cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Benchmarking image processing for space: Introducing the SPACER architecture laboratory

In order to better make investment decisions for future space processing, we are equipping an architectures laboratory to investigate the power and computing performance of candidate computing architectures for future space applications. The picture for future space processing is increasingly complicated by ever increasing data rates/sizes and limited communications bandwidth, both of which will require more data processing, in the form of either data reduction or compression, to be performed on orbit rather than on the ground. Candidate architectures for the laboratory are being drawn from a range of COTS processing architectures including low power multicore processors, FPGAs, and GPUs. As the drivers for these investments are likely to be data-intensive image processing applications, we have selected two representative applications, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Hyper-Temporal Imaging (HTI), and tested them on a variety of low-power multicore processors, and for comparison, on modern conventional processors. Both applications were parallelized using OpenMP and/or pthreads. The processors employed include from four to eight cores. State-of-the-art numerical libraries were used to extract the most performance possible. The multi-core processors selected included examples of both homogeneous and heterogeneous computing architectures. Effects of varying the parameters such as the amount of memory made available to the processors, which affects how data decomposition is accomplished, are also studied. In general, homogeneous computing architectures performed better than heterogeneous ones. In some cases, better performance could be achieved with a single processor core with large memory than with multiple processors. These results are a function of the employed algorithm's ability to efficiently utilize architecture features, and cannot be attributed to all application/architecture pairings, thus highlighting the need for a concerted effort to explore processing requirements for future space missions.
Uncertainty analysis and design guidelines of biomass cookstove thermal efficiency studies

Many individuals in developing areas use biomass cookstoves for cooking although there are many inherent health hazards. Judging which improved cookstove to use and distinguishing the best one for a given cooking style to mitigate these hazards is challenging. Thermal efficiency (ηth) is one assessment parameter of cookstoves that is often used. To compare ηth between cookstoves or to assess the effects of a design change on ηth, it is important to understand how the uncertainty in ηth depends on measurements, input data (equipment uncertainties, literature values, etc.), and test conditions. In this work, measurement and input data uncertainties are quantified with a propagation of uncertainty analysis for a basic brick channel cookstove used in many Peruvian households. This method can be used in any study by using reasonable uncertainty values for that study. Results showed that the four main parameters contributing to 93% of the ηth uncertainty were the lower heating values (LHV) of wood and char, the moisture content, and the change in temperature of the water in the pot. Reducing the uncertainty of LHV of unprocessed fuels is the most difficult. If such fuels are used, reporting the LHV value and its associated uncertainty is highly valuable.
Patterns of upwelling and relaxation around Monterey Bay based on long-term observations of surface currents from high frequency radar

Abstract A five-year record of surface current observations from HF radar in the region around Monterey Bay are used to describe the dominant circulation patterns under upwelling- and downwelling-favorable wind forcing. Conditional averages based on local wind observations reveal more structure and intensity in the circulation patterns than do traditional temporal averages. The predominant upwelling circulation pattern in the region is found to reach full strength after about three days of persistent upwelling-favorable wind forcing. In the opposite phase under downwelling-favorable winds, the circulation patterns differ between summer and winter with evidence for strong connectivity between the offshore waters and the coastline around Monterey Bay in summer that is not present in winter.
Beyond the Call of Duty: Army Flight Nursing in World War II. By Judith Barger

It can be challenging to find a new book on World War II that provides a fresh perspective, but Judith Barger’s recent volume does just that. This is not the first book on the contributions US mili...
Determination of Membrane Protein Distribution on the Nuclear Envelope by Single-Point Single-Molecule FRAP.

Nuclear envelope transmembrane proteins (NETs) are synthesized on the endoplasmic reticulum and then transported from the outer nuclear membrane (ONM) to the inner nuclear membrane (INM) in eukaryotic cells. The abnormal distribution of NETs has been associated with many human diseases. However, quantitative determination of the spatial distribution and translocation dynamics of NETs on the ONM and INM is still very limited in currently existing approaches. Here we demonstrate a single-point single-molecule fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) microscopy technique that enables quick determination of distribution and translocation rates for NETs in vivo. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: Cellular imaging; membrane biophysics; super-resolution; transmembrane protein; FRAP
Delay lines based on a suspended thin film of X-cut lithium niobate

We report on the fabrication, experimental characterization, and theoretical modeling of delay lines fabricated on a lithium niobate X-cut thin film substrate. We demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating delay lines on lithium niobate suspended thin films to take advantage of the high electromechanical coupling of Lamb waves in this material. Specifically, we design the delay lines with an orientation of 30° with respect to the Y axis to maximize the coupling coefficient for the propagation of the S 0 mode. We show a maximum delay of 1.35 μs. Furthermore, the practically zero stress exhibited by the thin film point to the fact that larger delays could be easily achieved. The propagation loss measured is around 12 dB/cm, or equivalently, 7.5 dB/μs.
Placing Antismoking Graphic Warning Posters at Retail Point-of-Sale Locations Increases Some Adolescents' Susceptibility to Future Smoking.

