cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CXCR4: a virus's best friend?

Viruses are dependent on their hosts for replication and dispersal in the environment; thus, the most successful viruses are those that co-evolve with their hosts. CXCR4 is a cellular chemokine receptor that plays central roles in development, hematopoiesis, and immune surveillance through signaling induced by its ligand, CXCL12. The CXCR4–CXCL12 axis has been besieged by many pathogens that employ a range of strategies to modify or exploit CXCR4 activity. While CXCR4 was identified as a critical co-factor for entry of HIV into CD4+ T cells early on, other viruses may utilize CXCR4 to gain cell entry as well. Moreover, several viruses have been found to modulate CXCR4 expression or alter its functional activity, with direct effects on cell trafficking, immune responses, cell proliferation, and cell survival. Because CXCR4 is targeted by a diverse group of viral pathogens, modification of host CXCR4 signaling activity is emerging as a common theme in virus persistence and is likely to be important for subversion of the host immune system. This review highlights major viral pathogens that use and abuse CXCR4 and explores the possible reasons why this chemokine receptor has become “a virus’s best friend”.
Scale- and Item-Level Factor Analyses of the VIA Inventory of Strengths:

The VIA Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) has emerged as the primary instrument for gauging individual strengths and virtues. Prior studies have generated inconsistent results concerning the latent structure of the VIA-IS. The present study attempted to address some of these inconsistencies. VIA-IS results from a large sample (N = 458,998) of U.S. adults who completed the inventory online were subjected to a series of principal components and factor analyses. The sample was 66.46% female with a mean age of 34.36 years (SD = 14.13 years) and consistent with the general U.S. population in terms of geographic distribution. Information on ethnicity was not available. The size of the sample permitted both scale- and item-level analyses. The scale-level analyses produced findings similar to those of previous studies, but raised concerns about multidimensionality in the scales. Item-level analyses suggested an alternate set of 24 scales, 20 of which overlapped substantially with existing VIA-IS scales. A second-or...
Greening Project Management Practices for Sustainable Construction

Environmentally sustainable building construction has experienced significant growth during the past 10 years. The public is becoming more aware of the benefits of green construction as prominent politicians, celebrities, documentarians, and journalists highlight the built environment's impact on greenhouse gas emissions and natural resource consumption. Other factors, including higher energy prices, increased costs of building materials, and regulatory incentives, are also pushing the green building market to grow and expand. However, barriers to green building continue to exist, including the ability to deliver a green project within acceptable cost constraints. In order for project managers to deliver sustainable construction according to clients' cost expectations, modifications must be made to traditional project management processes and practices. The objective of this paper is to suggest specific modifications to conventional building practices to optimize the delivery of cost-efficient green building projects. This paper presents an overview of research related to the costs and trends of green building and uses these research findings to make recommendations for greening project management practices for the construction industry. Our research results show that greening project management practices can add significant value to a sustainable construction project while delivering it within acceptable cost constraints. A detailed analysis using matrix present specific adjustments to traditional project management practices, with a premise that a green project improves its chances for financial success if a cross-discipline team is involved at the earliest stages and throughout the project.
Filter designs for a reconfigurable photonic integrated circuit

This paper presents non-classical bandpass filter designs for a reconfigurable photonic integrated circuit (PIC). Because the designs must be realizable for a high frequency range in a new optical device, we consider digital infinite-impulse response filters that avoid lasing for a specific unit cell configuration. In order to accommodate the architecture of the PIC, we describe a design procedure for bandpass filters in the 10 GHz frequency range based on a prototype filter constructed from second-order sections.
Influence of pH on the prostacyclin (PGI2) mediated inhibition of platelet function.

Abstract Prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) stimulates platelet adenylate cyclase, elevates intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and blocks the response to aggregating agents. It is rapidly hydrolyzed (T 1–5 min) to 6-keto prostaglandin F 1α at acid or neutral pH.As a result, platelets incubated with PGI 2 will recover spontaneously and respond to aggregating agents within 15–60 min, depending on the initial PGI 2 concentration. In the present study we have evaluated the influence of temperature and pH on the stability of PGI 2 and its effects on platelet function. PGI 2 in Tris buffer was stabilized at several pH levels and stored at 37°C, 23°C, and 4°C. Inhibitory influence on platelet function was lost rapidly at pH 7.2–7.4, lasted several hours at pH 7.8 and was retained indefinitely at pH 8 or above. PGI 2 (2.8 hM) completely inhibited the response to arachidonic acid for 15 min. at pH 7.4, for at least 1 hour at pH 7.8 and showed no reversal of inhibition after 48 hours at pH 8. However, PGI 2 inhibited samples at pH 8 completely recovered their sensitivity to arachidonic acid when the pH was reduced to 7.4. These findings indicate that the biological activity of PGI 2 , though labile at neutral pH, is stable at pH 8 and can inhibit cAMP mediated platelet functions for at least 48 hours. Because of its pH dependence, PGI 2 may be a useful agent for prolonging the sensitivity of stored platelets.
Generalized approach to the small signal modelling of DC-to-DC resonant converters

