cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toll-like receptor sensing of human herpesvirus infection

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are evolutionarily conserved pathogen sensors that constitute the first line of defense in the human immune system. Herpesviruses are prevalent throughout the world and cause significant disease in the human population. Sensing of herpesviruses via TLRs has only been documented in the last ten years and our understanding of the relationship between these sentinels of the immune system and herpesvirus infection has already provided great insight into how the host cell responds to viral infection. This report will summarize the activation and modulation of TLR signaling in the context of human herpesvirus infections.
Topics and Trends in Surgical Research: Postresection Hypergastrinemia Correlates with Malabsorption But Not Adaptation

Massive intestinal resection is associated with transient hypergastrinemia and gastric hypersecretion. Gastric hypersecretion impairs intestinal absorption, but gastrin may be trophic during intestinal adaptation. Our aim was to determine if postresection hypergastrinemia correlates with malabsorption or adaptation. Ten dogs (13 to 19 kg) underwent 75% proximal intestinal resection. Intestinal remnant length and villus height was assessed at 12 weeks (n = 5) and 40 weeks (n = 5). Body weight and serum albumin, as well as stool fat, moisture, and weight, were measured preoperatively and at 4-week intervals for 40 weeks. Fasting serum gastrin values were measured by radioimmunoassay at similar intervals. Significant hypergastrinemia occurred between 4 and 28 weeks postresection. Hypergastrinemia did not correlate with increased intestinal remnant length (r = -.486, p = .407) or villus height (r = -.410, p = .584). Duration of hypergastrinemia (> 100 pg/ml) correlated with percentage of fecal fat at 12 weeks (r = .807, p = .015) and stool weight at 40 weeks (r = .881, p = .046). Thus, postresection hypergastrinemia correlates with early fat malabsorption and increased stool weight, but there is no correlation between hypergastrinemia and adaptation. These findings suggest that gastric hypersecretion, not hypergastrinemia, may be the more important pathophysiologic event after intestinal resection.
Examining neighbourhood confounding in a survey: An example using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II

This paper demonstrates a methodology for examining whether neighbourhood stratification lessens the confounding bias of some specific risk-factor/disease associations in analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II (NHANES II). The fortuitous clustering of the sample design of NHANES allows us to estimate risk-factor/disease associations with and without controlling for neighbourhood effects on the same population. We briefly discuss the implications of this methodology for neighbourhood matching in case-control studies.
Automated modeling and emulation of interconnect designs for many-core chip multiprocessors

Simulation of new multi- and many-core systems is becoming an increasingly large bottleneck in the design process. This paper presents the ACME design automation tool flow that facilitates the hardware emulation of newly proposed large multi-core interconnection networks on FPGAs to mitigate the slowdowns of single threaded event driven simulation. The tool is aimed at computer and network architects who have knowledge of digital design but may not be comfortable with hardware description languages and synthesis flows. ACME uses a graphical entry that allows a mix of hardware components with software algorithms written in C, each with a user defined latency and throughput in terms of system cycles. ACME automatically generates a cycle accurate hardware emulator as a Xilinx Platform Studio project, which integrates synthesized hardware blocks with embedded soft-core processors that execute the C code. Our results demonstrate that for 16-core and 64-core cycle accurate packet switching networks, the FPGA-based emulation is faster than Simics-based software simulation by 2.5x and 14.6x, respectively.
Mistreatment of an esteemed other as a consequence affecting dissonance reduction

Abstract Recent research has shown that aversive behavioral consequences affect the magnitude of dissonance reduction. The present experiment was conducted to help clarify the meaning of an aversive consequence. In previous research, an aversive event was manipulated by having a subject believe that a counterattitudinal speech he had delivered was successful in convincing one of the subject's colleagues. In the present study, it was argued that convincing a colleague is aversive only to the extent that the colleague is liked. This reasoning was tested in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment in which subjects delivered a counterattitudinal speech to a recipient whom either was or was not liked by the subject and either was or was not convinced by the subject's speech. It was predicted and found that the subject would evidence attitude change only in the condition in which the speech led to the aversive event of successfully convincing an esteemed other. The results were discussed in terms of refining the relationship between attitude discrepant behavior and attitude change.
Problems detecting density-dependent diversification on phylogenies: reply to Bokma

Time-calibrated molecular phylogenies of extant taxa can provide a useful window into the tempo and mode of species diversification. One of the most interesting results to emerge from this research is the widely observed tendency for the rates of species diversification to decline through time
Sequence of the region downstream of the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene: vgb is not part of a multigene operon.

