cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Labelled-replica techniques: post-shadow labelling of intramembrane particles in freeze-fracture replicas.

SUMMARY Three methods are described for direct post-fracture, post-shadow labelling of individual classes of intramembrane particles (IMPs) in freeze-fracture replicas of biological membranes. The P-face IMPs corresponding to the acetylcholine receptor complexes (AChRs) of vertebrate neuroeffector junctions are identified by post-replication labelling with ferritin-antibody complexes and with neurotoxin-biotin-avidin-colloidal gold affinity ligands. (The freeze-etch nomenclature of Branton et al., 1975, is used in this report.) These post-shadow labelling techniques resemble conventional en bloc labelling techniques except that the labelling reagents must penetrate a thin but discontinuous layer of platinum superimposed on the molecules of interest. In the ‘sectioned labelled-replica technique’, the replicated and labelled tissues are stained, embedded in plastic and sectioned parallel to the replica-tissue interfaces. In the direct ‘labelled-replica techniques’, the replicated and labelled samples are freeze-dried or critical point dried, the labelled surfaces are stabilized by carbon coating, and the underlying tissues are dissolved, allowing the labelled-replicas to be examined as conventional freeze-fracture replicas. The unshadowed side of each AChR IMP is shown to retain sufficient biochemical information to permit both immunospecific and neurotoxin specific labelling despite formaldehyde fixation, freezing, fracturing, platinum shadowing, and thawing in aqueous media. A new mixed ferricyanide-osmium staining method reveals electron opaque structures spanning the membrane bilayer in the same size, number and distribution as the labelled IMPs. These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of identifying individual IMPs in freeze-fracture replicas and may allow the identification of specific membrane lesions in human disease.
Geochemical evidence for African dust inputs to soils of western Atlantic islands: Barbados, the Bahamas, and Florida

[1] We studied soils on high-purity limestones of Quaternary age on the western Atlantic Ocean islands of Barbados, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas. Potential soil parent materials in this region, external to the carbonate substrate, include volcanic ash from the island of St. Vincent (near Barbados), volcanic ash from the islands of Dominica and St. Lucia (somewhat farther from Barbados), the fine-grained component of distal loess from the lower Mississippi River Valley, and wind-transported dust from Africa. These four parent materials can be differentiated using trace elements (Sc, Cr, Th, and Zr) and rare earth elements that have minimal mobility in the soil-forming environment. Barbados soils have compositions that indicate a complex derivation. Volcanic ash from the island of St. Vincent appears to have been the most important influence, but African dust is a significant contributor, and even Mississippi River valley loess may be a very minor contributor to Barbados soils. Soils on the Florida Keys and islands in the Bahamas appear to have developed mostly from African dust, but Mississippi River valley loess may be a significant contributor. Our results indicate that inputs of African dust are more important to the genesis of soils on islands in the western Atlantic Ocean than previously supposed. We hypothesize that African dust may also be a major contributor to soils on other islands of the Caribbean and to soils in northern South America, central America, Mexico, and the southeastern United States. Dust inputs to subtropical and tropical soils in this region increase both nutrient-holding capacity and nutrient status and thus may be critical in sustaining vegetation.
A Revision of the Philoliche aethiopica Species Complex (Diptera: Tabanidae)

ABSTRACT The Philoliche aethiopica (Thunberg) species complex has a history of being taxonomically difficult. This group of pollinating flies is of particular interest to botanists and pollination biologists. This paper reviews its taxonomy and redescribes its species with the aid of new morphological and molecular data. Molecular evidence supports the group's monophyly, with two sister-clades, the “aethiopica” clade (= P. aethiopica) and the “rondani” clade (= P. elegans (Bigot), P. rondani (Bertoloni, P. rubiginosa Dias, and P. umbratipennis (Ricardo) stat. rev.). These clades correspond to two species groups defined by male morphology (“aethiopica” group = P. aethiopica and P. formosa (Austen); “rondani” group = P. elegans, P. rondani, P. rubiginosa, and P. umbratipennis stat. rev.). Molecular evidence also reveals a new character, the index of frons divergence, which is diagnostic for the two clades, and is thus a tool for separating previously indistinguishable females of P. aethiopica from P. rondan...
High-performance p-channel poly-Si TFT's using electron cyclotron resonance hydrogen plasma passivation

This letter presents a summary of the first detailed investigation of electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) hydrogen plasma exposure treatments of p-channel poly-Si thin film transistors (TFT's). It is shown that ECR hydrogenation can be much more efficient than RF hydrogenation. Poly-Si p-channel TFT's fabricated at low temperatures (/spl les/625/spl deg/C) and passivated with the ECR hydrogenation treatment are shown to exhibit ON/OFF current ratios of 7.6/spl times/10/sup 7/, subthreshold swings of 0.62 V/decade, threshold voltages of -4.6 V, and hole mobilities over 18 cm/sup 2//V.s. >
A review of fetal ECG detection and enhancement methodologies

