cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Models of adoption and best practices for mobile hands-on learning in electrical engineering

Pedagogical practices in electrical engineering education have been shifting away from teacher-centered learning during the past decade. An innovation that has enabled the adoption of inquiry-based and problem-based learning into the curriculum using experimentation coupled with simulation and analysis has been the development of portable oscilloscopes and other instruments that rely on tablet or laptop computers to perform some of the data processing and to act as the display. Faculty members at six institutions of higher learning have incorporated hands-on experimental activities into existing courses and/or developed new courses that take advantage of these new tools. Assessment data collected by these faculty members have demonstrated that the change towards student-centered learning facilitated by portable electronics increased student interest in electrical engineering, built student confidence in their ability to design circuits and systems, and supported the development of a deeper understanding of the theories that the students investigate or apply in the hands-on activities. A summary of the challenges that are faced in the different implementation models and a discussion of best practices are presented.
An EEG-based brain-computer interface for cursor control

Abstract This study began development of a new communication and control modality for individuals with severe motor deficits. We trained normal subjects to use the 8–12 Hz mu rhythm recorded from the scalp over the central sulcus of one hemisphere to move a cursor from the center of a video screen to a target located at the top or bottom edge. Mu rhythm amplitude was assessed by on-line frequency analysis and translated into cursor movement: larger amplitudes moved the cursor up and smaller amplitudes moved it down. Over several weeks, subjects learned to change mu rhythm amplitude quickly and accurately, so that the cursor typically reached the target in 3 sec. The parameters that translated mu rhythm amplitudes into cursor movements were derived from evaluation of the distribution of amplitudes in response to top and bottom targets. The use of these distributions was a distinctive feature of this study and the key factor in its success. Refinements in training procedures and in the distribution-based method used to translate mu rhythm amplitudes into cursor movements should further improve this 1-dimensional control. Achievement of 2-dimensional control is under study. The mu rhythm may provide a significant new communication and control option for disabled individuals.
Evidence-based Medicine and Practice Guidelines: Solution or Problem? Part 1. Evidence-based Medicine and Evidence-based Surgery

Abstract Evidence-based medicine is widely used for decision-making in the medical field; evidence-based surgery is much less used, however, due to intrinsic and extrinsic limitations, primarily the operators' variability of performance. Evidence-based medicine and evidence-based surgery are effectively used to synthesise, in practical statements and numbers, the large amount of clinical information published in the medical literature, leading to the exclusion from medical practice of objectively useless or damaging procedures. However, the risks associated with their incorrect use ought not to be overlooked. Evidence-based medicine and evidencebased surgery are physically limited by the published literature, since only well-studied procedures can become the object of undisputed external evidence. Evidence-based medicine and evidence-based surgery are limited in their applicability to the individual patient, since the statistical inference on which they are based is applicable to populations, not to individuals. Finally, their very generation can be biased. Evidence-based medicine and evidence-based surgery can be useful tools for the education of health care workers and an effective support for planning the requisition of available medical resources. Neither, however, can restrict the right of each patient to the best available treatment, nor should they restrict the right and duty of each physician to apply to each patient the therapeutic approach considered most suitable under the specific conditions applicable to an individual. The physician's compliance with the information originated by evidence-based medicine and evidence-based surgery can, at most, guarantee that no major mistakes have been made, rather than to have acted in the patient's best interest, and in an ethically appropriate way.
Trends in the Social Psychological Study of Justice

Justice is one of the most basic and potentially important social psychological areas of inquiry. The assumption that others will be fair is what makes social cooperation possible. This article provides a brief review of trends, both historical and current, n the social psychological study of justice, and provides an introduction for a special issue of Personality and Social Psychology Review devoted to social psychological theorizing and research on the role that justice plays in human affairs. This overview highlights some exciting new directions in justice theorizing and research, including new uses of identity's ties to justice reasoning, increased attention to negative justice and moral emotion, as well as a greater emphasis on integrative and contingent, rather than competing, social psychological models of justice.
Conformation of concanavalin A and its fragments in aqueous solution and organic solvent-water mixtures.

The conformations of concanavalin A (con A), an all-β protein, and its three CNBr-cleaved fragments were studied by CD. Con A in buffer showed a 197 nm maximum and a 223 nm minimum, which were red-shifted by 6–7 nm from those of regular all-β proteins and β-sheet of (Lys) n . Fragment 1 (residue 1–42) resembled an unordered form with a CD maximum at 200 nm, but fragments 2 (residues 43–129) and 3 (residues 130–237) showed a regular CD spectrum with two extrema at 192–193 nm (+) and 214–216 nm (−). Equimolar mixture of the three fragments showed some degree of interaction, but did not reconstitute the conformation of native con A, probably because of the loss of bound Ca2+ and Mn2+ ions in the fragments. In ethanol-, methanol-, and dioxane-water mixed solvents, con A and its fragments remained as β-sheet. In contrast, addition of trifluoroethanol and sodium dodecyl sulfate induceda-helix at the expense of β-sheet for con A and its fragments in aqueous solution. In 80% trifluoroethanol, the induced helicities exceeded their sequence-predicted helix-potentials, but in 10 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate the helicities agreed well with corresponding predictions.
An expository model of credit rationing

Abstract This paper presents a simple exposition of the main results behind more complicated credit rationing models. It uses a standard, static model of the banking firm to analyze the effects of changing the interest rate on loans and the probability of repayment. Using simple elasticity arguments we demonstrate how “natural” credit rationing can arise.
Adjustment of the retinal angle in SD-OCT of glaucomatous eyes provides better intervisit reproducibility of peripapillary RNFL thickness.

