cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unsanctioned travel restrictions related to Ebola unravel the global social contract

We are currently facing the worst Ebola outbreak since the virus was isolated. On Oct. 28, 2014, Australia became the first country among high-income nations to institute a restriction on travel from the three West African countries at the centre of the outbreak: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.1
Bernoulli property for a one-dimensional system with localized interaction

We consider a one-dimensional system of particles on the half line ℝ=[0, ∞] interacting through elastic collisions among themselves and with a “wall” at the origin. On the first particle a constant forceE is acting, no external forces act on the other particles. All particles are identical except the first one which has a larger mass. We prove that ifE is such that the Gibbs equilibrium state exists, the corresponding equilibrium dynamical system is a Bernoulli flow.
System calls and interrupt vectors in an operating systems course

The introductory operating systems course has a tendency to appear to the student as a disparate collection of topics such as synchronization primitives, process scheduling algorithms, and page replacement policies. We describe a sequence of material to cover early in the operating systems course that prevents this tendency by clarifying the goal of the course and by providing a framework for understanding how the later course material is used in kernel design. The material centers around two concepts. First is the importance of the abstraction provided by the system call interface, that the kernel is the implementation of that interface, and the analogy with the instruction set interface the student has already encountered. Second is how the interrupt vector mechanism in a broad sense is central to how the kernel functions and underpins the actual implementation of many of the other topics in the course. Illustration through code from a real operating system kernel is a key feature of how this sequence makes clear the workings of an operating system.
Improved feature descriptors for 3D surface matching

Our interest is in data registration, object recognition and object tracking using 3D point clouds. There are three steps to our feature matching system: detection, description and matching. Our focus will be on the feature description step. We describe new rotation invariant 3D feature descriptors that utilize techniques from the successful 2D SIFT descriptors. We experiment with a variety of synthetic and real data to show how well our newly developed descriptors perform relative to a commonly used 3D descriptor, spin images. Our results show that our descriptors are more distinct than spin images while remaining rotation and translation invariant. The improvement in performance in comparison to spin images is most evident when an object has features that are mirror images of each other, due to symmetry.
A Review of Developmental Research on Resilience in Maltreated Children

Research demonstrates that child maltreatment can negatively impact the psychosocial functioning of individuals well beyond the point at which the trauma occurs. Fortunately, there is evidence that many children who are maltreated succeed in overcoming some of the possible consequences that can follow exposure to this particular form of adversity. Those who do are thought to be resilient. What it means to be resilient is an issue that researchers sometimes disagree on, as is reflected by the different definitions they apply to the term and the methods they use to study the phenomenon. In this literature review, we synthesize current findings on resilience and identify areas of congruence, as well as inconsistency in research methods across the reviewed studies. We focus the review exclusively on longitudinal studies to understand the dynamic qualities of resilience. Findings of the review suggest that, while studies appear to conceptualize and measure common domains of resilience (e.g., social, emotional, behavioral functioning), the measures themselves are in some cases notably different, limiting the extent to which results can be systemically compared across studies. The review also shows that few studies, although longitudinal by design, examine resilience over extended periods of development. Consequently, little has actually been learned about how patterns of resilience unfold and are sustained. Of those studies that do examine resilience as a developmental process, the rate of stability in resilience across time is notably low. Implications for future research are discussed.
Geographic Transmission with Optimized Relaying (GATOR) for the Uplink in Mesh Networks

We consider communication in the uplink of a wireless mesh or sensor network. A group of mobile radios or sensors (“nodes”) have information to transmit to one or more access points (APs). When the channels from the nodes to the APs suffer from fading, direct transmissions to the APs may have a high failure probability, and packets may need to be relayed through other nodes. In conventional routing, the relay is preselected, and hence fading may cause a high failure probability at the router. Geographic approaches can improve performance through opportunistic reception, in which a relay is selected from those nodes that receive the packet correctly and move it toward the AP. Existing geographic transmission schemes use an ad hoc design for the protocol that selects the relay node. In this paper, we propose Geographic Transmission with Optimized Relaying (GATOR), which provides a mathematical design for relay selection in a time-slotted geographic communication scheme. For path-loss exponent two, the relay selection scheme simplifies to depend on circular regions around the destination. Simulation results show that GATOR provides better performance than direct transmission, routing, and other geographic transmission schemes, especially when the signal-to-noise ratios are low and APs are sparse.
On the Instability of the African Easterly Jet and the Generation of African Waves: Reversals of the Potential Vorticity Gradient