The 1668 base pairs (bp) downstream of theVitreoscilla hemoglobin gene were sequenced in the hope of finding related genes that might be part of an operon. Instead, a sequence was found that constituted an open reading frame (ORF) of 569 amino acids (apparently the carboxy-terminal part of a larger ORF), in the direction opposite to the hemoglobin gene. This sequence was found to have 64% similarity with the 1685 by at the 3′ end of theEscherichia coli uvrA gene. The inferred amino acid sequence of the Vitreoscilla DNA has 69% similarity with the corresponding sequence of theE. coli uvrA protein, with similarities of 90, 100, and 85% in the helix-turn-helix, C-terminal ATP binding, and C-terminal zinc finger domains, respectively. The distance between the 3′ ends of theVitreoscilla hemoglobin anduvrA genes is 63 bp.
An Anticipatory Social Assessment of Factory-Grown Meat

On August 5, 2013, a prototype sample of cultured, or in vitro, meat was tasted at a well-publicized event in London [1]. This hamburger was not grown in an animal, but rather from bovine stem cells in Dr. Mark Post?s laboratory at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The event may foreshadow a day when traditional livestock production has given way to large-scale growth of meat in factories, or carneries. Dr. Post has suggested that commercialization of cultured meat could be ten to twenty years away [1]. The implications are profound. By some accounts the technology could reduce the environmental impacts of meat production [2], promote human health by eliminating harmful contents such as saturated fats and pathogens [2], address global hunger issues [3], and alleviate the ethical concerns associated with industrial livestock operations [4]. However, technologies powerful enough to address such significant challenges often come with unforseen consequences and a host of costs and benefits that seldom accrue to the same actors. In extreme cases, they can even be destabilizing to social, institutional, economic, and cultural systems [5].
An example of cooperating compact data analysis programs

Some user-oriented compact data analysis programs are described. One program is useful for transforming and reformatting data, and the others perform analysis of variance and multiple regression. Along with other programs not described here, these form an adequate statistical package without sacrificing ease of use or computational power.
Clinical and Radiographic Features of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula, a Treatable Cause of Myelopathy

Objective To assess presentation, imaging, treatment, and outcome of patients with myelopathy due to a dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). Patients and Methods This retrospective review identified 94 patients with DAVF surgically treated at our institution between June 1985 and December 1999. The mean ages of the 75 men and 19 women were 62.6 years and 63.0 years, respectively (range, 31–83 years). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 87 patients, computed tomography–myelography was performed in 37 patients, and spinal angiography was performed in all patients. Initial examination findings were retrospectively adjusted to a modified Aminoff-Logue myelopathy scale. Results Of the 94 patients, 47 presented with symptoms that worsened with erect posture or Valsalva maneuver. As myelopathy progressed, patients' symptoms increased, and 6 patients had paraplegia at presentation. The mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 23 months (range, 2–120 months). Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis in 86 patients; computed to-mography–myelography was needed to confirm the fistula in 1 patient. Spinal angiography detected the fistula in all patients. Surgical obliteration of the DAVF was successful in 93 patients; in 1 patient surgery failed because the DAVF was not localized, but acrylic endovascular embolization was successful. No patient experienced permanent morbidity or mortality. Of the 94 patients, 93 improved postoperatively 1 or 2 levels based on a modified Aminoff-Logue scale. Older patients with severe long-term deficits had poor outcomes. Conclusions The diagnosis of a DAVF seems to be delayed considerably because DAVF is not included in the differential diagnosis of myelopathy and because of clinicians' unfamiliarity with suggestive or revealing findings on diagnostic imaging. Neurodiagnostic imaging confirms the diagnosis, and spinal angiography localizes the fistula. Surgical intradural disconnection of the DAVF clinically reverses the pathophysiology. Additionally, surgical treatment is associated with low short-term morbidity, no permanent morbidity, and no mortality. If the diagnosis is made early and treatment initiated in such patients, they generally do well.
Quantifying the platinum group elements (PGEs) and gold in geological samples using cation exchange pretreatment and ultrasonic nebulization inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (USN-ICP-MS)

Abstract A method for analyzing low abundances of the platinum group elements (PGEs) and gold has been developed using cation exchange chromatography and ultrasonic nebulization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (USN-ICP-MS). Ultrasonic nebulization increases sensitivity over regular pneumatic nebulization so that resolvable signals above background are possible in the fg/g range. Small sample sizes (≤250 mg) and low volumes of reagents produce procedural blank levels below the detection limit for Ru, Pd and Ir, in the fg/g range for Rh and in the low pg/g range for Pt and Au. Heterogeneous PGE and Au distributions in geological samples are avoided by a rigorous homogenization/rehomogenization procedure. The reference material UMT-1, which contains rock concentrations of the PGEs and Au at the low ng/g levels, monitored recoverability. Interferences of HfO+ and TaO+ on Ir, Pt and Au were not seen in the analyses of UMT-1 because Hf and Ta have low abundances in this reference material. However, these interferences are acute for silicate rocks, even after cation exchange chromatography. Isotope dilution cannot be adapted to this method for Ir and Pt because two interference-free isotopes are not available. An external calibration method has been developed for the accurate and precise determination of the PGEs and Au in rocks with low abundances of Hf and Ta (
Forecasting gob gas venthole production performances using intelligent computing methods for optimum methane control in longwall coal mines

