cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CAD model for co-propagating spatially multiplexed channels of same wavelength over standard multimode fibers

Spatial Domain Multiplexing (SDM) is a novel technique that allows co-propagation of two or more optical communication channels of the same wavelengths over a single strand of optical fiber cable by maintaining spatial separation between the channels. Spatial multiplexer known as the beam combiner module (BCM) supports helical propagation of light to ensure spatial separation between the channels. It is inserted at the input end of the system. Spatial de-multiplexing is achieved by a unit named beam separator module (BSM). This unit is inserted at the receiving end of the system and it routes the optical energy from individual channels to dedicated receivers. Spatially multiplexed channels exhibit negligible crosstalk. The bandwidth of the fiber optic systems employing SDM technique increases by multiple folds. CAD model of a beam combiner module for a two channel system using commercially available simulation tools is presented here. Simulated beam profile of the output is compared to the experimental data.
Direct numerical simulation of chemical selectivity in homogenous turbulence

Direct numerical simulations were used to study chemical selectivity in a series-parallel reaction scheme in a decaying, homogenous turbulent flow, where A, B, R, and S represent chemical species with R the principal product and S the secondary product. These simulations involve solution of the unsteady Navier-Stokes and mass conservation equations by a pseudo-spectral method in a 643 wavenumber domain. Reactants A and B were initially spatially segregated, corresponding to a nonpremixed system. The effect of turbulence Reynolds number and other physical parameters on selectivity was determined. Turbulence increases the formation of primary product R over byproduct S compared to the case of no fluid motion, as expected. It was also found that any mechanism promoting homogenization of reactants favors the formation of R, Whereas any mechanism sustaining segregation favors the formation of S.
Radiation cleansing of vacancies

Abstract A process for creating a flux of self interstitials in a material by irradiation is discussed. A case is illustrated with coupled rate and diffusion equations in which a pre-existing concentration of vacancies is swept away by the interstitials. The interstitial concentration must remain sufficiently small so that clustering does not occur and the impurity content must be sufficiently small so that interstitial trapping does not occur for the effect to take place.
Relationship between diabetes mellitus and long-term survival after coronary bypass and angioplasty

Background Recent subgroup analyses of randomized trials have suggested that percutaneous intervention in diabetic patients with multivessel disease results in higher mortality than coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). We studied the relationship between diabetes and survival after revascularization in a large prospective cohort of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. Methods and Results By analyzing data for 3220 patients (24% diabetic) with symptomatic two- or three-vessel coronary disease who were undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or CABG at Duke University Medical Center between 1984 and 1990, we found that at 5 years, unadjusted survival in the group of patients undergoing CABG was 74% in diabetics and 86% in nondiabetics. Similarly, 5-year survival among PTCA patients was 76% in diabetics and 88% in patients without diabetes. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, diabetic patients receiving either PTCA or CABG had significantly poorer sur...
Summary of the second annual UCLA survey of business school computer usage

The compilation and analysis of data collected from 125 business schools reveal important trends and identify problems that arise when computers are integrated into education.
Effects of smokeless tobacco on chemically transformed hamster oral keratinocytes: role of angiotensin I-converting enzyme

The purpose of this study was to determine whether exposure of chemically transformed golden Syrian hamster oral epidermoid carcinoma cell (HCPC-1) cultures to smokeless tobacco extract (STE) is associated with a decrease in specific angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and whether this decrease potentiates bradykinin-induced cell growth. We found that STE induced a significant concentration- and time-dependent decrease in ACE activity in cultured HCPC-1 cells (P < 0.05). STE alone had no significant effect on cell number. Bradykinin alone induced a slight, but significant, increase in cell number (P < 0.05). These effects were significantly potentiated by STE (P < 0.01). We conclude that STE potentiates bradykinin-induced HCPC-1 cell growth, in part by attenuating specific ACE activity in these cells.
Primary Epstein-Barr virus infections in African infants. II. Clinical and serological observations during seroconversion.

Of 27 Ghanaian infants examined monthly for the first 15 months of life and once more at 21 months, 12 acquired primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections by the age of 1 year and 9 others seroconverted during the subsequent period of observation. The seroconversions were not accompanied by significant clinical or physical signs of illness and in none of the infants was a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis (IM) suspected on the basis of hematologic observations. The 12 early seroconverters, providing the most extensive follow-up data, showed transient IgM antibody responses to EB viral capsid antigen (VCA) which in some cases initially exceeded the corresponding IgG antibodies in titer. Peak VCA-specific IgG titers were noted 2 months after seroconversion and were comparable to those seen in IM. Most of the infants developed antibodies to the EBV-induced early antigen complex which were directed, however, against the R (restricted) component, as observed in Burkitt's lymphoma, and not against the D (diffuse) component, as noted in IM. Low titers of VCA-specific IgA antibodies emerged in five of the cases. Usually, EBV-neutralizing antibodies were already present in the first anti-VCA-positive serum but antibodies to the EBV-associated nuclear antigen (EBNA) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytolysis (ADCC) became detectable only months after seroconversion. No heterophil antibody responses, or at most barely significant ones, were recorded. Attempts to demonstrate EBV in throat swab specimens met with limited success, suggesting a low degree of viral excretion during silent seroconversions. Possible explanations for the differences between clinical, hematologic and serologic responses to primary EBV infections in infancy and later in life are discussed.
Aggressive skull base metastasis from uveal melanoma: a clinicopathologic study.

