cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How can we eradicate pertussis.

Since its first isolation in 1906 Bordetella pertussis has fascinated microbiologists because it contains many toxins and surface proteins (adhesins), antibody to which might be important in protection (seeMattoo andCherry, 2005). In general, steps in bacteria pathogenesis involve the following: entry into the host and attachment; evasion or disruption of host defenses; development of damage at the infection site; and establishment of systematic disease by dissemination of organisms or their products. Presented in Table 1 are selected toxins and surface proteins ofB. pertussis. Pertussis toxin (PT) is a classic A–B toxin with the smaller A subunit being the toxin (an ADPribosylating toxin) and a larger B subunit being an adhesin (see Mattoo and Cherry 2005). In the past it was suggested that pertussis was similar to diphtheria in regard to pathogenesis. In diphtheria, neutralizing toxin, as occurs with active immunization with diphtheria toxoid, prevents disease. This suggests that pertussis might be controlled by toxoiding PT in a vaccine. However, this is not the case in spite of the fact that many people still believe this theory. Pertussis is a much more complicated disease. The severity of pertussis suggests that other toxins and adhesins are of more importance in pathogenesis. For example, we know that PT does not cause the cough in pertussis since an identical cough occurs with infection with B. parapertussis
Metal–ligand pair anisotropy in a series of mononuclear Er–COT complexes

Synthetic control of the crystal field has elevated lanthanides to the forefront of single-molecule magnet (SMM) research, yet the resultant strong, predictable single-ion anisotropy has thus far not translated into equally impressive molecule-based magnets of higher dimensionality. This roadblock arises from the dual demands made of the crystal field: generate anisotropy and facilitate magnetic coupling. Here we demonstrate that particular metal–ligand pairs can dominate the single-ion electronic structure so fully that the remaining coordination sphere plays a minimal role in the magnitude and orientation of the magnetic anisotropy. This Metal–Ligand Pair Anisotropy (MLPA) effectively separates the crystal field into discrete components dedicated to anisotropy and magnetic coupling. To demonstrate an MLPA building unit, we synthesized four new mononuclear complexes that challenge the electronic structure of the iconic lanthanocene ([Ln(COT)2]+; COT2− = cyclooctatetraene dianion) complex which is known to generate strong anisotropy with Ln = Er3+. Variation in symmetry and coordination strength for Er(COT)I(THF)2 (THF = tetrahydrofuran) (1), Er(COT)I(Py)2 (Py = pyridine) (2), Er(COT)I(MeCN)2 (MeCN = acetonitrile) (3), and Er(COT)(Tp*) (Tp* = tris(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate) (4) shows that the Er–COT unit stabilizes anisotropy despite deliberate de-optimization. All four half-sandwich complexes display SMM behavior with effective energy barriers of Ueff = 95.6(9), 102.9(3.1), 107.1(1.3), and 133.6(2.2) cm−1 for 1–4 by a multi-relaxation-process fitting. More importantly, the basic state splittings remain intact and the anisotropy axes are within several degrees of normal to the COT2− ring according to complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations. Further investigation of the MLPA conceptual framework is warranted as it can provide building units with well-defined magnetic orientation and strength. We envision that the through-barrier processes observed herein, such as quantum tunneling, can be mitigated by formation of larger clusters and molecule-based materials.
Applications of single-operator edit distances for permuted sequences

Abstract In this paper we consider single-operator distance functions for comparing sequences/strings that are equivalent up to permutation. It is shown that these distance functions admit smaller backtrace expressions than conventional edit distance. Results are provided showing that this reduced backtrace complexity can be exploited for data compression and post-analysis modeling of packet delays in a communications network application.
Predicting transmission loss errors through machine learning

Uncertainty in a sound speed profile can lead to uncertainty in the associated prediction of transmission loss (TL). In order to better quantify the effect of imperfect knowledge of the sound speed profile on the acoustic propagation, a study was done comparing pairs of sound speed profiles. In each pair, one profile was treated as ground truth and the second profile was a perturbed version of the first. No single metric on the sound speed profiles, such as mixed layer depth or surface layer characteristics, correlated well with the errors in resulting TL. Several attempts at creating a more complex metric on the profile that could predict errors in the TL were also unsuccessful. However, even a rather simple machine learning approach was able to reliably predict TL errors. Results of the study will be presented and implications discussed. Uncertainty in a sound speed profile can lead to uncertainty in the associated prediction of transmission loss (TL). In order to better quantify the effect of imperfect knowledge of the sound speed profile on the acoustic propagation, a study was done comparing pairs of sound speed profiles. In each pair, one profile was treated as ground truth and the second profile was a perturbed version of the first. No single metric on the sound speed profiles, such as mixed layer depth or surface layer characteristics, correlated well with the errors in resulting TL. Several attempts at creating a more complex metric on the profile that could predict errors in the TL were also unsuccessful. However, even a rather simple machine learning approach was able to reliably predict TL errors. Results of the study will be presented and implications discussed.
Vibration Analysis of a Double-Stator Switched Reluctance Machine

