cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of alloxan on insulin release by isolated mouse pancreatic islets.

SummaryExposure of isolated mouse pancreatic islets to 1 × 10-2 and 1 × 10-3M alloxan at 0° results in increased insulin release when the islets are later incubated at 37°. Significant insulin release does not occur if the islets are maintained at 0°. The latent period for insulin release is related to alloxan concentration. Exposure to 1 × 10-2M alloxan requires 1.5 hr incubation at 37° while exposure to 1 × 10-3M requires 4.5 hr. It is believed that the insulin release observed in vitro corresponds to the in vivo insulin release that causes the hypoglycemic response to alloxan.
Ion implantation-lattice disorder

Abstract This review is directed toward some of the recent developments in the analysis of lattice disorder in ion-implanted silicon. Although the disorder picture has not been entirely clarified in silicon, many of the salient features have been identified. IR absorption and EPR measurements have been used to identify specific defects and correlation was found with anneal behavior in implanted and fast-neutron irradiated samples. Analysis of low temperature implants suggested that release of point defects (vacancies) played an important role in the growth of divacancies and the anneal of disorder. Depth distribution of defects have been investigated and compared with ion ranges and energy lost in atomic processes. Various models have been proposed for the nature of the disordered region around the ion track and the formation of an amorphous layer at high doses. The data indicates that the individual disordered regions are not primarily amorphous. The nature of ion implanted layers in compound semiconduct...
Eliot Freidson's Contribution to the Sociology of Professions:

This article discusses three major contributions of Eliot Freidson to the sociology of professions: (a) Freidson's work introduces a new concept of the professions rooted in the social organization of labor markets. This concept is far more harmonious with the contemporary situation of professions than any previous effort to conceptualize the differences between professions and other occupations. (b) The work provides an analysis of the spheres of professional control that result from the knowledge monopolies and gatekeeping activities of the professions. In this analysis, Freidson provides a new perspective on the meaning and social consequences of applied knowledge. (c) In a more humanistic vein, the work provides a measured defense of professions in the face of critics who see their powers as unnecessary, harmful, or both. The article concludes by commenting on a paradox suggested by Freidson's work. This paradox concerns the simultaneous strength and weakness of the contemporary professions, their str...
The Sense of Life Time in Human Development

The subjective sense oflife time is the medium within which issues of identity and growth take place. Youth, middle age, early old age, and old age are each presented as developmental stages with dominant experiences oflife time. Directivity, or purposeful movement toward a goal, is then related to the experience of future and occurs in the gap between present and future. The sense of "now" in old age is viewed as a stage in the life cycle with the potential for unique personal creativity and growth, being free from bondages found at other points in the life cycle.
Piloted ignition of convection-heated cellulose slabs

The results of experimental piloted ignition studies, when considered in the light of theoretical calculations, indicate that the primary criterion which must be satisfied in order to achieve sustained ignition of cellulose slabs in the continued presence of the ignition and heat sources is the attainment of a fixed fuel-generation rate per unit surface area. These results contrast with the piloted convection-ignition data of Bamford et al., which do not correspond to a constant fuel-generation-rate criterion. Rather, the latter data correspond to the threshold of sustained ignition upon removal of the heat and pilot sources for ‘thermally thick’ slabs where a thermal feedback criterion applies. Correlations of the experimental results (based upon four nominal slab thicknesses, three nominal slab densities and three source temperature levels) reveal that the ignition criteria are substantially influenced by the physical and thermal properties of the slabs. Therefore, the correlated experimental results of this study should prove useful to investigators interested in the ignition characteristics of pure cellulose slabs in the continued presence of a heat source.
A three point boundary value problem for nonlinear fourth order differential equations

Abstract In this paper, the authors consider the nonlinear fourth order ordinary differential equation (E) u″″(t)=λg(t)f(u), 0 with the boundary conditions (B) u(0)=u′(1)=u″(0)=u″(p)−u″(1)=0. Some results on the existence and nonexistence of positive solutions to problem (E)–(B) are obtained. Results on the existence of infinitely many positive solutions are also presented. Examples are included to demonstrate that the results are sharp.
Dynamically adding symbolically meaningful nodes to knowledge-based neural networks

Abstract Traditional connectionist theory-refinement systems map the dependencies of a domain-specific rule base into a neural network, and then refine this network using neural learning techniques. Most of these systems, however, lack the ability to refine their network's topology and are thus unable to add new rules to the (reformulated) rule base. Therefore, with domain theories that lack rules, generalization is poor, and training can corrupt the original rules — even those that were initially correct. The paper presents TopGen, an extension to the KBANN algorithm, which heuristically searches for possible expansions to the KBANN network. TopGen does this by dynamically adding hidden nodes to the neural representation of the domain theory, in a manner that is analogous to the adding of rules and conjuncts to the symbolic rule base. Experiments indicate that the method is able to heuristically find effective places to add nodes to the knowledge bases of four real-world problems, as well as an artificial chess domain. The experiments also verify that new nodes must be added in an intelligent manner. The algorithm showed statistically significant improvements over the KBANN algorithm in all five domains.
Recruitment of a 19S Proteasome Subcomplex to an Activated Promoter

