cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Co-factors of LIM domains (Clims/Ldb/Nli) regulate corneal homeostasis and maintenance of hair follicle stem cells

The homeostasis of both cornea and hair follicles depends on a constant supply of progeny cells produced by populations of keratin (K) 14-expressing stem cells localized in specific niches. To investigate the potential role of Co-factors of LIM domains (Clims) in epithelial tissues, we generated transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative Clim molecule (DN-Clim) under the control of the K14 promoter. As expected, the K14 promoter directed high level expression of the transgene to the basal cells of cornea and epidermis, as well as the outer root sheath of hair follicles. In corneal epithelium, the transgene expression causes decreased expression of adhesion molecule BP180 and defective hemidesmosomes, leading to detachment of corneal epithelium from the underlying stroma, which in turn causes blisters, wounds and an inflammatory response. After a period of epithelial thinning, the corneal epithelium undergoes differentiation to an epidermis-like structure. The K14-DN-Clim mice also develop progressive hair loss due to dysfunctional hair follicles that fail to generate hair shafts. The number of hair follicle stem cells is decreased by at least 60% in K14-DN-Clim mice, indicating that Clims are required for hair follicle stem cell maintenance. In addition, Clim2 interacts with Lhx2 in vivo, suggesting that Clim2 is an essential co-factor for the LIM homeodomain factor Lhx2, which was previously shown to play a role in hair follicle stem cell maintenance. Together, these data indicate that Clim proteins play important roles in the homeostasis of corneal epithelium and hair follicles.
Examining the expectations of autonomy and human intervention in a multi-robot surveillance task

Robotic systems using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming more practical in military applications. However, current systems utilize a one (or multiple) operator/one UAV interface and are difficult for inexperienced operators to use. In addition, systems that have an autonomy component create issues because operators tend to intervene more frequently if their expectations of the autonomy are not met. In this paper, we examine several approaches for cooperative surveillance using multiple UAVs. Additionally, we elucidate the role of human expectations in a surveillance task using a novel single operator/multiple UAV user interface.
The impact of work-family conflict on correctional staff job satisfaction: An exploratory study

Correctional staff job stress has grown dramatically as a result of the increase in inmate populations, legal interventions, and competing ideologies. A wealth of literature has been published on correctional staff job stress. This literature, however, has failed to address the impact of work-family conflict on correctional staff job satisfaction. A survey, administered to correctional staff at a midwestern prison, reveals that role ambiguity and work-on-family conflict have a significant negative effect on correctional staff job satisfaction, while family-on-work conflict does not. Implications are discussed.
Enhancement of Radiative Recombination in Silicon via Phonon Localization and Selection‐Rule Breaking

Sustained efforts have been made in pursuit of efficient light emission from silicon. This is not an easy endeavor because of silicon’s indirect band structure, which causes radiative recombination to be possible but disfavored as it requires the assistance of phonons with the right momentum to make up for the momentum mismatch between available electrons and holes. However, this so-called phonon-selection rule can be relaxed or broken by crystal-symmetry breaking or phonon localization, which could be generated in lowdimensional silicon nanostructures, or by high defect-center or dislocation concentration in crystalline silicon. Phonon confinement in silicon nanocrystals has been experimentally studied and is now relatively well understood. Recent studies of periodic, uniaxially nanopatterned, crystalline silicon structures on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) have previously shown laserlike characteristics at 1278 nm and cryogenic temperatures; these characteristics were attributed to A-center-mediated phononless recombination. In the present work, high-resolution cross-sectional micro-Raman spectroscopy indicates strong phonon localization in such nanoengineered silicon structures. Photocurrent and photoluminescence spectroscopy have been independently used to demonstrate that such phonon-localization effects also lead to a breaking of the phonon-selection rule in bulk silicon, and to enhanced radiative recombination and light emission at room temperature. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) allows direct observation of regions with high structural-defect densities, which are responsible for phonon localization and crystal-symmetry breaking, located in the surface layer of the nanoengineered silicon. The periodic nanopatterned silicon structure shown in the left inset of Figure 1a was fabricated in 205 nm thick undoped electronic-grade crystalline SOI using a highly uniform selfassembled nanopore array as an etch mask. The anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanopore template was fabricated by a two-step anodization process under conditions described in
Dynamic satellite geodesy

The paper describes operation of the GEOS-3 and Lageos spacecraft launched by NASA as part of the Earth and Ocean Dynamic Program. The investigations conducted by using GEOS-3 include the determination of tracking station coordinates, polar motion, and the use of altimetry in orbit determination. Lageos was designed as a precision target for making geodetic measurements with ground laser systems. Consideration is given to the progress made in the investigation and determination of tidal parameters by means of satellite perturbation methods. Satellite geodetic methods based on the ability to determine precise satellite orbits and orbit determination are outlined. Emphasis is placed on the future studies employing Spaceborne Laser and Global Positioning System concepts.
Coliphage lambda heads as potentially safer cloning vectors