This paper presents a review of fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) detection and enhancement methodologies developed since 1960. The methods discussed include the subtraction, correlation, orthogonal basis, adaptive filtering and linear combination techniques. Subtraction is the oldest and most straightforward approach. It involves the direct subtraction of a near-thoracic maternal ECG from an abdominally-measured composite of maternal and fetal heart signals. Correlation is used for detection rather than enhancement. Other methods exist which make this technique obsolete. The most current methods for FECG detection and enhancement are the orthogonal basis, adaptive filtering and linear combination methods. These techniques were developed with the idea of producing a scheme which would allow greater flexibility in electrode positioning. An overview is given of the adaptive filter technique and the orthogonal basis methods. Finally, a method using a linear combination of electrodes to enhance FECG signals is discussed. >
Long-term follow-up of a 10-month programme in curriculum development for medical educators: a cohort study.

CONTEXT There is an ongoing need for curriculum development (CD) in medical education. However, only a minority of medical teaching institutions provide faculty development in CD. This study evaluates the long-term impact of a longitudinal programme in curriculum development. METHODS We surveyed eight cohorts of participants (n = 64) and non-participants (n = 64) from 1988 to 1996 at baseline and at 6-13 years after completion of a 10-month, one half-day per week programme offered annually, which included a mentored CD project, workshops on CD steps, a final paper and a presentation. RESULTS Fifty-eight participants (91%) and 50 non-participants (78%) returned completed follow-up surveys. In analyses, controlling for background characteristics and baseline self-rated proficiencies, participants were more likely than non-participants at follow-up to report having developed and implemented curricula in the past 5 years (65.5% versus 43.7%; odds ratio [OR] 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-5.66), to report having performed needs assessment when planning a curriculum (86.1% versus 58.8%; OR 5.59, 95% CI 1.20-25.92), and to rate themselves highly in developing (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.36-9.39), implementing (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.16-7.93) and evaluating (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.10-6.84) curricula. At follow-up, 86.2% of participants reported that the CD programme had made a moderate or great impact on their professional careers. Responses to an open-ended question on the impact confirmed continued involvement in CD work, confidence in CD skills, application of CD skills and knowledge beyond CD, improved time management, and lasting relationships formed because of the programme. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that a longitudinal faculty development programme that engages and supports faculty in real CD work can have long-lasting impact.
Architecting in software ecosystems: interface translucence as an enabler for scalable collaboration

Software ecosystems are emerging as an alternative approach for the development of complex software systems. The potentially transformational benefits of software ecosystems stems, primarily, from two basic principles that software ecosystems have embraced: transparency, a pillar in open source development, and modular system design. Despite the benefits associated with transparency and modularity, there are also important challenges that deserve attention. In this paper, we introduce the concept of interface translucence as an architectural mechanism that seeks to overcome challenges faced by transparency and modular system design. Interface translucence leverages the important technical role that interfaces play in software architectures to bridge the technical and socio-organizational dimensions of software development in ecosystems. We present an application of the concept of interface translucence in the context of architecting a software system as well as in the context of implementing it. We conclude with a discussion of future research work.
Responses of a soil bacterium, Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 to commercial metal oxide nanoparticles compared with responses to metal ions.

The toxicity of commercially-available CuO and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) to pathogenic bacteria was compared for a beneficial rhizosphere isolate, Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6. The NPs aggregated, released ions to different extents under the conditions used for bacterial exposure, and associated with bacterial cell surface. Bacterial surface charge was neutralized by NPs, dependent on pH. The CuO NPs were more toxic than the ZnO NPs. The negative surface charge on colloids of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) was reduced by Cu ions but not by CuO NPs; the EPS protected cells from CuO NPs-toxicity. CuO NPs-toxicity was eliminated by a Cu ion chelator, suggesting that ion release was involved. Neither NPs released alkaline phosphatase from the cells’ periplasm, indicating minimal outer membrane damage. Accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species was correlated with CuO NPs lethality. Environmental deposition of NPs could create niches for ion release, with impacts on susceptible soil microbes.
High-resolution ultrahigh-field MRI of stroke.

Abstract Background Ultrahigh-field MRI at 8 T offers unprecedented resolution for imaging brain structures and microvasculature. Objective The aim of this study is to apply high-resolution MRI for stroke imaging and to characterize findings at 1.5 and 8 T. Methods Seventeen subjects with minor ischemic infarcts were studied using T2-weighted gradient echo (GE) and rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) images at 8 T with resolution up to 200 μm. In 10 subjects, T1- and T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images were also acquired at 1.5-T MRI. Results The 8-T images showed infarcts as sharply demarcated areas of high-signal intensity (n=21) and revealed more infarctions than 1.5-T images (n=14) (P Conclusions Ultrahigh-field MRI at 8 T is feasible for stroke imaging. The 8-T MRI visualized infarcts and microvasculature with high resolution, revealing infarcts and vascular pathologies that were not apparent at 1.5 T.
Hospital Charges for Pediatric Heart Failure-Related Hospitalizations from 2000 to 2009

