cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A molecular mechanics approach to modeling protein-ligand interactions: relative binding affinities in congeneric series.

We introduce the “Prime-ligand” method for ranking ligands in congeneric series. The method employs a single scoring function, the OPLS-AA/GBSA molecular mechanics/implicit solvent model, for all stages of sampling and scoring. We evaluate the method using 12 test sets of congeneric series for which experimental binding data is available in the literature, as well as the structure of one member of the series bound to the protein. Ligands are ‘docked’ by superimposing a common stem fragment among the compounds in the series using a crystal complex from the Protein Databank, and sampling the conformational space of the variable region. Our results show good correlation between our predicted rankings and experimental data for cases in which binding affinities differ by at least one order of magnitude. For 11 out of 12 cases, >90% of such ligand pairs could be correctly ranked, while for the remaining case, Factor Xa, 76% of such pairs were correctly ranked. A small number of compounds could not be docked using the current protocol due to the large size of functional groups that could not be accommodated by a rigid receptor. CPU requirements for the method, involving CPU-minutes per ligand, are modest compared with more rigorous methods that use similar force fields, such as free energy perturbation. We also benchmark the scoring function using series of ligand bound to the same protein within the CSAR data set. We demonstrate that energy minimization of ligand in the crystal structures is critical to obtain any correlation with experimentally determined binding affinities.
Metabolism and Cardiovascular Effects of Leukotrienes in the Marine Toad Bufo marinus

Leukotriene (LT) metabolism and physiology have been studied extensively in mammals; however, little is known of their roles in nonmammalian vertebrates. This study examines the cardiovascular effects of leukotrienes on blood pressure and heart rate in the conscious and cannulated marine toad, Bufo marinus. The sulfidopeptide leukotrienes, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 elicited hypotension with equal potency. However, with respect to heart rate changes and duration of action, the responses to LTC4 and LTD4 were greater and lasted longer than those to LTE4. The nonpeptide leukotriene, LTB4, had significantly less potent effects on heart rate and blood pressure. The leukotriene-induced increases in heart rate with 1000 and 300 ng/kg body wt LTC4 and LTD4 were blocked with 5 mg/kg body wt propranolol, a beta-antagonist, suggesting sympathetic reflex regulation of heart rate. Metabolism of [3H]LTC4 to [3H]LTD4 and [3H]LTE4 occurred rapidly in blood, with complete conversion to [3H]LTE4 within 5 min. Conversion was slower in plasma, with 18.9 +/- 0.5% of the radioactivity associated with [3H]LTC4 still remaining after 120 min. The toad is more similar to mammals than the bullfrog with respect to the metabolism of leukotrienes. In contrast to mammals, leukotrienes have hypotensive effects in both toad and bullfrog, although the order of potency differs. The effectiveness of the sulfidopeptide leukotrienes in eliciting hypotension at low doses (1 ng/kg body wt) suggests that these compounds may be important cardiovascular regulators in the toad.
Intraoperative molecular margin analysis in head and neck cancer.

Background Tumor-specific molecular alterations in surgical margins have been shown to predict risk of local recurrence. However, assays used for these analyses are time-consuming and therefore cannot be used in the intraoperative setting. Objective To detect and quantify tumor-specific methylated promoter sequences in surgical margins in a time frame suitable for intraoperative use. Design A novel quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (QMSP) protocol. Methods A total of 13 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were initially characterized for molecular alterations in their tumor at the time of biopsy. Six primary tumors were found to harbor promoter hypermethylation for p16 and O6–methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase ( MGMT ) genes. Rapid QMSP was then used to identify promoter hypermethylation of these genes in the surgical margins. Results were compared with standard intraoperative histologic frozen section analysis and with conventional QMSP. Results Using our rapid QMSP assay, we found that 3 patients had methylation-positive margins. Tumor margins from 2 patients were methylated for p16 alone, and margins from 1 patient were methylated for p16 and MGMT simultaneously. Molecular margin analysis was completed in less than 5 hours, a time frame appropriate for selected major HNSCC resections that require combined primary tumor resection, cervical lymphadenectomy, and complex reconstruction. This technique was comparable in sensitivity to conventional QMSP. Conclusion Rapid molecular margin analysis using QMSP is feasible and may be performed intraoperatively in selected patients with HNSCC that requires extensive resection.
Hepatic contrast-enhancing properties of manganese-mesoporphyrin and manganese-TPPS4. A comparative magnetic resonance imaging study in rats.

