cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using AI for Mitigating the Impact of Network Delay in Cloud-based Intelligent Traffic Signal Control

The recent advancements in cloud services, Internet of Things (IoT) and Cellular networks have made cloud computing an attractive option for intelligent traffic signal control (ITSC). Such a method significantly reduces the cost of cables, installation, number of devices used, and maintenance. ITSC systems based on cloud computing lower the cost of the ITSC systems and make it possible to scale the system by utilizing the existing powerful cloud platforms. While such systems have significant potential, one of the critical problems that should be addressed is the network delay. It is well known that network delay in message propagation is hard to prevent, which could potentially degrade the performance of the system or even create safety issues for vehicles at intersections. In this paper, we introduce a new traffic signal control algorithm based on reinforcement learning, which performs well even under severe network delay. The framework introduced in this paper can be helpful for all agent-based systems using remote computing resources where network delay could be a critical concern. Extensive simulation results obtained for different scenarios show the viability of the designed algorithm to cope with network delay.
Perceived Barriers to Type 2 Diabetes Prevention for Low-Income Women With a History of Gestational Diabetes: A Qualitative Secondary Data Analysis.

PurposeThe purpose of this qualitative study was to examine perceived barriers to adoption of lifestyle changes for type 2 diabetes prevention among a diverse group of low-income women with a histo...
Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is associated with microvascular peripheral endothelial dysfunction.

Abstract Previous studies in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) have found an association between microvascular abnormalities assessed by nail fold capillaroscopy and macrovascular peripheral endothelial dysfunction (PED), but the association between RP and nitric oxide related (NO) microvascular PED is not yet established. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients who were referred to Mayo Clinic between 2006 and 2014 for routine cardiovascular evaluation and who underwent evaluation of Reactive Hyperemia Peripheral Arterial Tonometry (index
A Phase 4, Open-Label, Single-Arm Study Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Ivabradine in African American Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction.

There are limited data on ivabradine therapy in black patients and none in African Americans. We performed an open-label, prospective study at two centers in the United States. African American patients with heart failure (HF) (N = 30), left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35%, and in sinus rhythm with resting heart rate (HR) ≥ 70 bpm received ivabradine 2.5–7.5 mg twice daily for 57 days. The primary endpoint was change in HR from baseline to day 57, compared with the −5 bpm change observed in the absence of ivabradine in the placebo group of the SHIFT study. The safety endpoint was treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Exploratory endpoints were change from baseline to day 57 in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, HR difference during a 6MWT (i.e. HR at minute 6 − resting HR), and physical activity counts. At day 57, the estimated least squares mean change from baseline in HR was −9.5 bpm (95% CI −13.0, −6.0). The estimated mean treatment difference with ivabradine versus a presumed −5 bpm change from baseline HR, as seen in the placebo group of the SHIFT study, was −4.5 bpm (95% CI −8.0, −1.0; p = 0.013). The mean (SE) changes in 6MWT distance and HR difference during the 6MWT were 16.3 (10.8) meters and 2.3 (3.7) bpm, respectively. Ivabradine therapy did not result in greater physical activity. TEAEs were reported in 11 (36.7%) patients. These data support ivabradine use in African American patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction who meet typical treatment criteria. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03456856
Beyond the model of conductor with fixed cross-section and length: Exactly and numerically solvable problems

In this paper we present an overview of methods of resistance finding for the conductor with variable cross-section or (and) length. First, we consider the cases of the finite size resistors and an infinite homogeneous weakly conducting medium with two electrodes. Next, we continue the Romano and Price analysis about the truncated cone problem by means of comprehensive numerical calculations done for the trapezoid plates. We conclude that in general case of a conductor with variable cross-section the homogeneous electric field approximation gives only the lower limit estimation for the resistance value. This fact can be explained on the basis of the minimum electric power principle. The issues outlined in this article will be useful for advanced undergraduates, who study methods for solving electrostatic problems.Keywords: problem solving, electrical resistance, trapezoid plate problem.
Retroreflective Subharmonic Frequency Translation with a Spatiotemporal Metasurface

A reflective, dual-polarized, spatiotemporally modulated metasurface is reported at X-band frequencies. Each column of subwavelength unit cells on the experimental metasurface can be independently, temporally modulated. Here, we consider a space-time modulation where the time modulation of adjacent columns is staggered to realize a discretized travellingwave modulation. We propose an analytical model of such a metasurface with discretized spatial modulation. It is shown that at certain incident angles, the metasurface can perform retroreflective subharmonic frequency translation: Doppler-like frequency translation to a higher order frequency harmonic in retroreflection. By changing the temporal modulation waveform on each column, the retroreflected frequency harmonic can be controlled.
Ketamine Use in the Surgical Patient: a Literature Review