Scarce data exist regarding costs of pediatric heart failure-related hospitalizations (HFRH) or how costs have changed over time. Pediatric HFRH costs, due to advances in management, will have increased significantly over time. A retrospective analysis of Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database was performed on all pediatric HFRH. Inflation-adjusted charges are used as a proxy for cost. There were a total of 33,189 HFRH captured from 2000 to 2009. Median charges per HFRH rose from $35,079 in 2000 to $72,087 in 2009 (p < 0.0001). The greatest median charges were incurred in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation ($442,134 vs $53,998) or ventricular assist devices ($462,647 vs $55,151). Comorbidities, including sepsis ($207,511 vs $48,995), renal failure ($180,624 vs $52,812), stroke ($198,260 vs $54,974) and respiratory failure ($146,200 vs $48,797), were associated with greater charges (p < 0.0001). Comorbidities and use of mechanical support increased over time. After adjusting for these factors, later year remained associated with greater median charges per HFRH (p < 0.0001). From 2000 to 2009, there has been an almost twofold increase in pediatric HFRH charges, after adjustment for inflation. Although comorbidities and use of mechanical support account for some of this increase, later year remained independently associated with greater charges. Further study is needed to understand potential factors driving these higher costs over time and to identify more cost-effective therapies in this population.
Individual Claims-making in the Terri Schiavo Case:

This article uses unique data to explore individual claims-making on the Terri Schiavo case. We analyze 2,509 e-mails sent to Jeb Bush and 1,182 newspaper stories about the Schiavo case to assess h...
Relationship of Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera : Thripidae) population density and feeding injury to the frequency of insecticide applications to gloxinia

Abamectin, chlorpyrifos, and cyfluthrin applied at 5, 10, or 15 d intervals reduced feeding injury to gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa Benth & Hook) flower from western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande). Less than 9 mm2 of feeding injury per flower sample was found on flowers from all insecticide treatments compared with 74 mm2 on control flowers. Five- and 10-d intervals between applications of abamectin and chlorpyrifos and 5-d intervals between applications of cyfluthrin held thrips flower injury to a tolerable level. For abamectin and cyfluthrin, the number of thrips per flower and the amount of thrips injury to flowers decreased as the length of time between applications decreased. The frequency of chlorpyrifos application did not correlate well with thrips populations. The amount of flower injury attributable to insecticide phytotoxicity increased as the interval between application decreased ( r 2 = 0.79-0.86), and approached unacceptable levels (>4.0% of petal tissue necrotic) at 10-d intervals for chlorpyrifos, and at 5-day intervals for abamectin, cyfluthrin, and chlorpyrifos.
Driver Attitudes, Beliefs and Reported Behavior Associated with Sharing Public Roads with Farm Vehicles:

In previous research, farmers identified farm-vehicle public-road crashes as their top safety concern. In addition, they indicated other drivers' lack of respect as a major safety problem. One purpose of this research was to identify non-farm vehicle driver attitudes, beliefs and self-reported driving behaviors that are associated with disrespectful public road behavior toward farm vehicles. A second purpose was to examine the relationship between non-farm vehicle driver attitudes, beliefs and behaviors and how they interpret farm vehicle driver hand signals. Pearson correlations (n = 267) assisted in categorizing non-farm vehicle drivers into low-, medium-, and high-risk driver profiles. Drivers growing up on or near a farm significantly more strongly interpreted a description of a farm vehicle driver's hand signal to indicate a left turn. Responses of drivers not growing up on or near a farm were more variable. Implications for preventing disrespectful driver behavior and avoiding incorrect interpretati...
Analysis of the main virulence genes of Yersinia enterocolitica in Nanjing city

To understand the distribution of virulence genes in Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from various origins in Nanjing city,PCR-based assay was developed to detect the plasmids and chromosone-borne virulence genes of Y.enterolitica.The results of PCR detection were based on 5 virulence-associated genes from 122 strains of Y.enterocolitica.In case of the serotypes concerned,the gene distribution character of 7 out of 9 isolated strains of Y.ersinia sero-type O:3 appeared to be ail+,ystA+,ystB-,virF+,yadA+.While,in case of biotypes concerned,the gene distribution character of 3 out of 12 pathogenic biotypes appeared just the same as those described above and all the pathogenic biotypes contained the virulence gene located on chromosome,i.e.ail gene which showed marked correlation with pathogenic biotypes.
Ultrafine particle size as a tracer for aircraft turbine emissions.