Abstract Gob gas ventholes (GGV) are used to control methane inflows into a longwall operation by capturing it within the overlying fractured strata before it enters the work environment. Thus, it is important to understand the effects of various factors, such as drilling parameters, location of borehole, applied vacuum by exhausters and mining/panel parameters in order to be able to evaluate the performance of GGVs and to predict their effectiveness in controlling methane emissions. However, a practical model for this purpose currently does not exist. In this paper, we analyzed the total gas flow rates and methane percentages from 10 GGVs located on three adjacent panels operated in Pittsburgh coalbed in Southwestern Pennsylvania section of Northern Appalachian basin. The ventholes were drilled from different surface elevations and were located at varying distances from the start-up ends of the panels and from the tailgate entries. Exhauster pressures, casing diameters, location of longwall face and mining rates and production data were also recorded. These data were incorporated into a multilayer-perceptron (MLP) type artificial neural network (ANN) to model venthole production. The results showed that the two-hidden layer model predicted total production and the methane content of the GGVs with more than 90% accuracy. The ANN model was further used to conduct sensitivity analyses about the mean of the input variables to determine the effect of each input variable on the predicted production performance of GGVs.
Comparisons of sonoluminescence from single-bubbles and cavitation fields: bridging the gap

Abstract Sonoluminescence (SL) refers to the generation of light through the energetic pulsations of acoustic cavitation bubbles in a liquid. For years, SL was observed primarily in cavitation fields. These bubbles are believed by many to undergo near-adiabatic compression, resulting in the heating of the bubble contents and the subsequent emission of light. Recently, researchers have discovered a ‘new’ form of sonoluminescence in which light is observed to emanate from a single bubble undergoing very large volume excursions. The mechanism for light production is unknown, but many believe it is due to a rapid heating of the central core by an imploding shock wave. Based in part on the emission time scales, there is a common belief that the two forms of SL are quite distinct. We address this issue by comparing the two phenomena with regards to their light-flash durations and emission spectra-leading to some surprising differences and similarities.
Steady-State Mechanics of Delamination Cracking in Laminated Ceramic-Matrix Composites

A fracture mechanics delamination cracking model has been developed for brittle-matrix composite laminates. The near-tip mechanics is discussed in the context of material orthotropy and composite material inhomogeneities. A fracture mechanics framework based on the near-tip energy release rate and the associated phase angle Ψ has been adopted. In the case of steady-state delamination cracking in a prenotched cross-ply symmetric laminated beam, analytical expressions for the steady-state energy release rate, ss, have been obtained for the combined applied loading of an axial force and a bending moment. Parameter studies assessing the effects on ss of load coupling, crack location, and lamination morphology which includes the total number of layers, layer thickness, and material properties are presented. Thus, composite homogenization criteria with respect to the total number of layers placed along the beam height can be obtained for a wide range of material selection. The associated phase angle Ψ at the delamination crack tip is discussed in the context of existing solutions. The analysis has been developed based on a theory for structural laminates. The delamination model can be used in conjunction with experimental data obtained from model geometries to extract the mixed-mode transverse composite fracture toughness. Thus, conditions for stable delamination crack growth can be established and design criteria based on toughness for composite laminates and composite fasteners can be obtained.
Direct evidence of conformational heterogeneity in human pancreatic glucokinase from high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance.

High-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance is used to investigate the conformational dynamics of human glucokinase, a 52 kDa monomeric enzyme that displays kinetic cooperativity. 1H−15N transverse relaxation optimized spectra of uniformly labeled glucokinase, recorded in the absence and presence of glucose, reveal significant cross-peak overlap and heterogeneous peak intensities that persist over a range of temperatures. 15N-specific labeling of isoleucines and tryptophans, reporting on backbone and side chain dynamics, respectively, demonstrates that both unliganded and glucose-bound enzymes sample multiple conformations, although glucose stabilizes certain conformations. These results provide the first direct evidence of glucokinase conformational heterogeneity and hence shed light on the molecular basis of cooperativity.
Binary dual‐flashing geothermal power plants

A new type of geothermal power plant is proposed and analysed, which combines the advantages of the binary and the dual-flashing units. This combination avoids some of the shortcomings of conventional binary plants. At their optimum conditions these binary dual-flashing plants may produce up to 40% more work than a conventional binary optimized unit. Any fluid with suitable thermodynamic properties may be used as secondary fluid. For this study ammonia, freon-12 and isobutane have been used in the secondary Rankine cycle. Two parameters are optimized in the binary dual-flashing plant, namely the temperature of evaporation and the dryness fraction in the evaporator. The optimization procedure and the governing equations for the operation of the new plants are described in the paper.
A comparison of the (Na+-K+)-ATPase activities found in isolated brush border and plasma membrane of the rat intestinal mucosa