While ketamine is an established anesthetic, its role in the management of acute surgical pain is less certain. Therefore, a literature review is warranted to examine the role of ketamine in acute pain management. The use of ketamine appears to be most efficacious in larger procedures that lead to increased systemic inflammation or extensive tissue damage. In addition, ketamine seems to be most successful when administered consistently throughout a procedure, such as by an infusion instead of a single bolus, in order to have adequate dosing for an analgesic effect. Therefore, the focus of research should be on procedures that lead to moderate to severe pain using frequent dosing to determine the most effective role of ketamine. Most importantly, the current literature shows that ketamine can be used as a successful part of multimodal anesthesia with few side effects in patients undergoing major procedures associated with moderate to severe pain.
Redrafting the Selective Service Act: Women and the Military Draft

Since its enactment in 1948, the Military Selective Service Act (the "MSSA") has required men, but not women, to register for a potential military draft. The MSSA previously withstood constitutional review when, in 1981, the Supreme Court upheld the statute's gender distinction based on the rationale that the purpose of the MSSA was to raise combat troops in the event of a military crisis. Because women were not allowed to participate in combat, the statute did not need to extend the draft registration requirement to women. In 2013, however, the Department of Defense eliminated all combat restrictions on women. With that policy change, the rationale for the Supreme Court's earlier decision collapsed. Since the change allowing women to participate in combat, the MSSA has come under renewed judicial scrutiny, with a 2019 federal district court decision holding that the statute violates the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause. In addition, a blue-ribbon commission established by Congress recommended in 2020 that lawmakers amend the MSSA to extend the registration requirement to women. This Article provides background relating to the current controversy over whether to amend the MSSA to require women to register for the draft. It argues that the existing gender distinction in the statute fails to advance the MSSA's purposes. Moreover, the gender distinction relies on archaic generalizations about the role of women, is a detriment to America's national security, and undermines gender equity. The Article contends that the MSSA violates the Fifth Amendment and should be amended by Congress.
The Effect of Auditor Expertise on Fair Value – Related Financial Reporting Quality

In this study, we examine the impact of auditor expertise on fair value-related financial reporting quality during the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. We develop and test a measure of fair value specialization, as well as use a measure of industry specialization. We use these measures to determine whether and to what extent fair value specialization is incremental to industry specialization in a fair value context. Our primary measures of financial reporting quality are firm use of a one-time election to reclassify financial assets to avoid significant losses and discretionary accruals. We predict and find that the joint effects of industry and fair value specialization are associated with significant decreases in both the likelihood that a firm reclassifies fair value assets and the probability the firm uses high discretionary accruals to manage earnings. We test our predictions using a large sample of firms that represent a cross-section of countries, accounting standards, and industries. These results contribute knowledge and are of interest to audit practitioners, accounting and auditing researchers, investors, and regulators.
Development and initial validation of a patient centered stroke outcome measure in young stroke survivors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study was undertaken to develop a patient-centered stroke outcome measure and initial validation of the proposed Young Stroke Questionnaire (YSQ). METHODS This study assessed the reliability and discriminant validity of the YSQ. The initial questionnaire evolved from a focus group comprised of six young stroke survivors and six stroke neurologists centralized around four patient-centered domains. To determine the reliability and discriminant validity of the YSQ, 100 young stroke survivors were recruited and provided consent. Standardized clinical assessments completed included the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and Stroke Impact Scale. Additionally, all patients were asked to complete the patient-centered YSQ. RESULTS Of the 100 enrolled patients in the study (mean age ± standard deviation = 49 ± 11.3, 58% females, 53% African American, 44% White), Cronbach alpha for all domains was >0.7. Moreover, Cronbach alpha for entire questionnaire was >0.9, indicating that the scale, with four subdomains, is internally consistent and reproducible. Discriminant validity of the scale was assessed by comparing the means of each subdomain of the YSQ among healthy subjects to the groups of stroke patients as defined by the mRS. The YSQ was able to differentiate subjects with good outcome (mRS = 0-1) from subjects with varying degree of disability as defined by the mRS (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS Standardized clinical assessments are not sensitive to disabilities in young stroke survivors. When compared to standardized clinical assessments, the YSQ is significantly capable of differentiating the young survivor perspective of the impact of stroke in all four subdomains.
An Integrative Assessment of Self-Control, Deviant Friendships, and Fraudulent Behavior

Decades of research consistently support the link between poor self-control or deviant friendships with undesirable behavior. Rather than treating these theories as rival explanations, this study presents an assessment that explores a potential interconnection between self-control and social learning (differential association) in the prediction of deviant outcomes. Specifically, this investigation analyzes the mediating and moderating impact of deviant peer association upon the relationship between self-control and self-reported fraudulent behavior (academic dishonesty). Data gathered from an anonymous survey of undergraduate students (n = 490) generated findings that suggest deviant friendships mediate and moderate the association between self-control and fraudulent behavior. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Neuromuscular blocking agents and skeletal muscle relaxants