Objectives This experiment tested whether introducing graphic antitobacco posters at point-of-sale (POS) had any effect on adolescents' susceptibility to future cigarette smoking and whether these effects were moderated by adolescents' baseline risk of cigarette smoking. Methods The study was conducted in the RAND StoreLab, a life-sized replica of a convenience store that was developed to experimentally evaluate how changing aspects of tobacco advertising displays in retail POS environments influence tobacco use risk and behavior during simulated shopping experiences. In this study, 441 adolescents were randomized to one of the four conditions in a 2 (graphic antismoking poster placed near the tobacco power wall: no, yes) × 2 (graphic antismoking poster placed near the cash register: no, yes) experimental design. The outcome of interest was susceptibility to future cigarette smoking. Results The addition of antismoking posters at POS led to a significant increase in future smoking susceptibility among those adolescents who already were at high risk for smoking in the future (p < .045). The introduction of graphic antismoking posters had no impact on committed never smokers, regardless of poster location; never smokers' susceptibility to future smoking was uniformly low across experimental conditions. Conclusions Introducing graphic antismoking posters at POS may have the unintended effect of further increasing cigarette smoking susceptibility among adolescents already at risk.
The Actin Cytoskeleton and Actin-Based Motility

The actin cytoskeleton-a collection of actin filaments with their accessory and regulatory proteins-is the primary force-generating machinery in the cell. It can produce pushing (protrusive) forces through coordinated polymerization of multiple actin filaments or pulling (contractile) forces through sliding actin filaments along bipolar filaments of myosin II. Both force types are particularly important for whole-cell migration, but they also define and change the cell shape and mechanical properties of the cell surface, drive the intracellular motility and morphogenesis of membrane organelles, and allow cells to form adhesions with each other and with the extracellular matrix.
Mechanistic biomarkers of liver toxicity and carcinogenesis.

In general, exposure to chemical agents that cause liver toxicity or carcinogenesis bring about their biological effects via a complex series of biochemical events. Biochemical mediators of chemica...
Special Considerations for the Elderly

Prescribing psychotropic medication for 85-year-olds is more challenging than in younger adults. Due to age-related changes in hepatic metabolism and renal excretion, older adults may require 1/2 to 1/3 the dose of medications that younger adults may need to see therapeutic benefits. Older adults are also more likely to be on several prescriptions and over-the-counter medications – hence, the risk of drug-drug interactions is greater. Lastly, older adults are more sensitive to common side effects of medications, even at low doses. The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists has adopted the saying that “any symptom in an elderly patient should be considered a drug side-effect until proven otherwise.” They are particularly sensitive to sedating and cognitive-impairing side effects of commonly prescribed agents. It is important for clinicians to be familiar with the Beers Criteria or Beers List of so-called good drugs and bad drugs in the elderly.
Academic-Related Factors and Emotional Eating in Adolescents

Background Existing literature indicates a relationship between stress and emotional eating in adults, yet limited research has examined the impact of school-related stress on emotional eating in adolescents. This study investigated the influence of academic factors on emotional eating among minority adolescents. Methods A survey was implemented among a sample of minority adolescents (N = 666) to investigate the relationship between emotional eating and 3 academic factors: academic self-esteem, grade point average (GPA), and academic worries. Forced-entry multiple linear regressions were used to test for relationships. Results Findings indicate that GPA, academic self-esteem, and academic worries were related to emotional eating scores in adolescents. There were no significant differences in academic factors between emotional eaters and nonemotional eaters. Conclusions Additional research is needed to further elucidate the complex interaction between emotional eating behavior and academics.
Early Depictions of Andromeda

In ancient Greek mythology Andromeda is the daughter of Cepheus, the Ethiopian king of Joppa, and Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia angers Poseidon by claiming Andromeda is more beautiful than the Nereids (daughters of Poseidon). In retaliation, Poseidon sends a monster to prey upon Ethiopia, with the sacrifice of Andromeda required to halt this action. Andromeda is chained to a rock by the sea and is eventually rescued by Perseus, who kills the monster and marries Andromeda. Her final fate, along with Cepheus and Cassiopeia, is to be carried up into the sky as constellations; that is why all of them hover over our heads for eternity.
Medicare Spending after 3 Years of the Medicare Shared Savings Program.