Purpose We present the clinical, pathologic, and genetic findings of the first reported case of choroidal melanoma that developed a late recurrence and aggressive metastasis to the skull base without evidence of hepatic involvement. Methods Retrospective chart review and clinicopathologic correlation of ocular and brain tissue, including sequencing of BAP1 for mutations. Results A 55-year-old woman was diagnosed with choroidal melanoma and treated with proton radiotherapy. Six years later, she developed a rapidly growing local recurrence involving the ciliary body and iris. Upon enucleation, histopathology revealed an iris and ciliary body epithelioid melanoma that was contiguous with the previously treated, regressed spindle cell choroidal melanoma. Imaging was initially negative for brain involvement. Two months later, she developed cranial neuropathies and was found to have a large skull base lesion that required surgical debulking for pain palliation. Histopathology confirmed the lesion to be metastatic melanoma. Both ocular and brain tumor specimens were wild-type for BAP1. Throughout her course, she developed no hepatic metastases. Conclusions Uveal melanoma may metastasize to the skull base. The present case was characterized by delayed onset and unusual aggressiveness of the metastatic disease, and lack of BAP1 mutation. The unusual course highlights a unique phenotype that may reflect an alternate molecular mechanism for metastatic disease.
Cooperating to compete: altruism, sexual selection and causes of male reproductive cooperation

Competition among males for access to reproductive opportunities is a central tenet of behavioural biology that has critical implications for studies of mating systems, sexual selection and the evolution of numerous phenotypic traits. Given the expectation that males should compete vigorously for access to females, it may at first seem paradoxical that males in some species cooperate to reproduce, often resulting in the apparent sacrifice of direct fitness by some members of these cooperative partnerships. Because this form of cooperation lies at the interface between natural, sexual and kin selection, studies of the adaptive consequences of male reproductive cooperation may yield important insights into how complex and sometimes conflicting selective pressures shape individual behaviour. Here, we define and review examples of reproductive cooperation among male animals. We take an integrative approach to reviewing the potential causes of maleemale cooperation, including potential adaptive hypotheses, ecological correlates, phylogenetic patterns and physiological mechanisms. The impact of male reproductive cooperation on sexual selection theory is also discussed. We conclude by outlining several important directions for future research, including efforts to improve understanding of the ecological and demographic contexts in which male reproductive cooperation occurs. Collectively, such analyses promise to improve our understanding of multiple fundamental concepts in evolutionary biology. 2013 The Authors. Published on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Measuring and Predicting Prostate Cancer Related Quality of Life Changes Using EPIC for Clinical Practice

Purpose: We expanded the clinical usefulness of EPIC-CP (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice) by evaluating its responsiveness to health related quality of life changes, defining the minimally important differences for an individual patient change in each domain and applying it to a sexual outcome prediction model.Materials and Methods: In 1,201 subjects from a previously described multicenter longitudinal cohort we modeled the EPIC-CP domain scores of each treatment group before treatment, and at short-term and long-term followup. We considered a posttreatment domain score change from pretreatment of 0.5 SD or greater clinically significant and p ≤0.01 statistically significant. We determined the domain minimally important differences using the pooled 0.5 SD of the 2, 6, 12 and 24-month posttreatment changes from pretreatment values. We then recalibrated an EPIC-CP based nomogram model predicting 2-year post-prostatectomy functional erection from that developed using EPIC-26.Re...
SHARE: SoH-aware reconfiguration to enhance deliverable capacity of large-scale battery packs

Unbalanced battery cells are known to significantly degrade the performance and reliability of a large-scale battery system. In this paper, we exploit emerging reconfigurable battery packs to mitigate the cell imbalance via the joint consideration of system reconfigurability and State-of-Health (SoH) of cells. Via empirical measurements and validation, we observe that a significantly larger amount of capacity can be delivered when cells with similar SoH levels are connected in series during discharging, which in turn extends the system operation time. Based on this observation, we propose two SoH-aware reconfiguration algorithms focusing on fully and partially reconfigurable battery packs, and prove their (near) optimality. We evaluate the proposed SoH-aware reconfiguration algorithms using both experiments and simulations. The algorithms are shown to deliver about 10--30% more capacity than SoH-oblivious configuration approaches.
The visceral fat compartment is independently associated with changes in urine constituent excretion in a stone forming population