OBJECTIVES Manganese (III) mesoporphyrin (Mn-mesoporphyrin), a synthetic and stable complex, was investigated for its hepatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) properties and compared with manganese tetrakis-(4 sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (Mn-TPPS4). METHODS Liver abscesses (n = 10) and tumors (n = 14) were induced in rats. These rats then underwent MRI at 2.0 T. Animals received one of the two contrast agents, and measurement of lesion enhancement was performed. RESULTS At an intravenous dose of 0.035 mmol/kg, Mn-mesoporphyrin caused significant enhancement of normal liver parenchyma and increased the lesion-to-liver contrast in both the models of heptic liver abscess and metastatic liver disease. Mn-TTPS4 at an intravenous dose of 0.04 mmol/kg typically enhanced both lesion and normal liver parenchyma and therefore did not improve the lesion-to-liver contrast. CONCLUSIONS The hepatotrophic properties of Mn-mesoporphyrin indicate its potential as an intravenous contrast agent for liver imaging.
Evaluation of parenting, depression and violence profiles in methadone maintained women

Twenty-one patients of the Family Center Program for pregnant drug dependent women were studied employing tools which indicate potential ability to parent or risk of child abuse. The Profile of Mood States and Beck Depression Inventory were administered, and a Violence Questionnaire was self-administered to ascertain the presence of physical or sexual abuse in the mothers' lives. These results were compared to an assessment of parenting ability as well as general demographics and urinalyses which indicate whether the mothers were taking any drugs in addition to their methadone. Results revealed that there were strong relationships between parenting ability and abusive life events, prenatal clinic attendance, use of depressant drugs, number of children, age, and education and/or employment. These variables were also interrelated with depression, abnormal mood states, and general drug abuse. It appears that while polydrug abuse, psychological problems, and stressful life events are strong indicators of poor parenting ability, the successfully methadone maintained woman who does not feel the need to supplement her methadone with other drugs, whose life has stabilized, and who is relatively normal in her affect and mood, has a strong potential for good childrearing ability.
Stable loosely-coupled-type algorithm for fluid-structure interaction in blood flow

We introduce a novel loosely coupled-type algorithm for fluid-structure interaction between blood flow and thin vascular walls. This algorithm successfully deals with the difficulties associated with the ''added mass effect'', which is known to be the cause of numerical instabilities in fluid-structure interaction problems involving fluid and structure of comparable densities. Our algorithm is based on a time-discretization via operator splitting which is applied, in a novel way, to separate the fluid sub-problem from the structure elastodynamics sub-problem. In contrast with traditional loosely-coupled schemes, no iterations are necessary between the fluid and structure sub-problems; this is due to the fact that our novel splitting strategy uses the ''added mass effect'' to stabilize rather than to destabilize the numerical algorithm. This stabilizing effect is obtained by employing the kinematic lateral boundary condition to establish a tight link between the velocities of the fluid and of the structure in each sub-problem. The stability of the scheme is discussed on a simplified benchmark problem and we use energy arguments to show that the proposed scheme is unconditionally stable. Due to the crucial role played by the kinematic lateral boundary condition, the proposed algorithm is named the ''kinematically coupled scheme''.
Querying bi-level information

In our research on superimposed information management, we have developed applications where information elements in the superimposed layer serve to annotate, comment, restructure, and combine selections from one or more existing documents in the base layer. Base documents tend to be unstructured or semi-structured (HTML pages, Excel spreadsheets, and so on) with marks delimiting selections. Selections in the base layer can be programmatically accessed via marks to retrieve content and context. The applications we have built to date allow creation of new marks and new superimposed elements (that use marks), but they have been browse-oriented and tend to expose the line between superimposed and base layers. Here, we present a new access capability, called bi-level queries, that allows an application or user to query over both layers as a whole. Bi-level queries provide an alternative style of data integration where only relevant portions of a base document are mediated (not the whole document) and the superimposed layer can add information not present in the base layer. We discuss our framework for superimposed information management, an initial implementation of a bi-level query system with an XML Query interface, and suggest mechanisms to improve scalability and performance.
The pediatric sepsis biomarker risk model: potential implications for sepsis therapy and biology

Sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adult and pediatric intensive care units. Heterogeneity of demographics, comorbidities, biological mechanisms, and severity of illness leads to difficulty in determining which patients are at highest risk of mortality. Determining mortality risk is important for weighing the potential benefits of more aggressive interventions and for deciding whom to enroll in clinical trials. Biomarkers can be used to parse patients into different risk categories and can outperform current methods of patient risk stratification based on physiologic parameters. Here we review the Pediatric Sepsis Biomarker Risk Model that has also been modified and applied to estimate mortality risk in adult patients. We compare the two models and speculate on the biological implications of the biomarkers in patients with sepsis.
Reducing Health-Information Avoidance Through Contemplation