A quantitative comparison of the properties of the (Na+-K+)-stimulated ATPase activities of isolated rat intestinal mucosal brush borders and plasma membranes is described. Differences in Km for ATP, apparent Ki for ouabain and phloridzin, pH optima and other properties are presented.
Temperature and Electrolyte Optimization of the α-Hemolysin Latch Sensing Zone for Detection of Base Modification in Double-Stranded DNA

The latch region of the wild-type protein pore α-hemolysin (α-HL) constitutes a sensing zone for individual abasic sites (and furan analogs) in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The presence of an abasic site or furan within a DNA duplex, electrophoretically captured in the α-HL vestibule and positioned at the latch region, can be detected based on the current blockage prior to duplex unzipping. We investigated variations in blockage current as a function of temperature (12–35°C) and KCl concentration (0.15–1.0 M) to understand the origin of the current signature and to optimize conditions for identifying the base modification. In 1 M KCl solution, substitution of a furan for a cytosine base in the latch region results in an ∼8 kJ mol−1 decrease in the activation energy for ion transport through the protein pore. This corresponds to a readily measured ∼2 pA increase in current at room temperature. Optimal resolution for detecting the presence of a furan in the latch region is achieved at lower KCl concentrations, where the noise in the measured blockage current is significantly lower. The noise associated with the blockage current also depends on the stability of the duplex (as measured from the melting temperature), where a greater noise in the measured blockage current is observed for less stable duplexes.
The geochemistry and petrogenesis of volcanics and sheeted dikes from the Hatay (Kizildag) Ophiolite, southern Turkey: Possible formation with the Troodos Ophiolite, Cyprus, along fore-arc spreading centers

Abstract Geochemical and petrological investigations of the Hatay (Kizildag) Ophiolite, southern Turkey, indicate that the volcanics and sheeted dikes compositionally range from island-arc tholeiites and basaltic andesites to transitional boninitictype lavas formed within a supra-subduction zone environment. Geochemical modeling indicates that the compositional trends within both the sheeted dike and pillow basalt sections of Hatay cannot be related through fractional crystallization alone but require multiple parental magmas of differing compositions within each unit. The more refractory liquids (higher MgO, Ni and Cr coupled with lower concentrations of Ti, Zr, Y and REE) formed at lower pressures (shallower depths) through greater degrees of partial melting of a more depleted mantle source relative to less-refractory magmas which formed at higher pressures and possibly lower degrees of melting. The Hatay volcanics and dikes span the compositional range of Lower Pillow Lavas (LPLs) and Upper Pillow Lavas (UPLs) from the Troodos Complex, Cyprus, suggesting, along with other evidence, that the two ophiolites may be petrogenetically and tectonically related. Formation of the Hatay and Troodos ophiolites was possibly associated with extension within a fore-arc environment following compression and detachment along an intra-oceanic ridge system and development of a subduction zone. The range of parental liquid compositions for volcanics and dikes may reflect variable mixing of geochemically diverse melt increments generated within a polybaric melting column in the mantle wedge. The melting column may have additionally received contributions of LREE-enriched melts from deeper, more juvenile (fertile) sources. Formation of parental liquids through variable mixing of melt increments appears to be common to both the Hatay and Troodos ophiolites.
Extant and potential vegetation of an old-growth maritime Ilex opaca forest

The extant and potential (seed bank) vegetation of a rare maritime holly forest on Fire Island, New York was described to assess whether treefall gaps act as a mechanism for the persistence of the species composition of this plant community over time. The Sunken Forest overstory is dominated by Ilex opaca, Amelanchier canadensis and Sassafras albidum. A survey of canopy gaps indicated canopy openings compose 11.3% of the land within the Sunken Forest (16 ha). The composition and density of the seed bank were described using the emergence method. Germination from soil samples placed in the greenhouse was monitored over 2 years. Sixteen species germinated with an average propagule density of 215±41 germinants per square metre. An early successional species (Rhus copallinum) dominated the seed bank, but the late-successional, shade-tolerant I. opaca was also present. Though only one species in the seed bank did not appear in the current vegetation, species abundance differed between vegetation strata. The mean cover and density of the ground-layer flora were higher beneath treefall gaps than closed canopy. Sapling density did not differ between the two canopy conditions, but the dominant species differed with A. canadensis occupying several closed canopy plots and P. serotina saplings appearing more often in gap plots. Most of the dominant canopy species are present in the seed bank and ground layer but are not present in the shrub and sapling layer, with the exception of A. canadensis. Current (2002) sapling density is lower than three decades ago for all species except P. serotina, which is now the dominant woody species in the Sunken Forest understory. The results of this study indicate that if the cause of the sapling reduction is lessened or removed, the characteristic species of the overstory of this unusual plant community may rebound and redevelop a sapling and shrub layer akin to that present before the increase in Odocoileus virginianus on the island.
The Factor IXa Second Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF2) Domain Mediates Platelet Binding and Assembly of the Factor X Activating Complex