Vibration and acoustic noise form two major restrictions for widespread use of switched reluctance motors (SRM) in many applications. Low-frequency vibrational modes can be excited by electromagnetic force harmonics and produces low-frequency acoustic-noise causing a great discomfort. Double stator switched reluctance machine has substantially lower acoustic noise and vibration when compared to conventional SRM drives. This paper investigates the origin of low frequency vibrations in a double-stator switched reluctance machine (DSSRM). The proposed method can be extended to other electric machine topologies as well. Modal and structural analyses are performed using three-dimensional finite-element method to identify parts associated with these low-frequency vibrations. Different experimental approaches also presented to verify numerical analyses. It is shown that low-frequency natural modes of inner parts can effectively contribute to vibration and acoustic noise by the virtue of transmission to the housing through bearings.
LEFT ATRIAL ASSIST DEVICE: A NEW DEVICE TO TREAT PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION

Many patients with heart failure have preserved ejection fraction but also diastolic dysfunction, with no effective therapy. We are developing a new pump (Left Atrial Assist Device, LAAD) implanted at the mitral position to pump blood from the left atrium to fill the left ventricle properly. The
IMPT versus VMAT for Pelvic Nodal Irradiation in Prostate Cancer: A Dosimetric Comparison.

Abstract Purpose: To compare dosimetric data of the organs at risk (OARs) and clinical target volumes (CTVs) between intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (...
Visualized Automatic Feedback in Virtual Teams

Management of effort is one of the biggest challenges in any team, and is particularly difficult in distributed teams, where behavior is relatively invisible to teammates. Awareness systems, which provide real-time visual feedback about team members' behavior, may serve as an effective intervention tool for mitigating various sources of process-loss in teams, including team effort. However, most of the research on visualization tools has been focusing on team communication and learning, and their impact on team effort and consequently team performance has been hardly studied. Furthermore, this line of research has rarely addressed the way visualization tool may interact with team composition, while comprehension of this interaction may facilitate a conceptualization of more effective interventions. In this article we review the research on feedback in distributed teams and integrate it with the research on awareness systems. Focusing on team effort, we examine the effect of an effort visualization tool on team performance in 72 geographically distributed virtual project teams. In addition, we test the moderating effect of team composition, specifically team members' conscientiousness, on the effectiveness of the effort visualization tool. Our findings demonstrate that the effort visualization tool increases team effort and improves the performance in teams with a low proportion of highly conscientious members, but not in teams with a high proportion of highly conscientious members. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings, and suggest the need of future research to address the way technological advances may contribute to management and research of team processes.
Seeking Common Ground on Globalization

Globalization is one of the great and controversial developments of our time. It is an ongoing process that more closely integrates the many local, regional, and national markets. Globalization is characterized by a rising tendency for national borders to be crossed by people, goods, services, money, information, and ideas. Many specific factors are involved in the fundamental shifts that are occurring in the world economy.
A New Peak-Electricity-Price Forecasting Method based on Artificial Neural Network

A well-designed electricity market can maximize social welfare but will also introduce significant variation in Real-Time wholesale prices. Peak-electricity-prices, which sometimes go very high, can cause big benefits or losses to market participants. Also, occurrence of peak-electricity-prices is a signal of potential tensions in the market operation. Hence to forecast the time of the peak-electricity-prices is very important to the market participants, and Independent System Operators (ISO). This paper introduces a new method to forecast the time of the peak-electricity-prices and shows remarkable accuracy.
Correction to: Cardiac magnetic resonance-guided limited ablation of incessant ventricular tachycardia in thrombosed left ventricle.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. Francisco Alarcon, Susana Prat-Gonzalez, Jose Tomas Ortiz, Lluis Mont and Ivo Roca-Luque were not listed among the authors.
Student Perceptions of a Reflective Writing-based Wellness Course: "Good in Theory, But..."