Abstract The purpose of this chapter is to review the adverse effects associated with neuromuscular blocking agents and skeletal muscle relaxants. A literature search using PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane (January 2020–December 2020) was performed utilizing keywords: succinylcholine, suxamethonium, atracurium, cisatracurium, mivacurium, pancuronium, rocuronium, vecuronium, gantacurium, CW002, CW011, adamgammadex, sugammadex, neostigmine, calabadion, L-cysteine, baclofen, carisoprodol, chlorzoxazone, cyclobenzaprine, dantrolene, metaxalone, methocarbamol, orphenadrine, tizanidine, neuromuscular blocking agents, skeletal muscle relaxants, adverse effects, and side effects. All English-language reports during the specified year were included for this review. Adverse effects were reported for the following medications between January 2020 and December 2020: succinylcholine (suxamethonium), cisatracurium, rocuronium, neostigmine, adamgammadex, sugammadex, baclofen, metaxalone, and tolperisone. This chapter outlines the findings from the identified articles including adverse effects, suspected mechanisms underlying these effects, and implications to clinical practice and patient care.
Contemporary Events: 1966–1985

During the decades covered in the four preceding chapters, biomedical sciences advanced expansively, but only selected events touching on the major themes can be cited. Studies on oxidative phosphorylation will be noted in the following chapters.
The management of structural adjustment and macroeconomic reform in Vietnam

Vietnam has been remarkably successful in managing structural adjustment and macroeconomic reform. As a result, it has achieved very rapid economic growth during the present decade without, apparently, a substantial increase in inequality. All sectors of the economy have grown rapidly and yet there has been dramatic structural change. This growth and structural change, according to official data, have occurred despite a relatively low rate of investment. Our analysis suggests, however, that savings and investment have been understated, that actual output is higher than the national accounts data indicate and that growth is even faster than the official figures suggest. These results are a consequence of the nature and sequencing of the policy reforms that were introduced from the 1980s onwards.
Silicon Nitride/Silicon Carbide Nanocomposites from Polymer Precursor

Nanocomposites of silicon nitride and silicon carbide were processed by different routes based on polymer precursor pyrolysis. Electric field assisted sintering (EFAS) can lead to either micro-nano or nano-nano composites, depending on the amount of oxide additive. In-situ pyrolysis/consolidation produced nano-nanocomposites with bi-crystal boundaries free of glassy grain boundary phases, while small amount of residual amorphous Si-C-N phase is retained at triple junctions. High pressure sintering results in a diversity of microstructures, from amorphous to nanocrystalline. The details of the microstructures were studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM).
Perturbing spanwise modes in turbulent boundary layers

University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. January 2013. Major: Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. Advisor: Ellen K. Longmire. 1 computer file (PDF); vi, 77 pages,
Acute Pancreatitis Associated with an Intraluminal Duodenal Diverticulum

Summary A case of recurrent pancreatitis associated with an intraluminal diverticulum of the duodenum is reported for the first time. The significance of the association of these two lesions is discussed. The pancreatitis has not recurred since the excision of the diverticulum. It is suggested that the pancreatitis in this patient was due to reflux of duodenal contents into the pancreatic duct because of the partial duodenal obstruction and the deformity of the ampulla of Vater produced by the intraluminal diverticulum.
The Potential Impact of Risk-Based Screening Mammography in Women 40-49 Years Old.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of very strong family history and extremely dense tissue in women 40–49 years old with breast cancer detected on screening mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS. All cancers detected by screening mammography at our institution between January 1997 and November 2012 in 40- to 49-year-old women were retrospectively identified. Those with a personal history of breast cancer were excluded. Family history, breast density, type of malignancy, hormone receptor status, and lymph node status were recorded. RESULTS. One hundred thirty-six cases of breast cancer were identified on screening mammography in 40- to 49-year-old women; 50% were invasive cancers, and 50%, ductal carcinoma in situ. Very strong family history was absent in 88%, and extremely dense breast tissue was absent in 86%. Seventy-six percent of patients had neither very strong family history nor extremely dense breasts, including 79% of the cases of invasive cancers, of which 25% had ...
The Effect of Aging on Experience-Dependent Plasticity of Hippocampal Place Cells