Abstract The relationship between the generation of African easterly waves and instability growing in regions with reversed potential vorticity gradients is studied using a regional climate model. Results indicate that the convective generation of potential vorticity (PV) due to the meridional and vertical gradients of diabatic heating in the upper and lower troposphere causes a vertically elongated PV anomaly on the southern flank of the African easterly jet. This PV maximum at 9°N in the midtroposphere, together with a PV minimum near 15°N at lower levels because of dry convection over the Sahara, reverses the meridional PV gradient between 9° and 15°N, which suggests that the zonal flow may be unstable in this region. Analysis of the seasonal mean Eliassen–Palm flux for African waves indicates that wave energy generated convectively through baroclinic overturning in the upper troposphere propagates downward and triggers barotropic conversions south of the jet and baroclinic conversions below and north ...
The value of information sharing in a two-stage supply chain with production capacity constraints

We consider a simple two-stage supply chain with a single retailer facing i.i.d. demand and a single manufacturer with finite production capacity. We analyze the value of information sharing between the retailer and the manufacturer over a finite time horizon. In our model, the manufacturer receives demand information from the retailer even during time periods in which the retailer does not order. To analyze the impact of information sharing, we consider the following three strategies: (1) the retailer does not share demand information with the manufacturer; (2) the retailer does share demand information with the manufacturer and the manufacturer uses the optimal policy to schedule production; (3) the retailer shares demand information with the manufacturer and the manufacturer uses a greedy policy to schedule production. These strategies allow us to study the impact of information sharing on the manufacturer as a function of the production capacity, and the frequency and timing in which demand information is shared. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 50: 888 -916, 2003.
Reanalysis of multislice 1H MRSI in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The goal of this work was to reexamine previously published (1) brain spectroscopy data of abnormal metabolite ratios in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Toward this goal, (1)H MR spectroscopic imaging data from 10 ALS and nine control subjects were reanalyzed using improved data analysis techniques, including automated curve fitting and tissue-volume correction. In the motor cortex of ALS, N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) was 23% (P = 0.004) lower than in controls, and in the posterior internal capsule of ALS choline compounds (Cho) were 20% (P = 0.02) higher. This demonstrates that the metabolite ratio changes in ALS were due to NAA loss in the motor cortex (as expected) and Cho increase in the posterior internal capsule (not expected). Magn Reson Med 45:513-516, 2001.
Note on property (A1)

Abstract It is shown that there is a subspace N of M3, the space of 3 × 3 matrices, such that the bilinear map x ⊗ y from C 3 × C 3 to M3 mod N is a (continuous) surjection, but not open at the origin. With M7 instead of M3, N can be chosen such that the annihilator of N, with respect to the trace pairing, is a commutative algebra.
Regulation of Canonical Transient Receptor Potential (TRPC) Channel Function by Diacylglycerol and Protein Kinase C

The mechanism of receptor-induced activation of the ubiquitously expressed family of mammalian canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels has been the focus of intense study. Primarily responding to phospholipase C (PLC)-coupled receptors, the channels are reported to receive modulatory input from diacylglycerol, endoplasmic reticulum inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and Ca2+ stores. Analysis of TRPC5 channels transfected within DT40 B cells and deletion mutants thereof revealed efficient activation in response to PLC-β or PLC-γ activation, which was independent of inositol 1,4,5-trisphoshate receptors or the content of stores. In both HEK293 cells and DT40 cells, TRPC5 and TRPC3 channel responses to PLC activation were highly analogous, but only TRPC3 and not TRPC5 channels responded to the addition of the permeant diacylglycerol (DAG) analogue, 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG). However, OAG application or elevated endogenous DAG, resulting from either DAG lipase or DAG kinase inhibition, completely prevented TRPC5 or TRPC4 activation. This inhibitory action of DAG on TRPC5 and TRPC4 channels was clearly mediated by protein kinase C (PKC), in distinction to the stimulatory action of DAG on TRPC3, which is established to be PKC-independent. PKC activation totally blocked TRPC3 channel activation in response to OAG, and the activation was restored by PKC-blockade. PKC inhibition resulted in decreased TRPC3 channel deactivation. Store-operated Ca2+ entry in response to PLC-coupled receptor activation was substantially reduced by OAG or DAG-lipase inhibition in a PKC-dependent manner. However, store-operated Ca2+ entry in response to the pump blocker, thapsigargin, was unaffected by PKC. The results reveal that each TRPC subtype is strongly inhibited by DAG-induced PKC activation, reflecting a likely universal feedback control on TRPCs, and that DAG-mediated PKC-independent activation of TRPC channels is highly subtype-specific. The profound yet distinct control by PKC and DAG of the activation of TRPC channel subtypes is likely the basis of a spectrum of regulatory phenotypes of expressed TRPC channels.
The Institutional Vision of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been subjected to harsh criticism within the higher education community. A common theme is that the shared and archaic mission of these institutions compromises academic standards and keeps individual schools from effective leadership and competing for financial resources and quality students. A content analysis of the mission and vision statements from HBCUs was performed, and key linguistic components found to constitute a well-conceived, viable, and easily diffused institutional vision were isolated. The prevalence of these components in comparison to other types of academic institutions is discussed, and ways in which this information can be used to address the current challenges facing HBCUs are presented.
Free recall and complexity of pictorial stimuli

