cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detachment of a rigid solid from an elastic wavy surface: Experiments

Abstract The mechanics of detachment of a rigid solid from an elastic wavy surface has been analyzed in a recent article, in which the axisymmetric case of a sphere and the plane strain case of a cylinder were considered. Due to the qualitative similarities, the discussion was limited to the axisymmetric case only. It was shown that the surface waviness makes the detachment process proceed in alternating stable and unstable segments and each unstable jump dissipates mechanical energy. As a result, the external work and the peak force required to separate a wavy interface are higher than the corresponding values for a flat interface, i.e., waviness causes interface toughening as well as strengthening. In this paper, a systematic experimental investigation is presented which examines the above theoretical analysis, by measuring adhesion between a “rigid” wavy punch and a soft “elastic” material, which is a block of gelatin here. The observed increase in adhesion due to waviness closely agrees with the theoretical predictions within the experimental and material uncertainties. The experiments not only validate the theory, but also demonstrate that adhesion of a soft material can be substantially enhanced by topographic optimization alone, without modifying the surface chemistry.
Guidelines for clinical applications of spatio-temporal gait analysis in older adults

Quantifying spatio-temporal gait parameters in stationary and ambulatory geriatric settings may aid the early identification of potential fallers, as well as the documentation of illness-specific gait disorders and intervention-related changes in rehabilitative medicine. Bringing gait analysis out of the laboratory and into a clinical setting is the goal of the European GAITRite network group, initiated in 2003 in Geneva. To enhance reproducibility of gait measures and for better comparability of outcomes in clinical environments, a consensus on data collection was formulated and presented at the 2nd European GAITRite Meeting in Marseilles. The guidelines presented here are intended to facilitate network collaborations and to provide guidance to clinicians who wish to implement spatio-temporal gait analysis in clinical settings.
Cryopreservation of testicular tissue in pediatrics: practical and ethical issues.

AbstractThe exposure to cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery) can adversely affect all aspects of reproductive health, possibly determining temporary or permanent hypogonadism of a primary or secondary form. In prepubertal male patients, the only option for preserving fertility is testicular tissue banking. Although significant progress has been made in fertility-based animal research with SSCs, this procedure is still in an early experimental stage. Can an experimental technique, which has potential benefits and possible risks, be offered to minors? What is the minor’s best interest in this situation? Is it more important to minimize the risks of morbidity and mortality or to preserve the child’s future fertility?
Determination of [amide-15N]glutamine in plasma with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method is described for determination of isotopic enrichment in [amide-15N]glutamine. The method involves the isolation of glutamine with an anionic exchange resin and the enzymatic hydrolysis of glutamine with glutaminase. The ammonia derived from the amide group is converted enzymatically to glutamic acid and isotopic enrichment in the latter compound is determined following formation of the N-TFA-glutamate derivative. The method gave a linear result for [amide-15N]glutamine in the 0.5–21.5 atom % excess range with a mean coefficient of variance of 7.8%. Determination of plasma glutamine by isotope dilution showed a mean recovery of 94%. The appearance of plasma [amide-15N] glutamine was measured in a healthy adult following the intravenous administration of 15NH4Cl (350 μ mol). A peak enrichment of 12 atom % excess was observed by 3.5 min.
Theoretical Considerations on the Use of Solid-Phase Microextraction with Complex Environmental Samples

The equations governing the use of equilibrium solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for environmental samples with complex heterogeneous matrices were derived in terms of parameters commonly measured or estimated by environmental scientists. Parameterization of the SPME equations allowed for the a priori prediction of SPME performance as a function of analyte and sample properties as well as experimental conditions. A theoretical evaluation of SPME was performed for a broad range of realistic scenarios using calculated equilibrium partitioning parameters and the implications for practical applications were discussed. Potential pitfalls and errors in quantitative measurements were identified, and different approaches to SPME calibration were presented. The concept of an optimum minimum volume for the analysis of heterogeneous environmental samples was presented and fully developed. Data from three previous studies were used to validate the correctness of our theoretical framework; the agreement between the measured relative recoveries of a variety of hydrophobic organic chemicals and theoretical predictions was reasonable. The results of this study highlight the potential for SPME to be a valuable technique for the measurement of hydrophobic organic contaminants in complex environmental samples. The SPME technique appears to be especially well suited for samples with high solids-to-water ratios and/or large sample volumes. Examples of such applications include sediment interstitial water and in situ field measurements, respectively.
Low-voltage tunable TE/TM converter on ion-sliced lithium niobate thin film

Lift-off of a prefabricated thin-film lithium niobate device using ion slicing has been demonstrated. The device is a low-voltage electro-optically tunable TE/TM mode converter, which is fabricated on a sliced 10 /spl mu/m-thick film. A new electrode configuration allows this thin-film device low-voltage tuning of the mode conversion wavelength at 0.26 nm/V. The high tuning per volt is attributed to an improved overlap integral in the thin-film form of the device.
The Reversible Inhibition by Red and Far-Red Light of Auxin-Induced Lateral Root Initiation in Isolated Pea Roots.