The firing characteristics of 1437 CA1 pyramidal neurons were studied in relation to both spatial location and the phase of the theta rhythm in healthy young and old rats performing a simple spatial task on a rectangular track. The old rats had previously been found to be deficient on the Morris spatial learning task. Age effects on the theta rhythm per se were minimal. Theta amplitude and frequency during rapid eye movement sleep were virtually identical. During behavior, theta frequency was slightly reduced with age. In both groups, cell firing occurred at progressively earlier phases of the theta rhythm as the rat traversed the place field of the cell (i.e., there was “phase precession,” as reported by others). The net phase shift did not differ between age groups. The main finding of the study was a loss of experience-dependent plasticity in the place fields of old rats. During the first lap around the track on each day, the initial sizes of the place fields were the same between ages; however, place fields of young rats, but not old, expanded significantly during the first few laps around the track in a given recording session. As the place fields expanded, the rate of change of firing with phase slowed accordingly, so that the net phase change remained constant. Thus changes in field size and phase precession are coupled. A deficit in plasticity of place fields in old rats may lead to a less accurate population code for spatial location.
Applications of Gabor and wavelet expansions to the Radon transform

We investigate the relationship between the Radon transform and certain phase space localization functions, namely the continuous Gabor and wavelet transforms. We derive inversion formulas for the Radon transform based on the Gabor and wavelet transform. Some of these formulas give a direct reconstruction of f or of Δ1/2f from the Radon transform data. Others show how the Gabor and wavelet transforms of f or Δ1/2f can be recovered directly from the Radon transform data. We suggest ways in which these formulas can lead to efficient reconstruction algorithms and can be applied to noise reduction in reconstructed images.
Calibration of the planktonic foraminiferal Mg/Ca paleothermometer: Sediment trap results from the Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California

[1] The Mg/Ca ratio has been measured in two surface-dwelling species of planktonic foraminifera, Globigerinoides ruber and Globigerina bulloides, from biweekly sediment trap samples collected in Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California, between August 1992 and November 1997. The Guaymas Basin experiences significant seasonal changes in sea surface temperature (SST) (∼16°–33°C) and thus is an ideal location for testing the temperature dependence of Mg incorporation into foraminiferal calcite. The planktonic foraminiferal Mg/Ca ratios are directly compared with concurrent temperature measurements from the study site. The results from the sediment trap study reveal a strong positive correlation between SST and the Mg/Ca ratio in both G. ruber (r2 = 0.86) and G. bulloides (r2 = 0.90). The Mg/Ca ratio increases exponentially by 7% per 1°C change in temperature for G. ruber and by 6% for G. bulloides. These results indicate that the Mg/Ca ratio in G. ruber and G. bulloides accurately records the measured seasonal surface temperature cycle and interannual variability in the Guaymas Basin within ±1°C. The greatest deviation between Mg/Ca–estimated SST and observed SST occurs in the spring and fall for both species. This variability is attributed to rapidly changing hydrographic conditions and possible offset between the time of calcification and the temperature measurements. In addition, G. ruber and G. bulloides exhibit very high Mg/Ca ratios during the strong El Nino–Southern Oscillation years of 1992 and 1997, verifying their potential to record SST up to 33°C and 28°C, respectively. The trace metal data are compared with foraminiferal oxygen isotope and alkenone measurements made on the same suite of sediment trap samples to assess the internal consistency of these temperature proxies. Strong correlations exist between the δ18O and Mg/Ca for G. ruber (r2 = 0.86) and G. bulloides (r2 = 0.79). Similarly, sea surface temperature estimates from Mg/Ca ratios are in good agreement with alkenone-derived temperature estimates (r2 = 0.89 for G. ruber and r2 = 0.81 for G. bulloides).
Stable Expression of Lentiviral Antigens by Quality-Controlled Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG Vectors

ABSTRACT The well-established safety profile of the tuberculosis vaccine strain, Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), makes it an attractive vehicle for heterologous expression of antigens from clinically relevant pathogens. However, successful generation of recombinant BCG strains possessing consistent insert expression has encountered challenges in stability. Here, we describe a method for the development of large recombinant BCG accession lots which stably express the lentiviral antigens, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp120 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Gag, using selectable leucine auxotrophic complementation. Successful establishment of vaccine stability stems from stringent quality control criteria which not only screen for highly stable complemented BCG ΔleuCD transformants but also thoroughly characterize postproduction quality. These parameters include consistent production of correctly sized antigen, retention of sequence-pure plasmid DNA, freeze-thaw recovery, enumeration of CFU, and assessment of cellular aggregates. Importantly, these quality assurance procedures were indicative of overall vaccine stability, were predictive for successful antigen expression in subsequent passaging both in vitro and in vivo, and correlated with induction of immune responses in murine models. This study has yielded a quality-controlled BCG ΔleuCD vaccine expressing HIV gp120 that retained stable full-length expression after 1024-fold amplification in vitro and following 60 days of growth in mice. A second vaccine lot expressed full-length SIV Gag for >1068-fold amplification in vitro and induced potent antigen-specific T cell populations in vaccinated mice. Production of large, well-defined recombinant BCG ΔleuCD lots can allow confidence that vaccine materials for immunogenicity and protection studies are not negatively affected by instability or differences between freshly grown production batches.
Limiting Mechanisms of Mode I Interlaminar Toughening of Composites Reinforced with Aligned Carbon Nanotubes