The 19S proteasome regulatory particle plays a critical role in cellular proteolysis. However, recent reports have demonstrated that 19S proteins play a nonproteolytic role in nucleotide excision repair and transcription elongation. We show by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays that proteins comprising the 19S complex are recruited to the GAL1-10 promoter by the Gal4 transactivator upon induction with galactose. This recruited complex does not contain proteins from the 20S proteolytic particle and includes a subset of the 19S proteins. This subset is also specifically retained from an extract by the Gal4 activation domain. These data indicate that in vivo, the base of the 19S complex functions independently of the larger complex and plays a direct, nonproteolytic role in RNA polymerase II transcription.
Evaluation of reversible hydration reactions for use in thermal energy storage

Materials which can undergo reversible direct hydration and dehydration were investigated experimentally to determine the feasibility for use in thermal energy storage systems. The materials studied evolve heat during the hydration stage in the form of heat of adsorption or heat of solution. Heat is in turn required to dehydrate the materials. The study determined which materials can be repeatedly cycled without deteriorating their chemical structure. Initial experiments indicated that LiBr and a group of zeolites exhibited the highest thermal energy storage density (kJ/kg). These materials were further investigated to determine their thermal energy storage densities for different dehydration temperatures and times. Additional experiments were conducted to determine the optimum water/material hydration ratio, the water desorption, and the water diffusivity behavior.
Separation of two-body on-shell and off-shell dynamics in few-body systems

Abstract It is demonstrated by evaluation of trinucleon Faddeev equations and employing a new nucleon-nucleon force that two-body on-shell and off-shell dynamics can be separated unambiguously from each other in a few-body system. The two-body potential is constructed in such a way that while the off-shell effects are eliminated in a continuous process by decreasing the common off-shell parameter (force range) to zero, the on-shell behavior remains unaltered. For a realistic triton problem we find that the nucleon-nucleon on-shell contributions account for −1.15 MeV of the triton binding energy. A three-boson calculation for two-body low-energy phase shifts considered by Kuzmichev and Kharchenko, yields the same three-boson binding energy, as the prediction of their zero-range three-boson equation.
Growth of GaInAsP quantum wire heterostructures using the strain-induced lateral-layer ordering process

Abstract We present a generalized strain-balance theory on the strain-induced lateral-layer ordering (SILO) process, where various combinations of short-period superlattice (SPS) constituents are used to fabricate novel quantum wire (QWR) heterostructures. Based on the theory, we have fabricated two sets of QWRs in the GaInP and GaInAsP material systems with emission wavelengths of 6200 A and 1 μm, respectively. Growth of ( GaP ) 2 ( InP ) 1 SPS was used to create QWRs on GaAs0.66P0.34-based substrates. Also, QWRs were formed using ( GaP ) 2.2 ( InAs ) 1 SPS on GaAs substrates. In both these cases, the monolayer pairings of the SPS constituents were unequal. Transmission electron microscopy and polarized photoluminescence spectroscopy confirm the formation of QWRs. These results support the validity of the generalized theory of the SILO process.
Adaptive cancellation of motion artifact in wearable biosensors

The performance of wearable biosensors is highly influenced by motion artifact. In this paper, a model is proposed for analysis of motion artifact in wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors. Using this model, we proposed a robust real-time technique to estimate fundamental frequency and generate a noise reference signal. A Least Mean Square (LMS) adaptive noise canceler is then designed and validated using our synthetic noise generator. The analysis and results on proposed technique for noise cancellation shows promising performance.
Structural elements that govern the substrate specificity of the clot-dissolving enzyme plasmin.

There is remarkable homology between the core structures of plasmin, a fibrin clot-degrading enzyme, and factor D, a complement-activating enzyme, despite markedly different biological functions. We postulated that sequence divergence in the loop structures between these two enzymes mediated the unique substrate and inhibitor interactions of plasmin. Recombinant microplasminogens chimerized with factor D sequences at loops 3, 5, and 7 were cleaved by the plasminogen activator urokinase and developed titratable active sites. Chimerization abolished functional interactions with the plasminogen activator streptokinase but did not block complex formation. The microplasmin chimeras showed enhanced resistance (ki decreased up to two to three times) to inactivation of microplasmin by α2-antiplasmin. Microplasmin chimerization had minimal (∼2 fold) effects on the catalytic efficiency for cleavage of small substrates and did not alter the cleavage of fibrin. However, microplasmin and the microplasmin chimeras showed enhanced abilities to degrade fibrin in plasma clots suspended in human plasma. These studies indicate that loop regions of the protease domain of plasmin are important for interactions with substrates, regulatory molecules, and inhibitors. Because modification of these regions affected substrate and inhibitor interactions, loop chimerization may hold promise for improving the clot dissolving properties of this enzyme.
Robustness of the Affine Equivariant Scatter Estimator Based on the Spatial Rank Covariance Matrix

