cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fruit Growth and Ripening

Botanically defined, the fruit is a mature ovary of the flower with or without any extracarpellary accessory parts. The wall of the ovary in the fruit is known as the pericarp, which becomes differentiated into three distinct layers: the outer exocarp, the middle mesocarp, and the inner endocarp. Double fertilization is the trigger that evokes endosperm development and embryogenesis, transforming the ovule into a seed. As these changes take place in the ovule, the ovary increases in size and undergoes a variety of morphological, anatomical, and biochemical changes leading to the formation of a fruit with enclosed seeds. Fruits such as banana (Musasp.) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) may develop in the absence of fertilization of the egg, and such fruits will not harbor any seeds at all or will have only aborted seeds, whereas plants such as tomato have genetic lines that produce only seedless fruits. Par-thenocarpy is the term used to describe the formation of fruits lacking seeds. It is now well known that the application of hormones such as auxins and gibberellins promotes parthenocarpic fruit development in apples (Malus domestica), grapes (Vitis vinifera), and tomatoes, among others. As a subject for analysis, fruit development has the same advantages as other systems of comparable sophistication from the vegetative and reproductive phases in the life of plants, because the fruit goes through periods of slow growth, accelerated growth, declining growth, and senescence.
The role of dieting in binge eating disorder: Etiology and treatment implications

Dieting has been implicated as a potential contributor in the development of binge eating problems in binge eating disorder (BED). If dieting plays a causal role in the etiology of BED, this could have major implications for understanding and treating individuals with the disorder. This article reviews the existing literature on the role of dieting in BED. Retrospective studies of dieting history, research on levels of dietary restraint, and prospective studies investigating the effects of dieting on subsequent eating behavior are explored. Although the literature is inconclusive as to the exact role that dieting plays in the etiology of BED, recommendations for future research and suggestions for treatment are given.
Exploring Eye Adaptation in Head-Mounted Display for Energy Efficient Smartphone Virtual Reality

Smartphone virtual reality (VR) can offer immersive experience while being affordable and easy to use. To enhance the VR experience under limited smartphone computation and battery resources, solutions have been proposed for efficient rendering and content delivery. However, efforts towards optimizing the distinct head-mounted display (HMD) are unfortunately limited. This paper unveils the opportunity of optimizing smartphone VR by leveraging human vision in HMD. In particular, we shift the default fixed full brightness in VR video/game Apps to a dark adaptation based dynamically scaled brightness. By exploiting the time-varying sensitivity of human eyes in dark HMD, we can reduce VR display energy while maintaining brightness perception. The proposed system, Strix, is empowered by a dark adaptation model trained from classic experimental data, a varying trend of perceptual full brightness derived from the dark adaptation model, and a smooth brightness transition scheme balancing energy and experience. Experimental results show that Strix can achieve 25% system energy reduction without negatively impacting brightness perception.
Studie I: Strukturbestätigung, Domänenprüfung und erste Zusammenhangsanalysen

Studie I diente primar dazu, die im Hexagon-Modell postulierte Struktur selbstbezogener Ziele und deren Spezifitat bezuglich der Domanen Lehre und Forschung zu untersuchen. Daruber hinaus sollten bereits erste Annahmen uber Korrelate potenzieller Determinanten und Konsequenzen einer Testung unterzogen werden. Dies tragt dazu bei, das Konstrukt selbstbezogener Ziele von Wissenschaftler(inne)n besser zu verstehen und adaquat erfassen zu konnen, wahrend gleichzeitig zentrale Strukturfragen der Zielorientierungsforschung thematisiert werden (Kern von Performanzzielen, Existenz von Vermeidungslernzielen, Nutzen von Aufgabenzielen und Sinn weiterer Zielklassen).
Next-generation sequencing based detection of germline and somatic alterations in a patient with four metachronous primary tumors.

Abstract Introduction Multiple primary tumors (MPTs) are defined as two or more separate synchronous or metachronous neoplasms occurring in different sites in the same individual. These tumors differ in histology, as well as primary sites from which they arise. Risk factors associated with the occurrence of MPTs include germline alterations, exposure to prior cancer therapies, occupational hazards, and lifestyle and behavioral influences. Case report We present a case of a patient who was diagnosed with four metachronous primary tumors. In 2013, she was diagnosed with serous proliferations associated with psammomatous bodies of primary peritoneal origin (pT3NxM0). This was followed by invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast (stage pT2N0Mx, histological grade III/III) in 2014, melanoma (stage pT2bNxMx) in 2016 that further advanced to the lung and brain in 2017, and a low-grade lung carcinoid in 2017. To better understand the biology of this patient's MPTs, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) to assess for both somatic and germline alterations. The treatment course for this patient aims to target the tumor with the strongest prognostic value, namely her malignant melanoma, and has contributed favorably to the overall survival of this patient. Conclusion We report the clinical and genomic landscape of a patient with MPTs who had no identifiable unique somatic or germline mutations to explain her predilection to cancer. The treatment course and overall prognosis for this patient is important for understanding future cases with unrelated, metachronous MPTs, the occurrence of which cannot always be explained by underlying genetic mechanisms.
Dam Failures: Insights to Nuclear Power Risks