Analytical models are presented for the Mode I interlaminar fracture of laminated composites reinforced with aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The models are based on the crack-closure technique for fiber bridging, where the aligned CNTs enhance toughness mechanistically through either pullout (frictional sliding) from the matrix or sword-in-sheath sliding. The models are independent of the scale of reinforcement and demonstrate significant enhanced toughening for nanoscale reinforcement (CNTs) as opposed to typical mm-scale reinforcements (stitches and Z-pins). Complete analytical expressions for crack-growth resistance (GR(Δa)) are obtained including normalized closed-form expressions for steady-state toughness for any scale of z-direction fiber reinforcement. The model is verified by comparison to previous experimental results for Z-pins and also aligned CNTs, and is used to define regimes where the competing mechanisms of toughening are operative. CNT strength is a key parameter limiting toughness enha...
Anabolic Steroid Use and Associated Health Risk Behaviours

Androgenic-anabolic steroid use is a significant problem among young people. The abuse of steroids may cause significant medical problems. Adolescent steroid users have also been found to be more likely than non-users to be engaging in other high risk behaviours including multiple drug use, cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, suicidal behaviours, high risk sexual behaviours, carrying a weapon, and fighting behaviours. It is critical that clinicians and athletic coaches and trainers are aware of these associations in order to more carefully screen and advise adolescents for health risk behaviours.
Humanitarian relief applications of underwater acoustic sensor networks

The highly-exposed live feed of the oil spill from underwater cameras in the Gulf of Mexico, and Tsunami Warning Systems are only two of many examples showcasing the potential of underwater sensor networks in fields such as underwater surveillance, undersea exploration, video-assisted navigation and environmental monitoring. However, underwater networks require much higher data rates than currently available with acoustic technology and more flexible protocol design to accommodate heterogeneous traffic demands in terms of bandwidth, delay, and end-to-end reliability. In this talk, we outline our current research efforts to assess the potential of multiple-input-multiple- output (MIMO) transmission techniques on acoustic networking. In particular, we will illustrate the multiplexing and diversity tradeoffs of underwater MIMO links. We will consequently characterize how the fundamental MIMO tradeoff translates into a tradeoff between transmission rate and link error probability and identify how the capabilities of MIMO links impact the design of higher layer protocols. We will then present the design of a class of medium access control and crosslayer routing protocols that adapt their behavior by optimally jointly selecting the transmit power, MIMO transmission mode, code length, and routes to minimize energy consumption while complying with application requirements.
The influence of neighborhood characteristics on police officers' encounters with persons suspected to have a serious mental illness

Abstract Objective Police officers' decisions and behaviors are impacted by the neighborhood context in which police encounters occur. For example, officers may use greater force and be more likely to make arrests in disadvantaged neighborhoods. We examined whether neighborhood characteristics influence police encounters with individuals suspected to have a serious mental illness, addictive disorder, or developmental disability. Method We obtained data on 916 encounters from 166 officers in six jurisdictions in Georgia, USA and abstracted geographical data pertaining to the location of these encounters from United States Decennial Census data. Encounters were nested within 163 census tracts. Officer-reported data covered general encounter characteristics, the officer's perception of the subject's condition, subject demographics, use of force, and disposition of the encounter (e.g., arrest v. referral or transport to treatment services). Geographical data included 17 variables representing population and housing characteristics of the census tracts, from which three indices pertaining to neighborhood income, stability, and immigration status were derived using factor-analytic techniques. We then examined associations of these indices with various encounter-related variables using multi-level analysis. Results Encounters taking place in higher-income and higher-stability census tracts were more likely to be dispatch-initiated and take place in a private home compared to those in lower-income and lower-stability neighborhoods. In higher-income neighborhoods, encounters were more likely to involve a subject suspected to have a mental illness (as opposed to an addictive disorder or developmental disability) and less likely to involve a subject suspected to have alcohol problems. The officer's level of force used was not associated with neighborhood factors. Regarding disposition, although the likelihood of arrest was unrelated to neighborhood characteristics, encounters taking place in higher-immigrant neighborhoods were more likely to result in referral or transport to services than those in lower-immigrant neighborhoods. Conclusion Neighborhood characteristics are important to consider in research on police interactions with individuals with serious mental illnesses, addictive disorders, or developmental disabilities. Such research could inform departmental training policies and procedures based on the needs of the jurisdictions served.
Making sense of home pregnancy test instructions.