A generalized small-signal analysis approach that is based on both the Taylor's series expansion and the state-plane diagram is presented. A generalized discrete small-signal model for a double-ended DC-to-DC resonant converter operating in the continuous conduction mode is also given. Based on the model derived, the frequency responses for two transfer functions, namely, the line-to-output and the control-to-output transfer functions, are obtained. The technique is verified by applying it to the conventional series resonant converter whose small-signal analysis is known. >
Lack of innate preference for morph and species identity in mate-searching Enallagma damselflies

Insect mate recognition is often viewed as stereotypic, innate, and species-specific. However, male damselflies can learn to identify female-specific color morphs as potential mates. A suite of male mimicry hypotheses assume that heteromorphic females, which differ from males in color pattern, are more easily recognized as “female” and thus lack the inherent, anti-harassment advantage that the more male-like signal provides for andromorphs. Using two measures of male preference, we investigated whether naive males have a preexisting sensory bias for a given morph color in Enallagma civile, a species that appeared to exhibit extreme plasticity in morph expression across generations within a breeding season. E. civile males raised in the absence of females exhibited no preference for either morph, whereas males raised with one female type exhibited a learned sensory bias for that morph. Male Enallagma also lacked a bias toward conspecific females over a congeneric sister species. In a naturally naive population of Enallagma ebrium, males reacted sexually to both morphs of Enallagma hageni as often as they did to conspecific females, whose thoracic spectra were nearly identical with those of E. hageni. Moreover, despite the similar thoracic spectra of males and andromorphs, both of which reflected UV, males rarely reacted sexually to other males. Our results falsified implicit assumptions of male mimicry hypotheses, supported learned mate recognition, and suggested a scenario for speciation via sexual conflict.
Measuring Level Alignment at the Metal–Molecule Interface by In Situ Electrochemical 13C NMR

A new technique to measure energy-level alignment at a metal–molecule interface between the Fermi level of the metal and the frontier orbitals of the molecule is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The method, which combines the electrochemistry of organo-ligand-stabilized Au nanoparticles with 13C NMR spectroscopy (i.e. in situ electrochemical NMR), enables measuring both occupied and unoccupied states.
Regional susceptibility to stress-induced intestinal injury in the mouse

Injury to the intestinal mucosa is a life-threatening problem in a variety of clinical disorders, including hemorrhagic shock, trauma, burn, pancreatitis, and heat stroke. The susceptibility to injury of different regions of intestine in these disorders is not well understood. We compared histological injury across the small intestine in two in vivo mouse models of injury, hemorrhagic shock (30% loss of blood volume) and heat stroke (peak core temperature 42.4°C). In both injury models, areas near the duodenum showed significantly greater mucosal injury and reductions in villus height. To determine if these effects were dependent on circulating factors, experiments were performed on isolated intestinal segments to test for permeability to 4-kDa FITC-dextran. The segments were exposed to hyperthermia (42°C for 90 min), moderate simulated ischemia (Po2 ∼30 Torr, Pco2 ∼60 Torr, pH 7.1), severe ischemia (Po2 ∼20 Torr, Pco2 ∼80 Torr, pH 6.9), or severe hypoxia (Po2 ∼0 Torr, Pco2 ∼35 Torr) for 90 min, and each group was compared with sham controls. All treatments resulted in marked elevations in permeability within segments near the duodenum. In severe hypoxia or hyperthermia, permeability was also moderately elevated in the jejunum and ileum; in moderate or severe ischemia, permeability was unaffected in these regions. The results demonstrate increased susceptibility of proximal regions of the small intestine to acute stress-induced damage, irrespective of circulating factors. The predominant injury in the duodenum may impact the pattern of acute inflammatory responses arising from breach of the intestinal barrier, and such knowledge may be useful for designing therapeutic strategies.
A Humor Competence Curriculum

The TESOL Quarterly invites commentary on current trends or practices in the TESOL profession. It also welcomes responses to rebuttals to any articles or remarks published here in The Forum or elsewhere in the Quarterly.
Role of Transmembrane 4 Superfamily (Tm4sf) Proteins Cd9 and Cd81 in Muscle Cell Fusion and Myotube Maintenance

