cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment Clear and Simple: A Practical Guide for Institutions, Departments, and General Education – Barbara E. Walvoord

Books reviewed: Assessment Clear and Simple: A Practical Guide for Institutions, Departments, and General Education. By Barbara E. Walvoord. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2004. xiii + 144 pages. ISBN 0-7879-7311-4.
Bias light induced defect relaxation phenomena in hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Abstract Modulated photocurrent (MPC) measurements of intrinsic a-Si:H have disclosed a defect band of electron trapping states whose thermal emission rate shifts in response to applied bias light. This shift has been measured both as a function of light intensity and in a transient mode as the light is switched on and off. The motion of this band is found to be intimately related to the changes in the photoconductivity and, in particular, to the phenomenon of the long-time photoconductivity decay in a-Si:H. Similar shifts have also been observed in the sub-band-gap optical spectra of the defect transitions. An analysis based upon a defect distribution produced by relaxation dynamics is found to accurately reproduce our observations.
Formation of Hydroxyl Radicals from the Reaction of Water and Oxygen over Basic Metal Oxides

The reaction of water and oxygen to form hydroxyl radicals over the metal oxide catalysts La2O3, Nd2O3, Sm2O3, Yb2O3, CeO2, and MgO was studied at pressures up to several Torr. After reaction over ...
Interactive television news

A new interactive television experience has been created for watching television news. The goal is to create a news experience that is similar to the way people watch television in their living rooms while giving viewers the power to make choices about what they see. We partnered with existing news organizations to create tools consistent with current news production practices. The viewer experience allows selection of the order of news content, skipping unwanted content and exploring stories in more depth. These tools were used to produce seven days of interactive commercial news that were viewed in ten homes.
New Insights into the Molecular Mechanism of Calcium-Triggered Synaptic Vesicle Fusion

The central nervous system relies on electrical signals travelling along neurons and through synapses at high speeds. Signals often have to pass between two neurons, or from a neuron to a muscle fiber, and the nervous system relies on a process called membrane fusion to ensure that the neurotransmitter molecules that carry the signal across the synapses are released as quickly as possible. Membrane fusion is an important process in many areas of biology, including intracellular transport and fertilization, but it occurs much faster (milliseconds) in the nervous system than anywhere else in the body. Moreover, it is precisely calcium regulated. The molecular mechanism that underlies this fast, regulated process has long been a mystery. We developed a single vesicle optical microscopy assay that directly monitors content-mixing (rather than just lipid-mixing) to observe membrane fusion between synthetic membranes that contain reconstituted synaptic proteins: neuronal SNAREs, synaptotagmin, complexin, and Munc18. When calcium ions were injected into our synthetic system, the basic characteristics of neurotransmitter release - such as membrane fusion on a millisecond time scale - was observed. Remarkably, the fastest fusion events did not begin or proceed via a discernible hemifusion intermediate state. Rather, these events proceeded from a “point contact” state in which the membranes were close to each other without being fused, and were ready to undergo fast fusion once the calcium ions had been injected. When we introduced a protein called complexin, which is known to be important for fast neurotransmitter release in vivo, we observed more immediate fusion events.References1. J.Diao, J.Burre, S.Vivona, D.J.Cipriano, M.Sharma, M.Kyoung, T.C.Sudhof, A.T.Brunger. eLife 2, e00592 (2013).2. J.Diao, P.Grob, D.J.Cipriano, M.Kyoung, Y.Zhang, S.Shah, A.Nguyen, M.Padolina, A.Srivastava, M.Vrljic, A.Shah, E.Nogales, S.Chu, A.T.Brunger. eLife 1, e00109 (2012).
Twenty-five years of mexican feminisms

Abstract Globalization has influenced Mexican feminism—its politics are no longer strictly local or regional; but at local level Mexican feminists continue to work towards demarginalising themselves and occupying a more central position in Mexican politics. This article explores the development of feminism in Mexico, its origins in earlier political struggles for freedom, and its development from the 1970s according to local demands for women's rights. In Mexico, particular ethnic and class divisions in society have impacted upon feminism. The demands of Indigenous women are now being heard by the previously middle-class Mexican feminist movement, and this article depicts how the contradictions between feminism and cultural traditions might be reconciled. The issue of co-ordinating women's rights with human rights is also discussed, and it is argued here that it can be possible to integrate both according to the demands of specific situations.
Effect of chronic intoxication and naloxone on the ethanol-induced increase in plasma corticosterone.