Abstract Previously we have determined that residues 88–109 (but not Arg94) in the second epidermal growth factor (EGF2)-like domain of factor IXa (FIXa) are important for assembly of the factor X (FX) activating complex on phospholipid vesicles (Wilkinson, F. H., London, F. S., and Walsh, P. N. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 5725–5733). Here we report that these residues are important for platelet binding affinity, stoichiometry, and assembly of the FX activating complex. We prepared several chimeric FIXa proteins using homologous sequences from factor VII (FVII): FIXaFVIIEGF2 (FIXΔ88–124,∇FVII91–127), FIXaloop1 (FIXΔ88–99,∇FVII91–102), FIXaloop2 (FIXΔ95–109,∇FVII98–112), and FIXaloop3 (FIXΔ111–124,∇FVII114–127) and tested their ability to bind to thrombin-activated platelets. Binding affinities (K d values in 10− 9 m) for the proteins were as follows in the presence and absence of FVIIIa, respectively: FIXaN (0.55 ± 0.06, 2.9 ± 0.45), FIXaWT (0.80 ± 0.08, 3.5 ± 0.5), FIXaloop1 (19 ± 4.0, 27 ± 5.0), FIXaloop2 (35 ± 9.0, 65 ± 12.0), and FIXaloop3 (1.1 ± 0.09, 5.0 ± 0.90). TheseK d values are in good agreement withK d (app) values (in 10−9 m) determined from the activation of FX (in the presence and absence of FVIIIa, respectively): FIXaN (0.46 ± 0.05, 1.40 ± 0.14), FIXaWT (0.72 ± 0.08, 3.8 ± 0.08), FIXaloop1 (3.2 ± 0.72, 14.0 ± 1.60), FIXaloop2 (18.4 ± 1.60, 26.3 ± 3.40), and FIXaloop3 (0.7 ± 0.05, 3.0 ± 0.15). Moreover, the stoichiometry of binding (sites/platelet) showed an agreement with V max of FX activation and was reduced in those proteins that also showed a decreased platelet binding affinity. A peptide corresponding to the FIX EGF2 domain (Leu84-Val128) was an effective inhibitor of FIXa binding to platelets in both the presence (K i= 0.7 × 10− 6 m) and the absence (K i = 1.5 × 10− 6 m) of FVIIIa and FX. We conclude that residues 88–109 of the FIXa EGF2 domain mediate binding to platelets and assembly of the FX activating complex.
The early childhood classroom observation measure

Abstract This study assesses a new measure of early childhood classroom practice in 127 kindergarten- and first-grade classrooms. The measure was designed to be appropriate for classrooms serving children from the age of 4–7 years. It assesses the nature and quality of instruction as well as the social climate and management of the classroom. Two separate scales assess the degree to which constructivist, child-centered and the degree to which didactic, teacher-centered instructional practices are implemented. Findings indicate that the measure produced reliable scores and meaningful, predictable associations were found between scores on the observation measure, on the one hand, and teachers’ self-reported practices, teaching goals, relationships with children, and perceptions of children's ability to be self-directed learners, on the other.
Image size correction of the unilateral aphakic infant

In this article we outline a technique for the correction of aniseikonic size differences in unilateral aphakic infants. The technique is not difficult and can be readily performed in the office by...
Socialization Attitudes and Social Authorities

ABSTRACT This study reports on the development of a socialization scale and its use to assess attitudes toward social authority. American college students (N = 729, 356 men, 373 women) completed surveys for seven studies. The surveys consisted of the socialization measure and several other scales used to measure the students' attitudes toward the law, police authority, family, parents, and physicians. Results of the item analysis yielded a scale with part-whole correlations ranging from .44 to .85 (p ≤ .001) and a corrected split-half reliability of .75 (p ≤ .001). Consistent relationships were found between oversocialization and positive attitudes toward social authority.
Very early activation of m-calpain in peripheral nerve during Wallerian degeneration

Peripheral nerve injury results in a series of events culminating in degradation of the axonal cytoskeleton (Wallerian degeneration). In the time period between axotomy and cytoskeletal degradation (24-48 h in rodents), there is calcium entry and activation of calpains within the axon. The precise timing of these events during this period is unknown. In the present study, antibodies were generated to three distinct peptide epitopes of m-calpain, and a fusion protein antibody was generated to the intrinsic calpain inhibitor calpastatin. These antibodies were used to measure changes in these proteins in mouse sciatic nerves during Wallerian degeneration. In sciatic nerve homogenates and cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurites, m-calpain protein was significantly reduced in transected nerves very early after nerve injury, long before axonal degeneration occurred. Levels of m-calpain protein remained low as compared to control nerves for the remainder of the 72-h time course. No changes in calpastatin protein were evident. Systemic treatment of animals with the protease inhibitor leupeptin partially prevented the rapid loss of calpain protein. Removal of calcium in DRG cultures had the same effect. These data indicate that m-calpain protein is lost very early after axonal injury, and likely reflect activation and degradation of this protein long before the cytoskeleton is degraded. Calpain activation may be an early event in a proteolytic cascade that is initiated by axonal injury and culminates with axonal degeneration.
Mobile Agent Technology for Distributed Sensing and Actuation Systems

