cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA expression in response to murine myocardial infarction: miR-21 regulates fibroblast metalloprotease-2 via phosphatase and tensin homologue

Aims MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by either degradation or translational repression of a target mRNA. Encoded in the genome of most eukaryotes, miRNAs have been proposed to regulate specifically up to 90% of human genes through a process known as miRNA-guided RNA silencing. For the first time, we sought to test how myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) changes miR expression. Methods and results Following 2 and 7 h of IR or sham operation, myocardial tissue was collected and subjected to miRNA expression profiling and quantification using a Bioarray system that screens for human-, mice-, rat-, and Ambi-miR. Data mining and differential analyses resulted in 13 miRs that were up-regulated on day 2, 9 miRs that were up-regulated on day 7, and 6 miRs that were down-regulated on day 7 post-IR. Results randomly selected from expression profiling were validated using real-time PCR. Tissue elements laser-captured from the infarct site showed marked induction of miR-21. In situ hybridization studies using locked nucleic acid miR-21-specific probe identified that IR-inducible miR-21 was specifically localized in the infarct region of the IR heart. Immunohistochemistry data show that cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are the major cell type in the infarct zone. Studies with isolated CFs demonstrated that phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) is a direct target of miR-21. Modulation of miR-21 regulated expression of matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) via a PTEN pathway. Finally, we noted a marked decrease in PTEN expression in the infarct zone. This decrease was associated with increased MMP-2 expression in the infarct area. Conclusion This work constitutes the first report describing changes in miR expression in response to IR in the mouse heart, showing that miR-21 regulates MMP-2 expression in CFs of the infarct zone via a PTEN pathway.
Neurologic complications after total shoulder arthroplasty

Three hundred sixty-eight patients underwent 417 total shoulder arthroplasties between 1975 and 1989. Seventeen patients with 18 operated shoulders had a neurologic deficit after surgery. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis were the most common diagnoses. Twelve patients (13 shoulders) had neurologic deficits localized to the brachial plexus; the upper and middle trunks were most commonly affected. Three patients had idiopathic brachial plexopathy. One patient had an exacerbation of preexisting dysesthesias in the lower trunk/medial cord distribution. Another patient had a median neuropathy at the wrist. Four patients had lesions that interfered significantly with shoulder rehabilitation and general activity; six had lesions that temporarily interfered with their scheduled rehabilitation program. All but two of these patients were monitored to a point of maximum improvement. Neurologic recovery at 1 year was graded as good in 11 shoulders and fair in five shoulders. The long deltopectoral approach leaving the deltoid attached to the clavicle and acromion was found to be significant in the development of a postoperative neurologic complication ( p =0.003). Use of methotrexate was also significant ( p p =0.02), with shorter operative times being associated with more neurologic complications. No other statistically significant risk factors were identified. In most cases the presumed mechanism of injury was traction on the plexus occurring during the operation. In most cases the prognosis for neurologic recovery was good. In this series neurologic injury after total shoulder arthroplasty did not interfere with the long-term outcome of the arthroplasty itself.
Modeling stochastic noise in gene regulatory systems

The Master equation is considered the gold standard for modeling the stochastic mechanisms of gene regulation in molecular detail, but it is too complex to solve exactly in most cases, so approximation and simulation methods are essential. However, there is still a lack of consensus about the best way to carry these out. To help clarify the situation, we review Master equation models of gene regulation, theoretical approximations based on an expansion method due to N.G. van Kampen and R. Kubo, and simulation algorithms due to D.T. Gillespie and P. Langevin. Expansion of the Master equation shows that for systems with a single stable steady-state, the stochastic model reduces to a deterministic model in a first-order approximation. Additional theory, also due to van Kampen, describes the asymptotic behavior of multistable systems. To support and illustrate the theory and provide further insight into the complex behavior of multistable systems, we perform a detailed simulation study comparing the various approximation and simulation methods applied to synthetic gene regulatory systems with various qualitative characteristics. The simulation studies show that for large stochastic systems with a single steady-state, deterministic models are quite accurate, since the probability distribution of the solution has a single peak tracking the deterministic trajectory whose variance is inversely proportional to the system size. In multistable stochastic systems, large fluctuations can cause individual trajectories to escape from the domain of attraction of one steady-state and be attracted to another, so the system eventually reaches a multimodal probability distribution in which all stable steady-states are represented proportional to their relative stability. However, since the escape time scales exponentially with system size, this process can take a very long time in large systems.
High-speed test hardware full path measurement using low loss PCB substrate