In order to explore variables underlying primacy and recency effects in free recall of pictorial material, norms were developed using 120 subjects who rated the vividness and complexity of slides. Two experiments were then run in which two levels of each of these variables (extreme high and low ratings) were factorially combined. In the first experiment 24 subjects were shown three mixed lists, two short and one long (consisting of materials of all four combinations of vividness and complexity), and in the second experiment 12 subjects were shown four pure lists (consisting of materials of a single type). Analysis of variance showed list length in the mixed list experiment and complexity in both experiments to be strong determinants of recall. Greatest recall was for items of low complexity in short lists. Weak, but statistically significant, serial position effects were evident, particularly for less complex items. The effects of primacy and recency seem to decrease with increasing complexity of visual materials, perhaps because of the greater difficulty in rehearsing more complex pictures either verbally or iconically.
IDENTIFICATION, CLASSIFICATION, AND PRIORITIZATION OF RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROCESS

Disruptive technology (DT) is an emerging technology whose arrival in the marketplace signifies the eventual displacement of the existing dominant technology. Identifying and assessing the risks associated with the various phases of a DT process is one of the key challenges a firm developing the technology might encounter. This paper identifies, classifies, and prioritizes a set of possible risks associated with different phases of a DT process. The paper presents ideas that differ from traditional risk assessment for new product development in that DT occurs at a different pace. These results can be used to develop a technology as well as a risk mitigation strategy.
A plaque assay for assessment of immune responses to Streptococcus mutans cell wall carbohydrate

A plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay has been developed for measurement of single cell responses to the serotype carbohydrate antigen of the Streptococcus mutans cell wall. Serotype g carbohydrate was purified from a mutanolysin (M1) enzyme digest (and designated M1g) of S. mutans 6715 cell walls by ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. M1g carbohydrate was esterified by stearoylization (sM1g), and subsequently coated to sheep erythrocytes (sM1g-SRBC). This coating antigen was then used for enumeration of IgM anti-M1g PFC responses from spleens of either mice or rats immunized with S. mutans 6715 antigen. Good splenic IgM anti-M1g PFC responses were seen in either mice or rats given S. mutans whole cells or cell walls, while cell wall lysates or M1g were lowly immunogenic. Of interest was the finding that sM1g induced good IgM anti-M1g PFC responses in mice and in murine spleen cell cultures, in vitro. This study describes a method for assessment of individual antibody-producing cells to a major S. mutans cell wall determinant which should facilitate studies directed to determine mechanisms involved in the induction of immune responses to this important bacterium.
Toluene diffusion in butyl rubber

The sorption isotherm and the polymer mass-fixed diffusion coefficients, D, for toluene in butyl rubber have been measured by the incremental sorption method to concentrations of 130%, corresponding to a solvent volume fraction of 0.578. The increase in D with concentration is strongly exponential to a concentration of 30% and then begins to level out. Since the nature of the dimensional change occurring in vapor sorption was not known, the values of D were converted to solvent self-diffusion coefficients, D 1 , assuming both swelling in the thickness direction (1D) and isotropically (3D)
Influence of concentration of the vitamin B complex on protein efficiency of blood fibrin.

SummaryWhen blood fibrin (Armour) was the protein in the ration, on controlled food intake, increasing the concentration of mixtures of various components of the vitamin B complex, resulted in marked increases in the protein efficiency ratio, expressed as gains in body weight per gram of protein intake Summary. When blood fibrin
Sensitivity analysis of misclassification: a graphical and a Bayesian approach.

Purpose Misclassification can produce bias in measures of association. Sensitivity analyses have been suggested to explore the impact of such bias, but do not supply formally justified interval estimates. Methods To account for exposure misclassification, recently developed Bayesian approaches were extended to incorporate prior uncertainty and correlation of sensitivity and specificity. Under nondifferential misclassification, a contour plot is used to depict relations among the corrected odds ratio, sensitivity, and specificity. Results Methods are illustrated by application to a case–control study of cigarette smoking and invasive pneumococcal disease while varying the distributional assumptions about sensitivity and specificity. Results are compared with those of conventional methods, which do not account for misclassification, and a sensitivity analysis, which assumes fixed sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion By using Bayesian methods, investigators can incorporate uncertainty about misclassification into probabilistic inferences.
The contribution of H-2bm12 and non H-2 background genes on murine lupus in NZB.H-2bm12/b mice.