Abstract Plaques form when heads of the defective Escherichia coli bacteriophage, λd gal , that lacks eight phage tail genes are plated with a mixture of sensitive lawn bacteria and purified lambda tails. The heads from a single plaque can be amplified to provide an inoculum suitable for preparing high titer stocks. The experiments suggest that it would be technically possible to use a lambda vector with tail genes deleted for cloning recombinant DNA.
Spatially Distributed Transducers: Part I—Coupled Two-Port Models

A general modeling procedure is developed which views a transducer as a spatially distributed device. The model introduced here uses the theory of connected two-ports to determine the overall transfer matrix and scattering matrix representations. The model is limited to transducers which may be thought of as being comprised of an infinite number of infinitesimal two-port elements, each of which is mechanically independent of the others
A generalized fast multipole approach for Hartree—Fock and density functional computations

Abstract The fast multipole method (FMM) and the cell multipole method (CMM) compute charge—charge interactions in a system of N particles with O (N) scaling. We propose an approach for incorporating CMM or FMM into Hartree—Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We show how the rate limiting computation of the Coulomb term in HF and DFT can be efficiently carried out using a generalized fast multipole algorithm applicable to higher-order point multipoles.
B-12, C-12, and the Red Giants

Alpha-particle emission associated with the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of ${\mathrm{B}}^{12}$ has been detected and the energy spectrum investigated. These studies show that (1.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)% of all decays of ${\mathrm{B}}^{12}$ lead to the second excited state of ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ and that this state breaks up predominantly into three alpha particles with one alpha particle and the ground state of ${\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$ as an intermediate stage in the process. The most probable spin and parity assignments for the state appear to be $J={0}^{+}$, and analysis of the alpha-spectrum yields $Q({\mathrm{C}}^{{12}^{*}}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Be}}^{8}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{He}}^{4})=278\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4$ kev, corresponding to an excitation energy in ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ of 7.653\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.008 Mev. A new determination of the disintegration energy of ${\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$ yields $Q({\mathrm{Be}}^{8}\ensuremath{-}2{\mathrm{He}}^{4})=93.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.9$ kev and hence $Q({\mathrm{C}}^{{12}^{*}}\ensuremath{-}3{\mathrm{He}}^{4})=372\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4$ kev. It is concluded, from the general principle of reversibility of nuclear reactions, that the second excited state of ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ as predicted by Hoyle is of a suitable character to act as a stellar thermal resonance in the Salpeter process, 2${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$\ensuremath{\rightleftharpoons}${\mathrm{Be}}^{8}$; ${\mathrm{Be}}^{8}(\ensuremath{\alpha}, \ensuremath{\gamma}){\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ under conditions expected in red giant stars.
Drug- and chemical-induced methaemoglobinaemia. Clinical features and management.

Methaemoglobin is haemoglobin with the iron oxidised to the ferric (Fe ) state from the normal (or reduced) ferrous (Fe++) state. Methaemoglobinaemia refers to the presence of greater than the normal physiological concentration of 1 to 2% methaemoglobin in erythrocytes. Methaemoglobin is incapable of transporting oxygen. It has an intense dark blue colour; thus, clinical cyanosis becomes apparent at a concentration of about 15%. The symptoms are manifestations of hypoxaemia with increasing concentrations of methaemoglobin. Concentrations in excess of 70% are rare, but are associated with a high incidence of mortality. Methaemoglobinaemia may be congenital but is most often acquired. Congenital methaemoglobinaemia is of two types. The first is haemoglobin M disease (several variants) which is due to the presence of amino acid substitutions in either the alpha or beta chains. The second type is due to a deficiency of the NADH-dependent methaemoglobin reductase enzyme. This deficiency has an autosomal dominant transmission, and both homozygous and heterozygous forms have been reported. The heterozygous form is not normally associated with clinical cyanosis, but such individuals are more susceptible to form methaemoglobin when exposed to inducing agents. A wide variety of chemicals including several drugs, e.g. the antimalarials chloroquine and primaquine, local anaesthetics such as lignocaine, benzocaine and prilocaine, glyceryl trinitrate, sulphonamides and phenacetin, have been reported to induce methaemoglobinaemia. An intense 'chocolate brown' coloured blood and central cyanosis unresponsive to the administration of 100% oxygen suggests the diagnosis. A simple bedside test using a drop of the patient's blood on filter paper helps to confirm the clinical suspicion. Methaemoglobin can be quantitated rapidly by a spectrophotometric method.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Vasopeptidase Inhibition Affords Greater Renoprotection than Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition Alone