High-speed Input/Output (I/O) measurements are crucial to ensure good signal integrity performances in High-speed interfaces. Modeling effects enable minimization of the throughput time from design, development and ultimately products to market. However, modeling needs validations to cross check the accuracy. Full path measurement is recommended to validate the performance of components within the channel by cascading them together. This paper introduces the advantages of replacing ceramic surrogate package with a low loss substrate, namely Roger 4350B. Basic concept and measurement setup in Functional/Structural Test and System Test will be explained.
Identification and Immunohistochemical Localization of Protein Precursors to Human Axillary Odors in Apocrine Glands and Secretions

Objectives To determine the cellular localization in male and female axillary tissue for apocrine secretion odor-binding proteins 1 (ASOB1) and 2 (ASOB2) and the electrophoretic pattern of female apocrine proteins and to begin characterization of the ASOB1 protein. Design Immunohistochemical techniques were used with biopsy samples from axillary tissue of male and female subjects. Immunological techniques and microsequencing were used to characterize several of the proteins in male and female apocrine secretions. Setting A university medical center. Participants Healthy male and female volunteers who donated apocrine secretions and/or axillary tissue. Results Specific immunoreactivity was localized only to the apocrine glands in both sexes. Furthermore, only preabsorption with a mixed apocrine secretion sample eliminated all immunoreactivity. The electrophoretic pattern of proteins in female apocrine secretions is similar to that in male secretions. Western blotting of the separated proteins from female samples using serum samples containing antibodies to ASOB1 and ASOB2 yielded identical results to those found with separated proteins from male samples. Partial sequence data obtained from the N -terminus of ASOB1 suggested that it shares homology with the α-chain of apolipoprotein J (Apo J). Apocrine secretion odor-binding protein 1 is not immunologically similar to Apo J, but 2 other apocrine secretion proteins are. Conclusions Male and female subjects appear to have the same glycoprotein carriers for (E)-3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid localized to the apocrine glands. The N -terminal sequence for ASOB1 may be homologous to Apo J, but it is not immunologically similar to it. However, 2 other proteins in the apocrine secretion appear to be the monomer and dimer forms of Apo J.
Implementation and analysis of a partial‐element wetting and drying framework for generalized wave continuity equation‐based hydrodynamic models

SUMMARY The ADCIRC hydrodynamic model has been used extensively to predict the effects of storm surge in coastal regions. In an effort to create a more holistic representation of coastal inundation (i.e., the total water level), some recent applications of ADCIRC have focused on modeling coastal river systems. Initial attempts to model river systems with ADCIRC have encountered complications associated with mass balance (artificial increase in mass in the downstream direction) and model instabilities when flow leaves the main channel, which suggests that complications may be attributed to the current treatment of the wet/dry boundary in CG ADCIRC. A new wetting/drying framework has been developed for, and implemented in, the 1D continuous Galerkin ADCIRC code, which is based on the generalized wave continuity equation (GWCE) formulation of the shallow water equations. The new algorithm allows for the inclusion of partially wet elements within the computational domain of ADCIRC, and the focus of this manuscript is flooding-type wetting/drying processes (e.g., tidal fluctuations and storm surge inundation). The new framework uses a scaling factor, η, placed on the time derivative term in the primitive continuity equation, prior to formulation of the GWCE. Benefits of the new approach include better mass balance and more accurate tracking of the location of the wet/dry interface, compared with the current wetting and drying algorithm.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teaching Diversity: Using a Multifaceted Approach to Engage Students

The traditional format for teaching courses to undergraduate students has long been that of lecture when professors speak and students listen. However, as times have evolved so too have the pedagogical methods in the classroom. In teaching a course on diversity and discrimination in the society, this instructor opted to combine several teaching methods as a means of not only conveying the substantive material to the class but, more importantly, engaging the students at an interactive learning level. By combining traditional lecture with watching/discussing documentaries and incorporating structured student debate, a dynamic learning environment was created. As a result of incorporating the students into every aspect of the class, the students learned from both the instructor and students alike. Thus, the use of this multifaceted approach created a positive and engaging learning environment for the whole class.
On the stability of weakly nonlinear short waves on finite-amplitude long gravity waves

The modulated nonlinear Schrodinger equation (Zhang & Melville 1990), describing the evolution of a weakly nonlinear short-gravity-wave train riding on a longer finite-amplitude gravity-wave train is used to study the stability of steady envelope solutions of the short-wave train. The formulation of the stability problem reduces to the solution of a pair of coupled equations for the disturbance amplitude and (relative) phase. Approximate analytical solutions and numerical solutions show that the conventional sideband (Benjamin-Feir) instability is just the first in a series of resonantly unstable regions which increase in number with increasing perturbation wavenumber. The first of these new instabilities is the result of a quintet resonance between four short waves and one long wave. Subsequent unstable regions correspond to sextet or higher-order resonances. The results presented here suggest that steady envelope solutions for unforced irrotational short waves on longer irrotational gravity waves may be unstable for a wide range of conditions.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for coproantigen detection of Trichuris vulpis in dogs:

Infections with Trichuris vulpis, the canine whipworm, may be challenging to diagnose even though characteristic bipolar eggs are shed by mature worms and may be recovered from feces. Decreased detection sensitivities because of using flotation solutions with specific gravities <1.3 and a lengthy prepatent period can lessen the diagnostician's ability to detect infection. Coproantigen detection in feces is becoming an accepted form of diagnosing parasitic infections and can circumvent some of the factors that affect egg recovery. The development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of whipworm-specific coproantigens in the feces of dogs with experimental and natural T. vulpis infections is reported herein. Whipworm-specific coproantigens were evidenced in feces from experimentally infected dogs using the newly developed ELISA starting as early as day 23 postinfection, while eggs were not detected in feces until day 69. In addition, 1,156 field fecal samples were tested using fecal flotation methods and the newly developed whipworm ELISA. Of these, 27 samples were found by flotation to be whipworm egg positive, while 35 had detectable antigen on the ELISA. Discrepant results were obtained in 12 samples; 2 egg-positive samples tested ELISA negative, and 10 ELISA-positive samples did not contain detectable egg levels. Using the fecal ELISA for the detection of whipworms in dogs should allow for earlier detection of infection, aid the identification of cases in the face of low egg shedding, and increase detection sensitivity as most commercial laboratories are using flotation solutions not optimal for T. vulpis egg detection.
Seismic low-velocity layer at the top of subducting slabs: observations, predictions, and systematics

Abstract Layered structure persists at the tops of subducting plates to depths in excess of 150 km. A low-velocity channel several km thick produces guided seismic guided waves, which indicate that the top of the downgoing plate remains coherent and probably has not eclogitized to >150 km depth. The surrounding medium has seismic velocities 3–6% faster than standard earth models, as inferred from direct travel times, presumably because the waveguide lies atop cold descending lithosphere. However, guided waves travel more slowly. Several tests with full waveform synthetics show that the guided waves can be observed only if excited by sources that lie near or within the low-velocity channel. Thus, the frequent observation of dispersed body waves indicates that intermediate-depth earthquakes tend to lie in waveguides. Also, receivers must be favorably placed. Observations for seven circum-Pacific subduction zones show such signals, which can be explained as low-velocity channels 2–8 km thick. Velocity anomalies within low-velocity channels are largest at shallowest depths, up to 14% slower than surroundings at depths less than 150 km, diminishing to
Effect of prenatal testosterone administration on palmar dermatoglyphic intercore ridge counts of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Dermatoglyphic ridge counts of the prints of 59 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) whose mothers had been treated with injections of testosterone during their pregnancies were studied to determine the effect of the day the hormone began to be administered, the amount of hormone administered, and the number of days of hormone administration upon the dermatoglyphic variation of the offspring. Of the three hormone variables, only the day of beginning administration (STARTDAY) was significantly associated with dermatoglyphic variation, and its positive significance was demonstrated with the ridge counts of Area I on both the left and right hand, Area II of the left hand, and the total ridge counts of both hands. These results are discussed within the context of the timing of the dermatoglyphic window, and the differences in the findings between the monkey and earlier human studies are addressed. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Decay of supercurrents in condensates in optical lattices

In this paper we discuss decay of superfluid currents in boson lattice systems due to quantum tunneling and thermal activation mechanisms. We derive asymptotic expressions for the decay rate near the critical current in two regimes, deep in the superfluid phase and close to the superfluid-Mott insulator transition. The broadening of the transition at the critical current due to these decay mechanisms is more pronounced at lower dimensions. We also find that the crossover temperature below which quantum decay dominates is experimentally accessible in most cases. Finally, we discuss the dynamics of the current decay and point out the difference between low and high currents.
Isolated fractures of the trapezoid as a sports injury

The aim of this work is to describe the radiographic findings of isolated trapezoid fractures and determine the utility of these findings in guiding treatment. A second aim is to heighten awareness of an uncommon sports-related injury that is often radiographically occult because of the lack of primary or overt secondary radiographic findings. A retrospective review of radiology reports at our institution from 2007 to 2010 was performed to identify isolated trapezoid fractures. Two musculoskeletal radiologists and one orthopedic hand surgeon reviewed the patient presentations, images, treatments, and outcomes of the patients’ injuries. This project had institutional review board approval. We describe three patients who presented with isolated sports-related trapezoid fractures. Each patient was successfully treated with activity modification, cast immobilization, and/or surgery based on their specific radiographic findings. Isolated sports-related trapezoid fractures are rare injuries. Only one prior case report in the English literature exists. Treatment success in patients with trapezoid fractures depends upon the degree of activity modification, splint protection, and especially fragment displacement. We report the largest series to date of isolated trapezoid fractures, all of which resulted from sports participation, and we analyze the success of diagnostic and treatment interventions.
Computer-assisted fault-tree construction using a knowledge-based approach