Visuri et al. (2000) proposed a technique for robust covariance matrix estimation based on different notions of multivariate sign and rank. Among them, the spatial rank based covariance matrix estimator that utilizes a robust scale estimator is especially appealing due to its high robustness, computational ease, and good efficiency. Also, it is orthogonally equivariant under any distribution and affinely equivariant under elliptically symmetric distributions. In this paper, we study robustness properties of the estimator with respective to two measures: breakdown point and influence function. More specifically, the upper bound of the finite sample breakdown point can be achieved by a proper choice of univariate robust scale estimator. The influence functions for eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the estimator are derived. They are found to be bounded under some assumptions. Moreover, finite sample efficiency comparisons to popular robust MCD, M, and S estimators are reported.
Primary localized amyloidosis of male urethra (amyloidoma)

Amyloidosis of the urethra is extremely rare. The first reported case of amyloidosis of the fossa navicularis is presented.
Stratification within centrifuged amoeba nuclei.

Two species of large, fresh water amoebae were ultracentrifuged and studied with the electron microscope. Emphasis was placed on the stratification of the nucleoplasm, including nucleoli, within the confines of the nuclear envelope during interphase. Three major strata were found in the nuclei of both amoeba species, namely the centripetal nucleoplasm, the middle chromatin stratum, and the centrifugal nucleolar mass. In the highly radioresistant A. proteus, the nucleolar mass separated into a centripetal electron-opaque layer and a centrifugal electron-lucent layer. The latter layer appears to be missing from the radiosensitive P. illinoisensis. The nature of these nucleolar layers and their possible relationship to differences in radiosensitivity between the two species of amoebae is discussed. The contents of the heavier of the two nucleolar layers in A. proteus might be resistant to radiation damage and may possess radiorestorative capacity.
Priming-induced localization of Giα2 in high density membrane microdomains

Subcellular fractionation of human neutrophils on linear sucrose density gradients was utilized to test the hypothesis that priming regulates the subcellular and sub-plasma membrane distribution of neutrophil G-protein subunits, G(ialpha2) and G(ialpha3), N-formyl peptide receptor, Lyn kinase and phospholipase C(beta2). G(ialpha2), but not G(ialpha3), moved from a lighter to a higher density plasma membrane fraction. Unoccupied N-formyl peptide receptors were found throughout the plasma membrane fractions and this distribution did not change with priming. In unprimed cells G(ialpha2) and its effector, phospholipase C(beta2), were segregated in different membrane compartments; priming caused G(ialpha2) to move to the compartment in which phospholipase C(beta2) resided. Thus, an important component of the mechanism of priming may involve regulation of the location of G-proteins and effector molecules in plasma membrane compartments where their abilities to couple may be enhanced.
Interpretations of Symptoms by Older People: A Health Diary Study of Illness Behavior

This article examines interpretations of symptoms experienced by a probability sample of older people living in community settings. Four assessments were included: seriousness, pain or discomfort, interference with desired activities, and causal attributions. Data were collected through structured interviews and daily diaries completed by a probability sample of 667 older people living in a four-county region of upstate New York. Although few respondents believed their symptoms were definitely serious, the majority experienced some uncertainty regarding the potential seriousness of at least one of their symptoms. Three fourths of these respondents incorporated a medical interpretation in explaining their symptoms; medical interpretations, however, were often used in conjunction with a nonmedical interpretation. The analysis indicated that people who experience few symptoms and assess their health positively are more likely to normalize and minimize the potential import of new or unfamiliar symptoms
Apoptosis coincident with the differentiation of skeletal myoblasts is delayed by caspase 3 inhibition and abrogated by MEK-independent constitutive Ras signaling

We demonstrate that during 23A2 skeletal myoblast differentiation, between 30-35% of the population apoptose. Both differentiation and apoptosis are controlled by the variables of cell density and time and these variables are inversely related. In response to conditions that permit both differentiation and apoptosis of parental 23A2 myoblasts, myoblasts rendered differentiation-defective by constitutive Ras signaling (A2:H-Ras myoblasts) do not apoptose. This is not merely a consequence of their differentiation-defective phenotype since myoblasts rendered differentiation-defective by expression of E1A (A2:E1A myoblasts) still apoptose. Although signaling through MEK is important to the survival of proliferating parental 23A2 myoblasts, constitutive signaling through MEK is not responsible for the survival of A2:H-Ras myoblasts. Finally, we demonstrate that caspase 3 is activated and that pharmacological inhibition of caspase 3 activity delays apoptosis without affecting differentiation. Abrogating apoptosis without affecting differentiation could be a useful approach to improve the efficacy of myoblast transfer in the treatment of muscular dystrophies.
Integrating reflectance and fluorescence imaging for apple disorder classification