Abstract Objective: To examine readability and related formatting characteristics of English language instructions accompanying home pregnancy tests (HPTs). Methods: We identified 16 HPTs; however,...
Immigrant Women in the United States: A Selectively Annotated Multidisciplinary Bibliography

Introduction Bibliography General Works Migration Family Work Working Together Body Mind Cultural Change Biography Autobiography Fiction Indices
Toward calibration of regional groundwater models using GRACE data

Summary Regional groundwater models are increasingly used for short- and long-term water resources planning, in anticipation of greater climate variability and population growth. However, many of these models are subject to structural and parametric uncertainties because of the lack of field measurements. In recent years, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission has shown great potential for tracking total water storage changes over large regions. The pattern of groundwater storage changes inferred from GRACE may be incorporated as an additional regularization mechanism for calibrating regional groundwater models. Motivated by the demonstrated success of GRACE for monitoring groundwater storage changes, this study explores the combined use of in situ water level measurements and GRACE-derived groundwater storage changes for calibrating regional groundwater models. The resulting optimization problem is solved using an evolutionary optimization algorithm. We demonstrate the proposed calibration strategy for the hydraulically connected Edwards–Trinity Plateau and Pecos Valley aquifers (total area 115,000 km2) in west Texas. Monthly GRACE data from 2002 to 2007 were used to recalibrate a regional groundwater model developed for the area. Our results indicate that (i) calibration using in situ data alone may yield multiple plausible solutions, a phenomenon well known to hydrologists; and (ii) GRACE data helped further constrain model parameters over the study period and, thus, may be continuously assimilated, among other sources of data, for enhancing existing regional groundwater models.
Reasoning by coordination: an integration of case-based and rule-based reasoning systems

A case-based reasoning system (CBRS) is appropriate for an experience-rich domain, while a rule-based system performs reasonably well in a knowledge-rich application environment. A CBRS mainly uses past experiences as problem-solving tools, and therefore its capability can be limited when previous experiences are not a good representation of the whole population. On the other hand, a rule-based reasoning system needs a well constructed domain theory as its reasoning basis, and it does not make use of the knowledge embedded in past experiences. In the paper, a multiagent cooperative reasoning system (MCRS), which integrates an inductive-reasoning agent (case-based reasoning system) and a deductive-reasoning agent (rule-based reasoning system), is proposed to solve problems through the cooperation of both agents. The architecture and the inference mechanism of an MCRS are discussed in this paper. A personnel-evaluation support system, based on the proposed MCRS architecture and implemented in prolog, is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of using the MCRS to solve problems in a knowledge-poor and experience-poor domain.
Hydroquinone, a Bioreactive Metabolite of Benzene, Inhibits Apoptosis in Myeloblasts

Hydroquinone (a major marrow metabolite of the leukemogen, benzene) induces incomplete granulocytic differentiation of mouse myeloblasts to the myelocyte stage, and also causes an increase in the number of myelocytes. This was confirmed using the normal interleukin 3 (IL-3)-dependent mouse myeloblastic 32D cell line. The hydroquinone-induced twofold increase in the number of IL-3-treated myelocytes does not result from stimulation of IL-3-induced proliferation. Hydroquinone's ability to effect this increase through an inhibition of apoptosis was investigated using mouse 32D and human HL-60 myeloblasts. Apoptosis induced by staurosporine treatment (0.5-1.0 microM) of HL-60 cells (50%) and 32D cells (15%) or by IL-3 withdrawal from 32D myeloblasts was determined by monitoring the development of characteristic morphological features and confirmed by the appearance of a typical nucleosomal DNA ladder upon agarose gel electrophoresis. Concentrations of hydroquinone (1-6 microM) that induce differentiation in 32D myeloblasts caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of staurosporine-induced apoptosis in both cell lines, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 3 microM, and prevented apoptosis in IL-3-deprived 32D cells. Hydroquinone inhibition of apoptosis in myeloblasts, like hydroquinone-induced granulocytic differentiation, required myeloperoxidase-mediated oxidation of hydroquinone to its reactive species, p-benzoquinone, and was inhibited 50% by the peroxidase inhibitor, indomethacin (20 microM). p-benzoquinone (3 microM) was shown to cause a 50% inhibition of CPP32, an IL-1 beta-converting enzyme/Ced-3 cysteine protease involved in the implementation of apoptosis and present in myeloid cells. The ability of hydroquinone to induce a program of differentiation in the myeloblast that proceeds only to the myelocyte stage coupled with its ability to inhibit the CPP32 protease and, thereby, apoptosis of the proliferating myelocytes, may have important implications for benzene-induced acute myeloid leukemia.
Predictors of clinical outcome and mortality in vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography.