PURPOSE To report an automated method for adjustment of the retinal angle in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and compare its intervisit reproducibility of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses of glaucomatous eyes to that obtained by the Cirrus algorithm. METHODS Fifty-six glaucoma and glaucoma suspect subjects were repeatedly imaged, and optic nerve head (ONH)-centered OCT image volumes (200×200×1024 voxels, 6×6×2 mm3, Cirrus HD-OCT machine) were acquired within a 4-month period from one eye of the 56 patients. Retinal angle correction in B-scans was accomplished by adjusting the angle using the voxel aspect ratio of the SD-OCT followed by straightening of rotated A-scans. The RNFL layer was automatically segmented using the Iowa Reference Algorithm. Reproducibility of the peripapillary RNFL thicknesses was determined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), repeatability coefficient (RC), and 95% tolerance limit (TL) for the Iowa Reference Algorithm without and with the retinal angle correction and for the Cirrus algorithm (Cirrus version 5.1.0.96). RESULTS The angle corrected Iowa Reference Algorithm (ICC: 0.990, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.983-0.994) for peripapillary RNFL thicknesses showed significantly better reproducibility than the nonangle corrected algorithm (ICC: 0.964, 95% CI: 0.940-0.979) and the Cirrus algorithm (ICC: 0.960, 95% CI: 0.933-0.976) based on the 95% CIs for the ICCs. CONCLUSIONS Angle correction leads to more consistent peripapillary RNFL thicknesses. This may lead to improved management of patients with glaucoma.
Communication in the courtship of a madagascan hissing cockroach. II. Effects of deantennation

Abstract The role of the antennae in courtship was studied by removing the antennae bilaterally from both male and female cockroaches, which were then paired with intact animals. These experimental pairings were compared with each other and with pairings of normal animals. Significant deviation from normal behaviour occurs in both the deantennated and the intact members of experimental pairs. When males are deantennated and paired with intact females the timing of courtship is prolonged and male cockroaches misdirect many of their copulation attempts. Under these conditions the intact female cockroaches perform some behaviours more frequently, in particular mounting and palpation. When deantennated females are paired with intact males, very little courtship ensues. The results suggest that information important to the progress of courtship is provided by both antennal inputs and antennal movements, and that the cockroaches are capable of some behavioural flexibility when deprived of this information.
Modulation of type Pi waves by temporal variations in ionospheric conductivity in a three-dimensional magnetosphere-ionosphere current system

Abstract It is suggested that Pi ULF waves are generated from magnetosphere-ionosphere current systems. This current system is modeled by an R (resistance), C (capacitance) and L (inductance) circuit loop in which R = R(t). We studied three cases of modification of ULF waves by variations in ionospheric conductivity: (1) ω ⪢ ω', (2) ω ≈ ω' and (3) ω ⪡ ω', where ω and ω' are the frequency of the driving electric field and ionospheric conductivity variations, respectively, assuming that both variations are sinusoidal. The characteristics of the modification are very different in these three cases. In case 1, the envelope of the ULF wave intensity correlates with the variations in ionospheric conductivity. In case 2, the wave form of the ULF waves is slightly modified from a sinusoidal wave. In case 3, high frequency components are generated in the ULF wave form due to rapid oscillations in ionospheric resistance. We present observational evidence for the existence of the three types of modifications.
Electronic design automation for social networks

Online social networks are a growing internet phenomenon: they connect millions of individuals through sharing of common interests, political and religious views, careers, etc. Social networking websites are observing an ever-increasing number of regular users, who rely on this virtual medium to connect with friends and share in the community. As a result, they have become the repository of a vast amount of demographic information, which could deliver valuable insights to businesses and individuals. However, as of today, this data is for the most part still untapped, partly because of the complexity entailed by analyzing some of these vast social connectivity graphs. Another area that deals with large data sets is Electronic Design Automation (EDA), the result of increasingly complex computer systems. The powerful tools used to deal with these data sets open many possibilities for social networks. In this work we propose to study interesting aspects of social networks by deploying some of the solutions commonly used in EDA.
Advances in Sturge-Weber syndrome.

