cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer simulations of complex chemical systems: solvation of DNA and solvent effects in conformational transitions

As is known, atomic and small molecular systems can be realistically simulated with quantum-mechanical models. In complex chemical systems, however, the natural parameters for a description are not only the electronic density and energy but also entropy, temperature, and time. We have considered as an example for a complex chemical system the structure of water surrounding DNA with counterions. No direct experimental determination of the solvent structure around a single DNA macromolecule is available from experimental data, despite continuous efforts during the last twenty years to obtain both single crystals of DNA and scattering data from solutions. A very detailed representation is now available concerning the structure and interaction energy of water molecules in the first solvation shell or in the “grooves” of the DNA. The data obtained by our computer simulation are in good agreement with indirect data from DNA fibers at different relative humidities and with other indirect evidence. In addition, our simulated results allow us to present a preliminary model for the solvent effects in transition processes between different DNA conformations. The model presented is also in agreement with available experimental data. Finally, our results report the first determination of the position of counterions in DNA at different relative humidities and at room temperature. This application demonstrates the flexibility of the computational approach. The method we have used is very general; namely, it is not limited to a biological system but is valid for any organic or inorganic problem requiring systematic simulation on a class of compounds interacting either as a few molecules or as a large ensemble of molecules.
State dependent learning produced by post trial intrathoracic administration of sodium pentobarbital.

The state dependent learning paradigm was used with a one-trial, passive avoidance task. Forty male rats were equally distributed among four groups: One group received intrathoracic injections of sodium pentobarbital immediately after the acquisition trial and immediately before the retention test trial; a second group received equivalent injections of 0.9% saline; a third group was drugged after acquisition and given saline prior to retention testing and the fourth group was given saline after acquisition and drug prior to retention testing. All groups showed increased latencies on the retention trial but marked group differences in retention test latencies indicate that there was significantly more retention of training when drug states were the same during the memory storage interval and the memory retrieval interval. Intrathoracic injection proved to be a practical substitute for intravenous injection in assuring rapid onset of drug effect.
The subunit composition of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase in 1 M Tris

Abstract 1. 1.|The sedimentation coefficient of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase (orthophosphoric monoester phosphohydrolase, EC 3.1.3.1) was determined at very low concentrations by the methods of active enzyme sedimentation in the analytical ultracentrifuge and zonal Tris gradient sedimentation in the preparative ultracentrifuge. 2. 2.|The value of s ° 20, w for active enzyme species is the same in 1.0 M NaCl, 0.15 M KBr, and 1.0 M Tris, pH 8.0. This value, 6.04 S, is nearly identical to that obtained by measurement at much higher protein concentrations followed by extrapolation, 6.22 S. 3. 3.|The enzyme species corresponds to a dimer over the concentration range of less than 0.017 mg/ml to 0.57 mg/ml as determined by sedimentation velocity, both in 1 M Tris and in the other solvents studied. This conclusion is independent of the presence or absence of substrate.
Effect of residual stresses on the interfacial fracture behavior of metal-matrix composites

Abstract The fiber/matrix interface plays a critical role in the mechanical behavior of the composites. The fiber pushout test is increasingly being used to characterize the interfacial behavior of metal-matrix composites (MMCs). A fracture mechanics approach is used to examine the interfacial debonding process in MMCs and ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) during a fiber push-out test. The equivalent domain integral (EDI) method is implemented in a finite element code and is used to compute the strain-energy release rates for the interface crack. The cooling process from the composite consolidation temperature, specimen preparation for the push-out test and the actual testing are included in the finite element simulation. A strain-energy-based debonding criterion is used to predict the interfacial behavior. The experimentally observed phenomenon of bottom debonding in MMCs is explained from the energy release rate variation for the loading and support end cracks. It is shown that processing-induced residual stresses significantly affect the initiation and propagation of interface cracks. The advantage of the EDI method over conventional methods for modeling interface crack propagation, by eliminating the need for singular elements and thus remeshing with crack advance is demonstrated through the simulation of the push-out test.
429 INFANTILE HYPOGLYCEMIA DUE TO GLUCAGON DEFICIENCY

