cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polynucleotide cellulose as a substrate for a polynucleotide ligase induced by phage T4.

Abstract An enzyme which joins polydeoxynucleotide strands has been identified in and purified from extracts Escherichia coli infected with phage T4 am N82 and appears to be the same as the ligase described by Weiss and Richardson. A novel method for detecting and assaying such enzymes involves the joining of a strand to one that is covalently linked to cellulose.
Interaction in collaborative computer supported diagram development

A number of computer programs have been developed to allow multiple people to work on the same document at the same time from different computers possibly in different locations. These allow groups to create and modify text and diagrams. A problem for people using these programs is that the physical constraints of working together are removed. For example, there is no pen to share, and everyone can access any part of the diagram without bumping into another person. Without being able to see each other, two people might try to make changes to the same word or shape in a diagram. While this might be good cooperative work, there is a risk that they have different intentions, which results in interfering actions. CoDiagram, a program to allow multi-person drawing of diagrams, was used to measure the interactions between people working together to create a diagram to solve a design problem. Understanding this interaction is an important aspect of designing collaborative software that will be easy to use and that people will like. It was found that the people readily adapted to using the multi-person diagram software. About 65% of the shapes in the diagram were manipulated by more than one of the people in a group, showing widespread sharing of the work. While it was found that interference is relatively rare, the people rated the impact of the interference as significant.
Feature-based groupwise registration by hierarchical anatomical correspondence detection.

Groupwise registration has been widely investigated in recent years due to its importance in ana- lyzing population data in many clinical applications. To our best knowledge, most of the groupwise regis- tration algorithms only utilize the intensity information. However, it is well known that using intensity only is not sufficient to achieve the anatomically sound correspondences in medical image registration. In this article, we propose a novel feature-based groupwise registration algorithm to establish the anatomical correspondence across subjects by using the attribute vector that is defined as the morphological signature for each voxel. Similar to most of the state-of-the-art groupwise registration algorithms, which simultane- ously estimate the transformation fields for all subjects, we develop an energy function to minimize the intersubject discrepancies on anatomical structures and drive all subjects toward the hidden common space. To make the algorithm efficient and robust, we decouple the complex groupwise registration prob- lem into two easy-to-solve subproblems, namely (1) robust correspondence detection and (2) dense trans- formation field estimation, which are systematically integrated into a unified framework. To achieve the robust correspondences in the step (1), several strategies are adopted. First, the procedure of feature match- ing is evaluated within a neighborhood, rather than only on a single voxel. Second, the driving voxels with distinctive image features are designed to drive the transformations of other nondriving voxels. Third, we take advantage of soft correspondence assignment not only in the spatial domain but also across the popu- lation of subjects. Specifically, multiple correspondences are allowed to alleviate the ambiguity in establish- ing correspondences w.r.t. a particular subject and also the contributions from different subjects are dynamically controlled throughout the registration. Eventually in the step (2), based on the correspond- ences established for the driving voxels, thin-plate spline is used to propagate correspondences on the driv- ing voxels to other locations in the image. By iteratively repeating correspondence detection and dense deformation estimation, all the subjects will be aligned onto the common space. Our feature-based group- wise registration algorithm has been extensively evaluated over 18 elderly brains, 16 brains from NIREP (with 32 manually delineated labels), 40 brains from LONI LPBA40 (with 54 manually delineated labels), and 12 pairs of normal controls and simulated atrophic brain images. In all experiments, our algorithm achieves more robust and accurate registration results, compared with another groupwise algorithm and a pairwise registration method. Hum Brain Mapp 33:253-271, 2012. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New cross-bridged cyclam derivative CB-TE1K1P, an improved bifunctional chelator for copper radionuclides

A new cross-bridged cyclam chelator, CB-TE1K1P, was developed for copper-based radiopharmaceuticals, and this chelator can be labelled with 64Cu under mild conditions in high specific activity. DBCO–PEG4–CB-TE1K1P was synthesized for conjugation to proteins, while Dde–CB-TE1K1P(tBu2)–OH was synthesized for solid-phase peptide synthesis. Examples of the conjugation chemistry, radiolabelling and serum stability of each are presented.
Dipolar electric field induced by a vortex moving in an anisotropic superconductor