To offset disconcerting trends showing alarming rates of burnout and other types of psychological distress among medical students, many medical schools have implemented wellness initiatives for first year students as they are first adjusting to the rigors of medical school. This study examines students’ attitudes toward a reflective writing-based wellness course. We conducted a thematic analysis of 97 writings that students wrote in response to a prompt asking them what they thought of the wellness course at an American Midwestern medical school. The most consistent perception that students expressed was that while they were deeply appreciative of the effort to integrate wellness into the curriculum (what we call Good in Theory…), they did not think it was implemented efficaciously and even, in some cases, felt that the wellness course contributed to their distress rather than alleviated it (what we call …But…). Specifically, while the wellness course helped them prioritize wellness and fostered connection between fellow medical students, it also conflicted with their individualized notions of health and was a burden on their limited time. We discuss the findings in the context of their implications for medical education and argue that the implicit messages students internalized from the mere existence of a wellness program—that the university/faculty cares about them, they do not need to feel guilt when taking a break from medicine, they are not alone, and it is acceptable to express emotions—are all important for their professional socialization and personal well-being.
Abstract TMP71: Increasing Prevalence of Secondary Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: Temporal data on secondary intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) risk in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients (pts) is sparse since implementation of current measures to lessen times to intra...
Stenting for Benign Airway Obstruction

In patients suffering from benign central airway obstruction (CAO), airway stents improve dyspnea, lung function, quality of life and potentially survival. These prostheses, however, are foreign objects within the airways, have expected adverse events and therefore should only be used when curative open surgical interventions are not feasible or are contraindicated. This chapter is a systematic review of the published literature on histologically benign CAO including post intubation, post tracheostomy, tuberculosis and transplant-related strictures, tracheobronchomalacia and extrinsic compression due to benign thyroid disease. Evidence-based recommendations are provided for each of these clinical entities.
Interspecies differences in the metabolism of methotrexate: An insight into the active site differences between human and rabbit aldehyde oxidase

Several drug compounds have failed in clinical trials due to extensive biotransformation by aldehyde oxidase (AOX) (EC 1.2.3.1). One of the main reasons is the difficulty in scaling clearance for drugs metabolised by AOX, from preclinical species to human. Using methotrexate as a probe substrate, we evaluated AOX metabolism in liver cytosol from human and commonly used laboratory species namely guinea pig, monkey, rat and rabbit. We found that the metabolism of methotrexate in rabbit liver cytosol was several orders of magnitude higher than any of the other species tested. The results of protein quantitation revealed that the amount of AOX1 in human liver was similar to rabbit liver. To understand if the observed differences in activity were due to structural differences, we modelled rabbit AOX1 using the previously generated human AOX1 homology model. Molecular docking of methotrexate into the active site of the enzyme led to the identification of important residues that could potentially be involved in substrate binding and account for the observed differences. In order to study the impact of these residue changes on enzyme activity, we used site directed mutagenesis to construct mutant AOX1 cDNAs by substituting nucleotides of human AOX1 with relevant ones of rabbit AOX1. AOX1 mutant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli. Differences in the kinetic properties of these mutants have been presented in this study.
Continuous WOWA operators with application to defuzzification

The basic operations for combining real values are the weighted mean (WM) and the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) operator. The weighted mean allows the system to compute an aggregate value from the ones coming from several sources, taking into account the reliability of each information source. Alternatively, the OWA operator allows the user to weight the values supplied in relation to their alternative ordering. The Weighted OWA operator (WOWA) allows the user to consider both aspects using two sets of weights. In this chapter we describe an extension of the WOWA operator to the continuous case after arguing its convenience. Then, we analyze the use of this operator for defuzzification.
Revenue-Neutral Tax-Subsidy Policy for Carbon Emission Reduction

One of the benefits of biofuel use is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to fossil fuels, but no policy directly targets carbon emissions across the full spectrum of renewable and nonrenewable fuels. In light of the political unpopularity of carbon taxes in the United States, we develop a model for a revenue neutral price instrument that maximizes social welfare subject to an exogenously determined net tax revenue target. This approach may be more palatable because it has the potential to change the relative price of the low-carbon and highcarbon components of blended fuel while limiting increases in taxes and motor fuel prices. Our model shows that the targeted tax revenue level and share of output to total gross domestic product in all fuel sectors are important factors determining the revenue-neutral tax levels for each fuel type. Interestingly, we also find that the marginal damages of pollution are not the primary determinants of the revenue neutral price instrument, but instead it is the relative marginal damages per unit price of each fuel type. This implies the counterintuitive possibility that with a revenue neutrality constraint, higher net carbon emitting fuels such as gasoline or diesel may implicitly be subsidized using revenues from carbon taxes on lower emitting fuels.
Using type inference and induced rules to provide intensional answers

A new approach is presented that uses knowledge induction and type inference to provide intensional answers. Machine learning techniques are used to analyze database contents and to induce a set of if-then rules. Type inference which is based on forward inference and backward inference is developed that uses database type hierarchies to derive the intensional answers for a query. It is shown that more precise intensional answers can be derived by properly merging the type inference results from multiple type hierarchies. A prototype intensional query-processing system which uses the proposed approach has been implemented. Using a ship database as a testbed, the effectiveness of the use of type interference and induced rules to derive specific intensional answers is demonstrated. >
Naming Gifted Children: An Example of Unintended “Reproduction”:

We asked classroom teachers from two middle schools in a Midwestern community (the teachers were Anglo-American but were teaching a sizable Latino minority) to recommend students for a temporary program for the “gifted.” Although teachers were given no guidelines for selection, they had no trouble discussing “giftedness” as a concept; nor did they have difficulty identifying “gifted” children. Their language revealed that they used the existing ideals and moralities of the dominant culture as their guide in assessing children's giftedness. Latino children, and those from other minority groups, were passed over. Nowhere in the discussion of “giftedness” did the teachers consider that their criteria for “excellence,” “talent,” and “ability” were culturally determined. Instead, teachers treated “giftedness” as if it were absolute, universally agreed upon, transcontextual and transcultural. These results show that vigorous and creative teacher education is needed to ensure proportionate representation of nonm...
Overview of the expert committee's recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of child and adolescent obesity

Abstract To revise the 1998 recommendations on childhood obesity, an expert committee comprised of representatives from 15 professional organizations appointed experienced scientists and clinicians to be members of three writing groups to review the literature and recommend approaches to the prevention, assessment, and treatment of childhood obesity and overweight. Providers, including pediatric cardiologists, can now provide obesity prevention messages for most children and suggest weight-control interventions for those with excess weight. Body mass index (BMI) should be calculated and plotted at least annually, and the classification should be integrated with other information such as growth pattern, familial obesity, and medical risk to assess a child's obesity risk. For prevention, the recommendations include both specific eating and physical activity behaviors which are likely to promote the maintenance of a healthy weight. For assessment, the recommendations include methods to screen for current medical conditions and future risks, and methods to assess diet and physical activity behaviors. For treatment, the recommendations propose four stages of obesity care. These recommendations recognize the importance of social and environmental change to reduce the obesity epidemic, and also identify ways healthcare providers and healthcare systems can be part of broader efforts.
Increased liver uptake of liposomes and improved targeting efficacy by labeling with asialofetuin in rodents