The course of the female infant herein presented indicates that glucagon (G) deficiency was the cause of severe hypoglycemia; only two such causes (from Europe) have previously been described. She presented acutely at age 5 mos. with an abnormal cry, inspiratory stridor, a blood sugar (BS,mg/dl) of 30, and serum insulin (I,μU/ml) < 5. Subsequently, BS was persistently 15-30 and simultaneous I = < 5-10. Growth hormone, cortisol, catecholamine, and thyroxine were normal and there was no ketoacidosis or hepatomegaly. Intravenous (IV) (G) induced a BS rise of 45 in 10 mins. and an I.V. push of alanine (250 mg/kg) did not cause a rise in the BS over a two hour period. After frequent feedings and diazoxide (to 30mg/kg/d) failed to control the BS, a 90% pancreatectomy was performed for suspected hyperinsulinism. The gross and microscopic appearance of the pancreas was normal except that immunofluorescence revealed reduced numbers of ∞ and β cells. Serum G (by RIA after extraction) was undetectable in the only preoperative (pre-OP) value obtained, when BS = 18 and I < 5. Hypoglycemia presisted post-OP, and on two occasions no G was detectable when I was <5 and BS 30. Also, no G was detectable in q15 min specimens x 4 after an IV push of 250 mg/kg of arginine. IV G at 8 ng/kg/min stabilized the BS both pre-and post OP. After failure to respond to diazoxide post OP, nomogly-cemia has been maintained with sub Q protamine zinc G (0.5 mg/kg/d in two divided doses) and supplemental carbohydrate feedings. G deficiency as a cause of infantile hypoglycemia should be ruled out prior to pancreatectomy for suspected hyperinsulinism.
Rise of the HMD: the need to review our human factors guidelines

Recent years have brought on a new breed of HMDs. They have high resolution, are daylight readable, and some even have color. While these are all welcomed advances to the field we must remember to review our history. Here we review some the of the research from years past that was done before these advances and discuss them so as to make sure the past is not forgotten and mistakes are not repeated.
Cervicitis associated with lateral cervical displacement

Lateral cervical displacement has been recognized as a sign of endometriosis; however, other causes of the finding have not been explored. In our experience, patients without endometriosis are presenting with lateral cervical displacement, mainly towards the left of midline. The common finding in these cases is the presence of cervicitis leading us to hypothesize the role of cervicitis in causing lateral displacement of the cervix. Future research into this area will provide us with a stronger understanding of the role that lateral cervical displacement plays in the development of pelvic pathology and the development of cervical cancer.
Poster abstract: wireless sensor network characterization - application to demand response energy pricing

This poster presents latency and reliability characterization of wireless sensor network as applied to an advanced building control system for demand response energy pricing. A test network provided the infrastructure to extract round trip time and packet failure data. Latency was below the predicted 75 milliseconds per hop. Packet failure rates increased with network depth and in some locations exceeded 75 percent failure rates. Both latency and packet failure rates exhibited non-linear changes within the network. Lastly, the impacts of latency and reliability characteristics to control-specific parameters are presented.
A computational model of episodic memory formation in the hippocampal system

Abstract The memorization of events and situations (episodic memory) requires the rapid formation of a memory trace consisting of several functional components. A computational model is described that demonstrates how a transient pattern of activity representing an episode can lead to the rapid recruitment of appropriate circuits as a result of long-term potentiation within structures whose architecture and circuitry match those of the hippocampal formation, a neural structure known to play a critical role in the formation of such memories.
Basis for a ubiquitin-like protein thioester switch toggling E1–E2 affinity

Ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) are conjugated by dynamic E1–E2–E3 enzyme cascades. E1 enzymes activate UBLs by catalysing UBL carboxy-terminal adenylation, forming a covalent E1~UBL thioester intermediate, and generating a thioester-linked E2~UBL product, which must be released for subsequent reactions. Here we report the structural analysis of a trapped UBL activation complex for the human NEDD8 pathway, containing NEDD8's heterodimeric E1 (APPBP1–UBA3), two NEDD8s (one thioester-linked to E1, one noncovalently associated for adenylation), a catalytically inactive E2 (Ubc12), and MgATP. The results suggest that a thioester switch toggles E1–E2 affinities. Two E2 binding sites depend on NEDD8 being thioester-linked to E1. One is unmasked by a striking E1 conformational change. The other comes directly from the thioester-bound NEDD8. After NEDD8 transfer to E2, reversion to an alternate E1 conformation would facilitate release of the E2~NEDD8 thioester product. Thus, transferring the UBL's thioester linkage between successive conjugation enzymes can induce conformational changes and alter interaction networks to drive consecutive steps in UBL cascades.
Improving referring physicians' understanding of electromyography reports when qualifying radiculopathies: A need for standardized terminology

Electromyographic (EMG) reporting of radiculopathies is not standardized, and the terminology used in reports can be misinterpreted by referring physicians. Physicians who refer patients for EMG studies at the Mayo Clinic were surveyed about their understanding of 6 different EMG interpretations of an S1 radiculopathy. Of 45 responders, the terms “acute, active,” “chronic, inactive,” and “old” were interpreted consistently by 95%, 98%, and 84% of responders, respectively. Physicians had the most difficulty understanding the meaning of “chronic” in isolation, “chronic, active,” or “old with uncompensated denervation.” These findings suggest a need to educate referring physicians on the meaning of the terms used in EMG reports and to develop standard guidelines for qualifying radiculopathies. Based on our observations, guidelines for the reporting of radiculopathies have been adopted in the Mayo Clinic Florida EMG laboratory.
Projected Carbon Dioxide Levels for the Year 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona

Previous studies have demonstrated profound increases to CO2 levels in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area and this increase is linked to anthropogenic sources, including traffic volume, land-use patterns, and human population. These studies all agree that vehicular emission is the largest CO2 source in urban areas. Our goal, therefore, is to predict CO2 levels in the Phoenix area for the year 2020 under different fuel-efficiency-standards scenarios. In February 2002, legislation was introduced to increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for personal vehicles by ∼30%. In this study, we present three scenarios for projected CO2 levels for the year 2020 in the Phoenix metropolitan area. In one scenario, we assume that fuel efficiency remains the same, representing no changes to CAFE standards. In the other two scenarios, we reflect possible changes to the standards: one based on the 30% increase in efficiency as proposed and the second based on a 15% increase in efficiency standards. These scenarios were created through a geographic information system model of current and future CO2 emissions. The model was based on data from current CO2 levels from land use, traffic, and population and projected CO2 levels from the same sources. Results show a decrease in CO2 emissions from soils as a result of land-use conversion from agriculture to urban. Additionally, results show an increase in the CO2 levels for the year 2020 compared with 2000 under the 15% increase in CAFE standards and no change in CAFE standards. Under a 30% increase in CAFE standards, CO2 emissions decreased below 2000 levels.
Reliability of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in Research Settings: Last 7-Day Self-Administered Long Form

The purpose of this study was to examine the test–retest reliability of the last 7-day long form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Craig et al., 2003) and to examine the construct validity for the measure in a research setting. Participants were 151 male (n = 52) and female (n = 99) university students (M age = 24.15 years, SD = 5.01) who completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire on two separate occasions, separated by four days, and measures of physical activity motivation and competence at time one. Intraclass correlation coefficients for job-related, transportation, and household-related activities ranged from poor to acceptable (R = .42 to .73). For recreation and leisure time activity, reliabilities were fair to acceptable (R = .65 to .76). Reliability intraclass correlation coefficient values provided some support for the measure's potential usefulness in assessing job-related, walking as transportation, and moderate-intensity indoor household activities. Construct val...
Control of Surface Tension Flows: Instability of a Liquid Jet

A technique of controlling surface tension flows using thermal radiation is proposed. This method takes advantage of the dependence on temperature of the surface tension forces to produce the desired controlling effects. In this research, a capillary water jet is taken as an example of a surface tension dominated flow. The ability to cancel a preexisting unstable perturbation is demonstrated. First an acoustical disturbance that dominates the naturally occurring perturbations is applied to the jet. This causes jet breakup at a shorter and constant distance from the orifice. Next, a CO2 laser beam, modulated at the same frequency as the primary disturbance, is focused on the surface of the jet. By proper adjustment of intensity and phase the two perturbations cancel each other and the natural breakup of the jet is recovered. The influences of phase and intensity mismatches were tested and are reported. In addition to its application to delaying breakup of capillary jets, this technique is a promising method of controlling both suface tension driven flows and instabilities in different industrial applications.
Simplistic optical model for exchange reactions: Dependence of the reaction probability on vibrational state of reactants☆

Abstract An expression for P , the reaction probability or opacity function is derived using a semiclassical (classical translational motion with quantum internal states) approach incorporating a phenomenological optical potential of interaction. This expression is then applied, with a suitable parametrization of the complex potential, to the prototype case of an atom colliding with a diatomic molecule. By permitting the optical potential to have a limited dependence upon the internal coordinates of the reactants a simple, lowest order, dependence of P upon the initial vibrational quantum number of the diatomic is obtained. A comparison is made with several experiments.
Influence of guidelines and passageways on tunneling behavior of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) and R. virginicus (Banks) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Tunneling behavior of laboratory-maintained cultures of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) and R. virginicus (Banks) was examined to determine (1) if the termites build tunnels along preexisting wires or tunnels, and (2) whether tunnels are arranged to optimize search efficiency. Tunnel patterns were considered optimal if, for the number of tunnels present, the maximum area was explored. Termites entered either control arenas or arenas in which they encountered a wire or a pre-formed tunnel. Analyses revealed that R. flavipes and R. virginicus almost always follow pre-formed tunnels, but do not follow wires as readily. Within each species, the distributions of tunnels in treatment arenas were different from distributions in control arenas, most often when pre-formed tunnels were the treatment. Optimal tunnel arrangements in control arenas were found in 62% of R. flavipes patterns with 2 tunnels and in 43% of R. virginicus patterns with 2 tunnels. None of the 3-tunnel patterns from control arenas of R. flavipes and 29% of those of R. virginicus had optimal arrangements. Overall, the spatial arrangement of tunnels in control arenas was significantly different between R. flavipes and R. virginicus.
Therapeutic potential of targeting IL‐17 and IL‐23 in sepsis

