cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation trade-offs for a short-headway vehicle-follower automated transit system

An important aspect in the design of automated guideway transit (AGT) systems is the communication requirements for the longitudinal control of vehicles, that is, the requirements to measure vehicle states, transmit this information between vehicles, and subsequently control the individual vehicles. This paper examines the trade-offs in the data rates, word lengths, and allowable transmission time lags needed to maintain an acceptable level of vehicle performance, and how these requirements relate to the allocation of control computation between vehicle- and wayside-based computers. A nonlinear control law designed for short-headway vehicle-follower systems provides a baseline to examine these trade-offs. The specification of the parmeters entering the problem is approached through analytically derived results, using simplified linear models with verification and expansion of these results through a detailed simulation.
INFECTIVITY OF BLOOD DURING THE COURSE OF EXPERIMENTAL YELLOW FEVER

Five M. rhesus fatally infected with yellow fever virus ran varied and typical courses, death occurring from 82 hours to 10 days after infecting. Batches of A. aegypti were fed daily on each monkey and specimens of blood injected into other animals. By mosquito transfer, the virus was found to be circulating in the peripheral blood 1 or 2 days after the infecting and the same interval before the onset of fever; in one instance, mosquitoes became infectious by feeding on a monkey 12 hours after its inoculation. Mosquitoes continued to acquire infectivity during the febrile period and for 1 day thereafter, except in one instance when death occurred during fever which prevented post-febrile testing. By subinoculation of blood, the disease was transferred before and after, as well as during the same interval as in mosquito transmission. In one of two attempts, the virus was carried by this means as early as 12 hours after the donor animal was infected. Following the first day of the post-febrile period, blood transmissions were irregularly fatal beyond the period infective for mosquitoes. These results point to a remarkably rapid multiplication of the virus in the animal host, in one case a blood subinoculation (0.5 cc.) being successful at the first test 24 hours after the donor monkey was bitten by only 2 A. aegypti . The regular acquisition of infectivity by mosquitoes fed during the incubation period is of especial interest in indicating the infectivity of human cases for mosquitoes before the appearance of clinical symptoms. This offers one explanation for the insidious propagation of epidemics of yellow fever and should be useful in the institution of control activities during an outbreak of this disease.
Pediatric Cerebellar Hemorrhagic Glioblastoma Multiforme

We report the case of an 11 year old boy who presented with nausea, vomiting and ataxia. He was evaluated with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Imaging demonstrated minimal enhancement and hemorrhage of a cerebellar mass. Cerebellar glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is extremely rare in the cerebellum at any age but especially in children. The atypical findings of minimal enhancement, cerebellar location and hemorrhagic presentation combine to make the prospective diagnosis of GBM a difficult one. This rare combination of findings has not been previously reported.
Eltrombopag interference in routine chemistry testing

BackgroundHigh doses of Eltrombopag have been previously reported to cause bilirubin interference. Following receipt of a sample from a patient receiving high-dose Eltrombopag therapy, the laboratory decided to investigate the effect of this drug on routine chemistry testing.MethodsInterference studies were performed by spiking Eltrombopag into aliquots of a serum pool to give concentrations ranging from 0 to 500 µg/mL. The following analytes, namely albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, Urea, total calcium, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, iron, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, creatinine, bicarbonate, transferrin, ferritin, electrolytes, total and direct bilirubin and serum indices (hemolysis, icterus and lipaemia) were then measured on the Roche Cobas 6000 chemistry analyzer (Roche, Indianapolis, USA).ResultsEltrombopag interference (>10% change of the baseline value) was observed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, inorg...
Spectral properties for the max plus dynamics matrix for flow shops

In this paper we consider cyclic flow-shop system, which dynamics can be described by the max-plus vector equation of the form s(k + 1) = D ⊗ s(k), where D is the Dynamics matrix of the system calculated from processing times of operations. The method for finding D in O(nm2) time is presented. We prove that D fulfills the inverse Monge property, i.e. dij + dkl ≥ dil + dkj for any i < k, j < l. We do this by introducing the concept of i/o graph. I/o graphs can be used for modeling max-plus linear discrete event systems. We show the relation between structural properties of i/o graph and the inverse Monge properties of its corresponding matrix. The period of the system equals max-plus algebraic eigenvalue of D and, since D is an inverse Monge matrix, its max-plus algebraic eigenvalue can be found in just O(m) time [1].
Reduction of Hexavalent Chromium Using Naturally-Derived Flavonoids

Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid that is known to form complexes with metals; a process that reduces the environmental availability of toxic metals such as chromium. We hereby report the first evidence of the removal of Cr(VI) from environmental samples using quercetin (QCR) and two synthetic derivatives: namely quercetin pentaphosphate (QPP) and quercetin sulfonic acid (QSA). We successfully synthesized both QPP and QSA using simple procedures while characterizing them with UV-vis spectroscopy, H1-NMR, 13C NMR, 31P-NMR, and LC-MS techniques. The solubility of QPP was found to be 840 mg/mL and aqueous solutions of both QPP and QSA were stable for over a period of 1 year. Quercetin and these derivatives were subsequently utilized for the reduction of Cr(VI) and QCR was found to have a higher reduction efficiency of 99.8% (30 min), followed by QPP/palladium nanoparticles mixture (PdNPs) at 96.5% (60 min), and finally QSA/PdNPs mixtures at 91.7% (60 min). PdNPs catalyst increased the efficiency b...
Origins of heterochromatic repatterning in white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus

There appear to be at least three potential mechanisms to explain karyotypic orthoselection resulting in heterochromatic repatterning in the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus . These include pericentric inversions where the chromosomal break occurs in the hetero-chromatic regions flanking the centromere, insertions of blocks of ribosomal genes into the short-arm heterochromatic material, and either rolling circle amplification-insertion or the translocation of heterochromatic material. We provide data that are not easily compatible with the hypothesis that a single mechanism appears adequate to explain all heterochromatic repatterning in the karyotype of P. leucopus . Our conclusions are based on results obtained through in situ hybridization using three different fluorescently labeled probes: one to identify heterochromatin, one to identify the ribosomal genes, and one to identify the telomere. The direction of change in chromosomal evolution was established by cladistical analysis of 30 species of Peromyscus .
Pretraining performance of three species of macaque monkeys

Rhesus (Macaca mulatta), Philippine cynomolgus (M. irus), and stump-tailed(M. speciosa)macaques were given the same 16-step pretraining procedure in a Wisconsin General Test Apparatus (WGTA). The stump-tailed monkeys completed pretraining in significantly fewer trials than did the rhesus and Philippine monkeys. The pretraining performance of the latter two species was about the same.
Critical peak electricity pricing for sustainable manufacturing: Modeling and case studies

Abstract Critical peak pricing (CPP) is an electricity demand response technology that has great potential to lower the electricity cost and eliminate the need for more GHG emitting power plants. Many utilities start to offer CPP as the default electric service for industrial customers in their market design. When a manufacturing customer defaults to CPP, it is vital to understand what it is and how it will influence their energy budget and facility operations. In addition, given the option to opt-out to a time-of-use (TOU) rate, it is not always easy to tell whether the switch will result in higher bills or more GHG emissions. These questions will be answered in this paper. Specifically, we will model and compare both CPP and TOU rates to gain more accurate knowledge regarding annual electric costs and GHG emissions. With these results, manufacturing enterprises will be able to make more informed decisions on which service to choose and how to use electricity while fulfilling their role for sustainability by enrolling. The case study results show that for industrial customers with production flexibility, with proper rescheduling of electric use, they can save money by adopting CPP, while contributing to reducing GHG emissions. The savings on the annual electric bill can be 30.45% with a simultaneous GHG emissions reduction of 5.63% for an average industrial customer.
Alpha Type Streptococci in Food Poisoning

In this study we are reporting one large institutional outbreak of food poisoning in which streptococci were present in enormous numbers in the incriminated meat. Filtrates and living cultures were fed to human volunteers. Another green streptococcus isolated from cocoanut custard pie implicated in another outbreak was similarly fed. This outbreak of food poisoning occurred in April, 1937, in a group of about 250 men between 17 and 25 years of ago. The noon meal was found on epidemiological evidence to have been responsible. Samples of all remaining foods were sent to this laboratory 2 days later. Both epidemiological and laboratory evidence showed that beef croquettes were definitely implicated. These croquettes were prepared from the meats remaining from the preceding night meals, consisting of beef stew, round of beef and Swedish meat balls. On each occasion the meat left from the night meal was assembled in a huge container and left covered at room temperature until the following morning when it was placed in the icebox until time to prepare the croquettes. The meat was then chopped together mechanically, and gravy from the second day previous and bread crumbs were added. The croquettes were fried in deep fat at about 110 C. for 10 minutes while the meal was being served. They apparently tasted normal, for several individuals had a second helping. Conditions in the kitchen were sanitary and no rat or vermin poison had recently been used. The kitchen employees are given health examinations routinely. The cook had a head cold on the day that the croquettes were served.
Purification of Nitrogenase Proteins

Nitrogenase is one of the most complex enzymes known to date. The extensively studied molybdenum nitrogenase consists of two protein components and three metal centers that are critical for nitrogenase activity. The inherent complexity of this enzyme system, which is further compounded by the sensitivity of the metal clusters toward oxygen, makes the large-scale purification of fully active nitrogenase proteins a formidable task. This chapter highlights several methods that have been developed for the purification of nitrogenase proteins over the past few decades. Techniques used include weak anion exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and immobilized metal affinity chromatography. These methods can be selectively applied to nitrogenase variants and other related proteins.
Summer atmospheric composition over the Mediterranean basin: Investigation on transport processes and pollutant export to the free troposphere by observations at the WMO/GAW Mt. Cimone global station (Italy, 2165 m a.s.l.)