Distributed sensing and actuation systems research has drawn a great attention in recent years from various research communities. These systems are usually deployed in wild fields using a wireless network for the communication. Due to the shortage of power supply and bandwidth, the less communication between system components is desired since it consumes much more power comparing with local computation and uses network bandwidth. In addition, the dynamics of the deployed environments requires distributed sensing and actuation systems being self-organized, scalable, and adaptable. To achieve these desirable characteristics, this paper proposes a mobile agent approach to reduce raw data transmission over a network and increase the flexibility of a distributed sensing and actuation system. The basic ideas of the proposed mobile agent method and the framework based on a mobile agent system called Mobile-C are introduced. Mobile-C is embedded into sensor nodes consisting of an embedded computer and several expansion boards for analog/digital signal input/output and wireless communication. The advantages of using mobile agent based wireless sensor networks for intelligent structure health monitoring are discussed, and a data analysis mobile agent example is given to demonstrate the capability of such a network to dynamically deploy data analysis algorithms and reduce raw data transmission.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Flattening With Geological Constraints

In areas with faults and poor signal/noise ratio, where reectors can be discontinuous from place to place, a dip-based attening technique might not be able to appropriately track sedimentary layers. To aid the attening algorithms, one or few reectors can be picked. This information can be then incorporated in our algorithms as geological constraints. In a rst method, we add a model mask to a time domain solution using a Gauss-Newton approach that incorporates an initial solution. In a second method, we set the lower and upper bounds of a constrained optimization algorithm called limited memory BFGS with bounds (L-BFGS-B). Having incorporated the geological information, the attening algorithms can accurately pick reectors in 2D and 3D for noisy eld data examples. In addition, preliminary results seem to indicate that the L-BFGS-B method converges faster than the Gauss-Newton method.
Detection of isolated hook fractures 36 months after implantation of the Ancure endograft: a cautionary note.

Abstract Two cases of delayed (36-month) Ancure hook fracture are reported in patients who experienced a decrease in aneurysm size and no evidence of endoleak. Both devices used redesigned hooks and are otherwise identical to those devices currently used in clinical practice. Notably, hook fractures were not visualized on all abdominal radiographic views, nor were they noted on the final "institutional" report by the reviewing radiologist. Careful clinical follow-up with multiple-view abdominal radiographs remains essential for all patients treated with an endovascular graft, with particular attention directed to the integrity of the metal components. The broader clinical significance of this observation with respect to the Ancure endograft remains to be defined. (J Vasc Surg 2001;34:353-6.)
The Analysis of Robust Stability and Performance in Multivariable Feedback Systems using M-Matrices

A new technique for the analysis of robust stability and performance in multivariable feedback systems is presented. Structured plant uncertainties are considered, and strict bounds are placed on the frequency reponse of the closed loop. A scalar measure of robustness is derived using M-matrices, and it is shown to be scale invariant. The criterion may be used to synthesize filters for the IMC control configuration. An additional scalar measure, similar to a condition number, is introduced which describes the relative sensitivity of a plant transfer matrix to modeling error.
Intraoperative imaging using optical coherence tomography

Summary form only given. In this study, intraoperative imaging was performed to investigate the feasibility of OCT for imaging prostate pathology in vivo as well as to investigate OCT intraoperative imaging in a more general context. A sterilizable hand-held surgical probe was developed and used with a portable OCT system to image in the surgical suite and pathology laboratory. The imaging probe has a 2 cm working distance which allows the surgeon to maneuver the beam within the tight confines of the surgical field. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of intraoperative OCT imaging in human subjects as well as imaging in a pathology laboratory environment.
Virulent Type A Francisella tularensis actively suppresses cytokine responses in human monocytes

Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative facultative bacterium that can cause the disease tularemia, even upon exposure to low numbers of bacteria. One critical characteristic of Francisella is its ability to dampen or subvert the host immune response. Previous work has shown that monocytes infected with highly virulent F. tularensis subsp. tularensis strain Schu S4 responded with a general pattern of quantitatively reduced pro-inflammatory signaling pathway genes and cytokine production in comparison to those infected with the less virulent related F. novicida. However, it has been unclear whether the virulent Schu S4 was merely evading or actively suppressing monocyte responses. By using mixed infection assays with F. tularensis and F. novicida, we show that F. tularensis actively suppresses monocyte pro-inflammatory responses. Additional experiments show that this suppression occurs in a dose-dependent manner and is dependent upon the viability of F. tularensis. Importantly, F. tularensis was able to suppress pro-inflammatory responses to earlier infections with F. novicida. These results lend support that F. tularensis actively dampens human monocyte responses and this likely contributes to its enhanced pathogenicity.
Multi-terabyte automated mass storage