Abstract Background Health care providers who participate as an accountable care organization (ACO) in the voluntary Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) have incentives to lower spending for Medicare patients while achieving high performance on a set of quality measures. Little is known about the extent to which early savings achieved by ACOs in the program have grown and been replicated by ACOs that entered the program in later years. ACOs that are physician groups have stronger incentives to lower spending than hospital-integrated ACOs. Methods Using fee-for-service Medicare claims from 2009 through 2015, we performed difference-in-differences analyses to compare changes in Medicare spending for patients in ACOs before and after entry into the MSSP with concurrent changes in spending for local patients served by providers not participating in the MSSP (control group). We estimated differential changes (i.e., the between-group difference in the change from the pre-entry period) separately for hospital...
Radial and Circumferential Collagen Fibers Are a Feature of the Peripapillary Sclera of Human, Monkey, Pig, Cow, Goat, and Sheep.

Purpose To test the hypothesis that human, monkey, pig, sheep, cow, and goat eyes exhibit circumferential, radial, and interweaving collagen architecture in the posterior sclera. Methods We analyzed 1,327 cryosections from the posterior poles of 4 human, 4 monkey, 5 pig, 8 sheep, 1 goat, and 2 cow eyes. Images were acquired using polarized light microscopy and processed to obtain polar fiber orientations relative to the center of the canal. Circumferential, radial, and interweaving regions were identified and analyzed for mean fiber orientation and anisotropy and region width and thickness. Results Every eye exhibited circumferential, radial, and interweaving fibers in consistent locations. Radial fibers extended out from near the canal into the peripapillary and peripheral sclera in the innermost sclera. Circumferential fibers were directly adjacent to the canal and most prevalent in the outermost, posterior sclera. Interweaving fibers were found throughout the sclera thickness. Across all species, median anisotropy in the radial, circumferential, and interweaving regions were 0.95, 0.96, and 0.28, respectively. Conclusions Regions of radial, circumferential, and interweaving fibers occur in the posterior pole sclera of human, monkey, pig, sheep, cow, and goat eyes. The consistency across species in scleral architecture suggests that they are primary organizational components whose functions should be better understood.
Functional Algebraic aTomic Evaluators in Packet Routing

Deploying new routing protocols is an expensive investment with complications from implementation and debugging on different architectures,platforms, network constraints, and algorithmic interpretations. We introduce an alternative to strict algorithmic programming of protocols by introducing Functional Algebraic aTomic Evaluators (FATE). FATE is an information processing engine that evaluates information, using algebra, and acts upon said results. FATE is designed to be highly configurable and flexible to allow rapid development on any platform, or necessary changes. FATE uses an XML configuration file to determine which path is optimal.Changes to routing constraints can be met by changing the configuration file, as oppose to redesigning, testing, and debugging a new algorithm. The FATE platform is designed not only for rapid development, but for accuracy in duplicate functionality on different platforms, and ease of use.
Response to comment on “An experimental critique on the existence of fragile-to-strong transition in glass-forming liquids”

Abstract In a recent study parallel plate and capillary rheometry techniques were employed by us to measure the viscosity of selenium (up to 673 K) and two Ge Se liquids (up to 823 K) over a temperature range sufficient to suggest that oscillation viscometry may systematically underestimate the viscosity of liquids at high temperatures. Consequently, doubt was cast on the validity of the existence of a fragile-to-strong transition (FST) in glass-forming liquids postulated in the literature on the basis of oscillation viscometry data. The Comment by Lucas questions the accuracy of the viscosity data for Ge Se liquids in our study on the basis of the observation of significant mass loss due to evaporation of Se from supercooled GeSe3 liquid when heated in a TGA at temperatures ≥823 K. Lucas also reasserts the accuracy of viscosity measured by oscillation viscometry as well as the existence of FST by showing consistency between the viscosity and the configurational entropy of Ge15Te85 liquid, within the framework of the Adam-Gibbs model. We argue that Lucas' understanding of the boundary conditions and the experimental protocols for our viscosity measurements is incorrect and present experimental evidence that indicate the lack of any detectable change in the chemical composition of the Ge Se liquids during viscosity measurements. We also point out that the recently reported viscosity data for the Ge15Te85 liquid is in fact in disagreement with Lucas' entropy-based calculations. Furthermore, these calculations not only ignore the electronic contribution to specific heat for a semiconductor-to-metal transition in the Ge15Te85 liquid, but more importantly the fact that the Adam-Gibbs model may not be applicable at extremely low viscosity, where the liquid dynamics crosses over from an activated viscous regime to a non-activated fluid regime.
Allegorical Voyages: Louis XIII and the Sacred