This paper presents a knowledge-based approach to analyzing fault trees of engineering systems. This approach can be used to build a fault tree from a graphical functional block diagram (using reduction for replicated events), to compute minimal cut sets, and to analyze the system for redesign suggestions. An implementation of this approach in a rule-based language is presented. The results are compared with manually prepared reliability reports on an electrical power system and an hydraulic system. The knowledge-based system outperforms the manual procedure in timeliness and accuracy. >
Online Management System: Wielding Web 2.0 Tools to Collaboratively Manage and Track Projects

Â Online social media software, commonly used for interacting with library patrons, can be creatively wielded for communication, supervision and project management within a library department. This paper outlines in detail an innovative online management and communication system created by the Digital Services Department at the University of Houston. The system harnesses a suite of free online collaborative software products and Web 2.0 communication tools. Some advantages of implementing an online management system include: remote workforce management, streamlined management responsibilities and robust capture of project data. The paper includes in-depth descriptions of how the system was created and configured along with lessons learned and suggestions for establishing similar procedures at other institutions.
Size-depth tradeoff for strictly non-blocking generalized-concentrators

The study of interconnection networks is relevant to theoretical computer science in areas such as parallel computations, graph pebbling, oblivious computations for many naturally occurring functions, modeling circuits with limited depth and unbounded fan-in, and implementation on parallel computers of algorithms for sorting. In this paper, we study the size-depth complexity tradeoff for strictly non-blocking generalized-concentrators. Our motivation for studying the size-depth tradeoffs for concentrators and generalized-concentrators derives from considering the gap between the lower and upper size bounds versus depth for connectors and generalized-connectors, in the strictly non-blocking context. Concentrators have been used as basic subnetworks in designing other species of networks such as rearrangeable superconcentrators and generalized concentrators, and wide-sense non-blocking generalized-connectors. These size-depth tradeoffs for concentrators and generalized-concentrators may provide an insight into using these networks as principal components in designing other strictly non-blocking networks. >
Complex karyotype is a stronger predictor than del(17p) for an inferior outcome in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients treated with ibrutinib-based regimens

BACKGROUND Ibrutinib is active in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In patients treated with ibrutinib for R/R CLL, del(17p), identified by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), is associated with inferior progression-free survival despite equivalent initial response rates. Del(17p) is frequently associated with a complex metaphase karyotype (CKT); the prognostic significance of CKT in ibrutinib-treated patients has not been reported. METHODS This study reviewed 88 patients treated for R/R CLL at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with investigational ibrutinib-based regimens from 2010 to 2013. Pretreatment FISH and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated metaphase cytogenetic analysis were performed on bone marrow. RESULTS An adequate pretreatment metaphase karyotype was available for 56 of the 88 patients. The karyotype was complex in 21 of the 56 cases; 17 of the 21 had del(17p) according to FISH. The overall response rate, including partial remission with persistent lymphocytosis, was 94%; 18% had complete responses. In a multivariate analysis (MVA), only CKT was significantly associated with event-free survival (EFS; hazard ratio [HR], 6.6 [95% CI 1.7-25.6]; P = .006). Fludarabine-refractory CLL (HR, 6.9 [95% CI 1.8-27.1], P = .005) and CKT (HR 5.9 [95% CI 1.6-22.2], P = .008) were independently associated with inferior overall survival (OS) in MVA. Del(17p) by FISH was not significantly associated with EFS or OS in MVA. CONCLUSIONS CKT is a powerful predictor of outcomes for ibrutinib-treated patients with R/R CLL and may be a stronger predictor of biological behavior than del(17p) by FISH. Because of their relatively poor outcomes, patients with CKT are ideal candidates for studies of consolidative treatment strategies or novel treatment combinations. Cancer 2015 © 2015 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2015;121:3612–3621. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
SlideDeckFinder: identifying related slide decks based on visual appearance and composition patterns

This paper introduces SlideDeckFinder, a tool integrated into a user's email client enabling the search for similarities between slide decks. The similarity calculations are based on visual correspondence (both from text and images/graphics) as well as slide (re-)composition patterns. The individual slides of different slide decks are first compared by matching their respective visual features extracted from any content such as text and images. The resulting similarity scores between pairs of slides are then the input for calculating the similarity between whole slide decks. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) are used to represent the transformation (in terms of re-arrangements or insertions of new slides) from one slide deck to another, where the state emissions probabilities of the HMM correspond to slide similarity and the transition probabilities represent the likely slide sequence within slide decks. The Viterbi algorithm is finally used to calculate the most likely state sequence (i.e. recomposition pattern) between the slide decks and thus the similarity score. SlideDeckFinder has been evaluated both on its accuracy to compare visual appearance of slides with respect to human perception and its performance to retrieve related slide deck variants.
Delta-I noise in planar structures