Abstract Ultrafine particle number (UFPN) and size distributions, black carbon, and nitrogen dioxide concentrations were measured downwind of two of the busiest airports in the world, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL – Atlanta, GA) using a mobile monitoring platform. Transects were located between 5 km and 10 km from the ATL and LAX airports. In addition, measurements were taken at 43 additional urban neighborhood locations in each city and on freeways. We found a 3–5 fold increase in UFPN concentrations in transects under the landing approach path to both airports relative to surrounding urban areas with similar ground traffic characteristics. The latter UFPN concentrations measured were distinct in size distributional properties from both freeways and across urban neighborhoods, clearly indicating different sources. Elevated concentrations of Black Carbon (BC) and NO 2 were also observed on airport transects, and the corresponding pattern of elevated BC was consistent with the observed excess UFPN concentrations relative to other urban locations.
Coupled oil analysis trending and life-cycle cost analysis for vessel oil-change interval decisions

ABSTRACTExtending lube oil-drain intervals is a practical way to save money on engine operating costs. At the same time, there may be increased risk of engine damage with increased drain intervals. The risks and benefits can be difficult to weigh and, as a result, starting an oil-drain interval extension programme can be an intimidating endeavour. This paper combines oil-analysis programme data interpretation and life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) into a methodology for weighing oil-drain interval options. LCCA has shown decreasing incremental cost savings as oil-drain intervals are further extended, indicating that highly extended drain intervals may not be necessary to reap the majority of available cost benefits. Using oil-analysis property trending with life-cycle cost savings can allow an engine operator to set an hours-based extended drain interval based on projected risks and benefits. This interval is set as the baseline under the protocol, but continual oil analysis is used as a precaution to protec...
BarTeL, a Genetically Versatile, Bioluminescent and Granule Neuron Precursor-Targeted Mouse Model for Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastomas are the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor and have been divided into four major molecular subgroups. Animal models that mimic the principal molecular aberrations of these subgroups will be important tools for preclinical studies and allow greater understanding of medulloblastoma biology. We report a new transgenic model of medulloblastoma that possesses a unique combination of desirable characteristics including, among others, the ability to incorporate multiple and variable genes of choice and to produce bioluminescent tumors from a limited number of somatic cells within a normal cellular environment. This model, termed BarTeL, utilizes a Barhl1 homeobox gene promoter to target expression of a bicistronic transgene encoding both the avian retroviral receptor TVA and an eGFP-Luciferase fusion protein to neonatal cerebellar granule neuron precursor (cGNP) cells, which are cells of origin for the sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup of human medulloblastomas. The Barhl1 promoter-driven transgene is expressed strongly in mammalian cGNPs and weakly or not at all in mature granule neurons. We efficiently induced bioluminescent medulloblastomas expressing eGFP-luciferase in BarTeL mice by infection of a limited number of somatic cGNPs with avian retroviral vectors encoding the active N-terminal fragment of SHH and a stabilized MYCN mutant. Detection and quantification of the increasing bioluminescence of growing tumors in young BarTeL mice was facilitated by the declining bioluminescence of their uninfected maturing cGNPs. Inclusion of eGFP in the transgene allowed enriched sorting of cGNPs from neonatal cerebella. Use of a single bicistronic avian vector simultaneously expressing both Shh and Mycn oncogenes increased the medulloblastoma incidence and aggressiveness compared to mixed virus infections. Bioluminescent tumors could also be produced by ex vivo transduction of neonatal BarTeL cerebellar cells by avian retroviruses and subsequent implantation into nontransgenic cerebella. Thus, BarTeL mice provide a versatile model with opportunities for use in medulloblastoma biology and therapeutics.
Disclosure, Transaction Costs and Investor Clienteles

Theoretical and empirical research suggests that firms can reduce their cost of capital by providing more informative disclosures about the value of their securities. We provide convergent evidence on this issue by demonstrating that improved disclosure reduces cost of capital in a controlled laboratory environment in which we can more accurately measure disclosure quality, the cost of capital and transaction costs. We also find that, as suggested by Amihud and Mendelson (1986, 1989), disclosure has greater benefits when the firm's investor clientele has a short trading horizon, primarily because short-horizon investors place a greater value on the improved liquidity and lower transaction costs associated with higher quality disclosures.
Actuation of Elastomeric Micro Devices via Capillary Forces

Elastomeric materials offer many benefits to MEMS, including smaller device footprints, greater range of motion, and lower required actuation forces. Capillary forces are a novel and promising mechanism to produce motion in the flexible components of microdevices that contain them. Through the phenomenon of electrowetting these forces can be actively controlled, offering a unique capability to achieve large motions with small voltages. The theory and application of this technology is reviewed herein. Experimental results are also presented illustrating the significant potential of the approach for a wide array of applications.
Doping of Ga 2 O 3 with transition metals

