cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coastal and marine area management in the Galápagos islands

Abstract The Galapagos Islands have long been the object of worldwide scientific interest. Increased demands on coastal and marine resources there, to serve a growing resident population and to accommodate potentially expanded tourism, signal a need for greater attention to the management of these resources. The paper provides a brief overview of the challenges facing integrated coastal and marine area management in the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, describes a cooperative project between the government of Ecuador and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to devise concepts for improved management of the archipelago's coastal and marine resources, and reports on the findings of that study. The basic elements of a CZM and MRM system are already in place in the Galapagos, but they are uncoordinated and largely ad hoc in nature. A two‐zone management scheme for coastal and marine resources, proposed by Knecht (1984) is outlined. It avoids the establishment of complicated new systems of boundaries and inst...
A comparative analysis of shopping behavior in Hispanic and non-Hispanic market areas

Abstract Many retailers target shoppers belonging to ethnic minorities, particularly Hispanics. Most often, ethnic oriented retailing involves specialized marketing efforts in retail stores located in market areas with high concentrations of ethnic consumers. Previous research, through respondent self-reports, has attempted to determine how Hispanic shopping behavior differs from that of other customer groups. However, past studies have not investigated actual purchase behavior in stores located in ethnically concentrated market areas. Drawing on past research, we develop and test several hypothesis about shopping behavior in Hispanic market areas. Results show that shoppers in Hispanic trading areas are comparable to shoppers in non-Hispanic areas with respect to direct price responsiveness and brand substitution. However, we find that store brand purchasing is more prevalent in market areas with high concentrations of Hispanics.
Strontium isotope variations in the lower Mississippi River and its estuarine mixing zone

Abstract The spatial and temporal variations of elemental and isotopic Sr in the Mississippi River (MR) mixing zone are examined in an attempt to address the extent to which estuarine environments modify the fluvial Sr flux on its way to the ocean. We collected samples from the MR delta and its outflow region during four cruises that took place from 1999 to 2002. MR discharge varied from about 7600–30,600 m3 s− 1. Mixing patterns revealed minimal non-conservative behavior of Sr in the dissolved pool. Monthly measurements of the Lower MR at an anchored site during 2000 shows that Sr input to the Gulf of the Mexico from the MR varies temporally in both elemental concentration and isotopic composition, and that the flux of Sr is largely a function of water discharge. The extent of the non-conservative geochemical behavior of Sr does not compromise the use of Sr isotope ratios for stratigraphic dating purposes.
Sperm Precedence in Female Apple Maggots Alternately Mated to Normal and Irradiated Males

A dose of irradiation (Cesium-137) of 3 krad was sufficient to sterilize both sexes of the apple maggot, Rhagolctis pomonella (Walsh). When the irradiated ♂ (IM) mated with normal ♀ (NF), egg production was not reduced compared with a normal mating, but the eggs were not viable. Also, two matings of 1 NF with either 2 IM or with 1 NM and 1 IM, produced fewer eggs than a single mating with 1 normal male. Sperm precedence exhibited for the 2nd of the 2 matings was not complete.
Tubular reactor stability revisited without the danckwerts boundary conditions

Abstract Tubular reactor stability is reconsidered for a wide variety of situations where there is dispersion outside the reactor.A complete set of boundary con
Antiparkinson drug adherence and its association with health care utilization and economic outcomes in a Medicare Part D population.

Abstract Objectives We examine the associations of adherence to antiparkinson drugs (APDs) with health care utilization and economic outcomes among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods By using 2006–2007 Medicare administrative data, we examined 7583 beneficiaries with PD who filled two or more APD prescriptions during 19 months (June 1, 2006, to December 31, 2007) in the Part D program. Two adherence measures— duration of therapy (DOT) and medication possession ratio (MPR)—were assessed. Negative binomial and gamma generalized linear models were used to estimate the rate ratios (RRs) of all-cause health care utilization and expenditures, respectively, conditional upon adherence, adjusting for survival risk, sample selection, and health-seeking behavior. Results Approximately one-fourth of patients with PD had low adherence (MPR Conclusions In this nationally representative sample, higher adherence to APDs and longer duration of use of APDs were associated with lower all-cause health care utilization and total health care expenditures. Our findings suggest the need for improving medication-taking behaviors among patients with PD to reduce the use of and expenditures for medical resources.
Efficient Green-Light-Emitting Diodes from Silole-Containing Copolymers