Severe sepsis is a major concern of public health in industrialized countries. It is estimated that in the United States 200,000-400,000 cases occur annually and resulting in an extensive burden for the health care systems. To date, no FDA-approved pharmacologic agents for the treatment or prevention of human sepsis are available. The current modalities of therapy in sepsis include the standard arsenal of supportive interventions in critical care medicine and pharmacotherapy, with use of antibiotics and catecholamines. Despite such efforts, the mortality rates of sepsis have remained around 30-50 %. Extensive scientific studies have utilized animal models of disease and aimed for a better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms during sepsis. Members of the IL-17 family of cytokines, as well as the functionally related IL-23, have been identified as new players in the molecular events during sepsis. Strategies for targeting these mediators with neutralizing antibodies during experimental sepsis in rodents have demonstrated efficacy, resulting in improved survival outcomes. Currently, it is not clear whether such findings can be translated to human sepsis. This review highlights the current knowledge on the biology of IL-17 isoforms and IL-23 as well as potential applications to clinical medicine.
Posterior Shoulder Laxity in Asymptomatic Athletes

We evaluated the frequency of posterior subluxations on physical examination of athletes who had no symptoms of shoulder injuries and correlated the findings with other measures of joint laxity. During routine sports physical examinations, 356 shoulders in 178 athletes were examined for posterior subluxation and graded as either positive or negative for subluxation. Sulcus signs were performed and graded as I ( 1.5 cm). Standard hyperlaxity tests of other joints were used to measure general ligamentous laxity. Statistical analysis included the Student's t-test and chi-square analysis (P < 0.05). Overall, 55% of the shoulders could be subluxated posteriorly. More female shoulders (65%) than male shoulders (51%) could be subluxated posteriorly. Ten percent of the athletes had asymmetrical posterior shoulder laxity. Men had statistically significant less inferior translation (sulcus signs of grade I, 49%; grade II, 46%; grade III, 3%) than women (grade I, 36%; grade II, 54%; grade III, 9%). Five percent of the shoulders had posterior subluxation and a grade III sulcus sign. Asymptomatic posterior subluxation present at physical examination may represent normal laxity and may not indicate pathologic instability.
A J2‐plasticity model based on bounding surface concept

Summary This article presents the development of a J2 small strain plasticity model based on bounding surface concept, along with numerical examples to demonstrate model behaviors and identification of model parameter using laboratory test data. The model is motivated by the need for simulating permanent deformation accumulation of asphalt concrete mixtures, which leads to rutting in flexible pavements under repeated traffic loading. The proposed model accounts for the observation that rutting is mostly caused by shearing and takes advantage of the fact that bounding surface concept allows for the progressive accumulation of plastic deformation under constant amplitude loading condition. Analytical solutions are given for typical laboratory testing conditions. The model can be calibrated using repeated simple shear test data that are typically available for asphalt concrete mixtures. It is shown that the model is easy to use and provides a promising alternative for modeling permanent deformation accumulation in materials subjected to repetitive (cyclic) loading. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo selective measurement of {1-13C}-glucose metabolism in tumors by heteronuclear cross polarization

Selective detection of {1- 13 C}-glucose and its glycolytic product, {3- 13 C}-lactate, was achieved by selective 13 C NMR spectroscopy with 1 H cross polarization. The total sensitivity of conventional broadband experiments was retained, and peak intensities were at least equivalent to those obtained with the inverse detection technique (i.e., 1 H { 13 C}) for single proton resonances. A key advantage of the method is that it maintains the specific absorption rate (SAR) within FDA limits of 5 W/kg by reducing power deposition during decoupling. In this study we have monitored the kinetics of metabolism of 13 C-labeled glucose to lactate following intravenous infusion of 0.55 ml of 0.18 M labeled glucose. Physiological effects were minimized by a) maintaining total plasma glucose concentrations below 20 mM throughout the course of NMR experiment and b) by avoiding significant heating of the tumor
Hot pressing of tantalum carbide with and without sintering additives