The objective of this study was to identify the independent effect of visceral fat on urine constituent excretion in a stone forming population. Using a database of 382 kidney stone patients with available visceral fat quantification, we created multiple linear regression models predicting changes in urinary solutes based on visceral fat area and body mass-index, divided by gender. Chi-square tests were used to compare stone composition by body mass-index and visceral fat area. Visceral fat predicts increases in urinary creatinine, sodium, and volume in men, but only urinary phosphate in women. In women, total body mass-index does not appear to modify this effect, but in men it is more pronounced in overweight patients for creatinine and volume only. Elevated visceral fat is associated with increased probability of uric acid stone composition. Different fat compartments likely effect urine composition in different ways. This effect appears to be different in men and women. Understanding and quantifying the effects of different fat compartments is probably important to understanding the metabolism of urolithiasis.
The isolation of (−)-E-1-chlorotridec-1-ene-6,8-diol from a marine cyanophyte

Abstract (−)- E -1-Chlorotridec-1-ene-6,8-diol is a major constituent in a mixture of cyanophytes, tentatively identified as primarily Schizothrix calcicola and Oscillatoria nigroviridis , from Enewetak Atoll. The absolute configuration of the diol is probably 6 R ,8 R .
Sustained-release aspirin in children

Serial plasma salicylate levels were measured in children with acute rheumatic fever following a single dose and maintenance therapy with different regimens of regular and sustained-release aspirin preparations. The plasma salicylate levels were comparable following a single equivalent dose of regular and sustained-release aspirin preparations except for the 2 hour level when regular aspirin gave higher levels. With maintenance sustained-release aspirin tablets given every 8 or 12 hours, plasma salicylate levels were comparable to those obtained with regular aspirin given 5 times daily. Preliminary results of a double-blind, crossover study of 13 children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis suggest that a sustained-release aspirin preparation given every 8 hour is as effective as regular aspirin tablets given 5 times daily in suppressing symptoms of arthritis.
Cross-reactivity of antibodies for glutamine synthetases from mesophilic and extremely thermophilic Bacillus sp.

Abstract Titrations of polyclonal antibodies against glutamine synthetase ( l -glutamate:ammonia ligase (ADP-forming), EC 6.3.1.2) from Bacillus subtilis and from an extreme thermophile, Bacillus caldolyticus , were performed. The relative strengths of cross-reaction indicated that (a) the two isoforms from B. caldolyticus , E-I and E-II, are more similar to B. subtilis glutamine synthetase than to each other, and (b) B. subtilis glutamine synthetase is more similar to E-II than to E-I. Antibodies inhibit glutamine synthetase activity directly in vitro, with or without substrates present.
Printable Ammonia Sensor Based on Organic Field Effect Transistor

Abstract We report an organic field-effect transistor (OFET)-based sensor made from printable materials with an unusually high sensitivity of 0.5 ppm v/v for ammonia and with limit of detection on the order of 0.1 ppm v/v. The device developed has a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate, bottom contacts, and poly ( 3 , 3 ‴ -didodecylquaterthiophene) (PQT-12) cast from 4 mg/mL cholorobenzene solution as active semiconductor. The fabrication process is simplified by replacing the gate electrode and dielectric deposition steps with the introduction of static charges on the back surface of the PET substrate by corona charging, a procedure that is adaptable to roll-to-roll processing. Hydrophobic polymers applied to the back surface stabilize this charge, providing evidence for their activity at that location. In the proposed sensor, these static charges are used as a static gate, reducing the OFET architecture to a chemiresistor. The sensor is selective for ammonia over common organic solvent vapors, and the response is generally reversible. The device also demonstrates memory behavior required for dosimetric sensors when kept at low temperature (4 °C to −30 °C). A converse response from an n-channel semiconductor is also reported.
Experimental and modeling study of fuel interactions with an alkyl nitrate cetane enhancer, 2-ethyl-hexyl nitrate