The dipolar electric field induced by an isolated vortex aligned along a principal axis and moving at constant velocity in an anisotropic type-II superconductor is investigated. It is shown that the standard dipolar-field case can be extended by the inclusion of a mass-anisotropy parameter \ensuremath{\beta}. It is shown that the streamlines of the electric field can be easily calculated analytically. In addition, an inertial mass tensor per unit length of vortex is found.
Estimating the cost-effectiveness of 54 weeks of infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract Purpose To estimate the cost-effectiveness of infliximab plus methotrexate for active, refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Methods We projected the 54-week results from a randomized controlled trial of infliximab into lifetime economic and clinical outcomes using a Markov computer simulation model. Direct and indirect costs, quality of life, and disability estimates were based on trial results; Arthritis, Rheumatism, and Aging Medical Information System (ARAMIS) database outcomes; and published data. Results were discounted using the standard 3% rate. Because most well-accepted medical therapies have cost-effectiveness ratios below $50,000 to $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, results below this range were considered to be "cost-effective." Results At 3 mg/kg, each infliximab infusion would cost $1393. When compared with methotrexate alone, 54 weeks of infliximab plus methotrexate decreased the likelihood of having advanced disability from 23% to 11% at the end of 54 weeks, which projected to a lifetime marginal cost-effectiveness ratio of $30,500 per discounted QALY gained, considering only direct medical costs. When applying a societal perspective and including indirect or productivity costs, the marginal cost-effectiveness ratio for infliximab was $9100 per discounted QALY gained. The results remained relatively unchanged with variation of model estimates over a broad range of values. Conclusion Infliximab plus methotrexate for 54 weeks for rheumatoid arthritis should be cost-effective with its clinical benefit providing good value for the drug cost, especially when including productivity losses. Although infliximab beyond 54 weeks will likely be cost-effective, the economic and clinical benefit remains uncertain and will depend on long-term results of clinical trials.
Adaptive transmitter precoding for time division duplex CDMA in fading multipath channels: strategy and analysis

The recently developed blind adaptive techniques for multiuser detection in code division multiple access (CDMA) systems offer an attractive compromise of performance and complexity. However, the desire to further reduce complexity at the mobile unit has led to the investigation of techniques that move signal processing from the mobile unit to the base station. In this paper, we investigate transmitter precoding for downlink time division duplex (TDD) code division multiple access (CDMA) communications. In particular, we develop a linear minimum mean square error precoding strategy using blind channel estimation for fading multipath channels that allows for simple matched filtering at the mobile unit and is easy to make adaptive. We also present a performance analysis using tools developed for the analysis of conventional (receiver-based) linear blind multiuser detection in unknown channels. We compare the analytical and simulation results to traditional receiver-based blind multiuser detection. It is seen that transmitter precoding offers a reasonable alternative for TDD-mode CDMA when minimizing computational complexity at the mobile unit is a priority.
Schoolwide Application of Positive Behavior Support in an Urban High School: A Case Study

The nuances of the application of schoolwide positive behavior supports (PBS) in an urban high school setting were investigated. Impact of implementation was measured using qualitative interviews a...
Restricted feeding-induced sleep, activity, and body temperature changes in normal and preproghrelin-deficient mice.

Behavioral and physiological rhythms can be entrained by daily restricted feeding (RF), indicating the existence of a food-entrainable oscillator (FEO). One manifestation of the presence of FEO is ...
DESCARTES' RESOLUTION OF THE DREAMING DOUBT

After resolving the dreaming doubt at the end of the Sixth Meditation, Descartes concedes to Hobbes that one could apply the criterion for waking experience in a dream and thus be deceived, but he no longer considers this possibility to have skeptical force. I argue that this is a legitimate response by Descartes since 1) the dreaming doubt in the Sixth Meditation is no longer a global skeptical hypothesis as it is in the First, and 2) the level of certainty that sensory experience must meet in the Sixth Meditation is lower than it must meet in the First.
Thermal conductivity decomposition and analysis using molecular dynamics simulations. Part I. Lennard-Jones argon

Abstract Using molecular dynamics simulations and the Green–Kubo method, the thermal transport in the Lennard-Jones argon face centered cubic crystal is described by two time constants related to the decay of the heat current autocorrelation function. The first time scale is associated with short wavelength acoustic phonons that have mean free paths equal to one half of their wavelength. The associated thermal conductivity is independent of temperature, and has a value around 0.09 W/m K. The second time scale is longer, and corresponds to acoustic phonons with mean free paths longer than one half of their wavelength. The associated thermal conductivity is temperature dependent, and ranges from 3.92 W/m K at a temperature of 10 K to 0.08 W/m K at a temperature of 100 K. This decomposition allows for a comparison of the crystal phase results with those from corresponding amorphous and liquid phases.
Marx and Political Theory

The title of this essay is intentionally ambiguous because both sets of issues I propose to consider may conveniently be placed under its heading. I wish to discuss not only Marx's political theory, but also Marx's relationship to the tradition of political theory—or, more precisely, to a particular view of that tradition. Of course, as I shall attempt to demonstrate, these are not separable, but are interrelated subjects, such that a discussion of the one implicitly restates a discussion of the other.
Effects of Tigecycline and Vancomycin Administration on Established Clostridium difficile Infection