Two random copolymers based on poly(di-n-hexylfluorene-co-4,4-diphenyldithienosilole) (PF-DTS) were synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction. The presence of a small portion (10 mol% for PF9-DTS, 5 mol% for PF19-DTS) of electron-deficient dithienosilole moiety in the copolymers increases their electron affinity and facilitates charge recombination through its function as a charge-trapping site for both holes and electrons. Photoluminescence (PL) studies show that color tuning through efficient Forster energy transfer from the higher-energy fluorene segments to the lower-energy dithienosilole-containing segments can be achieved as well. A double-layer device using PF9-DTS as the emitting layer and an in-situ polymerized bis-tetraphenylenebiphenyldiamine-perfluorocyclobutane (BTPD-PFCB) as the hole-transporting layer demonstrates a low turn-on voltage at 4.6 V, a brightness greater than 25 900 cd/m2, and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 1.64%, which could be attributed to both the improved charge inj...
Optimum Compression of a Noisy Measurement for Transmission Over a Noisy Channel

This paper is motivated by sensing and wireless communication, where data compression or dimension reduction may be used to reduce the required communication bandwidth. High-dimensional measurements are converted into low-dimensional representations through linear compression. Our aim is to compress a noisy sensor measurement, allowing for the fact that the compressed measurement will then be transmitted over a noisy channel. We give the closed-form expression for the optimal compression matrix that minimizes the trace or determinant of the error covariance matrix. We show that the solutions share a common architecture consisting of a canonical coordinate transformation, scaling by coefficients which account for canonical correlations and channel noise variance, followed by a coordinate transformation into the sub-dominant invariant subspace of the channel noise. Furthermore, we explore the design problem with respect to more general criteria and provide a unified factorization for the corresponding optimal compression matrix. A necessary condition is obtained for the optimal compression.
Fish intake, cooking practices, and risk of prostate cancer: results from a multi-ethnic case–control study

Purpose Studies conducted to assess the association between fish consumption and prostate cancer (PCA) risk are inconclusive. However, few studies have distinguished between fatty and lean fish, and no studies have considered the role of different cooking practices, which may lead to differential accumulation of chemical carcinogens. In this study, we investigated the association between fish intake and localized and advanced PCA taking into account fish types (lean vs. fatty) and cooking practices.
Strategies to promote adaptive competence for students on the autism spectrum

This article considers a range of effective interventions for children with autism. It focuses on communication and socialization issues, both of which inform improvements in behaviour. The article emphasizes the ongoing importance of these in any intervention programme, and their ultimate goal of promoting greater independence.
Value of park reserves to migrating and breeding landbirds in an urban important bird area

Increasing urban development threatens not only breeding habitat for migratory landbirds but also critical stopover habitat. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between landbird community composition and land cover in and surrounding urban park reserves in the Mississippi River Twin Cities Important Bird Area (IBA) in order to evaluate this area’s value during both spring migration and summer breeding seasons. This IBA includes a mosaic of residential, commercial, and park reserve land running along the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and Hastings, Minnesota. Using citizen-science data collected at 8 park reserve sites in the IBA between 2007 and 2010, we calculated species richness, diversity, and evenness for the migrating and breeding landbird community at each site and categorized species into three conservation statuses (species of greatest conservation need, native and exotic) and four migratory behavior classes (permanent residents, short-distance migrants, resident neotropical migrants, and en-route neotropical migrants). We used AIC to rank multiple regression models to evaluate how these groupings vary across sites in comparison to the land cover in and surrounding each site. We found that most measures of both the spring migration and breeding communities were negatively related to increased impervious cover. Exotic species and permanent residents were less affected by surrounding land use, while breeding season resident and transitory neotropical migrants were greatly affected. Patterns of landbird richness and density suggest that removing impervious cover within lower quality sites can improve habitat supporting migrating birds.
Internal Excitation in the Products of Nucleophilic Substitution from the Dissociation of Metastable Ion Complexes

The relative kinetic energy distributions for the products of the dissociation of four metastable gas-phase ion clusters have been analyzed by means of ion kinetic energy spectroscopy, and the results modeled using statistical phase space theory. The systems studied represent reaction intermediates in bimolecular nucleophilic substitutions (SN2). These studies build on previous investigations that demonstrated vibrational excitation in the products of the substitution reactions of halide ions with methyl halides.1 The present studies explore the effects of molecular structure, reaction exothermicity, and nucleophile and leaving group variation. The experimental kinetic energy distributions are compared with theoretical distributions calculated for statistical partitioning of energy among internal modes and relative kinetic energy of the products. In each reaction, the calculated distributions agree with the experimental distributions only if a significant fraction of the energy released in the exothermic ...
Pemphigus Vulgaris Autoantibody Profiling by Proteomic Technique