Three planar Delta-I noise models are identified and quantified: a first-order system developed from a radial transmission line; a second-order system developed from lumped elements; and internal reflection developed from a uniform transmission line. The proposed technique is derived from a combination of experimental measurements and theoretical analyses in which the Delta-I noise is divided into self, adjacent, and remote components. Emphasis is placed on understanding the underlying physical mechanisms of the Delta-I noise in specific experimental cases Values measured at 1 MHz on printed circuit board structures have yielded the power plane capacitance, signal line capacitance, and signal line inductance values used to calculate and understand the effects of nanosecond and subnanosecond pulses on those structures. >
A Basic Right to Marry: Israeli Style

This article questions the value of the basic right to marry that was recognised by the Israeli Supreme Court in the early 2000s as part of the basic right to human dignity. Since its early days, Israeli law has developed a tradition that has diminished the significance of formal marriage as a way to bypass the religious-based restrictions on marriage in Israel, with the emphasis instead on the idea of functional joint intimate lives.Against this legal background, the article explores the basic right to marry. It discusses and analyses the Supreme Court cases that have recognised a basic right to marry. It then considers several options to help in understanding the meaning of this right, and supports an understanding of the right to marry within a framework of equality, according to which human dignity requires equality in affording official recognition to intimate partnerships. Nonetheless, given the potentially limited effect of a basic right to marry in Israel, the article considers the idea of abolishing legal marriage in Israel altogether. Responding to potential critique by reference to the unique Israeli context, it suggests that such abolition could resolve the continuous conflict between Israel's self-definition as a Jewish state and its self-definition as a democratic state in the context of recognising adult intimate relationships. As presented in this article, constitutional limitations do not stand in the way for the State of Israel to abolish legal marriage.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Utilized Ex Vivo to Validate In Vivo Findings: Inhibition of Gap Junction Activity in Lung Tumor Promotion is Toll-Like Receptor 4-Dependent.

TLR4 protects against lung tumor promotion and pulmonary inflammation in mice. Connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction gene, was increased in Tlr4 wildtype compared to Tlr4-mutant mice in response to promotion, which suggests gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) may be compromised. We hypothesized that the early tumor microenvironment, represented by Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) from Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT; promoter)-treated mice, would produce TLR4-dependent changes in pulmonary epithelium, including dysregulation of GJIC in the Tlr4-mutant (BALBLps-d) compared to the Tlr4-sufficient (BALB; wildtype) mice. BHT (4 weekly doses) was injected ip followed by BALF collection at 24 h. BALF total protein and total macrophages were significantly elevated in BHT-treated BALBLps-d over BALB mice, similar to previous findings. BALF was then utilized in an ex vivo manner to treat C10 cells, a murine alveolar type II cell line, followed by the scrape-load dye transfer assay (GJIC), Cx43 immunostaining, and quantitative RT-PCR (Mcp-1, monocyte chemotactic protein 1). GJIC was markedly reduced in C10 cells treated with BHT-treated BALBLps-d BALF for 4 and 24 h compared to BALB and control BALF from the respective mice (p < 0.05). Mcp-1, a chemokine, was also significantly increased in the BHTtreated BALBLps-d BALF compared to the BALB mice, and Cx43 protein expression in the cell membrane altered. These novel findings suggest signaling from the BALF milieu is involved in GJIC dysregulation associated with promotion and links gap junctions to pulmonary TLR4 protection in a novel ex vivo model that could assist in future potential tumor promoter screening.
Patterns of Overexcitabilities in Identified Gifted Students and their Parents: A Hierarchical Model.

The purpose of this study is to examine the underlying construct of overexcitabilities (OEs) and to identify individual- and family-level factors that may explain gifted students' patterns of OEs. Data are collected from a conve- nience sample of identified gifted students (N = 143) and their parents (N = 161) using a Likert-type questionnaire, the Overexcitabilities Questionnaire II, developed to measure levels of the five intensities of the OEs. Multivariate and uni- variate analyses of variance and hierarchical linear modeling are used to differentiate between gender and age groups and to explain between- and within-group variance on the five subscales of the OEs: Psychomotor, Intellectual, Imaginational, Sensual, and Emotional. Results suggest that there were significant differences between gender and age groups and that most of the variance among students on the OEs was explained by family membership. This study rep- resents an important step in our understanding of affective characteristics of giftedness and creativity. Putting the Research to Use: Dabrowski's overexcitabilities represent a multifaceted lens through which to view the intensities of gifted children. The challenge for researchers and practitioners is to examine these intensities and promote intervention strategies that will enhance students' positive characteristics while teaching them to com- pensate for the negative. To address this challenge, researchers should explore and explain these sensitivities to gifted students, their parents, and their teachers. Those in charge of identifying gifted, talented, and creative students should use the overexcitabilities as an additional tool in a multifaceted and inclusive model of identifica- tion. Furthermore, teachers must be aware that characteristics indicating a learning disability or behavioral disor- der may be characteristics of giftedness manifested through these overexcitabilities. Finally, students and their parents should be assisted in understanding and celebrating students' unique sensitivities and intensities.
Frequency domain E-pulse synthesis and target discrimination