Despite the importance of learning about one’s health, people sometimes opt to remain ignorant. In three studies, we investigated whether prompting people to contemplate their reasons for seeking or avoiding information would reduce avoidance of personal health information. In Study 1, people were more likely to opt to learn their risk for type 2 diabetes if they had completed a motives questionnaire prior to making their decision than if they had not. In Study 2, people were more likely to opt to learn their risk for cardiovascular disease if they had first listed and rated reasons for seeking or avoiding the information than if they had not. Study 3 replicated Study 2 but also showed that contemplating reasons for avoiding versus seeking reduced avoidance of personal-risk information only when the risk condition was treatable.
Cross-Protectiveness and Immunogenicity of Influenza A/Duck/Singapore/3/97(H5) Vaccines against Infection with A/Vietnam/1203/04(H5N1) Virus in Ferrets

Ferrets were immunized with two 7- mu g doses of hemagglutinin from inactivated whole-virus vaccines containing the hemagglutinin gene of A/Duck/Singapore/3/97(H5N3) then inoculated with a lethal dose of A/Vietnam/1203/04(H5N1) (Viet/1203/04). Serum samples did not react with Viet/1203/04 in hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) or virus-neutralization (VN) tests. All vaccinated ferrets survived the challenge, whereas all mock-immunized ferrets died. Immunized ferrets had significantly lower virus titers in the upper respiratory tract and less-severe disease. Vaccine generated from antigenically different H5 virus protects against infection by a highly pathogenic H5 strain. Neither HI nor VN testing provides correlates of cross-protection in ferrets.
Electromigration induced microstructure and morphological changes in eutectic SnPb solder joints

Simultaneous direct current stressing with thermal aging accelerates the migration of conducting species resulting in significant microstructural coarsening. Because of the synergistic fields influence, such coarsening begins from the anode and propagates toward the cathode. Prolonged current stressing with 104 A/cm2 at 150 °C causes the inter-lamellar eutectic SnPb to become a two-layer structure, with a Pb-rich layer adjacent to the anode and an Sn-rich layer adjacent to the cathode. This mass movement causes hillock/valley formation, and the extents of such surface undulations increase with increases in the time duration of current stressing as well as with the joint thickness. In thinner solder joints these events occur sooner, although the extents of surface undulations depend on the thickness of joints. In addition, Cu present in the substrate and in the intermetallic layer at the cathode migrates to form Cu6Sn5 within the Sn-rich layer, in a region close to the Pb-rich layer.
Fiber optic control and diagnostic family of hardwares for the Confinement Physics Research Facility (CPRF) toroidal field and DC interrupter systems

A versatile fiber-optic system of outstanding performance has been designed and utilized in the development of the CPRF (Confinement Physics Research Facility) pulsed-power equipment. These fiber-optic systems consist of a family of interchangeable but application-oriented mother and daughter PC boards. The transmitter family may be described as having a true instrumentation amplifier front end (of unique design), a temperature compensated voltage to frequency converter, and fiber-optic and differential current loop outputs. The receiver family consists of various mother and daughter boards which can be interchanged easily to optimize overall system requirements. The receivers are temperature-compensated and capable of driving 50 Omega loads to full output (+or-200 mA). Receivers boast a better than 67-dB S+N/N ratio without any noticeable overshoot or ringing. A no-input shutdown and a remote flag feature are used to protect sensitive or control hardware. The detailed design information is presented along with examples of application-specific hardware. >
Predicting School Readiness for Low-Income Children with Disability Risks Identified Early.

This study examined school readiness at kindergarten entry for low-income children whose disability indicators were identified before age 3. Data were collected as part of the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Longitudinal Follow-up study. Children who had suspected developmental delays and did not receive Part C services had lower preacademic skill scores at kindergarten entry than those who had no disability indicators. In contrast, the preacademic skills at age 5 of children who received Part C services did not differ from those who had no disability indicators. A large proportion of children who had suspected developmental delays and did not receive Part C services by age 3 received Part B services later. Results highlight the importance of early intervention for low-income children who have suspected developmental delays to enhance their school readiness skills.
Population resilience in an American pika (Ochotona princeps) metapopulation

Population resilience in a metapopulation of American pikas (Ochotona princeps) at Bodie, California, was investigated with a series of 18 detailed occupancy surveys conducted between 1989 and 2010. These were compared with earlier 1972 and 1977 censuses and earlier historical records of pikas at Bodie. There is concern that American pikas may be increasingly vulnerable to warm temperatures due to climate change, and this investigation represents the longest study of the species in a relatively low-elevation (warm) environment. The Bodie pika population represents one of the best mammalian examples of a classic metapopulation system. Annual number of observed patch extinctions (total = 114) and recolonizations (109) varied greatly among the 18 census intervals. There has been no decline in percent of patches occupied in the northern half of the study area since 1972, and the number of documented pikas in the north in recent surveys exceeded the numbers found in 1972 and 1977. In contrast, the southern hal...
The Relevance of the Microstructure of Interaction to Relationship Change