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a mucocutaneous blistering disease characterized by IgG autoantibodies against the stratified squamous epithelium. Current understanding of PV pathophysiology does not explain the mechanism of acantholysis in patients lacking desmoglein antibodies, which justifies a search for novel targets of pemphigus autoimmunity. We tested 264 pemphigus and 138 normal control sera on the multiplexed protein array platform containing 701 human genes encompassing many known keratinocyte cell-surface molecules and members of protein families targeted by organ-non-specific PV antibodies. The top 10 antigens recognized by the majority of test patients' sera were proteins encoded by the DSC1, DSC3, ATP2C1, PKP3, CHRM3, COL21A1, ANXA8L1, CD88 and CHRNE genes. The most common combinations of target antigens included at least one of the adhesion molecules DSC1, DSC3 or PKP3 and/or the acetylcholine receptor CHRM3 or CHRNE with or without the MHC class II antigen DRA. To identify the PV antibodies most specific to the disease process, we sorted the data based on the ratio of patient to control frequencies of antigen recognition. The frequency of antigen recognition by patients that exceeded that of control by 10 and more times were the molecules encoded by the CD33, GP1BA, CHRND, SLC36A4, CD1B, CD32, CDH8, CDH9, PMP22 and HLA-E genes as well as mitochondrial proteins encoded by the NDUFS1, CYB5B, SOD2, PDHA1 and FH genes. The highest specificity to PV showed combinations of autoantibodies to the calcium pump encoded by ATP2C1 with C5a receptor plus DSC1 or DSC3 or HLA-DRA. The results identified new targets of pemphigus autoimmunity. Novel autoantibody signatures may help explain individual variations in disease severity and treatment response, and serve as sensitive and specific biomarkers for new diagnostic assays in PV patients.
Gastroenteritis por rotavirus Estudio comparativo de la inmunoelectromicroscopía (IEM) y el ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA)

Se presenta una evaluacion de las tecnicas del Ensayo Inmunoenzimatico (ELlSA) y de la lnmunoelectromicroscopia (IEM) empleadas en la deteccion de rotavirus en extractos de materias fecales de 72 pacientes con gastroententis viral. Se discuten las ventajas y desventajas de la incorporacion de la proteina A de Staphylococcus aureus en las pruebas de lnmunoelectromicroscopia.
Enhanced nonlinearity of the propagation constant of a long-range surface-plasma wave

We calculate the power-dependent propagation constant of a surface-plasma wave as a function of the thickness of the metal film on which it propagates when the metal film is bounded by a nonlinear semiconductor. In the case of a Cu film bounded by InSb at a wavelength of ∼5 μm and a temperature of 5 K, we find that the effect of the nonlinearity on the propagation constant is enhanced by a factor of 10 as the metal thickness decreases from 120 to 15 nm.
New Tree-Ring Dates for Recent Eruptions of Mount St. Helens

Distinctive patterns of growth rings in increment cores from old-growth Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) stands identify A.D. 1800 as a more precise date for the eruption of tephra layer T by Mount St. Helens, Washington. Layer T was previously inferred to date to about A.D. 1802. Growth patterns also establish A.D. 1480 as the date of eruption of the earlier layer Wn, previously estimated as dating to about A.D. 1500. The timing of radial tree growth places a small limitation on the seasonal resolution of these new tree-ring dates.
Where is the Natural Phonology Phoneme in 2009

The phoneme in Natural Phonology has a different status from that which it has in most versions of ‘generative’ phonology and also from several other current functionalist phonological models. Unlike the generative view the NP phoneme is a mental image of a fully specified sound. On the other hand, unlike the usage-based view, there is a single mental image which is modified online in production, while perception ‘undoes’ the modification according to the speaker/hearer’s dialect. This paper presents some arguments for the continuing validity of the NP view. The Phoneme in Natural Phonology
A leadership journal club for officers of a professional organization for pharmacy students

Abstract The objective of this article is to describe the implementation of a leadership journal club (LJC) for officers of a professional organization for pharmacy students. In 2012 and 2013, the faculty advisors of a Student Society of Health-System Pharmacy chapter coordinated a LJC to increase leadership development in the officers. Participants met for six sessions, approximately once a month over six months, to discuss articles in six leadership concept areas. Perceptions of the LJC were assessed with a questionnaire that included 13 Likert-scale items and two open-ended questions. A majority of participants evaluated each Likert-scale item positively. Open-ended feedback indicated that most participants enjoyed discussions with their peers, but some felt that the topics were repetitive. It was concluded that a LJC was well received by officers of a professional organization for pharmacy students.
A computational comparison of the dinic and network simplex methods for maximum flow

We study the implementation of two fundamentally different algorithms for solving the maximum flow problem: Dinic's method and the network simplex method. For the former, we present the design of a storage-efficient implementation. For the latter, we develop a "steepest-edge" pivot selection criterion that is easy to include in an existing network simplex implementation. We compare the computational efficiency of these two methods on a personal computer with a set of generated problems of up to 4 600 nodes and 27 000 arcs.
Management of high-risk reentry sternotomy in an infant for repair of a giant pseudoaneurysm of the right ventricular outflow tract