The role of transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) proteins during muscle cell fusion has not been investigated previously. Here we show that the appearance of TM4SF protein, CD9, and the formation of CD9–β1 integrin complexes were both regulated in coordination with murine C2C12 myoblast cell differentiation. Also, anti-CD9 and anti-CD81 monoclonal antibodies substantially inhibited and delayed conversion of C2C12 cells to elongated myotubes, without affecting muscle-specific protein expression. Studies of the human myoblast-derived RD sarcoma cell line further demonstrated that TM4SF proteins have a role during muscle cell fusion. Ectopic expression of CD9 caused a four- to eightfold increase in RD cell syncytia formation, whereas anti-CD9 and anti-CD81 antibodies markedly delayed RD syncytia formation. Finally, anti-CD9 and anti-CD81 monoclonal antibodies triggered apoptotic degeneration of C2C12 cell myotubes after they were formed. In summary, TM4SF proteins such as CD9 and CD81 appear to promote muscle cell fusion and support myotube maintenance.
SPECSweb post-tracking classification method

The Specular-Cued Surveillance Web (SPECSweb) multistatic tracker effectively reduces false track rate through the use of two amplitude thresholds. A high threshold is used to identify the occurrence of high-strength specular detection cues for track initiation. A low threshold is used for selective extraction of additional detections for track extension forward and backward in time. This approach significantly reduces the node-to-fusion-center communication loading requirements as well as reducing the output false track rate. At the time of the specular-cued track initiation, a historical (back)-track is reconstructed and output. In some cases, there may still be false tracks at the tracker output. We demonstrate a post-tracking classification method which identifies and removes any residual false tracks. Classification feature information for track-associated contacts is passed through the tracker and is available at its output. Discriminating true target tracks from false ones at the tracker output is made using a sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) based on feature information and kinematic track-quality. The method is shown to be effective in reducing false tracks when applied to a simulated data set.
Seasonal and global NO(x) production by lightning estimated from the optical transient detector (OTD)

The Optical Transient Detector (OTD) lightning data for the 12-month period of 1996 are used to estimate the seasonal and global distributions of lightning-produced NO x . The relatively small viewing footprint and the low detection efficiency of the OTD sensor and other difficulties require extrapolations of the OTD data to the actual global flash distributions. Furthermore, available measurements for the ratios of intracloud (IC) to cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes have been used to partition lightning counts for IC versus CG flashes from the OTD observations. The resulting lightning distributions are then used to calculate the global and seasonal production of NO x , assuming a NO production rate of 6.2×10 25 molecules for each CG flash and 8.7×10 24 molecules for each IC flash. Consequently, we find that CG flashes produce more NO x than IC flashes despite fewer CG flashes by a factor of 3 or more. NO x production by lightning varies seasonally in accordance with the global lightning distribution, with the maximum production occurring in the Northern Hemisphere in the local summer. The latitudinal distribution of NO x production exhibits a strong seasonal variation outside the tropics with the production occurring mainly in the summer hemisphere, whereas in the tropics the production is high throughout the year. The annual contribution to NO x production by lightning is higher in the Northern Hemisphere than that in the Southern Hemisphere. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.2000.01121.x
Halogen free new recyclable cable with low toxic gas emission

Wire and cables are demanded to have not only high reliability in electrical and mechanical properties, but also low disaster characteristics from the viewpoint of fire safety. For this purpose, the authors have supplied low smoke, halogen free, flame retardant cables called "Clean Cable" since 1983. From the viewpoint of environmental protection, they have developed a new type of halogen free recyclable cable with low toxic gas emission. Their new recyclable cable's material is low density (d=1.1), halogen free and flame retardant material. By means of density difference, separation of the new material and PVC can be carried out easily with water flow on waste treatment.
Five Fast Fixes

The extent to which moulage is used to assist in the suspension of disbelief during a simulation can influence students’ degree of engagement during the experience and increase (or decrease) the learning that occurs. Some moulage can be purchased over the Internet to provide realistic odors and sounds. Many moulage techniques can be improvised and are devised through the imagination of creative staff working in simulation labs. We use a plastic tackle box to keep everything we have accumulated in one location. It’s easy to pick up and take to the manikin or volunteer waiting to participate in a simulation. The box contains fake scars, cuts, stitches, and tattoos purchased near Halloween time. We also have quite a variety of eye shadow colors, blush or cheek colors, foundation shades, and lip liner pencils. Take care not to use products that will stain the manikin’s skin. You can go to the Web address www.realhilarious.com to find sounds and odors to enhance the realism of the students’ learning experience. This address was formerly www. soimmature.com. It was such an appropriate name, based on the products available! Realhilarious.com has a category list on its home page, making the site user friendly. If you want or need more help, try www.moulage.net. Besides product and photo links, a training and class information link is available. The proprietors will assist you at your site to run a mass casualty (or other) scenario or provide the instructions and some of the supplies for organizing the event, and you can do the rest yourself.
Evaluation of Multimodal Imaging in Carriers of X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa

The aim of this study was to investigate visualization of the tapetal-like reflex using current imaging modalities and evaluate SD-OCT changes in known carriers of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP); the objective being the development of an optimal protocol for clinicians to identify carriers. Ten XLRP carriers (19 eyes) were examined using color fundus photography, 488 nm reflectance (488-R), near-infrared reflectance (NIR-R), autofluorescence (AF) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging (Spectralis SLO-OCT, Heidelberg). Horizontal line scans through the fovea were acquired in all subjects and in a group of 10 age-similar controls. Peripheral SD-OCT scans (extending to 27.5° eccentricity) were also acquired in both eyes of 7 carriers. MP-1 microperimetery (10-2 pattern; Nidek) was performed in one eye of each carrier. For the XLRP carriers, a tapetal reflex was observed with all imaging modalities in 8 of 19 eyes. It had the same retinal location on color fundus, 488-R and NIR-R imaging but a different location on AF. The tapetal reflex was most easily detected in 488-R images. The horizontal foveal SD-OCT scans were qualitatively normal, but measurements showed significant outer retinal layer thinning in all eyes. Additionally, the 14 eyes with peripheral SD-OCTs demonstrated patchy loss of the inner segment ellipsoid band. Microperimetry exhibited patchy visual sensitivity loss in 9 eyes. Full field ERGs were variable, ranging from normal to severely abnormal rod and cone responses. Our findings suggest that an optimal protocol for identifying carriers of XLRP should include 488-R imaging in a multimodal approach. Peripheral SD-OCT imaging and central retinal layer quantification revealed significant structural abnormalities.
An Examination of the Adverse Effects of Consumer Loans

The dramatic increase in the consumer debt burden and consumer bankruptcies are indications that restrictions should be imposed on the availability of consumer unsecured loans. Financial services firms treat consumer unsecured loans as if they are evaluating business loans. They treat the pool of loan applicants as if they are a pool of insurance applicants Consumers on the other hand see the easy credit as an opportunity to abandon fiscal responsibility and depend on borrowing to meet their consumption needs. The explosion of the real estate market helped support this obsession with debt-financed consumption. This paper discusses the negative effect of consumer debt for consumption and argues that credit card return to its original intent as a convenient means of payment; that all non-investment consumer loans be severely restricted due to its disparaging harmful effect to the segment of the society that can least afford it.
Acute, Unilateral Transverse Sinus Occlusion During Craniectomy in Seven Dogs With Space-Occupying Intracranial Disease

Objective- The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acute, unilateral transverse sinus occlusion on intracranial pressure (ICP) and postoperative mortality in dogs with structural intracranial disease. Study Design- Affected dogs had a single transverse sinus occluded during craniectomy for intracranial mass biopsy or removal. Animals- Seven dogs with space-occupying intracranial disease in the cerebellopontine angle area. Methods- The ipsilateral transverse sinus was permanently occluded during the surgical approach to the intracranial lesion to increase surgical exposure by allowing a caudal lateral rostrotentorial craniectomy to be combined with a suboccipital craniectomy. In five dogs, intracranial pressure was monitored during surgery using a fiberoptic intracranial pressure monitoring device. Results- Initial ICP varied among dogs, ranging from 7 to 21 mm Hg. Intracranial pressure, however, decreased in all dogs after craniectomy and durotomy (P <.05). No increase in intracranial pressure occurred after transverse sinus occlusion (P=.42). All dogs survived the surgical procedure. Conclusions- Acute, unilateral transverse sinus occlusion during craniectomy in dogs with space-occupying intracranial lesions did not result in significant increases in ICP or intraoperative mortality. Clinical Relevance- Acute, unilateral transverse sinus occlusion during craniectomy can be used to increased surgical exposure to the caudal fossa of the brain without increased risk of increasing ICP.
Advances in blood-based protein biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that accounts for the majority of dementia cases. While research over the past decades has made advances into understanding disease pathology, definite AD diagnosis currently relies on confirmation by autopsy. The anticipated dramatic rise in affected individuals over the next decades necessitates the development of diagnostic tests applicable to living individuals, which depends on identification of disease biomarkers. Diagnostics based on blood protein biomarkers are particularly desired since these would allow for economical, rapid and non-invasive analysis of individual biomarker profiles. Research is actively ongoing in this field and has led to the identification of autoantibodies and various proteins in the blood that may represent a disease-specific blood signature of AD. This review provides an overview on the progress in the field of identification of AD-specific blood protein biomarkers.
Identifying diabetes knowledge network nodes as sites for a diabetes prevention program