Abstract In this work, we analysed reactive gases (O 3 , CO, NO x ) and aerosol properties (eqBC, σ s and particle number concentration) collected at the WMO/GAW Mt. Cimone station (2165 m a.s.l., Italy) during the summer of 2012 in the framework of PEGASOS project. The major aim of this experiment is providing a characterization of the variability of summer atmospheric composition over the central Mediterranean basin, which is considered as a global “hot-spot” for atmospheric pollution and climate change. The atmospheric tracers have been analysed as a function of (i) meteorological parameters, (ii) synoptic-scale circulation and (iii) anthropogenic emission source proximity as estimated by O 3 /NO x ratio variability. In particular, we identified three O 3 /NO x regimes which tagged the distance of anthropogenic sources: near outflow (23% of hourly data), far-outflow (38% of data) and background (39% of data). The highest levels of anthropogenic pollutants (e.g. O 3 , CO, eqBC, accumulation particles) were concomitant with fresh emissions from northern Italy under near-outflow conditions: once injected to the free troposphere, these air-masses, rich in pollutants and climate-forcers (i.e. O 3 , eqBC) and soil dust, can be spread over a large region, thus significantly affecting regional climate. Moreover, based on the anthropogenic source proximity, atmospheric tracer variability and synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation, we categorized and characterised four types of atmospheric regimes associated with (1) air-mass transport from the free troposphere, (2) transport of fresh emitted pollutants from the PBL, (3) transport at regional/continental scale of aged anthropogenic (4) transport of air-mass rich in mineral dust from northern Africa (i.e. coming from more than 1000 km). Lastly, by analysing the probability density functions (PDFs) of trace gases and aerosol properties, “fingerprints” of the mentioned atmospheric regimes were pointed out. Such information is useful for the implementation of early-warning services, for the timely detection of event occurrence as well as for the definition of observation-based diagnostic for model verifications.
Pulsatile vs. mean component of baroreflex compensation for posthemorrhage hypotension

We studied the influence of pulsatile pressure and mean arterial pressure signals on the restoration of arterial pressure after 10% hemorrhage in seven anesthetized dogs. After transection of the aortic nerve, a quick 10% hemorrhage was repeated under four different sinus conditions: condition 1, carotid sinus pressure depulsated and fixed at a level equal to the prehemorrhage level (no feedback); condition 2, pulsatile component of aortic pressure fed back to the carotid sinus with a fixed mean pressure (pulsatile feedback); condition 3, depulsated mean aortic pressure fed back (mean pressure feedback); condition 4, both pulsatile and mean pressure fed back (pulsatile plus mean component feedback). The restoration of arterial pressure in condition 2 was not significantly different from that in condition 1, but there was greater restoration in conditions 3 and 4. At 1.5 min posthemorrhage, the open-loop gains calculated from the restoration values were nearly zero for the pulsatile feedback only, 2.8 +/- 0.8 for mean arterial pressure feedback, and 1.5 +/- 0.3 for pulsatile and mean pressure feedback. These results indicate that the pulsatile component of the carotid baroreflex contributes minimally to the restoration of arterial pressure after 10% hemorrhage in the anesthetized dog.
Spray-Coated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composite Electrodes for Thermal Energy Scavenging Electrochemical Cells

Spray-coated multiwalled carbon nanotube/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (MWCNT/PVDF) composite electrodes, scCNTs, with varying CNT compositions (2 to 70 wt %) are presented for use in a simple thermal energy-scavenging cell (thermocell) based on the ferro/ferricyanide redox couple. Their utility for direct thermal-to-electrical energy conversion is explored at various temperature differentials and cell orientations. Performance is compared to that of buckypaper, a 100% CNT sheet material used as a benchmark electrode in thermocell research. The 30 to 70 wt % scCNT composites give the highest power output by electrode area–seven times greater than buckypaper at ΔT = 50 °C. CNT utilization is drastically enhanced in our electrodes, reaching 1 W gCNT–1 compared to 0.036 W gCNT–1 for buckypaper. Superior performance of our spray-coated electrodes is attributed to both wettability with better use of a large portion of electrochemically active CNTs and minimization of ohmic and thermal contact resistances. Even com...
P119 Single-center experience in routine post-transplant antibody testing of kidney transplant recipients without pre-existing donor specific anti-HLA antibodies