Improved survival from congenital heart disease has led to an increasing need for complex reoperation by reentrant sternotomy. Peripheral cannulation and initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass prior to sternotomy to avoid the risk of cardiac injury and massive hemorrhage is an option in adults and larger children, but femoral vessel size precludes this strategy in infants. We describe the management of a high-risk reentry sternotomy in an infant for repair of a giant pseudoaneurysm after prior homograft repair of tetralogy of Fallot, using surgical dissection for suprasternal cannulation of the innominate artery and subxyphoid cannulation of the inferior vena cava.
Wave numbers, rotational distortion, constants and thermodynamic properties for NT3, PT3, and AsT3

Abstract The harmonic wave numbers for NT 3 , PT 3 , and AsT 3 have been calculated by use of the potential energy constants obtained for the corresponding hydrides and deuterides in a previous investigation by the authors. The anharmonicity factors and therefore the expected spectral frequencies have been evaluated. A first-order perturbation calculation of the rotational distortion constants for the molecules has been made. The molar thermodynamic properties have been obtained from 100 to 1000°K for a rigid-rotor, harmonic-oscillator approximation at 1-atmos pressure.
PROMETHIUM 147 HYPERFINE STRUCTURE UNDER HIGH RESOLUTION

The hyperfine structure of Pm147 has been investigated with Fabry–Perot interferometers. Well-resolved patterns of about 800 lines were obtained. The results confirm the previous spectroscopic determination of the nuclear spin, but show that the previous value of the nuclear magnetic moment as derived from spectroscopic data cannot be considered meaningful.
Monetary Institutions and the Political Survival of Democratic Leaders

According to the political business cycle literature, survival-maximizing leaders will manipulate whatever macroeconomic policy instruments they have at their disposal in order to retain power. However, an obvious implication of the political business cycle literature has not previously been adequately tested: does having the ability to manipulate macroeconomic policy instruments actually allow leaders to stay in office longer? We argue that elected leaders who have neither fiscal nor monetary instruments available for electoral purposes will find it more difficult to survive in office. We test this claim using data from 19 OECD countries in the latter part of the twentieth century when the degree of capital mobility in the international economy was high. We find that access to macroeconomic instruments does help leaders retain office, but that these instruments are only effective for leaders who have been in office for at least 7 years.
The Experience of Group Weight Loss Efforts Among Lesbians

Objective: To describe experiences of group weight loss efforts among lesbians participating in a predominantly lesbian weight loss group. Methods: A qualitative study (N = 14 self-identified overweight lesbians) was conducted, incorporating phenomenology and grounded theory in methodology. Focus groups were analyzed using a Template Analysis style. Results: Several themes were identified that contributed to the weight loss experience of the participants. These themes contributed to the development of a model depicting history, components, and relationships among concepts leading to positive weight loss experiences for lesbians. Conclusions: Participants had long histories of shame and fear surrounding weight loss attempts. Weight loss group participants needed cultural connectivity and a sense of safety and acceptance to address issues contributing to weight gain and in order to lose weight and maintain weight loss. Although more research is needed before implementation of a sexual minority women-specifi...
EVAM: an eigenvector-based algorithm for multichannel blind deconvolution of input colored signals

A new algorithm is proposed for the deconvolution of an unknown, possibly colored, Gaussian or nonstationary signal that is observed through two or more unknown channels described by rational system transfer functions. More specifically, not only the root (pole and zero) locations but also the orders of the channel transfer functions are unknown. It is assumed that the channel orders may be overestimated. The proposed algorithm estimates the orders and root locations of the channel transfer functions, therefore it can also be used in multichannel system identification problems. The input signal is allowed to be nonstationary and the channel transfer functions may be a nonminimum phase as well as noncausal, hence the proposed algorithm is particularly suitable for applications such as dereverberation of speech signals recorded through multiple microphones. Several experimental results indicate improvement compared to the existing methods in the literature. >
Chromosomal replicases as asymmetric dimers: studies of subunit arrangement and functional consequences

Summary Studies of the DNA polymerase III holoenzyme of Escherichia coli support a model in which both the leading and lagging strand polymerases are held together in a complex with the replicative helicase and priming activities, allowing two identical a catalytic subunits to assume different functions on the two strands of the replication fork. Creation of distinct functions for each of the two polymerases within the holoenzyme depends on the asymmetric character of the entire complex. The asymmetry of the holoenzyme is created by the DnaX complex, a heptamer that includes t and g products of the dnaX gene. t t t and g g g perform unique functions in the DnaX complex, and the interaction between a and t appears to dictate the catalytic subunit’s role in the replicative reaction. This review considers the properties of the DnaX complex including both t t t and g , with the goal of understanding the properties of the replicase and its function in vivo . Recent studies in eukaryotic and other prokaryotic systems suggest that an asymmetric dimeric replicase may be universal. The leading and lagging strand polymerases may be distinct in some systems. For example, Pol e and Pol d may function as distinct leading and lagging strand polymerases in eukaryotes, and PolC and DnaE may function as distinct leading and lagging strand polymerases in low GC content Gram-positive bacteria.
Technical challenges in using human induced pluripotent stem cells to model disease