Dam failures with loss of human life in the U.S. since 1870 are identified. Also presented are the cumulative number of failures as a function of cumulative dam-years experience for both large dams (height greater than 45 feet) and for all dams that pose a threat to downstream population. The cumulative history of serious large-dam failures without human fatalities is similarly shown.
Unique Contributions of Religion to Meaning

A particularly intimate relationship between religion and meaning has long been suggested; however, many sources of meaning are nonreligious. This raises the question of whether religious meaning is distinct from nonreligious meaning. We review empirical evidence suggesting that religion makes unique contributions to global meaning and to the meaning-making processes of situational meaning. In light of this evidence, we conclude that religion appears to make meaning more meaningful. Potential mechanisms include the comprehensiveness of religious beliefs and practices, the sacred as a way of providing significance, particular religious beliefs that speak to meaning, and social components of religion that support meaning. Future studies should document specific characteristics of religious meaning that differentiate it from nonreligious meaning to better understand the interrelationship of meaning and religion.
Monitoring Microbial Diversity of Bioreactors Using Metagenomic Approaches

With the rapid development of molecular techniques, particularly ‘omics’ technologies, the field of microbial ecology is growing rapidly. The applications of next generation sequencing have allowed researchers to produce massive amounts of genetic data on individual microbes, providing information about microbial communities and their interactions through in situ and in vitro measurements. The ability to identify novel microbes, functions, and enzymes, along with developing an understanding of microbial interactions and functions, is necessary for efficient production of useful and high value products in bioreactors. The ability to optimize bioreactors fully and understand microbial interactions and functions within these systems will establish highly efficient industrial processes for the production of bioproducts. This chapter will provide an overview of bioreactors and metagenomic technologies to help the reader understand microbial communities, interactions, and functions in bioreactors.
Enhanced water capture induced with electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) approach

An electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) device that enhances water capturing capability for condensation applications is presented. A single planar EWOD device is fabricated for testing and placed in a high-humidity environment under mist flow. By applying an electric field to portions of the device, the wettability of the affected areas is altered from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, which promotes droplet nucleation and growth, thereby improving water capturing capability. The results of this study demonstrate that droplet coalescence is appreciably improved at the moments of plugging and unplugging DC voltage, which induces wipe-down events (when a droplet drips down the surface and removes all droplets underneath it). The improvement in water capturing capability under DC voltages of 20 V, 40 V, and 60 V is also investigated both by comparing the mass of water collected on uncharged and charged devices during the same testing period and by using an image processing approach to track changes in droplet area coverage over time. The EWOD effect was shown to improve water capturing capability for the 20 V, 40 V, and 60 V cases by 138.96%, 171.87%, and 220.43%, respectively. These results are of great significance as they indicate a strong possibility for improvement in water harvesting applications.
Predicting student satisfaction and perceived learning within online learning environments

Student satisfaction is used as one of the key elements to evaluate online courses, while perceived learning is considered as an indicator of learning. This study aimed to explore how online learni...
Hiding Images within Images

We present a system to hide a full color image inside another of the same size with minimal quality loss to either image. Deep neural networks are simultaneously trained to create the hiding and revealing processes and are designed to specifically work as a pair. The system is trained on images drawn randomly from the ImageNet database, and works well on natural images from a wide variety of sources. Beyond demonstrating the successful application of deep learning to hiding images, we examine how the result is achieved and apply numerous transformations to analyze if image quality in the host and hidden image can be maintained. These transformation range from simple image manipulations to sophisticated machine learning-based adversaries. Two extensions to the basic system are presented that mitigate the possibility of discovering the content of the hidden image. With these extensions, not only can the hidden information be kept secure, but the system can be used to hide even more than a single image. Applications for this technology include image authentication, digital watermarks, finding exact regions of image manipulation, and storing meta-information about image rendering and content.
Strategic language crossing as self-styling: the case of black African immigrants in South Africa

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on the ways in which black African immigrants (BAIs) in Johannesburg claim ethnic identities through strategic practices involving multiple affordances that go beyond lan...
Statistical Methods for Handling Observation Clustering in Sports Injury Surveillance.