Purpose of reviewRecent neuroimaging, clinical and molecular neuropathologic studies have provided new insights into the neurologic aspects of Sturge-Weber syndrome and are summarized here.Recent findingsMolecular studies suggest that abnormal brain blood vessel vasoactive and extracellular matrix m
Neonatal thymectomy prevents spontaneous diabetes mellitus in the BB/W rat

Complete neonatal thymectomy reduced the frequency of spontaneous diabetes mellitus in BioBreeding/Worcester rats from 27 to 3 percent. Incomplete thymectomy also significantly reduced the frequency of diabetes (to 9 percent). These findings strengthen the hypothesis that thymus-dependent, cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of pancreatic B cells is responsible for the pathogenesis of diabetes in this experimental animal.
Effect of manganese and nickel on growth of selected algae in pH buffered medium

Algal species distribution has frequently been correlated with pH and metal concentrations in streams contaminated by acid mine drainage. To determine if pH or metal is more influential in algal distribution, laboratory experiments were performed using two species of a filamentous green alga (Ulothrix) common in streams receiving acid mine drainage. Algae were exposed in acute toxicity tests to buffered growth media at various controlled pH levels and combinations of Mn and Ni concentrations. The growth of both species was affected by Mn and unaffected by pH levels typical of those in contaminated streams. Our results support the concept that metal concentration may be more influential than pH in determining algal distribution in streams receiving acid mine drainage. Also, we have identified a buffer that may be useful for algal toxicity tests since the buffer was resistant to daily pH drift, allowed formulation of a wide pH range and enabled vigorous growth of the algal species tested.
The importance of operations management problems in service organizations

This article reports on the research to empirically determine which operations management problems are the most important to small service organizations. The authors asked managers of service organizations to rank a set of operations problems according to their relative importance using Q methodology. In this article, Q method is explained, significant factors are analyzed, and explanations are offered for the ranking of the operations problems. The results indicate that forecasting, quality management, and resource utilization are important operational issues for service organizations. However, the results also indicate that facility location and layout, waiting line systems, and distribution requirements planning were for the most part unimportant to the respondent service organizations. In addition, Schmenner's service typology does not provide an explanatory basis for the variations in the factor results. Lastly, the results are used to suggest operations management techniques that should be taught to students who are expected to work in service organizations upon graduation.
Enhancement of sodium and chloride transport by monosaccharides in Aplysia californica intestine

Abstract 1. 1. Addition of d -glucose, d -galactose, or d -3-o-methyl glucose to the mucosal bathing medium stimulated rapid sustained increases in transmural potential difference (serosa negative) and short-circuit current. 2. 2. The change in short-circuit current increased curvilinearly with increasing concentrations of mucosal d -glucose. 3. 3. Addition of phlorizin to the mucosal bathing medium partially inhibited the d -glucose stimulation of transmural potential difference and short-circuit current. 4. 4. The major portion of the sugar-induced short-circuit current is carried by a net active chloride transfer from mucosa to serosa while the minor portion of the short-circuit current is wholly or predominantly carried by a net active sodium transfer from mucosa to serosa.
The ongoing challenges of regional and general anaesthesia in obstetrics

The increasing trend of caesarean section in the setting of increasing maternal age, obesity and other concomitant diseases will continue to challenge the obstetric anaesthetist in his/her task of providing regional and general anaesthesia. The challenges of providing anaesthesia for an emergency caesarean section, particularly the risks of general anaesthesia, will be debated. The need for involvement of a multidisciplinary team, good communication and challenges surrounding the provision of anaesthesia to such patients are discussed.
Burrow morphology, tube formation, and microarchitecture of shell dissolution by the spionid polychaete Polydora websteri

Burrow morphology, detrital tube formation within the burrow, and ultrastructure of the surface of the burrow of Polydora websteri Hartman, 1943, are described in the shells of Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) and of Mytilus edulis Linne. Observations were made on live worms living normally in artificial preparations of polished shell covered with transparent plastic film. P. websteri is capable of settling wherever there are crevices in shell surfaces, and slowly penetrates the shell forming a U- or flask-shaped cavity. A detrital tube is formed within the burrow from detritus collected and pressed in place by the worm. During this process, the modified setae of the 5th setiger are thrust against the wall of the inner tube and help to keep the diameter of the inner tube constant throught its length. Individuals of P. websteri burrow into the shell when placed on preparations of polished shell of Mytilus edulis under plastic film. As they do so, they secrete a viscous fluid which dissolves interprismatic and interlamellar organic matrices and then dissolves the exposed crystals. Etched prisms and lamellae reveal a complex pattern of internal dissolution. Enlargement of the burrow by the worm thus takes place by chemical dissolution of shell and also probably by flushing of loosened partially dissolved prisms and lamellae from the tube. Some shell fragments become incorporated in the walls of the detrital tube. There is no evidence of setal abrasion on the shell walls of the burrow even at the ultrastructural level
Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Thyrotropin Release from Isolated Rat Thyrotrophs

The effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on thyrotropin (TSH) secretion was studied in vitro in male rats, using purified thyrotrophs isolated by centrifugal elutriation. The development of diabetes was associated with a significant fall in serum T4 (4.9 +/- 1.5 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.7 micrograms/dl, control vs. diabetic), T3 (59 +/- 16 vs. 20 +/- 9 ng/dl) and TSH (53 +/- 22 vs. 23 +/- 18 microU/ml). In vitro, basal TSH release was lower in cells from diabetic rats (1570 +/- 248 microU/10(6) cells) than in controls (2612 +/- 765 microU/10(6) cells) after 48 h in culture. Furthermore, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced TSH release was decreased about 30% and the intracellular TSH content was also reduced 45% in diabetic rat thyrotrophs compared with controls. The addition of 200 microU/ml of insulin in the incubation media did not change the TRH-stimulated TSH release, but it decreased the basal TSH release by 42%. Preincubation of thyrotrophs with glucose (25 mM) did not impair the basal or TRH-stimulated TSH release. In the same experimental conditions, no effect of insulin or glucose was seen on the basal or TRH-stimulated TSH release from thyrotrophs of diabetic rats. Preincubation of thyrotrophs with 10, 100, or 1000 nM of T4 for 48 h decreased basal TSH release by 27%, 45%, and 48%, respectively, and reduced TRH-induced TSH release by 46%, 48%, and 55%; 100 nM T4 also reduced TRH-induced TSH release from diabetic thyrotrophs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Numerical Modeling of Microfluidic Two-Phase Electrohydrodynamic Instability

Organic-aqueous liquid (phenol) extraction is one of many standard techniques to efficiently purify DNA directly from cells. Effective dispersion of one fluid phase in the other increases the surface area over which biological component partitioning may occur, and hence enhances DNA extraction efficiency. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) instability can be harnessed to achieve this goal and has been experimentally demonstrated by one of the co-authors (JDZ). In this work, analysis and simulation are combined to study two-phase EHD instability. In the problem configuration, the organic (phenol) phase flows into the microchannel in parallel with and sandwiched between two aqueous streams, creating a three-layer planar geometry; the two liquid phases are immiscible. An electric field is applied to induce instability and to break the organic stream into droplets. The Taylor-Melcher leaky-dielectric model is employed to investigate this phenomenon. A linear analysis is carried out with a Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method, whereas a fully nonlinear numerical simulation is implemented using a finite volume, immersed boundary method (IBM). The results from both models compare favorably with each other. The linear analysis reveals basic instability characteristics such as kink and sausage modes. On the other hand, the nonlinear simulation predicts surface deformation in the strongly nonlinear regime pertinent to droplet formation. These numerical tools will be used to investigate the effects of the applied electric field, geometry, and convective flow rate on mixing and dispersion. The eventual objective is to maximize surface area of the organic phase under given experimental conditions for optimized DNA extraction.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The classification problem for p-local torsion-free abelian groups of rank two

We prove that if p ≠ q are distinct primes, then the classification problems for p-local and q-local torsion-free abelian groups of rank two are incomparable with respect to Borel reducibility.
Crystal-structure stabilities and electronic structure for the light actinides Th, Pa, and U

The crystal-structure stabilities, equilibrium volumes, and bulk moduli (at T=0) of the light actinides Th, Pa, and U, have been calculated by means of full-potential, total-energy band-structure calculations. The total energies of the three elements were calculated as a function of volume in the three experimentally observed crystal structures: fcc, bct, and orthorhombic (\ensuremath{\alpha}-U). Our calculations reproduce the experimentally observed crystal structures, as well as the equilibrium volumes and bulk moduli (the bulk modulus of Pa being an exception). Other calculated ground-state properties are also in good agreement with experiment, e.g., crystal-structure parameters (c/a ratio and positional parameters). On the basis of our results, we argue that the 5f electrons are participating in the chemical bonds, and that they have a large influence on the crystal structure. The equilibrium volumes of hypothetical fcc structures are found to show increasing deviations from the volumes obtained in the true crystal structures, as the 5f band becomes filled. Also, these fully relativistic calculations (assuming a fcc structure) show a smaller volume for Pu than for Np, in contrast to the experimental finding. We therefore propose that the anomalous volume of \ensuremath{\alpha}-Pu is associated with its very unusual crystal structure, rather than with relativistic effects. Detailed information from the calculations is presented, such as the density of states, charge-density contour plots, and orbital occupation numbers.
Influence of the sympathetic nervous system on the response of the normal heart to digitalis.