We have previously demonstrated the influence of the I-Abm12 gene mutation on the appearance of IgG anti-dsDNA antibodies when placed on an NZB genetic background. To further enhance our understanding of the interaction of the bm12 mutation on disease expression, lethally irradiated NZB.H-2bm12/b F1 mice were reconstituted with T-cell-depleted bone marrow cells from 3- to 6-week-old donors of four different congenic strains, NZB.H-2bm12, NZB.H-2b, B6.C-H-2bm12 and C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice. All animals when then serially followed for the appearance of IgM and IgG anti-ss and dsDNA antibodies. Significant alterations of T-cell subsets, high levels of IgG anti-dsDNA antibodies and proteinuria were found only in recipient NZB.H-2bm12/b F1 mice that were reconstituted with T-cell-depleted NZB.H-2bm12 bone marrow cells. Such activity was not found in F1 mice engrafted and fully reconstituted with NZB.H-2b, B6.C-H-2bm12 or C57BL/6 (H-2b) T-cell depleted bone marrow cells. Additionally, to evaluate the importance of the NZB background (non-H-2) genes, we transferred T-cell-depleted bone marrow cells from NZB.H-2bm12 mice into H-2 compatible B6.C-H-2bm12 mice and vice versa. Without NZB background genes, an increase in CD4- CD8- T cells, IgG anti-dsDNA, splenomegaly, and proteinuria were not observed. These data suggest that the H-2bm12 gene and the NZB background genes in bone marrow-derived cells are both necessary for the altered expression of T-cell subsets and anti-DNA production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Degeneration of the pineal gland of patients with cancer

Gross and microscopic changes of the pineal gland in 275 cancer patients were studied. Multiple slit-like cystic cavities, gliosis, and large numbers of Rosenthal fibers were found in the enlarged pineal gland of 31 patients (mostly children and adolescents). Twenty-four of the 31 patients died with acute granulocytic or lymphocytic leukemia. These morphological abnormalities of the pineal gland have been recognized for a long time. However, a review of the literature revealed no previous description of such changes in the pineal gland of cancer patients.
Grabbing the gold

Imagine a tree with some integer amount of gold at each vertex. Two players can play a game by taking turns removing leaves one by one and taking the gold from those leaves. We prove a recent conjecture of Micek and Walczak that says that if a tree has an even number of vertices, the first player can always secure at least half of the gold.
Overlay metrology simulations

In order to control and minimize overlay metrology errors, we have to deal with a number of design parameters both in the metrology tool domain and in the overlay target domain. For enhancing the rate of performance improvement vs. technology investment, simulation can be used for modeling both the effects of overlay metrology tool behavior and the impact of target designs on the ultimate metrology performance.
Flavor constituents in cola drinks induce hepatic DNA adducts in adult and fetal mice.

Abstract Mice given one of several widely consumed cola drinks in place of drinking water for up to 8 weeks developed significant levels of covalent liver DNA adducts in a time dependent manner, as measured by 32 P-postlabeling. These adducts were not detected in mice given tap water or one of 3 non-cola beverages. Adducts chromatographically identical to those induced by cola drinks were detected in mice treated with extracts of nutmeg or mace, spices from the nutmeg tree ( Myristica fragrans Houttuyn), or with myristicin (1-allyl-5-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene), the major spice constitutent of nutmeg. In addition, small amounts of adducts derived from the hepatocarcinogen safrole (1-allyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene), a minor constituent of nutmeg, were observed. Liver DNA adducts were also detected in fetal liver when pregnant mice were intubated with myristicin. Possible implications of these findings for human health are discussed.
Immunochemical studies on pneumococcal type 37 capsular polysaccharide.

Pneumococcal type 37 capsular polysaccharide was obtained free of contaminants by affinity chromatography on Con-A, wheat germ agglutinin, Maclura pomifera lectin and HOPC-8 mouse myeloma protein affinity columns. The immunochemical reactivity of native and periodate oxidized borohydride reduced type 37 polysaccharide antigen with polyclonal rabbit and monoclonal mouse anti-Pn37 hybridoma antibodies was studied by quantitative precipitation. Quantitative hapten inhibition studies, employing the isomeric series of α- and β-(1 → 2), (1 → 3), (1 → 4) and (1 → 6)-linked glucobioses as competitive inhibitors of antibody precipitation establish a specificity for anti-Pn37 antibody directed at least in part, against the Glc β(1 → 2) Glc (sophorosyl) unit. A high mol. wt, d-glucose containing polysaccharide antigen, cross-reactive with rabbit anti-Pn37 is reported which was found to occur in the culture medium of 7 of 19 strains of Actinomyces examined.
Ophthalmic diagnoses in the ED: herpes zoster ophthalmicus

The epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of herpes zoster ophthalmicus in the emergency department is discussed with an emphasis on the identification of the numerous potential ocular complications. Emergency physicians need to be able to recognize the clinical features of herpes zoster ophthalmicus and initiate appropriate therapy and referral.
The pig-tailed macaque rectal model: microflora and chlamydial infection.