The glycylcycline antibiotic tigecycline was approved in 2005 for the treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections and complicated intra-abdominal infections. Tigecycline is broadly active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms, including Clostridium difficile. Tigecycline has a low MIC against C. difficile in vitro and thus may represent an alternate treatment for C. difficile infection (CDI). To assess the use of tigecycline for treatment of established CDI, 5- to 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were colonized with C. difficile strain 630. After C. difficile colonization was established, mice (n = 10 per group) were treated with either a 5-day course of tigecycline (6.25 mg/kg every 12 h subcutaneously) or a 5-day course of vancomycin (0.4 mg/ml in drinking water) and compared to infected, untreated control mice. Mice were evaluated for clinical signs of CDI throughout treatment and at 1 week posttreatment to assess potential for disease development. Immediately following a treatment course, C. difficile was not detectable in the feces of vancomycin-treated mice but remained detectable in feces from tigecycline-treated and untreated control mice. Toxin activity and histopathological inflammation and edema were observed in the ceca and colons of untreated mice; tigecycline- and vancomycin-treated mice did not show such changes directly after treatment. One week after the conclusion of either antibiotic treatment, C. difficile load, toxin activity, and histopathology scores increased in the cecum and colon, indicating that C. difficile-associated disease occurred. In vitro growth studies confirmed that subinhibitory concentrations of tigecycline were able to suppress toxin activity and spore formation of C. difficile, whereas vancomycin did not. Taken together, these data show how tigecycline is able to alter C. difficile pathogenesis in a mouse model of CDI.
Genetic determination of the cellular basis of the sympathetic regulation of bone mass accrual

The sympathetic nervous system, whose activity is regulated by leptin signaling in the brain, is a major regulator of bone mass accrual. To determine the identity of the cell type in which the sympathetic tone signals to inhibit bone mass accrual, we performed a systematic, cell-specific analysis of the function of the β2 adrenergic receptor (Adrβ2) and various genes implicated in the pathway in the mouse. This was followed by leptin intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion and bone histomorphometric analyses of bone parameters. We show that the sympathetic tone signals in the osteoblasts to inhibit CREB (cAMP-responsive element-binding protein) phosphorylation and thus decrease osteoblast proliferation and to promote ATF4 phosphorylation and thus increase RANKL (receptor activator of NF-κB ligand) expression, which then stimulates osteoclast differentiation. Leptin ICV infusion in various mouse models established that leptin-dependent inhibition of bone mass accrual relies on both transcriptional events taking place in osteoblasts. Thus, this study formally identifies the osteoblast as the major cell type in which the molecular events triggered by the sympathetic regulation of bone mass accrual take place. As such, it suggests that inhibiting sympathetic signaling could be beneficial in the treatment of low bone mass conditions.
Modeling Coupled Fracture-Matrix Fluid Flow in Geomechanically Simulated Fracture Networks

In conventional reservoir simulations, gridblock permeabilities are frequently assigned values larger than those observed in core measurements to obtain reasonable history matches. Even then, accuracy with regard to some aspects of the performance such as water or gas cuts, breakthrough times, and sweep efficiencies may be inadequate. In some cases, this could be caused by the presence of substantial flow through natural fractures unaccounted for in the simulation. In this paper, we present a numerical investigation into the effects of coupled fracture-matrix fluid flow on equivalent permeability. A fracture-mechanics-based crack-growth simulator, rather than a purely stochastic method, was used to generate fracture networks with realistic clustering, spacing, and fracture lengths dependent on Young’s modulus, the subcritical crack index, the bed thickness, and the tectonic strain. Coupled fracture-matrix fluid-flow simulations of the resulting fracture patterns were performed with a finite-difference simulator to obtain equivalent permeabilities that can be used in a coarse-scale flow simulation. The effects of diagenetic cements completely filling smaller aperture fractures and partially filling larger aperture fractures were also studied. Fractures were represented in finite-difference simulations both explicitly as grid cells and implicitly using nonneighbor connections (NNCs) between grid cells. The results indicate that even though fracture permeability is highly sensitive to fracture aperture, the computed equivalent permeabilities are more sensitive to fracture patterns and connectivity.
In Vitro Reconstitution of the Assimilatory Sulfite Reductase from Escherichia Coli

The central step of sulfur assimilation in Escherichia coli, is catalyzed by the enzyme Sulfite Reductase (SiR). This enzyme reduces sulfite (SO3-2) to sulfide (S-2) in a six electrons transfer reaction. SiR is a multimeric enzymatic complex formed by eight copies of the α-subunit (encoded by the gene cysJ), and four copies of β-subunit (encoded by the gene cysI). NADPH acts as the electron donor that binds to the α-subunit a flavin-binding reductase. Electrons are transfer to the flavin cofactors in the α-subunit to the sulfite that binds to the β-subunit, a metalloprotein. In previous studies the catalytic activity of each subunit has been independently characterized, but it is unclear how they interact in the holoenzyme. Thus, to better study this system we aim to modify each subunit independently and evaluate its effect in the context of the holoenzyme. To achieve that goal is necessary to develop a reconstitution protocol that produce active and stable holoenzyme. Here we show the reconstitution of the SiR complex in vitro, using a His-tagged β-subunit to pull down the α-subunit, from pure protein preparations or cell lysates. The reconstituted SiR is an active enzyme that shows the expected size for a α8β4 complex and it shows the same spectral characteristics as native SiR. Additionally it is highly stable in solution, which has been demonstrated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments.
Selective Evolutionary Generation: A model for optimally efficient search in biology