This paper reports on the methods used and results of a study that identified specific places within a community that have the potential to be sites for a diabetes prevention program. These sites, termed diabetes knowledge network nodes (DKNNs), are based on the concept of socio-spatial knowledge networks (SSKNs), the web of social relationships within which people obtain knowledge about type 2 diabetes. The target population for the study was working poor African Americans, Latinos, and European Americans of both sexes in a small rural southern town who had not been diagnosed with diabetes. Information was collected from a sample of 121 respondents on the places they visited in carrying out their daily activities. Data on number of visits to specific sites, degree of familiarity with these sites, and ratings of sites as places to receive diabetes information were used to develop three categories of DKNNs for six subgroups based on ethnicity and sex. Primary potential sites of importance to one or more subgroups included churches, grocery stores, drugstores, the local library, a beauty salon, laundromats, a community service agency, and a branch of the County Health Department. Secondary potential sites included gas stations, restaurants, banks, and post offices. Latent potential sites included three medical facilities. Most of the DKNNs were located either in the downtown area or in one of two shopping areas along the most used highway that passed through the town. The procedures used in this study can be generalized to other communities and prevention programs for other chronic diseases.
Combining Tricuspid Valve Repair With Double Lung Transplantation in Patients With Severe Pulmonary Hypertension, Tricuspid Regurgitation, and Right Ventricular Dysfunction

Background Concomitant tricuspid valve repair (TVR) and double lung transplantation (DLTx) has been a surgical option at our institution since 2004 in an attempt to improve the outcome of DLTx for end-stage pulmonary hypertension, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction. This study is a review of that single institutional experience. Methods Consecutive cases of concomitant TVR and DLTx performed between 2004 and 2009 (TVR group, n=20) were retrospectively compared with cases of DLTx alone for severe pulmonary hypertension without TVR (non-TVR group, n=58). Results There was one in-hospital death in the TVR group. The 90-day and 1- and 3-year survival rates for the TVR group were 90%, 75%, and 65%, respectively, which were not significantly different from those for the non-TVR group. The TVR group required less inotropic support and less prolonged mechanical ventilation in the ICU. Follow-up echocardiography demonstrated immediate elimination of both volume and pressure overload in the RV and tricuspid regurgitation in the TVR group. Notably, there was a significantly lower incidence of primary graft dysfunction following transplantation in the TVR group ( P 1 increase after 6 months was also significantly better in the TVR group (40% vs 20%, P Conclusions Combined TVR and DLTx procedures were successfully performed without an increase in morbidity or mortality and contributed to decreased primary graft dysfunction. In our experience, this combined operative approach achieves clinical outcomes equal or superior to the outcomes seen in DLTx patients without RV dysfunction and severe tricuspid regurgitation.
Comparative durability evaluation of ambient temperature cured externally bonded CFRP and GFRP composite systems for repair of bridges

Abstract In recent years externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been increasingly accepted as an efficient means of rehabilitating deteriorating and under-strength concrete structures. In the case of the two primary application procedures – wet layup of fabric and adhesive bonding of prefabricated strips, the efficacy and reliability of the approach intrinsically depends on the strength and durability of bond between the FRP and the concrete substrate. This paper presents results from an extensive 24-month study, involving ten different external strengthening FRP systems, to assess the durability of the bond under environmental exposure conditions including immersion in water, immersion in salt water, ponding at different humidity levels, and exposure to freeze conditions of –18 °C. The FRP systems were characterized through determination of moisture uptake characteristics, tensile strength and modulus of the resins and adhesives, and direct tension pull-off testing of the FRP-concrete assembly. As expected from ambient temperature cure systems, both tensile characteristics and pull-off strength show degradation with time under specific environmental exposure conditions. Differences in bond durability are discussed based on system and exposure type and it is seen that exposure to the −18 °C environment results in the highest level of deterioration overall. The results indicate that the use of wet layup, with appropriately selected resins, and well fabricated composites, may at present have advantages over the use of adhesive bonded systems as related to long-term durability of the FRP-concrete bond. They also suggest that the changes in characteristics in resin/adhesive and bond due to environment exposure induced deterioration need to be considered in design to avoid premature failure.
Integration of Interoceptive Exposure in Eating Disorder Treatment

Interoceptive exposure (IE) was originally developed for the treatment of panic disorder. The scope of IE has recently expanded, as the transdiagnostic relevance of interoceptive constructs has become increasingly recognized in diverse problem areas. Despite high comorbidity rates with anxiety and recent attention to interoceptive constructs, IE has received minimal explicit attention in eating disorders. The conceptual and empirical literature supports IE as a transdiagnostic intervention strategy that can be integrated into cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for eating disorders. In this article, we (a) summarize the relevant literature on interoceptive constructs in eating disorders, (b) review common approaches to exposure in eating disorder treatment, and (c) provide a rationale and concrete suggestions for beginning to integrate IE more explicitly in eating disorder treatment.
Mixed‐source reintroductions lead to outbreeding depression in second‐generation descendents of a native North American fish