Densification of tantalum carbide (TaC) was studied by hot pressing at temperatures ranging from 1900° to 2400°C with and without sintering additives. Without sintering additives, the relative density increased from 75% at 1900°C to 96% at 2400°C. A microstructural examination showed no observable grain growth up to 2300°C. Densification was enhanced with carbon (C) and/or B4C additions. TaC with a 0.78 wt% C addition achieved a relative density of 97% at 2300°C. Additions of 0.36 wt% B4C or 0.43 wt% B4C and 0.13 wt% C increased the relative density to 98% at 2200°C, accompanied by rapid grain growth at 2100°C and higher temperatures.
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia : The role of clozapine

SummaryTreatment-resistant schizophrenia is the object of intense interest because of recent developments in its treatment and aetiology. The actual definition of treatment-resistant schizophrenia is, however, still controversial. It should reflect the legitimate and varied needs and perspectives of people with schizophrenia, their family members, mental health care givers, mental health administrators, public health officials, and those who fund the direct and indirect costs of treating schizophrenia.The most common definition of treatment-resistant schizophrenia denotes patients with schizophrenia who, despite at least two adequate trials of classical neuroleptic drugs, have persistent moderate to severe positive, or disorganisation, or negative symptoms together with poor social and work function over a prolonged period of time. This definition reflects the viewpoint of people with this illness, their family members, and mental health care givers. Approximately 30% (range 10–45%) of schizophrenic patie...
A tutorial survey of architectures, algorithms, and applications for deep learning

In this invited paper, my overview material on the same topic as presented in the plenary overview session of APSIPA-2011 and the tutorial material presented in the same conference [1] are expanded and updated to include more recent developments in deep learning. The previous and the updated materials cover both theory and applications, and analyze its future directions. The goal of this tutorial survey is to introduce the emerging area of deep learning or hierarchical learning to the APSIPA community. Deep learning refers to a class of machine learning techniques, developed largely since 2006, where many stages of non-linear information processing in hierarchical architectures are exploited for pattern classification and for feature learning. In the more recent literature, it is also connected to representation learning, which involves a hierarchy of features or concepts where higher-level concepts are defined from lower-level ones and where the same lower-level concepts help to define higher-level ones. In this tutorial survey, a brief history of deep learning research is discussed first. Then, a classificatory scheme is developed to analyze and summarize major work reported in the recent deep learning literature. Using this scheme, I provide a taxonomy-oriented survey on the existing deep architectures and algorithms in the literature, and categorize them into three classes: generative, discriminative, and hybrid. Three representative deep architectures – deep autoencoders, deep stacking networks with their generalization to the temporal domain (recurrent networks), and deep neural networks (pretrained with deep belief networks) – one in each of the three classes, are presented in more detail. Next, selected applications of deep learning are reviewed in broad areas of signal and information processing including audio/speech, image/vision, multimodality, language modeling, natural language processing, and information retrieval. Finally, future directions of deep learning are discussed and analyzed.
RPA and PCNA suppress formation of large deletion errors by yeast DNA polymerase δ

In fulfilling its biosynthetic roles in nuclear replication and in several types of repair, DNA polymerase delta (pol delta) is assisted by replication protein A (RPA), the single-stranded DNA-binding protein complex, and by the processivity clamp proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Here we report the effects of these accessory proteins on the fidelity of DNA synthesis in vitro by yeast pol delta. We show that when RPA and PCNA are included in reactions containing pol delta, rates for single base errors are similar to those generated by pol delta alone, indicating that pol delta itself is by far the prime determinant of fidelity for single base errors. However, the rate of deleting multiple nucleotides between directly repeated sequences is reduced by approximately 10-fold in the presence of either RPA or PCNA, and by > or =90-fold when both proteins are present. We suggest that PCNA and RPA suppress large deletion errors by preventing the primer terminus at a repeat from fraying and/or from relocating and annealing to a downstream repeat. Strong suppression of deletions by PCNA and RPA suggests that they may contribute to the high replication fidelity needed to stably maintain eukaryotic genomes that contain abundant repetitive sequences.
Role of Disulfide Bonds in Biologic Activity of Human Interleukin-6"

We have examined the functional importance of the two disulfide bonds formed by the four conserved cysteines of human interleukin (IL-6). Using a bacterial expression system, we have synthesized a series of recombinant IL-6 mutants in which the constituent cysteines of the first (Cys45-Cys51), second (Cys74-Cys84), or both disulfide bonds of recombinant human interleukin-6 were replaced by other amino acids. Each mutant was partially purified and tested in four representative bioassays. While mutants lacking Cys45 and Cys51 retained activity similar to nonmutated recombinant IL-6, the activity of mutants lacking Cys74 and Cys84 was significantly reduced, especially in assays involving human cell lines. These results indicate that the first disulfide bond of human interleukin-6 is not required for maintenance of normal biologic activity. However, the fact that mutants lacking Cys45 and Cys51 were more active than corresponding cysteine-free mutants indicates that the disulfide bond formed by these residues contributes to biologic activity in the absence of the second disulfide bond. Competition binding studies with representative mutants indicate that their affinity for the human IL-6 receptor parallels their biologic activities on human cells.
A New Partial Skeleton of a Cryptocleidoid Plesiosaur from the Upper Jurassic Sundance Formation of Wyoming