Abstract This study investigates the autoignition behavior of two gasoline surrogates doped with an alkyl nitrate cetane enhancer, 2-ethyl-hexyl nitrate (2EHN) to better understand dopant interactions with the fuels, including influences of accelerating kinetic pathways and enhanced exothermicity. A primary reference fuel (PRF) blend of n-heptane/iso-octane, and a toluene reference fuel (TRF) blend of n-heptane/iso-octane/toluene are used where the aromatic fraction of the latter is set to 20% (liquid volume), while the content of n-heptane is adjusted so that the overall reactivity of the undoped fuels is similar, e.g., Anti-Knock Index (AKI) of ∼91, Cetane Number (CN) ∼25. Doping levels of 0.1, 1.0 and 3.0% (liquid volume basis) are used where tests are conducted within a rapid compression machine (RCM) at a compressed pressure of 21 bar, covering temperatures from 675 to 1025 K with stoichiometric fuel–oxygen ratios at O2 = 11.4%. At the experimental conditions, it is found that the doping effectiveness of 2EHN is fairly similar between the two fuels, though 2EHN is more effective in the aromatic blend at the lowest temperatures, while it is slightly more effective in the non-aromatic blend at intermediate temperatures. Kinetic modeling of the experiments indicates that although some of the reactivity trends can be captured using a detailed model, the extents of predicted Cetane Number enhancement by 2EHN are too large, while differences in fuel interactions for the two fuels result in excessive stimulation of the non-aromatic blend. Sensitivity analysis using the kinetic model indicates that the CH2O and CH3O2 chemistry are very sensitive to the dopant at all conditions. The rate of 2EHN decomposition is only important at low temperatures where its decomposition rate is slow due to the high activation energy of the reaction. At higher temperatures, dopant-derived 3-heptyl radicals are predicted to play an important role stimulating ignition. Finally, nitrogen chemistry is important through the ’NO – NO2 loop’ where this can generate substantial amounts of OH. However, at the highest doping levels the formation of methyl and ethyl nitrite, and nitric acid significantly competes with this so that less OH is generated and this constrains the reactivity enhancement of 2EHN.
Interactive evolutionary approaches to multiobjective spatial decision making: A synthetic review

Abstract This paper reviews recent developments in evolutionary algorithms and visualization in the context of multiobjective spatial decision making. A synthetic perspective is employed to bridge these two areas and to create a unified conceptual framework that can be used to address a broad range of multiobjective spatial decision problems. In this framework, evolutionary algorithms are employed to generate optimal, or near-optimal, solutions to a problem being addressed. Alternatives created are then displayed in an interactive visual support system that can be used by decision makers to discover the competing nature of multiple objectives and to gain knowledge about the tradeoffs among alternatives.
Truth in SPEC benchmarks

The System Performance Evaluation Cooperative (SPEC) benchmarks are a set of integer and floating-point programs that are intended to be “effective and fair in comparing the performance of high performance computing systems”. SPEC ratings are often quoted in company advertising and have been trusted as the de facto measure of comparison for computer systems. Recently, there has been some concern regarding the fairness and the value of these benchmarks for comparing computer systems. In this paper we investigate the following two questions regarding the SPEC92 benchmark suite: 1) How sensitive are the SPEC ratings to various tunings? 2) How reproducible are the published results? For six vendors, we compare the published SPECpeak and SPECbase ratings, and observe an 11% average improvement in the SPECpeak ratings due to changes in the compiler flags alone. In our own attempt to reproduce the published SPEC ratings, we came across various “explicit” and “hidden” tuning parameters that we consider unrealistic. We suggest a new unit called SPECsimple that requires using only the -O compiler optimization flag, shared libraries, and standard system configuration. SPECsimple is designed to better match the performance experienced by a typical user. Our measured SPECsimples are 65-86% of the advertised SPECpeak performance. We conclude this paper by citing cases compiler optimizations specifically designed for SPEC programs, in which performance decreases drastically or the computed results are incorrect if the compiled program does not exactly match the SPEC benchmark program. These findings show that the fairness and value of the popular SPEC benchmarks are questionable.
021 UVB emitting fiber optic hair brush for the treatment of scalp psoriasis

This work-in-progress evaluates the efficacy of a unique UVB fiber optic comb device for treating scalp psoriasis. Informed consent was obtained on 11 enrolled patients. One scalp psoriasis plaque was left as a control, while another was selected for treatment. An MED was performed on the lower back or gluteal skin to determine the subject's baseline sensitivity to the comb device. On the selected sit, mineral oil was first applied with a soaked gauze to enhance UV delivery and the first treatment was at 1 MED. Subsequent treatments were thrice weekly at 72 h intervals with maximum increments of 20% per treatment. Treatments ended after 12 weeks or when clearing occurred, whichever came first. Clinical evaluation and standardized photographs were taken at baseline and every 2 weeks thereafter. Results On average, patients have received 24 treatments (range: 2–36). At baseline, PASI scores for the treated and control sides did not differ significantly (mean difference: 0.4, P= 0.1106). Improvement scores, calculated by subtracting the most recent PASI score from the baseline value, were higher for the treated sides (3.9 vs. 0.3, P = 0.0002). Three patients showed worsening in the control area. Ten of the 11 patients showed improvement in the treated area; none experienced worsening of symptoms. Conclusions The fiber optic brush offers an exciting potential for treating scalp psoriasis.
The Influence of African American Elders' Belief Systems on Health Interactions