Aim Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) of kidney allografts is thought to follow a stepwise process which includes alloimmune recognition, followed by microscopic changes (subclinical rejection) and then allograft dysfunction (clinical rejection). There is data to suggest that development of de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA) is associated with subclinical and clinical rejection. Following a recent expert consensus guideline, we implemented routine post-transplant antibody testing for patients to capture de novo DSA to determine how often we detected de novo DSA and whether we could use de novo DSA in the clinical decision making process. Methods The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Transplant program instituted routine post-transplant antibody testing in mid-2014. The frequency of post-transplant antibody testing was determined based on the presence or absence of DSA against kidney allograft. Patients without pre-existing DSA, based on cumulative pre-transplant testing, were considered low-risk for AMR and routinely tested at one year post-transplant for de novo DSA by multiplex bead array solid phase antibody screen. Results From May 2014-June 2015, 84 patients received a kidney allograft, 69 (82%) of whom were considered low-risk (i.e. no DSA ever detected by serial pre-transplant testing). Of the 69 low-risk patients, five patients were not tested for antibody at one-year post-transplant. Four of 64 (6%) low-risk patients were found to develop de novo DSA by one-year post-transplant. In three patients, there was concomitant proteinuria or elevated creatinine found at the time of post-transplant antibody testing. Two of three suffered AMR; one had chronic allograft changes. The fourth patient with de novo DSA had stable kidney function and is being monitored. Conclusions We detected de novo DSA in 6% of low risk renal transplant recipients with routine post-transplant monitoring at one year post-transplant. In three patients, there was concomitant laboratory findings of allograft dysfunction which prompted allograft biopsy. Further studies have to be performed to determine the optimal timing of routine antibody testing in low-risk patients after kidney transplantation.
A combinatorial problem on a directed Graph

Se consideran dos opciones para la jornada total de una particula que se desplaza a traves de un cierto grafo orientado. Bajo ambas opciones, la ruta de la jornada es asignada aleatoriamente. Nos interesa saber la opcion bajo la cual uno espera la ruta mas corta. Por eso, para cada opcion, determinamos la esperanza matematica del largo de la ruta. Al parecer novedosas, algunas identidades combinatorias son demostradas como parte de nuestro analisis. Para concluir, mencionamos varias oportunidades para futuros estudios.
Finite element-based large eddy simulation using a combination of the variational multiscale method and the dynamic Smagorinsky model

ABSTRACTA finite element-based large eddy simulation (LES) is proposed using a combination of the residual-based variational multiscale (RBVMS) approach and the dynamic Smagorinsky eddy-viscosity model. In this combined model, the cross-stress terms are modelled using the RBVMS approach while the eddy-viscosity model is used to represent the Reynolds stresses. The eddy-viscosity is computed dynamically in a local fashion for which a localized version of the variational Germano identity is developed. To improve the robustness of the local dynamic procedure, two types of averaging schemes are considered. The first type employs spatial averaging over homogeneous direction(s) which is only applicable to turbulent flows with statistical homogeneity in at least one direction. The second type is based on Lagrangian averaging over fluid pathtubes, which is applicable to inhomogeneous turbulent flows. The predictions from the combined model are compared to the direct numerical simulation or experimental data and a...
EULAR gout treatment guidelines by Richette et al.: uric acid and neurocognition.

We appreciate the efforts of the authors of the recent ‘2016 updated EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of gout’ and congratulate them on the publication.1 We would like to draw attention to recommendation #6: ‘For patients on urate-lowering therapy (ULT), serum urate (SUA) level should be monitored and maintained to <6 mg/dL (360 µmol/L). A lower SUA target (<5 mg/dL; 300 µmol/L) to facilitate faster dissolution of crystals is recommended for patients with severe gout (tophi, chronic arthropathy, frequent attacks) until total crystal dissolution and resolution of gout. SUA level <3 mg/dL is not recommended in the long term’. We agree with the first half of the recommendation that proposes the treat-to-target recommendations similar to that in the American College of Rheumatology 2012 gout treatment guidelines of reducing serum urate to <6.0 mg/dL in all patients with gout …
Activities from “Activities”: an Annotated Bibliography

The "Activities" section of each issue of the Mathematics Teacher provides an ex cellent source of discovery lessons, labora tory experiences, mathematical games and puzzles, and model constructions for pupils in grades 7-12. These activities are de signed for reproduction in worksheet and/ or transparency form for immediate class room use. Whereas the activities may be used to provide supplementary/enrichment experiences for individual or small groups of students, many of the activities can often be used to motivate, enhance, or extend the learning of particular topics that appear in standard mathematics programs. This bib liography was compiled to expedite the classroom teacher's search for content-spe cific activities that have appeared in the journal during the seventies. This annotated listing has been orga nized around the following topics: Calcu lators, Computational Skills, Geometry, Measurement, Number Pattern Recogni tion, and Probability. If an activity in volved more than one topic, it was listed under the topic that appeared to receive the most emphasis. Listings within topics are chronological.
Intermolecular Electron Transfer and Substrate Reduction Properties of MoFe Proteins Altered by Site-Specific Amino Acid Substitution