Context Advances in sports injury-surveillance methods have made it possible to accommodate non–time-loss (NTL) injury reporting; however, the analysis of surveillance data now requires careful con...
Quantitative Comparison Of Microvascular Metrics On Three Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Devices In Chorioretinal Disease

Purpose Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) has emerged as a novel tool for the non-invasive imaging and evaluation of the retinal microvasculature. There is little existing literature that compares OCT-A microvasculature metrics across different OCT-A devices in chorioretinal diseases. Herein, we examined these metrics on three available OCT-A platforms. Patients and methods All subjects were scanned on each of three OCT-A devices: Optovue Avanti Angiovue, Topcon DRI-OCT Triton Swept-Source OCT, and Zeiss Cirrus 5000-HD-OCT Angioplex. Two investigators independently measured foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. Superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) vessel densities (VD) were calculated from binarized images with ImageJ software. Image quality across devices was qualitatively compared. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman analysis, repeated measures ANOVA, and post-hoc tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results Thirteen eyes of seven patients with chorioretinal diagnoses were reviewed. ICC for FAZ measurement was 0.95. There was no significant difference in FAZ area across the three devices (p= 0.792). There was a significant difference in the SCP VD between the OCT-A devices (Triton 0.344 ± 0.013, Angiovue 0.323 ± 0.013, Angioplex 0.367 ± 0.014, p < 0.05). Significantly greater DCP VD was observed with Angioplex (0.385 ± 0.010) in comparison to both Triton (0.331 ± 0.009) and Angiovue (0.341 ± 0.020). A comparison of image quality revealed that Angiovue gives the highest quality, followed by Angioplex and Triton. Conclusion Core macular microvasculature metrics are now readily accessible on a variety of available OCT-A devices. While the FAZ can be reliably measured across all three devices in this study, there were significant differences for the vessel density in both the SCP and DCP. As a result, clinicians should be careful when comparing microvasculature metrics across different devices when using patient data in multicenter research investigations and clinical trials.
a-Si:H/c-Si interface hydrogenation for implied V oc = 755 mV in Silicon heterojunction solar cell

The amorphous (a-Si:H) and crystalline silicon (c-Si) interface plays a pivotal role in determining the V oc of the silicon heterojunction solar cell. Extrinsic hydrogenation by plasma treatment of the a-Si:H films is shown in this work to be a viable option to reduce the interface recombination. The mechanism of hydrogenation has been studied by analyzing the H bond configuration using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. We have obtained an implied V oc of 755 mV and minority carrier lifetime of 4.6 ms for 10 nm thick hydrogen treated intrinsic a-Si:H films on textured n-type Cz silicon wafers. The proof of concept has been validated by fabricating front junction cells having V oc of 729 mV, with our best cell results reaching 20.2% efficiency.
Forward Selection Methodology for Phase Change Material Composite Optimization

Composite thermal energy storage (TES) materials containing a phase change material (PCM) component have been shown to act as highly efficient cooling components for the management of transient thermal loads. These material systems have the advantage of combining favorable capacitive properties of PCMs with thermally conductive elements allowing for simultaneous transportation and absorption of thermal energy. However, there is a lack of understanding of the role of component composition and distribution on the overall performance of these composite systems. This leads to systems that lack design intentionality and rely on post-manufacturing testing. Therefore, in this body of work we will lay the groundwork of developing a methodology for optimal system design.To provide efficient analysis of these systems, a finite difference analysis (FDA) model is developed. For the purposes of this study the total amount of thermal energy absorbed at a given time of interest is used as the performance metric calculated by the FDA for a given constant temperature thermal load. For the same thermal load, the FDA is then iterated with varying material composition fractions as a function of radial distance. Using the resulting dataset, a Gaussian Process Regressor is used to fit a response surface to the data. Different acquisition functions are then be tested to identify new points of the composite design space that correspond to high performing PCM thermal management systems. From there, different initial dataset sizes and numbers of additional points are tested to determine the most efficient methodology of obtaining a system of optimum performance.
Balancing the Varied Needs of Master of Music Education Students: Perceptions From Program Directors and Alumni:

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of master of music education degree program directors and alumni from selected schools regarding the ways in which their music education mas...
Impact of interprofessional geriatric teamwork on students' perceptions of older persons and collaborative practice.