lated roots by decapitation can be inhibited by a single short exposure to white light and red light inhibits lateral root formation much more effectively than blue or green light (10). With the development of knowledge about phytochrome, a photomorphogenetically active red/far-red pigment system (3, 7), it became of interest to know whether the phytochrome system acts in the light inhibition of lateral root formation. To investigate such a possibili.ty, the present w.ork was carried out using an assay based on IAA-induced root initiation in isolated pea root segments grown aseptically in nutrient culture. The results obtained show that the inhibition of lateral root formation is induced by low-intensity red light, and can be reversed by subsequent treatment with far-red light; this reversibility can be repeated numerous times by successive red and far-red irradiation. Since this assay is based on the initiation of cell division in the root pericycle, the results suggest the interesting possibility that the phytochrome system may be involved in some way in auxin-induced mitotic activity in these roots.
Induced Magnetic Force in Human Heads Exposed to 4 T MRI

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) has become one of the safest medical techniques (1). However, with the steady progress of MRI technology, from lower to higher magnetic field strengths, potential adverse effects of the increasing magnetic force on living tissues are calling for more attention (2). Because of safety concerns, there is a myriad of studies evaluating the magnetic force on medical devices exposed to MRI (reviewed in Refs. 2-4). However, less attention has been given to effects of the magnetic force on living tissues during MRI scanning procedures. While in an earlier study on positron emission tomography it was reported that no effects of a 4 T static magnetic field on brain glucose metabolism, which is a marker of brain function (5), a few studies have associated dizziness (3), vertigo (1), magnetophosphenes (4), and metallic taste (6) to exposure to high magnetic fields in humans, and the quantification of the spatial distribution of the magnetic force in humans and animals during MRI scans is still lacking. Our recent quantitative measurements of the magnetic force distribution in the head of one human subject during 4 T MRI (7) reveled that the magnetic force induced in tissues of the human head during MRI procedures was lower than 0.1% of the gravitational force applied on the same tissues, suggesting a minimal impact of the MRI static magnetic field on biological tissues (7). However, the induced magnetic force in tissues can vary due to brain shape differences across subjects and/or the orientation of the head with respect to the static magnetic field. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the magnetic force applied on biological tissues in the human head during standard MRI procedures in a large group of subjects (>100 healthy subjects). Based on our previous single-subject measurements (7) and previous numerical simulations by others (8), we hypothesized that the induced magnetic force during MRI scans would be highly significant across subjects in the eyeballs and in the vicinities of the sinus cavity (orbitofrontal cortex) and the temporal bones (temporal cortex). For this purpose we mapped the induced magnetic field and the induced magnetic force in the head of 118 healthy human subjects using 4 T MRI and phase-mapping techniques using a susceptibility-weighted MR pulse sequence (7,9,10).
Effects of oral glucosamine sulphate on serum glucose and insulin during an oral glucose tolerance test of subjects with osteoarthritis

Background and objective: Glucosamine is suggested to affect glucose transport and insulin resistance. The effects of oral glucosamine on serum glucose and insulin levels at the initiation and throughout the duration of a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test were examined. Methods: Sera from 16 patients with osteoarthritis, but with no other diagnosed medical condition who had fasted overnight, were obtained every 15–30 min during the 3 h of continued fasting and during the 3 h after ingestion of 75 g of glucose with or without ingestion of 1500 mg of glucosamine sulphate. Glucose was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography using a Metrohm-Peak 817 Bioscan, and the area under the curve (AUC) for glucose was calculated. Insulin was measured by radioimmunoassay every 30 min for 2 h. Results: Three participants who were found to have previously undiagnosed abnormalities of glucose tolerance demonstrated significant (p = 0.04) incremental elevations in glucose levels after ingestion of glucosamine sulphate. The other 13 participants also had mean incremental elevations that were not significant (p = 0.20). Glucosamine sulphate ingestion had no effect on insulin levels. Conclusion: The results suggest that glucosamine ingestion may affect glucose levels and consequent glucose uptake in patients who have untreated diabetes or glucose intolerance.
Design and implementation of Long Range Radar service life extension

This paper presents an overview of a service life extension program that is being applied to the continental US Long Range Radar (LRR) network. Initially the architecture of the system is presented and key components selected for upgrade are identified. In addition to hardware upgrades innovative signal processing algorithms have also been added. The LRR consists of 68 radars that are used for the joint purposes of air traffic control and surveillance. The upgraded radar consists of a solid state transmitter, a state-of-the-art receiver and signal data processor. With advanced signal processing algorithms, the upgraded radar system provides 200 nmi coverage in natural interference environment while minimizing the false alarms. The radar has also been upgraded to enhance weather detection performance.
MODIFIED-ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING OF BONE-IN PORK LOINS