Objective Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a poorly understood vasculopathy. VBD may be associated with an increased likelihood of stroke and all-cause mortality. The purpose of this study was to establish predictors for clinical outcome in VBD, and better guide therapeutic medical and surgical interventions. Methods In all, 64 adult VBD cases diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography were retrospectively identified and prospectively followed up (4-7 years). Inclusion criteria were age 18 years or older, VBD on magnetic resonance angiography, and consent to participate. Patients with inadequate follow-up data or hemodynamically significant stenosis or occlusion of the posterior circulation were excluded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with predictor modeling in 45 VBD cases. Results Basilar artery (BA) involvement was independently associated with the transient/fixed posterior circulation dysfunction ( P = .03) with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.4 (95% confidence interval=1.2-16.1). A combination of African American ethnicity, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, smoking, and BA involvement predicted 31% of posterior circulation dysfunction, resulting in an annual predicted likelihood of stroke of 4.4% to 7.8% in this group. Hypertension, previous anterior and posterior circulation strokes, BA involvement, and lack of previous warfarin use predicted mortality in 23% of cases, resulting in an annual likelihood of death of 3.3% to 5.8% in patients with this combination of clinical and radiologic factors. Conclusions In patients with VBD, BA involvement increases the risk of neurologic morbidity, whereas mortality seems more predicted by classic vascular risk factors than VBD features. This study may aid in predicting annual risk of stroke recurrence or death in VBD.
Orbit Dynamics in Isochronous Cyclotrons

Acceleration of heavy ions in an isochronous cyclotron can lead to a ..nu../sub r/-value near unity for many turns. In ORIC, several departures from 3-fold symmetry unfortunately exist, so that a complex resonant behavior may lead to beam loss. To study these questions, a program has been initiated with the aim of devising and using very efficient algorithms for calculating the motion of ions during acceleration. The eikonal function was chosen as the basis for these studies, with methods and some results here described.
The Value of Nature to the State

In recent years geographers have produced a considerable literature on the creation of markets in environmental goods and services. This literature reveals numerous complications with such market-based conservation strategies, yet it has failed to address the conception of value that underlies capitalism and drives the capitalist state. To address this gap, we offer an analysis of how the concept of the value of nature has been taken up in U.S. environmental regulatory debates over the creation of markets for wetland services, where state actors creating new regulations must attempt to specify the value of nature. In 2008 the U.S. government adopted a rule governing the creation and sale of wetland credits. This rule initially attempted to define value as a way of both grounding the credit commodity in underlying phenomena and defining the object that state intervention was designed to protect. But in final negotiations and drafting the term became so controversial that its definition was deleted and its ...
Metabolism of Thiamine-S35 in the Rabbit.∗

SummaryThe fate of thiamine, labeled with sulfur-35 in the thiazole moiety, has been studied in rabbits after oral and parenteral administration of doses in the physiological range. Analyses of the urinary and fecal sulfur fractions for 4 to six 24-hour periods following administration of radiovitamin, gave average total recovery of radiosulfur of 77% after administration by stomach tube, 86% after intramuscular injection, and 54% after intravenous injection. When oral dose of radiovitamin was followed 6 hours later by intramuscular injection of a 20-fold larger dose of non-radioactive thiamine, an additional 17% of radiosulfur was recovered in urine. In all cases, the neutral sulfur fraction of urine contained more than 50% of the recovered radiosulfur, and the greater portion of this was excreted in the first 24-hour period following administration of radiovitamin. Isolation of main metabolites following oral administration indicates that unchanged thiamine-S35 and thiazole S35 moiety together account f...
Inflation, capital markets and the supply of beef

Abstract This paper puts forward an explanation for the negative elasticity of supply of beef found in many LDC's. As is explained by Jarvis (1974), the elasticity of supply of beef may be negative in the short run due to the dual role of cattle as both a capital and a consumption good. But in some LDC's, and especially in Latin America, one may find a long-run negative association between slaughter and prices, that cannot be explained by assuming shocks to slaughter are causing changes in prices. It is no coincidence that Jarvis' hypothesis itself was developed to explain developments in Argentina, a country with chronic high inflation. The paper argues that this long-run relationship cannot be explained by the Jarvis hypothesis, and offers an alternative hypothesis based on the demand for cattle as a hedge against inflation. The long-run negative association between slaughter and prices has been found in high inflation countries. High inflation combined with excessive regulation of capital markets cause the well known phenomenon of desintermediation. It is argued here that cattle plays a role in the inflation hedged portfolio that is then demanded. Therefore, with imperfect capital markets the supply of beef is affected by the demand for cattle as an asset, and this demand, in turn, is affected by inflation. This paper will only attempt to prove the link between imperfect capital markets and the supply of beef. The way inflation in a repressed capital market leads to an imperfect capital market is not addressed here, for reasons of brevity. The paper will develop a model that in the context of imperfect capital markets results in a negative elasticity of supply. The model will then be tested with Uruguayan data. Uruguayan data are very adequate to test the hypothesis because they cover both a period without inflation and a period of high inflation. The results support that cattle was used as an alternative to money holdings when inflation signified a big tax on the latter. Inflation therefore affected the demand for cattle, or, conversely, the supply of beef.
Minimum latency joint scheduling and routing in wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks are expected to be used in a wide range of applications from environment monitoring to event detection. The key challenge is to provide energy efficient communication; however, latency remains an important concern for many applications that require fast response. In this paper, we address the important problem of minimizing average communication latency for the active flows while providing energy-efficiency in wireless sensor networks. As the flows in some wireless sensor network can be long-lived and predictable, it is possible to design schedules for sensor nodes so that nodes can wake up only when it is necessary and asleep during other times. Clearly, the routing layer decision is closely coupled to the wakeup/sleep schedule of the sensor nodes. We formulate a joint scheduling and routing problem with the objective of finding the schedules and routes for current active flows with minimum average latency. By constructing a novel delay graph, the problem can be solved optimally by employing the M node-disjoint paths algorithm under FDMA channel model. We further present extensions of the algorithm to handle dynamic traffic changes and topology changes in wireless sensor networks.
Conductivity enhancement of yttria doped ceria by spark plasma and ac assisted sintering methods