Health professions programs lack sufficient exposure to geriatric education in curricula. The Seniors Assisting in Geriatric Education (SAGE) Program exposes interprofessional (IP) teams of health professions students to older adults. To determine the impact of an interprofessional geriatric educational experience on student perceptions of team collaboration and older adults. IP teams of three or four students (n = 662) representing eight disciplines from two institutions were paired with an older adult to promote person-centered care over three semesters. Students completed two online questionnaires (pre- and post-SAGE Program, ~10 min). 136 students completed both questionnaires. Three IP collaborative practice sub-competencies under the Roles & Responsibilities and Interprofessional Communication Core Competencies increased significantly from pre- to post-SAGE Program (p ≤ 0.002). Comparison of the means for attitudes toward geriatric patients revealed statistically significant improvement in one item, Compassion (p < .002). The SAGE Program had a positive impact on IP collaborative practice and attitudes toward older people in some, but not all, areas.
Effect of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor on body weight and metabolic parameters in adults with cystic fibrosis

Abstract Background Though weight gain has been reported in some clinical trials of CFTR modulators, the effect of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor on body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipids and glycemic control in the real-world setting remains incompletely described. Methods We performed a single-center, retrospective, observational analysis of the effect of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor on body weight and cardiometabolic parameters in 134 adult CF patients of the Washington University Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center. Body weight, BMI, and blood pressure were extracted from outpatient clinic visits for the year preceding and the period following the initiation of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor. Other metabolic parameters were extracted at baseline and at latest available follow-up. Results A mean of 12.2 months of follow-up data was available for analysis. The mean rate of change in BMI was 1.47 kg/m2/yr (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.87) greater after initiation of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor. Significant increases in blood pressure were observed. In those without CFRD, random blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c were decreased after elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor initiation. In those with CFRD, elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor increased serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol. Conclusions In this single-center, retrospective, observational study of 134 adults with CF, initiation of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor was associated with increases in BMI at a mean follow up of 12.2 months. Changes in other cardiometabolic risk factors were also observed. Widespread use of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor may be expected to increase the incidence of overnutrition in the CF population.
Toward a plan steering agent: experiments with schedule maintenance

When a plan involves hundreds or thousands of events over time it can be difficult or impossible to tell whether those events are unfolding "according to plan" and to assess the impact of dynamic plan modifications. Pathological states may arise in which goals cannot be attained or are attained too slowly. Plan steering is an agent-based approach to this problem. The agent monitors an unfolding plan, detects and predicts pathological situations, and develops dynamic plan modifications that will steer the plan around the problem. We present results for such a system that performs the related task of schedule maintenance in the transportation planning domain. The agent uses limited domain knowledge and simple heuristics and is able to improve throughput significantly.
Computational Tools for Parsimony Phylogenetic Analysis of Omics Data

Abstract High-throughput assays from genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and next generation sequencing produce massive omics datasets that are challenging to analyze in biological or clinical contexts. Thus far, there is no publicly available program for converting quantitative omics data into input formats to be used in off-the-shelf robust phylogenetic programs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on creation of two Windows-based programs, OmicsTract and SynpExtractor, to address this gap. We note, as a way of introduction and development of these programs, that one particularly useful bioinformatics inferential modeling is the phylogenetic cladogram. Cladograms are multidimensional tools that show the relatedness between subgroups of healthy and diseased individuals and the latter's shared aberrations; they also reveal some characteristics of a disease that would not otherwise be apparent by other analytical methods. The OmicsTract and SynpExtractor were written for the respective t...
Small \bar{\theta } and an Invisible Axion as Automatic Consequences of Grand Unification

I explore the possibility of solving the strong CP problem in a grand unified theory in which a global Peccei-Quinn symmetry is an automatic consequence of the gauge structure. The low energy effective theory differs from that of the standard model only by the presence of an extremely light, weakly interacting axion.
The Tibetan Rebellion of 1959 and China's Changing Relations with India and the Soviet Union

Tibet, which had enjoyed de facto independence from 1911 to 1950, was resubordinated to China in late 1950 and 1951 through a combination of political pressure and military force. On 10 March 1959 a mass revolt broke out in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Amid growing turmoil, the 14th Dalai Lama fled the capital. After Chinese troops moved into Lhasa on 20 March to crush the rebellion, the Tibetan leader took refuge in neighboring India. The Chinese People's Liberation Army quelled the unrest and disbanded the local government. This article looks back at those events in order to determine how the rebellion was perceived in China and what effect it had on relations with India.
Ten Kilowatt To Multimegawatt Modular Space Power System Using Stirling Engine

Since 1984 the GE Company has been advancing the state-of-the-art of the free-piston Stirling engine for space power applications through various IR&D projects. These design and analyses studies have provided an independent assessment of features for the Stirling engine and the key interfaces needed to integrate the conversion subsystem into a viable space power system. NASA is now assessing space power technology, supporting bold new missions, e.g., human to Mars and Lunar Base missions. The required power levels vary widely, from several kilowatts to megawatts. For continuous long duration propulsion and surface operations at sites with extended dark periods, the nuclear reactor power system constitutes the mission-enabling technology. The GE Company recently completed an investigation under an IR&D project to evaluate the potential of Stirling engines in space power systems over a broad power range, with special emphasis on their integration characteristics. This paper provides the results of this investigation, over a range of 10 kWe to multimegawatt power output, utilizing a nuclear reactor heat source. A modular design approach was adopted to satisfy the entire power range with minimal or no changes in the basic module design. These and other features of the Stirling engine space power system are discussed in the paper. Thus, a base of information has been developed which enables new insights and initial concepts by which alternative strategies for successful planning of several missions can be formulated and explored and areas for further advancement and improvements in the state-of-the-art technology identified.
Plasma production by laser beam irradiation of a single solid particle