The renoprotective efficacy of the vasopeptidase inhibitor omapatrilat (OMA) was compared with that of enalapril (ENA) in male Munich-Wistar rats subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy. ENA and OMA administered beginning on day 2 after surgery were equally effective in normalizing systolic BP (SBP) and preventing glomerulosclerosis (GS) for 12 wk. Micropuncture studies of rats performed using a similar treatment protocol demonstrated greater reduction of glomerular capillary hydraulic pressure with OMA than with ENA, at similar mean arterial pressures. To investigate whether these glomerular hemodynamic differences might be associated with differences in chronic renoprotective efficacy, additional rats were included in a protocol in which treatment was delayed until 4 wk after surgery (after the onset of hypertension and proteinuria) and continued for a longer period. Both treatments normalized SBP, but OMA resulted in more sustained reduction of proteinuria than did ENA. At week 20, OMA- and ENA-treated rats exhibited less GS than did untreated (control) rats at week 12, but only the difference in control versus OMA values was statistically significant [GS scores: control (12 wk), 36 +/- 4%; ENA (20 wk), 22 +/- 6%; OMA (20 wk), 14 +/- 2%]. The remaining ENA-treated rats were euthanized at 32 wk because of rapidly increasing proteinuria, whereas the remaining OMA-treated rats demonstrated a substantially slower increase in proteinuria until euthanasia at 50 wk. At this extremely late time point, OMA-treated rats exhibited GS scores similar to those of ENA-treated rats at 32 wk and control rats at 12 wk [GS scores: ENA (32 wk), 34 +/- 5%; OMA (50 wk), 38 +/- 8%]. It is concluded that, in this model, OMA affords greater long-term renoprotection than ENA when doses are adjusted to yield equivalent control of SBP.
Course of psychiatric symptoms and global cognition in early Parkinson disease

Objective: To evaluate the course and predictors of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and cognition in patients with de novo Parkinson disease (PD). Methods: Cross-sectional study of the cohort of de novo, untreated (at enrollment) patients with PD and healthy controls (HCs) from the Parkinson9s Progression Markers Initiative. Participants have serial assessments of global cognition and symptoms of depression, anxiety, psychosis, impulse control disorders (ICDs), sleep and wakefulness, apathy, and fatigue. Available data up to 24 months of follow-up were included. Results: The available sample size was as follows: baseline (PD = 423, HCs = 196), 12 months (PD = 261, HCs = 145), and 24 months (PD = 96, HCs = 83). Patients with PD experienced more depression, fatigue, apathy, and anxiety than HCs at all time points, and apathy ( p = 0.001) and psychosis ( p = 0.003) increased over time in patients with PD. Approximately two-thirds of patients with PD who screened positive for depression at any given visit were not taking an antidepressant. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment score decreased significantly over time in patients with PD ( p p = 0.009) and excessive daytime sleepiness ( p = 0.03). Conclusion: Multiple NPS are more common in de novo, untreated patients with PD compared with the general population, but they also remain relatively stable in early disease, while global cognition slightly deteriorates. In contrast, initiation of DRT is associated with increasing frequency of several other NPS.
Reprogramming somatic cells without fusion or ethical confusion

Evaluation of: Takahashi K, Yamanaka S: Induction of pluripotent stem cells from mouse embryonic and adult fibroblast cultures by defined factors. Cell 126, 663–676 (2006) [1]. Somatic cell nuclear transfer experiments in the past 10 years demonstrate that mammalian cells can be reprogrammed, since the nucleus of a differentiated somatic cell, when injected into an enucleated oocyte, can, upon transfer to a surrogate mother, give rise to an entire organism. Cell fusion of differentiated cells with mouse and human embryonic stem cells also results in hybrids (although in tetraploids) that have many unique features of pluripotent embryonic stem cells. Furthermore, exposure of somatic cells or nuclei to cell extracts from oocytes or embryonic stem cells can lead to reprogramming to a more multipotent state. While these experiments highlight that nuclear reprogramming is indeed possible through several means, the underlying molecular details and necessary gene expression have not yet been elucidated. In a rec...
Our past as prologue: introduction to the tenth anniversary issue of the Review of International Political Economy

This editorial introduction to the tenth anniversary issue of the Review of International Political Economy places both the birth of RIPE the journal and the critiques that it has spawned of the so-called ‘Washington consensus’ in a longer historical context. We map the emergence of two distinct ‘Washington Consensi’ – one based around GATT/Bretton Woods/Welfare States/and Kenynesian ideas and one based around the WTO/Open Capital Accounts/Hard Currencies and New-Classical Ideas. We argue that RIPE appeared at the moment when this second of these consensi appeared most hegemonic. RIPE’s distinct voice over the last decade reflects this through its critiques of the second Washington consensus and in its pluralistic and critical mode of inquiry. We place the essays that follow into this wider discussion of broad trends in the IPE.
Computational Study of Spin-Torque Oscillator Interactions for Non-Boolean Computing Applications