Paired bone-in pork loins (n = 110 pairs) trimmed to 3.2 and 6.4 mm subcutaneous fat were placed five per box in modified-atmosphere packages (MAP) and stored for up to 19 days at 1°C. Using commercial conditions and a single flush of 0.61 1/kg of meat of carbon dioxide (CO2), the resulting CO2 concentration was 78.5%, which then decreased to 55.1% (day 3) and 41% (day 19). Oxygen, 3.1% initially, increased to 7.2% (day 3), decreased to 3% (day 15), then increased to 7.1%. Although microbial counts increased from 3 to 19 days, those through 9 days of MAP (331 CFU/cm2) were lower than prior to MAP (653 CFU/cm2). Longer storage increased (P < 0.05) loin weight loss; off-odor; and discoloration of the blade and sirloin lean, subcutaneous fat, and bone surface. Off-odor intensity and microbial levels were acceptable at day 19, thus discoloration was the limiting factor in loin shelf-life and retail chop display color stability.
CORONAL FARADAY ROTATION FLUCTUATIONS AND A WAVE/TURBULENCE-DRIVEN MODEL OF THE SOLAR WIND

Some recent models for coronal heating and the origin of the solar wind postulate that the source of energy and momentum consists of Alfven waves of solar origin dissipating via MHD turbulence. We use one of these models to predict the level of Faraday rotation fluctuations (FRFs) that should be imposed on radio signals passing through the corona. This model has the virtue of specifying the correlation length of the turbulence, knowledge of which is essential for calculating the FRFs; previous comparisons of observed FRFs with models suffered from the fact that the correlation length had to be guessed. We compare the predictions with measurements of FRFs obtained by the Helios radio experiment during occultations in 1975 through 1977, close to solar minimum. We show that only a small fraction of the FRFs are produced by density fluctuations; the bulk of the FRFs must be produced by coronal magnetic field fluctuations. The observed FRFs have periods of hours, suggesting that they are related to Alfven waves which are observed in situ by spacecraft throughout the solar wind; other evidence also suggests that the FRFs are due to coronal Alfven waves. We choose a model field line in an equatorial streamer which has background electron concentrations that match those inferred from the Helios occultation data. The predicted FRFs are found to agree very well with the Helios data. If the FRFs are in fact produced by Alfven waves with the assumed correlation length, our analysis leads us to conclude that wave-turbulence models should continue to be pursued with vigor. But since we cannot prove that the FRFs are produced by Alfven waves, we state the more conservative conclusion, still subject to the correctness of the assumed correlation length, that the corona contains long-period magnetic fluctuations with sufficient energy to heat the corona and drive the solar wind.
Enabling test-time optimized pseudorandom bit stream (PRBS) 2/sup 31/ BER testing on automated test equipment for 10Gbps device

Pseudorandom bit stream (PRBS) testing is critical in network and communication devices to ensure compliant to industry standards. Thus, many new high speed devices have been designed with internal PRBS generator and comparator capability for built-in-self-test. On the other hand, devices that are without this design-for-test feature will have to be tested through conventional methods such as bit error rate (BER) tester due to capability limitation on automated test equipment (ATE). However, this setup is typically expensive and unfriendly in a high volume manufacturing due to long test time, rack and stack setup and dedicated systems. A novel idea was conceived where a pair of programmable PRBS drivers and comparators is embedded into the test loadboard to provide the BER test capability. Coupled with an intelligent BER algorithm, the solution provides a low cost BER test solution that can be implemented in a high volume manufacturing using only a mixed signal ATE.
High-Resolution, Loop-Back AWG for Compact, High-Fidelity Optical Arbitrary Waveform Generation

We demonstrate a high-performance waveform shaper based on a 64-channel, 10-GHz silica arrayed-waveguide grating with loop-back channels and integrated amplitude and phase modulators. The design allows wavelength-matched demultiplexing and multiplexing in the compact waveform shaper.
Structural assignments and dynamics of the a substates of MbCo: Spectrally resolved vibrational echo experiments and molecular dynamics simulations

Spectrally resolved three-pulse stimulated vibrational echo experiments are used as the basis for structural assignments of the A1 and A3 spectroscopic substates in the IR spectrum of the carbon monoxide (CO) stretch of carbonmonoxymyoglobin (MbCO). The measured dephasing dynamics of these substates is compared to the dephasing dynamics of MbCO predicted from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We assign the A1 and A3 substates to different protein conformations on the basis of the agreement between the measured and computed vibrational echoes. In the A1 substate, the N-H proton and N‰ of His64 are equidistant from the ligand, whereas in the A3 substate, the N-H of His64 is oriented toward the CO.
The effects of streptomycin/lidocaine block on trigeminal neuralgia: a double blind crossover placebo controlled study