We explore the viability of using transition-metal impurities as $n$-type dopants in $\ensuremath{\beta}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, focusing on W, Mo, Re, and Nb. Our first-principles calculations show that these impurities can incorporate on both crystallographically inequivalent Ga sites, with the octahedrally coordinated sites being preferred. Mo and Re behave as deep donors. Tungsten on a tetrahedral site is a shallow donor, but unfortunately W on an octahedral site is much lower in energy. Niobium emerges as the best candidate for $n$-type doping: It has a low formation energy, is a shallow donor on the tetrahedral site, and has only a modest ionization energy (0.15 eV) on the octahedral site.
An empirical study of population-based metaheuristics for the multiple-choice multidimensional knapsack problem

In this paper, we study the performance of five population-based metaheuristics to solve a large 393 number of comprehensive problem instances from the literature for the important NP-Hard multiple choice multidimensional knapsack problem MMKP. The five metaheuristics are: teaching-learning-based optimisation TLBO, artificial bee colony ABC, genetic algorithm GA, criss-cross optimisation algorithm COA, and binary bat algorithm BBA. All five of these metaheuristics are similar in that they transform a population of solutions in an effort to improve the solutions in the population and they are all implemented in a straightforward manner. Statistically over all 393 problem instances, we show that COA, GA, and TLBO give similar results which are better than other published solution approaches for the MMKP. However, if we incorporate a simple neighbourhood search into each of these five metaheuristics, in addition to improved solution quality, there is now no statistically significant difference among the results for these five metaheuristics.
A brief survey on multispectral iris recognition

In this survey, we report the current state of the art of multispectral iris recognition methods. We discuss the existing multispectral iris recognition schemes in the contexts of image acquisition, iris segmentation, texture analysis, matching, and performance evaluation. Other important research includes experimental evaluations, image databases, applications and systems, spectral ranges, and multispectral fusion that may affect the multispectral iris recognition.
Prospects of laser welding technology in the automotive industry: A review

Abstract The prospects for the use of lightweight materials (aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, and titanium alloys) in high volume vehicle manufacturing are discussed. Laser welding of galvanized steel is compared to resistance spot welding of galvanized steel, along with ongoing efforts to improve the quality of laser welding of galvanized steel by altering the weld configuration, changing the element composition, utilizing a pulse laser, and removing the zinc coating. The feasibility of implementing these techniques in the industrial setup is discussed. Microstructure changes and defects encountered during laser welding of these materials are described, and mechanical properties of welds such as hardness, shear and tensile strength are analyzed.
Phase Offsets in the Critical-Current Oscillations of Josephson Junctions Based on Ni and Ni-(Ni 8 1 Fe 19 )x Nb y Barriers

Superconducting and magnetic materials can be used together to access the spintronic aspects of the superconducting order. By inserting either a magnetic or nonmagnetic alloy layer into ferromagnetic Josephson junctions, the authors reveal a qualitative change in the characteristics of critical-current oscillation that is not explained by conventional theory. Their observations indicate that superconducting memory based on a spin valve cannot be properly understood or designed without an added phase offset.
Windrowing poultry litter after a broiler house has been sprinkled with water

Abstract In-house windrowing of poultry litter between broiler flocks has been promoted as a management practice to improve the litter condition upon chick placement. Before the onset of the current study, low-pressure sprinklers were used during the grow-out period in a broiler house. Different methods of windrowing were then utilized to determine the effect each had on litter composition. Covered, turned, and static 9 d windrow treatments, and one non-windrowed control were applied to a broiler house containing litter used over multiple flock grow-outs. The house was divided into 16 6 × 6 m plots with each treatment being applied to 4 blocks within the house. Litter from each plot was analyzed for particle size, moisture, N, NH3, P, K, pH, and temperature over a 20-day period, with d 20 representing 7 d after chick placement. All variables except particle size were statistically different. Of all the treatments, the covered treatment showed the greatest reduction in moisture over the 20-day period. Nitrogen content was lowest in the turned treatment. Ammonia decreased from d 9 to 20. Both the covered and static treatments were able to reach recommended temperatures in both the core and the periphery of the windrows. Conclusively, in-house windrowing after utilizing low-pressure sprinklers did not improve N retention, reduce NH3 volatilization, or decrease P or K in the litter compared to the control. However, the temperatures obtained in the periphery and core of the covered and static treatments show potential for eliminating pathogens present in the litter.
Motor-Evoked Potentials of the Abductor Hallucis Muscle and Their Relationship with Foot Arch Functional Anatomy

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between abductor hallucis (AH) muscle motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude and foot arch anatomy. Methods: Twelve healthy individuals underwent foot arch measurement using a digital photographic technique and measurements of cortical excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation applied on the cortical representation area of the right AH muscle. Truncated foot length and dorsal height were then measured and used to create the arch height index (AHI). Resting motor threshold, MEP amplitude (using a stimulation intensity of 110% resting motor threshold), and cortical silent period duration were also measured. Results: Mean ± SE values were as follows: truncated foot length, 16.72 ± 0.3 cm; dorsal height, 5.62 ± 0.13 cm; AHI, 0.34 ± 0.01; resting motor threshold, 81.6% ± 2.12%; MEP amplitude, 0.71 ± 0.1 mV; and cortical silent period duration, 108.05 ± 0.45 msec. A significant correlation was found between MEP amplitude and AHI (Spea...
Online Decision-Making Using Edge Resources for Content-Driven Stream Processing