To improve liposome-directed therapy of liver disease and gene delivery, it would be beneficial to selectively target hepatocytes. For this purpose, conventional liposomes (CL) were labeled with asialofetuin (AF), an asialoglycoprotein. The biodistribution of AF-labeled liposomes (AF-L) in mice and their incorporation into rat hepatocytes, and their potential use in acute liver injury, were investigated. AF-L displayed a quicker plasma clearance than CL, and 25.4%, 2.7%, and 1.2% of the injected dose remained in the plasma versus 47.0%, 26.1%, and 9.5% of CL, respectively at 2, 4, and 20 hours after the injection. Total liver uptake of AF-L (73% ± 3.9%) was markedly higher (P < .005) than CL (16.5% ± 1.8%) 4 hours after the injection. Liposomal radioactivity (cpm/mg) was greatly enhanced in the liver (11-fold) during the first 4 hours after the administration of 14C-AF-L, and was much higher than in 14C-CL–injected mice (1.5-fold). In vitroncubation of isolated rat hepatocytes with 14C-AF-L or intravenous injection of 14C-AF-L in rats resulted in higher hepatocyte-bound radioactivity compared with 14C-CL (P < .01-.005). AF-L–associated 1,1′-dilinoleyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) fluorescent signals were not only located in Kupffer cells, but also in hepatocytes, in which bile canaliculus networks were imaged. Intravenous administration of vitamin E (VE)–associated CL (VE-CL, 1 mg/mouse) significantly lowered alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in CCl4 -treated mice (196 ± 79 vs. 2,107 ± 235 U/mL; P < .01). The ALT level in CCl4 + VE-AF-L group was decreased to 38 ± 16 units/mL, which was significantly lower than the CCl4 + VE-CL group (P < .05). In conclusion, labeling liposomes with AF led to a shortened liposome plasma half-life and greatly enhanced uptake of AF-L liposome by the liver. The enhanced uptake resulted from an increased incorporation of hepatocytes with AF-L liposomes. VE-associated AF liposomes further improved the protective effect of VE liposomes on CCl4 -induced acute liver injury in mice. Preferential hepatocyte incorporation of AF-L liposomes suggests a useful hepatocyte-targeting approach for drug delivery and gene transfection.
Six hundred fifty consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies in the 1990s: pathology, complications, and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The authors reviewed the pathology, complications, and outcomes in a consecutive group of 650 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy in the 1990s. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Pancreaticoduodenectomy has been used increasingly in recent years to resect a variety of malignant and benign diseases of the pancreas and periampullary region. METHODS: Between January 1990 and July 1996, inclusive, 650 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenal resection at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Data were recorded prospectively on all patients. All pathology specimens were reviewed and categorized. Statistical analyses were performed using both univariate and multivariate models. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 63 +/- 12.8 years, with 54% male and 91% white. The number of resections per year rose from 60 in 1990 to 161 in 1995. Pathologic examination results showed pancreatic cancer (n = 282; 43%), ampullary cancer (n = 70; 11%), distal common bile duct cancer (n = 65; 10%), duodenal cancer (n = 26; 4%), chronic pancreatitis (n = 71; 11%), neuroendocrine tumor (n = 31; 5%), periampullary adenoma (n = 21; 3%), cystadenocarcinoma (n = 14; 2%), cystadenoma (n = 25; 4%), and other (n = 45; 7%). The surgical procedure involved pylorus preservation in 82%, partial pancreatectomy in 95%, and portal or superior mesenteric venous resection in 4%. Pancreatic-enteric reconstruction, when appropriate, was via pancreaticojejunostomy in 71% and pancreaticogastrostomy in 29%. The median intraoperative blood loss was 625 mL, median units of red cells transfused was zero, and the median operative time was 7 hours. During this period, 190 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed without a mortality. Nine deaths occurred in-hospital or within 30 days of operation (1.4% operative mortality). The postoperative complication rate was 41%, with the most common complications being early delayed gastric emptying (19%), pancreatic fistula (14%), and wound infection (10%). Twenty-three patients required reoperation in the immediate postoperative period (3.5%), most commonly for bleeding, abscess, or dehiscence. The median postoperative length of stay was 13 days. A multivariate analysis of the 443 patients with periampullary adenocarcinoma indicated that the most powerful independent predictors favoring long-term survival included a pathologic diagnosis of duodenal adenocarcinoma, tumor diameter <3 cm, negative resection margins, absence of lymph node metastases, well-differentiated histology, and no reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: This single institution, high-volume experience indicates that pancreaticoduodenectomy can be performed safely for a variety of malignant and benign disorders of the pancreas and periampullary region. Overall survival is determined largely by the pathology within the resection specimen.
Optic neuritis and retinal ganglion cell loss in a chronic murine model of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) are neurodegenerative diseases with characteristic inflammatory demyelination in the central nervous system, including the optic nerve. Neuronal and axonal damage is considered to be the main cause of long-term disability in patients with MS. Neuronal loss, including retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis in eyes with optic neuritis, also occurs in EAE. However, there is significant variability in the clinical course and level of neuronal damage in MS and EAE. The current studies examine the mechanisms and kinetics of RGC loss in C57BL/6 mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein to induce a chronic EAE disease. Clinical progression of EAE was scored daily and vision was assessed by optokinetic responses. At various time points, RGCs were counted and optic nerves were examined for inflammatory cell infiltration. Almost all EAE mice develop optic neuritis by day 15 post-immunization; however, RGC loss is delayed in these mice. No RGC loss is detected 25 days post-immunization, whereas RGC numbers in EAE mice significantly and progressively decrease compared to controls from 35-50 days post-immunization. The delayed time course of RGC loss is in stark contrast to that reported in relapsing EAE, as well as in rats with chronic EAE. Results suggest that different clinical disease courses of optic nerve inflammation may trigger distinct mechanisms of neuronal damage, or RGCs in different rodent strains may have variable resistance to neuronal degeneration.
Protective operating system shell environment for robots

This paper describes the synthesis of a protective operating system shell environment for robots. The approach is designed to protect the robot from the effects of errors in the lower level manipulator system and the higher level plan. This shell is composed of a number of fault tolerance tasks at a discrete decision making level. In order to separate the various functions of a robotic system and to better monitor the interactions of the components, we use models from the design of computer operating systems. The user communicates with a `shell' which is wrapped around a `kernel.' One of the duties of the robot fault tolerance shell should be to enforce a protocol between the user commands and the robot fault tolerance capabilities. In the paper, we describe an implementation to conform to a formal protocol which explicitly includes fault tolerance. Each of the discrete layers in the robot control system will be modeled by a separate finite state machine (FSM). The FSMs encapsulate the redundancy and fault tolerance capabilities of the system in a uniform manner. Our FSMs will be designed to be dynamically growing and contracting as for example when new sensors are added or as sensors fail. From these FSMs we can develop a shell capability analysis utility that monitors the current fault tolerance status of the robot system. For example, the process of checking to see if the fault reconfigured robot can still complete its plan can be approach as a conformance testing problem. When faults cause joints to be lost, the reduced robot will be viewed as a subset of the original robot. Test sequences can be developed to determine if the reduced robot conforms to the original robot specification with respect to the user's original plan. A `critic' utility in the shell can also check for obstacles and will halt the robot to protect it from possible damage.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A theoretical investigation of the shape and hydration properties of aqueous urea: Evidence for nonplanar urea geometry