We present a bottom-up approach for building non-Boolean signal processing devices from coupled spin-torque oscillators (STOs). We use micromagnetic simulations to study frequency-locking properties of electrically connected out-of plane magnetized STOs. After developing and verifying compact models for interacting STOs, we show that the frequency locking of STOs exhibits associative properties. Coupled STO networks therefore may be used as building blocks of non-Boolean pattern matching circuitry.
Risk Factors Linking Maternal Depressed Mood to Growth in Adolescent Substance Use

Maternal depression has been implicated in the development of adolescent substance use. Conceptualizing depression as a continuum, the aims of this study were to (a) understand the relationship between maternal depressed mood and risk factors associated with adolescent substance use; (b) understand the relationship between maternal depressed mood and level and growth in adolescent alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use assessed at multiple time points during adolescence; and (c) examine the unique and relative contribution of maternal depressed mood after taking into account contextual risk factors related to adolescent substance use. Participants were 792 children and their mothers. Latent growth modeling was used with adolescent alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use treated as ordinal variables. Child depressive phenomena and child antisocial behavior partially explained the relationship between maternal depressed mood and adolescent alcohol and cigarette use. Mothers’ own substance use did not contribute to level or change in adolescent substance use after other risk factors were considered.
Improved estimation of the lower percentiles of material properties

Estimating lower percentiles in reliability for medium-density fiberboard is an important issue for manufacturers for better assessing and improving manufacturing processes, plus for guiding better product warranties while seeking lower costs. Since data may be sparse or costly in the lower tails, estimation of these percentiles may be difficult. Bootstrapping provides a helpful solution for interval estimation of lower percentiles when other approaches fail or are not as realistic. This computer intensive resampling technique estimates more accurately the true standard error of any population parameter, not just percentiles. Bootstrapping can be used for parametric models or indeed nonparametric settings when parametric models are not appropriate. This paper shows the usefulness of bootstrap methods to better assess the key quality metric of internal bond (IB or tensile strength) of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) in the critical lower percentiles when data are limited.
The relation between interangle span and in vivo resultant force in the perioral musculature.

The variable nature of the perioral system as a force generator is due, in large part, to differences in the spatial arrangement and degree of muscle representation in this region. This fact requir...
Network management and information dissemination for agrotechnology transfer

The IBSNAT project was organized as a cooperative and collaborative global network of scientists with a wide-array of disciplinary skills and interests. Outputs of the network participants were integrated and synthesized into a single, principal product, DSSAT, a decision support system software that provided a linked, computerized programming framework for crop simulation models, databases, and application programs. Utilization of project products was accomplished through annual training courses established among network participants in the United States and training workshops organized by host-country institutions and organizations at international venues. Information dissemination was accomplished principally through the printed media with technical reports and newsletters.
Effects of ANG II type 1 and 2 receptors on oxidative stress, renal NADPH oxidase, and SOD expression

Oxidative stress accompanies angiotensin (ANG) II infusion, but the role of ANG type 1 vs. type 2 receptors (AT1-R and AT2-R, respectively) is unknown. We infused ANG II subcutaneously in rats for ...
Scenario-based evaluation of loosely-integrated collaborative systems

We applied a scenario-based evaluation and data collection method to a set of loosely-integrated collaborative tools, which were in development. We learned several lessons about the interdependence of scenario development, training constraints, and tool capabilities. Testing a set of tools revealed usability issues we would not have seen by testing each tool in isolation. Our effort was the first to apply the Evaluation Working Group (EWG) methodology (described below) to a set of collaborative tools.
Crosslinking of collagen scaffolds promotes blood and lymphatic vascular stability

The low stiffness of reconstituted collagen hydrogels has limited their use as scaffolds for engineering implantable tissues. Although chemical crosslinking has been used to stiffen collagen and protect it against enzymatic degradation in vivo, it remains unclear how crosslinking alters the vascularization of collagen hydrogels. In this study, we examine how the crosslinking agents genipin and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide alter vascular stability and function in microfluidic type I collagen gels in vitro. Under moderate perfusion (∼10 dyn/cm2 shear stress), tubes of blood endothelial cells (ECs) exhibited indistinguishable stability and barrier function in untreated and crosslinked scaffolds. Surprisingly, under low perfusion (∼5 dyn/cm2 shear stress) or nearly zero transmural pressure, microvessels in crosslinked scaffolds remained stable, while those in untreated gels rapidly delaminated and became poorly perfused. Similarly, tubes of lymphatic ECs under intermittent flow were more stable in crosslinked gels than in untreated ones. These effects correlated well with the degree of mechanical stiffening, as predicted by analysis of fracture energies at the cell–scaffold interface. This work demonstrates that crosslinking of collagen scaffolds does not hinder normal EC physiology; instead, crosslinked scaffolds promote vascular stability. Thus, routine crosslinking of scaffolds may assist in vascularization of engineered tissues. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3186–3195, 2014.
Fine structure of a symbiont-bearing colonial radiolarian, Collosphaera globularis, and 14C isotopic evidence for assimilation of organic substances from its zooxanthellae