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the emerging paradigm that connects sensors, often located at the edge of the network, to stream processing engines located at the core of the network to enable online data-driven monitoring, management, and control. As IoT applications require increasing volumes of streaming data to be processed by complex workflows in a timely manner, it is becoming important to also leverage resources closer to the edge. Furthermore, the topology of these workflows and where theyare executed is determined not only by application objectives and available resources, but also by the content of the data streams, however, current stream processing engines do not provide this flexibility. In this paper, we present a programming framework that enables applications to specify data-driven, location- and resource-aware processing of data streams. Specifically, it provides abstractions for specifying where and how a data stream is processed based on its content, spatial and temporal characteristics. We also present an implementation of the framework using an event-driven runtime, where events are associatively described. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the solution by an evaluation of scalability and performance using a disaster response application usecase.
Histology of Aortic Disease and Progression of Aortic Dissection From Acute to Chronic

Abstract Acute Stanford type A dissections rarely progress to the chronic state naturally as a result of early surgical intervention. In contrast, medical therapy is the treatment of choice for uncomplicated acute type B dissections, explaining their preponderance in transitioning to the chronic state. In this chapter, in addition to the histology and histopathology of the aorta, we elaborate the dynamic histopathological and morphological changes occurring in the aorta that characterize the temporal course of the evolution from acute to chronic dissection.
Reply to Fincher et al.: Conceptual specificity in dehumanization research is a feature, not a bug.

Fincher et al. (1) argue that our conceptualization of dehumanization as “the failure to engage in social cognition of other human minds” (2) is too narrow. Importantly, Fincher et al. (1) do not dispute our actual findings. They agree that reduced perception of mental and emotional states in victims generates apathy that enables harm for instrumental gain, while recognition of those same states may be required to harm victims to satisfy moral motives (2). Instead, the substance of Fincher et al.’s (1) critique is that we fail to investigate broader, vaguely defined dimensions of dehumanization that could conceivably be related to moral violence. However, we consider our conceptual specificity and tight … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: tage{at}mit.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Studies on Non-Transforming Host Range Mutants of Polyoma Virus

Two kinds of conditional lethal mutants of polyoma virus have been isolated and partially characterized. The most widely studied are the temperature-sensitive mutants which comprise at least four distinct groups based on complementation and other physiological tests. The second kind of mutant to be isolated is of the host range type; these mutants are selected to grow on polyoma-transformed mouse cells but not on normal mouse cells. Table 1 gives the selected properties of these two general classes of mutants. Progress in the characterization of temperature-sensitive and host range mutants has recently been reviewed (Benjamin, 1972).
Current Trends in Occupational Health and Hygiene — General Considerations III

In 1970 the Congress of the United States adopted the Ocupational Safety and Health Act which provided for the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). These two bodies have contributed to the growth in occupational safety and health since that time.
Antibody-dependent cytolysis of the human leukemia cell line K-562 in the absence of effector cells or complement.

K-562 human leukemia cells grown in the presence of specific goat anti- K-562 gamma globulin, F(ab)92, Fab9, or Fab showed a decrease in DNA and protein syntheses and a loss of cell viability within several hours. Eventually all cells died and lysed within 2–5 days. These events occurred in the absence of added effector cells or complement. The effect on the cell was not due to proteolytic or other external lytic activity generated at the cell surface, since 51Cr-labeled bystander cells or antibody-sensitized bystander cells (chicken erythrocytes or K-562 cells) were not lysed when added to cultures of K- 562 cells incubated with immune globulin. The anti-K-562 gamma globulin was not observed to patch or cap on K-562 cells, but the ability of bound immunoglobulin to fix complement decreased markedly (50% in 60 min), so that no complement-mediated cytolysis could be observed at 2 hr. However, the immunoglobulin, at least portions of it, reacted with fluorescein--labeled rabbit anti-goat gamma globulin for about 16 hr. 125I-labeled immune globulin appeared to be internalized and released into the medium as small degradation products. 125I-labeled Fab did not appear to be internalized, since it was released intact and more rapidly from cells than the intact globulin.
Vaccines for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli: current status.