This study investigated the long term effect of a peripheral sensory block using streptomycin sulphate on trigeminal neuralgia. A total of twenty subjects, thirteen with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN) and seven with traumatic trigeminal neuralgia (TTN) were studied. A double-blind placebo controlled randomized design was used. After the clinical assessment subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 1 g of streptomycin with 3 ml 2% lidocaine, or 3 ml lidocaine alone. The injections were performed adjacent to the branches that served the painful site. These were intraoral injections, more specifically infraorbital and inferior alveolar blocks. Patients received five blocks of either streptomycin/lidocaine or lidocaine alone for a period of five consecutive weeks. On the sixth week they were crossed over. Measures of pain intensity and pain frequency were used to assess treatment outcome. Patients also recorded their side-effects. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the treatment outcomes between the active and placebo groups. There was no statistically significant differences in the treatment outcomes regarding frequency and intensity of pain attacks. The sensory function of the treated nerves was also not affected. Side effects including facial swelling and pain were a common finding in the patients receiving streptomycin. This study demonstrated no beneficial effects of streptomycin blockade for idiopathic and traumatic trigeminal neuralgia.
The reliability of recalled estimates of menarcheal age in a sample of older women.

The accuracy of recalled age at first menses has been questioned, particularly if subjects are relatively old. This paper illustrates the use of a statistical technique that quantifies the reliability of recalled age at menarche based on re-interview of a small (15-20) subsample of subjects. Menarcheal age collected with the retrospective method in a sample of 108 females, 50 years of age and older, from Limon, Costa Rica, is reliable.
Human polyreactive and monoreactive antibodies: Effect of glycosylation antigen binding

The present experiments were initiated to determine whether the carbohydrate portions of antibody molecules contribute to polyreactivity. Cell lines making human monoclonal polyreactive or monoreactive antibodies of the immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG and IgA isotypes were treated with tunicamycin to block N-linked glycosylation of the proteins. Analysis of the secreted native and non-glycosylated proteins revealed a > 95% inhibition of [3H]mannose incorporation. Electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gels of the proteins from tunicamycin-treated cells showed increased mobility and the absence of [3H]mannose incorporation of the immunoglobulin heavy chains, consistent with the lack of glycosylation. The native and non-glycosylated antibodies were then tested for their ability to bind different antigens. Despite the lack of glycosylation, both polyreactive and monoreactive antibodies bound to antigens with little if any loss of reactivity or specificity. It is concluded that the carbohydrate moieties do not contribute significantly to polyreactivity.
Antibiotic prescribing trends in the emergency department for veterans with spinal cord injury and disorder 2002-2007.

AbstractObjectiveClinical guidelines exist to promote antibiotic stewardship, particularly in ambulatory care settings such as the emergency department (ED). However, there is limited evidence on prescribing practice for persons with spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI/D). The goal of this study was to assess trends in antibiotic prescribing in the ED setting for persons with SCI/D.DesignA retrospective dynamic cohort study design.SettingED visits that did not result in same day hospitalization over 6 years (fiscal year (FY) 2002-FY2007) in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilitiesParticipantsVeterans with SCI/D.Outcome measuresVA clinical and administrative databases were used to identify the cohort and to obtain demographics, diagnoses, and medications. The rate of antibiotic prescribing for ED visits was defined as the number of antibiotics/total ED visits.ResultsVeterans with SCI/D had 21 934 ED visits and 5887 antibiotics prescribed over the study period (rate of 268.4 prescriptions/1000 visits...
Algorithms for tensor network renormalization

We discuss in detail algorithms for implementing tensor network renormalization (TNR) for the study of classical statistical and quantum many-body systems. First, we recall established techniques for how the partition function of a $2D$ classical many-body system or the Euclidean path integral of a $1D$ quantum system can be represented as a network of tensors, before describing how TNR can be implemented to efficiently contract the network via a sequence of coarse-graining transformations. The efficacy of the TNR approach is then benchmarked for the $2D$ classical statistical and $1D$ quantum Ising models; in particular the ability of TNR to maintain a high level of accuracy over sustained coarse-graining transformations, even at a critical point, is demonstrated.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: roles in tumorigenesis and chemoprevention in human cancer.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are nuclear receptors that were isolated for their ability to modulate lipid metabolism. Similar to other members of the nuclear receptor family, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors bind ligand as heterodimers and exert their effects via transcript
Age Differences on a Paired-Associates Task: How Does Practice Type and Order Affect Training?