This paper describes the biological principles underlying a recently proposed optimization technique, Selective Evolutionary Generation Systems (SEGS), and concludes a novel, fundamental result about the process of evolution in Nature. A systems-theoretic framework from the emerging field of self-reproducing systems is utilized in this work to illustrate the parallels between biological processes and SEGS. The SEGS technique is useful for tackling a generalization of the standard global optimization problem; the generalization depends on a parameter referred to as the level of selectivity, which restores traditional optimization when the parameter equals infinity. The SEGS technique has been shown to produce responsiveness efficiently, and to also be a generalization of both the canonical genetic algorithm with fitness proportional selection and the (1+1) evolutionary strategy. This paper explains how the SEGS technique models biological responsiveness and search, and the result is a Markov chain Monte Carlo method that has connections with statistical mechanics. The implication of the analysis is that natural evolution is an optimally efficient search process under certain technical conditions, which are often satisfied in Nature.
Power transfer capability of six-phase power system under fault conditions

In the present paper the power transfer capability of a six-phase line has been compared with an equivalent double circuit three-phase line under normal and ground fault conditions. Analytical procedure for determining the power transfer capability under faulted conditions of a 6-phase condition shows that the six-phase line transfers more power than the double circuit three-phase line under fault conditions. Since power transfer during faulted conditions plays a significant role in transient stability, the six-phase line has better transient stability margin than the double circuit three-phase line. >
Simple waves in relativistic fluids

We consider the Riemann problem for relativistic flows of polytropic fluids and find relations for the flow characteristics. Evolution of physical quantities takes especially simple form for the case of cold magnetized plasmas. We find exact explicit analytical solutions for one-dimensional expansion of magnetized plasma into vacuum, valid for arbitrary magnetization. We also consider expansion into cold unmagnetized external medium both for stationary initial conditions and for initially moving plasma, as well as reflection of rarefaction wave from a wall. We also find self-similar structure of three-dimensional magnetized outflows into vacuum, valid close to the plasma-vacuum interface.
Systematic genetics swims forward elegantly

Mol Syst Biol. 2: 48 Sometimes when two (or more) genes are perturbed simultaneously, the organism exhibits a surprising property. This property may be a phenotype—either qualitative or quantitative—or the penetrance of a phenotype. This phenomenon, called genetic interaction, suggests that the interacting genes have related functions. Genetic interactions have shaped our understanding of almost every known biological pathway (see Lu and Horvitz, 1998, for example). The genomic era has brought with it the systematic study of genetic interaction. In yeast, over 3000 genetic interactions have been identified from over 700 000 systematic crosses of precise gene deletion mutants (Tong et al , 2004). A similar interaction screen in metazoans would be a daunting challenge because both targeted deletion and genetic crosses are more labor intensive. RNAi, however, has provided an essential breakthrough, allowing for ‘knockdown’ of specific genes at the transcript level. Caenorhabditis elegans is particularly amenable to RNAi, and the requisite double‐stranded RNA reagents can be delivered either by microinjection or soaking methods, or by feeding of a specific ‘library’ strain of Escherichia coli to the worm. Using the feeding approach in C. elegans , …
Electric and magnetic signatures of dust devils from the 2000–2001 MATADOR desert tests

[1] Dust devils are significant meteorological phenomena on Mars: They are ubiquitous, continually gardening the Martian surface, and may be the primary atmospheric dustloading mechanism in nonstorm seasons. Further, dust grains in the swirling dust devils may become electrically charged via triboelectric effects. Electrical effects associated with terrestrial dust devils have been reported previously, but these were isolated measurements (electric fields only) with no corroborating measurements. To study the fluid and electrical forces associated with dust devils, NASA’s Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) enterprise sponsored a set of desert field tests with a suite of mutually compatible and complementary instruments in order to determine the relationship between electric, magnetic, and fluid forces. The project (originally a selected flight project) was entitled ‘‘Martian ATmosphere And Dust in the Optical and Radio’’ (MATADOR). In this work, we present a number of interesting examples of the electromagnetic nature of the dust devil. We also describe potential hazards of the dust devil and how similar devil- and storm-related forces on Mars might affect any human occupation. INDEX TERMS: 6225 Planetology: Solar System Objects: Mars; 3304 Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics: Atmospheric electricity; 3379 Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics: Turbulence; 3394 Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics: Instruments and techniques; 0305 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Aerosols and particles (0345, 4801); KEYWORDS: triboelectricity, electric fields, dust devils, magnetic fields, atmospheric electricity
On using perturbation analysis to do sensitivity analysis: derivatives versus differences