Reintroductions are commonly employed to preserve intraspecific biodiversity in fragmented landscapes. However, reintroduced populations are frequently smaller and more geographically isolated than native populations. Mixing genetically, divergent sources are often proposed to attenuate potentially low genetic diversity in reintroduced populations that may result from small effective population sizes. However, a possible negative tradeoff for mixing sources is outbreeding depression in hybrid offspring. We examined the consequences of mixed-source reintroductions on several fitness surrogates at nine slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) reintroduction sites in south-east Minnesota. We inferred the relative fitness of each crosstype in the reintroduced populations by comparing their growth rate, length, weight, body condition and persistence in reintroduced populations. Pure strain descendents from a single source population persisted in a greater proportion than expected in the reintroduced populations, whereas all other crosstypes occurred in a lesser proportion. Length, weight and growth rate were lower for second-generation intra-population hybrid descendents than for pure strain and first-generation hybrids. In the predominant pure strain, young-of the-year size was significantly greater than any other crosstype. Our results suggested that differences in fitness surrogates among crosstypes were consistent with disrupted co-adapted gene complexes associated with beneficial adaptations in these reintroduced populations. Future reintroductions may be improved by evaluating the potential for local adaptation in source populations or by avoiding the use of mixed sources by default when information on local adaptations or other genetic characteristics is lacking.
Recent advances in the design of distributed embedded systems

The network-centric 'system-of-systems' concept popular in current defense programs has been viewed from a very functional perspective. However, the heart of such a system is going to be an embedded software infrastructure of unprecedented complexity, and the technology for developing and testing this software needs as much if not more immediate attention than the concept of operations for the envisioned applications. Such an embedded software system will need to be infinitely scalable, modular, verifiable, and distributed, yet satisfy the myriad hard real-time performance constraints imposed by each of perhaps many different device types and service demands. It is suggested here that the only path to a robust design methodology for such systems is with model-based design. Model-based embedded system design is the focus of the Model-Based Integration of Embedded Software (MoBIES) program, currently underway at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), managed by the author. This paper will motivate the model-based approach to large-scale embedded software design and explain how projects funded under MoBIES are contributing to the development of interoperable model-based design tool components. An application for such technology is provided in the context of digital flight control systems for aggressive aircraft maneuvers, which is the subject of another DARPA sponsored program, Software-Enabled Control (SEC).
Developing applications using model-driven design environments

Historically, software development methodologies have focused more on improving tools for system development than on developing tools that assist with system composition and integration. Component-based middleware like Enterprise Java-Beans (EJB), Microsoft .NET, and the CORBA Component Model (CCM) have helped improve software reusability through component abstraction. However, as developers have adopted these commercial off-the-shelf technologies, a wide gap has emerged between the availability and sophistication of standard software development tools like compilers and debuggers, and the tools that developers use to compose, analyze, and test a complete system or system of systems. As a result, developers continue to accomplish system integration using ad hoc methods without the support of automated tools. Model-driven development is an emerging paradigm that solves numerous problems associated with the composition and integration of large-scale systems while leveraging advances in software development technologies such as component-based middleware. MDD elevates software development to a higher level of abstraction than is possible with third-generation programming languages.
Immunoglobulin Transport and Immunoglobulin Receptors

The first line of antigen-specific mucosal defense is provided by antibodies that are transported across epithelial cells into external secretions. Secretory immunoglobulin (Ig)A, the most abundant mucosal Ig, is transported by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). IgG antibodies, which are transported by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), are also abundant in mucosal tissues and secretions, particularly in the female genitourinary tract. Transport of IgA by pIgR occurs predominantly in the basolateral-to-apical direction, thus facilitating movement of newly synthesized IgA from the lamina propria into external secretions. By contrast, transport of IgG by FcRn is bidirectional, i.e., apical-basolateral as well as basolateral-apical. Thus, FcRn can mediate transport of maternal milk-derived IgG from the gut into the circulation of suckling neonates, and also transport of locally synthesized IgG into secretions. Both pIgR and FcRn can transport antibody–antigen immune complexes, with important implications for mucosal homeostasis and prevention of allergic and inflammatory diseases.
Uranium(IV) Interaction with Aqueous/Solid Interfaces Studied by Nonlinear Optics

This is the Final Technical Report for "Uranium(IV) Interaction with Aqueous/Solid Interfaces Studied by Nonlinear Optics", by Franz M. Geiger, PI, from Northwestern University, IL, USA, Grant Number SC0004101 and/or DE-PS02-ER09-07.
Structure–Activity Relationship for the Oxadiazole Class of Antibiotics

The structure-activity relationship (SAR) for the newly discovered oxadiazole class of antibiotics is described with evaluation of 120 derivatives of the lead structure. This class of antibiotics was discovered by in silico docking and scoring against the crystal structure of a penicillin-binding protein. They impair cell-wall biosynthesis and exhibit activities against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant and linezolid-resistant S. aureus. 5-(1H-Indol-5-yl)-3-(4-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (antibiotic 75b) was efficacious in a mouse model of MRSA infection, exhibiting a long half-life, a high volume of distribution, and low clearance. This antibiotic is bactericidal and is orally bioavailable in mice. This class of antibiotics holds great promise in recourse against infections by MRSA.
Composition, density, and fruiting phenology of arborescent palms in an Amazonian terra firme forest.