Purpose of review Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) remain major causes of infantile diarrhea in the developing world and of travelers' diarrhea in visitors to these areas from industrialized countries, although the relative importance of these pathogens in these settings may be decreasing. The pathogenesis of ETEC infections has been well understood for almost two decades, and there is good evidence for acquired immunity after infection. Nevertheless, currently there is no effective ETEC vaccine. This review evaluates the current status of ETEC vaccine development. Recent findings ETEC organisms express fimbrial (or fibrillar) colonization factor antigens that function as adhesins to promote their attachment to the small intestinal epithelium. They secrete either (or both) of two major protein enterotoxins that induce fluid and electrolyte secretion. Vaccine development during the last decade has targeted the components of the three major colonization factor antigens as well as the immunogenic heat-labile enterotoxin. This strategy was expected to cover 90% of infecting strains, leaving unprotected only those strains without major colonization factor antigens and those that express only the poorly immunogenic heat-stable enterotoxin. Recent experiences have questioned the validity of the current vaccine strategy since new reports indicate that (1) the number of recognized colonization factor antigens of ETEC has increased to more than 21, (2) epidemiologic field studies of children in endemic areas suggest that infection with ETEC of a given colonization factor antigen/toxin phenotype may not confer protection on reinfection with other strains of the same colonization factor antigen/toxin phenotype, and (3) a major field trial of a heat-killed ETEC vaccine expressing colonization factor antigens and containing the B subunit of cholera toxin as a surrogate for E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin was ineffective against ETEC infections that should have been "vaccine preventable." New vaccine strategies have been developed to deliver ETEC antigens to the mucosal immune system. Summary Although new vaccines are being developed to improve immunogenicity over that of the heat-killed vaccine, the current strategy for antigen inclusion has been challenged and new, common antigens may have to be defined to achieve the goal of an effective vaccine against ETEC.
Distance learning techniques for medical informatics

Abstract A growing number of health care professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses, librarians, and administrators) desire to enhance their skills and knowledge in medical informatics. These individuals are usually in established careers with limited time as well as inability to relocate to one of the small number of health science universities which offer informatics training. As a result of inquiries about distance learning in medical informatics and a market survey which documented and detailed such interest, a distance learning program was launched by the medical informatics program at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU). In the 1999-2000 academic year, two graduate-level medical informatics courses in the OHSU program have been taught by distance learning. In the 2000-2001 academic year, an eight-course certificate program will be launched. Further information can be found at: http://www. ohsu.edu/bicc-informatics/distance/
A Walk through BSP Trees

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses traversal through binary space-partitioning (BSP) trees. BSP trees are data structures that allow for fast visible-surface determination in environments where the viewer moves while the polygonal objects remain static, as in interactive walkthroughs. One solution to the visible-surface problem is to render a scene's polygons in back-to-front order so that polygons nearer to the viewer overwrite those farther away. However, this simple painter's algorithm offers no consistent means of identifying polygon depth; choosing either the extreme vertices or the centroid as the sorting key fails in certain cases. This algorithm also fails in cases of cyclic overlaps and interpenetrating polygons. The depth sort algorithm solves all of these problems, but in a view-dependent way. This chapter describes the construction of BSP trees and their traversal, which generates polygons in a sorted order suitable for rendering. It also presents an efficient viewer/object collision detection algorithm based upon this versatile data structure.
Coupled wind turbine design and layout optimization with nonhomogeneous wind turbines

Abstract. In this study, wind farms were optimized to show the benefit of coupling complete turbine design and layout optimization as well as including two different turbine designs in a fixed 1-to-1 ratio in a single wind farm. For our purposes, the variables in each turbine optimization include hub height, rotor diameter, rated power, tower diameter, tower shell thickness, and implicit blade chord-and-twist distributions. A 32-turbine wind farm and a 60-turbine wind farm were both considered, as well as a variety of turbine spacings and wind shear exponents. Structural constraints as well as turbine costs were considered in the optimization. Results indicate that coupled turbine design and layout optimization is superior to sequentially optimizing turbine design, then turbine layout. Coupled optimization results in an additional 2 %–5 % reduction in the cost of energy compared to optimizing sequentially for wind farms with turbine spacings of 8.5–11 rotor diameters. Smaller wind farms benefit even more from coupled optimization. Furthermore, wind farms with closely spaced wind turbines can greatly benefit from nonuniform turbine design throughout the farm. Some of these wind farms with heterogeneous turbine design have an additional 10 % cost-of-energy reduction compared to wind farms with identical turbines throughout the farm.
Tunable aggregation of gold-silica janus nanoparticles to enable contrast-enhanced multiwavelength photoacoustic imaging in vivo

Photoacoustic imaging using exogenous contrast agents has emerged as a hybrid technique that enables the deep imaging of optical properties of tissues with high spatial resolution. The power of this imaging technique can be greatly enhanced by the use of contrast agents that absorb at near-infrared wavelengths and whose optical properties can be modulated in response to the local environment. We have designed contrast agents consisting of gold nanoparticles coated with anisotropic silica nanoshells. The tunable aggregation of these janus particles in cell culture media resulted in a dramatic amplification of photoacoustic signals in the near-infrared region. We also demonstrated imaging using these contrast agents in mammalian cells, including macrophages and breast cancer cells as well as in vivo. The ability to modulate janus particle aggregation in response to a range of stimuli in combination with the high resolution and deep penetration of multiwavelength photoacoustic imaging are attractive for a broad range of applications in diagnostic imaging and theranostics.
Showing Students We Care: Using Empathetic Marketing to Ease Library Anxiety and Reach Distance Students.