Multispectral imaging in reflectance and fluorescence modes combined with neural network analysis was used to classify various types of apple disorder from three apple varieties (Honey Crisp, Red Cort, and Red Delicious). Eighteen images from a combination of filter sets and three different imaging modes (reflectance, visible light induced fluorescence, and UV induced fluorescence) were acquired for each apple sample as a base for pixel-level classification into normal or disorder tissue. Two classification schemes, a 2-class and a multiple class, were developed and tested in this study. In the 2-class scheme, pixels were categorized into normal or disorder tissue, whereas in the multiple class scheme, pixels were categorized into normal, bitter pit, black rot, decay, soft scald, and superficial scald tissues. Results indicate that single variety training under the 2-class scheme yielded highest accuracy with total accuracy of 95, 97, and 100 % for Honey Crisp, Red Cort, or Red Delicious respectively. In the multiple-class scheme, the classification accuracy of Honey Crisp apple for normal, bitter pit, black rot, decay, and soft scald tissue was 94, 93, 97, 97, and 94 % respectively. Through variable selection analysis, in the 2-class scheme, fluorescence models yielded higher total classification accuracy compared to reflection models. For Red Cort and Red Delicious, models with only FUV yield more than 95% classification accuracy, demonstrating a potential of fluorescence to detect superficial scald. Several important wavelengths, including 680, 740, 905 and 940 nm, were identified from the filter combination analysis. The results indicate the potential of this technique to accurately recognize different types of disorder on apple.
The Structure of Intergenerational Relations in Rural China: A Latent Class Analysis

Most existing typology studies of intergenerational relations have used samples in North America and Europe. The present study expands on previous research by determining whether similar family relation typologies could be found using a sample of Chinese rural elders. The data were derived from a survey of 1,224 older adults in China’s rural Anhui province in 2009. Latent class analysis revealed 5 types of intergenerational relations in rural Chinese families: (a) tight-knit, (b) nearby but discordant, (c) distant discordant, (d) distant reciprocal, and (e) distant ascending. The authors argue that the distant ascending ties reflect the strong filial obligations that Chinese adult children have toward their parents and that the distant reciprocal ties reflect collaborative and mutually beneficial parent – child relations in rural China in the context of massive rural-to-urban migration. The findings of this study demonstrate
Transitional off-loading: an evidence-based approach to pressure redistribution in the diabetic foot.

PURPOSE:To enhance the learner's competence in providing pressure redistribution therapy for the diabetic foot.TARGET AUDIENCE:This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.OBJECTIVES:After participating in this educational activity,
Storytellers, stories, and “free cash flow”

Abstract This paper illustrates the role of stories and storytelling in financial economics through analysis of “Agency Costs of Free Cash Flow, Corporate Finance, and Takeovers” (Jensen, 1986). In financial economics, only elite economic theoreticians like Jensen can tell stories, and they present their worldview as objective reality. The power of the elite storytellers in neoclassical economics and its applied fields is enforced through rhetorical conventions and the structure of the reputational hierarchy in economics. Jensen tells the story of the conflict over free cash flow, the disciplining forces of debt, the market for corporate control, and survival of the firm. Historically, Jensen's story derives from Adam Smith's work; politically, the story supports a pro-capital markets and anti-regulation stance. The partial nature of Jensen's story is problematic since financial economics stories are used in policy making, and alternative stories are not included in the conversation.
The inverted classroom and the CS curriculum

The inverted classroom is a pedagogical technique in which passive knowledge acquisitions activities (e.g. lecture, readings) are assigned as homework and hands-on knowledge assimilation tasks (e.g. problem solving, lab, creative work) replace traditional lecture during classroom contact hours. Recent initiatives like the Kahn Academy [1] have raised the visibility of the inverted classroom and it is being adopted in disciplines across the curriculum from Economics [2] to Biology [3]. In this experience report we present successful inverted classroom pilots in linear algebra and introductory programming classes. In particular, this pilot focused on combining the inverted classroom philosophy with other proven pedagogical techniques (e.g. inquiry based learning) there was also a focus on creating free materials that could replace traditional, expensive textbooks when using the inverted classroom. We explain how the inverted classroom pedagogy is well aligned with the hands-on practice required in both math and computer science and discuss our plans to continue our experiment and to expand it beyond the original two classes.
Keeler quarry: A view from a site

The examination of a well‐documented petroglyph site, located near the northeastern shoreline of now‐dry Owens Lake, California, is used as a springboard for a review of explanatory models for the interpretation of rock art sites in California and the Great Basin. Interpretive models and methods of analysis used by Julian Steward, Robert Heizer, and others who have visited or reported on this site are reviewed. The persistence of Heizer's “hunting‐magic” explanation for the creation of the rock art is used as one of several examples of how preconceived notions can affect interpretations of ancient art.
The incarnation and the knowability paradox