To model the structure of a urea molecule in aqueous solution including adaption of the solute electronic structure, we have used the reference interaction site model−self-consistent-field (RISM-SCF) method, describing the solute electronic structure at the ab initio level and hydration via an integral equation for the solvent distribution. The RISM-SCF model for aqueous urea gives a clearly nonplanar urea structure, with more than seven waters located within a contact distance defined for hydrogen bonding. The pyramidalization at the urea nitrogen sites is reduced in water relative to the gas phase, but the structure is closer to the gas phase structure than to the planar crystal structure. It is further shown that the solvent produces substantial polarization of the urea solute, with the dipole moment increasing from 4 to 7 D as the geometry and electronic structure are optimized to the aqueous environment. The overall result is to favor a high density of hydrogen bonds between urea and the surrounding ...
Stationarity Modeling and Informatics-Based Diagnostics in Monte Carlo Criticality Calculations

In Monte Carlo criticality calculations, source error propagation through the stationary (active) cycles and source convergence in the settling (inactive) cycles are both dominated by the dominance ratio (DR) of fission kernels. For symmetric two-fissile-component systems with the DR close to unity, the extinction of fission source sites can occur in one of the components even when the initial source is symmetric and the number of histories per cycle is more than 1000. When such a system is made slightly asymmetric, the neutron effective multiplication factor at the inactive cycles does not reflect the convergence to stationary source distribution. To overcome this problem, relative entropy has been applied to a slightly asymmetric two-fissile-component problem with a DR of 0.993. The numerical results are mostly satisfactory but also show the possibility of the occasional occurrence of unnecessarily strict stationarity diagnostics. Therefore, a criterion is defined based on the concept of data compression limit in information theory. Numerical results for a pressurized water reactor fuel storage facility with a DR of 0.994 strongly support the efficacy of relative entropy in both the posterior and progressive stationarity diagnostics.
Velocity signals related to hand movements recorded from red nucleus neurons in monkeys

Neural activity of the red nucleus was studied in monkeys trained to operate devices requiring shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, or finger movements. Single cell activity was more closely related to movements of the hand and fingers than to movements of the other joints. Discharge consistently preceded movements by a constant time interval; duration of discharge was highly correlated with the duration of movement; and discharge rate was highly correlated with movement velocity. These data suggest a role for the rubrospinal pathway in the initiation and control of hand movements.
Community Structure of Soil Nematodes Associated with Solanum Tuberosum

The soil nematode food web structure under a potato crop compared to a forest control treatment was investigated for 10 months. All nematode functional guilds were recovered from both treatments. Higher populations of enrichment nematodes (bacterivores and fungivores) were recovered in the potato plots and this is attributed to possible higher amounts of organic matter in the crop plots as compared to the forest control. For the pest suppression species, higher populations of carnivorous nematodes were recorded in the forest samples, while higher populations of the omnivorous nematodes were recorded in the potato plots. It will therefore seem that while the environmental response of predatory (carnivorous) nematodes is linked to physical perturbation, food sources are a more important factor in the environmental response of the omnivorous nematodes. Whereas the plant-feeding species of the Pl3 class were significantly higher in the crop plots, the Pl5 plant species were significantly higher in the forest control samples. These differences are attributed to host specificity. Overall, the plant-feeding nematodes dominated (9 families, 14 genera, 35.73 % total biomass contribution), followed by the enrichment nematodes (8 families, 12 genera, 33.53% total biomass), and then the pest suppression species (9 families, 19 genera, 30.76% total biomass). Based on these results plant-parasitic nematodes of the Pl3 cp class particularly Helicotylenchus mucronatus, Rotylenchus buxophilus, and Meloidogyne microcephala, are considered a potential threat to potato production in the study area.
Simulation study of the critical current density of YBa2Cu3O7 ceramics.

A two-dimensional Josephson-junction-array model is used to study the effect of grain boundaries on the critical current density of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ superconducting ceramics. The model represents a network of superconducting grains with a distribution of tilt angles \ensuremath{\theta}. Each grain boundary has a critical current density ${\mathit{J}}_{\mathit{c}}$(\ensuremath{\theta}) and normal-state resistance R(\ensuremath{\theta}). The current-voltage characteristics are calculated numerically for different tilt-angle distributions. The scaling law and statistics of extremes, introduced by Duxbury, Beale, and Leath for general breakdown behavior, based on the most critical defect (normal region) in the network, are tested and found to be accurate for the predicted critical-current distribution of random samples. When the applied current is larger than but close to its critical value, there is a periodic V(t) with discrete power spectra. When the applied current gets larger, chaotic behavior appears with nearly continuous power spectra.
Absorption of ultrashort laser pulses by solid targets heated rapidly to temperatures 1-1000 eV.