Marketing to distance students can be particularly challenging, but a new marketing trend called empathetic marketing provides academic libraries with a new and innovative way to reach these studen...
Creating Captivating Information Literacy Tutorials

In the Fall 2016 semester, Texas Woman’s University Libraries introduced a series of new information literacy tutorials. These tutorials were designed to replace older, outdated tutorials that were...
Efficient second-harmonic generation in sub-micron PPLN waveguides

Efficient second-harmonic generation (SHG) is demonstrated in sub-micron periodically poled lithium niobate waveguides with normalized conversion efficiencies over 440% W−1cm−2.
Hugo Grotius and the Century of Revolution, 1613-1718: Transnational Reception in English Political Thought

The Dutch thinker Hugo Grotius (1583–1645) was a towering figure in seventeenth-century intellectual life, as anyone whose work touches at all on seventeenth-century law, theology, humanism, politi...
La percepción del paisaje desde la realidad de Occidente: Entre la naturaleza y la razón // The Perception of the Landscape from the Western Perspective: Between Nature and Reason

Resumen Inmersa la Tierra en una profunda crisis eco-social, que algunos niegan y otros tratan de superar con las mismas recetas que la provocaron, es necesario un nuevo ideario sobre el que construir un mundo sostenible. El paisaje, interseccion entre el espacio geografico y la mirada del observador, se ha configurado en Occidente guiado por las diferentes maneras de entender el mundo a lo largo de la historia. Una interpretacion de dichas realidades con los ojos del siglo veintiuno nos permite redefinir las etapas de la percepcion del paisaje y poner en contexto el momento actual. A partir del binomio naturaleza-razon, hemos creado una narrativa que transita por nuestro pasado y se detiene en los momentos mas representativos de la percepcion del paisaje, aquellos que han ido acompanados de un cambio de paradigma. Comprender las consecuencias de dicha evolucion nos permite esbozar algunas ideas y ponerle nombre al futuro. Abstract Given the fact that the Earth is embroiled in a deep eco-social crisis, denied by some while others try to overcome it using the same recipes that provoked it, a new ideology is needed to build a sustainable world. The Western landscape, the intersection between geographical space and the viewers’ gaze, was configured following the different ways of understanding the world throughout history. Interpreting these realities from a twenty first century perspective allows us to redefine the stages in the perception of the landscape and place them in context. Based on the binary nature-reason, this paper builds a historical narrative that highlights the most representative moments in landscape perception, those which constitute a paradigm shift. Understanding the consequences of this evolution, enables us to outline some ideas that might indicate a direction of the future.
"What the Hell Is This, and Who the Hell Are You?" Role and Identity Negotiation in Research-Practice Partnerships.

In research-practice partnerships (RPPs), the line between researcher and practitioner can be blurred, and the roles for everyone involved may be unclear. Yet little is known about how these roles ...
Second Messenger Role of Inositol Trisphosphate for Mobilization of Intracellular Calcium in Liver

Previous work has established that stimulation of hepatocytes by αl-adrenergic agents and vasoactive peptides results in a mobilization of intracellular \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\), which is accompanied by the rapid hydrolysis of phospha­tidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to diacylglycerol and myo-inositol 1 , 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3 ) . Present data using the fluorescent \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) indicator Quin 2 showed that vasopressin increased the cytosolic free \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) from 150 nM to a maximum value of about 400 nM within 7 s while IP3 increased 3-fold over 5 min. The maximum increase of cytosolic free \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) corresponded to an increase in IP3 concentration of about 0.6 µM. Very similar dose response relationships with vasopressin were observed for changes of PIP2 breakdown, IP3 formation and cytosolic free \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) when these parameters were expressed as rates. Addition of IP3 to saprized cells supplemented with MgATP caused a rapid \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) release, complete within 5 s, followed by a reuptake, which was associated with IP3 dephosphorylation. Half-maximal and maximal \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) release were obtained at IP3 concentrations of 0.1 µM and 1 µM, respectively. The maximal amount of \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) mobil­ized was 500 pmol/mg cell dry weight, and was found to originate solely from non-mitochondrial vesicular stores. The kinetics, dose response, specificity and amount of Williamson et al. \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) release induced by IP3 strongly support its pos­tulated role as a second messenger involved in the hor­monal mobilization of \(C{{a}^{{{{2}^{ + }}}}}\) from intracellular stores.
Distal Clavicle Fracture Repair: Clinical Outcomes of a Surgical Technique Utilizing a Combination of Cortical Button Fixation and Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction.

Background:When treated conservatively, unstable distal clavicle fractures demonstrate a high symptomatic nonunion rate. While a variety of surgical techniques have been described, many of these te...