This qualitative article explores how African-American elders' cultural and religious belief systems informed elders' perceptions of: (a) healthcare encounters, (b) quality of healthcare received and, (c) relationships with providers. The descriptive study involved interviews with African American elders (N = 60), 60 years of age and older. Open-ended interview questions concerned elders' perceptions of how their age, gender, race, and belief systems impacted quality of healthcare interactions. Three interrelated themes linked elders' responses: (a) desire for connectedness, (b) sense of marginality, and (c) reliance on God and cultural traditions. Findings show the value of social workers designing assessments, programs, and interventions that qualitatively explore African American elders' beliefs. A qualitative exploration can use elders' own words to show the significance of their cultural and faith traditions in all aspects of their lives.
Q2 duality, spectral functions and low-lying mesons

Abstract Using the QCD corrected spectral functions in finite Q 2 sum rules, we compute the current coupling of the five low-lying mesons π, ϱ, K, K ∗ , A 1 . For values of quark masses m u = m d = 250 MeV, m s = 400 MeV and of the QCD scale parameter Λ = 500 MeV, we obtain striking agreement with experiment.
A model for tides and currents in the English Channel and southern North Sea

Abstract The amplitude and phase of 11 tidal constituents for the English Channel and southern North Sea are calculated using a frequency domain, finite element model. The governing equations — the shallow water equations — are modifed such that sea level is calculated using an elliptic equation of the Helmholz type followed by a back-calculation of velocity using the primitive momentum equations. Triangular elements with linear basis functions are used. The modified form of the governing equations provides stable solutions with little numerical noise. In this field-scale test problem, the model was able to produce the details of the structure of 11 tidal constituents including O1, K1, M2, S2, N2, K2, M4, MS4, MN4, M6, and 2MS6.
A conjectural variation approach to strategic tariff equilibria

Abstract This paper examines tariff equilibria in a static two country trade model under a general class of conjectures regarding foreign retaliation. We assume that each country chooses its optimum tariff given some conjecture in this class and derive the associated conjectural tariff equilibrium, which can be thought of as a Nash equilibrium conditional on each country's conjecture about how the foreign country will retaliate. Our main contribution is to show that when marginal propensities to consume imports are sufficiently small, increased expectation of retaliation results in lower equilibrium tariffs for both countries. Since countries in general probably do expect some retaliation, it therefore appears that the traditional Cournot-Nash analysis probably overstates the trade restrictiveness of tariff wars.
Nanoanalytical characterization of Pr0.5Tb0.5Ox obtained from in situ video observation in the high resolution electron microscope

Abstract This paper illustrates the capability, with the high resolution electron microscope and associated techniques, of characterizing a material with lateral resolution near the atomic level, temporal resolution at 1/30 s, and chemical analysis of volumes no more than 2 nm wide perpendicular to the electron beam. Pr 0.5 Tb 0.5 (OH)CO 3 , in the form of an amorphous colloidal sphere, is transformed through (Pr 0.5 Tb 0.5 O) 2 CO 3 to the oxide, Pr 0.5 Tb 0.5 O x . Chemical analysis through the various stages of decomposition establishes essentially random dispersal of the rare earths. Structural analysis of video frames at time intervals of a few 1/30 s permit progressive characterization of the material as it changes. This is relevant to the promulgation of mechanisms of solid state reactions at the atomic level.
The Effects of Online Syllabus Interactivity on Students' Perception of the Course and Instructor

Abstract Online educational materials differ widely in the degree to which they feature interactivity between system and users. A three-condition, between participants controlled experiment ( n =49) was designed to examine whether the level of interactivity in an online syllabus influences students' first impressions of the course and instructor. Participants viewed identical syllabi, differing only in the number and relationship of hyperlinks. The independent variable, interactivity, was manipulated to have three ordinal levels: a website with no links (low interactivity), a website with three linearly sequenced links (medium interactivity), and a website with three links, each hierarchically related to three further links (high interactivity). Following exposure, subjects completed a paper and pencil questionnaire to assess their impressions. Participants in the linear sequenced conditions (low and medium interactivity collapsed into the “some” interactivity condition) showed more positive perceptions of the instructor compared to participants in the “high” interactivity condition. Future work and theoretical implications for the operationalization of interactivity as well as practical implications for distance education content design are discussed.
A Change In Paradigm: Applying Contributions of Genetic Research to Teaching About Race and Racism in Social Studies Education