We report measurements of laser absorption for high-contrast ultrashort pulses on a variety of solid targets over an intensity range of ${10}^{13}$ to ${10}^{18}$ W/ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. These data give an experimental determination of the target energy content and an indirect measure of dense plasma electrical conductivity. Our calculations accurately reproduce the behavior of aluminum targets, while the other materials show signs of additional absorption mechanisms. At high intensity all target materials reach a ``universal plasma mirror'' state and reflect about 90% of the incident light.
Flow shear stress regulates endothelial barrier function and expression of angiogenic factors in a 3D microfluidic tumor vascular model

Endothelial cells lining blood vessels are exposed to various hemodynamic forces associated with blood flow. These include fluid shear, the tangential force derived from the friction of blood flowing across the luminal cell surface, tensile stress due to deformation of the vessel wall by transvascular flow, and normal stress caused by the hydrodynamic pressure differential across the vessel wall. While it is well known that these fluid forces induce changes in endothelial morphology, cytoskeletal remodeling, and altered gene expression, the effect of flow on endothelial organization within the context of the tumor microenvironment is largely unknown. Using a previously established microfluidic tumor vascular model, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of normal (4 dyn/cm2), low (1 dyn/cm2), and high (10 dyn/cm2) microvascular wall shear stress (WSS) on tumor-endothelial paracrine signaling associated with angiogenesis. It is hypothesized that high WSS will alter the endothelial phenot...
Solid‐state polymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate). III. Thermal stabilities in terms of the vinyl ester end group and acetaldehyde

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), precursors, and solid-stated samples were evaluated in terms of changing vinyl ester (VE) concentrations. The results obtained through the application of reaction kinetics gave VE contents ranging from 0.7 to 5.5 mmol/kg of PET. As the initial intrinsic viscosity (IV) of the precursor increased, the VE content also increased, representing the different thermal histories of the samples during melt-phase polymerization. The VE contents decreased as the solid-state polymerization (SSP) time increased from 0 to 12 h and as the temperature of SSP increased up to 220°C. A series of acetaldehyde (AA) generation experiments were conducted from 270 to 300°C with samples solid-stated from three precursors with different initial IVs. The rate of AA generation decreased as the final IV of the solid-stated PET increased, and this showed that the SSP process improved the thermal stability of PET. The AA generation rates of samples that had similar final IVs but were solid-stated from different IV precursors were also compared. When the heating temperature was low, the amount and rate of AA generation were higher for samples with higher initial precursor IVs. This tendency, however, became less clear as the generation temperatures increased, probably because interference from the dissociation reactions (occurring between the polymer chains to produce VE) increased with increasing temperature. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 228–237, 2003
Relation of whole blood sugar concentrations in vertebrates to standard metabolic rate

Abstract 1. 1. The concentration of sugar in the whole blood of a series of 61 vertebrate species is positively correlated to standard metabolic rate. 2. 2. For a given metabolic rate, amphibians have blood sugar levels lower than those for any other vertebrate class, and reptiles and birds have blood sugar levels considerably higher than those for mammals.
On sublattices of the hexagonal lattice

How many sublattices of index N are there in the planar hexagonal lattice? Which of them are the best from the point of view of packing density, signal-to-noise ratio, or energy? We answer the first question completely and give partial answers to the other questions.
Extractable organic material in fault zones as a tool to investigate frictional stress

Abstract The detection of a frictional heating signature is an attractive, but elusive, way to measure frictional stress on exhumed faults with no evidence of melting. We present a new paleothermometer for fault zones that utilizes the thermal maturity of extractable organic material to determine the maximum frictional heating experienced by the fault. Because there are no retrograde reactions in these organic systems, maximum heating is preserved. We investigate the Punchbowl Fault, an ancient strand of the San Andreas Fault in southern California. According to the methylphenanthrene index for thermal maturity, there is no differential heating between the fault and off-fault samples, indicating that the fault did not get hotter than the surrounding rock during slip. Additionally, the thermal maturity of the rocks falls within the range of heating expected from the bounds on burial depth and time, and adds some constraint to the burial depth range. Simple heating models indicate that the fault must have had either 1) an extremely low shear stress during slip, 2) an active slipping zone thicker than 1 mm, or 3) earthquakes smaller than ~ M6, to lack a differential heating signature after 44 km slip.
Hole photoconductivity in KBr crystals containing Br− molecule ions

Abstract After X-ray irradiation at liquid nitrogen temperature, holes are trapped by forming Br−2 molecule ions in KBr containing one of the impurities Ag+, Tl+, Pb++, or NO−2. The Br−2 molecule ions are oriented along 〈110〉 directions in the crystal and have two principal absorption bands at 385 mμ and 750 mμ, both of which show anisotropic properties. Irradiation into either one of these bands with [0 1 1] polarized light causes a redistribution of the ions among the six 〈110〉 directions in the crystal so that the population in [011] is considerably enhanced. Photoconductivity has been observed upon bleaching with light of 750 mμ wavelength. The bleaching light used was polarized along either [0 1 1] or [011]. Since continued bleaching at 750 mμ with [0 1 1] light causes a decrease in the absorption of [0 1 1] light, the observed photoconductivity decreases. If the plane of polarization of the bleaching light is rotated to [011], the photoconductivity rises and then decays to an equilibrium value. These changes in photoconductivity have been correlated with changes produced in the optical absorption spectra of Br−2.
Comparative Study of Time-Frequency Methods for the Detection and Categorization of Intermittent Faults in Electrical Drives