The best defense of the doctrine of the Incarnation implies that traditional Christianity has a special stake in the knowability paradox, a stake not shared by other theistic perspectives or by non-traditional accounts of the Incarnation. Perhaps, this stake is not even shared by antirealism, the view most obviously threatened by the paradox. I argue for these points, concluding that these results put traditional Christianity at a disadvantage compared to other viewpoints, and I close with some comments about the extent of the burden incurred.
Energy estimation tools for the Palm

Reducing the energy consumed in the use of mobile and wireless devices is becoming a major design challenge. While the problem obviously must be addressed with improved low-level technology, we have advocated also considering a higher-level view in which energy management becomes an explicit design goal of the software developer who can be more aware of the needs of applications. In support of this objective, new programming models, measurement tools, and simulation environments must be developed to provide the developer with feedback on the energy implications of various design decisions. In this paper, we describe an energy model and an execution-driven simulator incorporating this model for the PalmOS™ family of devices.
Circadian rhythms in vasopressin deficient rats.

Circadian rhythms in wheel running and drinking behavior were investigated using heterozygous and homozygous (diabetes insipidus) female Brattleboro rats. Despite the lack of vasopressin in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the diabetic rats, they showed coherent rhythms, both in cyclic light and in constant light. However, the periods of the free-running rhythms were longer for the diabetic rats, they were less active, and, of course, were severely polydipsic. Replacement treatment with systemic infusions of vasopressin reversed the polydipsia but did not affect the other measures.
Romiplostim therapy induces megakaryocyte hyperplasia similar in morphology to a myeloproliferative neoplasm

The thrombopoietin analogue romiplostim was recently approved as a therapy for chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura. It has showed good efficacy in stimulating a transient or sustained increase in platelet count in a majority of patients. Romiplostim's effect on bone marrow morphology has not been fully described, and we report on two patients on romiplostim therapy who underwent bone marrow biopsies. In both marrows, increased numbers of megakaryocytes with hyperplastic morphology, similar to that seen in myeloproliferative neoplasms, were identified. This morphologic finding could create a diagnostic dilemma or pitfall without appropriate clinical information.
Multiple Exciton Coherence Sizes in Photosynthetic Antenna Complexes viewed by Pump−Probe Spectroscopy

The pump−probe signal from the light-harvesting antenna LH2 of purple bacteria is analyzed using a Green function expression derived by solving the nonlinear exciton-oscillator equations of motion (NEE). A microscopic definition of the exciton mean free path (Lf) and localization size (Lρ) is given in terms of the off-diagonal elements of the exciton Green function and density matrix, respectively. Using phonon-induced (homogeneous) and disorder-induced (inhomogeneous) line widths compatible with superradiane measurements, we find that at 4.2 K the localization size is Lρ = 15 and that the shift ΔΩ between the positive and negative peaks in the differential absorption is determined by a different effective size Lf/2 = 5.6 associated with the exciton mean free path. Our model further predicts the recently observed superradiance coherence size determined by Lρ.
Infant Weight Gain and Childhood Overweight Status in a Multicenter, Cohort Study

Objective. To determine whether a rapid rate of weight gain in early infancy is associated with overweight status in childhood. Design. Prospective, cohort study from birth to age 7 years. Setting. Twelve sites across the United States. Participants. Twenty-seven thousand, eight hundred ninety-nine (27 899) eligible participants born at full term between 1959 and 1965. Main Outcome Measure. Overweight status at age 7 years, defined by a body mass index above the 95th percentile of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference data. Results. In the 19 397 participants with complete data (69.6%), the prevalence of overweight status at age 7 years was 5.4%. The rate of weight gain during the first 4 months of life (as 100 g/month) was associated with being overweight at age 7 years, after adjustment for several confounding factors: odds ratio: 1.38; 95% confidence interval: 1.32–1.44. This association was present in each birth weight quintile, and remained significant after adjustment for the weight attained at age 1 year (odds ratio: 1.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.11–1.24). Conclusions. A pattern of rapid weight gain during the first 4 months of life was associated with an increased risk of overweight status at age 7 years, independent of birth weight and weight attained at age 1 year. These findings may lead to new hypotheses regarding the cause of childhood obesity, which may contribute to our understanding of this increasing public health problem in the United States.
clueless, a conserved Drosophila gene required for mitochondrial subcellular localization, interacts genetically with parkin