Three major characteristics of Baroque aesthetics relate to allegory: metamorphosis, exuberance, and the inducement of vertiginous spaces. The disparity between the real and imaginary voyages of Louis XIII is small when the creative imagination of the author or the artist seeks to transcend the profane reality of which it is the touchstone. The word allegory derives from the Greek “alleon,” meaning “other” or “different.” Spiritual or allegorical truth transforms and regenerates the literal or historic sense of an event.
Attack Identification and Correction for PMU GPS Spoofing in Unbalanced Distribution Systems

Due to the vulnerability of civilian global positioning system (GPS) signals, the accuracy of phasor measurement units (PMUs) can be greatly compromised by GPS spoofing attacks (GSAs), which introduce phase shifts into true phase angle measurements. Focusing on simultaneous GSAs for multiple PMU locations, this paper proposes a novel identification and correction algorithm in distribution systems. A sensitivity analysis of state estimation residuals on a single GSA phase angle is firstly implemented. An identification algorithm using a probing technique is proposed to determine the locations of spoofed PMUs and the ranges of GSA phase shifts. Based on the identification results, these GSA phase shifts are determined via an estimation algorithm that minimizes the mismatch between measurements and system states. Further, with the attacked PMU data corrected, the system states are recovered. Simulations in unbalanced IEEE 34-bus and 123-bus distribution systems demonstrates the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Fish Tales: How Narrative Modality, Emotion, and Transportation Influence Support for Sustainable Aquaculture:

Considerable research suggests narrative persuasion’s attitudinal and behavioral effects in health and environmental contexts. Whether the format of narrative presentation influences these effects,...
In Internet we trust: intersectionality of distrust and patient non-adherence

The socio-technological context of health care wherein patient-consumer involvement is central increases the importance of examining the impact of Internet information on health-related attitudes a...
Reliability, validity, and clinically important differences (CIDs) on the NCCN/FACT Bladder Symptom Index (NFBISI-18) among individuals with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (UC).

408Background: The NFBlSI-18 is a measure of advanced bladder cancer–specific symptoms composed of a total scale and 3 subscales representing physical disease–related symptoms (DRS-P), emotional di...
Composition Over Division: The Statutes of the National Forest System

Most crises like those facing the National Forest System (NFS) have complex origins. But few of them result from as vast or as tangled a range of causes as do those facing the NFS. Appropriations to fight the wildfires now consuming our forests and choking the West have steadily grown, far outpacing inflation for a generation now. Timber and other commodity production has remained at historic lows for as long. And biodiversity conservation measures cannot gain the acquiescence of different constituencies long enough to withstand the inevitable lawsuits or turnover in administrative personnel. If Congress originally expected that judicial oversight would keep the Forest Service managing the NFS consistent with its own intent, that assumption has long since been buried. This study puts the NFS statutes' distinct facets in a truer light, though, offering what it calls a compositional interpretation. It shows how Congress's reiterations of research, reporting, and analysis requirements, combined with its multi-level planning mandates and varied oversight mechanisms, should fit together to enable continuous, deliberate improvements within the Forest Service.
A Review of the Performance of Extrinsically Powered Prosthetic Hands

Extrinsically powered prosthetic hands offer the potential to replicate the capabilities of a human hand and thus enable an upper limb amputee to complete activities of daily living. Over the past 20 years however, amputees have consistently indicated that several user needs have not been met. Many of these user needs are related to the hardware of the prosthetic hand, and in particular, its actuators and transmissions. These needs include reduced weight and improved dexterity, hand speed, hand strength, and functionality. To understand why these user needs have not been adequately addressed, we first seek to investigate the state of the art in extrinsically powered prosthetic hands through a comprehensive review of the research, commercial, and open-source literature. This review focuses specifically on actuation of the prosthetic hands because actuation is central to addressing the above user needs. This review, based on actuation strategies, enables a characterization and exploration of the actuation design space. We also compare the performance of the reviewed prosthetic hands with both the human hand and ideal recommendations for prosthetic hands to conclude that existing prosthetic hands do not adequately address user needs. This systematic characterization of the actuation design space helps identify that improvements to transmission pathways are the most promising avenue of further research and innovation to enable future prosthetic hands that adequately address user needs.
Molecular Drivers of Tumor Progression in Microsatellite Stable APC Mutation-Negative Colorectal Cancers