Abstract Ethanol (0.5–4.0 g/kg) induced an immediate, dose-dependent rise in plasma corticosterone in the conscious, undisturbed male rat. Chronic intoxication for at least two days resulted in tolerance to this effect. Chronic intoxication also significantly elevated the morning trough levels of this steroid. Co-administration of naloxone (1 mg/kg) prevented the development of tolerance to the immediate stimulatory effect of ethanol but did not alter the elevated trough levels of corticosterone. Naloxene (1 mg/kg) did not alter the stimulatory effect of ethanol on corticosterone in ethanol-naive animals. These data suggest that the process of tolerance development to the ethanol-induced rise in corticosterone is mediated by an opiate receptor. Alterations in the ability of ethanol to stimulate corticosterone secretion may be a useful endpoint for future studies of tolerance development to ethanol.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance: implications for estrogen use in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrine disorder of reproductive age women, affecting an estimated 8–10% of all women in this age group or approximately six million women. Further, women with PCOS continue to manifest the metabolic alterations inherent in the insulin resistance syndrome after menopause, rendering them more susceptible to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Aging and obesity further contribute to these risks. Since estrogen-containing therapy is commonly used for menstrual regulation in premenopausal women with PCOS, it is important to evaluate the possible consequences of hormonal therapy on subsequent metabolic and cardiovascular risk. In postmenopausal women, a consensus regarding the appropriate role of estrogen replacement therapy is currently in evolution. By examining the effects of estrogen with or without progesterone on insulin resistance, insight may be gained about the risk/benefit ratio of this therapy in the subset of women with insulin resis...
Technical Services Report: Best Practices for RDA Authorities. A report of the LITA/ALCTS Authority Control Interest Group Program, American Library Association Midwinter Meeting, Seattle, January 2013

At the ALA Midwinter meeting in Seattle in January 2013, the LITA/ALCTS Authority Control Interest Group (ACIG) presented the program “Best practices for RDA authorities.” Four speakers talked abou...
Probing the use of charts and graphs in technical documentation through analysis and pragmatic collaboration

A continuous priority for technical writers is to increase user comprehension of concepts and statistical information in technical documentation. Improvements in the written language such as consistent terminology, use of an established writing style, accurate indexing, advanced search capabilities, and so on, address some of the user pain points. The complexities of certain topics do not always translate well into writing; therefore, there is a need for other aids such as information graphics to assist with visualization and to increase the efficacy of information communication [1]. The benefits of information graphics in documentation and learning modules are well documented by the works of Levin and Pane [2, 3]. The conclusion is simple according to Davison, Pane, and Bertrancourt: if graphics are crafted correctly with the intent to enhance understanding then the quality of the documentation will improve and ultimately enrich the user experience and comprehension [4, 5, 6].With this sage advice, one might expect implementation to be straightforward, perhaps even easy. This is unfortunately not the case. Careful consideration is necessary to construct an information graphic. Many questions may arise during the process, such as how many graphics, and which type, are needed, and where best to insert them in order to convey the concept clearly. Some information graphics, such as charts and graphs, require further thought since their visual representation is derived from data. In this case, the challenge lies in shaping the data into what is truly useful for users' comprehension, and in skillfully rendering the graphics with sound design principles. This paper presents the authors' recent experiences in collaborative design of charts and graphs, and demonstrates that the responsibility of communicating effectively should not lie on one person's shoulders alone, but rather on all development and documentation professionals who bring their collective expertise to fruition in a partnership.
Time-gated imaging through scattering media by using efficient THG in organic films

We report on efficient third-harmonic generation (THG) with large spectral and angular bandwidths in polymer thin films doped with conjugated organic molecules. Using the efficient THG exhibited by these organic films, we demonstrate real-time, time-gated, direct imaging of objects immersed in highly scattering media by using femtosecond pulses tuned at the eye-safe and telecommunication-compatible near-infrared spectral region (1550 nm). By using a low cost detection system we resolved THG time-gated images of objects immersed in media with a scattering attenuation of 14 mean-free paths, equivalent to an attenuation of six optical densities.
Google's international bloopers... and how we fixed one

Google has millions of users around the world...but occasionally we mess up. We'll explore some of Google's international "bloopers" and show how to avoid similar mistakes in other applications.We'll also highlight how we solved a persistent blooper, namely having UI strings like "Alice has added 3 contact to his address book." Our Plural/Gender API allows complicated UI strings to change appropriately, based on numbers and personal gender. We'll look at the document formats used to express plural and gendered messages, and explore the impact on the translation process.
Estrogen receptor genotype is associated with risk of venous thromboembolism during tamoxifen therapy