Collosphaera globularis Haeckel is a colonial radiolarian consisting of numerous radiolarian cells and their dinoflagellate symbionts enclosed within the translucent wall of a hollow gelatinous spheroid. Each radiolarian cell is surrounded by a finely porous, siliceous shell which segregates the host cell body from the zooxanthellae in the peripheral ectoplasm. A large lipid body occurs in the center of each radiolarian cell and is surrounded by a layer of endoplasm containing numerous nuclei with cord-like strands of chromatin, tubular cristae mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. The zooxanthellae are sequestered in large vacuoles within the rhizopodial network. Positive evidence for host assimilation of photosynthetically derived organic substances is presented and may partially explain the remarkable abundance of these organisms in oligotrophic regions of the ocean.
Counseling and Testing: What Counselors Need to Know About State Laws on Assessment and Testing

This article discusses testing in counseling, the history of psychology’s attempts to restrict access to testing, and the potential impact on thePUBLIC. Counselors are encouraged to obtain appropri...
Probing effects of pressure release on virus capture during virus filtration using confocal microscopy

Virus filtration is used to ensure drug safety in the production of biotherapeutics. Several recent studies have shown a dramatic decrease in virus retention as a result of a process disruption, e.g., a transient pressure release. In this work, a novel two-label fluorescence technique was developed to probe virus capture within virus filtration membranes using confocal microscopy. Experiments were performed with Ultipor® DV20, Viresolve® Pro, and Viresolve® NFP membranes using bacteriophage φx174 as a model virus. The filters were challenged with two batches of fluorescently labeled phage: one labeled with red dye (Cy5) and one with green dye (SYBR Gold) to visualize captured phage from before and after the pressure release. The capture patterns seen in the confocal images were a strong function of the underlying membrane morphology and pore structure. The DV20 and Viresolve® NFP showed migration of previously captured phage further into the filter, consistent with the observed loss of virus retention after the pressure release. In contrast, there was no migration of captured virus in the Viresolve® Pro membranes, and these filters were also the only ones to show stable virus retention after a pressure release. The direct visualization of virus capture using the two-label fluorescence technique provides unique insights into the factors controlling the retention characteristics of virus filters with different pore structure.
Robust connectionist parsing of spoken language

A modular, recurrent connectionist network architecture which learns to robustly perform incremental parsing of complex sentences is presented. From sequential input, one word at a time, the networks learn to do semantic role assignment, noun phrase attachment, and clause structure recognition for sentences with passive constructions and center embedded clauses. The networks make syntactic and semantic predictions at every point in time, and previous predictions are revised as expectations are affirmed or violated with the arrival of new information. The networks induce their own grammar rules for dynamically transforming an input sequence of words into a syntactic/semantic interpretation. These networks generalize and display tolerance to input which has been corrupted in ways common in spoken language. >
Investigations of whisper gallery mirrors for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft X-rays

The authors have examined optical constants and predicted reflectivities of candidate surface coatings for whisper gallery mirrors (WGMs) in the extreme ultraviolet. The spectral regime near 100-150 AA has been identified in the literature as particularly promising due to the high WGM reflectivities of the noble metals in the vicinity of their Cooper minima in this regime. The authors confirm this basic result using newer EUV optical data, and they have sought candidate surface materials which would extend the range over which WGMs may be used to longer wavelengths. It is found that substantial WGM reflectivities are predicted for a variety of elements in the EUV, and that TE peak reflection is larger than TM peak reflection by on the order of 10%; however, most of the elements which do reflect well have surfaces which are vulnerable to oxygen contamination. >
Crisis and Response in Indian-White Relations: 1960-1984

A crisis has emerged in Indian-white relations in the United States since the 1960s. This crisis has been caused by a breakdown in the established structures of white control and aggravated by resurgent white demands for the natural resources found on Indian reservations. The federal government has responded to the crisis by reorganizing the political arena. This paper shows how the federal government has protected non-Indian interests by enhancing the power of tribal governments, thereby accommodating moderate Indian demands while isolating and undermining radical Indian challenges to white control.
The Development of Gendered Interests and Personality Qualities From Middle Childhood Through Adolescence: A Biosocial Analysis