Theory and research in social and personal relationships has paid lip service to the importance of interaction in the formation, growth and dissolution of such relationships. However, except for a few cases, interaction research has had little concrete to offer to the understanding of outcomes of interpersonal encounters. The present article describes a program of research in interaction analysis whose aim is to forge strong links between the research in the microstructure of interaction and that on interpersonal outcomes. In order to do so, it is argued that studies of interaction must adopt a functional perspective on the behaviors studied, must move from studies of pure structure to those linking structure to outcome, and must be capable of studying longer periods of interaction through the different lenses of multiple behaviors.
Measuring Recurrence of Marine Biotic Gradients: A Case Study from the Pennsylvanian-Permian Midcontinent

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine whether biotic associations of Pennsylvanian-Permian brachiopods and bivalves from the northern Midcontinent differ in their degree of recurrence through time. The study interval includes 2.5 Myr that can be divided into 5 full and 2 partial composite depositional sequences separated by subaerial unconformities. These stratigraphic packages represent replicate natural experiments in establishing the benthic marine ecosystem of the basin. Based on cluster and ordination analyses, two discrete biofacies can be recognized—one dominated by brachiopods and the other by bivalves. Within each of these, environmental gradients can be recognized. The brachiopod gradient is interpreted to reflect the degree of water-column oxygenation, whereas the bivalve gradient is interpreted to reflect the transition from restricted to open-marine conditions. Comparison of measured recurrence with randomized data indicates that the ecological segregation of the two biofacies is ma...
Concrete Theory: An Emerging Political Method

Concrete theory is defined by a cluster of attributes—emphasis on governmental and other political elites, on strategic decision-making processes freed from narrow notions of economic rationality, and on a concern with the environment and institutions within which choice occurs. The approach has been observed recently in all research-oriented subfields within political science. Eight exemplars are discussed. Concrete theory demonstrates a novel combination of strong interest in empirical political processes, formalized through models that emphasize logical structure and depth explanation. Its effect is to bridge the gap between behavioral and institutional approaches.
Discrete formulation of pel-recursive motion compensation with recursive least squares updates

A new class of motion-compensating estimators, based on a discrete formulation of pel-recursive motion compensation, is studied. This class of four-dimensional predictors is more general than the bilinear interpolation, which is used in typical pel-recursive algorithms. The operators performing the estimation are obtained through a least squares solution, both with and without weighting, of a set of linear equations relating the intensity of pixels in a causal neighborhood to pixels in the past frame. In the proposed method, the displaced luminance, and not the motion, is computed directly. The operators' performance is compared with the standard pel-recursive techniques, and it is found that the proposed estimators perform better than the standard methods, particularly in areas of large displacement. Some computational issues are discussed, and an implementation utilizing recursive least squares with QR decomposition is proposed. >
Secretory Phospholipase A2 Is the Principal Bactericide for Staphylococci and Other Gram-Positive Bacteria in Human Tears

We examined human tears for molecules that killed gram-positive bacteria. The principal mediator of bactericidal activity against staphylococci proved to be a calcium-dependent enzyme, secretory phospholipase A2. Whereas the concentration of secretory phospholipase A2 in the normal tear film exceeded 30 microg/ml, only 1.1 ng (<0.1 nM) of the enzyme per ml sufficed to kill Listeria monocytogenes and 15 to 80 ng/ml killed Staphylococcus aureus. Despite its efficacy against gram-positive bacteria, secretory phospholipase A2 lacked bactericidal activity against gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) when tested in the ionic environment of tears. Given the presence of secretory phospholipase A2 in tears, intestinal secretions, and leukocytes, this enzyme may play a substantial role in innate mucosal and systemic bactericidal defenses against gram-positive bacteria.
Germ banking: bet-hedging and variable release from egg and seed dormancy.

Many species produce eggs or seeds that refrain from hatching despite developmental preparedness and favorable environmental conditions. Instead, these propaguleshatchinintervalsoverlongperiods. Such variable hatch or germination tactics may represent bet-hedging against future catastrophes. Empiricists have independently recognized these approaches in diverse species. Terms such as seed banking, delayed egg hatching, and embryonic diapause have been used to describe these tactics, but connections between fields of study have been rare. Here we suggest a general term, germ banking, to incorporate all previous terms, unifying many seemingly disparate biological strategies under a single definition. We define the phenomenon of germ banking and use several biological examples to illustrate it. We then discuss the different causes of variation in emergence timing, delineate which constitute germ banking, and distinguish between germ banking and optimal timing of diapause. The wideranging consequences of germ banking are discussed, including modification of the age structure of a population, the alteration of microevolutionary dynamics, the migration of alleles from the past, the maintenance of genetic and species diversity, and the promotion of species coexistence. We end byposing questions to direct future research.
Preparing for the worst: the process of effective crisis management