Abstract A study has been made of the plasma produced by focusing a Q -spoiled ruby laser beam onto a single particle of lithium hydride suspended in a vacuum. Streak photographs have been taken and the electron temperature measured from the soft X-ray emission.
Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition causes luminal narrowing and ring thickening in the cricoid cartilage

Objective: Luminal expansion of the cricoid cartilage appears to be stunted by loss of luminal epithelium (LE) and can be enhanced by transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3). When both the LE and perichondrium are disrupted, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels within adjacent chondrocytes are diminished but can be restored by exogenous TGF-β3. Cricoid growth stunting and luminal expansion that occur in the absence and presence of MMP activity, respectively, suggest that MMPs play an important role in normal subglottal development. The study objective was to determine if MMP inhibition affects cricoid expansion and by what mechanism, which will in turn help to define the mechanism of action of TGF-β3-induced luminal expansion.Study Design: Ex vivo, in vitro whole organ culture of subglottises grown with and without the presence of an MMP inhibitor.Setting: Tertiary care facility.Subjects and Methods: Subglottises from 20 neonatal mice were divided into 10 grown with an MMP inhibitor, GM6001, and 10 grown ...
Vegetative Nutrient Pools in a Constructed Wetland in Southeastern Idaho

ABSTRACT We examined the vegetative pools of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in constructed wetlands receiving irrigation return flows in southeastern Idaho. Seven native wetland plant species were introduced into the wetlands in 1999. Carex nebrascensis, Eleocharis palustris, Juncus balticus, and Scheonoplectus maritimus were planted in replicate wetland meadows (primary filters), and Scheonoplectus acutus, Scheonoplectus pungens, and Typha latifolia were planted in replicate experimental marshes (shallow wetlands). The elemental percentages of C, N, and P for aboveground biomass and litter varied among species, and the pattern of temporal change for each element in plant tissues was unique. At the end of the 2003 growing season, J. balitcus had more C and S. maritimus had less N and P than other species in the primary filter cells. No differences were detected in shoot N and P content among shallow wetland species, but litter from shallow wetlands had greater percentages of N and P than did...
Use of Hexyl Isocyanate Antigen to Detect Antibodies to Hexamethylene Diisocyanate (HDI) in Sensitized Guinea Pigs and in a Sensitized Worker

Abstract Hypersensitivity to hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) has been reported following occupational exposure. Diagnosis of sensitivity is usually made from clinical evaluation of symptomatology. An in vitro serologic assay for HDI sensitivity was developed by immunizing guinea pigs with HDI and with hexyl isocyanate (HMI). Animals injected intradermally with HMI produced hapten-specific antibodies whereas guinea pigs injected with HDI produced antibodies specific for larger determinants which included the HDI hapten. The larger determinants were assumed to be composed of portions of “self” molecules which reacted in vivo with HDI. Serum albumin appeared to be one such molecule. No cross reactions were noted between antibodies to HDI and another widely used industrial isocyanate, toluene diisocyanate (TDI). Antigens effective in detecting antibodies to HDI or HMI were tested for ability to detect reaginic antibodies in a worker with clinical “HDI” asthma. Using a radioimmunoassay (RAST), antibodies reacted with conjugates containing either HDI or HMI as haptens. In addition, the prevalance of HDI polyisocyanates (Desmodur N) in spray paints prompted its use as a hapten. Antibodies reacted with Desmodur N antigen conjugates in RAST. RAST inhibition further indicated that Desmodur N antigen reacted more readily with the patient's antibodies than did HDI or HMI antigens. These results suggest that the patient may have been exposed to HDI polyisocyanates in spray paint application. Use of Rast inhibition for diagnosis of sensitivity may indicate the precise sensitizing agent within a mixture.
Effect of forebody tangential slot blowing on flow about a full aircraft geometry

The effect of forebody tangential slot blowing on the flowfield about an F/A-18 aircraft is investigated numerically using solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations. Computed solutions are obtained for a full aircraft geometry, including the fuselage, wing with deflected leading-edge flap, empennage, and a faired-over engine inlet. The computational slot geometry corresponds to that used in full-scale wind tunnel tests. Solutions are computed using flight test conditions and jet mass flow ratios equivalent to wind tunnel test conditions. The effect of slot location is analyzed by computing two non-time-accurate solutions with a 16 in. slot located 3 in. and 11 in. aft of the nose of the aircraft. These computations resolve the trends observed in the full-scale wind tunnel test data. The flow aft of the leading edge extension (LEX) vortex burst is unsteady. A time-accurate solution is obtained to investigate the flow characteristics aft of the vortex burst, including the effect of blowing on tail buffet.
Aligning technology and business: applying patterns for legacy transformation