The purpose of this research was to determine if manipulating the order and type of practice would affect the outcome of training for both young and older adults. We examined age differences in performance on a paired-associates task in which type and order of practice were manipulated. Two versions of a noun-pair associates task were used; in the consistent mapping (CM) version the noun-pairs did not change from trial to trial; in the varied mapping version (VM) the noun-pairs changed from trial to trial. The CM task allowed the subjects to learn the noun-pairs whereas the VM task required that subjects always refer to a key in order to perform the task. Two groups of subjects were trained and the order in which they received the CM and VM versions was manipulated between groups. There were group differences in initial performance on the CM task for both young and older adults. The data indicate that having performed the task at all provided some benefit in terms of reaction time. The subjects were able ...
Rethinking Emancipation: The Rhetorics of Slavery and Politics of Freedom in Anti-Trafficking Work in India

This essay considers the rhetorical and discursive logics that underpin the history, philosophy and programme strategies of International Justice Mission (IJM), a US Christian non-profit organization that has pioneered the use of ‘raid and rescue’ (partnering with law enforcement to raid places of work) as a strategy for addressing trafficking in the Global South. Emancipation from bondage is the conceptual and moral imperative that undergirds IJM's mission, along with many other anti-trafficking organizations that, like IJM, imagine themselves as ‘new abolitionists’ fighting trafficking as a modern-day form of slavery. By drawing on commonly held assumptions about the nature of slavery and freedom, IJM offers a problematic vision of what the liberated subject of rescue should look like: a non-white woman who literally moves from darkness to light because she has been rescued by IJM. This vision of emancipation enables IJM to enact a particular set of strategies and programmes that are carceral and coerci...
Reliability modeling of array systems using output flow

Array systems, such as those found in phased array radars, present unique challenges to the reliability, maintainability and availability (RM&A) modeler. Due to their large size and gracefully degrading nature, modelers struggle to construct these models using traditional techniques. These techniques often require compromising assumptions in order to simplify the model, while also limiting the ability to include maintenance in the model to support cost/performance trades. Traditional techniques also result in models that are often difficult to maintain and modify. A Reliability Block Diagram (RBD) model that relies on measured flow, versus the number of successful paths, can greatly reduce model complexity. Performing this technique in an RBD simulation tool opens the door to a variety of support cost versus performance trades. Flow modeling can therefore accelerate the path to an optimally sized and supportable array design.
Prediction of metastatic potential of aspirated cells from the Dunning R-3327 prostatic adenocarcinoma model.

Abstract Pathological grading systems have failed to assess accurately the prognosis of patients with prostatic carcinoma. A visual grading system of cancer cell motility has described successfully the metastatic potential of sublines of the Dunning R-3327 rat prostatic adenocarcinoma model maintained in vitro and in vivo. Clinical application of this technique would be facilitated if it could be performed upon aspirated cells. We compared the motility of cells obtained by biopsy and fine needle aspiration from in vivo Dunning tumors and determined if the motility of aspirated cells could predict metastatic potential. Specimens from the same tumor were obtained by fine needle aspiration and incisional biopsy from three sublines of low ( 90%) metastatic potential. Membrane ruffling, pseudopodal extension and cellular translation of 100 cells were graded using time-lapse videomicroscopy. Cells obtained by biopsy and aspiration had similar average (analysis of variance, p >0.7) and variation (coefficient of variation, aspirated = 18.6%, biopsy = 17.7%) of motility. Aspirated cells from three low metastatic sublines (membrane ruffling 5.20 ± SEM 0.41, pseudopodal extension 4.10 ± 0.57 and cellular translation 3.07 ± 0.45) were distinguished from cells of three high metastatic sublines (membrane ruffling 7.10 ± 0.15, pseudopodal extension 6.93 ± 0.22 and cellular translation 5.47 ± 0.25). Cellular translation, the best discriminator, correctly classified the metastatic potential of the subline of origin in 82% of 60 individual cells. A grading system based upon the motility of aspirated cancer cells should be studied in human prostatic carcinoma.
Evaluation of the constraint method-based multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (CMEA) for a three-objective optimization problem

This paper presents a systematic comparative study of CMEA (constraint method-based multiobjective evolutionary algorithm) with several other commonly reported mulitobjec-tive evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) in solving a three-objective optimization problem. The best estimate of the noninferior space was also obtained by solving this multiobjective (MO) problem using a binary linear programming procedure. Several quantitative metrics are used to compare the noninferior solutions with respect to relative accuracy, as well as spread and distribution of solutions in the noninferior space. Results based on multiple random trials of the MOEAs indicate that overall CMEA performs better than the other MOEAs for this three-objective problem.
Spatio-Temporal phrases for activity recognition