A candidate technology offering a mature high-performance and low-cost approach to automated mass storage is discussed. It utilizes 0.5-in video magnetic tape, industrial-quality drive mechanisms, and broadcast video robotics. Accompanying software provides logical volume and file management and appears to host systems that are as large but have a slow-access online diskfile system. Cassettes with over 6 GB of storage and drives operating at up to 4 MB/s sustained are incorporated in a robotic assembly holding 600 cassettes. The system has a capacity of nearly 4 TB and occupies only 18 ft/sup 2/ of floor space. A full-load media cost is about $6000. Advances in data-transfer rate and packing densities will at least double future system speed and capacity. >
Human Impacts to River Temperature and Their Effects on Biological Processes: A Quantitative Synthesis1

Hester, Erich T. and Martin W. Doyle, 2011. Human Impacts to River Temperature and Their Effects on Biological Processes: A Quantitative Synthesis. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 47(3):571-587. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00525.x Abstract: Land-use change and water resources management increasingly impact stream and river temperatures and therefore aquatic organisms. Efforts at thermal mitigation are expected to grow in future decades. Yet the biological consequences of both human thermal impacts and proposed mitigation options are poorly quantified. This study provides such context for river thermal management in two ways. First, we summarize the full spectrum of human thermal impacts to help thermal managers consider the relative magnitudes of all impacts and mitigation options. Second, we synthesize biological sensitivity to river temperature shifts using thermal performance curves, which relate organism-level biological processes to temperature. This approach supplements the popular use of thermal thresholds by directly estimating the impact of temperature shifts on the rates of key biological processes (e.g., growth). Our results quantify a diverse array of human thermal impacts, revealing that human actions tend to increase more than decrease river temperatures. Our results also provide a practical framework in which to quantify the sensitivity of river organisms to such impacts and related mitigation options. Finally, among the data and studies we synthesized, river organisms appear to be more sensitive to temperature above than below their thermal maxima, and fish are more sensitive to temperature change than invertebrates.
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Trends in Special Education Journals

This study investigated the trend in the number and types of research articles published in selected special education journals in 1968, 1977, and 1986. Results indicated that the majority of publi...
Practitioner Review: Problems in Children's Peer Relations: What Can the Clinician Do?

Abstract— This paper describes the assessment and treatment of children with peer relationship problems. The first part of the paper is organized around five topics: peer rejection, peer neglect, the absence of friendships, reputation in the peer group, and peer group affiliations. Next, a series of assessment methods is delineated, including peer, teacher, parent and self reports, as well as direct observational procedures. Finally, we suggest a number of treatment options, including social skills training, social cognitive interventions, and co-operative group interventions.
Personalized Screening for Breast Cancer: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?

1365 lifetime risk group [7]. ACR and SBI do not currently advocate ultrasound screening because of the low biopsy positive predictive value of 8–9%, its operator dependence, the lengthy examination time for handheld ultrasound, and the limited availability of breast ultrasound technologists [1]. However, ACR and SBI guidelines state that adjunctive screening ultrasound may be considered for women having dense breasts [1]. Automated ultrasound systems reduce both examination time and operator dependence and seem to yield detection rates similar to handheld ultrasound; however, recall rates and falsepositive biopsy rates remain high [8].
Context and Cognition: Implications for Educational Innovators and Anthropologists

The dismal track record of educational innovations in everyday classrooms can be understood, at least in part, by the separation of context and cognition in the development, dissemination, and implementation of such efforts. Recent work in the cultural-historical tradition, which elaborates aspects of context in relation to cognition, provides a way for both educational innovators and educational anthropologists to develop approaches to educational innovation that explicitly take context into account
How much hope should we have for biofuels

This paper revisits the recent developments in biofuel markets and their economic, social and environmental impacts. Several countries have introduced mandates and targets for biofuel expansion. Production, international trade and investment have increased sharply in the last few years. However, some analysts linked biofuels to the 2007–2008 global food crisis. Existing studies diverge on the magnitude of the projected long-term impacts of biofuels on food prices and supply, with studies that model only the agricultural sector showing higher impacts and studies that model the entire economy showing relatively lower impacts. In terms of climate change mitigation, biofuels reduces GHG emissions only if GHG emissions related to land-use change are avoided. When biofuel production entails conversion of forest to cropland, net reduction of GHG would not be realized for many years. Existing literature does not favor the diversion of food for large-scale biofuels production, but the regulated expansion of biofuels in countries with surplus lands and a strong biofuel industry cannot be ruled out. Developments in non-food based or cellulosic (or second generation) biofuels may offer some hope, yet they still compete with food supply through land use and are currently constrained by a number of technical and economic barriers.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism: phenotypic spectrum in kindred