Biological nitrogen fixation is catalyzed by nitrogenase a two-component metalloprotein comprised of the Fe protein and the MoFe protein. The Fe protein is the obligate electron donor to the MoFe protein upon which is located the site of substrate reduction. During catalysis electrons are delivered one at a time from the Fe protein to the MoFe protein in a gated process involving the association-dissociation of the component proteins and hydrolysis of 2 MgATP for each electron transfer. Although electrons are delivered to the MoFe only one at a time, six electrons are required for reduction of dinitrogen to yield 2 molecules of ammonia. Thus, major challenges in the biochemical process of nitrogen reduction involve accomplishing the unidirectional delivery of electrons to the substrate reduction site and subsequent capture of those electrons by nitrogen or one of its semi-reduced intermediates. In its simplest terms the electron pathway can be considered in three stages: intermolecular delivery of electrons from the Fe protein to the MoFe protein, intramolecular delivery of electrons to the substrate reduction site, and reduction of the substrate. Ongoing work in several laboratories has endeavored to dissect these processes by placing amino acid substitutions within the Fe protein and MoFe protein. Recent advances in determination of the structures of the nitrogenase component proteins and their complementary metalloclusters (Georgiadis, M. M. et al., 1992; Kim, J. and Rees, D. C., 1992) now provide a basis for interpreting some of the biochemical changes associated with such amino acid substitutions and also provide insight for designing new amino acid substitution strategies. In this brief review our recent results on characterization of altered MoFe proteins which are affected in either the intermolecular delivery of electrons to the MoFe protein or in substrate reduction are presented and discussed.
Public willingness to pay for a US carbon tax and preferences for spending the revenue

We provide evidence from a nationally representative survey on Americans' willingness to pay (WTP) for a carbon tax, and public preferences for how potential carbon-tax revenue should be spent. The average WTP for a tax on fossil fuels that increases household energy bills is US$177 per year. This translates into an average WTP of 14% more on average for households across the United States, where energy costs differ significantly across states. Regarding the tax revenues, Americans are most in support of using the money to invest in clean energy and infrastructure. There is relatively less support for reducing income or payroll taxes, returning dividends to households, and other expenditure categories. Finally, Americans support using the tax revenues to assist displaced workers in the coal industry enough to compensate each miner nearly US$146 000 upon passage of a carbon tax.
We are not such things: the murder of a young American, a South African township, and the search for truth and reconciliation

(2017). We are not such things: the murder of a young American, a South African township, and the search for truth and reconciliation. Anthropology Southern Africa: Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 224-237.
Food insecurity in California’s public university system: What are the risk factors?

Food insecurity among college students has become a public health concern, yet few studies have examined the sample prevalence in a statewide public university system. We determined the sample prev...
A metallurgist looks at ceramics

To better understand the properties of metals, a metallurgist may look at ceramics. In this article are described many of the properties of ceramics and their parallels in metals.
Androgen Replacement Therapy, Risks and Benefits

The primary goal of androgen replacement therapy is to develop and maintain male sexual characteristics and sexual function, as well as to preserve anabolic effects on nonreproductive organs such as maintenance of muscle and bone mass (Bhasin et al, 1995; Wang and Swerdloff, 1997; Nieschlag and Behre, 1990,1998). Testosterone (T) formulations are predominantly used for androgen replacement therapy for hypogonadal men. Occasionally, supraphysiological (pharmacological) doses of androgen are administered for their anabolic effects. The use of androgens in the absence of medical indications (androgen abuse) for sports and body building purposes are discussed in Chapter 11.
The Role of T Lymphocytes in Mucosal Protection and Injury

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the fundamental properties of T lymphocytes and the factors which govern their secretion of cytokines in various inflammatory conditions. It discusses the mechanism of recruitment of T lymphocytes to sites of inflammation, particularly mucosal surfaces. The chapter shows the way in which the secretion of various patterns of cytokines can influence the course and nature of the ensuing inflammatory response. In some cases, these responses serve to protect the host against infection and ensure subsequent healing and repair. In other cases, however, these responses may be chronic and result in long-term damage to host tissues. T lymphocytes play a vital role in the immune mechanisms which lead to the damage as well as the protection of mucosal surfaces. Through their specific antigen receptors, T lymphocytes are responsible for the initiation and orchestration of immune responses. The particular patterns of cytokines secreted by activated T lymphocytes determine the nature of the ensuing inflammatory response, and in particular, decide whether cell-mediated reactions or humoral reactions predominate. T lymphocytes also play a role in the genesis of immunological tolerance, which may abrogate unwanted inflammatory responses in mucosal surfaces exposed to a wide variety of foreign antigens.
Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy of mind

There are two problems that arise as soon as one attempts to specify Merleau-Ponty’s position on any of the standard problems or within any of the major problem areas of philosophy. The first of these is that his view on a particular issue or set of issues is almost never self-contained or self-sufficient, but depends on other parts of his general theory of human experience, not simply for the evidence of its correctness, but for its intelligibility as well. The second problem is that on almost any question, although it is quite easy to identify a number of answers which Merleau-Ponty takes to be clearly wrong, it is almost impossible to specify very clearly that answer which he takes to be correct. With these problems in mind, this essay will be divided into two main sections. In the first of these I will present enough of Merleau-Ponty’s basic philosophical view to provide the needed background for a discussion of his philosophy of mind. In the second section I will take up a number of issues in the philosophy of mind, attempting not only to locate Merleau-Ponty vis-a-vis the alternatives he rejects, but also to give as clear an account as possible of the positive theory which is to replace them.
Proceedings of the 2011 International Symposium on Software Testing and Analysis