Two key goals for aligning technology and business are to increase an organization's ability to change rapidly and to reduce the costs of technology. While many efforts are underway to improve application development, less emphasis has been placed on addressing key challenges posed by existing applications that resist rapid change. In this paper, we discuss techniques for accelerating change to legacy systems and for streamlining an application portfolio. Our approach takes business-driven application requirements, links them to analysis of an application portfolio, and identifies potential sequences of transformations to realize the targeted improvements. This paper describes our approach for mapping business requirements to application software, for using patterns to help translate business requirements to software requirements, and for using patterns to translate software requirements into potential solution designs. The paper describes how these techniques are applied to two stages of the software life cycle-initial analysis and detailed analysis-and summarizes experience gained from projects working with IBM clients.
Scheduling a Professional Sports League in Microsoft® Excel: Showing Students the Value of Good Modeling and Solution Techniques

Scheduling a sports league to minimize travel is a notoriously difficult task involving the coordinated solutions of multiple traveling salesperson problems TSP with additional constraints. Good modeling techniques can, however, sometimes reduce these problems to manageable sizes. This paper describes the use of a case based on Major League Soccer1 that illustrates that an extremely difficult optimization problem can be reduced to a sequential optimization problem that yields a globally minimal travel schedule. Each step of the optimization procedure uses spreadsheet software. The case illustrates TSP solution methodology, column generation techniques, and integer programming formulations.
Modeling kinetic non-equilibrium using the first two moments of the residence time distribution

A method for simulating field scale transport of kinetically adsorbing solutes is described. The non-equilibrium adsorption is modeled as a birth and death process and is coupled with the particle tracking approach using the first two moments of the distribution of the particle residence time, i.e., the time that a solute particle stays in the liquid phase. A single residence time distribution, regardless of the initial and final phase, is demonstrated to yield an accurate description of chemical kinetics in the vast majority of field scale problems. The first two moments of the residence time distribution are derived as a function of chemical reaction rates and the transport time interval Δt. It is shown that the first moment of the residence time represents a measure of the speed of the chemical reaction relative to the transport time scale Δt which is chosen depending on the velocity field. The second moment of the residence time reflects the relative importance of the chemical kinetics versus local equilibrium conditions for the given transport time step Δt. The simulated spatial moments of the contaminant plume are compared in the one-dimensional case with available analytical solutions to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed technique. A two-dimensional case for stratified formations is presented to study the transport behavior for heterogeneous velocity fields and variable distribution coefficient, hypothesized as being negatively correlated with hydraulic conductivity. The results show that the enhanced plume spreading and the statistics of the arrival time distribution appear to be more sensitive to the spatially variable distribution coefficient than to the kinetics alone. In fact, the second spatial moment was almost doubled in the case of spatially variable distribution coefficient.
It's a Recession: Implications for the Underinsured Antenatal Patient

Professional Issues Poster Presentation Background The current economic recession in the United States has had a profound impact on the nation healthcare system. One specific population at risk is the pregnant woman and their infants. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reported that uninsured pregnant women are more likely to experience an adverse maternal outcome. Uninsured newborns are more likely to experience adverse health outcome and are more likely to die than insured newborns. It has been reported that 18% of uninsured pregnant women have reported that they did not receive needed medical care versus 7.6% of privately insured and 8.1% of Medicaid-enrolled pregnant women. These uninsured women face barriers such as access to healthcare providers, diagnostic testing, and alternate insurance coverage.
Use of PMSG in the prevention of seasonal post-weaning anestrus in sows.

PMSG (500 I.U.; administered I.M.) prevented post-weaning anestrus when given to sows weaned during the months of August, September and October compared to untreated controls during the same months. During winter and spring months, there was no difference in the post-weaning return to estrous rate for treated and control sows. Control sows had a greater degree of estrous synchrony following weaning during winter and spring months compared to summer months. PMSG-treated sows were in estrus earlier (frequently Day 3) than controls. Results indicate that PMSG, given at weaning, is effective in preventing summer-early fall post-weaning anestrus.
The Agency-Stewardship Framework of the Principle-Agent Relationship

This paper incorporates stewardship theory into the corporate governance models developed in previous agency theory research. The underlying assumptions of agency theory (moral hazard, risk and los...
Confirmation of the severe phenotypic effect of serine at codon 41 of the superoxide dismutase 1 gene.