Background: A topical microbicide should protect against acquisition of sexually transmitted infection during both vaginal and rectal intercourse. The rectal microflora of the Macaca nemestrina (pig-tailed macaque) and humans were examined, as well as the histopathology of rectal tissues. In a subset of macaques, a human rectal isolate of Chlamydia trachomatis was inoculated into the rectum to establish rectal chlamydial infection. Goal: To evaluate the comparability of the pig-tailed macaque rectal model with humans. Study Design: Rectal swabs were collected for microbiologic analysis to characterize normal microflora in pig-tailed macaques and humans. Subsequently, 10 macaques received a rectal inoculation with C trachomatis, serovar D, prepared from a clinical rectal isolate. Results: The rectal microflora of pig-tailed macaques (n = 80) were found to be comparable with the rectal flora of humans (n = 40). The prevalence of Lactobacillus in the rectum was higher in the macaques than in humans. Coliform and Enterococcus were decreased in the macaques, as compared with those of humans. In 9 of 10 macaques, rectal chlamydial infection was confirmed by culture or ligase chain reaction on days 2, 7, and 14 after inoculation. The test results were positive for rectal chlamydial infection by ligase chain reaction only for the remaining animal on day 14 after inoculation. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that the rectal environment of the pig-tailed macaque is a useful model for further evaluation of newly developed topical microbicides for rectal use. Furthermore, such products can be evaluated for protection against rectal chlamydial infection in this model.
Gallstone prevalence and biliary lipid composition in inflammatory bowel disease

Biliary cholesterol saturation has been correlated with disease variables that might effect bile acid loss in ileitis patients with (N=9) or without (N=8) intestinal resection having a defined prevalence of gallstones. In addition, cholesterol saturation was determined in ulcerative colitis patients (N=7) and gallstone patients (N=18) as well as in 5 normal controls. Biliary cholestrol saturation in ileitis patients both with and without resection was similar to that in gallstone patients yet the prevalence of gallstones was only 12%. Cholesterol saturation did not correlate with ileal resection nor the extent, duration, or activity of ileitis. Biliary cholesterol saturation was not different in ulcerative colitis patients from that in normal subjects. It is concluded that cholesterol saturation of bile alone does not account for the high prevalence of cholesterol gallstones that has been reported in ileitis patients.
Tobacco Education and Counseling in Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkships: A Survey of Medical School Program Directors

The 16,000 medical students completing OB/GYN clerkship programs each year provide a unique opportunity to motivate and mentor students in facilitating tobacco cessation. To determine the scope of current tobacco teaching in obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) education at US medical schools and to assess opportunities for including new tobacco teaching, a 28-question survey was administered to directors and assistant directors at US medical school OB/GYN clerkship programs. Surveys were completed at 71% of schools. Only 9% reported having at least 15 min of dedicated teaching time for improving tobacco cessation skills. Nearly three-fourths of respondents reported teaching students how to intervene to reduce smoking during a work-up in the OB/GYN clinic, but only 43% reported that students would know where to refer someone wishing to quit. Only a third of respondents reported teaching students both to intervene with and refer OB/GYN patients who smoke. These findings suggest that although medical students see many OB and GYN patients who smoke, they have few opportunities to learn comprehensive cessation skills during their clerkships.
LONG‐TERM EFFECTS OF INSECT HERBIVORY AND SAND ACCRETION ON PLANT SUCCESSION ON SAND DUNES

This study examined how long-term insect herbivory, sand accretion, and the interaction of these factors affect patterns of plant succession on sand dunes. Individuals of a common dune species, Salix cordata, were either exposed to insect herbivory (by a specialist flea beetle, Altica subplicata) or protected from insect herbivory with cages from 1990 to 1992. Plant community composition and sand levels were then assessed from 1993 to 1996, during which time natural sand accretion occurred and flea beetles were rare. The goal was to examine how plant species composition and successional patterns were affected by past herbivory on one plant species, sand accretion, and an interaction between past herbivory and sand accretion. Past herbivory on Salix cordata caused a significant decrease in the proportional representation of herbaceous monocots in the plant community, as well as changes in the abundance of four of the 10 most common plant species. Other grasses and Aster/Solidago had greater increases in abundance in plots with past herbivory, Populus tremuloides had lesser decreases in abundance in plots with past herbivory, and Potentilla anserina had greater increases in abundance in plots without past herbivory. Past herbivory did not significantly affect changes in species richness over the study. Over the entire study, herbaceous monocots, herbaceous dicots, and horsetails increased in absolute abundance, but woody plant abundance decreased. Sand accretion significantly decreased the changes in abundance of three categories of plants: herbaceous monocots, herbaceous dicots, and woody plants. Only for horsetails -was there was a positive rela- tionship between change in abundance and sand accretion. As sand levels increased, the percentage of herbaceous dicots increased, whereas the percentage of herbaceous monocots decreased. There was a greater decrease in species richness with increasing amounts of sand deposition. For eight of the 10 most common species, there was a negative relationship between sand level and change in abundance; only beach grasses responded positively to sand accretion. Plant height was a significant factor in explaining which species increased vs. decreased in abundance; species that increased during the study were significantly taller than species that decreased. Clonal and nonclonal species responded similarly to sand accretion. There were very few interactive effects of past herbivory and sand level. Thus, past herbivory on Salix cordata had direct effects on the future composition of the plant community, via changes in plant abundance, but did not appear to modify the response of the plant community to sand accretion.
Infinite Iterated Function Systems: Theory and Applications