ABSTRACT Cryptocleidoid plesiosaurs from the Upper Jurassic are well known from the Oxford Clay (Callovian) of the United Kingdom. The plesiosaurs of the nearly coeval Sundance Formation (Oxfordian) of North America are poorly known, but are thought to include two cryptocleidoid taxa: Pantosaurus striatus and Tatenectes laramiensis. Here we present two specimens recently recovered from the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming. The first specimen comprises three articulated adult cervical vertebrae and fragments of a fourth. This specimen preserves a posteriorly directed cervical neural spine, a character diagnostic of Pantosaurus striatus. It also resembles Pantosaurus in the morphology of its cervical rib articulations. The second specimen is a partial articulated skeleton comprising a complete pelvic girdle, dorsal, sacral, and caudal vertebrae, and numerous ribs and gastralia. This specimen displays a number of unique characters, including posteriorly directed dorsal, sacral, and caudal neural spines, highly autap...
Designing qualitative simulation systems for business

In the business domain, qualitative simulation offers many advantages over quantitative methods. However, the design of qualitative simulation systems (QSS) represents a difficult problem in the organizational context, for which extant design methods are ill-equipped. In this article, Information Systems Design Theory (ISDT) is employed for the design of organizational QSS, and a working prototype is developed. Using a focused example of agent performance in the context of an organizational process, the results demonstrate the use and utility of qualitative simulation for business, in addition to the efficacy of ISDT for QSS design. Additionally, I argue how ISDT will scale well to guide the design of information systems classes other than QSS and identify many elements of the QSS design that are inherently reusable. The article concludes with an outline for future research along these lines.
Dielectric metamaterial magnifier creating a virtual color image with far-field subwavelength information

We propose an approach for far-field optical subwavelength imaging by using a dielectric metamaterial magnifier with gradient refractive index. Different from previous superlens and hyperlens that form a real image with subwavelength features within narrowband, this magnifier creates a virtual color image with sub-100 nm resolution over broadband that can be captured directly by a conventional microscope in the far field. Because the magnifier is made of isotropic dielectric materials, the fabrication will be greatly simplified with existing metamaterial technologies.
Fine needle aspiration of the thyroid: A pathologist's perspective.

I have been aspirating palpable “lumps and bumps” for over 30 years and also interpreting aspirates performed by radiologists, endocrinologists, and other physicians; the last 9 years performing mostly thyroidal aspirates. What follows is based on my reflections and on the insight developed into the particular problem of thyroid nodules. We have to understand the limitations of fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroidal lesions. FNA is a diagnostic tool. Tools only work if they are handled properly. The five most important things I have learned in all these years are: (1) the role of the aspirator is crucial, (2) the technique is deceptively simple, (3) you have to have a team, (4) communication with the referring physician is essential, and (5) you have to persist. I cannot overemphasise this premise. I believe that this still is overlooked in the literature. Frequently I read about how important it is to have an experienced cytopathologist interpreting the smears. The cytopathologist is only as good as the sample he obtains or receives. You can have the best cytopathologist in the world and he will not be able to diagnose your patient’s nodule accurately if you only aspirated blood. Remember, that to acquire experience you must perform a sufficient number of aspirations. How many is enough? Only you will know. Also, you have to be self critical, and you must be a life-long learner. After 30 years I am still tinkering with my technique and getting better. In the last 9 years at the Washington Hospital Center I have aspirated over 10 000 patients (92% thyroids). There is a positive relation between “procedural experience” and outcomes. This is not restricted to FNA. Again, I want to reiterate that not many “aspirators” realise that it is not only a matter of inserting a needle. The backbone …
Comparative development and evolution of two lateral line phenotypes in Lake Malawi cichlids

A comparison of the pattern and timing of development of cranial lateral line canals and canal neuromasts in three species of Lake Malawi cichlids, Labeotropheus fuelleborni and Metriaclima zebra (narrow lateral line canals), and Aulonocara baenschi (widened lateral line canals) was used to test the hypothesis that the evolution of widened canals (thought to be an adaptive phenotype in the lateral line system) from narrow canals is the result of heterochrony. Using histological analysis and scanning electron microscopy, this study has provided the first detailed and quantitative description of the development of widened lateral line canals in a teleost, and has demonstrated that: 1) canal neuromast number and the pattern of canal morphogenesis are conserved among species with different adult canal phenotypes, 2) heterochrony ("dissociated heterochrony" in particular) can explain the evolution of widened canals and variation in morphology between canals within a species with respect to canal diameter and neuromast size, and 3) the morphology of the lateral line canals and the dermal bones in which they are found (e.g., the mandibular canal the dentary and anguloarticular bones of the mandible) can evolve independently of each other, thus requiring the addition of another level of complexity to discussions of modularity and integration in the skull of bony fishes.
Monitoring reservoir storage in South Asia from multisatellite remote sensing