Parkinson's disease has been linked to altered mitochondrial function. Mutations in parkin (park), the Drosophila ortholog of a human gene that is responsible for many familial cases of Parkinson's disease, shorten life span, abolish fertility and disrupt mitochondrial structure. However, the role played by Park in mitochondrial function remains unclear. Here, we describe a novel Drosophila gene, clueless (clu), which encodes a highly conserved tetratricopeptide repeat protein that is related closely to the CluA protein of Dictyostelium, Clu1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to similar proteins in diverse metazoan eukaryotes from Arabidopsis to humans. Like its orthologs, loss of Drosophila clu causes mitochondria to cluster within cells. We find that strong clu mutations resemble park mutations in their effects on mitochondrial function and that the two genes interact genetically. Conversely, mitochondria in park homozygotes become highly clustered. We propose that Clu functions in a novel pathway that positions mitochondria within the cell based on their physiological state. Disruption of the Clu pathway may enhance oxidative damage, alter gene expression, cause mitochondria to cluster at microtubule plus ends, and lead eventually to mitochondrial failure.
Efficient Similarity Join of Large Sets of Moving Object Trajectories

We address the problem of performing efficient similarity join for large sets of moving objects trajectories. Unlike previous approaches which use a dedicated index in a transformed space, our premise is that in many applications of location-based services, the trajectories are already indexed in their native space, in order to facilitate the processing of common spatio-temporal queries, e.g., range, nearest neighbor etc. We introduce a novel distance measure adapted from the classic Frechet distance, which can be naturally extended to support lower/upper bounding using the underlying indices of moving object databases in the native space. This, in turn, enables efficient implementation of various trajectory similarity joins. We report on extensive experiments demonstrating that our methodology provides performance speed-up of trajectory similarity join by more than 50% on average, while maintaining effectiveness comparable to the well-known approaches for identifying trajectory similarity based on time-series analysis.
Observability requirements for passive target tracking

Observability requirements for passive target tracking in a three-dimensional coordinate system are derived. The observability problem is formulated as an optimization problem. Certain practical situations, previously known, can be identified from the established observability requirements. However, direct application of these theoretical results does not seem to be trivial for a practical situation.
Optimal Replacement in the Proportional Hazards Model With Semi-Markovian Covariate Process and Continuous Monitoring

Motivated by the increasing use of condition monitoring technology for electrical transformers, this paper deals with the optimal replacement of a system having a hazard function that follows the proportional hazards model with a semi-Markovian covariate process, which we assume is under continuous monitoring. Although the optimality of a threshold replacement policy to minimize the long-run average cost per unit time was established previously in a more general setting, the policy evaluation step in an iterative algorithm to identify optimal threshold values poses computational challenges. To overcome them, we use conditioning to derive an explicit expression of the objective in terms of the set of state-dependent threshold ages for replacement. The iterative algorithm is customized for our model to find the optimal threshold ages. A three-state example illustrates the computational procedure, as well as the effects of different sojourn time distributions of the covariate process on the optimal policy and cost. Numerical examples and sensitivity analysis provide some insights into the suitability of a Markov approximation, and the sources of variability in the cost. The optimization method developed here is much more efficient than the approach that approximates continuous monitoring as periodic, and then optimizes the periodic monitoring parameters.
The effect of sampling bias on the fossil record of chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora)*

Abstract The chiton fossil record is richer than previously reported in the literature. A newly compiled database comprised of Cambrian to Pleistocene fossil chitons totals 2594 occurrences of 900 species. Of the 900, 430 are named species known only as fossils, 123 are extant species that also have a fossil record, and 247 are indeterminate taxa. Most of the database (61%) consists of fossil chiton occurrences reported from localities other than type localities. A preliminary analysis of the data using the collector curve method suggests that the chiton fossil record has not been adequately sampled by geographic regions or geologic time. The fossil record of chitons is incomplete, sporadic, and geographically limited because the sampling record has been incomplete, sporadic, and geographically limited. The current database comprises enough information to discern diversity patterns throughout geologic time, but whether the patterns are real or artifacts of sampling inadequacy remains to be investigated.
Effects of Functionalization on the Morphology, Cure Kinetics and Mechanical Behavior of Thermosetting Polymers

Effects of various functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on cure kinetics and flexural properties of an epoxy based nanocomposite system were investigated. Chemical functionalization of MWCNT by oxidation (MWCNT-COOH), direct-fluorination (MWCNT-F) was confirmed by FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. One weight percentage loading of MWCNT was used to prepare epoxy-based nanocomposites through in-situ polymerization. Curing kinetics showed that MWCNT-COOH and MWCNT-F would catalyze the curing process altering activation energy, enthalpy of reaction, and reaction rate. Compared to neat resin, nanocomposites fabricated with MWCNT-COOH and MWCNT-F showed a 48%, and 33% increases in flexural strengths, and 55% and 16% increases in flexural moduli, respectively. SEM analysis of the fracture surface of the composites confirmed an improvement in dispersion.
High and low self-monitoring individuals: Their decoding skills and empathic expression