Near the Upper Urucu River, Amazonas, Brazil, 248 individuals with a diameter at breast height ≥10cm, including eight single-stemmed and one multistemmed species, occurred within a 5-ha area. Arborescent palms accounted for 7% of 4915 trees, and comprised the sixth most abundant tree family. The combined density of all palm species was substantially greater in relatively patchy areas of poorly drained to waterlogged soils within creekside forest (81 ind./ha) than on well-drained, high forest soils (36 ind./ha). Palm species appeared to segregate according to habitat topography, resulting in two relatively distinct subcommunities. Jessenia bataua, the most commoon species, accounted for 42% of the arboresecent palms. Immature and mature fruits of this and other palm species were available throughout the year, and represented an important food source for frugivores during the dry season, when ripe fleshy fruits of nonpalm trees became rare or nonexistent. The reproductive phenology of arborescent palms is discussed in terms of its role in sustaining frugivores through periods of generalized ripe fruit scarcity. -from Author
Double Fluorescent Staining for the Separate Demonstration of Chromosomes and Microtubules in Mitotic Cells In Vitro

A simple fluorescent method for double staining of mitotic cells using a rhodamine B indirect immunofluorescent method for tubulin and the DNA-specific fluorescent dye Hoechst 33258 for nuclei and chromosomes is described. This procedure enables one through the use of appropriate excitation filters to view at will either chromosomes and nuclei or tubulin within the same cell.
Study on the Motion of Electron in 3D Space Based on Simulink and VR Technology

Taking the motion model of electrons in electronic oscilloscope as an example,the problems of combination of Simulink software and virtual reality programming language in a virtual physics experiments were discussed.Based on the three-dimensional model of e-sports environment created by virtual reality programming language,a simulation system which strictly followed the laws of physics and does not change with people's subjective sense and with more comprehensive and objective was constructed by Simulink.An animations of electrons movement in three-dimensional space were given,and the Lissajous figure with different ratio of frequency in x and y directions were given either.Reflect the convenience,reliability and scientific properties of the simulation of physical experiment with Simulink and Virtual Reality Toolbox.
Application of hyperbaric oxygen combined with intelligent pressure treatment system in the elimination of exercise-induced fatigue

Objective To explore the significance and practical application of the hyperbaric oxygen(HBO) combined with intelligent pressure treatment system to eliminate exercise-induced fatigue.Methods Twenty male track and field athletes,with an average age of 20.5 years,were divided into the HBO combined with intelligent pressure treatment system group and the simple HBO group.Load-exercise test was used as a means to evaluate exercise-induced fatigue.The value of blood lactate reached peak after 4 minutes of load-exercise.The differences in the values of blood lactate between various recovery stages(at min 10,20,30 and 40) and the peak value(at min 4) were used to compare blood lactate clearance rate.Fatigue elimination was evaluated by using the muscle strength after 5 and 40 minutes of load-exercise,blood urea nitrogen,the ratio of thigh and lower leg circumference values to the circumference values before load-exercise.Results The elimination rate of blood lactate and the rate of quadriceps strength recovery in the subjects of the experimental group were all obviously greater than those of the control group.No statistical significance could be noted in changes of blood urea nitrogen and in changes of thigh and lower leg circumference values for the two groups.Conclusion HBO combined with intelligent pressure treatment could effectively eliminate exercise-induced fatigue.Being a simple,comfortable and effective method to eliminate fatigue,it had positive significance and practical application value.
PbO Reduction and Crucible Reactions of 70 wt% PbO · 30 wt% B2O3 Glass

Seventy wt% PbO · 30 wt% B 2 O 3 glass was melted in Pt and graphite crucibles; PbO reduction and subsequent crucible reactions were empirically investigated as a function of temperature and oxygen partial pressure. This research was conducted at NASA to determine optimum processing conditions for subcentimeter glass hollow spheres to be used as inertial confinement fusion targets for a particle beam fusion accelerator at Sandia National Laboratories. The research enables selection of appropriate crucible materials and oxygen partial pressure-temperature combinations necessary to avoid phase separation from PbO reduction and/or crucible reactions. Phase separation from PbO reduction was not detected in glass samples melted in Pt crucibles under oxidizing atmospheres. Under reducing atmospheres from mechanical and diffusion pump vacuum, oxygen gas emissions were detected along with Pb-Pt compounds forming on Pt crucibles. With graphite crucibles, glasses contained lead-rich phases and CO 2 gas bubbles. Experimental results were compared with the theoretical Pb-PbO stability boundary predicted on the basis of the standard free energy change of PbO reduction.
Event-related potentials of false belief task in theory-of-mind in college students

