresses found in the solid tumor are able to inhibit the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, tumor cells harboring common β-catenin pathway mutations, such as loss of adenomatous polyposis coli, are insensitive to this novel hypoxic effect. The underlying mechanism responsible is hypoxia-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress that inhibits normal Wnt protein processing and secretion. ER stress causes dissociation between GRP78/BiP and Wnt, an interaction essential for its correct posttranslational processing. Microenvironmental stress can therefore block autocrine and paracrine signaling of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and negatively affect tumor growth. This study provides a general paradigm relating oxygen status to ER function and growth factor signaling.
Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa: A Contractual-Coping Approach

In this article the authors claim that there is no single adequate treatment for anorexia nervosa. They examine some treatment strategies and suggest a contractual-coping model which emphasizes the essential input of the occupational therapist. Finally, they make some recommendations for the assessment and practical treatment of the anorexic patient.
Characterization of the unfolding pathway of hen egg white lysozyme.

After the recent discovery of a ribonuclease A unfolding intermediate [Kiefhaber, T., et al. (1995) Nature 375, 513−515], we investigated the unfolding pathway of hen egg white lysozyme. At pH* 4.00 with D2O at 10 °C and 6 M guanidinium chloride, unfolding shows a single, slow kinetic phase, with a relaxation time of 3300 s when monitored by circular dichroism (CD). Exchange of the tryptophan indole nitrogen protons shows that buried Trp residues 123, 111, and 108 lose tight packing and become solvent-exposed simultaneously, with a mean relaxation time of 3300 s, similar to the CD-monitored unfolding rate. Unfolding monitored by Trp fluorescence shows, moreover, that 90% of the amplitude change occurs in a slow phase, with a relaxation time of 2400 s. Faster-unfolding phases with minor amplitudes are detected by Trp indole hydrogen exchange and by fluorescence. It is likely that these changes are caused by Trp 62 and Trp 63, active site residues which are not buried in the hydrophobic core. Lysozyme unfol...
Capillary column gas chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis of anabolic steroid residues using splitless injections made at elevated temperatures.

The use of capillary column gas chromatography mass spectrometry has been investigated for the detection of the presence of estrane-3,17 alpha-diol in horse urine extracts; the detection of this diol confirms the administration of anabolic steroids based upon 19-nortestosterone. To reduce analysis time, but yet maintain a solvent effect in the splitless injection mode, injections have been made at elevated temperatures (190-220 degree C) using high boiling solvents (dodecane b.p. 214 degree C and tetradecane b.p. 252 degree C).
Effect of molecular weights of fatty acid esters on cetane numbers as diesel fuels

Cetane numbers for various esters of the saturated fatty acids from C8 to C18 have been determined according to ASTM D-613. For the methyl esters the cetane numbers were found to increase in a non-linear relationship with the chain length of the fatty acid. Cetane numbers of esters in which the fatty acid is kept constant while the alcohol esterified is altered also increased with the molecular weight of the ester. However, increases in the molecular weight of the fatty acid portion of the ester produce greater increases in cetane number than the same change in molecular weight in the alcohol portion of the ester. Except for the esters of octanoic acid, all of the esters tested had cetane numbers above the value of 40, which is specified as the minimum cetane number for commercial diesel fuel.
A neural factor in the mechanism by which estrogen induces the release of luteinizing hormone in the rat.

INTRODUCTION In polyestkous animals such as the rat, mouse, and guinea pig, which ovulate spontaneously, estrogen stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone from the hypophysis (Fevold, 1939; Hellbaum and Greep, 1946; Hisaw, 1947; Everett, 1947, and Bradbury, 1947). The liberated LH2 proceeds to induce preovulatory swelling, ovulation, formation of new corpora lutea and, in pregnant or pseudopregnant rats, cholesterinization of existing active corpora lutea (Everett, 1947). The spontaneously ovulating species do not require an overt neural stimulus, such as is presumably initiated by copulation, for the release of the gonadotrophic hormone. Nor is it established that coitus hastens ovulation in these animals. In this respect they differ from such species as the rabbit, cat and ferret, in which the release of an ovulating surge of LH normally occurs only after copulation. Conversely, estrogen alone will not stimulate discharge of LH in the animals of the latter type (Bachman, 1936; Dury and Bradbury, 1943).
A Proposed Platform to Simplify the Integration of Electronics Into a Mechanical Engineering Design Course