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders due to an inactivating mutation in the GNAS gene which encodes the α subunit of Gs proteins (Gsα). Gsα plays a crucial role in intracellular signal transduction of peptides, hormones and neurotransmitter receptors in multiple tissues. Key features of PHP include Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy (AHO) and biochemical evidence of multiple hormone resistances. There are several conflicting mechanisms for its heterogeneity; a possible explanation is a tissue-specific differential imprinting of Gsα protein. PHP type1a has AHO with multiple hormone resistance and is inherited as maternal imprinting defect. PHP type 1b presents with hormone resistance but no AHO features and is probably due to epigenetic methylation defects. Peudopseudohypoparathyroidism is another subtype with AHO but absence of hormone resistance and is inherited as paternal inactivating mutation. We describe a family with female members having PHP with variable clinical and biochemical features. Two female siblings from non-consanguineous parents, patient A (15 year) & patient B (13 year) presented at birth with raised TSH levels and were diagnosed to have congenital hypothyroidism and treated with thyroxine replacement. Patient A was noted to have infantile obesity with short stature and evolving phenotypic features consistent with AHO. Further history revealed that her sister patient B has similar phenotypic appearance and was confirmed on clinical exam. Biochemical evaluation for Patient A showed a borderline low calcium and normal phosphate level with elevated PTH while Patient B had normal calcium and phosphate levels with high PTH. Both patients entered puberty at 11 years and patient A progressed to breast tanner 4 but has no menarche at 15 years despite pubertal gonadotropin levels (Table ​(Table1),1), advanced bone age (18 years) & mature uterus. Patient B is currently 12.5 years old and has progressed to tanner 3 breasts with no menarche. Mother exhibits features of AHO without hormone resistance. The father and younger brother do not have any features of AHO. Table 1 The two patients with PHP described above had an interesting presentation as congenital hypothyroidism with features of AHO evolving later in life. They exhibit clinical evidence of maternal transmission with end-organ resistance. This family illustrates heterogeneity of presentation of GNAS mutation. Written informed consent was obtained from the patients for publication of this abstract. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor of this journal.
Arthroscopic Versus Mini-open Rotator Cuff Repair A Comprehensive Review and Meta-analysis

BackgroundControversy remains regarding the results of all arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs compared with the mini-open approach. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive literature search and meta-analysis of clinical trials comparing the results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs and mini-open rotator cuff repairs.HypothesisThere is no difference between the clinical results obtained from all arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs compared with mini-open repairs.Study DesignMeta-analysis.MethodsA computerized search of articles published between 1966 and July 2006 was performed using MEDLINE and PubMed. Additionally, a search of abstracts from 4 major annual meetings each held between 2000 and 2005 was performed to identify Level I to III studies comparing the results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and mini-open repair. Studies that included follow-up of an average of over 2 years and a minimum of 1 year and included the use of 1 of 4 validated functional outcome scores used to study ...
Desiccation and recolonization of phytobenthos in a regulated desert river: Colorado River at Lees Ferry, Arizona, USA

We tested the recolonization of the phytobenthic community in the tailwaters of Glen Canyon Dam following longand short-term experimentally induced desiccation. The response of Cladophora glomerata, Oscillatoria spp., miscellaneous phytobenthos species and periphyton was studied over 18 weeks using three treatments: (1) undisturbed control cobbles from the submerged zone; (2) cobbles desiccated and replaced into the submerged zone; and (3) cobbles desiccated and replaced into the varial zone. Periphyton density and compositional response resulting from these treatments were also examined. Desiccation treatments were significantly different in biomass from controls throughout the study. The biomass of desiccated and replaced river cobbles averaged B30% of the controls for C. glomerata and periphyton during the 18-week recolonization period. In contrast, the biomass of the control Oscillatoria and miscellaneous phytobenthos species averaged only 3 and 50% of that in the desiccation treatments, respectively. Cladophora, the dominant alga, comprised 77% of the phytobenthic biomass. A significant positive relationship between discharge, Cladophora and periphyton biomass was present in all treatments, while there was a negative relationship with discharge for Oscillatoria and miscellaneous phytobenthos species. There was a significant inverse correlation, as well as a pattern of separate biomass dominance, between C. glomerata and Oscillatoria. Cladophora was the dominant phytobenthos species on cobbles below the baseflow and Oscillatoria was dominant on cobbles in the varial zone. In general, the Cladophora biomass decreased under intermittent drying conditions, while Oscillatoria declined under permanently wet conditions. Diatom composition was not significantly different between treatments; however, their density was lower on desiccated cobbles. Diatom density on desiccated cobbles in the submerged and varial zones averaged 69 and 42% of that of the controls, respectively. Recovery and maintenance of benthic resources are hindered by fluctuating flow regimes driven by electricity and irrigation requirements. Repeated desiccation of the phytobenthos has major effects on the bottom-up interactions in the Colorado River ecosystem. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.