Reprogramming of human somatic cells uses readily accessible tissue, such as skin or blood, to generate embryonic-like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This procedure has been applied to somatic cells from patients who are classified into a disease group, thus creating "disease-specific" iPSCs. Here, we examine the challenges and assumptions in creating a disease model from a single cell of the patient. Both the kinetics of disease onset and progression as well as the spatial localization of disease in the patient's body are challenges to disease modeling. New tools in genetic modification, reprogramming, biomaterials, and animal models can be used for addressing these challenges.
Detecting Errors in Discontinuous Structural Annotation

Consistency of corpus annotation is an essential property for the many uses of annotated corpora in computational and theoretical linguistics. While some research addresses the detection of inconsistencies in positional annotation (e.g., part-of-speech) and continuous structural annotation (e.g., syntactic constituency), no approach has yet been developed for automatically detecting annotation errors in discontinuous structural annotation. This is significant since the annotation of potentially discontinuous stretches of material is increasingly relevant, from tree-banks for free-word order languages to semantic and discourse annotation.In this paper we discuss how the variation n-gram error detection approach (Dickinson and Meurers, 2003a) can be extended to discontinuous structural annotation. We exemplify the approach by showing how it successfully detects errors in the syntactic annotation of the German TIGER corpus (Brants et al., 2002).
Grasping with application to an autonomous checkout robot

In this paper, we present a novel grasp selection algorithm to enable a robot with a two-fingered end-effector to autonomously grasp unknown objects. Our approach requires as input only the raw depth data obtained from a single frame of a 3D sensor. Additionally, our approach uses no explicit models of the objects and does not require a training phase. We use the grasping capability to demonstrate the application of a robot as an autonomous checkout clerk. To perform this task, the robot must identify how to grasp an object, locate the barcode on the object and read the numeric code. We evaluate our grasping algorithm in experiments where the robot was required to autonomously grasp unknown objects. The robot achieved a success of 91.6%in grasping novel objects. We performed two sets of experiments to evaluate the checkout robot application. In the first set, the objects were placed in many orientations in front of the robot one at a time. In the second set, the objects were placed several at a time with varying amounts of clutter. The robot was able to autonomously grasp and scan the objects in 49/50 of the single-object trials and 46/50 of the cluttered trials.
Feedback EDF scheduling exploiting dynamic voltage scaling

Dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) is a promising method for embedded systems to exploit multiple voltage and frequency levels and to prolong battery life. However, pure DVS techniques do not perform well for systems with dynamic workloads where the job execution times vary significantly. We present a novel approach combining feedback control with DVS schemes targeting hard real-time systems with dynamic workloads. Our method relies strictly on operating system support by integrating a DVS scheduler and a feedback controller within the EDF scheduling algorithm. Each task is divided into two portions. Within the first portion, the objective is to exploit frequency scaling for the average execution time. We reserve enough time for the second portion to meet the deadline requirements up to the worst-case execution time following a last-chance approach. Feedback techniques make the system capable to select the right frequency and voltage settings for the first potion, as well as guaranteeing hard real-time requirements for the overall task. Simulation experiments demonstrate the ability of our algorithm to save up to 29% more energy than previous work for task sets with different dynamic workload characteristics.
A method for wet spinning of alginate fibers with a high concentration of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract A method is described for the wet spinning of alginate fibers with a loading of single-walled carbon nanotubes as high as 23 wt%. Electrostatic assembling of polyelectrolytes and nanotubes coated with sodium dodecyl sulfate is exploited by using calcium as a cross-linking agent. The Young’s modulus of these fibers depends non-monotonically on nanotube concentration which is explained using Halpin-Tsai and Voigt models. Scanning electron microscope micrographs and resistivity analysis of the fibers suggest that the nanotube-alginate system undergoes a morphological transition from a composite structure of discrete nanotube bundles embedded in an alginate matrix to a complex continuous structure consisting of a nanotube network interwoven into a macromolecular network of alginate. The nanotube-alginate fibers have unprecedented high flexibility and a very high electrical conductivity similar to semimetals (between germanium and carbon).
Course-Taking Patterns of Latino ESL Students: Mobility and Mainstreaming in Urban Community Colleges in the United States.