A frequency domain approach to the E -pulse radar target discrimination scheme is introduced. This approach is shown to allow easier interpretation of E -pulse convolutions via the E -pulse spectrum, and leads to a simplified calculation of pulse basis function amplitudes in the E -pulse expansion. Experimental evidence obtained using aircraft models verifies the single-mode discrimination scheme, as well as the aspect-independent nature of the E -pulse technique. This leads to an integrated technique for target discrimination combining the E -pulse with single mode extraction waveforms.
Software use in the workplace: a study of efficiency

Although existing laboratory research shows that software is often used inefficiently, relatively little is known about (a) how efficiently software is used in a real work environment and (b) the factors that influence the efficiency of individual users. The present research consists of an ethnographic investigation of software use in an office setting. The study occurred over a four-week period and consisted of observations, in-depth interviews, and an online survey of employees at a large energy company in Houston, Texas. Employees frequently used their software inefficiently and when they were efficient, were not consistent with their efficient use of software. They tended to approach using and learning software programs differently depending on whether the program was associated with their area of expertise. For those programs associated with their expertise, they were more likely to seek out learning new and more efficient methods of using the software for doing their job. However, for other software they would learn as little about it as possible, even if they spent most of their working day on the latter type of software. Furthermore, employees consistently reported that, regardless of the complexity of the program, they primarily learned to use programs by exploring the interface. Through this exploration, they would learn enough about the program (or would reach a sufficient level of knowledge) to do their job. Any knowledge of alternative features or efficient methods of using these features would subsequently be learned through peers.
Efficient bounds in heuristic search algorithms for stochastic shortest path problems

Fully observable decision-theoretic planning problems are commonly modeled as stochastic shortest path (SSP) problems. For this class of planning problems, heuristic search algorithms (including LAO*, RTDP, and related algorithms), as well as the value iteration algorithm on which they are based, lack an efficient test for convergence to an e-optimal policy (except in the special case of discounting). We introduce a simple and efficient test for convergence that applies to SSP problems with positive action costs. The test can detect whether a policy is proper, that is, whether it achieves the goal state with probability 1. If proper, it gives error bounds that can be used to detect convergence to an e-optimal solution. The convergence test incurs no extra overhead besides computing the Bellman residual, and the performance guarantee it provides substantially improves the utility of this class of planning algorithms.
Association of State Laws and Healthcare Workers’ Influenza Vaccination Rates

State laws are being used to increase healthcare worker (HCW) influenza vaccine uptake. Approximately 40% of states have enacted such laws but their effectiveness has been infrequently studied. Data sources for this study were the 2000-2011 U.S. National Health Interview Survey Adult Sample File and a summary of U.S. state HCW influenza vaccination laws. Hierarchical linear modeling was used for two time periods: 1) 2000-2005 (before enactment of many state laws) and 2) 2006-2011 (a time of increased enactment of state HCW influenza vaccination legislation). During 2000-2005, two states had HCW influenza vaccination laws and HCW influenza vaccination rates averaged 22.5%. In 2006-2011, 19 states had such laws and vaccination rates averaged 50.9% (p < 0.001). The likelihood of HCW vaccination increased with the scope and breadth, measured by a law score. Although laws varied widely in scope and applicability, states with HCW influenza vaccination laws reported higher HCW vaccination rates.
Does Truck Driver Health and Wellness Deserve More Attention

Numerous external costs of logistics exist that can have an indirect impact on business or society. This paper outlines the external cost of truck driver health and how it may have a negative impact on supply chains. As key contributors to logistics and transportation, truck drivers have a substantial impact on the global economy. However, the high demands of their jobs can often lead them to overlook their health and well-being, which can negatively impact drivers, their firms, and supply chains. This is a critical issue that has largely been overlooked in the logistics and transportation literature. The purpose of this paper is to identify the issue and some of its key components in order to induce awareness in the logistics community. It also seeks to motivate future research that may help to alleviate the problems that may arise as a result of unhealthy truck drivers. With a shortage of drivers and a looming capacity crisis already being experienced in many key global economic areas, it is imperative that the drivers that are currently available are able to serve to the best of their abilities.
Foundationalism for Moral Theory