The local feature based approaches have become popular for activity recognition. A local feature captures the local movement and appearance of a local region in a video, and thus can be ambiguous; e.g., it cannot tell whether a movement is from a person's hand or foot, when the camera is far away from the person. To better distinguish different types of activities, people have proposed using the combination of local features to encode the relationships of local movements. Due to the computation limit, previous work only creates a combination from neighboring features in space and/or time. In this paper, we propose an approach that efficiently identifies both local and long-range motion interactions; taking the "push" activity as an example, our approach can capture the combination of the hand movement of one person and the foot response of another person, the local features of which are both spatially and temporally far away from each other. Our computational complexity is in linear time to the number of local features in a video. The extensive experiments show that our approach is generically effective for recognizing a wide variety of activities and activities spanning a long term, compared to a number of state-of-the-art methods.
RECENT MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS IN NUMERICAL WEATHER PREDICTION

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses recent mathematical and computational developments in numerical weather prediction. The art of weather prediction is now a large-scale computing problem based on hydrodynamic principles. Recently, there have been significant improvements in forecasting large-scale mid-tropospheric flow patterns in the short- to medium-range period, up to 7 days or so. These may be partly because of improved atmospheric observations and analyses resulting from the Global Weather Experiment conducted in 1979, but the increased theoretical understanding of the planetary-scale motions and its application to operational forecasting has undoubtedly contributed to this cause. Motions of the atmosphere are governed by physical laws that may be expressed as equations of hydrodynamics and thermodynamics. The chapter also explains that a great deal can be learned about the characteristics of global atmospheric motions by examining the solutions to a linearized system of basic equations derived in computation of a global atmospheric prediction model.
Epidemiology and Natural History of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is defined as a disease of the medium and large bile ducts in which inflammation leads to segmental, concentric fibrosis with dilation of the more proximal portion of the bile duct. The diagnosis is typically made in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease with a cholangiogram demonstrating the classic beading of intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic ducts. PSC has been best studied in Northern European populations, most notably in Scandinavia where the prevalence appears to be the highest. Although estimates of the incidence of PSC have been increasing over time, it remains unclear if this is a true increase in incidence or a result of increased awareness and imaging leading to an increase in diagnosis. The natural history of PSC is extremely variable but frequently is one of the progressive fibrosis leading to biliary cirrhosis and ultimately liver failure or liver transplantation. Complicating the natural history are risks for cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and colon cancer as well as bacterial cholangitis and hepatic osteodystrophy. Several subgroups of PSC have been identified, and in whom the natural history of the disease varies. Understanding the natural history of PSC and the development of surrogate markers for clinically meaningful outcomes is critical to the evaluation of therapies in clinical trials.
Hyperspectral Electroluminescence Characterization of OFF-State Device Characteristics in Proton Irradiated High Voltage AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

Gallium nitride-based high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) represent a critical next-generation technology for RF amplifiers. In this work, we implement electroluminescence (EL) imaging to study breakdown mechanisms under high voltage stress conditions in as-fabricated and proton irradiated devices. After irradiation, an increased breakdown voltage and reduced buffer leakage was observed and attributed to the formation of a back barrier structure due to carrier type conversion in the buffer layer from the introduction of donor trap levels near the conduction band. In addition to identifying high field regions associated with device failure, the hyperspectral filter enables spectrum extraction, identifying peaks in the 700 nm–900 nm region associated with both defects and hot electrons that are contributing to device failure, but no change in signature after irradiation implying that radiation-induced defects are non-radiative. Complementary photoluminescence spectroscopy identified a reduction in free carrier density consistent with the generation of compensating trap levels, supporting the proposed model.
Effect of Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Guidance on the Management of Uncomplicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Hospitalized Adults

Objective To assess the effect of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP)–bundled initiative on the appropriate use of antibiotics for uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections (uSSTIs) at 2 academic medical centers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Civil Engineering Optimizing and Satisficing

Decision making can be viewed as providing extrema on a measure of value, the objective function, in the light of practical constraints. This optimization approach may not be appropriate in civil engineering decision making where uncertainties dominate. In its place, the process of satisficing is offered.
Endoplasmic Reticulum-Plasma Membrane Contacts Regulate Cellular Excitability.

Cells that have intrinsic electrical excitability utilize changes in membrane potential to communicate with neighboring cells and initiate cellular cascades. Excitable cells like neurons and myocytes have evolved highly specialized subcellular architectures to translate these electrical signals into cellular events. One such structural specialization is sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane contact sites. These membrane contact sites are positioned by specific membrane-membrane tethering proteins and contain an ever-expanding list of additional proteins that organize information transfer across the junctional space (~ 15–25 nm distance) to shape membrane identity and control cellular excitability. In this chapter we discuss how contacts between the sarco-/endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane are essential for regulated excitation-contraction coupling in striated muscle and control of lipid-dependent ion channels.
Microwave imaging of dielectric objects using a combination of simulated annealing and multi-directional search

In this paper, we present a microwave imaging system based on the simulated annealing algorithm and the multi-directional search algorithm to reconstruct the electrical properties of dielectric regions. The simulated annealing method has been applied as a global optimization method for the inverse-scattering problem and the multi-directional search algorithm has been utilized to enhance the performance of the imaging system. Powerful performance of this technique in accurately reconstructing two-dimensional images of the dielectric regions is demonstrated by numerical results.
Mechanism of vaccinia viral protein B14–mediated inhibition of IκB kinase β activation