In this paper we exposit the theory of infinite iterated function systems consisting of conformai maps. We indicate some of the new phenomena which appear in these systems in contrast to the known behaviour of the limit sets of finite iterated function systems consisting of similarity maps. We also indicate the methods by which the Hausdorff, packing and Minkowski or box counting dimension and measures can be studied. We give several examples involving sets of continued fractions.
Summer Programming Boot Camp: A Strategy For Retaining Women In IT (Abstract Only)

This project addresses the issue of retaining women in Information Technology (IT) at an open access institution. To meet the goal of retention, we focused on supporting students' learning and mentoring needs. Female IT majors and minors were recruited and participated in a weeklong summer boot camp. At the boot camp they participated in Java programming sessions, various professional development and peer mentoring sessions and a field trip. These activities were aimed to increase not only the participants' knowledge of programming, but they were also designed to increase the participants' confidence, their knowledge of IT careers and fields of research and most importantly to form a community of support. Initial data collection shows that 61% of participants enrolled in a programming course following the boot camp, which is a crucial step in retention of majors and minors. Authors have also experienced an increase in the participants' engagement in an on-campus community building effort. Formal data analysis of pre and post surveys for evaluating changes in computing attitudes and engagement is currently being performed.
Transient nonlinear spectroscopy of excitons and biexcitons in single quantum dots

Transient nonlinear spectroscopy is used to study excitons and biexcitons confined to single interface fluctuation quantum dots (QD's). Exciton lifetimes measured by this technique are found to be between 25 and 50 ps, depending on the QD studied. Biexciton binding energies and polarization selection rules agree with previous measurements from cw nonlinear spectroscopy, and biexciton lifetimes are found to be half of the exciton lifetime for the same quantum dot. The ability to perform transient nonlinear spectroscopy of excitons and biexcitons in single quantum dots is an important step towards the development of solid state quantum computing based on interacting excitons in quantum dots.
Target of γ-secretase modulators, presenilin marks the spot.

γ‐Secretase modulators, or GSMs, which reduce the production of Aβ42, have emerged as a promising class of compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The target and mechanism of action of GSMs have been controversial as of late, with some evidence suggesting that GSMs function by binding the substrate, amyloid precursor protein (APP), and others claiming action through direct modulation of the enzyme, γ‐secretase. In this issue of The EMBO Journal , Ohki et al (2011) show that piperidine acetic acid‐based GSMs directly bind to presenilin, the catalytic subunit of γ‐secretase; and GSM binding induces conformational changes in γ‐secretase, leading to a shift in the cleavage site specificity of APP from longer to shorter peptide fragments. Amyloid β peptides are the predominant species found in the amyloid plaques associated with AD. Upon γ‐secretase cleavage within the transmembrane region of the APP, Aβ peptides of varying length are released. Several studies have shown that the longer and more hydrophopic Aβ peptides, such as Aβ42, are more prone to aggregate and are likely the major toxic species. Moreover, it appears that it is the ratio of Aβ42 to Aβ40, rather than total Aβ levels, which is the key determinant for disease progression (Karran et al , 2011). Consequently, γ‐secretase has become an appealing drug target for the reduction of Aβ production. However, γ‐secretase is thought to process a plethora of substrates in addition to APP—most notably, Notch receptor proteins. Therefore, the importance of selective γ‐secretase inhibition has become increasingly obvious in recent years, and was demonstrated by the failure during phase III clinical trials of Eli‐Lilly's Semagacestat, a non‐selective γ‐secretase inhibitor (GSI). Semagacestat treatment resulted in slightly worse cognition scores and an increase …
The nonlinear pharmacokinetics of prednisone and prednisolone. II. Plasma protein binding of prednisone and prednisolone in rabbit and human plasma

The protein binding characteristics of prednisone and prednisolone were determined in human and rabbit plasma and in a 4.7 per cent human serum albumin (HSA) solution. The influence of prednisolone on prednisone binding in human plasma was also examined. Prednisolone exhibited nonlinear binding and prednisone linear binding characteristics in both human and rabbit plasma. Prednisone binding was not influenced by the presence of prednisolone. Prednisone binding to HSA was linear but to a degree substantially lower than observed in human plasma, suggesting the possibility that prednisone binds to other proteins in human plasma. The results support the hypothesis that the protein binding characteristics of prednisone and prednisolone do not explain the reported nonlinear pharmacokinetics of prednisone.
Long-term objectives for government debt ∗