This study charted the development of gendered personality qualities and activity interests from age 7 to age 19 in 364 first- and secondborn siblings from 185 White, middle/working-class families, assessed links between time in gendered social contexts (with mother, father, female peers, and male peers) and gender development, and tested whether changes in testosterone moderated links between time use and gender development. Multilevel models documented that patterns of change varied across dimensions of gender and by sex and birth order and that time in gendered social contexts was generally linked to development of more stereotypical qualities. Associations between time with mother and expressivity and time with father and instrumentality were stronger for youth with slower increases in testosterone.
A tight upper bound on the BER of linear systematic block codes

We present in this letter new upper bounds for linear and systematic block codes. Both perfect and quasi-perfect codes are considered. Numerical results show that our new bounds give much tighter results compared to the classical union-Chernoff bound. In addition, these bounds are more accurate than the leading term approximations especially at low signal-to-noise ratio.
Constructing quasi-linear V̇O2 responses from nonlinear parameters.

Oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics have been shown to be governed by a nonlinear control system across a range of work rates. However, the linearity of the VO2 response to ramp incremental exercise would appear to be the result of a linear control system. This apparent contradiction could represent a balancing of changing VO2 kinetics parameter values across a range of work rates. To test this, six healthy men completed bouts of ramp incremental exercise at 15, 30, and 60 W/min (15R, 30R, 60R, respectively) and four bouts of an extended-step incremental exercise. VO2 parameter values were derived from the step exercise using two monoexponential models: one starting at time zero and encompassing the entire stage (MONO), and the other truncated to the first 5 min and allowing a time delay (5TD). The resulting parameter values were applied to an integrative model to estimate the ramp responses. As work rate increased, gain values increased (P 0.05 for all). We conclude that the apparent linearity of the VO2 response to ramp incremental exercise is consequent to a balancing of increasing time constant and gain parameter values.
Milky Diarrhea and Ascites

Question: A 20-year-old man was referred for increasing abdominal girth. Three years previously, he developed voluminous milky diarrhea and was diagnosed with protein-losing enteropathy. His diarrhea subsequently resolved, but he then developed abdominal distention. An upper endoscopy and colonoscopy performed at another facility were reported to be normal. He had no other significant medical, surgical, or family history. On physical examination, the abdomen was distended with striae and shifting dullness. Nine liters of milky white fluid was removed by paracentesis. Ascitic fluid analysis showed a high nucleated cell count of 611/mL with a predominance of monocytes (58%) and lymphocytes (42%). Total ascitic fluid protein was 3 g/dL with an albumin of 1.8 g/dL and the serum albumin was 2.8 g/dL. Lipid analysis of the peritoneal fluid revealed a triglyceride level of 1692 mg/dL and visible chylomicrons on microscopy. To further evaluate these findings, a computed tomographic (CT) enterography with lymphangiographic contrast was obtained (Figure A).
Glider advancements in efficiency: Enhancing factors necessary for ocean-wide flights

The Slocum Glider is an instrument of efficiency and getting more out of less. When looking at getting the most distance out of a single battery, it is important to consider many different variables. Horizontal speed and flight path planning can both play a part in being able to achieve flight across ocean basins. With the ability to change a glider's velocity, a pilot could determine the quickest speed to fly the glider trans-ocean without depleting the battery. In other words, the pilot could choose the optimal pitch angle for a specific mission. Different pitch angles travel at different speeds while consuming battery power at different rates. One mission may carry great importance on speed rather than energy while another mission would rather go slow-and-steady in order to save as much power possible. Through enabling a pilot to change the speed of a glider through pitch angle, shorter missions can be done much more quickly while longer missions can conserve more energy while flying at a slower pace. Additionally, having a flight path that utilizes the currents in the ocean is a method used today to make gliders run efficiently. Making sure all instruments are reading properly is crucial to being able to navigate these currents. The key to this accurate navigation is a properly calibrated compass. Compass calibration can be complicated and frustrating but new methods of calibration have been able to remove a lot of the error that is associated with the compass. One comparison deals with a calibration of hanging a glider with ropes versus a calibration using a wooden tilt cart. Having the glider travel on the correct course between waypoints can cut miles off the overall trip that may add up and waste battery.
Virtual Network Functions Instantiation on SDN Switches for Policy-Aware Traffic Steering

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) provides the capability to steer traffic in a network to lower the management cost. Network Function Virtualization (NFV) gives the chance to implement network functions at the right time and the right place to increase operation flexibility. Together SDN and NFV show the potential to create an agile system with a low operations cost and a high customer satisfaction. However, the combination of SDN with NFV results in the redundant packet forwarding traffic inside SDN in order to forward packets based on the deployed network functions for a service chain. Besides, it also increase the computation requirement of a controller for possible packet header modifications and flow states management. In this paper, we propose to implement network functions on SDN switches to lower the traffic inside of SDN and the computation requirement of a SDN controller. We create network function modules for open virtual switches and make those functions to be managed by a controller with an algorithm to streamline the implemented service chains. Our results show that the proposed system can reduce about 2/3 of current network traffic compared to the current solutions without the modification of forwarding tables and packets.
Production Planning Support Scheduler in Pulp & Paper Mill