CeO2 doped with lower valence cations, such as Y3+, Sm3+, Gd3+, etc., is considered as electrolyte material for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells. Doping introduces additional oxygen vacancies and improves ionic conductivity. This work describes the preparation of yttria–calcia doped ceria precursor material, its sintering in DC and AC field methods, and characterisation of sintered electrolytes with respect to the ionic conductivity. Doped precursor materials were prepared by a controlled co-precipitation process. Sintering of prepared, pelletised particulates was carried out using three different methods such as: conventional, spark plasma sintering, and an alternating current field at 1125°C (AC assisted sintering). The conductivity was determined as a function of defect density, grain boundary area and phase stability. It was found that the applied field during sintering, either via pulsed DC (spark plasma), or AC, produced marginal effects on yttria doped ceria microstructure. However, it should...
Cloning and sequence of a chicken α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase gene

Abstract A cDNA clone encoding the mature polypeptide for the chicken liver α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase enzyme was isolated by screening a cDNA library with a synthetic sequence derived from the human α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase gene. The deduced amino acid sequence of the chicken liver clone was identical to the amino-terminal and cyanogen bromide derived peptide sequences obtained from the purified enzyme. The chicken enzyme has 75% identity with the human α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase and 56-33% identity with α-galactosidases from several sources.
An analytic model for high-electron-mobility transistors

Abstract A new analytic model is developed for the output I–V characteristics and microwave-signal parameters of High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs). In this model, the empirical formula suggested by Giblin et al. is used to approach the behavior of electron drift velocity vs electric field. The resulting I–V curves are in excellent agreement with experimental data. In order to predict the microwave performance of these devices, this model is also used to calculate the small-signal parameters, transconductance and gate capacitance, which are then used to estimate fT, the frequency of unity current gain.
On the dynamics and effects of double-diffusively driven intrusions

Abstract Some of the characteristics of intrusive finestructure observed in oceanic fronts suggest that salt fingering is active in the intrusions. An extension of Stern's 1967 study of the stability of a thermohaline front to intrusive finestructure driven by salt fingers is presented to investigate this hypothesis. Intrusions are found to grow due to the salt finger induced density fluxes even in the presence of small scale momentum dissipation. The presence of this dissipation defines a fastest growing mode for the disturbance which has physical characteristics not unlike those observed in oceanic fronts. The model results do not agree well with the laboratory studies of intrusions. For many fronts, the model requires initial perturbations in the front which can support salt fingers. Linear internal waves are investigated to determine if they can provide the initial perturbation. It is shown that, away from the equator, the interaction between internal waves and intrusions is weak because of a mismatch of time scales. Finally, growing intrusions are shown to flux heat, salt and density across fronts. The senses of these fluxes are to run down the lateral gradients of many oceanic fronts.
The minimum span of L ( 2 , 1 ) -labelings of generalized flowers

Given a positive integer d , an L ( d , 1 ) -labeling of a graph G is an assignment of nonnegative integers to its vertices such that adjacent vertices must receive integers at least d apart, and vertices at distance two must receive integers at least one apart. The λ d -number of G is the minimum k so that G has an L ( d , 1 ) -labeling using labels in {0, 1, ?, k }. Informally, an amalgamation of two disjoint graphs G 1 and G 2 along a fixed graph G 0 is the simple graph obtained by identifying the vertices of two induced subgraphs isomorphic to G 0 , one in G 1 and the other in G 2 . A flower is an amalgamation of two or more cycles along a single vertex. We provide the exact λ 2 -number of a generalized flower which is the Cartesian product of a path P n and a flower, or equivalently, an amalgamation of cylindrical rectangular grids along a certain P n . In the process, we provide general upper bounds for the λ d -number of the Cartesian product of P n and any graph G , using circular L ( d + 1 , 1 ) -labelings of G where the labels {0, 1, ?, k }?are arranged sequentially in a circle and the distance between two labels is the shortest distance on the circle.