This multi-method field study used interview and survey data from 71 top executive key informants and archival data from 35 organizations to explore the process of effective crisis management. The results provided support for a model proposing five activities as key in managing an organizational crisis effectively: problem sensing and diagnosis; decision response; resource mobilization and implementation; internal information flow; and external information flow. In addition, the study identified a set of 57 organizational attributes which were perceived by top managers as advantages and disad vantages for effective crisis management.
Solution of the Navier–Stokes equation with finite-differences on unstructured triangular meshes

Abstract A low Mach number model of the Navier–Stokes equations has been developed for unstructured meshes. The numerical method combines many attractive features of the finite volume method and unstructured finite elements, however, inside the elements a finite difference scheme based on generalized coordinate transformations has been applied. The method of solution of the equations is a well developed pressure correction algorithm that has worked well previously for structured meshes. The physical applications in the paper include axisymmetry and two-dimensional problems, as well as variable density solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations. It is the authors' opinion that some of the methods developed in the paper may have been used by other investigators, however, we have not found references in the literature that explicitly use finite differences to solve flows on unstructured element based meshes. A major goal of the paper is to show some of the similarities between the finite element and the difference methods that are both very popular at the present time. It is hoped that these similarities will lead to better understanding and improvements in both techniques.
A Q4/Q4 continuum structural topology optimization implementation

A node-based design variable implementation for continuum structural topology optimization in a finite element framework is presented and its properties are explored in the context of solving a number of different design examples. Since the implementation ensures C0continuity of design variables, it is immune to element-wise checkerboarding instabilities that are a concern with element-based design variables. Nevertheless, in a subset of design examples considered, especially those involving compliance minimization with coarse meshes, the implementation is found to introduce a new phenomenon that takes the form of “layering” or “islanding” in the material layout design. In the examples studied, this phenomenon disappears with mesh refinement or the enforcement of sufficiently restrictive design perimeter constraints, the latter sometimes being necessary in design problems involving bending to ensure convergence with mesh refinement. Based on its demonstrated performance characteristics, the authors conclude that the proposed node-based implementation is viable for continued usage in continuum topology optimization.
Repurposing medical devices for LRCs — Sustainability considerations

The design, development, and production of medical devices is increasingly becoming an arduous endeavor, not only due to intensifying global competition and tightening regulatory oversight, but also due to ever-diversifying users needs around the world. The surmounting regulatory hurdles and prohibitive costs for developing and bringing new medical devices to markets, pose a strong detriment to adoption and care provision for healthcare users, particularly the ones in low resource countries (LRCs). The idea of repurposing existing devices for new geographical regions - not just for better global access to healthcare but also to increase profitability - warrants further consideration. We explore sustainability considerations and propose a method for implementing the repurposing initiative.
Multiplet splittings of the 4s and 5s core levels in the rare earth metals

Abstract The multiplet splittings of the 4s and 5s levels in the rare earth metal series La through Lu are reported and discussed.
Models for Polar Haze Formation in Jupiter's Stratosphere

We present coupled chemical–microphysical models for the formation, growth, and physical properties of the jovian polar haze based on a gas-phase photochemical model for the auroral regions developed by A. S. Wong et al. (2000, Astrophys. J.534, L215–217). In this model, auroral particle precipitation provides an important energy source for enhanced decomposition of methane and production of benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We find that at high altitude, A_4 (pyrene, a hydrocarbon consisting of four fused aromatic rings) should homogeneously nucleate to form tiny primary particles. At lower altitudes, A_3 (phenanthrene) and A_2 (naphthalene) heterogeneously nucleate on the A4 nuclei. These particles subsequently grow by additional condensation of A_2 on the nucleated particles and by coagulation and eventually sediment out to the troposphere. We run different cases of the aerosol microphysical model for different assumptions regarding the fractal dimension of aggregate particles formed by the coagulation process. If coagulation is assumed to produce spherical particles (of dimensionality 3), then their mean radius at altitudes below the 20-mbar pressure level is computed to be approximately 0.1 μm. If coagulation produces fractal aggregates of dimension 2.1, then their equivalent mean radius below the 20-mbar level is much larger, of order 0.7 μm. Aggregates with fractal dimensions between 2.1 and 3 form with equivalent mean radii between 0.1 and 0.7 μm. In every case, mean particle radius is found to decrease with increasing altitude, as expected for a system approximately in sedimentation–coagulation equilibrium. The predicted range of altitudes where aerosol formation occurs and the mean size to which particles grow are found to be generally consistent with observations. However, our calculations cannot presently account for the large amount of total aerosol loading inferred by M. G. Tomasko et al. (1986, Icarus65, 218–243). We suggest that the primarily neutral chemical pathway to heavy hydrocarbon and PAH formation proposed by Wong et al. (2000) may proceed too slowly to produce a sufficient amount of condensible material. Inclusion of ion and ion–neutral reactions in the chemical scheme could potentially lead to the prediction of higher PAH production rates, higher nucleation rates, and greater aerosol loading, producing better agreement with the observations.
The ethical hierarchy of do not resuscitate orders: never say never.