Abstract In experiments designed to clarify the effects of glycoside on the normal heart, acetyl strophanthidin was found to increase myocardial contractility, as reflected by the relation of stroke work to left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in dogs deprived of autonomie control of cardiac performance by ganglionic blockade and chronic cardiac denervation. Reflexly intact animals showed no consistent change in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure at constant arterial pressure, cardiac output and heart rate. All animals receiving the glycoside demonstrated a significant increase in maximal rate of rise of left ventricular pressure. Peripheral vascular resistance following the glycoside increased only in animals whose peripheral autonomie reflexes were abolished by ganglionic blockade. These data indicate that the direct inotropic effect of the glycoside on the normal heart may be obscured in the intact animal by a reflex withdrawal of cardiac sympathetic tone. The data support the position that there is no fundamental difference in glycoside action on the normal versus the failing heart.
InGaN based light emitting diodes utilizing Ga doped ZnO as a highly transparent contact to p-GaN

We report on the electrical and optical properties of InGaN based light emitting diodes (LEDs) utilizing Ga doped ZnO (GZO) grown by MBE as a highly transparent contact p -electrode (GZO-LEDs). For comparison, the LEDs with semi-transparent thin Ni/Au (5nm/5nm) current spreading layers were also fabricated on the same wafer (Ni/Au-LEDs). Pulsed electroluminescence measurements revealed that the relative external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the GZO-LED is 1.7-2 times higher than that of Ni/Au-LED at high current densities. Moreover, GZO-LEDs can withstand much higher current densities (4700 A/cm2) than the Ni/Au LEDs (3500 A/cm2) under pulsed mode. Unpackaged GZO-LEDs with 200 μm diameter showed negligible light output degradation for up to 30 mins under CW current of 100 mA (corresponding to a 318 Acm-2 current density), while the light output for Ni/Au-LEDs was reduced by 85% after only 5 mins of operation due to the severe current crowding effect (or current filamentation). (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Direct embryotoxicity of cocaine in rats: effects on mitochondrial activity, cardiac function, and growth and development in vitro.

Day 10 rat embryos were exposed to cocaine HCl (10–100 μM) in vitro in 20% (designated normoxic) and 10–12% (designated moderately hypoxic) oxygen and examined the following day. In normoxia, it caused prompt and significant decreases in heart rates and significant reductions in measures of growth and development and diameters of the vitelline arteries. In moderate hypoxia, cocaine exposure resulted in axially asymmetric defects reported previously only in embryos exposed to extreme hypoxia or to hypoxia generated by redox cyclers. Day 10 or 11 embryos or isolated hearts from the latter stage were incubated with cocaine under normoxic conditions. Acute and significant concentration-dependent decreases in heart rates occurred on day 10. The rates in day 11 embryos and in isolated hearts from day 11 embryos were less sensitive than those on day 10. Cocaine also significantly inhibited the activity of the terminal electron transport system of the mitochondria of embryos. Maternal cocaine exposure has been associated with uterine vasoconstriction and decreases in fetal oxygenation. The latter has been shown to stimulate glucose uptake. We hypothesize that placental vasoconstriction limits the ability of embryos to meet the increased glucose demands induced by hypoxia. The developmental toxicity of nutrient and oxygen deprivation is further enhanced by significant decreases of mitochondrial activity. We propose therefore that compromised energy supplies form the basis of the developmental toxicity of cocaine.
Damped-Wave Size Effect. I. Determination of Carrier Mobilities in Bismuth

A size effect (damped-wave size effect) resulting from the interaction of heavily damped electromagnetic waves in a conducting material subject to a static magnetic field is considered, and it is shown that, for a particular geometry, a maximum of the resistive power dissipation occurs at a fixed ratio of skin depth to sample thickness. This phenomenon allows a direct measurement of skin depth and may be used to study relaxation times. The geometry considered is that of a thin flat plate enclosed in a matching solenoid, which generates plane waves of opposite polarity at the opposite faces; the skin depth is varied by applying a magnetic field normal to the sample face. The characteristics of the phenomenon are analyzed and its utility as a general technique for the measurement of transport properties is investigated. The theory prescribes appropriate conditions for the observation of bulk effects in conductors in this geometry. The technique is applied to determine mobilities in bismuth, a semimetal with highly anisotropic Fermi surfaces. The relaxation times appear to be comparatively isotropic and to exhibit a single form of temperature dependence, obeying a ${T}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ law over much of the range from 4.2 to 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Single Wavelength Standard Wiggler for PEP

A 1? planar wiggler has been designed that will be used for the initial operation of the 4-18 GeV storage ring PEP. Three of these wigglers will be installed symmetrically around the ring at 120° intervals in three of six available 5 m straight sections with the purpose of providing: (1) beam size control to obtain better luminosities below 15 GeV, and (2) decreased damping times to obtain better injection rates at lower energies. Design goals are discussed and a description of the final system including cost estimates is given. Expected results and usage in PEP are discussed. Some possibilities for production of synchrotron radiation and beam monitoring with shorter wavelength, multipleperiod wigglers at PEP energies are also discussed. Comparison to a wiggler now operating in SPEAR is given.
The dissolution kinetics of biogenic calcium carbonates in seawater