Abstract Race is a sociopolitical construct that is often inappropriately treated as a biological reality. This incorrect application of the construct must be challenged. The social studies curriculum, an appropriate place for this challenge, faces two tasks: correcting the concept of race, and working to eliminate the racism that its misuse has created. To do so, social studies educators must employ interdisciplinary content and perspectives in order to reshape the discussion of race and racism in social studies education. In this manner, the new scientific data on the essential biological unity of modern humans can be integrated into existing knowledge on teacher preparation so as to provide the necessary intellectual depth to achieve the paradigm change needed for an informed citizenry.
Subscales, subscores, or summative score: evaluating the contribution of Braden Scale items for predicting pressure ulcer risk in older adults receiving home health care.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether certain Braden subscales or subscores were more important than others or the summative score in predicting stage I to IV pressure ulcers among older adults receiving home health care. Design A retrospective cohort study (secondary analysis) was used. Setting and subjects The cohort sample included 1684 nonhospice patients who were not receiving intravenous therapy and who were admitted to the Intermittent Skilled Nursing Division of a large midwestern home health care agency between January 1995 and March 1996. The patients were ≥60 years and free of pressure ulcers. Methods Demographic data and data on the Braden Scale were extracted from admission information. Patient records were followed forward chronologically to 1 of 2 outcomes: development or absence of pressure ulcers (ie, free of pressure ulcers upon discharge, institutionalization, death, or the end of the study period). Results Following admission, a stage I to IV pressure ulcer developed in 107 subjects (incidence = 6.3%). Cox regression analysis revealed that activity and moisture subscale scores predicted pressure ulcer development. Regression modeling of individual Braden Scale subscores (response categories) revealed that problems with friction/shear, being very limited in mobility, and being constantly moist, very moist, or occasionally moist predicted pressure ulcer development. When the overall level of risk was added to each of these models, the Braden Scale summative score was most strongly related to pressure ulcer development. No simplified scale improved risk prediction. Conclusions When the Braden Scale was used, the summative score rather than any subscale or subscore best predicted pressure ulcer risk among the older adults receiving home health care.
Environmental impacts of integrating wind energy systems and supplemental energy generation and storage systems

Wind energy systems offer a promising alternative energy source due to the environmental, economic, and social benefits and, as a result, have garnered support for development and implementation. One of the major drawbacks of wind energy, however, is its variability due to the stochastic nature of wind, thus, supplemental energy generation or storage technologies are required. In this study, a life cycle assessment approach is applied to estimate the environmental impacts of potential supplemental energy generation (biomass, natural gas, and hydropower) and potential supplemental energy storage (zinc-bromine batteries) systems for a wind park. Cradle-to-grave environmental impacts for the systems are compared to those for a coal-based energy system. Results indicate that the environmental impacts from the wind park and zinc-bromine battery are lower than the impacts from coal power generation, but greater than the impacts of wind energy with supplemental energy generation from biomass, hydropower, or natural gas.
Magnetooptic direct overwrite using a resonant bias coil

A method is introduced for achieving direct (single-pass) overwrite in magnetooptical disk systems. In this method, a sinusoidal magnetic bias field is efficiently generated by incorporating the bias coil in a parallel resonant LC circuit. Magnetooptic domains of either sign can be written by timing laser pulses to coincide with either positive or negative peaks of the field. Continuous domains of variable length are written by overlapping the domains generated by successive laser pulses. Using a bias field with a fixed frequency of 4.5 MHz, carriers at various lower frequencies were written on a TbFe disk with 47-dB carrier-to-noise ratio. Direct overwrite resulted in erasure of old carriers by at least 34 dB. Suitable run-length-limited coding schemes are discussed, and a novel code type, called (d, k)-even 0, is introduced. >
Parametric digital auctions

We study revenue maximization for digital auctions, where there are infinitely many copies of a good for sale. There are n buyers, each of whom is interested in obtaining one copy of the good. The buyers' private valuations are drawn from a joint distribution vec{F}. The seller does not know this distribution. The only information that she has are the mean ui and variance σi2 of each buyer i's marginal distribution Fi. We call such auctions parametric auctions. We construct a deterministic parametric auction that, for a wide class of distributions, guarantees a constant fraction of the optimal revenue achievable when the seller precisely knows the distribution F. Furthermore, our auction is a posted price mechanism and it is maximin optimal among all such mechanisms. That is, it is the posted price mechanism that maximizes revenue in the worst case over an adversarial choice of the distribution.
Application of IntelliDrive Information System to Enhance High-Speed Intersection Safety