Mrs G. Oner, a 58-year-old woman, had a massive myocardial infarction after an aneurysmectomy being kept alive for several weeks by a left ventricular assist device. It appears that she may survive. However, Mrs Oner has become clinically depressed and is strongly considering discontinuing hemodynamic support. After a discussion about her condition during which she learned that survival could not be assured, she elected what the hospital calls "code two" do not resuscitate (DNR) status (no cardiopulmonary resuscitation, no intubation) but wants all other treatment to continue "as long as it will help her." She did not discuss this decision with her husband, an internationally acclaimed professor of law, beforehand. When he visits later that day, she unexpectedly has a stroke accompanied by respiratory difficulty and Professor Oner insists that "everything" be done. The team informs him that the patient will not be intubated, per the code two status. He insists that he is her legal surrogate and demands the DNR status be withdrawn. Which options are unethical? AThe husband is Mrs Oner's legal surrogate. He can order a change in the DNR status. BThe professor will likely sue. Intubate. CThe DNR status, regardless of the circumstances, stands legally and ethically. DThe DNR is invalid because the spouse was not informed of the change. EThe DNR should be suspended until the patient's neurologic status is determined.
Discontinuous gas exchange in the fire ant, Solenopsos invicta Buren: Caste differences and temperature effects.

Abstract The discontinuous gas exchange cycle (DGC), the cyclic release of CO2 and uptake of O2, were investigated in workers and female and male alates of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, using real-time CO2 emission measurement by flow-through respirometry. All S. invicta castes displayed discontinuous emission of CO2 in the temperature range of 15–25°C, but only male alates and workers exhibited a DGC at 30°C. The closed (C) and flutter (F) periods of the DGC were distinguishable in alates of both sexes at the lowest temperature, but not clearly differentiated in females at temperatures above 15°C, in males above 20°C, or workers at any temperature. DGC frequency increased for all castes as temperature increased, ranging from a low of 0.9±0.05 mHz (male alates at 15°C) to 18±0.79 mHz (workers at 30°C). O period (or burst) volumes of all castes decreased as temperature increased, and increased with body mass — this mass effect was most pronounced at lower temperatures. Q10 values for DGC frequency (4.27, 5.81, and 5.62 for workers, female and male alates, respectively) were high compared with Q10's for standard V CO 2 . Differences in the salient characteristics of the DGC between castes are presented and discussed, and S. invicta DGC patterns are compared to known values for some other ant species.
State space modeling of time-varying contemporaneous and lagged relations in connectivity maps

Most connectivity mapping techniques for neuroimaging data assume stationarity (i.e., network parameters are constant across time), but this assumption does not always hold true. The authors provide a description of a new approach for simultaneously detecting time-varying (or dynamic) contemporaneous and lagged relations in brain connectivity maps. Specifically, they use a novel raw data likelihood estimation technique (involving a second-order extended Kalman filter/smoother embedded in a nonlinear optimizer) to determine the variances of the random walks associated with state space model parameters and their autoregressive components. The authors illustrate their approach with simulated and blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 30 daily cigarette smokers performing a verbal working memory task, focusing on seven regions of interest (ROIs). Twelve participants had dynamic directed functional connectivity maps: Eleven had one or more time-varying contemporaneous ROI state loadings, and one had a time-varying autoregressive parameter. Compared to smokers without dynamic maps, smokers with dynamic maps performed the task with greater accuracy. Thus, accurate detection of dynamic brain processes is meaningfully related to behavior in a clinical sample.
Air-coupled ultrasonic system for fusion of impact-echo tests and surface wave measurements (presentation video)

The main objective of this study is to develop a prototype air-coupled ultrasonic system (ACUS) for simultaneous data collection of impact-echo tests and surface wave measurements in concrete bridge decks. The ACUS includes two hexagonal air-coupled sensor arrays, each of which includes a solenoid-driven impact source at the center and six air-coupled sensors (ACSs) with parabolic acoustic reflectors (PARs) at vertices of a hexagon. The developed ACUS will be used as a part of an automated nondestructive evaluation and rehabilitation system (ANDERS) for concrete bridge deck inspection. First, a prototype hexagonal ACS array with PARs was developed in laboratory, and the prototype ACUS was built by combining the two hexagonal ACSs in a row. Second, an advanced data interpretation and visualization algorithm for the ACUS was developed for presenting the resulting data from individual test method, and data fusion of the two methods. Third, acoustic scanning was conducted using the developed ACUS over a simulated concrete bridge deck having various artificial defects (delaminations, surface-breaking cracks, segregated aggregates, partially grouted tendon ducts, and accelerated corrosion test regions). The results were visualized as several defect maps (i.e., frequency map and energy map from the IE testing, and velocity and transmission map from the surface wave measurements). In addition, the images from the two different test methods were combined by using a proposed fusion algorithm. It will be demonstrated that the ACUS is very effective for improving speed of data collection, and that the innovative fusion algorithm enables more accurate data interpretation.
Synthesized interstitial lung texture for use in anthropomorphic computational phantoms