Dissolution rate as a function of degree of undersaturation was measured on shells of individual species of coccoliths and foraminifera, various size fractions of sediment from the Ontong-Java Plateau and the Rio Grande Rise, a collection of large pteropods, and on synthetic calcite and aragonite powder. Results of the study indicate that all biogenic and synthetic calcium carbonate follows the rate law R% = k%(1 − Ω)n where Ω  [Ca2+][CO32−]/K'sp and K'sp is the apparent solubility product of calcite or aragonitic seawater. In the case of all calcite samples, nc = 4.5, while for aragonitic samples na = 4.2. The ‘rate constant’, k%, varies widely between samples and in many cases is inversely correlated with grain size. However, the individual species of coccoliths, E. huxleyi and C. neohelis, which were cultured in the laboratory appear not to follow this rule, with dissolution rates an order to magnitude lower than expected.
Pulmonary infiltrates associated with sulindac therapy.

Pulmonary infiltrates, cough, dyspnea, and fever developed in a 62-year-old woman with chronic degenerative arthritis who had been receiving sulindac therapy for six months. Her pulmonary signs and symptoms resolved upon withholding the drug. Inadvertent rechallenge resulted in rapid recurrence of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates. This constellation of clinical findings provides strong evidence of isolated pulmonary reactions as a complication of sulindac therapy. (Chest 1990; 97:230-32)
Book review: The mentor's guide: facilitating effective learning relationships

“It is the leader’s responsibility to serve as a role model, to mentor the next generation of leaders, and to make sure that continuous opportunities for learning and development are provided.” – Lois J. Zachary Lois J. Zachary’s book titled, "The Mentor's Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships" (second edition) contains 288 pages with 9 chapters, and is divided into two parts with part one exploring the components of support, challenge, and vision, and the second dealing with engaging in feedback and working with obstacles.
The SQUASH 1000 Tangible User Interface System

A hand-held object whose pose can be determined automatically is useful for augmented reality (AR) and other applications needing human-computer interaction. Some existing such input devices use active (ex. LED lighting) or passive markers to be recognized in a video image by computer vision. Markers are typically mounted onto flat objects which are not ergonomic, or can only have limited number of sides due to the small library and inter-marker confusion rate of the marker system used. A system is presented based on the ARTag fiducial marker system where objects of arbitrary shape can be covered with many small markers, the pose of the object is recovered automatically and can be used as an input device. Other tangible user interface systems require specialized hardware, whereas this approach needs only a printer, a video camera or Webcam, and a large garden vegetable. The utility of this system both for measuring pose and for 3D modeling is shown.
Atmospheric forcing of the southeast Bering Sea Shelf during 1995-99 in the context of a 40-year historical record

Abstract The atmospheric forcing of the Bering Sea over its eastern shelf is estimated using the 40-year record of daily data from the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis. This data set includes estimates of the processes responsible for the atmospheric forcing, namely the surface fluxes of momentum, sensible and latent heat, and longwave and shortwave radiation, and therefore permits quantifying effects that previously could be inferred only from the large-scale nature of the flow. The forcing in 1995–1999 is described in detail using daily time series; historical context for these results is provided with seasonal averages for the years 1959–1999. The analysis for winter concentrates on aspects related to the formation and advection of sea ice. Results indicate that the presence of sea ice is strongly related to the net surface-heat fluxes as well as the cross-shelf component of the wind. The 40-year record lacks any discernible long-term trend in the winter forcing and response. There was a notably cold period in the early to middle 1970s, and a warm period from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, but conditions during the 1990s are similar to those in the late 1950s and 1960s. The analysis for the warm season focuses on the mechanisms responsible for the variability in SST warming. Much of the intraseasonal and interannual variability in this warming can be attributed to variations in the downward shortwave radiation (solar heating). The 40-year record does indicate a long-term trend toward increased solar heating, and reduced surface latent-heat fluxes (evaporative cooling). These changes have led to August SSTs in the 1990s that are roughly 1°C warmer than in the 1960s.
A Lattice-Based Approach to Hierarchical Clustering

The paper presents an approach to hierarchical clustering based on the use of a least general generalization (lgg) operator to induce a lattice structure of clusters and a category utility objective function to evaluate the clustering quality. The objective function is integrated with a lattice-based distance measure into a bottom-up control strategy for clustering. Experiments with well-known datasets are discussed.
Disruption effects on the beam size measurement

At the SLC Final Focus with higher currents and smaller beam sizes, the disruption parameter D/sub y/ is close to one and so the pinch effect should produce a luminosity enhancement. Since a flat beam-beam function is fit to deflection scan data to measure the beam size, disruption can affect the measurement. Here we discuss the quantitative effects of disruption for typical SLC beam parameters. With 3.5/spl times/10/sup 10/ particles per pulse, bunch length of 0.8 mm and beam sizes of 2.1 /spl mu/m horizontally and 0.55 /spl mu/m vertically, the measured vertical size can be as much as 25% bigger than the real one. Furthermore during the collision the spot size actually decrease, producing an enhancement factor H/sub D/ of about 1.25. This would yield to a true luminosity which is 1.6 times that which is estimated from the beam-beam deflection fit.
Proteinuria increases oxylipid concentrations in VLDL and HDL but not LDL particles in the rat.