Reservoir storage information is essential for accurate flood monitoring and prediction. South Asia, however, is dominated by international river basins where communications among neighboring countries about reservoir storage and management are extremely limited. A suite of satellite observations were combined to achieve high-quality estimation of reservoir storage and storage variations in South Asia from 2000 to 2012. The approach used water surface area estimations from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation indices product and the area-elevation relationship to estimate reservoir storage. The surface elevation measurements were from the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) on board the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat). In order to improve the accuracy of water surface area estimations for relatively small reservoirs, a novel classification algorithm was developed. In this study, storage information was retrieved for a total of 21 reservoirs, which represents 28% of the integrated reservoir capacity in South Asia. The satellite-based reservoir elevation and storage were validated by gauge observations over five reservoirs. The storage estimates were highly correlated with observations (i.e., coefficients of determination larger than 0.9), with normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) ranging from 9.51% to 25.20%. Uncertainty analysis was also conducted for the remotely sensed storage estimations. For the parameterization uncertainty associated with surface area retrieval, the storage mean relative error was 3.90%. With regard to the uncertainty introduced by ICESat/GLAS elevation measurements, the storage mean relative error was 0.67%.
Nanocourses: a short course format as an educational tool in a biological sciences graduate curriculum.

Traditional courses for graduate students in the biological sciences typically span a semester, are organized around the fundamental concepts of a single discipline, and are aimed at the needs of incoming students. Such courses demand significant time commitment from both faculty and course participants; thus, they are avoided by a subset of the academic science community. Course length and the high barrier to course development are inhibitory to the creation of new courses, especially in emerging areas of biology that may not merit a full-semester approach. Here, we describe the implementation of a new, graduate-level course format, created to allow for rapid development of courses, provide meaningful educational experiences for both junior and senior graduate students and other members of our community, and increase the breadth of faculty involvement in teaching. These courses are greatly abbreviated, and thus termed “nanocourses.” Based on experience from the first three semesters, nanocourses seem to accomplish the initial goals that we set. Importantly, nanocourses engaged students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and others, thus providing a new mechanism to educate our community in response to rapid advances in biology. In our view, nanocourses are a useful tool that can supplement graduate-level curricula in varied ways.
Spawning performance in North American minnows: direct evidence of the occurrence of multiple clutches in the genus Notropis

Pairs of laboratory–reared F1, and F2 males and females of Notropis leedsi were observed in aquaria. Analyses of spawning histories and ovum diameter histograms showing the pattern of ovum development demonstrated that females produced multiple clutches of eggs. Each clutch is comprised of oocytes which undergo synchronous development and are oviposited within a relatively short period of time. Examinations of collections from streams in Florida and Georgia showed that N. leedsi has a spawning season which lasts at least from May to September. Because the pattern of ovum development in wild-caught females was the same as that observed in laboratory females, we believe that our laboratory observations demonstrate processes which occur in the natural environment. A total of 193 spawning intervals was observed in 34 pairs kept at 22–26°C in the laboratory. The interspawning intervals ranged from 3 to 10 days, with a mean of 4.6 days and a mode of 4 days. The clutches ranged in size from 26 to 28 ova for females of 36.7–52.5 mm standard length.
Inspiration for Future Autonomous Space Systems

NASA is embarking on a new phase of space exploration. In the solar system, an initial reconnaissance of all of the planets except Pluto has been accomplished. In the next phase of planetary exploration, the emphasis will be on direct, i.e., in-situ scientific investigation in the remote environments. In the next phase of astrophysics investigation, the emphasis is on new observing instruments, often based on principles of interferometry, to accomplish unprecedented resolution in remote observing. A theme that runs through all of these science missions is the search for life.
An application of human robot interaction: development of a ping-pong playing robotic arm

This paper describes the design and development of a ping-pong robotic arm as an application of robotic vision. Displaced frame difference (DFD) is utilized to segment the ball motion from background motion. 3-D ball tracking using parametric calibration of single CCD camera is explained. This visual information is temporally updated and further employed to guide a robot arm to hit the ball at a specified location. The results signify the system development based on single camera tracking. System latency is measured as a function of the camera interface, processor architecture, and robot motion. Various hardware and software parameters that influence the real time system performance are also discussed.
A functional approach to efficient fault detection in iterative logic arrays