Objective:The current study adopted the event-related potentials(ERP)paradigm to investigate the activity of brain potentials engaged during false believe task in healthy adults,and discuss the brain mechanism underlying theory-of-mind(TOM)primitively.Methods:The ERP elicited by the picture false belief task were recorded in 23 college students and their behavioral performances were collected.The ERP waveforms of both belief and reality judgment were analyzed.Results:The significant differences were found between the two experiment conditions from the 300 ms after the presentation of stimuli.The differences between belief waveforms and reality waveforms were nearly significant in 600~900 ms window at AF7[(2.34±2.71)vs.(1.32±2.97)],FPz[(2.83±3.03)vs.(2.08±2.56)],AF8[(3.75±2.64)vs.(2.76±2.34)],T7[(1.31±2.77)vs.(0.68±3.54)],Cz[(5.11±5.42)vs.(4.52±5.66)],T8[(2.35±2.24)vs.(2.03±2.00)]and POz[(2.48±2.16)vs.(2.18±2.53)](P=0.065).And at all frontal lobe electrodes the directions of the differences were same.Conclusion:These findings suggest that brain mechanism of belief and reality judgment are different.
Massive Hemospermia: A New Etiology and Simplified Treatment

Abstract Hemospermia is a common urologic symptom that is usually benign and self-limited, and requires no clinical investigation. Massive hemospermia causing hematuria, with clot formation and occasional urinary retention, occurs in a subset of patients. Three patients are reported in whom cystourethroscopy demonstrated nonvaricose abnormal posterior urethral vessels. Treatment consisted of fulguration of the vessels. One patient was cured, 1 had no symptoms for 3 years and 1 improved slightly. Endoscopically, this is a safe simple outpatient surgical procedure that is recommended for massive hemospermia due to abnormal posterior urethral vessels.
Computed tomography in the concurrent assessment of coronary morphology and myocardial perfusion

Rapid advancement in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) technology has allowed rapid acquisition and assessment of coronary anatomy with high spatial resolution establishing itself as a compelling alternative to invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Coronary MDCT angiography (CTA) is the preferred imaging modality in patients with low- to intermediate-risk probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) given its high sensitivity and negative predictive value in assessment of CAD. However, anatomic imaging does not necessarily implicate that the detected stenosis causes downstream myocardial ischemia, a potential therapeutic target using revascularization procedures. Thus, clinical practice guidelines strongly recommend ischemia assessment prior to elective revascularization procedure. The revascularization in patients with concurrent ischemia has been shown to reduce mortality and symptomatic angina. Initial evidence emerges from the Coronary Artery Surgery Study (CASS) registry which reported that patients with multivessel CAD had improved survival with surgical revascularization in the presence of severe ischemia on exercise stress testing, whereas medical therapy was a better approach in patients without significant ischemia. In the nuclear substudy of the COURAGE trial, coronary interventions resulted in a reduction in myocardial ischemia burden compared to optimal medical therapy arm, and the reduction of ischemia was associated with mitigation in anginal symptoms and translated into improved prognosis of the patients. The FAME (Fractional Flow Reserve vs. Angiography for Guiding PCI in Patients with Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease) trial demonstrated that fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided intervention to determine the functional severity of a coronary stenosis resulted in about one-third reduction in mortality and rate of coronary events (myocardial infarctions) compared to anatomic evaluation of stenosis alone.
Erosion Issues for Long-Pulse Operation of a Volumetric Neutron Source

The purpose of a volumetric neutron source is the development and testing of the nuclear components of a fusion reactor. The main issue in this case is very long pulse operation, such as 2 weeks at a time, to elicit the nuclear effects to be studied. Operation at this pulse length will cause extreme erosion if the edge plasma cannot be tailored appropriately. Typical erosion rates that can be expected at some of the plasma-facing components such as the divertor target or the divertor baffles, without specifying a particular type ofdevice, are analyzed. Accurate predictions of erosion and redeposition require not only knowledge of the erosion mechanism but also detailed knowledge of the plasma parameters, plasma flows, and their spatial distributions, as well as temperature distributions of plasma-facing components and other parameters. It is, therefore, a very difficult task to predict erosion/redeposition rates and patterns for future machines. Nevertheless, some estimate is needed of expected erosion rates, crude as they may be, so future machines for long-pulse operation can be designed. For that purpose, physical sputtering is examined only as a basis for erosion estimates and does not take into account the important processes of chemical sputtering and radiation-enhanced sublimation or the complicated redeposition processes. Even with this simplified approach, one can grasp the order of magnitude of erosion rates that will be encountered when a plasma device is operated for long pulses and at high-duty cycles.
Other Syndromes: Nager Syndrome

Nager Syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant or recessive defect also called preaxial acrofacial dysostosis due to dysfunction of development of the first and second branchial arches. Nager syndrome is due to defect of the SF3B4 gene. These individuals have a unique and rare oromandibular hypogenesis syndrome with associated limb abnormalities which can cause severe physical and psychological challenges for the life of this individual. Comprehensive medical and behavioral management is essential to maximize the potential of those with this rare syndrome.