We previously established that proteinuria alters the apolipoprotein content of lipoproteins. This study was conducted to establish whether proteinuria also alters the concentrations of oxidized lipids within lipoprotein den- sity fractions. To this end, we induced passive Heymann nephritis in Sprague Dawley rats and measured an array of alkaline-stable oxylipids in VLDL, LDL, and HDL particles. Proteinuria increased the total oxylipid amounts in the HDL and VLDL fractions. More importantly, these levels were increased when expressed per unit lipoprotein pro- tein, indicating that the oxidized lipid load per particle was increased. Epoxides and diols increased ?2-fold in HDL and ?5-fold in VLDL, whereas LDL showed ?2-fold de- creases. The hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids and hydroxy- octadecadienoic acids (HODEs) increased .4-fold in HDL and .20-fold in VLDL, whereas LDL showed ?2-fold de- creases in the HODEs. Therefore, nephrotic syndrome alters the lipoprotein oxylipid composition independently of an increase in total lipoprotein levels. These proteinuria- induced changes may be associated with the cardiovascular risk of lipoprotein oxidation.—Newman, J. W., G. A. Kaysen, B. D. Hammock, and G. C. Shearer. Proteinuria increases oxylipid concentrations in VLDL and HDL but not LDL particles in the rat. J. Lipid Res. 2007. 48: 1792-1800.
On Growth Rates of Subadditive Functions for Semiflows

Abstract Let φ : X × T + → X be a semiflow on a compact metric space X . A function F : X × T + → X is subadditive with respect to φ if F ( x , t + s )⩽ F ( x , t )+ F ( φ ( x , t ),nbsp; s ). We define the maximal growth rate of F to be sup x ∈ X lim sup t →∞ (1/ t ) F ( x , t ). This growth rate is shown to equal the maximal growth rate of the subadditive function restricted to the minimal center of attraction of the semiflow. Applications to Birkhoff sums, characteristic exponents of linear skew-product semiflows on Banach bundles, and average Lyapunov functions are developed. In particular, a relationship between the dynamical spectrum and the measurable spectrum of a linear skew-product flow established by R. A. Johnson, K. J. Palmer, and G. R. Sell ( SIAM J. Math. Anal. 18 , 1987, 1–33) is extended to semiflows in an infinite dimensional setting.
Swelling Pressure of Montmorillonite Layers Versus H-O-H Bending Frequency of the Interlayer Water

The in-depth perturbation of vicinal water by the surfaces of montmorillonite layers was investigated by relating the swelling pressure, II, of the montmorillonite layers to the H-O-H bending frequency, v 2, of the interlayer water. For this purpose, an oriented montmorillonite gel was deposited on a porous filter in an environmental chamber. On its underside the filter was in contact with a solution maintained at atmospheric pressure. By admitting nitrogen gas at a known pressure to the environmental chamber, water was squeezed from the gel into the solution until equilibrium was reached and H equalled the applied pressure. Then the gel was divided into 2 parts. One part was used for the gravimetric determination of the water content, mJm C. It was possible, therefore, to determine mJm C as a function of II. The other part of the sample was transferred to an FTIR spectrometer where the v 2 of the water within it was measured by attenuated total reflectance. Thus, the same samples were used to determine the dependence of both 11 and v2 on mJm C. It was found that H and v2 were both exponential functions of mJm w and so a linear relation was found between ln(H + 1) and ln(v2/v2~ where v2 ~ is the H-O-H bending frequency of bulk water. These results strongly support the conclusion that the in-depth perturbation of the water by the surfaces of the montmorillonite layers is primarily responsible for both the development of H and the departure of vz from v2 ~
Impact of vertical situation information on vertical mode awareness in advanced autoflight systems

An examination of autoflight systems in modern aircraft was made, with emphasis on the complex mode structure which is suspect in several recent accidents. Aviation Safety Reporting System reports and Flight Mode Annunciator conventions were examined. Principal results identified the lack of a consistent global model of the Autoflight System architecture and identified the vertical channel as requiring enhanced feedback. Functional requirements for an electronic vertical situation display (EVSD) were created based on established conventions and identified mode awareness problems. A preliminary version of this display was prototyped and an evaluation methodology was proposed. A set of experimental scenarios based on various types of mode awareness problems was established and discussed.
Adverse Drug Reaction Considerations in Geriatric Drug Research

Given the high amount of drug use in geriatric patients, there are inherent concerns about adverse drug reactions. Statistical and methodological difficulties in surveillance, lack of spontaneous reporting, lack of consistency in clinical identification, and limited groups for cohort studies are discussed.
Bicuspid aortic valve repair by complete conversion from "raphe'd" (type 1) to "symmetric" (type 0) morphology.