One use of perturbation analysis is to compute the derivative of a performance measure P with respect to a parameter theta for use in iterative optimization schemes to locate local maxima by driving the derivative to zero. It has been pointed out that in stochastic approximation contexts, there is an advantage in using derivatives as opposed to differences. Another use of perturbation analysis is just to do a sensitivity analysis with respect to a parameter without relation to any optimization. The advantages of using differences rather than derivatives for sensitivity analysis are identified. This prompts the use of noninfinitesimal perturbation analysis (or other techniques) whereby perturbation information can be obtained from a single run. >
Detection of L1, infectious virions and anti-L1 antibody in domestic rabbits infected with cottontail rabbit papillomavirus

Shope papillomavirus or cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) is one of the first small DNA tumour viruses to be characterized. Although the natural host for CRPV is the cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), CRPV can infect domestic laboratory rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and induce tumour outgrowth and cancer development. In previous studies, investigators attempted to passage CRPV in domestic rabbits, but achieved very limited success, leading to the suggestion that CRPV infection in domestic rabbits was abortive. The persistence of specific anti-L1 antibody in sera from rabbits infected with either virus or viral DNA led us to revisit the questions as to whether L1 and infectious CRPV can be produced in domestic rabbit tissues. We detected various levels of L1 protein in most papillomas from CRPV-infected rabbits using recently developed monoclonal antibodies. Sensitive in vitro infectivity assays additionally confirmed that extracts from these papillomas were infectious. These studies demonstrated that the CRPV/New Zealand White rabbit model could be used as an in vivo model to study natural virus infection and viral life cycle of CRPV and not be limited to studies on abortive infections.
Petrarch's Defense of Secular Letters, the Latin Fathers, and Ancient Roman Rhetoric

Abstract: Like the Church Fathers before him, Petrarch was forced to defend secular learning against its detractors, and his defenses draw on many of the same arguments that Augustine and Jerome had used. In these defenses he blends classical rhetoric and Christian values, and his procedures also follow the traditions of classical rhetoric, relying on the epistolary form and utilizing the Ciceronian manner of debating all topics from opposite standpoints. Perhaps, however, because his indecisiveness complemented the classical rhetorical premise that many issues present many possible resolutions, Petrarch also rejects secular learning in some of his writings. His arguments are therefore conclusive only within their unique rhetorical situations.
Chemical treatments to reduce postharvest spoilage of fruits and vegetables

Postharvest Chemical Sprays, Dips or Washes 413 Borax 414 Sodium Ortho-phenylphenate 415 Sodium Chloro-2-phenylphenate 418 C hlorine ... .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . . . . 418 Sodium Salt of Dehydroacetic Acid ...... ...... 419 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid and 2, 4, 5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid .. 420 Other Chemicals, Excluding Antibiotics 421 Antibiotics 423 Diphenylamine and Ethoxyquin. 425
Integration of VO2 Thin Films on Si(100) for Thermal Switching Devices Applications

Thin films of vanadium dioxide (VO2) exhibit an interesting semiconductor to metal transition (SMT) when heated above ~68°C in which its resistivity changes by 3-4 orders of magnitude and its transmittance for IR wavelengths drops drastically. Integration of these thin films with Si (100) substrate is of immense technological importance due to its potential applications in sensor and memory based devices. Using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) we have demonstrated in this study that thin films of VO2 can be grown epitaxially on Si (100) substrate using an intermediate tetragonal Yttrium-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) layer without any further annealing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and cross-section transmission electron microscopy studies were performed on the films and they are found to be of highly epitaxial nature. Electrical resistivity measurement were carried out using the four-point probe method and SMT parameters were extracted using Gaussian fit of the data. The S-M transition parameters are in close proximity with parameters obtained from vanadium oxide films deposited on oxide based substrates such as Al2O3 or TiO2.
Distribution grid topology reconstruction: An information theoretic approach

Recently, a rapidly penetration of distributed generation raises various issues. One of the key issues is frequent distribution grid re-configuration, which is hard to detect based on traditional approaches. Wrong topology information causes wrong control signal, making fast changing smart grid prone to go over stability boundaries and to collapse. To ensure system robustness, we propose a new data-driven re-configuration approach, thanks to recently progressively deployed larger sensor networks in distribution systems by utilities. Specifically, an Information Theory based algorithm, Chow-Liu algorithm, is used based on a proof for assumption and verification in distribution systems. Simulation results show highly accurate re-configuration estimation in IEEE standard distribution test systems.
Infectious Risks of Traveling Abroad