Introduction: A Gly41Ser mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 gene (SOD1) has been reported to cause a very rapid course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a limited number of Italian patients, but a Gly41Asp mutation results in a more benign course. Methods: Four members of an African American family with autosomal dominant ALS were evaluated clinically over 12 years. Mutation analysis of SOD1 was done on 1 patient. Results: All patients had a pure lower motor neuron syndrome with onset to death in 9–15 months. A Gly41Ser mutation in SOD1 was established. In silico modeling suggested that this mutation can have a more deleterious effect than a Gly41Asp mutation. Conclusion: The more rapid course of ALS with the Gly41Ser SOD1 mutation is confirmed in a distinct ethnic group. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Anomalous diffusion, structural relaxation and shear thinning in glassy hard sphere fluids

The stochastic nonlinear Langevin equation theory of the single-particle dynamics of glassy hard sphere fluids and suspensions has been applied to address several issues raised by recent experimental and simulation studies. The theoretically predicted degree of non-Fickian behaviour at intermediate times, and the slow structural relaxation component of the small wavevector incoherent dynamic structure factor, are compared quantitatively with recent measurements and reveal good agreement. A roughly power law growth, with a common exponent, of the classic and alternative non-Gaussian parameter amplitudes with mean alpha relaxation time is predicted, and qualitative similarities with a multi-point susceptibility that quantifies dynamic heterogeneity effects are noted. The nonlinear rheology version of the theory has been quantitatively applied to explain recent measurements of shear-induced acceleration of the single-particle relaxation time on the local cage scale. The resulting no adjustable parameter calculations are in remarkable agreement with the experimental observations for the absolute magnitude, volume fraction dependence and fractional power law scaling aspects of the shear thinning phenomenon.
SfM with MRFs: Discrete-Continuous Optimization for Large-Scale Structure from Motion

Recent work in structure from motion (SfM) has built 3D models from large collections of images downloaded from the Internet. Many approaches to this problem use incremental algorithms that solve progressively larger bundle adjustment problems. These incremental techniques scale poorly as the image collection grows, and can suffer from drift or local minima. We present an alternative framework for SfM based on finding a coarse initial solution using hybrid discrete-continuous optimization and then improving that solution using bundle adjustment. The initial optimization step uses a discrete Markov random field (MRF) formulation, coupled with a continuous Levenberg-Marquardt refinement. The formulation naturally incorporates various sources of information about both the cameras and points, including noisy geotags and vanishing point (VP) estimates. We test our method on several large-scale photo collections, including one with measured camera positions, and show that it produces models that are similar to or better than those produced by incremental bundle adjustment, but more robustly and in a fraction of the time.
Myth and Leadership Vision: Rhetorical Manifestations of Cultural Force

Executive Summary We argue that the nature of myth is such that it may be involved in any personally-significant or group-significant attempt to change behavior or attitudes. Second, in one sense at least, vision has a force to it that requires further exploration; one explanation for such force is that myth may be involved as a rhetorical resource or as a cultural imperative in effective vision. Third, we argue that considering myth and vision as an amalgam enhances our understanding. In short, myth and vision are described as symbiotic, co-activated, co-authorizing constructs.
Dithiocarbamates have a common toxic effect on zebrafish body axis formation

We previously determined that the dithiocarbamate pesticide sodium metam (NaM) and its active ingredient methylisothiocyanate (MITC) were developmentally toxic causing notochord distortions in the zebrafish. In this study, developing zebrafish were exposed to isothiocyanates (ITCs), dithiocarbamates (DTCs) and several degradation products to determine the teratogenic relationship of these chemical classes at the molecular level. All dithiocarbamates tested elicited notochord distortions with notochord NOELs from 200 times the DTCs. Whole mount in situ hybridization of developmental markers for collagen (collagen2a1), muscle (myoD), and body axis formation (no tail) was perturbed well after cessation of treatment with pyrolidine-DTC (PDTC), dimethyl-DTC (DMDTC), NaM, MITC, and CS(2). Therefore, distinct albeit related chemical classes share a common toxic effect on zebrafish notochord development. To test the responsiveness of the distortion to metal perturbation, five metal chelators and 2 metals were studied. The membrane permeable copper chelator neocuproine (NCu) was found to cause notochord distortions similar to DTC-related molecules. DMDTC and NCu treated animals were protected with copper, and collagen 2a1 and no tail gene expression patterns were identical to controls in these animals. PDTC, NaM, MITC, and CS(2) were not responsive to copper indicating that the chelation of metals is not the primary means by which these molecules elicit their developmental toxicity. Embryos treated with DMDTC, NaM, and NCu were rescued by adding triciaine (MS-222) which abolishes the spontaneous muscle contractions that begin at 18 hpf. In these animals, only collagen 2a1 expression showed a similar pattern to the other notochord distorting molecules. This indicates that the perturbation of no tail expression is in response to the muscle contractions distorting the notochord, while collagen 2a1 is associated with the impact of these molecules on much earlier developmental processes.
Estimating butterfly numbers