Recently, Plant's operation in Pulp & Paper industry requires various skills, one is to utilize the equipments of the plant efficiently to reduce the cost of production and to manufacture the sufficient quality products, and the other is to establish the manufacturing operation with short period of lead time, that responds quickly to the change of market. The environment for operators has been changing drastically from the conventional way focusing on the product quality to overall optimized control, such as Product Management, Production Planning and Storage Management. In order to fulfill these requirements and accommodate changes operators need to have the capability of establishing production plan which dictate the quantity, quality and schedule of the production. This paper introduces the functions and benefits of using Production Planning Support Scheduler that is useful for the oprators to plan the production at operation When the operators used Production Planning Support Scheduler, the lead time of the production will become shorter and the volume of intermediate materials will be reduced.
Real-Time 6DoF Guidance For of Spacecraft Proximity Maneuvering and Close Approach with a Tumbling Object

This paper deals with the development of a six degree of freedom guidance laws for the 20-state rendezvous model of two spacecraft, one of which is controlled and another considered to be passively tumbling. Solutions that minimize a series of performance indices are obtained for the problem of close approach, up to the point of contact. The method for spacecraft reorientation is developed based on a quaternion parameterization within the frame of the Inverse Dynamics in the Virtual Domain method. This proven approach for rapid trajectory generation exploits the concept of decoupling space and time. The advantages of the new full degreed of freedom guidance generation technique are demonstrated through simulated scenarios that employ two distinct concepts of closed-loop feedback with realistic settings and Monte Carlo simulations to assure algorithm performance while varying initial conditions.
High-yielding Cultivation Technology of Black Sesame of the Upland Red Soil of Jiangxi Province

According to the situation of the long time the low and unsteady yield of the black sesame of the upland red soil,we studied systematically from the variety selection,field plots choice,seed treatment,sowing date,sowing rate,planting pattern,planting density,field managements,harvesting and so on. And finnally proposed a high-yielding cultivation technique rules of the black sesame of the upland red soil.
Lysine-Capped Silica Nanoparticles: A Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy Study

To achieve the goal of biocompatibility in nano-based materials we must first obtain a fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical behavior of biomolecules at the interfaces of nanomaterials. A first step towards understanding protein interactions with nanomaterials is to understand how individual amino acids interact at the interfaces. In this paper, we investigated the lysine adsorption behavior on fumed silica nanoparticles by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. We use 1 H, 13 C and 15 N solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR techniques to elucidate how lysine is adsorbed on silica nanoparticles surfaces via strong hydrogen-bonding interaction between the protonated side-chain amine group and silanol group on silica nanoparticles surfaces. *
Plasma glucagon and free fatty acid responses to a glucose load in the obese spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHROB) model of metabolic syndrome X.

Metabolic Syndrome X is a cluster of abnormalities including insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. We sought to determine if excess plasma glucagon and free fatty acids (FFA) might contribute to the insulin resistance in the obese spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHROB), a unique animal model of leptin resistance and metabolic Syndrome X. SHROB were extremely hyperinsulinemic and mildly glucose intolerant compared with lean SHR. SHROB had elevated fasting plasma glucagon and FFA, and showed paradoxical responses to an oral glucose challenge, with increased glucagon at 30 and 60 min postchallenge (200% ± 45% and 91% ± 13%, respectively; n = 9). In lean SHR, glucagon was nearly unchanged by glucose loading ( 0.05; n = 5). Plasma FFA were not affected by a glucose load in SHROB, whereas SHR showed a decrease of 40% ± 6% (n = 5–9). The I/G molar ratio changed in opposite directions in the two genotypes, with a decrease in SHROB at 30 and 60 min, in contrast to the appro...
Is the Currently Used Prescription Adjudication Date a Good Proxy for Calculating Medication Refill Adherence

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) adopted the proportion of days covered (PDC) calculation for use in their Five-Star Quality Rating System for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. This calculation uses the prescription adjudication date (i.e., date the prescription is billed to the benefits manager by a pharmacy) as a proxy for medication adherence. Adherence programs, such as automatic refill programs, have become commonplace in community pharmacy and have been identified by industry leaders as interfering with the ability to accurately measure adherence using PDC. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prescription pickup date instead of the currently used adjudication date to calculate PDC in the presence of a community pharmacy automatic refill program. METHODS: This study used a post-only quasi-experimental design with patients aged 65 years or older enrolled in automatic and manual refill programs in a 29-store community pharmacy chain during 2014. PDC was calculated usi...
Decellularized bone matrix grafts for calvaria regeneration