A popular leisure activity, international travel can be associated with some infections. The most common travel-related illnesses appear to be gastrointestinal, dermatologic, respiratory, and systemic febrile syndromes. The pretravel medical consultation includes immunizations, malaria chemoprophylaxis, self-treatment for traveler's diarrhea, and advice on the prevention of a myriad of other infectious causes including dengue, chikungunya, rickettsiosis, leptospirosis, schistosomiasis, and strongyloidiasis. Travel to locations experiencing outbreaks such as Ebola virus disease, Middle East respiratory syndrome, avian influenza, and chikungunya call for specific alerts on preventive strategies. After travel, evaluation of an ill traveler must explore details of exposure, including destinations visited; activities; ingestion of contaminated food or drinks; contact with vectors, animals, fresh water, or blood and body fluids; and other potential exposures. Knowledge of the geographic distribution of infectious diseases is important in generating the differential diagnoses and testing accordingly. Empiric treatment is sometimes necessary when suspicion of a certain diagnosis is strong and confirmatory tests are delayed or lacking, particularly for infections that are rapidly progressive (for example, malaria) or for which timing of testing is prolonged (such as leptospirosis).
Corrective Osteotomies for Malunited Extra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures

The most effective way to treat calcaneal malunions is avoidance. With any articular fracture, progressive arthrosis and dysfunction are common. By restoring the anatomy initially through reduction, late reconstructive options become less complicated. Numerous studies have shown that restoration of the anatomic alignment either through percutaneous or open techniques is effective. In patients with no or minimal articular degeneration, extrarticular joint-sparing procedures can be performed. This represents a small select group who may benefit from simple osteotomy procedures with associated soft tissue reconstruction, if needed.
Optimistic Bias in Surrogate Prediction near Surrogate Optima

Anirban Chaudhuri, Raphael T. Haftka University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32601 Abstract Surrogates in general share the property that their predictions are intended to be unbiased. But in our experience, we found it to be erring more on the optimistic side when the optimum of a surrogate is verified by exact evaluation. This work investigates the presence and magnitude of such a bias at the minimum and maximum locations of the surrogate predictions using some benchmark test problems.
System Concepts to Reduce Logistics Requirements for Space Exploration

Because of the high cost to transport mass to the Moon, Mars, or a Near Earth Object (NEO), the logistics of space exploration are a major cost driver that can make or break a sustainable exploration program, whether that program be based on human exploration, robotic exploration, or some combination of the two. For a comprehensive campaign of space exploration to be successful and sustainable, new logistics methodologies and systems to support them must be developed. Battelle has developed conceptual designs that can greatly reduce the logistics requirements for long-term campaigns of space exploration. This paper describes two of these concepts and how they can be used to achieve reductions in space logistics requirements. The two concepts presented are: 1) thermal energy reservoirs that utilize processed lunar regolith to produce heat and electrical power; and 2) an ultra-efficient human exploration architecture that couples closed loop life support with the production of food and/or fuels that can be utilized for propulsion and power generation. While these two concepts are very different, they share a common philosophy of using inputs (gasses, materials, etc.) that would be considered by many to be unusable waste products. In any space exploration endeavor, where the cost of forward deploying basic resources such as air, water, food, and fuel is extremely high, resources must be conserved to the maximum extent possible to keep the costs of the exploration campaign from becoming prohibitively expensive. To accomplish this, the elements of the system of systems that will comprise the exploration infrastructure must be designed to complement each other so that one system’s byproducts are the feedstock for other systems. The first conceptual design utilizes materials produced as waste byproducts of oxygen production from a lunar In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) system to be configured as thermal reservoirs for the storage and dumping of heat. The concept also uses a spent lunar lander, after it has completed its primary mission of delivering payloads to the lunar surface, to function as a power generation station. In this concept, the waste material from the ISRU process would be loaded into the lunar lander’s propellant tanks and configured to function as heat sources and intermediate heat sinks. During periods of sunlight, solar energy would be concentrated and stored as thermal energy in high temperature, thermal energy reservoirs and then used for power generation during periods of darkness through the use of Stirling cycle heat engines, intermediate heat sinks, and radiators. In the reference design, where both the heat sources and the intermediate heat sinks make use of the propellant tanks, a net power generation of 8.0 kWe was calculated to be available – using the tankage of one baselined Altair Lunar Lander – throughout
Potentiometric microdetermination of ammonium salts of some nitroheterocycles

Ammonium salts of nitroheterocyclic compounds containing from 2 to 4 heterocyclic nitrogen atoms can be determined by titration with silver nitrate or cetylpyridinium chloride. If a 5-H atom is present, the titration is feasible only with silver nitrate. If the molecule does not contain a hydrogen atom then the titration is feasible only vs. cetylpyridinium chloride. If there is a hydrogen atom inany position on the ring then the compound will yield a precipitate with silver nitrate, although the titration curves may not always be analytically useful. Titration with silver nitrate were monitored with a silver/sulfide ion-selective electrode and a double-junction reference electrode. Titrations with cetylpyridinium chloride were monitored either with a fluoroborate or cyanide ion-selective electrode and a double-junction reference electrode. Sodium-1,2,4-triazole can also be determined argentimetrically. However, we have not found a satisfactory argentimetric method for 1,2,4-triazole.
Effect of reserpine on oxytocin and lactogen discharge in lactating rats.