Abstract While various experimental methods may show the number of butterflies in a given area, this, of itself, is no pointer either to general scarcity or to the reverse. Even less can it be taken as being the result of a particular set of outside influences. However, low levels in certain (otherwise plentiful) species may be taken as indicating unsuitable management trends.
Cultural Estrangement and Terror Management Theory

A new measure of cultural estrangement was described. The scale assesses the extent to which individuals believe (a) that their ideas, beliefs, or values differ from those of most Americans (the A typicality subscale) and (b) that they do not fit in with main-stream American culture (the Misfit subscale). Those scoring high on the A typicality subscale reported that they perceived themselves to be nonconformists, yet these individuals did not show evidence of poor psychological adjustment. In contrast, those scoring high on the Misfit subscale reported being alienated, depressed, anxious, and low in self-esteem and life satisfaction. Self-discrepancies (a perceived gap between one's real and ideal self) were found to partially mediate the relationships between feeling like a misfit and these negative psychological outcomes. Results were discussed primarily within the context of terror management theory.
Appearance of enkephalin-immunoreactivity in rat adrenal medulla following treatment with nicotinic antagonists or reserpine.

Various neuroendocrine factors known to be important in the regulation of adrenal catecholamine biosynthesis were investigated for possible effects on enkephalin-like immunoreactivity (Enk-IR) in the adrenal medulla of the rat. In normal rats, the adrenal chromaffin cells were not stained for either methionine (met-) or leucine (leu-) Enk-IR. Staining for Enk-IR appeared in many chromaffin cells following denervation of the adrenal or treatment of rats with the nicotinic receptor antagonists chlorisondamine or pempidine. These observations suggest that splanchnic nerve activity normally depresses the levels of enkephalin-like peptides in chromaffin cells through a trans-synaptic mechanism involving acetylcholine release and nicotinic receptor stimulation.
Photoreflectance, Raman scattering, photoluminescence and transmission electron microscopy of MOCVD GaAsGaAlAs multiple quantum wells

Abstract We have performed a systematic study of photoreflectance (PR), Raman scattering (RS), low temperature photoluminescence (PL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on quantum wells (MQWs) grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with nominal well (L Z )/barrier (L B ) widths of 100A/100A and 200A/200A. The large number of features observed in the PR spectra at 135K and 77K, combined with a theoretical calculation using the Bastard model enable us to characterize the structure of the MQWs, i.e., L Z , L B and barrier height. The values of L Z and L B height agrees with the Raman determination. In contrast with the theoretical calculation, the fundamental heavy-hole valence to conduction subband transitions in both samples occur at somewhat higher energies in both PR and PL. This apparent discrepancy suggests that the GaAs wells have been contaminated by about 1% mole fraction of Al. This is confirmed by the RS results and is also indicated by the growth conditions.
Robustness of Designs for Drinking Water Contamination Warning Systems under Uncertain Conditions

AbstractContamination warning systems (CWSs) for drinking water distribution systems (WDSs) are used to reduce the potential adverse effects of intentional or accidental WDS contamination. They are designed on the basis of possible contamination events but often address only a narrow range in event conditions. The influence on their performance of conditions different from those assumed in the design generally is not considered. Using results from simulations done with network models for 11 actual WDSs, it is shown here that CWS performance for high-consequence events can degrade substantially (by an order of magnitude) when conditions such as contaminant toxicity and injection time differ from those used in the design. Generally, increasing the number of sensors does not reduce this sensitivity to changed conditions. The significance of uncertain conditions varies substantially among WDSs. As a consequence of performance changes that occur when conditions change, mean-case designs generally outperform wo...
Physical chemistry: did life grind to a start?

Many solids can adopt two mirror-image crystal forms, and often grow as mixtures of both. A curious mechanism of crystal growth might explain why some mixtures convert into one form when subjected to grinding.
Aging and the effects of MK-801 on anoxic damage in rat hippocampal slices.

We examined whether age-related differences in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated neurotoxicity contribute to the increased vulnerability of the aged brain to anoxic damage. In both adult and aged hippocampal slices, NMDA receptor blockade with MK-801 did not affect the onset of anoxic depolarization. MK-801 improved the postanoxic recovery of synaptic transmission by the same percentage in both age groups. Thus, the faster onset of anoxic depolarization and diminished postanoxic recovery of synaptic transmission seen in aged hippocampal slices cannot be attributed to age-related differences in NMDA receptor-mediated neurotoxicity.