Background: The tumor suppressor gene adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is the initiating mutation in approximately 80% of all colorectal cancers (CRC), underscoring the importance of aberrant regulation of intracellular WNT signaling in CRC development. Recent studies have found that early-onset CRC exhibits an increased proportion of tumors lacking an APC mutation. We set out to identify mechanisms underlying APC mutation-negative (APCmut-) CRCs. Methods: We analyzed data from The Cancer Genome Atlas to compare clinical phenotypes, somatic mutations, copy number variations, gene fusions, RNA expression, and DNA methylation profiles between APCmut- and APC mutation-positive (APCmut+) microsatellite stable CRCs. Results: Transcriptionally, APCmut- CRCs clustered into two approximately equal groups. Cluster One was associated with enhanced mitochondrial activation. Cluster Two was strikingly associated with genetic inactivation or decreased RNA expression of the WNT antagonist RNF43, increased expression of the WNT agonist RSPO3, activating mutation of BRAF, or increased methylation and decreased expression of AXIN2. APCmut- CRCs exhibited evidence of increased immune cell infiltration, with significant correlation between M2 macrophages and RSPO3. Conclusions: APCmut- CRCs comprise two groups of tumors characterized by enhanced mitochondrial activation or increased sensitivity to extracellular WNT, suggesting that they could be respectively susceptible to inhibition of these pathways.
Exploration of the structure–activity relationship of 1,2,4-oxadiazole antibiotics

We have recently disclosed the discovery of the class of 1,2,4-oxadiazole antibiotics, which emerged from in silico docking and scoring efforts. This class of antibacterials exhibits Gram-positive activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus. We define the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of this class of antibiotics with the synthesis and evaluation of a series of 59 derivatives with variations in the C ring or C and D rings. A total of 17 compounds showed activity against S. aureus. Four derivatives were evaluated against a panel of 16 Gram-positive strains, inclusive of several methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains. These compounds are broadly active against Gram-positive bacteria.
Synaptic plasticity: taming the beast

Synaptic plasticity provides the basis for most models of learning, memory and development in neural circuits. To generate realistic results, synapse-specific Hebbian forms of plasticity, such as long-term potentiation and depression, must be augmented by global processes that regulate overall levels of neuronal and network activity. Regulatory processes are often as important as the more intensively studied Hebbian processes in determining the consequences of synaptic plasticity for network function. Recent experimental results suggest several novel mechanisms for regulating levels of activity in conjunction with Hebbian synaptic modification. We review three of them-synaptic scaling, spike-timing dependent plasticity and synaptic redistribution-and discuss their functional implications.
Cytarabine, Ki-67, and SOX11 in Patients With Mantle Cell Lymphoma Receiving Rituximab-Containing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation During First Remission

BACKGROUND In the current study, the authors report the results of 39 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who were treated with chemotherapy and high-dose rituximab-containing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) during their first disease remission. METHODS The median age of the patients was 54 years. At the time of diagnosis, 87% of patients had Ann Arbor stage IV disease, and 77% had bone marrow involvement. A Ki-67 level of > 30% was found in 11 of 27 patients (40%), and SOX11 (SRY [sex determining region Y)-box 11] expression was found to be positive in 17 of 18 patients (94%). Twenty-seven patients (69%) underwent induction therapy with high-dose cytarabine-containing chemotherapy. Rituximab was administered during stem cell collection at a dose of 1000 mg/m2 on days +1 and +8 after ASCT. RESULTS The estimated 4-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 82% and 59%, respectively. Twelve patients experienced disease recurrence. Fifteen of 16 patients who were alive and in complete remission at 36 months remained so at a median follow-up of 69 months (range, 38 months-145 months). The only determinant of recurrence risk found was a Ki-67 level of > 30%. Seven of 11 patients with a Ki-67 level > 30% experienced disease recurrence within the first 3 years versus only 3 of 16 patients with a Ki-67 level ≤ 30% (P = .02). Patients who received high-dose cytarabine did not have a significantly different risk of developing disease recurrence compared with other patients (P = .7). CONCLUSIONS Administering ASCT with rituximab during stem cell collection and immediately after transplantation may induce a continuous long-term disease remission in patients with MCL with a Ki-67 level of ≤ 30%. Cancer 2013;119:3318–25. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Characterization of Cohesive Sediment Properties and Transport Processes in Estuaries

Important factors characterizing cohesive sediment in estuarial transport are described with reference to measurement of appropriate parameters. Two categories of measurement are required — those for characterizing the physico-chemical properties of the sediment and the fluid, and those for quantifying the various relationships governing the transport processes. Sediment properties are specified by the grain size, mineralogical composition, organics and the cation exchange capacity. Fluid properties include its ionic composition, pH and temperature. In addition, bed density and rheologic parameters must be measured.
The Hip and Femur