The detection of non-catastrophic faults in conjunction with other factors can be used to determine the condition and remaining life of an electric drive. As the frequency and severity of these faults increase, the working life of the drive decreases, leading to eventual failure. In this work, four methods to identify developing electrical faults are presented and compared. They are based on the short-time Fourier transform, undecimated wavelet analysis, Wigner and Choi Williams distribution of the field oriented currents in PMAC drives. The different fault types are classified by developing a linear discriminant classifier based on the transform coefficients. The comparison is based on the number of correct classifications and Fisher's discriminant ratio.
Dichotomy of decorin activity on the insulin-like growth factor-I system

The stromal-specific proteoglycan decorin has emerged in recent years as a critical regulator of tumor initiation and progression. Decorin regulates the biology of various types of cancer by modulating the activity of several receptor tyrosine kinases coordinating growth, survival, migration, and angiogenesis. Decorin binds to surface receptors for epidermal growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor with high affinity, and negatively regulates their activity and signaling via robust internalization and eventual degradation. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I system plays a critical role in the regulation of cell growth both in vivo and in vitro. The IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) is also essential for cellular transformation, owing to its ability to enhance cell proliferation and protect cancer cells from apoptosis. Recent data have pointed to a role of decorin in regulating the IGF-I system in both nontransformed and transformed cells. Significantly, there is a surprising dichotomy in the mechanism of decorin action on IGF-IR signaling, which differs considerably between physiological and pathological cellular models. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on decorin regulation of the IGF-I system in normal and transformed cells, and discuss possible decorin-based therapeutic approaches to target IGF-IR-driven tumors.
Surgical team training: promoting high reliability with nontechnical skills.

This article focuses on key aspects of these ‘‘nontraditional’’ surgical subjects of organizational structure and team interaction. First, the deficiencies in team dynamics found within the modern operating room (OR) and their resultant consequences are highlighted. Next, essential human factors concepts related to error generation, organizational culture, high reliability, and team science as applied to the OR environment are reviewed. Finally, various strategies for improving OR team function, including the use of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) in team training are discussed. MODERN OPERATING ROOM TEAM DYNAMICS AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES The modern OR is a highly dynamic work environment that brings together a diverse group of professionals who must work effectively together as a team to provide safe,
Electrical properties of sulfur-passivated III–V compound devices

Abstract The results of numerous studies since 1987 show that sulfur passivation improves the electrical parameters of III–V compound devices. In this article, we examine the electrical parameters of metal–semiconductor contacts (MS), MS contacts with thin interfacial layer (MIS), and metal-oxide–semiconductor structures (MOS).
Micropuncture study of tubule sodium reabsorption in dilutional hyponatremia

Abstract Clearance and micropuncture techniques were utilized to evaluate tubule sodium reabsorption and sodium excretion in an animal model of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. When compared to controls, dogs with dilutional hyponatremia, induced by vasopressin and water, had a greater rate of sodium excretion both before and after saline infusion. Fractional sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule was also less in the experimental group before and after the saline infusion. The decrease in proximal sodium reabsorption provides a potential explanation for the greater sodium excretion observed in the dogs with dilutional hyponatremia.
Analysis of a local-area wireless network

To understand better how users take advantage of wireless networks, we examine a twelve-week trace of a building-wide local-area wireless network. We analyze the network for overall user behavior (when and how intensively people use the network and how much they move around), overall network traffic and load characteristics (observed throughput and symmetry of incoming and outgoing traffic), and traffic characteristics from a user point of view (observed mix of applications and number of hosts connected to by users).Amongst other results, we find that users are divided into distinct location-based sub-communities, each with its own movement, activity, and usage characteristics. Most users exploit the network for web-surfing, session-oriented activities and chat-oriented activities. The high number of chat-oriented activities shows that many users take advantage of the mobile network for synchronous communication with others. In addition to these user-specific results, we find that peak throughput is usually caused by a single user and application. Also, while incoming traffic dominates outgoing traffic overall, the opposite tends to be true during periods of peak throughput, implying that significant asymmetry in network capacity could be undesirable for our users.While these results are only valid for this local-area wireless network and user community, we believe that similar environments may exhibit similar behavior and trends. We hope that our observations will contribute to a growing understanding of mobile user behavior.