It seems to be generally agreed that a foundationalist view of any area of justified beliefs is the affirmation that there are some (basic) beliefs which are to some degree credible for a person independently of reflection on logical relations to any others of his beliefs, and that any other beliefs of his are justified because of appropriate logical relations to these basic beliefs — thus contrary to the coherentist thesis that beliefs can only be justified by appeal to their relation to other beliefs of a person, independently of whether these other beliefs are themselves independently credible. Thus, for the area of moral beliefs, foundationalism is the view that there is at least a subset of a person's moral beliefs which are either justified independently of logical relations to any other beliefs, or are justified by their logical relations to some other beliefs, either independently credible moral beliefs, or independently credible non-moral ones.I am here restricting ‘ethical’ beliefs to moral beliefs, as distinct from beliefs that something is a good thing or intrinsically good or good for a person.
Optical Vortex Induced Rotation of Silver Nanowires

Optical manipulation of metal nanowires offers the possibility to control the position, orientation, and associated motions of individual nanowires, particularly by utilizing their plasmonic properties. Here, we demonstrate that the orbital angular momentum of photons in Laguerre–Gauss (optical vortex) beams can induce rotation of single silver (Ag) nanowires with lengths of over 10 μm that are lying on (in molecular proximity to) a dielectric surface. We show that the rotation dynamics are governed by plasmonic interactions of the Ag nanowires with linearly polarized light, which yield a sinusoidal optical torque that causes angular acceleration. These results provide important information to understand the angular dependence of plasmonic nanowire–light interactions and extend the repertoire to realize applications in plasmonic lab-on-a-chip systems.
The Innovative Communicator in the Diffusion Process

Both innovativeness and opinion leadership have been extensively investigated in past research. This article profiles the characteristics of “innovative communicators”—consumers who are both innova...
Sedimentary Microfacies of Eogene System Es_3 in North Region and Guangbei Region of Bamianhe Oilfield

Based on core analysis data in coring wells, sedimentary microfacies characteristics and sedimentary modes in Es3 of North Region and Guangbei Region of Bamianhe Oilfield are studied in detail in combination with well logging faci-es analysis. The study shows that Ess is mainly consisted of meandering deltaic sediments of fine particles, which mainly includes fine sandstones, siltstones, vertical sequency presents unnormally-graded. The main growth in Es3 is deltaic frontal parfacies, which includes microfacies of subsea distributary channel, mouth bar , distal bar, sheet sand, bar between branches.
Difficulties and countermeasures of Eliminate the measles

Measles is the world health organization and the world recognized as a third may be eliminate diseases,Therefore,the world according to the measles epidemiological characteristics of natural history and disease,Take the vaccine strategy and epidemic monitoring strategies and so on a series of scientific strategies and measures,In control and elimination of measles has achieved remarkable progress in the work,But due to the measles epidemiological characteristics and clinical characteristics of change,Eliminate the measles process still exist many difficulties.In 2006,measles incidence of some provinces increased.Part of the lower measles incidence continued in recent years has increased,Completed the measles aggrandizement immunity and emergency immunization of district epidemic rebound sharply.At present,the measles outbreaks continue,The measles incidence away from the goal level to eliminate the measles disease.The measles incidence in 1 years old and≥15 years old are increased.We should reduce measles disease in children and adults,strengthen the measles monitoring and floating population administration.
Regulation of insulin secretion by phospholipase C

Biphasic insulin secretion in response to a sustained glucose stimulus occurs when rat or human islets are exposed to high levels of the hexose. A transient burst of hormone secretion is followed by a rising and sustained secretory response that, in the perfused rat pancreas, is 25- to 75-fold greater than prestimulatory insulin release rates. This insulin secretory response is paralleled by a significant five- to sixfold increase in the phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated hydrolysis of islet phosphoinositide (PI) pools by high glucose. In contrast, mouse islets, when stimulated under comparable conditions with high glucose, display a second-phase response that is flat and only slightly (two- to threefold) greater than prestimulatory release rates. The minimal second-phase insulin secretory response to high glucose is accompanied by the minimal activation of PLC in mouse islets as well. However, stimulation of mouse islets with the protein kinase C (PKC) activator tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) or the muscarinic agonist carbachol, which significantly activates an isozyme of PLC distinct from that activated by high glucose, induces a rising and sustained second-phase insulin secretory response. When previously exposed to high glucose, both rat and human islets respond to subsequent restimulation with an amplified insulin secretory response. They display priming, sensitization, or time-dependent potentiation. In contrast, mouse islets primed under similar conditions with high glucose fail to display this amplified insulin secretory response on restimulation. Mouse islets can, however, be primed by brief exposure to either TPA or carbachol. Finally, whereas rat islets are desensitized by chronic exposure to high glucose, mouse islet insulin secretory responses are relatively immune to this adverse effect of the hexose. These and other findings are discussed in relationship to the role being played by agonist-induced increases in the PLC-mediated hydrolysis of islet phosphoinositide pools and the activation of PKC in these species-specific insulin secretory response patterns.
Effect of Filler Particle Shape on Dynamic Fracture Behavior of Glass-Filled Epoxy