The primary function of the lower extremities is locomotion. Any alteration of the function of the lower extremities will result in an alteration in the ability to walk and run. The hip is the most proximal joint in the lower extremity. Alteration in the hip due to disease will significantly affect the biomechanics of gait and place abnormal stress on the joints above and below the hip, which can lead to pain in areas such as the lumbar spine and the knee.
The mechanism of fungistatic action of sec-butylamine: II. The effect of sec-butylamine on pyruvate oxidation by mitochondria of Penicillium digitatum and on the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex☆

sec-Butylamine at 5 mM inhibited the oxidation of pyruvate by mitochondria isolated from hyphae of Penicillium digitalum, but had little effect on the oxidation of citrate, isocitrate, succinate, malate, acetyl-coenzyme A, or reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. sec-Butylamine did not interfere with oxidative phosphorylation, as evidenced by similar PO ratios in treated and control mitochondria. The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (EC 1.2.4.1) isolated from young hyphae of P. digitatum was inhibited strongly by 20 mM sec-butylamine, whereas other tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes were only slightly affected at most. Inhibition of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by sec-butylamine was competitive with respect to pyruvate. The Ki for sec-butylamine in the reaction was 1.38 × 10−2 M, and the Km for pyruvate was 2.28 × 10−4 M. These observations and other evidence derived from studies with intact hyphae support the hypothesis that the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex is the primary site of the fungistatic action of sec-butylamine.
Diagnostic Judgment as a Function of the Preprocessing of Evidence

An experiment was conducted to determine how the quality of a human judgment (in this case, military threat diagnosis) is affected by various levels of preprocessing applied to the raw predictive e...
Academic Library Services to Distance Learners: In Consideration of Costs, Technology, and Stability

In the last fifteen years, there has been an increase in the implementation of distance education programs in colleges and universities. The challenge for academic libraries will be to create working models of library support for distance learners that are both economically sustainable, and qualitatively equitable to the support given to on-campus students. The author suggests that training in advanced web computing and educational technologies must begin in the graduate study of library and information science to help offset the training costs for academic libraries. One solution might include utilizing networks of distance students to create business and other partnerships as a method to attract funding. This article considers recent literature on the financial stakes of providing library services to distance learners.
Advantage of overlapping clusters for minimizing conductance

Graph clustering is an important problem with applications to bioinformatics, community discovery in social networks, distributed computing, etc. While most of the research in this area has focused on clustering using disjoint clusters, many real datasets have inherently overlapping clusters. We compare overlapping and non-overlapping clusterings in graphs in the context of minimizing their conductance. It is known that allowing clusters to overlap gives better results in practice. We prove that overlapping clustering may be significantly better than non-overlapping clustering with respect to conductance, even in a theoretical setting. For minimizing the maximum conductance over the clusters, we give examples demonstrating that allowing overlaps can yield significantly better clusterings, namely, one that has much smaller optimum. In addition for the min-max variant, the overlapping version admits a simple approximation algorithm, while our algorithm for the non-overlapping version is complex and yields worse approximation ratio due to the presence of the additional constraint. Somewhat surprisingly, for the problem of minimizing the sum of conductances, we found out that allowing overlap does not really help. We show how to apply a general technique to transform any overlapping clustering into a non-overlapping one with only a modest increase in the sum of conductances. This uncrossing technique is of independent interest and may find further applications in the future.
Gender, Disability, and ADA Title I Employment Discrimination: A Comparison of Male and Female Charging Party Characteristics: The National EEOC ADA Research Project

Demographic characteristics of female charging parties in comparison to males who filed allegations of workplace discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act were examined using a secondary database maintained by the United States’ Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Findings indicated that charging parties have distinct profiles related to demographic characteristics.
Sorption of organic contaminants by carbon nanotubes: influence of adsorbed organic matter.

Sorption of three types of dissolved organic matter (DOM; i.e., humic acid, peptone and α-phenylalanine) by a mutiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT40) and sorption of phenanthrene (Phen), naphthalene (Naph), and 1-naphthol (1-Naph) by the original and DOM-coated MWNT40 were examined. Sorption data of Phen, Naph, and 1-Naph by all sorbents were fitted with Freundlich and Polanyi models. MWNT40 had nonlinear isotherms for all DOMs examined. Sorption of DOMs by MWNT40 followed the order peptone > humic acid > α-phenylalanine. The humic acid used in this study had much lower sorption for Phen, Naph, and 1-Naph than MWNT40, but its coating did not make striking changes on sorption of these compounds by MWNT40, suggesting that humic acid coating dramatically altered the physical form and surface properties of MWNT40. Peptone coating made the strongest suppression on sorption of Phen, Naph, and 1-Naph by MWNT40 among the three DOMs used, due to its highest sorption on MWNT40, thus causing a great reduction in accessi...
Separated Isotopes as Internal Standards in Spark Source Mass Spectrometry