An investigation was conducted into the relation between self-monitoring and the ability to interpret vocal expression and to communicate empathy in a dyadic interaction. In the first part of the study, participants who had completed Snyder's Self-Monitoring (SM) Scale were tested for their ability to interpret the intended meaning in 20 recorded sentences in which the speaker, by changing voice Intonation, inflection, and affective presentation, conveyed a particular meaning to each sentence (Inferred Meanings Test). In the second part of the study, each participant was asked to submit a 3-minute segment of an audio tape that best demonstrated his or her empathic expression in a dyadic interaction. The tapes were transcribed and raters judged each transcript for the participant's verbal expression of empathy and genuineness. The results showed a significant positive relation between self-monitoring and the ability to decode vocal cues correctly. This finding appears to support the claim that high self-monitoring individuals are better able than are low self-monitoring individuals to interpret the vocal expression of others. When self-monitoring scores were correlated with the ratings of the participants’ tapes for empathy/genuineness, a significant inverse relation was found. Thus, high self-monitoring individuals appeared less able to impress raters as being genuinely empathic. The results of the study are discussed in the context of self-monitoring and its relation to the ability to interpret others’ emotional expression as well as the relation of self-monitoring to empathic processes.
The contractile ring coordinates curvature-dependent septum assembly during fission yeast cytokinesis

The functions of the actin-myosin-based contractile ring in cytokinesis remain to be elucidated. Recent findings show that in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, cleavage furrow ingression is driven by polymerization of cell wall fibers outside the plasma membrane, not by the contractile ring. Here we show that one function of the ring is to spatially coordinate septum cell wall assembly. We develop an improved method for live-cell imaging of the division apparatus by orienting the rod-shaped cells vertically using microfabricated wells. We observe that the septum hole and ring are circular and centered in wild-type cells and that in the absence of a functional ring, the septum continues to ingress but in a disorganized and asymmetric manner. By manipulating the cleavage furrow into different shapes, we show that the ring promotes local septum growth in a curvature-dependent manner, allowing even a misshapen septum to grow into a more regular shape. This curvature-dependent growth suggests a model in which contractile forces of the ring shape the septum cell wall by stimulating the cell wall machinery in a mechanosensitive manner. Mechanical regulation of the cell wall assembly may have general relevance to the morphogenesis of walled cells.
An ilp based approach to reducing energy consumption in nocbased CMPS

Software related issues such as code/data mapping, highlevel communication management and power control are becoming increasingly important as we move towards NoC(network-on-chip) based CMPs (chip multiprocessors). This paper presents an ILP (integer linear programming) based formulation of the problem of communication energy minimization in such architectures. This formulation can be used for selecting the optimal set of links to use as well as the optimal voltage and frequency selection of these links. This formulation is linked to a compiler pass which automatically extracts interprocessor communication pattern from an application code and feeds it to the ILP solver.
Opportunistic Processing and Query of Motion Trajectories in Wireless Sensor Networks

We study the problem of in-network processing and queries of trajectories of moving targets in a sensor network. The main idea is to exploit the spatial coherence of target trajectories for opportunistic information dissemination with no or small extra communication cost, as well as for efficient probabilistic queries searching for a given target signature in a real-time manner. Sensors near a moving target are waken up to record information about this target and take the communication opportunities to exchange their knowledge with preceding and descending sensor nodes along the trajectory. Thus a moving target's information is naturally detected, recorded, and dissem- inated along its trajectory, as well as the motion trajectories that enter the sensor field afterwards. We analyzed and through simulations tested the dissemination cost and query success rate for randomly generated data sets. Trajectories of reasonable length can be discovered by proba- bilistic in-network queries with high probability. Compared with the scheme without opportunistic dissemination, the in-network processing of trajectories, with modest cost on dissemination, allows substantially reduced query cost and delay.
Patología depresiva en pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica. Una relación incierta

Contexto En un elevado porcentaje de pacientes con cardiopatia isquemica se puede apreciar algun grado de depresion, y esta asociacion parece incrementar el riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad. Ademas de las consecuencias sobre el pronostico y la calidad de vida, hay dificultades para el diagnostico y el tratamiento de la depresion en estos pacientes. Objetivo Detectar la sintomatologia depresiva en pacientes hospitalizados por cardiopatia isquemica. Material y metodo Se investigaron todos los pacientes hospitalizados por cardiopatia isquemica desde el 1 de mayo de 2003 al 30 de abril de 2004, quedando la muestra constituida por 86 pacientes. Se utilizo el cuestionario GHQ, version espanola de 28 items (Lobo et al, 1986) y la escala Hamilton para la depresion (Hamilton, 1967). Resultados El cuestionario GHQ fue positivo en un 38,4% de los pacientes. Se aprecio depresion en un 33% de los pacientes con GHQ positivo, que equivale al 11,6% de la muestra total. En el momento del alta del hospital, a 9 pacientes (10,5%) se les prescribio tratamiento psicofarmacologico (fundamentalmente antidepresivos). En el analisis estadistico se alcanzo significacion estadistica entre la escala GHQ y los antecedentes personales psiquiatricos, en general, y entre la depresion y los antecedentes depresivos. Conclusiones los pacientes ingresados por cardiopatia isquemica tienen mas posibilidades de sufrir malestar psiquico y depresion, incrementandose el uso de antidepresivos. La depresion esta mas vinculada a la patologia psiquiatrica previa y no a la enfermedad cardiaca.
An OP4 Functional Stream in the Language-Related Neuroarchitecture