Activation of IκB kinase β (IKKβ) is a central event in the NF-κB–mediated canonical pro-inflammatory pathway. Numerous studies have reported that oligomerization-mediated trans autophosphorylation of IKKβ is indispensable for its phosphorylation, leading to its activation and IKKβ-mediated phosphorylation of substrates such as IκB proteins. Moreover, IKKβ's interaction with the NF-κB essential modifier (NEMO) is necessary for IKKβ activation. Interestingly, some viruses encode virulence factors that target IKKβ to inhibit NF-κB–mediated antiviral immune responses. One of these factors is the vaccinia viral protein B14, which directly interacts with and inhibits IKKβ. Here we mapped the interaction interface on the B14 and IKKβ proteins. We observed that B14 binds to the junction of the kinase domain (KD) and scaffold and dimerization domain (SDD) of IKKβ. Molecular docking analyses identified key interface residues in both IKKβ and B14 that were further confirmed by mutational studies to promote binding of the two proteins. During trans autophosphorylation of protein kinases in the IKK complex, the activation segments of neighboring kinases need to transiently interact with each other's active sites, and we found that the B14–IKKβ interaction sterically hinders direct contact between the kinase domains of IKKβ in the IKK complex, containing IKKβ, IKKα, and NEMO in human cells. We conclude that binding of B14 to IKKβ prevents IKKβ trans autophosphorylation and activation, thereby inhibiting NF-κB signaling. Our study provides critical structural and mechanistic information for the design of potential therapeutic agents to target IKKβ activation for the management of inflammatory disorders.
The Bologna Process and the Wider World of Higher Education: The Cooperation Competition Paradox in a Period of Increased Nationalism

There is an increasing disconnect between the notion of the relevance of internationalisation, within and for the sector, and recent trends in society toward greater inward focus, manifested by anti-global and anti-international tendencies. The theme: The Bologna Process and the wider world of higher education deal with those challenges, in particular with the paradox between collaboration and competition and with the resulting misconceptions concerning internationalisation of higher education that have contributed to this inward-looking trend around the world. The Bologna Process has to be concerned about these two paradoxes and address them in the next phase to come adequately. How is it possible to overcome these misconceptions and paradoxes to internationalisation and create a sustainable and comprehensive internationalisation for all students and faculty?
The Spectral Theorem for Bounded Self-Adjoint Operators: Statements

In the present chapter, we will consider the spectral theorem for bounded self-adjoint operators, leaving a discussion of unbounded operators to Chaps. 9 and 10. The proofs of the main theorems (two different versions of the spectral theorem) are moderately long and are deferred to Chap. 8.
THE DEGASSING BEHAVIOR OF COMMERCIAL GRAPHITES

Graphite samples prepared by different commercial graphite producers were degassed in vacuo to a maximum temperature of 1000°C using external radiant heating and to 1800°C by induction heating. Most of the graphites studied are nuclear grade materials prepared from several sources of raw materials and subjected to varying manufacturing procedures. The ash content of the various grades ranges from < 20 to ~800 ppm and the calcium content from a few ppm to 340 ppm. The total volume of desorbate varies from ~25 to 50 cm3 STP/100 cm3 of graphite for the high purity graphites to ~100 for the impure grades upon degassing to 1800°C. The composition of the desorbate and the fraction of total evolved to various temperatures also varies widely for the different grades. The volume-time relationship is satisfactorily expressed as V = A log t + B for many of the graphites at 300, 600 and 1000°C over long time intervals. Cases have been found, however, where large changes in the slopes occur as the degassing progresses. A broad correlation of the degassing behavior with ash content is possible for most of the graphites if the calcium content as well as the total ash content is considered.
The Triangulation of the Science, English, and Spanish Languages and Cultures in the Classroom: Challenges for Science Teachers of English Language Learners

Science classrooms for Latinos become the crucible for the triangulation of cultures and languages: Spanish, English, and the language of science. Science teachers teaching Latinos/as face the challenge of effectively triangulating three distinct languages and cultures. If this trio is not adequately addressed, science becomes incomprehensible and unattainable, impeding knowledge construction for Latino/a bilingual students acquiring the English language. This chapter examines sociocultural learning and language acquisition for Latino/a emergent bilinguals. From a pedagogical perspective, a teaching scenario serves as the platform for understanding the linguistic barriers and challenges experienced by Latino/a children while in science classrooms. Specific approaches addressing science learning and language development in Latino learners and English language learners are presented. This chapter also considers cultural barriers that may impede Latinos from participating in science and offers a synopsis of challenges science educators face relative to how Latino students experience science as they transition into colleges and science-related majors, highlighting how teachers can facilitate this transition.
Spatial and Temporal Congruence in Physics: A Critical Comparison of the Conceptions of Newton, Riemann, Poincaré, Eddington, Bridgman, Russell, and Whitehead