Abstract The use of separated stable isotopes as internal standards in spark source mass spectrometry is described. This method is useful for solution samples and complements the more classical isotope dilution technique. For powdered or insoluble samples, the isotopes are dried onto a conducting matrix material-usually high purity silver powder-followed by homogenization of the sample with this «spiked’ matrix. The resulting mixture can then be pressed into solid electrodes and analyzed by spark source mass spectrometry. This technique has proven useful for the determination of mononuclidic elements such as Co, As, and Mn in a variety of samples, and for multielement analysis of coal ash and fly ash, with a minimum of sample handling and resultant contamination. Use of an isotope which has a mass near to that of the element being measured gives more precise and accurate analyses than the common technique of using one internal standard.
The Role of the Underlying Real Asset Market in REIT Ipos

One of the leading explanations for cycles in initial public offerings (IPOs) is time-varying supply and demand for the underlying assets of the firms that are considering going public. We test this explanation by examining REIT IPOs over the 1980 to 1998 period. REITs provide a powerful test of this hypothesis due to their homogeneity, transparency, and the relative ease with which investors can observe the state of the underlying real asset markets. Using both supply- and demand-based definitions of hot and cold IPO markets, we show evidence of the link between IPO activity and: (i) the supply and demand for real estate, (ii) the price of REITs relative to their dividends, and (iii) the price of REITs relative to their underlying net asset values. Further, we find no significant difference in post-IPO operating performance for REITs that go public in hot versus cold markets, implying homogeneous firm quality across IPO cycles. Taken together, these tests provide evidence that the supply and demand for real estate capital and the relative price of REITs drive cycles in REIT IPOs.
The hobo transposable element has transposase-dependent and-independent excision activity in drosophilid species

Mobility of the hobo transposable element was determined for several strains of Drosophila melanogaster and several Drosophila species. Mobility was assessed by use of an in vivo transient assay in the soma of developing embryos, which monitored hobo excision from injected indicator plasmids. Excision was detected in a D. melanogaster strain (cn; ry 42) devoid of endogenous hobo elements only after co-injection of a helper plasmid containing functional hobo transposase under either heat shock or normal promoter regulation. Excision was also detected in D. melanogaster without helper in strains known to contain genomic copies of hobo. In Drosophila species confirmed not to contain hobo, hobo excision occurred at significant rates both in the presence and absence of co-injected helper plasmid. In four of the seven species tested, excision frequencies were two- to fivefold lower in the presence of plasmid-borne hobo. hobo excision donor sites were sequenced in indicator plasmids extracted from D. melanogaster cn; ry 42 and D. virilis embryos. In the presence of hobo transposase, the predominant excision sites were identical in both species, having breakpoints at the hobo termini with an inverted duplication of proximal insertion site DNA. However, in the absence of hobo transposase in D. virilis, excision breakpoints were apparently random and occurred distal to the hobo termini. The data indicate that hobo is capable of functioning in the soma during embryogenesis, and that its mobility is unrestricted in drosophilids. Furthermore, drosophilids not containing hobo are able to mobilize hobo, presumably by a hobo-related cross-mobilizing system. The cross-mobilizing system in D. virilis is not functionally identical to hobo with respect to excision sequence specificity.
Wild tree squirrels respond with multisensory enhancement to conspecific robot alarm behaviour.

Natural social communication in animals involves the use of multiple sensory channels but has traditionally been easier to study one channel at a time. As a consequence we know more about the simplified situation of unitary signal channels than we do about the natural situation in which these sources are integrated. Studies of single channels of communication underestimate, and can even misrepresent, the salience and meaning of messages that are normally communicated via multiple channels. However, new mechanical or robotic animal models allow us to test the meaning of multiple components of a signal, via multiple sensory channels. Being three-dimensional, they also allow these questions to be tested in natural field settings where ambient light may constrain other methods such as video playback. Robotic models have been successfully tested with wild amphibians, reptiles and birds. Here we show that a wild mammal, the eastern grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, responds to a robotic model displaying alarm behaviour. Wild squirrels showed enhanced responses to multisensory, audio/visual signals of alarm compared to unisensory (either audio or visual) signals. This is significant for studies of the evolution of communication in that it underscores the importance of taking the complete signal into account, and it provides a method for studying multisensory communication in wild mammals. It is also important for studies of sensory integration, since the squirrels showed an enhanced behavioural response to multisensory signals, providing an overt parallel to brain mechanisms of other mammals that show neural enhancement to multisensory stimuli.
Effects of wind and choice of cover material on the yield of a passive solar still

AbstractThe development of an accurate thermodynamic model for the basic solar still has been the goal of many researchers. Glass covers are the most common choice of cover material, but are not always available under all situations and pose a large risk of physical injury if not handled with precaution. The effects of using three different cover materials (glass, Plexiglas, and plastic wrap) were investigated under a series of environmental conditions. The heat transfer model has been improved upon by the incorporation of a term for the effective emissivity of the cover, τeff. The effective τ expands upon the definition of the basic τ by incorporating the reflecting effects of the condensed, but not yet collected, water droplets adhered to the interior surface of the cover. The cumulative yield and water temperature profile predictions of the improved model were verified by a comparison with experimental results.
The primary health care team: linked group discussion as a learning medium.