The effect of filler shape and filler volume fraction (micron sized rods, flakes and spheres) on dynamic fracture behavior of particulate polymer composites (PPC) is studied. The mode-I dynamic fracture experiments are carried out on pre-notched glass-filled epoxy specimens. An experimental set-up comprised of a long-bar apparatus to deliver one-point impact loading to an unconstrained specimen, is used in conjunction with a gas-gun. A controlled stress pulse is delivered to the specimen by impacting the long-bar by a striker launched using a gas-gun. A crack propagates into the specimen dynamically and is captured using high-speed photography (~300,000 frames per second). Using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method, in-plane displacement fields around the crack tip are determined from the speckle images recorded during the fracture event. With these, dynamic fracture toughness histories are evaluated to examine the filler shape effects. The results show pronounced improvement fracture toughness for all filler types with rod-shaped fillers producing ~145% increase in crack initiation toughness over unfilled epoxy at 15% V f with flakes and spheres showing ~97% and ~67% improvement, respectively.
Deterring America: Crisis and conflict with Iraq and North Korea

We have seen that history is full of surprises; states attack unexpectedly, make rash decisions, and take astounding risks even in the face of military disaster. Such examples reveal the theoretical wrinkles in the assumption of rationality, and thereby raise considerable doubt over the reliability of deterrence itself. It remains to be seen, though, whether adding WMD to the equation will make deterrence a more reliable prospect. In the past, nearly without exception, states have only employed WMD when their opponents lacked a comparable capability, implying that restraint – or deterrence in some sense – would be likely if the potential to cause major destruction was mutual. This has certainly been the case among the world's nuclear powers despite a few harrowing close calls. How well, then, do deterrent threats hold up in asymmetric regional conflicts or crises when both sides possess WMD? While very few cases with such conditions exist, the next two chapters will investigate the United States and its interactions with Iraq and North Korea. Both examples involve a wide range of implicit and explicit WMD threats, as well as efforts by participants to employ brinksmanship tactics in the hopes of gaining an advantage over their opponents. Fortunately WMD were never put to use, notwithstanding multiple failures of deterrence and compellence. I will examine the likely causes of such failures, as well as the equally relevant examples of apparent deterrence success.
Frühzeitige Therapie entscheidet über Prognose

Ein groses Problem bei der Diagnose einer entzundlichen Herzerkrankung ist die haufig unspezifische Symptomatik. Anhand der Beschreibung der einzelnen entzundlichen Herzerkrankungen unter Zuhilfenahme von Fallbeispielen soll Ihr Blick fur die Diagnose des Krankheitsbildes gescharft werden.
Dating of Caves by Cosmogenic Nuclides: Method, Possibilities, and the Siebenhengste Example

Kozmicni žarki povzrocajo nastanek kozmogenih nuklidov na povrsini zemlje in tik pod njo. Za datiranje jamskih sedimentov sta posebej pomembna 10Be in 26Al, ki nastajata v kremenu. Ko je kamen na povrsini in izpostavljen kozmicnemu sevanju, nastajata v stalnem razmerju. Ko ga zanese v podzemlje, se tvorba kozmogenih nuklidov ustavi, nadaljuje pa se njihov radioaktivni razpad. Ker 26 Al razpada hitreje, lahko iz razmerja med njima izracunamo cas, ki je potekel odkar je kremen pod zemljo. Metodo lahko uporabimo na sedimentih, ki so pokopani oziroma v jami med 0.1 in 5 milijoni let. Na ta nacin lahko v idealnih primerih izracunamo hitrost vrezovanja dolin. Z opisano metodo smo dolocili starost najstarejsih delov sistema Siebenhengste v Svici. Najstarejsi sediment je star 4.4 ± 0.6 Ma in nakazuje, da je na tem obmocju potekalo zakrasevanje že v pliocenu. Cosmic rays produce nuclides at and near the Earthʼs surface. 10Be and 26Al in quartz are of particular interest for dating cave sediments. These two nuclides are produced at the surface at a fixed ratio. If the quartz is carried from the surface into a cave, the sediment is shielded from additional cosmogenic nuclide production, and the inherited 10Be and 26Al decay radioactively. Because 26Al decays more rapidly than 10Be, the ratio of these two nuclides indicates the time since the sediment was washed underground. The burial dating method can be applied to sediments in the age range of approximately 0.1 to 5 Ma. In ideal cases, we get information about valley lowering rates. If the provenance of the sediment is known, averaged erosion rates of the source area can be estimated. The oldest cave phases of the Siebenhengste system, Switzerland, were dated using cosmogenic nuclides. The oldest sediment is 4.4 ± 0.6 Ma and thus indicates Pliocene karstification of the Siebenhengste.