Summary1) The effect of reserpine upon release of oxytocin and lactogenic hormone from the hypophysis has been studied in 14-day postpartum lactating rats. Oxytocin discharge, evaluated by milk let-down yield per timed nursing, was significantly inhibited. Results indicate the drug inhibits oxytocin discharge by suppression of central sympathetic centers involved in the let-down reflex. 2) Decrease of pituitary lactogen content (prenursing level) by approximately 48% indicates reserpine stimulates release of lactogenic hormone. It is possible that the effect is mediated by suppression of an inhibitory hypothalamic center controlling lactogen discharge or by direct action of drug upon adenohypophysis.
The Age of Intervention: Addiction, Culture, and Narrative During the War on Drugs

OF DISSERTATION THE AGE OF INTERVENTION: ADDICTION, CULTURE, AND NARRATIVE DURING THE WAR ON DRUGS While addiction narratives have been a feature of American culture at least since the early 19 century’s temperance tales, the creation of the Johnson Intervention in the late 1960s and the corresponding advent of the War on Drugs waged by U.S. Presidents have wrought significant changes in the stories told about addiction and recovery. These changes reflect broader changes in conceptions of agency and the relationship of subject to culture in the postmodern era. In the way that it iterates the imperatives of the War on Drugs initiated by Richard Nixon, the rhetoric of successive U.S. Presidents provides a compelling heuristic for analyzing popular and literary texts as reflective of the changing shape of addiction and recovery narratives over the last half century. Johnson, by defining addiction, not intoxication, as a break with reality, argued that confronting addicts with narratives of the potential crises could convince them to seek treatment before they hit bottom. Johnson’s version of “reality therapy” thus presented threatened or simulated crises, rather than real ones. Examining presidential rhetoric and popular culture representations of addiction—in horror movies, “very special episodes,” and reality television—this dissertation identifies features of the postmodern Intervention and recovery narrative in fiction by William Peter Blatty, Stephen King, Jay McInerney, Tama Janowitz, David Foster Wallace, and Jess Walter. I demonstrate how the Intervention is key to understanding the cultural products of the War on Drugs and its continued salience in American culture.
Algorithm and System Development for Ground and Underground 3D Information Modeling in Mining Area

Filling algorithms based on unorganized discrete points were proposed to build geological entities by analyzing the 3D scene models on the ground and 3D orebody models underground. Combined with the methods of developing geographic information system( GIS),a ground and underground 3D visualization information system was constructed according to an iron mine in Liaoning,which includes the functions of fast modeling,3D browser and display,spatial attribute query,interoperate measurement and spatial analysis and so on. With the system,3D models of ground and underground entities enable to be built,queried,measured and edited,and the problems that can be only displayed were solved. Besides,the terrain characteristics and the spatial distribution of mine geographic information were observed at both macro-and micro-level, and then the 3D geographic information entities in the mine were expressed more intuitively and comprehensively,which could be the foundation of digital mine and intelligent mining.
Increased tubular flow induces resetting of tubuloglomerular feedback in euvolemic rats

As single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR) and late proximal flow (VLP) increase during growth or following volume expansion, the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) function (defined as the ...
Using a Visible Light-Polymerized Resin to Fabricate an Interim Partial Removable Dental Prosthesis

An interim partial removable dental prosthesis (RDP) is any dental prosthesis that replaces some teeth in a partially dentate arch designed to enhance esthetics, stabilization, and/or function for a limited period of time, after which it is to be replaced by a definitive dental prosthesis. This article describes a technique that uses a visible light-polymerized (VLP) resin as the base material for an interim partial RDP. This technique can be easily accomplished in a dental office or laboratory and results in a predictable dental prosthesis. This technique eliminates the need for laboratory processing.
ANP, BNP and CNP: Physiology and Pharmacology of the Cardiorenal Axis

Publisher Summary The three mammalian natriuretic peptides (NPs), A-type natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), are genetically distinct but share structural similarities. Human ANP, BNP, and CNP are synthesized as preprohormones, which are subsequently split into prohormones by proteolytic cleavage of an N-terminal signal peptide. Human prepro-ANP is a 151-amino acid (AA) peptide that is cleaved to the 126-AA pro-ANP, whereas human prepro-BNP is a 134-AA peptide that is cleaved to the 108-AA pro-BNP. Pro-ANP and pro-BNP are stored in secretory granules in atrial cardiomyocytes and are cleaved to form ANP and BNP, respectively, upon secretion. The conversion of pro-ANP to ANP is mediated by corin, a transmembrane cardiac serine protease. Both human ANP, a 28-AA peptide, and human BNP, a 32-AA peptide, are released from the myocardium in response to various physiologic and pathophysiologic stimuli, such as myocardial wall stretch. Human pro-CNP consists of 103 AA residues and is processed by furin, an intracellular endoprotease, to the mature 53-AA CNP. CNP-53, which is found primarily in the brain, the heart, and endothelial cells, may be further cleaved to CNP-22.
Identification of a motor-to-auditory pathway important for vocal learning