Objective An anterior cusp with a median raphe and false commissure is the most common bicuspid aortic valve phenotype. The cusp is typically restricted and its annular attachment malpositioned, often resulting in significant aortic regurgitation. A novel valve repair strategy was designed to create a symmetric valve to improve both function and durability. Methods The technique involves converting the valve into a "symmetric" bicuspid valve by resection of the median raphe, with shortening of the anterior cusp's leading edge; resection of the false commissure with complete anterior annular detachment; enlargement, reinforcement, and translocation of the anterior cusp deeper into the left ventricular outflow tract; and valve-sparing aortic root replacement with concomitant annuloplasty. Results A total of 32 patients with a bicuspid valve, aortic insufficiency, and aortic dilatation have undergone valve repair with root replacement. No operative deaths or strokes occurred, and no permanent pacemakers were required. Thirteen patients underwent complete conversion from "raphe'd" to "symmetric" morphology; the others underwent less complex repairs without translocation. The postoperative transvalvular gradients remained normal. Freedom from grade >1+ aortic regurgitation and valve-related reoperation was 100%. All 13 symmetric conversion patients have continued to have no or trace aortic regurgitation (grade Conclusions Repair of the common, "raphe'd" bicuspid phenotype by reconfiguration into "symmetric" morphology is both feasible and desirable, regardless of the degree of preoperative aortic regurgitation. This repair strategy appears durable at the mid-term without evolving signs of deterioration or stenosis, offering a potentially superior option over prosthetic root replacement for younger patients.
Depressive Symptoms and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Blacks Findings From the Jackson Heart Study

Background—Most studies of depression and cardiovascular risk have been conducted in white populations. We investigated this association in a community-based cohort of blacks. Methods and Results—We used data from the Jackson Heart Study to investigate associations of baseline depressive symptoms between 2000 and 2004 with incident stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) during 10 years. We used Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models to assess cardiovascular event risk using 3 exposure variables: any depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression score ≥16); none (score <16), minor (score 16 to <21), and major depression (score≥21); and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression score per 1-SD increase. Models were adjusted for a stroke or CHD risk score and behavioral risk factors. Of 3309 participants with no stroke history, 738 (22.3%) had baseline depressive symptoms. A similar proportion with no previous CHD had baseline depressive symptoms (21.8%). The unad...
Role of the small bowel and colon in lactose-induced diarrhea.

The net movement of fluid in the small bowel and in the colon in response to an oral lactose load was determined by intraluminal intubation in 5 lactase-deficient and 2 normal subjects. The major net secretion of fluid in lactase-deficient individuals occurred in the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum. The test solution had been diluted approximately 5-fold when it reached midileum. The fluid response was similar to that seen with an osmotically equivalent amount of mannitol. The response to an osmotic stimulus was the same as occurred in the control subjects fed mannitol. Ileal contents were neutral or alkaline and the osmolality was 300 milliosmoles per kg after lactose feeding. In the colon there was interference with net fluid absorption when lactose was fed by mouth to lactase-deficient subjects or perfused into the ileocecal region of 4 subjects. The decrease in net absorption was demonstrable when the result was compared with that of mannitol. Net secretion did not occur in the colon. Stools were acid (mean pH 5.8) and the osmolality had risen to 379 milliosmoles per kg presumably as a result of bacterial fermentation of the undigested lactose. Lactose-induced diarrhea in lactase-deficient subjects results, in large part, from the combination of net fluid secretion by the small intestine in response to an osmotic load and interference with net fluid absorption in the small bowel and colon. The products of fermentation of lactose may play a role in the decreased colonic absorption.
GEOPHAGY IN THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT IN RELATION TO AVAILABILITY OF DIETARY SODIUM

We studied the use of mineral licks by African elephants (Loxodonta africana) during the dry season in a Kalahari-sand habitat in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, to investigate the role of geophagy as a mechanism for supplementing low Na 1 levels in browse and natural water supplies. Plant, water, and soil macrominerals were measured to evaluate mineral availability for elephants during the dry season. Elephant behavior was monitored at licks to investigate the intensity of geophagy (measured by number of mouthfuls of soil consumed) in relation to fecal-Na 1 loss. Female elephants, which probably had greater requirements than did males because of pregnancy and lactation, consumed more mouthfuls of soil and spent a greater part of their activity budget feeding on soil than did males, suggesting that geophagy may be driven by a nutritional requirement. We found the following consistent with the Na 1 -supplementation hypothesis: 1) unlike other minerals, Na 1 in woody plants and natural water supplies may be inadequate to meet the minimum requirements of elephants during the dry season; 2) soils consumed by elephants differed from other soils primarily in their high Na 1 content; 3) intensity of geophagy was negatively correlated with fecal Na 1 ; and 4) elephants in non‐Kalahari-sand habitats do not appear to create or use licks, probably because they are able to meet their Na 1 requirements from ubiquitous Na 1 -rich water supplies, which do not occur naturally in Kalahari-sand habitats.