Thromboembolism is a serious complication of tamoxifen therapy in women with breast cancer. Banked DNA from tamoxifen-treated individuals with breast cancer from the Marshfield Clinic Personalized Medicine Research Project, a population-based DNA repository, was tested for association between incidence of tamoxifen-associated thromboembolic events (TTE) and single nucleotide polymorphisms encoding the estrogen receptors 1,2 (ESR1, ESR2) or drug metabolism enzymes cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) and aromatase (CYP19). TTE were experienced by 16/220 subjects with risk association noted for XbaI (rs9340799) genotype and ESR1 Xbal/PvuII diplotype (rs9340799 and rs2234693) (hazard ratio 3.47, 95% CI 0.97-12.44, P = 0.035). Association persisted after adjusting for classical risk factors including age at diagnosis and body mass index at enrollment. Initial evidence of association between increased risk for TTE and ESR1 genotype and ESR1 diplotype is presented. Determination of estrogen receptor genotype may identify a subset of women at increased risk for thromboembolism with tamoxifen exposure.
Observations from a Nantucket sleigh ride

This article reviews presentations given at the 2001 International Conference on Dublin Core and Metadata Applications. It discusses the recent RDF/XML expressions proposed by the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative. The article concludes by reviewing sessions that took place at the 2002 ALA Midwinter meetings.
Glycerol intolerance in a child with intermittent hypoglycemia.

A 3-yr-old boy was investigated for numerous episodes of fatigue, irritability, pallor, and sweating, which began at 11 mo of age, when he had an episode of symptomatic hypoglycemia with ketonuria. He had euphoria, mental confusion, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting 1–5 hr after oral administration of glycerol in doses of 0.5–1.0 gm/kg. Orally administered MCT (1 gm/kg) had similar effects. On one occasion, oral glycerol also proveked hypoglycemia, as had a 16 1/2 hr fast. Intravenously administered glycerol (0.09 gm/kg) induced an immediate loss of consciousness from which he recovered spontaneously after 30 min; there were no changes in blood glucose values. Intravenously administered fructose (0.25 gm/kg) was tolerated normally. Leukocytes showed normal activities for FDPase, glycerol kinase, and glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase. The restriction of dietary intake of fat has been associated with a marked improvement in physical and mental activities. These observations suggest a unique, yet undefined intolerance to glycerol, which suggest caution in the diagnostic use of glycerol in the investigation of hypoglycemia as well as in the therapy of increased intracranial or intraocular pressure.
Alcohol expectancy priming and drinking behavior: The role of compatibility between prime and expectancy content

According to information-processing models of alcohol use, alcohol expectancies constitute representations in long-term memory that may be activated in the presence of drinking-related cues, thereby influencing alcohol consumption. A fundamental implication of this approach is that primed expectancies should affect drinking only for those individuals who possess the specific expectancies primed. To test this notion, in the present study, participants were initially assessed on 3 distinct domains of positive alcohol expectancies. Approximately 1 week later, they completed an ad libitum drinking study during which only a single expectancy domain (sociability) was primed in the experimental condition. Consistent with predictions, following exposure to sociability primes but not control primes, individuals with stronger expectancies that alcohol would enhance sociability uniquely showed increased placebo consumption of nonalcoholic beer. These results, which demonstrate the moderating role of compatibility between the specific content of primes and that of underlying expectancies, offer new, direct support for memory network-based models of drinking behavior.
From enigmatic to problematic: The new molecular genetics of childhood spinal muscular atrophy

In recent years many of the most novel and fascinating surprises of the molecular revolution in medicine have emerged from investigations of the neuromuscular diseases. First came the discovery of the massive dystrophin gene in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, then the trinucleotide expansions of Kennedy syndrome and myotonic dystrophy, and, most recently, the dissimilar effects that excess or insufficient PMP22 gene dosage have in producing either Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A or hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies. Childhood spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)--the last major enigma of the common genetic neuromuscular disorders--may soon contribute to this list of surprises, since recent studies by three different groups [1-3] suggest a disorder characterized by its own distinctive molecular and genetic pathophysiology. The genetics of SMA has been stunningly complex. Two groups of researchers looking for the SMA gene have reported evidence that supports unrelated but neighboring candidate genes, either of which, if discovered by itself, would have been hailed as a strong candidate. Each fulfills the criterion that has been useful in identifying candidate genes for other disorders: the close association between disabling mutations of the gene and the disease. But each of these reports harbors inconsistencies that require unconventional explanations to preserve the candidacy status of their gene--a suspension of disbelief that most investigators would be willing to grant were it not for the other group's findings. Some of the confusion surrounding the molecular genetics of SMA is no doubt due to our present incomplete understanding, but the very complexity of the SMA-containing region of chromosome 5 itself is responsible for many of the pathogenic mutations. Genetic complexity is thus at once the reason for our present confusion, the spur for further research, and a major cause of the disease. First described just over a century ago, SMA is, in its severe form, …
Utilizing GIS technology to improve fire prevention activities in an urban fire department

The Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) has been installing smoke alarms city wide for more than three decades. Though data on each visit are entered into a database, no system existed for using these data for planning or evaluation. The objective of this study is to use Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and existing databases to: 1) determine the number of residences in need of a home visit; 2) determine total visits, visits per household, and number of homes entered for eligible households; and 3) demonstrate integration of various data via GIS for use in prevention planning. The tax assessment database was queried to determine the number of eligible (as determined by BCFD policy) residences in need of a visit. Each attempted BCFD home visit was coded to identify, if the BCFD personnel interacted with residents ("pass door") and installed alarms. Home visits were geocoded and compared to the tax assessment database to determine city wide pass door rates. Frequency of visits was run by individual residences to measure efficiency. A total of 206,850 residences met BCFD eligibility for a home visit. In 2007, the BCFD attempted 181,757 home visits and 177,213 were successfully geocoded to 122,118 addresses. A total of 122,118 eligible residences (59%) received a home visit. A total of 35,317 residences (29%) received a repeat visit attempt. The pass door rate was 22% (46,429) of all residences. GIS technology offers a promising means for fire departments to plan and evaluate the fire prevention services they provide. Language: en
Organizational Silence: A Barrier to Change and Development in a Pluralistic World

We argue that there are powerful forces in many organizations that cause widespread withholding of information about potential problems or issues by employees. We refer to this collective-level phenomenon as “organizational silence.” In our model we identify contextual variables that create conditions conducive to silence and explore the collective sensemaking dynamics that can create the shared perception that speaking up is unwise. We also discuss some of the negative consequences of systemic silence, especially for organizations' ability to change and develop in the context of pluralism.
Computing with polynomials given by straight-line programs I: greatest common divisors

We develop algorithms on multivariate polynomials represented by straight-line programs for the greatest common divisor problem and conversion to sparse representation. Our algorithms are in random polynomial-time for the usual coefficient fields and output with controllably high probability the correct result which for the GCD problem is a straight-line program determining the GCD of the inputs and for the conversion algorithm is the sparse representation of the input. The algorithms only require an a priori bound for the total degrees of the inputs. Over rational numbers the conversion algorithm also needs a bound on the size of the polynomial coefficients. As specializations we get, e.g., random polynomial-time algorithms for computing the sparse GCD of polynomial determinants or for computing the sparse solution of a linear system whose coefficients are given by formulas.
Not all group hypnotic suggestibility scales are created equal: Individual differences in behavioral and subjective responses

To examine the influence of hypnotic suggestibility testing as a source of individual differences in hypnotic responsiveness, we compared behavioral and subjective responses on three scales of hypnotic suggestibility: The Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A (HGSHS: A; Shor, R. E., Orne, E. C. (1962). Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility. Berlin: Consulting Psychologists Press); the Carleton University Responsiveness to Suggestion Scale (CURSS; Spanos, N. P., Radtke, H. L., Hodgins, D. C., Stam, H. J., Bertrand, L. D. (1983b). The Carleton University Responsiveness to Suggestion Scale: Normative data and psychometric properties. Psychological Reports, 53, 523-535); and the Group Scale of Hypnotic Ability (GSHA; Hawkins, R., Wenzel, L. (1999). The Group Scale of Hypnotic Ability and response booklet. Australian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 27, 20-31). Behavioral and subjective responses to the CURSS were significantly different than those on the HGSHS: A and GSHA. More participants were classified as "low suggestible" on the CURSS and they reported subjective experiences more similar to everyday mentation. Attitudes and expectancies of participants who received the GSHA were less predictive of responding, but rates of responding and subjective experiences were similar on the GSHA and the HGSHS: A. Discussion focuses on implications for the use of group hypnotic suggestibility scales.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel injectable alginate–collagen–hydroxyapatite hydrogel for bone tissue regeneration

The rigid architecture of implanted scaffolds for bone tissue engineering often provides a limited ability to fill irregular contours of bone defects. Thus, injectable hydrogels are used to completely fill the defects while enhancing bone formation of the area. In this study, an injectable alginate hydrogel with a gelation time ranging from 5–10 minutes was developed by varying the concentrations of phosphate and calcium involved in the gelation process. The incorporation of mineralized collagen fibers within the hydrogel further increased the mechanical properties and osteoconductivity of the hydrogels. The gelation time, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results suggested that the order in which the phosphate was added to the system had an effect on the gelation mechanism. This was further investigated to find that the addition of phosphate prior to the alginate powder resulted in better control of the gelation time and thus a more uniform hydrogel. The presence of hydroxyapatite in the hydrogels was confirmed using various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This novel fabrication process allowed for the development of an injectable hydrogel system with components necessary for promoting enhanced bone regeneration as well as host-implant integration.
Correlation of descriptive and consumer panel flavor ratings for commercial prestirred strawberry and lemon yogurts