In most Western countries where English is the medium of instruction, there is a substantial gap in student success between immigrant English as a second language (ESL) students and non-ESL students. In the United States, this situation has been observed in particular with Latino ESL students. This article describes a longitudinal study of two cohorts of Latino ESL students and compares the success of students who mainstreamed into college-level content courses and those who did not. More specifically, drawing on quantitative transcript analysis and focus group discussions, this study examines several factors impacting the mobility of Latino ESL students in a large urban community college district in the United States. The qualitative analysis focused on several themes including challenges to navigating the curriculum, the significant role of ESL in providing opportunities to use English, and the supportive role of instructors. The quantitative analysis focused on mainstreaming, enrollment patterns, and success measures, including grade point average (GPA) and course-completion ratio. The findings suggest that students who mainstream earlier or concurrently enroll in content level courses are more successful in terms of course completion and GPA. Implications of the study are discussed in relation to placement, instruction, and further areas of research. Although the ESL programs and the linguistic-minority population of this study are located in the United States, the issues raised and lessons learned can enrich the broader international conversation surrounding language minority education.
Design, Kinematic Analysis, and Quasi-Steady Control of a Morphic Rolling Disk Biped Climbing Robot

A new bipedal mobile robot design that combines the benefits of rolling, walking, and climbing locomotion is discussed. The design provides these locomotion primitives without the addition of actuators beyond those required for climbing through the use of a disk-like exoskeleton that provides a rolling surface. Small joint oscillations control the center of gravity of the robot in order to initiate and perpetuate quasi-static rolling motion. Simulation results are also included to validate this algorithm.
How spatial abilities enhance, and are enhanced by, dental education

ARTICLE I NFO In two studies with a total of 324 participants, dentistry students were assessed on psychometric measures of spatial ability,reasoningability,andonnewmeasuresof theability toinferthe appearanceof a cross-sectionof a three-dimensional (3-D) object. We examined how these abilities and skills predict success in dental education programs, and whether dental education enhances an individual's spatial competence. The cross- section tests were correlated with spatial ability measures, even after controlling for reasoning ability, suggesting that they rely specifically on the ability to store and transform spatial representations. Sex differences in these measures indicated a male advantage, as is often found on measures of spatial ability. Spatialabilitywassomewhatpredictiveofperformanceinrestorativedentistrypracticallaboratoryclasses,but not of learning anatomy in general. Comparisons of the performance of students early and late in their dental education indicated that dentistry students develop spatial mental models of the 3-D structure of teeth, which improves their ability to mentally maintain and manipulate representations of these specific structures, but there is no evidence that dental education improves spatial transformation abilities more generally.
Spectrin-anchored phosphodiesterase 4D4 restricts cAMP from disrupting microtubules and inducing endothelial cell gap formation.

Dynamic cAMP fluctuations that are restricted to a sub-plasma-membrane domain strengthen endothelial barrier integrity. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) localize within this domain where they limit cAMP diffusion into the bulk cytosolic compartment; however, the molecular identity of PDEs responsible for endothelial cell membrane cAMP compartmentation remain poorly understood. Our present findings reveal that the D4 splice variant of the PDE4 phosphodiesterase family – PDE4D4 – is expressed in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, and is found in plasma membrane fractions. PDE4D4 interacts with αII spectrin within this membrane domain. Although constitutive PDE4D4 activity limits cAMP access to the bulk cytosol, inhibiting its activity permits cAMP to access a cytosolic domain that is rich in microtubules, where it promotes protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation of tau at Ser214. Such phosphorylation reorganizes microtubules and induces interendothelial cell gap formation. Thus, spectrin-anchored PDE4D4 shapes the physiological response to cAMP by directing it to barrier-enhancing effectors while limiting PKA-mediated microtubule reorganization.
When Should Philosophers Be Silent

Are there general precepts governing when philosophers should not conduct inquiry on a given topic? When, if ever, should a philosopher just be silent? In this paper we look at a number of practical, epistemic, and moral arguments for philosophical silence. Some are quite general, and suggest that it is best never to engage in philosophical inquiry, while others are more domain – or context – specific. We argue that these arguments fail to establish their conclusions. We do, however, try to identify and defend several substantive constraints on philosophical dialogue and inquiry. In practice, though, respecting these constraints needn't lead to much philosophical silence.
Distribution associated with stochastic processes of gene expression in a single Eukaryotic cell

The ability to simultaneously measure mRNA abundance for large number of genes has revolutionized biological research by allowing statistical analysis of global gene-expression data. Large-scale gene-expression data sets have been analyzed in order to identify the probability distributions of gene-expression levels (or transcript copy numbers) in eukaryotic cells. Determining such function(s) may provide a theoretical basis for accurately counting all expressed genes in a given cell and for understanding gene-expression control. Using the gene-expression libraries derived from yeast cells and from different human cell tissues we found that all observed gene-expression levels data appear to follow a Pareto-like skewed frequency distribution with parameters dependent of the size of the libraries. We produced the skewed probability function, called the binomial differential distribution, that accounts for many rarely transcribed genes in a single cell. We also developed a novel method for estimating and removing major experimental errors and redundancies from the Serial Analysis Gene Expression (SAGE) data sets. We successfully applied this method to the yeast transcriptome. A "basal" random transcription mechanism for all protein-coding genes in every eukaryotic cell type is predicted.
Distinct biological effects of different nanoparticles commonly used in cosmetics and medicine coatings