This paper considers what fiscal targets the government should use to achieve long-term fiscal objectives. Among its findings are: 1. At least three important and possibly conflicting long-term objectives are associated with concerns about debt and deficits: intergenerational equity, economic performance, and fiscal sustainability. 2. If governments have incentives not to adhere to fiscal policy targets, then restrictions on fiscal policy actions may be desirable, even though such restrictions reduce the scope for policy flexibility. 3. A collection of forward-looking measures, including explicit and implicit government assets and liabilities, can provide far more information than short-term deficit targets alone.
Sediment microhabitat effects on carbon stable isotopic signatures of microcosm-cultured benthic foraminifera

Environmentally controlled sedimentary microcosms were used to experimentally determine temperature, salinity, and depth-horizon effects on 613C DIC profiles of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in sediment pore water (PW) and near-bottom water (BW). Simultaneously, benthic foraminifera1 populations of Ammonia beccarii were cultured and assayed for calcite 613C to establish how accurately foraminifera1 shells recorded BW-PW 813CDIC. One treatment population was restricted to the O-l -cm sediment depth; in another treatment, the population could freely "roam" up and down in the sediment microcosm. Pore-water DIC between the uppermost O-0.5-cm sediment layer and the overlying BW (i.e. 3 cm above the sediment-water interface) showed steep gradients of core-top AS13Cpw averaging -3.6-11.6Ym at 25°C and -2.6+0.5% at 20°C. Cor- respondingly, shell calcite 613C for A. beccarii collected from sediment microhabitats recorded a strong PW influence; V3C shell values averaged 1.1+0.8% lighter than BW V3C,, but 1.6 -L 0.6% enriched relative to average O-5-mm PW 613CDIC. Foraminifera restricted to the uppermost l-cm sediment depth throughout their lives exhibited shell calcite AV3C values not significantly different from foraminifera allowed to free- roam through the sediment column.
Anorexia nervosa – medical complications

In contrast to other mental health disorders, eating disorders have a high prevalence of concomitant medical complications. Specifically, patients suffering from anorexia nervosa (AN) have a litany of medical complications which are commonly present as part of their eating disorders. Almost every body system can be adversely, affected by this state of progressive malnutrition. Moreover, some of the complications can have permanent adverse effects even after there is a successful program of nutritional rehabilitation and weight restoration. Within this article we will review all body systems affected by AN. There is also salient information about both, how to diagnose these medical complications and which are the likely ones to result in permanent sequelae if not diagnosed and addressed early in the course of AN. In a subsequent article, the definitive medical treatment for these complications will be presented in a clinically practical manner.
Anomalous x-ray diffraction study of disorders in epitaxial films of the Heusler alloy Co2MnGe

The authors report a study of structural and chemical disorders in a ternary combinatorial epitaxial film of CoxMnyGe1−x−y in the composition range that includes the Heusler alloy Co2MnGe, using microbeam anomalous x-ray diffraction techniques. The structural and chemical ordering of the alloy has been found to be extremely stable over a large composition range, while elemental site swapping and sublattice vacancies have been identified. A model of anomalous diffraction around the Co and Ge edges is presented and shown to make possible the identification and quantification of these disorders in an epitaxial film.
Radiobiological principles in intravascular irradiation.

Abstract Background. There is wide interest in the use of intravascular irradiation to control restenosis following balloon angioplasty. Part of the mechanism of restenosis appears to be the proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), triggered to divide by the damage caused by the angioplasty, and this proliferation can be inhibited by irradiation with γ -rays or β -rays. Methods. In vitro data for the survival of smooth muscle cells exposed to radiation was used to model the likely control of restenosis by radiation. Physical and biological data were used to estimate differences in biological effectiveness of γ -rays and β -rays, as well as the effect on cell killing of extending the exposure time. Results. Based on the radiosensitivity of SMCs, measured in vitro , and the limited proliferative potential of these normal somatic cells, it is possible to understand and to model quantitatively how a single acute γ -ray dose in the range of 15–20 Gy can inhibit restenosis. The few successful trials carried out to date where radiation has been shown to inhibit restenosis have all involved the γ -emitter Iridium-192. The use of this radionuclide involves radiation safety problems and an inconveniently long treatment time. Consequently, there is much interest in developing a β -emitting source that would solve both problems, and a number of different possibilities are being pursued. This development introduces two new problems discussed in this paper. First, β -rays in the megavoltage range are less effective biologically than γ -rays in the kilovoltage range, but the magnitude of the difference is not well known. Second, in the case of a single large dose, such as that proposed to inhibit restenosis, the biological effect will vary substantially as the exposure time varies from 1 to 20 min. If the clinical data are to be compared between centers using a variety of β and γ -emitting radionuclides, these factors will need to be taken into account. Conclusions. Doses of >15 Gy are unlikely to result in elimination of the restenosis problem but should delay onset of restenosis for a significant period; the larger the dose, the longer the delay. Successful trials of endovascular radiation completed to date involve γ -rays, while many systems being developed are based on β -emitting radionuclides. Experimental data are urgently needed so that allowances can be made for the difference in dose-rate and radiation quality between γ and β -emitting radionuclides.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma—More Than a Diffuse Collection of Large B Cells: An Entity in Search of a Meaningful Classification