Abstract Objectives of this study were to determine consumer and trained descriptive panel ratings for strawberry and lemon yogurts and to examine the interrelationship of the panels in order to understand and quantify flavor differences among commercial yogurts. Fourteen brands of strawberry and six lemon prestirred yogurts were evaluated by an 11-member trained descriptive panel and a 90- to 182-member consumer panel. Large sensory differences were found between yogurts by both panels. Correlation and principal component analysis of trained panel ratings revealed two distinct groups of descriptors: one associated with fruity and sweet character and the other related to plain yogurt and sourness attributes. Consumer overall liking was based on fruit flavor, sweetness, and sourness liking, and balance between sweetness and sourness in the samples. Male and female liking ratings were characterized by very different patterns. Principal component analysis revealed high consumer acceptability corresponding to fruity and sweetness characteristics and lower consumer acceptability ratings for samples rated high in plain yogurt character.
Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of apolipoprotein E, A-I, and A-II gene expression in normal rat liver and during several pathophysiologic states

Assessment of the relative transcription rates and mRNA steady-state levels for apolipoprotein genes E, A-I, and A-II has been performed in normal rat liver, during liver regeneration and following induction of cirrhosis, as well as in rats with inherited analbuminemia associated with hyperlipidemia. Apo E exhibits primarily transcriptional control with an additional component of posttranscriptional control, whereas Apo A-I is controlled primarily at the posttranscriptional level, thus indicating that these genes are regulated independently. The level of control for Apo A-II has not been determined, because of difficulty experienced in measuring the transcription rate of this gene. During liver regeneration, cirrhosis, and analbuminemia, there is a marked increase in the ratio of Apo A-I to Apo E mRNA, resulting from an increase in the Apo A-I mRNA steady-state level and a decrease in Apo E mRNA. These changes are similar in the three pathophysiologic states and seem to occur through a combination of transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms.
DESIGN STUDY OF SMALL BOILING REACTORS FOR POWER AND HEAT PRODUCTION

A design study has been made of a small "Package" nuclear power plant for the production of electric power and heat in remotely located, inaccessible areas devoid of natural fuels. The design utilizes a horizontal boiling reactor as a steam generator consistent with safe and simple equipment and a minimum building height. A reactor design of 51/2 Mw capacity, with a combined net electric power output of 750 kw and a heat plant output of 4500 kw, was studied in detail. Tertative cost estimates are presented on the basis of this combination. General comparisons have been made between different systems designed for either independent or combined production of 425 kw net electric power and 2500 kw available heat. (auth)
La Crosse bunyavirus can mediate pH-dependent fusion from without.

Abstract Lipid binding properties which are dependent on exposure to acid pH are an important mechanism for the cellular entry pathway for some enveloped viruses and for other macromolecules. Cell-to-cell fusion can be used to demonstrate this function. La Crosse virus, a member of the family Bunyaviridae, fused BHK-21 cells from without (FFWO) upon exposure of the absorbed virus to pH 6.3 or below. A high multiplicity of infection and temperature of 37° were necessary for optimum fusion. The pH requirement was similar to that reported for Semliki forest virus, an alphavirus, but higher than that required for the demonstration of cell fusion by members of the Orthomyxoviridae. Virus inactivated by ultraviolet light also mediated FFWO. This is the first report of pH-mediated fusion for this family of viruses and it suggests, by analogy with other viruses, that their entry pathway includes exposure to acid.
Bone-Seeking Radiopharmaceuticals for Treatment of Osseous Metastases, Part 1: α Therapy with 223Ra-Dichloride

Metastatic disease to bone is commonly seen in the advanced stages of many cancers. The cardinal symptom, pain, is often the cause of significant morbidity and reduced quality of life. Treatment of bone pain includes nonsteroidal analgesics and opiates; however, long-term use of these drugs is commonly associated with significant side effects, and tolerance is common. External-beam radiation therapy is effective mainly in localized disease sites. Bone-targeting radiopharmaceuticals are beneficial in the management of patients with multiple metastatic lesions. This article focuses on the 3 most commonly used agents: the Food and Drug Administration-approved (89)Sr-chloride, (153)Sm-ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonic acid (EDTMP), and (223)Ra-dichloride. We will discuss the physical characteristics, clinical data, dosage, and administration of these agents, including optimal patient selection and toxicity associated with their use. These radioactive agents have proven efficacy in the treatment of painful osseous metastases from prostate cancer and breast cancer. Significant recent advances include use of these agents in combination with chemotherapy and the use of the α emitter (223)Ra-dichloride in prostate cancer, primarily to improve survival and skeletal related events. The review is presented in 2 parts. The first will discuss the characteristics and clinical use of (223)Ra-dichloride, and the second will discuss the β emitters (89)Sr and (153)Sm-EDTMP.
Some Notes on Nominalism