Learning to vocalize depends on the ability to adaptively modify the temporal and spectral features of vocal elements. Neurons that convey motor-related signals to the auditory system are theorized to facilitate vocal learning, but the identity and function of such neurons remain unknown. Here we identify a previously unknown neuron type in the songbird brain that transmits vocal motor signals to the auditory cortex. Genetically ablating these neurons in juveniles disrupted their ability to imitate features of an adult tutor's song. Ablating these neurons in adults had little effect on previously learned songs but interfered with their ability to adaptively modify the duration of vocal elements and largely prevented the degradation of songs' temporal features that is normally caused by deafening. These findings identify a motor to auditory circuit essential to vocal imitation and to the adaptive modification of vocal timing.
A Combination of G Protein–Coupled Receptor Modulators Protects Photoreceptors from Degeneration

Degeneration of retinal photoreceptor cells can arise from environmental and/or genetic causes. Since photoreceptor cells, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), neurons, and glial cells of the retina are intimately associated, all cell types eventually are affected by retinal degenerative diseases. Such diseases often originate either in rod and/or cone photoreceptor cells or the RPE. Of these, cone cells located in the central retina are especially important for daily human activity. Here we describe the protection of cone cells by a combination therapy consisting of the G protein-coupled receptor modulators metoprolol, tamsulosin, and bromocriptine. These drugs were tested in Abca4-/-Rdh8-/- mice, a preclinical model for retinal degeneration. The specificity of these drugs was determined with an essentially complete panel of human G protein-coupled receptors. Significantly, the combination of metoprolol, tamsulosin, and bromocriptine had no deleterious effects on electroretinographic responses of wild-type mice. Moreover, putative G protein-coupled receptor targets of these drugs were shown to be expressed in human and mouse eyes by RNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Liquid chromatography together with mass spectrometry using validated internal standards confirmed that metoprolol, tamsulosin, and bromocriptine individually or together penetrate the eye after either intraperitoneal delivery or oral gavage. Collectively, these findings support human trials with combined therapy composed of lower doses of metoprolol, tamsulosin, and bromocriptine designed to safely impede retinal degeneration associated with certain genetic diseases (e.g., Stargardt disease). The same low-dose combination also could protect the retina against diseases with complex or unknown etiologies such as age-related macular degeneration.
Numerical Model for Wave Pressure Distributions

A mathematical model based on the wave-equation which governs the propagation of small amplitude pressure disturbances through a fluid is used to compute the temporal and spatial variation of impact or shock pressure against vertical wall subjected to breaking wave action. A separate development using conservation of momentum principles results in an equation for the maximum pressure in terms of both breaker characteristics and the time required for the pressure in terms of both breaker characteristics and the time required for the pressure to reach its maximum value. Experiments indicate the existence of two types of impact pressure. Significant impact pressures act over large areas of a structure simultaneously while ordinary impact pressures are more localized. The role of air in decreasing the magnitude of the maximum pressure and in retarding the propagation of the pressure disturbance appears important as the model and data compare favorably when c = 400 fps. This reduction in the sonic velocity through a mixture of air and water will occur with only a 1% volume of entrained air.
Optimizing the Planning of Remote Construction Sites to Minimize Facility Destruction from Explosive Attacks

AbstractRemote construction sites, such as oil production facilities and military forward operating bases, are often located in remote and hostile areas that are vulnerable to the threat of explosi...
Live Demonstration: A 1280 by 720 by 3, 250 mW, 24 fps Hexachromatic Imager for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Image-Guided Surgery

We have designed, fabricated, and tested a hexachromatic imager for near-infrared fluorescence image-guided surgery capable of simultaneously imaging three visible and near-infrared spectral channels. The sensor is comprised of 1280 by 720 pixels yielding a 48 dB signal-to-noise-ratio and achieving a minimum indocyanine green concentration detectability of 5 nM. The imaging sensor combines the vertically stacked photodiode technology and an array of pixelated spectral interference filters in a single-chip single-snapshot architecture yielding high sensitivity and clinical translation.
A FAST AUTOMATIC CONTINGENCY SELECTION ALGORITHM WITH BUS VOLTAGE CRITERIA

Abstract Automatic contingency selection, which is used in power transmission system reliability evaluation is discussed. The paper presents a new method in which the post-contingency volt age is analytically evaluated in terms of the pre-contingency voltage and the parameters of an outage line or transformer. The new method is compared with the linear method, the local method and the curtailment method. The results of computation done on three test systems demonstrated that the new method gives almost the same precision as the results of the other three methods, but with significant superiority in computing time.