Traffic safety at high-speed intersections remains a critical problem in traffic operations and control. Although advance detectors are used to respond to varying traffic demands, most detectors (loops or video) in use today are placed at fixed points at intersection approaches according to the roadway design speed. Because the location and size of a dilemma zone vary with changes in traffic and roadway conditions (e.g., excessive speeds or reduced roadway friction on wet or icy pavement), the permanent placement of detectors offers limited protection for approaching vehicles. The vehicle-tracking capability of the IntelliDrive system is investigated as a solution to provide vehicle data at high-speed intersections. By obtaining constant speed information of the approaching vehicle, the system determines and provides the most needed protection zone for the vehicle to reduce traffic conflicts. When properly designed, the intersection operates more safely and, in some cases, more efficiently because unneeded time extensions can be eliminated. The effectiveness of the proposed vehicle protection concept is demonstrated in a case study, in which the probability of max-out and the reliability of dilemma zone protection are analyzed and compared with those of a fixed detector scheme.
Investigation of microstrip radial stub CAD models from 2 to 60 GHz

The accuracy of microstrip radial stub computer-aided design (CAD) models is investigated both experimentally and against electromagnetic simulations. A dual-resonator technique is used to eliminate confounding variables and to obtain accurate experimental data. This technique is extended beyond the earlier perturbation analysis applied to discontinuities to enable checking models that have significant electrical length. Model phase errors in excess of 16° have been found for the microstrip radial stub. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 10: 95–107, 2000
A high order Boltzmann machine configuration for transfer sequence searches in decomposed state machines

Summary form only given, as follows. A neural network architecture in the form of a high-order Boltzmann machine is proposed for the transfer sequence search of a decomposed sequential machine. The transfer sequence for each component machine can be found using a second-order Boltzmann machine, but the dependencies between component machines require high-order connections. The Boltzmann machine configuration as a constraint satisfaction network for a sequential machine structure is defined. The global and the local energy terms for the overall architecture are defined based on the component machine state tables and the state transition dependencies between machines. The application of the proposed architecture to a sample problem is demonstrated by using a fourth-order Boltzmann machine for the transfer sequence search in a serially decomposed sequential machine. >
Knowledge discovery and validation in software metrics databases

ABSTRACT The explosive growth of commercial and scientific databases has outpaced our ability to manually analyze and in-terpret this data. The newly emerging interdisciplinary field of knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) provides methodologies for seeking valuable and useful information from these databases. In this paper we describe a method-ology for identifying high fault modules in software metrics databases. It employs radial basis function model for the data mining phase of the KDD process based on our newly developed algorithm. We use the well known bootstrapmethod for model validation and accuracy estimation of the classification task. As an example, a genuine problem from NASA software database is explored. Keywords: Knowledge discovery, validation, software engineering, radial basis functions, bootstrap 1. INTRODUCTION Knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) is the nontrivial process of identifying valid, novel, potentially useful and ultimately understandable patterns in data.' The notion of finding useful patterns in data has been given variousnames including data mining. However, in recent years, the term KDD has been reserved for the broad processof finding useful information while data mining refers to the actual activity of extracting patterns by employing a
mShal, a subfamily of A-type K+ channel cloned from mammalian brain.

Abstract We have cloned and expressed a mouse brain cDNA, mShal, that encodes a transient, A-type K+ current. mShal, the vertebrate homolog of the Drosophila Shal gene, defines a distinct subfamily of voltage-gated K+ channels. The Shal deduced proteins are more highly conserved between mouse and Drosophila than other presently known K+ channels. mShal carries a "low-threshold" A-type current with a hyperpolarized steady-state inactivation midpoint. Marked similarity was observed between mShal and its Drosophila homolog, fShal, with regard to voltage sensitivity of activation, macroscopic inactivation, steady-state inactivation, and 4-aminopyridine sensitivity. Sequence conservation for Shal proteins is unusually high at the amino terminus, an area considered important for inactivation. Removal of conserved amino-terminal residues from mShal modifies macroscopic inactivation but the transient nature of the current is preserved. Underlying the very high conservation of mShal and fShal may be a role in the nervous system that is conserved in widely divergent species.
Stochastic flows on a countable set: Convergence in distribution

Consider a sequenceF1,F2,... of i.i.d. random transformations from a countable setV toV. Such a sequence describes a discrete-time stochastic flow onV, in which the position at timen of a particle that started at sitex isMn(x), whereM n =F n ∘F n−1 ∘⋯∘F1. We give conditions on the law ofF1 for the sequence (Mn) to be tight, and describe the possible limiting law. an example called the block charge model is introduced. The results can be formulated as a statement about the convergence in distribution of products of infinite-dimensional random stochastic matrices. In practical terms, they describe the possible equilibria for random motions of systems of particles on a countable set, without births or deaths, where each site may be occupied by any number of particles, and all particles at a particular site move together.
A mathematical model for the flow in an electrodialysis cell

Abstract An analytical solution is presented for the flow between two parallel plates in the presence of a net-like material. A mathematical model is postulated to simulate the flow in an electrodialysis cell, i.e., between two membranes in the presence of a “spacer”. Darcy's law is extended to include this model. Beside the analytical solution, a single non-dimensional number is shown to characterize the spacer.
Prenatal dysthymia versus major depression effects on early mother-infant interactions: A brief report