A realistic model of the anatomical texture from the pulmonary interstitium was developed with the goal of extending the capability of anthropomorphic computational phantoms (e.g., XCAT, Duke University), allowing for more accurate image quality assessment. Contrast-enhanced, high dose, thorax images for a healthy patient from a clinical CT system (Discovery CT750HD, GE healthcare) with thin (0.625 mm) slices and filtered back- projection (FBP) were used to inform the model. The interstitium which gives rise to the texture was defined using 24 volumes of interest (VOIs). These VOIs were selected manually to avoid vasculature, bronchi, and bronchioles. A small scale Hessian-based line filter was applied to minimize the amount of partial-volumed supernumerary vessels and bronchioles within the VOIs. The texture in the VOIs was characterized using 8 Haralick and 13 gray-level run length features. A clustered lumpy background (CLB) model with added noise and blurring to match CT system was optimized to resemble the texture in the VOIs using a genetic algorithm with the Mahalanobis distance as a similarity metric between the texture features. The most similar CLB model was then used to generate the interstitial texture to fill the lung. The optimization improved the similarity by 45%. This will substantially enhance the capabilities of anthropomorphic computational phantoms, allowing for more realistic CT simulations.
A physical production function for the US economy

This paper introduces and presents an estimate of a production function motivated by physics with labor and energy providing force to produce work. The separate interactions of capital with labor and energy lead to reliable estimates for US output from 1951 to 2008 with fixed capital assets, the labor force, and total Btu energy inputs. Underpaid energy has an output elasticity twice that of labor. Overpaid labor faces elastic own substitution while there is weak substitution for capital. The policy implications of these properties are discussed.
Discussion on Construction Engineering Safety Management Proposal

SGM policy: safety first,all accidents are avoidable.All national safety regulation and SGM safety management system have to be stricted executed in construction project,to extend safety management system and performance management into construction projects,strengthen construction contractors develop safety management and perform their safety acceptance for owner.
A Reactive Power Control Strategy for Wind Farm Based on Hierarchical Layered Principle

This paper proposes a hierarchical structure reactive power control strategy to solve the voltage stability problem caused by wind farm integration.The reactive power demand of the wind farm is calculated based on the deviation of reference voltage and measured voltage at the control point.The target reactive power for each individual wind turbine is calculated using the equal power factor algorithm.In this way,the voltage stability of grid integrated wind farms can be improved.The reactive power and power factor limits are considered in real time during the whole control strategy process.Simulation results on the New England 39-bus system show that the presented strategy can support the voltage at the control point and can restrain voltage dips caused by local network faults.
A Design Approach for Authenticity and Technology

Today's sensor-rich and socially-networked world forces us to ask whether technology is moving us away from an authentic life. We all have different views on what constitutes an authentic life with technology and, through our actions, try to stay true to those views. We describe a design approach called "Designing for Authenticity" that draws from the existentialist philosophy of Soren Kierkegaard. It allows researchers engaged in immersive fieldwork to articulate the possible patterns of authentic living with technology. It also outlines a strategy to design artifacts that indirectly communicate to users the experiences of those living in different modes of authenticity. Yet, our approach gives the designer's own informed convictions weight in advocating that one should commit to a spiritual life-view with technology. To illustrate our approach, we subject previously published research on Irish traditional musicians to our designing for authenticity approach.
Music, Nature, Power, and Place: An Ecomusicology of Khmer Rouge Songs

Between 1975 and 1979, approximately 2 million men, women, and children died in Cambodia during the brutal regime of the Communist Party of Kampuchea (CPK; the Khmer Rouge). To date, much scholarship has focused on the widespread practices of torture, starvation, and execution; decidedly less attention has been directed toward the cultural or aesthetic practices of the Khmer Rouge. We maintain that this omission is exceptionally important, in that it risks minimizing the importance of the performing arts, and especially music, held by the Khmer Rouge. In this article we employ narrative analysis within an ecomusicology framework in an attempt to better understand how music was used as a political instrument by the Khmer Rouge. Specifically, we document how the Khmer Rouge used songs as a means of conveying policy into practice; as a form of public pedagogy, songs provided instruction to the men, women, and children of Cambodia as to both proper political consciousness as well as the right attitudes toward...
‘The Sinn Féin of India’: The Reception of Irish Revolutionary Nationalism in Bengal