It is our great pleasure to welcome you to Toronto for ISSTA 2011, the 20th International Symposium on Software Testing and Analysis. ISSTA is the leading research conference in software testing and analysis and brings together academics, industrial researchers, and practitioners to exchange new ideas, problems, and experience on how to analyze and test software systems. The ISSTA 2011 program includes keynotes, technical papers, workshops, and an industry-academia session.
Diversity as a Defense Strategy in Information Systems

One of the challenges facing computer systems is resisting attack and compromise in a networked environment. Today’s computing environment is fairly homogeneous, due to a relatively small number of operating systems and application functions running on the vast majority of computers. This environment allows attackers to focus their efforts on the few types of systems deployed. Once an exploit is found, the exploit is effective against a very large number of systems running the same software. The large number of attack methods available on hacker Web sites demonstrates the ease with which attackers can exploit this homogeneous environment. This paper examines several widespread computer attacks to understand the effect of diversity on maintaining the integrity, and hence survivability, of information systems.
Reliability and Cost Impacts of Home Energy Management Systems

This paper aims to analyze the reliability effects and cost changes when Home Energy Management System (HEMS) is applied to a large number of homes within a distribution system. HEMS optimizes the daily operation of loads and resources in a home (e.g., smart appliances, thermostatically controlled loads, photovoltaics (PVs), storage, etc.) with the objective of minimizing incurred cost on the household, under time-of-use electricity pricing. The HEMS problem in this paper is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming problem. The optimization is performed for multiple home types across an entire year to compute the annual load profile of a feeder under study. The method is demonstrated on an example distribution test feeder supplying 1000 homes. Subsequently, the example is extended to a distribution substation comprising 11 distribution feeders. The feeder results indicate the generation of peaks at times of low electricity prices, as expected. These results are utilized to compute the impact on system reliability and production costs using the probabilistic production costing method. The system results show that while HEMS creates peaks in feeder loads, system reliability and system production costs are improved.
Surface modification of polyurethane with a hydrophilic, antibacterial polymer for improved antifouling and antibacterial function:

Antimicrobial surface is important for the inhibition of bacteria or biofilm formation on biomaterials. The objective of this study was to immobilize a novel hydrophilic polymer containing the antibacterial moiety onto polyurethane surface via a simple surface coating technology to make the surface not only antibacterial but also antifouling. The compound 3,4-dichloro-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone was derivatized, characterized and incorporated onto polyvinylpyrrolidone containing succinimidyl functional groups, followed by coating onto the polyurethane surface. Contact angle, antibacterial function and protein adsorption of the modified surface were evaluated. The result shows that the modified surface exhibited significantly enhanced hydrophilicity with a 54-65% decrease in contact angle, increased antibacterial activity to Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a 24-57% decrease in viability, and reduced human serum albumin adsorption with a 64-70% decrease in adsorption, as compared to the original polyurethane.
RESPONSE: Are We Ready for Competency-Based Cardiology Training?

Within the evolving framework of competency-based medical education, cardiology has unique opportunities to develop and evaluate innovative methods of training. The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)/American College of Cardiology Pilot is an initial step in this direction. Dr. Asad presents
Secular trends in growth in the high-altitude district of Nuñoa, Peru 1964-2015

Objectives Nunoa, Peru has been the site of anthropological research on human adaptability, growth, and health since the 1960s. Previous studies documented a nascent secular trend in growth between 1964 and 1984. However, no secular trend was evident when the population was re-examined in 1999, following an intervening period of sociopolitical upheaval. Subsequently, the region experienced considerable economic development reflected in secular increases in height. We seek to evaluate trends in growth and BMI among Nunoan children over 50 years. Materials and methods Anthropometric data for 929 children collected in 2015 are compared with anthropometric data for 394 children from 1964, 912 children from 1984, and 292 children from 1999. The data were converted to z-scores using the WHO 2007 growth standards. anova is used to evaluate rates of stunting, underweight, overweight, and obesity across the study periods. Results We observe small increases in stature and weight between the 1960s and 1980s, almost no change between the 1980s and 1990s and statistically significant reductions in stunting and increases in height between the 1990s and 2015. Discussion There were relatively small differences in stature and weight and a high incidence of stunting between 1964 and 1999 attributed to extremely poor economic and health conditions. A large secular increase in height (7-8 cm on average) and consequent reduction in rates of stunting between 1999 and 2015 occurred due to improved social and economic conditions. In addition to political stabilization, enhanced infrastructure, social aid programs, improved healthcare, and economic expansion contribute to these trends.
Donor Lung Weight at Lung Procurement; Predictive Value for Transplant Suitability during Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion

Purpose Currently, pulmonary edema in donor lungs is evaluated via surgical inspection and palpation at procurement with no quantitative, standard diagnostic tool in use. The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of lung weight at the donor hospital (LW0) as an indicator of pulmonary edema and predictor of transplant suitability in ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). Methods LW0 was recorded in standard donors (n = 53) and rejected donors (n = 69). Twenty-one rejected lungs were perfused in cellular EVLP and transplant suitability evaluated at 2 hours. Results There was a significant difference in LW0 between standard and rejected donors (814.7 ± 185.9 vs. 956.1 ± 275.1 g, p Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that donor lung weight could be a predictor of P/F ratio and transplant suitability during EVLP. The prospect for recovery of EVLP treated rejected donor lungs improved significantly if they weighed less than 1280 g.
The Stringent Response Inhibits DNA Replication Initiation in E. coli by Modulating Supercoiling of oriC.