In two papers appearing in successive issues of this Journal, Quine and Goodman, impelled by a philosophical standpoint which forswears all traffic in abstract entities, have explored the possibility of reinterpreting the language of classical mathematics so as to give it meaning (consistent with the observed overt pattern of standard usage) in terms of the narrow domain of entities which they recognize. The present paper offers several comments on this program.
Mass-To-Light Ratios of Spiral Galaxies

Ratios of mass-to-infrared luminosity are presented for 34 spiral galaxies and compared to model predictions. The observed values exceed the theoretical values by increasingly larger amounts from red to blue galaxies, a behaviour similar to that found by Tinsley for the ratio of mass-to-blue luminosity. This result supports the hypothesis that bluer spiral galaxies have relatively more massive dark haloes.
Simple geodesic regression for image time-series

Geodesic regression generalizes linear regression to general Riemannian manifolds. Applied to images, it allows for a compact approximation of an image time-series through an initial image and an initial momentum. Geodesic regression requires the definition of a squared residual (squared distance) between the regression geodesic and the measurement images. In principle, this squared distance should also be defined through a geodesic connecting an image on the regression geodesic to its respective measurement. However, in practice only standard registration distances (such as sum of squared distances) are used, to reduce computation time. This paper describes a simplified geodesic regression method which approximates the registration-based distances with respect to a fixed initial image. This results in dramatically simplified computations. In particular, the method becomes straightforward to implement using readily available large displacement diffeomorphic metric mapping (LDDMM) shooting algorithms and decouples the problem into pairwise image registrations allowing parallel computations. We evaluate the approach using 2D synthetic images and real 3D brain images.
A parallel computing approach to fast geostatistical areal interpolation

Areal interpolation is the procedure of using known attribute values at a set of (source) areal units to predict unknown attribute values at another set of (target) units. Geostatistical areal interpolation employs spatial prediction algorithms, that is, variants of Kriging, which explicitly incorporate spatial autocorrelation and scale differences between source and target units in the interpolation endeavor. When all the available source measurements are used for interpolation, that is, when a global search neighborhood is adopted, geostatistical areal interpolation is extremely computationally intensive. Interpolation in this case requires huge memory space and massive computing power, even with the dramatic improvement introduced by the spectral algorithms developed by Kyriakidis et al. (2005. Improving spatial data interoperability using geostatistical support-to-support interpolation. In: Proceedings of geoComputation. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan) and Liu et al. (2006. Calculation of average covariance using fast Fourier transform (FFT). Menlo Park, CA: Stanford Center for Reservoir Forecasting, Petroleum Engineering Department, Stanford University) based on the fast Fourier transform (FFT). In this study, a parallel FFT-based geostatistical areal interpolation algorithm was developed to tackle the computational challenge of such problems. The algorithm includes three parallel processes: (1) the computation of source-to-source and source-to-target covariance matrices by means of FFT; (2) the QR factorization of the source-to-source covariance matrix; and (3) the computation of source-to-target weights via Kriging, and the subsequent computation of predicted attribute values for the target supports. Experiments with real-world datasets (i.e., predicting population densities of watersheds from population densities of counties in the Eastern Time Zone and in the continental United States) showed that the parallel algorithm drastically reduced the computing time to a practical length that is feasible for actual spatial analysis applications, and achieved fairly high speed-ups and efficiencies. Experiments also showed the algorithm scaled reasonably well as the number of processors increased and as the problem size increased.
A two-tier data dissemination model for large-scale wireless sensor networks

Sink mobility brings new challenges to large-scale sensor networking. It suggests that information about each mobile sink's location be continuously propagated through the sensor field to keep all sensor nodes updated with the direction of forwarding future data reports. Unfortunately frequent location updates from multiple sinks can lead to both excessive drain of sensors' limited battery power supply and increased collisions in wireless transmissions. In this paper we describe TTDD, a Two-Tier Data Dissemination approach that provides scalable and efficient data delivery to multiple mobile sinks. Each data source in TTDD proactively builds a grid structure which enables mobile sinks to continuously receive data on the move by flooding queries within a local cell only. TTDD's design exploits the fact that sensor nodes are stationary and location-aware to construct and maintain the grid structures with low overhead. We have evaluated TTDD performance through both analysis and extensive simulation experiments. Our results show that TTDD handles multiple mobile sinks efficiently with performance comparable with that of stationary sinks.
Trickle-bed reactors: Liquid diffusional effects in a gas-limited reaction