Metal oxides in nanoparticle form such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide now appear on the ingredient lists of household products as common and diverse as cosmetics, sunscreens, toothpaste, and medicine. Previous studies of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in non-nanoparticle format using animals have found few adverse effects. This has led the FDA to classify zinc oxide as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for use as a food additive. However, there is no regulation specific for the use of these chemicals in nanoparticle format. Recent studies, however, have begun to raise concerns over the pervasive use of these compounds in nanoparticle forms. Unfortunately, there is a lack of easily-adaptable screening methods that would allow for the detection of their biological effects. We adapted two image-based assays, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based caspase activation assay and a green fluorescent protein coupled-LC3 assay, to test for the biological effects of different nanoparticles in a high-throughput format. We show that zinc oxide nanoparticles are cytotoxic. We also show that titanium dioxide nanoparticles are highly effective in inducing autophagy, a cellular disposal mechanism that is often activated when the cell is under stress. We suggest that these image-based assays provide a method of screening for the biological effects of similar compounds that is both efficient and sensitive as well as do not involve the use of animals.
Managing performance vs. accuracy trade-offs with loop perforation

Many modern computations (such as video and audio encoders, Monte Carlo simulations, and machine learning algorithms) are designed to trade off accuracy in return for increased performance. To date, such computations typically use ad-hoc, domain-specific techniques developed specifically for the computation at hand. Loop perforation provides a general technique to trade accuracy for performance by transforming loops to execute a subset of their iterations. A criticality testing phase filters out critical loops (whose perforation produces unacceptable behavior) to identify tunable loops (whose perforation produces more efficient and still acceptably accurate computations). A perforation space exploration algorithm perforates combinations of tunable loops to find Pareto-optimal perforation policies. Our results indicate that, for a range of applications, this approach typically delivers performance increases of over a factor of two (and up to a factor of seven) while changing the result that the application produces by less than 10%.
Investigation of Coriolis Forces Effect of Flow Structure and Heat Transfer Distribution in a Rotating Dimpled Channel

Large-eddy simulations are used to investigate Coriolis forces effect on flow structure and heat transfer in a rotating dimpled channel. Two geometries with two dimple depths are considered, δ = 0.2 and 0.3 of channel height, for a wide range of rotation number, Rob = 0.0–0.70, based on mean bulk velocity and channel height. It is found that the turbulent flow is destabilized near the trailing side and stabilized near the leading side, with secondary flow structures generated in the channel under the effect of Coriolis forces. Higher heat transfer levels are obtained at the trailing surface of the channel, especially in regions of flow reattachment and boundary layer regeneration at the dimple surface. Coriolis forces showed a stronger effect on the flow structure for the shallow dimple geometry (δ = 0.2) compared to the deeper dimple where the growth and shrinkage of the flow recirculation zone in the dimple cavity with rotation were more pronounced than the deep dimple geometry (δ = 0.3). Under the action of rotation, heat transfer augmentation increased by 57% for δ = 0.2 and by 70% for δ = 0.3 on the trailing side and dropped by 50% for δ = 0.2 and by 45% for δ = 0.3 on the leading side from that of the stationary case.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Reliable Stopping Rules for Stocking Spare Parts with Observed Demand of No More Than One Unit

Many studies describe challenges facing large manufacturers who must efficiently control an inventory of tens of thousands of finished products, maintenance and replacement or spare parts (Ward 1978; Gelders and Van Looy 1978; Dunsmuir and Snyder 1989; Hua et al. 2007). Wagner and Lindemann (2008) have urgently called for future research on strategic spare parts management. When stocking spare parts, a few parts often represent the bulk of the investment and the majority of the demand. However, it is important to be able to forecast the demand rate for the slow-moving items as well as the heavily used parts. If a product has not had a demand over a specified duration of time, its demand would be projected to be zero based on many of the popular forecasting models, such as simple exponential smoothing or moving averages. Yet, this product may still be required and be worth carrying, particularly if the inventory cost is well managed.
ICM-an analytical inversion charge model for accurate modeling of thin gate oxide MOSFETs

An analytical inversion charge model, ICM, based on a surface potential solution and consideration of poly-gate depletion as well as the correction of quantum mechanical effects is presented. It is continuous and accurate from weak inversion to strong inversion, including the moderate inversion region, of growing importance for low voltage/power circuits. The model is verified with extensive measured inversion charge data and applied to modeling MOSFETs down to 0.13 /spl mu/m channel length.
End-to-end QoS over the GIG transport