ABSTRACT The stringent response enables bacteria to respond to a variety of environmental stresses, especially various forms of nutrient limitation. During the stringent response, the cell produces large quantities of the nucleotide alarmone ppGpp, which modulates many aspects of cell physiology, including reprogramming transcription, blocking protein translation, and inhibiting new rounds of DNA replication. The mechanism by which ppGpp inhibits DNA replication initiation in Escherichia coli remains unclear. Prior work suggested that ppGpp blocks new rounds of replication by inhibiting transcription of the essential initiation factor dnaA , but we found that replication is still inhibited by ppGpp in cells ectopically producing DnaA. Instead, we provide evidence that a global reduction of transcription by ppGpp prevents replication initiation by modulating the supercoiling state of the origin of replication, oriC . Active transcription normally introduces negative supercoils into oriC to help promote replication initiation, so the accumulation of ppGpp reduces initiation potential at oriC by reducing transcription. We find that maintaining transcription near oriC , either by expressing a ppGpp-blind RNA polymerase mutant or by inducing transcription from a ppGpp-insensitive promoter, can strongly bypass the inhibition of replication by ppGpp. Additionally, we show that increasing global negative supercoiling by inhibiting topoisomerase I or by deleting the nucleoid-associated protein gene seqA also relieves inhibition. We propose a model, potentially conserved across proteobacteria, in which ppGpp indirectly creates an unfavorable energy landscape for initiation by limiting the introduction of negative supercoils into oriC . IMPORTANCE To survive bouts of starvation, cells must inhibit DNA replication. In bacteria, starvation triggers production of a signaling molecule called ppGpp (guanosine tetraphosphate) that helps reprogram cellular physiology, including inhibiting new rounds of DNA replication. While ppGpp has been known to block replication initiation in Escherichia coli for decades, the mechanism responsible was unknown. Early work suggested that ppGpp drives a decrease in levels of the replication initiator protein DnaA. However, we found that this decrease is not necessary to block replication initiation. Instead, we demonstrate that ppGpp leads to a change in DNA topology that prevents initiation. ppGpp is known to inhibit bulk transcription, which normally introduces negative supercoils into the chromosome, and negative supercoils near the origin of replication help drive its unwinding, leading to replication initiation. Thus, the accumulation of ppGpp prevents replication initiation by blocking the introduction of initiation-promoting negative supercoils. This mechanism is likely conserved throughout proteobacteria.
Evasão na educação a distância: pontos e contrapontos à problematica

O presente estudo, desenvolvido junto ao Nucleo de Estudos sobre Tecnologias na Educacao (NETE/CNPq), do Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Educacao da Universidade La Salle, abordara a problematica da evasao, a partir do mapeamento das causas da evasao na educacao a distância. A pesquisa apresenta os indices e dados disponibilizados pelo Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anisio Teixeira, com relacao ao percentual de matriculas e concluintes no ensino superior presencial e a distância nas modalidades de bacharelado, licenciaturas e tecnologicos, da esfera publica e privada, no ano de 2015, com o objetivo de compreender as causas atuais da evasao na EaD. Embora existam muitos estudos e discursos afinados sobre as causas da evasao e (des)continuidades ordenadas normativamente, percebemos um distanciamento por parte das instituicoes formadoras em relacao aos problemas da evasao, o que gera uma diminuicao ou isencao de responsabilidades, tendo em vista a tendencia em atribuir suas causas a dimensoes psicologicas do estudante ou a (in)comunicabilidade entre os professores, tutores e estudantes. Na tentativa de avaliar essas questoes atinentes a EaD, a problematica do trabalho tem a seguinte questao norteadora: Quais as perspectivas apresentadas nos bancos de teses e dissertacoes sobre o problema da evasao dos estudantes dos cursos de EaD e quais as alternativas para minimizar tal fenomeno? Trata-se de um mapeamento, na Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertacoes (BDTD), de teses e dissertacoes que contemplam os descritores Evasao EaD, considerando o periodo de 2007 a 2017. Acerca dessa tematica, obtivemos setenta e dois resultados, dos quais fizeram parte do corpus investigativo de producao de dados sessenta e oito trabalhos. Com base em uma abordagem hermeneutica foi possivel compreender os textos e concepcoes vigentes sobre a evasao, nao fugindo a discussao criadora, na tentativa de (re)conhecer as diferentes perspectivas de analise sobre o problema, a partir de realidades e questoes humanas, tecnicas, politicas, cientificas, sociais e profissionais. Como embasamento teorico da pesquisa utilizamos Vargas (2007), Santos (2008), Moran (2000), Freire (1996), Castells (2016), dentre outros, que abordam a questao da evasao em dialogos com a EaD. Compreende-se que apesar da EaD ser avaliada como um modelo de gestao propicio a realidade atual ela recebe forte influencia das demandas e interesses de mercado, o que exige reavaliacoes constantes para um processo efetivo de (re)construcao de conhecimentos e metodologias, que possam contribuir tambem para a diminuicao da evasao conduzida pelas tensoes existentes entre essa modalidade de ensino e o mundo administrado. Por fim, a dissertacao contribui com as discussoes na area da EaD, para a promocao e reflexao de dialogos sobre os seus proprios fundamentos, bem como para projetar acoes que colaborem para a formacao e qualificacao do ensino a distância.
LISA response function