Sensory comprehension and motor production of language symbols form the basis of human speech. Classical neuroanatomy has pointed to Wernicke's and Broca's areas as playing important roles in the integration of these 2 functions. However, recent studies have proposed that more direct pathways may exist between auditory input and motor output, bypassing Wernicke's and Broca's areas. We used functional network analyses to investigate potential auditory-motor (A-M) couplings between language-related cortices. We found that operculum parietale (OP) interconnectivity in region OP4 seems to play a critical role in the A-M integration of the brain. This finding supports a novel landscape in the functional neuroarchitecture that sustains language in humans.
Inter-firm knowledge management and technology development in radical innovation

The results of the Rensselaer Radical Innovation Project (USA) show that the development of new businesses and product lines based on discontinuous, or radical innovation-which is critical for renewal of the firm's competitive position-requires management practices that differ from those required in incremental innovation. Effective knowledge management is critical to discontinuous innovation success. All firms in the Project employ a variety of strategic alliances. Knowledge management studies suggest that inter-firm strategic alliances enhance corporate innovative capability through flow of knowledge across companies. Due to the increasing significance of inter-firm collaborative networks and the importance of technological insight to radical innovation, there is a need for further understanding of the relationship between knowledge management and technology development at the inter-firm level. Prior research has neglected to compare differences and similarities in internal knowledge management with interfirm knowledge management according to type of innovation.
Optimizing efficiency and operations at a California safety-net endoscopy center: a modeling and simulation approach.

Background Improvements in endoscopy center efficiency are needed, but scant data are available. Objective To identify opportunities to improve patient throughput while balancing resource use and patient wait times in a safety-net endoscopy center. Setting Safety-net endoscopy center. Patients Outpatients undergoing endoscopy. Intervention A time and motion study was performed and a discrete event simulation model constructed to evaluate multiple scenarios aimed at improving endoscopy center efficiency. Main Outcome Measurements Procedure volume and patient wait time. Results Data were collected on 278 patients. Time and motion study revealed that 53.8 procedures were performed per week, with patients spending 2.3 hours at the endoscopy center. By using discrete event simulation modeling, a number of proposed changes to the endoscopy center were assessed. Decreasing scheduled endoscopy appointment times from 60 to 45 minutes led to a 26.4% increase in the number of procedures performed per week, but also increased patient wait time. Increasing the number of endoscopists by 1 each half day resulted in increased procedure volume, but there was a concomitant increase in patient wait time and nurse utilization exceeding capacity. By combining several proposed scenarios together in the simulation model, the greatest improvement in performance metrics was created by moving patient endoscopy appointments from the afternoon to the morning. In this simulation at 45- and 40-minute appointment times, procedure volume increased by 30.5% and 52.0% and patient time spent in the endoscopy center decreased by 17.4% and 13.0%, respectively. The predictions of the simulation model were found to be accurate when compared with actual changes implemented in the endoscopy center. Limitations Findings may not be generalizable to non–safety-net endoscopy centers. Conclusions The combination of minor, cost-effective changes such as reducing appointment times, minimizing and standardizing recovery time, and making small increases in preprocedure ancillary staff maximized endoscopy center efficiency across a number of performance metrics.
Reduction of the onset response in high frequency nerve block with amplitude ramps from non-zero amplitudes

High frequency alternating current (HFAC) waveforms reversibly block conduction in mammalian peripheral nerves. The initiation of the HFAC produces an onset response in the nerve before complete block occurs. An amplitude ramp, starting from zero amplitude, is ineffective in eliminating this onset response. In fact, it makes the onset worse. We postulated that initiating the ramp from a non-zero amplitude would produce a different effect on the onset. This was tested in an in-vivo rat sciatic nerve model. HFAC was applied at supra block threshold amplitudes and then reduced to a lower amplitude (0%, 25% 50 %, 75% and 90% of the suprathreshold amplitude). The amplitude was then increased again to the original supra block threshold amplitude. This normally produces a second period of onset response if increased as a step. However, an amplitude ramp was successful in eliminating this onset. This was always possible for the ramps up from 50%, 75 % and 90% block threshold amplitude, but never from 0% or 25% of the block threshold amplitude. This maneuver can potentially be used to maintain complete nerve block, transition to partial block and then resume complete block without initiating another onset.