The success of the Internet has prompted the Department of Defense to embark on realizing a very ambitious vision called the Global Information Grid (GIG). This vision involves information-driven transformation of government business and warfare operations using a ubiquitous communication infrastructure and a rich set of infocentric services. The transport of information will be provided by a network of very diverse networks using a common IP network layer. The GIG is supposed to meet the needs of a very diverse set of existing, emerging, and future applications. A number of challenges have to be overcome to provide the needed end-to-end performance, reliability, survivability, and security to the diverse applications over the diverse networks. The public Internet has not come close to solving even some of the challenges. Enterprise Intranets have made more progress but still do not meet all the challenges. The paper deals with an approach to meeting these challenges. Our approach considers the GIG to be a giant intranet and a private World Wide Web (WWW) serving all government users. This viewpoint allows more control over the GIG than is exercised in the public Internet. The controls are designed to be hierarchical. Innovative concepts are used to provide a framework for end-to-end QoS management and controls. The paper describes the hierarchy and the way the concepts fit together to create the QoS framework.
The role of 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in the prevention of preterm birth

Preterm birth is a major public-health problem in the USA, which has higher rates of preterm birth than most other developed countries. Attempts at the prevention of preterm birth have been largely unsuccessful. The recent publication of a large, multicenter, randomized trial of 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, which showed efficacy in preventing recurrent preterm delivery, has sparked renewed interest in progestational drugs in general and this compound in particular for use in preventing preterm delivery. Although this drug is not currently commercially available, an application has been made to the US FDA to produce 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, as Gestiva™ for the prevention of preterm delivery.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) contributes significantly to the mortality and morbidity rates of traumatized patients. This article presents current concepts in the pathophysiology of TBI, including mechanisms of injury, biomolecular mediators of injury, and the occurrence of secondary injury. Emergency management, monitoring, and imaging of TBI also are reviewed.
Hierarchical wavelet neural networks

Neural networks can be used in nonlinear system modeling and prediction applications. Wavelet decomposition provides a method of examining a signal at multiple scales. The authors draw upon the connection between these two fields. A method is outlined which exploits the localized, hierarchical nature of wavelets in the learning of time series. This is achieved by having a dynamic network-one in which nodes are added to the network so as to progressively reduce the modelling error. This cascade correlation approach overcomes some of the disadvantages of a static network architecture. The learning algorithm is outlined, and its performance is demonstrated using simulations. >
CCR2 on CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes is a biomarker of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

Objective: To evaluate C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) on monocyte subsets as a prognostic peripheral blood biomarker of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Methods: We characterized monocyte populations in HIV-infected individuals with and without HAND from 2 cohorts and assessed their transmigration across an in vitro model of the human blood-brain barrier (BBB). We examined CCR2 expression among the monocyte populations as a prognostic/predictive biomarker of HAND and its functional consequences in facilitating monocyte diapedesis. Results: We determined that CCR2 was significantly increased on CD14 + CD16 + monocytes in individuals with HAND compared to infected people with normal cognition. CCR2 remained elevated irrespective of the severity of cognitive impairment, combined antiretroviral therapy status, viral load, and current or nadir CD4 T-cell count. There was no association between CCR2 on other monocyte populations and HAND. There was a functional consequence to the increase in CCR2, as CD14 + CD16 + monocytes from individuals with HAND transmigrated across our model of the human BBB in significantly higher numbers in response to its ligand chemokine (C-C) motif ligand 2 (CCL2) compared to the cell migration that occurred in people with no cognitive deficits. It should be noted that our study had the limitation of a smaller sample size of unimpaired individuals. In contrast, there was no difference in the transmigration of other monocyte subsets across the BBB in response to CCL2 in seropositive individuals with or without HAND. Conclusions: Our findings indicate CCR2 on CD14 + CD16 + monocytes is a novel peripheral blood biomarker of HAND.
Low temperature hydrothermal pretreatment of algae to reduce nitrogen heteroatoms and generate nutrient recycle streams

Abstract A two-stage hydrothermal liquefaction process was used to reduce nitrogen heteroatoms in algae biocrude and generate an aqueous co-product stream for algae cultivation. A low temperature liquefaction pretreatment (PT: 125–225°C, 0.5–30 min) hydrolyzed proteins and partitioned nitrogen to the aqueous phase, which was separated and analyzed for nutrient and toxin concentrations. The retained solids (20%) were subjected to hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) in the second step at 350°C for 60 min. The low temperature pretreatment was most effective at higher temperatures and holding times (225°C, 15 min), removing 45% of the nitrogen present in the algae solids, while retaining 59% of the solid mass, yet reduced overall bio-oil yields by 35 to 71% relative to single stage HTL. Experiments conducted in two-chamber reactors with increased heating rates, resulted in similar nitrogen removal levels at shorter residence times (250°C, 5 min). When coupled with high-temperature HTL, pretreatment improved the elemental content of the biocrude by increasing the total nitrogen removed and reducing nitrogen heteroatom content by 26–28%, compared to HTL alone. The aqueous co-product stream was analyzed for nutrient availability and indicated potential for recycle and algae cultivation due to its high nitrogen and phosphorus levels, moderate pH, and low inhibitory compound concentrations.