Maternal dysthymia and major depression effects on mother-infant interactions were assessed when the infants were 3-months-old. The dysthymia group mothers spent less time smiling, touching and imitating their infants and more time moving their infants' limbs. The infants of the dysthymia group mothers spent less time smiling and more time showing distress behaviors.
698 ABSENCE OF SIXTH COMPONENT OF COMPLEMENT (C6) IN A CHILD WITH CHRONIC MENINGOCOCCEMIA

We report the fifth patient with Neisseria sepsis and absence of functional C6. A six year old Black male developed chronic meningococcemia consisting of 3 episodes of fever, arthritis and rash over a 5 week period. Each acute illness resolved after 3-5 days. During the 3rd attack, Neisseria meningitidis, Group B was recovered from blood and nasopharyngeal cultures. Symptoms disappeared and have not recurred following treatment with penicillin G and sulfasoxazole. Total hemolytic complement (CH50) was undetectable. C6 function was absent by specific hemolytic assay and was partially restored following the addition of functionally pure human C6 to the patient's serum. All of the classic complement components were normal. Mother's CH50 was normal and C6 hemolytic titer was 88% of a normal pool. Granulocyte function as determined by the NBT test was normal (20% unstimulated, 60% stimulated). Immunoglobulin concentrations were normal. Antibody activity in serum obtained 5 days following the positive blood culture was assessed against the patient's strain of meningococcus. Fluorescent antibody titers were: IgG 1:512, IgA 1:64, IgM 1:256. Bactericidal titer of the patient's serum was <1:4. When normal rabbit serum was added, the bactericidal titer increased to 1:8. Recurrent Neisseria sepsis requires evaluation for the congenital absence of one of the terminal C components.
Exploring a Decrease in Recognition Performance for Non-Antecedents Following the Processing of Anaphors

Recognition judgments to the non-antecedents of a repeated-noun anaphor are slower and less accurate after than before the processing of the anaphor. Disagreement exists as to whether this pattern of performance reflects a bias shift carried out by a memory process associated with the recognition of a word that has previously occurred in the discourse or an accessibility reduction carried out by a comprehension process specifically tied to the resolution of anaphors. The results of 3 experiments supported the memory-based account.
Synthesis of the A,G-spiroimine of pinnatoxins by a microwave-assisted tandem Claisen-Mislow-Evans rearrangement

Abstract The synthesis of the characteristic A,G-spiromine of pinnatoxins and pteriatoxins employing a microwave-assisted tandem Claisen–Mislow–Evans rearrangement is described. The study also features a highly efficient Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction forming a tetrasubstituted vinyl ether as a part of the dihydropyran ring and a brief study of the hydrolytic stability of the spirocyclic imine.
Predisposing, Enabling, and Need for Dental Treatment Characteristics of ICS-II USA Ethnically Diverse Groups

Personal characteristics (predisposing, enabling, and need) are described for the population-based samples of adults interviewed in the International Collaborative Study of Oral Health Outcomes (ICS-II) USA research locations. Differences in sample characteristics are compared by ethnic group (African-American, Native American, Hispanic, and White) and age cohort (35-44 and 65-74 years old) by means of Bonferroni multiple-means tests and Student's t tests. Differences in the personal characteristics of these diverse comparison groups abound. Bivariate results indicated that White adults from both age cohorts had higher socio-economic levels, more positive self-rated health status, and greater proportions of individuals with dental benefits. Lakota adults from both age cohorts reported lower self-rated health status and were most likely to report total tooth loss. Hispanic persons were significantly less likely to report a usual source of dental care or dental benefits. Need for dental treatment (oral pain...
Nonlinear Analysis of a Rigid Rotor on Magnetic Bearings

A simple model of a rigid rotor supported on magnetic bearings is considered. A proportional control architecture is assumed, the nonlinear equations of motion are derived and some essential nondimensional parameters are identified. The free and forced response of the system is analyzed using techniques of nonlinear analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative results are obtained and stability criteria are derived for safe operation of the system.Copyright © 1995 by ASME
Making Informed Decisions: Regulatory Interactions Between Two-Component Systems

Bacteria experience a multitude of stresses in the complex niches they inhabit. These stresses are denoted by specific signals that typically alter the activity of individual two-component regulatory systems. Processing of multiple signals by different two-component systems occurs when multiple sensors interact with a single response regulator, by phosphatases interrupting phosphoryl transfer in phosphorelays and through transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Gaining insight into these mechanisms provides an understanding at the molecular level of bacterial adaptation to ever changing multifaceted environments.