Decellularization is a promising new method to prepare natural matrices for tissue regeneration. Successful decellularization has been reported using various tissues including skin, tendon, and cartilage, though studies using hard tissue such as bone are lacking. In this study, we aimed to define the optimal experimental parameters to decellularize natural bone matrix using 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate and 0.1% NH4OH. Then, the effects of decellularized bone matrix on rat mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, osteogenic gene expression, and osteogenic differentiations in a two-dimensional culture system were investigated. Decellularized bone was also evaluated with regard to cytotoxicity, biochemical, and mechanical characteristics in vitro. Evidence of complete decellularization was shown through hematoxylin and eosin staining and DNA measurements. Decellularized bone matrix displayed a cytocompatible property, conserved structure, mechanical strength, and mineral content comparable to natural bone. To stu...
The comparison of humeral intraosseous and intravenous administration of vasopressin on return of spontaneous circulation and pharmacokinetics in a hypovolemic cardiac arrest swine model.

Introduction: The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends intravenous (IV) or intraosseous (IO) vasopressin in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Obtaining IV access in hypovolemic cardiac arrest patients can be difficult, and IO access is often obtained in these life threatening situations. No studies have been conducted to determine the effects of humeral IO (HIO) access with vasopressin in the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Our study compared the kinetics of vasopressin and ROSC with HIO with IV access in the hypovolemic swine model. Methods: Twenty-two Yorkshire swine were divided into three groups: HIO (n = 7), IV (n = 8), and a control group (n = 7). The IV and HIO group received vasopressin and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while the control group received only CPR. All subjects were exsanguinated 31 percent of their blood volume, placed in cardiac arrest, and resuscitated per ACLS. Subjects that achieved ROSC were then monitored for 20 minutes. Blood samples (10 mL) collected at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 minutes after vasopressin injection and analyzed for maximum concentration (Cmax) and time to maximum concentration (Tmax). Data were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and a Fisher's Exact Test. Results: ROSC was achieved in every subject that received vasopressin via the HIO route. Data analysis using a MANOVA pairwise comparison revealed no difference between mean Cmax (p = 0.601) and Tmax (p = 0.771) of vasopressin administered IV versus HIO routes. Analysis of the mean serum concentrations at time intervals using a repeated measures analysis of variance found no difference (p > 0.05). A Fisher's Exact Test revealed no difference in rate of ROSC between HIO and IV groups (p > 0.05). Odds ratio determined that there was a 33 times higher chance of survival among HIO subjects versus control (CPR and Defibrillation; p = 0.03) and no difference in the survivability of the HIO or IV groups (p = 0.52). Conclusion: The data from this study strongly suggest that there is no significant difference in ROSC, time to ROSC, hemodynamics, or pharmacokinetics between HIO vasopressin and IV vasopressin. This research reinforces current AHA guidelines recommending the use of HIO route early over delaying care awaiting IV access.
Application of a micro-aerosolized disinfectant to clear Mycoplasma gallisepticum from contaminated facilities

SUMMAR Infectious agents and their associated diseases can be significant barriers in the production of poultry and zoonotic agents associated with poultry flocks can ultimately endanger consumers. To this end, poultry producers employ a variety of strategies to minimize associated risks. Disinfectants are widely utilized in the poultry industry to limit encounters with avian pathogens and zoonotic agents. These disinfectants are readily applied by a variety of means to both equipment and facilities to reduce pathogenic populations and minimize their associated risk. While a variety of disinfectants and application means are currently available, the search for more efficacious products and technologies continues. Recently, technology has been developed that may be applicable to the poultry industry for pathogen reduction. The NebuPure™ disinfecting system was developed as a means to decontaminate facilities harboring human pathogens. The system utilizes a novel dispersal unit to suspend an electrochemically activated solution in enclosed facilities and allows for largely automated decontamination. To test the NebuPure™ disinfecting system for poultry-related applications, a research facility was seeded with plate cultures of the avian respiratory pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). The facility was then treated with the NebuPure™ disinfecting system with exposure times of 1 or 4 h. Following incubation, no growth was observed among exposed plates, while control plates were 100% positive for MG. The research demonstrates the efficacy of the NebuPure™ disinfecting system for disinfecting MG-contaminated facilities and indicates that the system may be used against other poultry-associated pathogens.
Sneaking up on the Hard Problem of consciousness

We discuss several aspects of consciousness — the Easy Problem, the Intentionality Problem, and the Hard Problem — from the pragmatic perspective of artificial intelligence and robotics. Our computational approach is driven by the enormous information content of the sensory stream, and the properties of methods by which an agent may cope with its