Abstract Context.—Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a heterogenous group of lymphomas. In this review, we present a brief description of the large number of entities recognized in the recently published (2008) World Health Organization classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. Objective.—We highlight the unique clinicopathologic and molecular genetic features of these new and previously recognized entities, to illustrate the rational for the development of this classification. To help simplify the understanding of this now large and complex group of diseases, we have attempted to create broader subgroups of related entities. We discuss large B-cell lymphoma that are not otherwise specified, those that are based on anatomic site, those that have unique histology or phenotype or genotype, those that are associated with Epstein-Barr virus or Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus and herpesvirus 8, and those that are unclassifiable. Data Sources.—World Health Organization classification o...
Web-Based Cancer Communication and Decision Making Systems: Connecting Patients, Caregivers, and Clinicians for Improved Health Outcomes

Over the cancer disease trajectory, from diagnosis and treatment to remission or end of life, patients and their families face difficult decisions. The provision of information and support when most relevant can optimize cancer decision making and coping. An interactive health communication system (IHCS) offers the potential to bridge the communication gaps that occur among patients, family, and clinicians and to empower each to actively engage in cancer care and shared decision making. This is a report of the authors' experience (with a discussion of relevant literature) in developing and testing a Web-based IHCS-the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS)-for patients with advanced lung cancer and their family caregivers. CHESS provides information, communication, and coaching resources as well as a symptom tracking system that reports health status to the clinical team. Development of an IHCS includes a needs assessment of the target audience and applied theory informed by continued stakeholder involvement in early testing. Critical issues of IHCS implementation include 1) need for interventions that accommodate a variety of format preferences and technology comfort ranges; 2) IHCS user training, 3) clinician investment in IHCS promotion, and 4) IHCS integration with existing medical systems. In creating such comprehensive systems, development strategies need to be grounded in population needs with appropriate use of technology that serves the target users, including the patient/family, clinical team, and health care organization. Implementation strategies should address timing, personnel, and environmental factors to facilitate continued use and benefit from IHCS.
Analysis of space-borne SAR data for wetland mapping in Virginia riparian ecosystems

In this study the utility of NASA's Shuttle Imaging Radar-C (SIR-C) data are evaluated for wetland mapping and monitoring. The fully polarimetric L- and C-band data are used in hierarchical analysis and maximum likelihood classification techniques. Each map produced is compared with the Environmental Protection Agency's Multi Resolution Land Characteristics classification for pixelto-pixel accuracy assessment. Results show that both L- and C- band are necessary for detection of flooding beneath vegetated canopies. HH-polarization is found in this study and others to be better than VV for wetland discrimination. The cross-polarizations (HV or VH) are needed for discrimination of woody versus herbaceous vegetation.
Experimental characterization of glass―ceramic seal properties and their constitutive implementation in solid oxide fuel cell stack models

Abstract This paper discusses experimental determination of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) glass–ceramic seal material properties and seal/interconnect interfacial properties to support development and optimization of SOFC designs through modeling. Material property experiments such as dynamic resonance, dilatometry, flexure, creep, tensile, and shear tests were performed on PNNL's glass–ceramic sealant material, designated as G18, to obtain property data essential to constitutive and numerical model development. Characterization methods for the physical, mechanical, and interfacial properties of the sealing material, results, and their application to the constitutive implementation in SOFC stack modeling are described.
Marketing “smart” medical innovation: physicians' attitudes and intentions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate physicians' attitudes toward smart fabric medical innovation and more specifically to examine how perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness affect physicians' attitudes and intention to use smart fabric technology.Design/methodology/approach – Data for this study were collected using a web‐based survey instrument delivered via email to a randomly selected group of physicians (n=207) responses with no missing data). Physicians were chosen because physicians' acceptance is key to social acceptance of smart medical innovations, whether as an instrument to further their efforts to monitor patients through telemedicine or to expand their diagnostic capabilities.Findings – Significant effects were found for the direct relationships between attitude and intention to use and between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. However, the relationships between attitude on intention to use, perceived usefulness on intention to use and perceived ease of...