We consider the problem of fault detection in iterative logic arrays (ILA's). This problem has been studied by numerous researchers for many years. The results can be succinctly summarized by stating that one dimensional arrays can be effectively analyzed and significant results obtained while the problems associated with arrays of dimension two or greater appear to be intractable (i.e., NP-complete) for general arbitrary ILA's. However as is the case for many other switching theory problems, general case problems that are intractable, can be readily handled for the special cases defined by functions commonly encountered in practice. We show that arrays of dimension two or greater can be effectively tested for the case when the functions defined by the arrays have inverses. Many specific arithmetic functions satisfy this property. We also show that even for functions which do not satisfy this property, the functional approach simplifies testing problems considerably. >
Estimation of an affine motion

This paper discusses the 3D affine motion estimation problem using two cameras via observations of a single feature point. The unknown parameters to be estimated include the nine rotational parameters, the three translational parameters, and the 3D position. One camera assumes a parabolic projection. The other camera is the conventional camera that has a planar projection surface. The parabolic camera is needed due to its ability of estimating the nine rotational parameters independently of the other camera. The conventional camera is utilized to solve the depth ambiguity problem. A closed-loop nonlinear observer is developed for the affine motion estimation problem. Simulation results are presented to show the robustness of the proposed motion estimation scheme.
Amorphous silicon for efficient chip-based nonlinear photonic devices

Highly nonlinear CMOS-compatible hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) waveguides are studied for broad bandwidth and low-power parametric processing. Utilizing its favorable nonlinear properties, optical parametric amplification and oscillation are demonstrated.
Spontaneous annular detachment of the cervix during labor

Summary Annular detachment of the vaginal portion of the cervix during labor is a rare complication. The basic causes for the condition are an unyielding cervix, disproportion, and a faulty mechanism of labor. The unyielding cervix develops a circular line of cleavage and is torn away at its cervicovaginal junctiva. The fetal mortality has been extremely high (29 per cent). The high rate of stillbirths is due to the long labors, and the small pelves, not cervical detachment per se. In only one instance is spontaneous abortion mentioned as a sequel to cervical amputation. One would expect this to occur more often following amputation of the cervix. Our experience with pregnancy following cervical amputation is that spontaneous abortion occurs frequently. Four women here reported had successful subsequent pregnancies and vaginal deliveries. Gilles patient had five normal deliveries later. DeCosta's patient was later delivered by elective cesarean section. The indication for section was the former long difficult labor and the amputated cervix. An elective cesarean section is probably the best way to manage subsequent pregnancies. There will be exceptions to this rule.
Optimized Coordinated Planning of Asynchronous Air and Space Assets in the Presence of Uncertainty

There are many organizations that use unmanned assets, such as satellites or drones, to collect information. This may include taking pictures of the ground, gathering infrared photos, taking atmospheric pressure measurements, or any conceivable form of data collection. Often these separate organizations have overlapping collection interests or flight plans that are sending sensors into similar regions. However, they tend to be controlled by separate planning systems which operate on asynchronous scheduling cycles. We present a method for coordinating various collection tasks between the planning systems in order to vastly increase the utility that can be gained from these assets. This method focuses on allocation of collection requests to scheduling systems rather than complete centralized planning over the entire system so that the current planning infrastructure can be maintained without changing any aspects of the schedulers. We expand on previous work in this area by inclusion of a learning method to capture information about the uncertainty pertaining to the completion of collection tasks, and subsequently utilize this information in a mathematical programming method for resource allocation. An analysis of results and improvements as compared to current operations is presented at the end.
295 DO WOMEN FOLLOWING TRADITIONAL CHINESE POSTPARTUM PRACTICES OBTAIN LESS CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN NORTH AMERICA

Introduction Asian Americans make up a sizable minority in the US, with Chinese currently making up the largest subgroup. However, despite this fact, the majority of Chinese women in North America underutilize Pap testing and carry a disproportionately higher rate of invasive cervical cancer. It has been suggested that certain cultural beliefs and practices can interfere with Western health care utilization among newly arrived immigrant communities. Methods Fifteen hundred thirty-two women ages 20 to 69 from Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, BC were interviewed in person in 1999, and data from 993 participants were analyzed. Results Women who observed postpartum rituals or who believed that certain aspects of their rituals help prevent them from obtaining cervical cancer did not show an underutilization of Pap testing. However, other factors, such as having a car in the household, speaking English, or being married, were highly predictive of Chinese women9s Pap test utilizations. Discussion Based on these findings, postpartum practices do not seem to negatively influence Pap test utilization among Chinese women in North America. Instead, clinicians serving Chinese in North America should focus more on economic, language, and acculturation as potential barriers for their patients9 health care utilization.