The metrical comparisons of separate spatial and temporal intervals required for geo-chronometry involve rigid rods and isochronous clocks. Is this involvement of a transported congruence standard to which separate intervals can be referred a matter of the mere ascertainment of an otherwise intrinsic equality or inequality obtaining among these intervals? Or is reference to the congruence standard essential logically to the very existence of these relations?
Endothelial cell CD36 optimizes tissue fatty acid uptake

Movement of circulating fatty acids (FAs) to parenchymal cells requires their transfer across the endothelial cell (EC) barrier. The multiligand receptor cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) facilitates tissue FA uptake and is expressed in ECs and parenchymal cells such as myocytes and adipocytes. Whether tissue uptake of FAs is dependent on EC or parenchymal cell CD36, or both, is unknown. Using a cell-specific deletion approach, we show that EC, but not parenchymal cell, CD36 deletion increased fasting plasma FAs and postprandial triglycerides. EC-Cd36-KO mice had reduced uptake of radiolabeled long-chain FAs into heart, skeletal muscle, and brown adipose tissue; these uptake studies were replicated using [11C]palmitate PET scans. High-fat diet-fed EC-CD36-deficient mice had improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Both EC and cardiomyocyte (CM) deletion of CD36 reduced heart lipid droplet accumulation after fasting, but CM deletion did not affect heart glucose or FA uptake. Expression in the heart of several genes modulating glucose metabolism and insulin action increased with EC-CD36 deletion but decreased with CM deletion. In conclusion, EC CD36 acts as a gatekeeper for parenchymal cell FA uptake, with important downstream effects on glucose utilization and insulin action.
Patience, dynamic of protest, and democratic consolidation

Protests on the street may last weeks or even months. Why do some people join protests against government wrongdoing on day one while others wait weeks to do so? This article suggests that delay discounting—an important personal trait that decides how much people discount the future pay-off—determines when an individual joins a protest. An analysis of the 2007 Ukrainian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey reveals that Ukrainians who discounted the future less were much more likely to join the Orange Revolution right after the electoral irregularities of the 2004 run-off election. Weeks passed as they waited in the snow for the Supreme Court required rerun. In contrast, impatient citizens joined the protest several days after the scandal broke. Additional evidence based on a cross-country survey shows that lower levels of delay discounting help explain the consolidation of democracy over time. This evidence linking delay discounting and political participation supports the concept of self-enforcing democracy and helps us understand the conditions under which a democracy may be in peril.
How long to compliance? Escalating infringement proceedings and the diminishing power of special interests

Previous research has shown that European governments vary in their responsiveness to the demands of special interests benefiting from non-compliance with European Union law. However, what determines intra-member state variation and the persistence of violations? I argue that the political weight of interest groups can explain delays in changes from the non-compliant status quo to policies consistent with European legislation, and long and escalating infringement proceedings are the result of opportunistic governments maximizing political support by providing particularly influential special interests with continued non-compliance. This argument is empirically supported by an analysis of member states’ decisions to comply before infringement cases reach the Court of Justice of the European Union, the time-to-compliance from the initiation of official infringement proceedings, and the number of stages of these proceedings that a case reaches before finally being settled
Frailty, Resilience, and Palliative Care Considerations for those Living with Dementia

Dementia is a chronic life-limiting illness. It has become one of the most dreaded diagnoses in the western world and has even been referred to as the “D word.” Care for those living with dementia has evolved to become more person-centered and person-directed. Frailty is a concept used to describe older adults at risk of multisystem decline. At times frailty has even been conceptualized as the loss of resilience. Resilience is not the opposite of frailty though, and older adults with dementia can be supported to become more resilient even as their illness advances. Support of resilience through care planning represents true person-centered care. Person-centered care is extremely challenging if conversations regarding the goals of care have not occurred. Palliative care focused on alleviating suffering should be considered and implemented in the care plan at the diagnosis of all life-limiting disease. Advanced dementia is a terminal illness and is a time to consider shifting the focus of care to decreasing suffering. This allows support for the person living with dementia and those who care for them.
Info-Gap (IG): Robust Design of a Mechanical Latch

Info-Gap (IG) Decision Theory, introduced in Chap. 5, is used to formulate, and solve, the analysis of robustness in the early design of a mechanical latch. The three components necessary to assess robustness of the latch design (a system model, performance requirement, and representation of uncertainty) are discussed. The robustness analysis indicates that the nominal design can accommodate significant uncertainty before failing to deliver the required performance. The discussion concludes with the assessment of a variant design to show how a decision (“which design should be chosen?”) can be confidently reached despite the presence of significant gaps in knowledge.