The interdisciplinary nature of engineering design and the pervasiveness of electronics in most products has made it necessary for practitioners of “design thinking” to understand electronics and embedded systems, in order to expand their concept exploration space. This poses a significant challenge for mechanical engineers, whose knowledge of electronics is typically limited. A course in mechatronics is available to enhance this knowledge, however it is taught separate from product design and CAD/Toy Design, and students often do not get the opportunity to combine these elements. With an open source microcontroller platform (Arduino™) that allows for easy programming, we see an oppportunity to blend design thinking into a larger domain of engineering. In this paper, we propose a platform that would simplify the incorporation of electronics into a design. The proposed platform will utilize the Arduino™, along with a modular architecture for designing electronic systems, as well as modular program segments for controlling these systems which can be easily customized to meet student requirements. This will enable students in a toy design course to integrate electro-mechanical systems into their designs, while at the same time providing useful electronic knowledge which can be used in their future careers. The toy design projects utilize a Problem-Based Learning [1, 2] approach that will allow students to familiarize themselves with the synthesis and programming of these systems. We describe two student test teams that were introduced to this electronic integration in an existing toy design course, and we use our observations to inform the design of the proposed platform.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Pretreatment with anti-oxidants sensitizes oxidatively stressed human cancer cells to growth inhibitory effect of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA)

Purpose Most prostate, colon and breast cancer cells are resistant to growth inhibitory effects of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA). We have examined whether the high oxidative stress in these cells causes a loss of SAHA activity and if so, whether pretreatment with an anti-oxidant can sensitize these cells to SAHA.
Can angiographic findings predict which coronary patients will benefit from enhanced external counterpulsation

Abstract In summary, enhanced external counterpulsation is presumed to work by facilitating the development, or opening of coronary collaterals, or enhancing flow through existing collaterals. Improvement in radionuclide stress perfusion imaging was seen in 80% of treated patients and was inversely related to coronary disease extent. Furthermore, transmission of diastolic pressure and volume to the distal vessel appears to require a patent proximal conduit.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressive Cells and Their Regulatory Mechanisms in Cancer

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were first described over 20 years ago in patients with cancer. Their functional importance in tumor progression and immune suppression has not been recognized until recently. In general, MDSCs are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells (IMCs) that comprises myeloid progenitor cells, immature macrophages, immature granulocytes, and immature dendritic cells (DCs). They are present in an activated state that is characterized by increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), and arginase 1 (Arg1) (Corzo et al. 2009; Gabrilovich and Nagaraj 2009; Pan et al. 2008b). They are also potent suppressors of various T-cell functions (Huang et al. 2006).
Predicting the Preliminary Engineering Duration of Bridge Projects

Preliminary engineering (PE) is a critical preconstruction phase of infrastructure projects, encompassing the initial planning and design processes necessary for successful commencement and completion of a project. The duration of PE influences both the cost and schedule of any civil infrastructure project. Numerous studies targeted at construction duration estimation exist, but few address strategies to estimate PE duration. This study sought to identify the project factors that influenced the PE duration of bridge projects and to determine if regression modeling with those factors would provide a feasible tool for PE duration estimation. Some 416 bridge projects conducted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) served as the analysis sample. Among the project factors investigated, four descriptive factors significantly influenced PE duration: geographical area of the state, classification of the required National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document, bridge construction scope, and responsible party preparing the NEPA document. For validation purposes, the authors randomly extracted 60 of the 416 bridge projects before regression modeling. Regression models achieved a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 21% when applied to the validation set. Comparatively, using the mean PE duration of 66 months as a single point estimator, the MAPE was 22% for the same validation set. Based on these results, the project team recommended that the NCDOT can use the regression equation to estimate PE duration. It is also clear that this is a difficult problem that deserves further research attention.
H DEFICIENCY IN KAERSUTITIC AMPHIBOLES : EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION

Experiments conducted on a natural kaersutitic amphibole, combined with statistical analysis of high-quality chemical analyses reported in the literature, document that both Fer+ and Ti in this group of Ti-rich hornblendes are accommodated by the oxy substitutions Fe3*O2 Felj(OH)-, and Ti4+O2-Rli(OH) ,. The valence of the cation Rli can be variable, provided that the sum of all substitutions maintains charge balance within the amphibole crystal structure. If the OH lost as a result of the two oxy substitutions is accounted for, the mean amphibole 03 site occupancies (i.e., OH + F+ Cl+ O'-) of both the experimentally treated and naturally occurring sample populations sum to the theoretical value of 2.00, within the statistical uncertainty. The unusually low H contents reported for kaersutite from Martian meteorites are concluded to result from their unusually high Ti and total Fe contents relative to terrestrial kaersutite.
Sugars, hormones, and environment affect the dormancy status in underground adventitious buds of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)

Abstract Signals from both leaves and apical or axillary meristems of leafy spurge are known to inhibit root bud growth. To test the hypothesis that carbohydrates and growth regulators affect root bud growth, decapitated leafy spurge plants were hydroponically treated with glucose, sucrose, gibberellic acid (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), and a GA biosynthesis inhibitor, paclobutrazol. Both glucose and sucrose caused suppression of root bud growth at concentrations of 30 mM. The inhibitory effect of sucrose was counteracted by GA at 15 μM. In contrast, BA, ABA, NAA, and paclobutrazol inhibited root bud growth at concentrations as low as 1, 2, 1, and 16 μM, respectively. Sugar and starch levels were also determined in root buds at various times after decapitation. Buds of intact plants contained the highest level of sucrose compared with buds harvested 1, 3, and 5 d after decapitation. To determine how seasonal changes affect root bud dormancy, growth fr...