This paper describes the use of ‘free group discussion’ hnked to patient management questionnaires as a method of improving learning in roles by students of the professions who comprise the primary health care team, i.e. general practitioner, health visitor, social worker, district nurse. It demonstrates that the students who were involved in group discussion gave a higher level of response and were more specific in their actions than students who did not participate in discussion but who were otherwise subjected to the same experience. Although there were no significant differences which may indicate changes in behaviour, this paper also highlights the difficulty of measuring learning.
Soft computing: tools for intelligent reservoir characterization (IRESC) and optimum well placement (OWP)

An integrated methodology has been developed to identify nonlinear relationships and mapping between 3-D seismic data and production log data. This methodology has been applied to a producing field. The method uses conventional techniques such as geostatistical and classical pattern recognition in conjunction with modern techniques such as soft computing (neuro-computing, fuzzy logic, genetic computing, and probabilistic reasoning). An important goal of our research is to use clustering techniques to recognize the optimal location of a new well based on 3-D seismic data and available production-log data. The classification task was accomplished in three ways; (1) k-mean clustering, (2) fuzzy c-means clustering, and (3) neural network clustering to recognize similarity cubes. Relationships between each cluster and production-log data can be recognized around the well bore and the results used to reconstruct and extrapolate production-log data away from the well bore. This advanced technique for analysis and interpretation of 3-D seismic and log data can be used to predict: (1) mapping between production data and seismic data, (2) reservoir connectivity based on multi-attribute analysis, (3) pay zone estimation, and (4) optimum well placement.
Three-dimensional FinFET simulation using the FDTD method

A three-dimensional simulation using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is being used to determine transmission through FinFETs. A waveform representing a particle is analyzed before and after it goes through the channel using a three-dimensional spatial sine transform to produce functions of energy. The ratio of these two functions is used to calculate transmission. From the transmission, the quantum conductance of the channel can be calculated.
Genetic basis of dominantly inherited transient bullous dermolysis of the newborn : A splice site mutation in the type VII collagen gene

Transient bullous dermolysis of the newborn (TBDN) is a blistering disease evident at birth or shortly thereafter, but the blistering tendency decreases with advancing age. The tissue separation in TBDN is below the lamina densa, and electron microscopy has revealed abnormalities in anchoring fibrils. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrates intracellular accumulation of type VII collagen. In this study, we report a G-to-C transversion mutation in the last nucleotide of intron 35 of the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1) in a family with autosomal dominant TBDN in three generations. This nucleotide substitution abolishes the obligatory consensus 3'-acceptor splice site, predicting in-frame skipping of exon 36. Thus, TBDN in this family is caused by a mutation in COL7A1, and is therefore allelic with other variants of dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
Methanobactin from Methylocystis sp. strain SB2 affects gene expression and methane monooxygenase activity in Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b.

Methanotrophs can express a cytoplasmic (soluble) methane monooxygenase (sMMO) or membrane-bound (particulate) methane monooxygenase (pMMO). Expression of these MMOs is strongly regulated by the availability of copper. Many methanotrophs have been found to synthesize a novel compound, methanobactin (Mb), that is responsible for the uptake of copper, and methanobactin produced by Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b plays a key role in controlling expression of MMO genes in this strain. As all known forms of methanobactin are structurally similar, it was hypothesized that methanobactin from one methanotroph may alter gene expression in another. When Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b was grown in the presence of 1 μM CuCl2, expression of mmoX, encoding a subunit of the hydroxylase component of sMMO, was very low. mmoX expression increased, however, when methanobactin from Methylocystis sp. strain SB2 (SB2-Mb) was added, as did whole-cell sMMO activity, but there was no significant change in the amount of copper associated with M. trichosporium OB3b. If M. trichosporium OB3b was grown in the absence of CuCl2, the mmoX expression level was high but decreased by several orders of magnitude if copper prebound to SB2-Mb (Cu-SB2-Mb) was added, and biomass-associated copper was increased. Exposure of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b to SB2-Mb had no effect on expression of mbnA, encoding the polypeptide precursor of methanobactin in either the presence or absence of CuCl2. mbnA expression, however, was reduced when Cu-SB2-Mb was added in both the absence and presence of CuCl2. These data suggest that methanobactin acts as a general signaling molecule in methanotrophs and that methanobactin “piracy” may be commonplace.