On the evening of 18 April 1930, colonial officials in the province of Bengal in eastern India were startled to hear reports of an armed uprising in the port town of Chittagong. Over 60 young Bengali Hindu men, armed and dressed in military-style khaki uniforms, had carried out an attack on government installations there. They attacked and burned the local Police and Auxiliary Force armories, seized weapons and destroyed the local telegraph office. For several hours, until they retreated into the hills surrounding the town, the Bengali revolutionaries controlled Chittagong. Intelligence reports acknowledged the ‘careful organization and daring’ of the raiders, as well as the fact that their ‘coup’ was ‘unprecedented in the annals of terrorist crime in Bengal or any other province in India.’1
Code isolation for accurate performance scoring using Raspberry PIs

A problem encountered when teaching code optimization is providing a way to consistently and quickly grade students' code on an appropriate hardware platform. The primary issue is generating a consistent measurement of performance from machine to machine as well as on machines with different loads running on them. The project discussed in this paper tries to solve this problem utilizing a distributed system of inexpensive hardware.
Hormonal Influences on Tourette Syndrome

A survey of 47 women with Tourette syndrome reported from the Section of Pediatric Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI had an increase in tics beginning at menarche and recurring premenstrually.
High-Strength Adhesive Exuded from the Adventitious Roots of English Ivy

As a trending topic in recent years, tremendous efforts in the exploration of molecular bases for a variety of adhesive events in diverse biological organisms have considerably improved our understanding of relevant principles capable of being implemented as guidelines for directing the design and development of adhesive biomaterials and devices with expected functionalities. In this chapter, we focus on describing the recent advance in the exploration of a high-strength bioadhesive derived from the adventitious roots of English ivy (Hedera helix), which is a root climber that possesses strong capacity to cling vertical surfaces. The molecular mechanisms underlying this high-strength adhesive, especially the intriguing roles of bulk glycoprotein-rich spherical nanoparticles in favoring the generation of strong adhesion strength within the adhesive substances, are discussed in detail. Relevant progress in the development of ivy-mimetic and ivy-inspired adhesive composites is also illustrated.
Sizing High Speed Micro Generators for Smart Grid Systems

This chapter presents a step by step sizing procedure of High Speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (HSPMSGs) for smart grid applications to be driven by micro-turbines. The final design offers significant reductions in both weight and volume in a power range of 5-500 kW. A rotor length to diameter ratio is used as an important design parameter. The results are depicted by 3D plot figures for sizing of a number of machines. The simulation of generators sizing is performed using MATLAB. Then; it proposes the optimized sizing of (HSPMSGs) for the same applications. Unconstrained minimization for total losses; constrained optimized total mass with bounded constraints is introduced; a genetic algorithm is formulated for efficiency maximization; in the second genetic problem formulation, attempt is made to obtain minimum mass machine sizing that is constrained by the non-linear constraint function of machine losses; and finally, an optimum torque per ampere genetic sizing is predicted. For all optimization processes, three optimizing variables are selected. The optimized and genetic results are depicted in three-dimensional figures for initial and detailed sizing. The simulation of generator sizing is performed using MATLAB Optimization Toolbox and its Genetic Algorithm. Finally, six analytical design example comparisons are introduced with study of rotor losses.
The Role of Apoptosis in Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity

Although necrosis is recognized as the main mode of cell death induced by acetaminophen (APAP) overdose in animals and humans, more recently an increasing number of publications, especially in the herbal medicine and dietary supplement field, claim an important contribution of apoptotic cell death in the pathophysiology. However, most of these conclusions are based on parameters that are not specific for apoptosis. Therefore, the objective of this review was to re-visit the key signaling events of receptor-mediated apoptosis and APAP-induced programmed necrosis and critically analyze the parameters that are being used as evidence for apoptotic cell death. Both qualitative and quantitative comparisons of parameters such as Bax, Bcl-2, caspase processing and DNA fragmentation in both modes of cell death clearly show fundamental differences between apoptosis and cell death induced by APAP. These observations together with the lack of efficacy of pan-caspase inhibitors in the APAP model strongly supports the conclusion that APAP hepatotoxicity is dominated by necrosis or programmed necrosis and does not involve relevant apoptosis. In order not to create a new controversy, it is important to understand how to use these "apoptosis" parameters and properly interpret the data. These issues are discussed in this review.
Quantifying Political Relationships

In this article, I introduce a method that uses large-scale event data and latent factor network models to provide a new comparative measure of cooperation and conflict in public relationships among politicians, nonpartisan political actors, and societal actors. The approach has a number of advantages over existing techniques: It captures public relationships in a multitude of venues on a continuous basis, incorporates both partisan and nonpartisan actors, allows quantifying the relationship between any pair of actors, reflects that communication is not unidirectional but rather a back and forth, and can be applied to a large number of countries over time. I apply the method to 13 Western European countries from 2001 to 2014 and demonstrate that party relationships are determined by coalition status as well as policy differences. The measure is publicly available and can be incorporated into standard research designs.