A model is developed for predicting the performance of a partially wetted trickle-bed reactor for a gas-limiting reaction of order less than or equal to one. The model indicates that under certain conditions the liquid reactant may affect the reaction rate due to its inability to rapidly diffuse to catalyst areas that are in direct contact with the gas. This model is the first to explain and predict on a rational basis the experimental results for the hydrogenation of diluted a-methylstyrene and aqueous maleic acid reported in the literature. A criterion that determines when liquid reactant effects can be expected is developed and reported.
The sequence bands of the carbon-13 isotope CO2 laser

Abstract The absolute frequencies of 43 new lines of the 0002−[1001,0201]II,I bands of the 13C16O2 laser have been measured by heterodyning with the well known 13C16O2 laser frequencies of the 0001−[1000, 020O]I,II bands, in a tungsten- nickel diode. The measured frequencies were used to calculate the band centre frequency and rotational constants.
How to specify and verify the long-run average behaviour of probabilistic systems

Long-run average properties of probabilistic systems refer to the average behaviour of the system, measured over a period of time whose length diverges to infinity. These properties include many relevant performance and reliability indices, such as system throughput, average response time, and mean time between failures. In this paper, we argue that current formal specification methods cannot be used to specify long-run average properties of probabilistic systems. To enable the specification of these properties, we propose an approach based on the concept of experiments. Experiments are labeled graphs that can be used to describe behaviour patterns of interest, such as the request for a resource followed by either a grant or a rejection. Experiments are meant to be performed infinitely often. and it is possible to specify their long-run average outcome or duration. We propose simple extensions of temporal logics based on experiments, and we present model-checking algorithms for the verification of properties of finite-state timed probabilistic systems in which both probabilistic and nondeterministic choice are present. The consideration, of system models that include nondeterminism enables the performance and reliability analysis of partially specified systems, such as systems in their early design stages.
The charge characterization of native and deglycosylated thyrotropin.

Chromatofocusing was used to characterize the charge microbeterogeneity of crude pituitary, highly purified native bovine (b) and deglycosylated (dg) thyrotropin (TSH) preparations. Greater than 90% of crude pituitary TSH and native bTSH-I-1 bound to concanavalin-A (conA) columns while dgbTSH was excluded from the column. Extracts of ovine (o) pituitaries contained at least nine species (isohormones) of immunoreactive TSH when chromatofocused on pH 7.5–4 gradients. Highly purified native bTSH-I-1 displayed a similar elution profile. In contrast, dgbTSH eluted as a single homogeneous species with an apparent pI > 7.5. When subjected to chromatofocusing on a pH 10.5–7 gradient, 68% of crude pituitary oTSH and 96% of native bTSH-I-1 was bound to the column but could be eluted with NaCl indicating acidic species, while at least three peaks of dgbTSH could be resolved having apparent pI's of 9.12, 9.03 and 8.98. These data suggest that although removal of the carbohydrate moieties markedly alters the isohormon...
Efficacy of Ertapenem for Consolidation Therapy of Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Infections: A Case Series Report:

Background:Infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing gram-negative organisms are becoming increasingly common and present significant challenges in terms of treatment. Carbapenems is the antibiotic class of choice for treatment of these types of infections. Ertapenem is the newest carbapenem, capable of being dosed once daily, and has some in vitro but little in vivo evidence supporting its use for the treatment ol these resistant infections.Objective:To examine the clinical and microbiologic outcomes associated with ertapenem therapy of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae. and Proteus mirabilis infections.Methods:This was a retrospective case series that examined the clinical and microbiologic outcomes of 22 patients who received ertapenem for treatment of an ESBL infection at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. IL, during 2003–2005.Results:The majority (16/22) of patients received ertapenem (or consolidation rather than initial therapy. Different antib...
Risk/Benefit Assessment of β-Blockers and Diuretics Precludes Their Use for First-Line Therapy in Hypertension

In 1977, the first report of the Joint National Committee (JNC) on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure was published.1 On the basis of the available information, the committee suggested an algorithm in which the “first step drugs should usually be a thiazide diuretic.” The algorithm suggested either reserpine, methyldopa, or propranolol as a second step. In 1984, JNC III recommended β-blockers as a class for first-line therapy on an equal basis with the thiazide diuretics.2 From then on, in all the subsequent JNC reports until JNC 7 in 2003, β-blockers and diuretics remained first-line antihypertensive drugs.3 JNC 7 suggested that thiazide diuretics should be used as initial therapy in most patients. If these were not tolerated or contraindicated, then a β-blocker, on an equal basis with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor inhibitors, and calcium antagonists, could be substituted. Thus, according to JNC 7, both thiazides and β-blockers are meant to be given to hypertensive patients regardless of their risk factor status and regardless of their concomitant metabolic abnormalities. Response by Cutler and Davis p 2715 Within the same time frame, from 1980 to 2004, the prevalence of diabetes more than doubled in the United States, and almost 10% of people aged >20 years are currently suffering from this disease.4 Patients with hypertension are known to be at a higher risk of developing new-onset diabetes than are normotensive subjects.5,6 In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, type 2 diabetes was almost twice as likely to develop in hypertensive than in normotensive subjects.5 In the Women’s Health Study, in a prospective cohort of 38 172 women free of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, baseline blood pressure and blood pressure progression were strong and independent predictors of incident type 2 diabetes.6 Women …
UPC++: A PGAS Extension for C++

Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) languages are convenient for expressing algorithms with large, random-access data, and they have proven to provide high performance and scalability through lightweight one-sided communication and locality control. While very convenient for moving data around the system, PGAS languages have taken different views on the model of computation, with the static Single Program Multiple Data (SPMD) model providing the best scalability. In this paper we present UPC++, a PGAS extension for C++ that has three main objectives: 1) to provide an object-oriented PGAS programming model in the context of the popular C++ language, 2) to add useful parallel programming idioms unavailable in UPC, such as asynchronous remote function invocation and multidimensional arrays, to support complex scientific applications, 3) to offer an easy on-ramp to PGAS programming through interoperability with other existing parallel programming systems (e.g., MPI, OpenMP, CUDA). We implement UPC++ with a "compiler-free" approach using C++ templates and runtime libraries. We borrow heavily from previous PGAS languages and describe the design decisions that led to this particular set of language features, providing significantly more expressiveness than UPC with very similar performance characteristics. We evaluate the programmability and performance of UPC++ using five benchmarks on two representative supercomputers, demonstrating that UPC++ can deliver excellent performance at large scale up to 32K cores while offering PGAS productivity features to C++ applications.
Studies on the repassivation behavior of aluminum and aluminum alloy exposed to chromate solutions

This study explores the repassivation ability of a scratch in a chromate conversion coating (CCC) on aluminum alloy, AA2024-T3, and hence evaluates the theory of migration of hexavalent chromium ions from the protected surface of the aluminum alloy to the exposed surface. To confirm that protection was indeed restored by hexavalent chromium ions, the repassivation of a scratch on pure aluminum exposed to a dichromate solution was studied. This forms the simplest subsystem model of the CCC on the alloy in which the CCC is replaced by pure hexavalent chromium and alloy with pure aluminum. Open-circuit potential measurements, synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy (SIRMS) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) have been used judiciously to evaluate the repassivation behavior. Results indicate that the dichromate ions have high mobility. The slow migration of Cr(VI) ions from the protected surface to the scratch is observed to result in repassivation, as seen from the steady increase in the potential in 0.05 M NaCl solution. The results obtained from SIMS and SIRMS confirm the migration of the oxyanions from the protected region to the metal surface exposed by the scratch. The SIRMS results indicate the formation of an Al(III)–Cr(VI) complex, proposed and shown to be formed in the pits. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DO WE KNOW WHAT WE THINK WE KNOW ABOUT WINTER RANGES OF MIGRANTS TO SOUTH AMERICA? THE CASE OF THE VEERY (CATHARUS FUSCESCENS)

Modern ornithologists have become accustomed to flipping open field guides to find accurate depictions of bird distributions. For birds in temperate North America, we have excellent resources that describe not only distribution, but relative abundance (e.g. Root 1988, Sauer et al. 2000). Works from the Caribbean and Central America provide distribution information for many other species (e.g. Howell and Webb 1995, Garrido and Kirkconnell 2000). South America remains less well known, but even there many species have had their distributions mapped with reasonable precision (e.g. Hilty and Brown 1986, Ridgely and Tudor 1989, 1994). An irony of the current state of knowledge of the avifauna of South America is that many sedentary species, about which almost nothing is known except their distributions, have fairly unambiguous ranges. At the same time, familiar species that breed in North America sometimes seem to vanish from the face of the Earth if they winter in South America. A glance at the American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) checklist (American Ornithologists' Union 1998) or field guides for South America (e.g. Ridgely and Tudor 1989, 1994) reveals a general pattern of increasing vagueness in describing winter ranges of migratory landbirds with increasingly southern winter distributions. When confronted with those distributions, many of us probably reason that some species indeed are dispersed over a wide area on the wintering grounds. In South America, that often includes the Amazon Basin, a staggeringly large area with sparse coverage by ornithologists, so it may seem unlikely that distributions of migrants in Amazonia will become better resolved. One migrant recorded from Amazonia is the Veery (Catharus fuscescens), which is de-