The orbital motion of the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) introduces modulations into the observed gravitational wave signal. These modulations can be used to determine the location and orientation of a gravitational wave source. The complete LISA response to an arbitrary gravitational wave is derived using a coordinate free approach in the transverse-traceless gauge. The general response function reduces to that found by Cutler for low frequency, monochromatic plane waves. Estimates of the noise in the detector are found to be complicated by the time variation of the interferometer arm lengths.
Writing and healing: poetry as a tool in leaving and recovering from abusive relationships

This paper includes research into the pervasiveness and dangerousness of intimate partner violence and the ways that poetry therapy can be used to help victims gain perspective on their situation. ...
Retrograde Flow Digital Artery Flaps

Retrograde flow digital artery flaps are a versatile single-stage option for the coverage of fingertip and dorsal digit defects. There are technical challenges associated with pedicle dissection and preparation. Techniques vary predominantly in the vessel utilized (either the proper digital artery or its branches) and the incorporation of the digital nerve or its branches in the pedicle with subsequent neurorrhaphy. Venous failure is more common. There is often mild but perceivable donor site morbidity. Evidence favors an innervated flap for better sensory recovery. Cold intolerance follows sacrifice of a digital artery.
Large-Flume Tests on Flow Dislodgment of Rocks Forming Bendway Weirs

AbstractThis paper presents findings from large-flume tests conducted to determine the velocity magnitudes at which water flow dislodges rocks from bendway weirs (BWs), rock structures used primari...
Species susceptibility to the pulmonary toxicity of 3-furyl isoamyl ketone (perilla ketone): in vivo support for involvement of the lung monooxygenase system.

To explore a possible relationship between metabolism and lethality, the acute toxicity of naturally occurring perilla ketone (PK), 1-(3-furyl)-4-methyl-pentan-1-one, was examined in the uninduced mouse, hamster, rabbit, dog and pig. The LD50 (+/- SE), determined using intraperitoneal (ip) injection, for the mouse and hamster were low at 5.0 +/- .3 and 13.7 +/- .9 mg/kg, respectively. The rabbit died from an ip dosage of near 14 mg/kg and estimated ip LD50 dosages were quite high for the dog and pig, being 106 +/- 25 mg/kg and over 158 mg/kg, respectively. Dogs and the pig that died from ip injections of PK displayed varying degrees of midzonal and centrilobular liver damage and dogs also had elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activities. In contrast, rodents and rabbits display only pulmonary toxicity from this agent. Cytochromes P-450 and b5 concentrations and NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity were determined for the lung, liver and kidney of mice, hamsters, rabbits, dogs, swine, sheep and cattle. High correlation between lethality and enzyme concentration further supports the hypothesis that enzymatic bioactivation of PK is required for toxicity in all species.
Balance between resource supply and demand determines nutrient limitation of primary productivity in the ocean

What is the ultimate limiting nutrient in the ocean? The dominant theory, which was first proposed by Redfield and later formalized by Tyrrell, states that despite the scarcity of fixed nitrogen in the surface ocean, phosphorus availability ultimately determines primary productivity. Two recent findings directly challenge the assumptions of the Redfield-Tyrrell paradigm: the discovery of systematic variations of phytoplankton N:P:Fe and widespread iron-limitation of phytoplankton. Here we use a simple model of nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron cycling to show how the resource demand ratios and biogeography of phytoplankton interact with resource supply ratios to govern nutrient cycling and primary productivity. We find that all three nutrients can limit global primary productivity, and that the ratio of geochemical supply to biological demand of each nutrient in each ocean region determines the limiting nutrients, with nitrogen fixation providing a mechanism for the cycles to interact. These results have important consequences for our understanding of biogeochemical cycles, ocean atmosphere interactions, marine ecology, and the response of ocean ecosystems to climate change. Our work demonstrates the importance of resource ratios and suggests that future studies of the physiological and geochemical regulation of these ratios are indispensable to building accurate theories and future predictions of nutrient cycling and primary productivity.